episode_0014

“What…what happened?”

“Rishir… won, right?”

“I don’t know anything about swordsmanship…”

“Me too…”

“Look, I see! Sir Humpton fell, and Risir raised him up, so it looks like Risir won!?”

“That would be great…!”

“Please, let it end before Risir gets hurt-”

This could be said to be a truly ironic situation.

It was a gathering of warriors who never neglected the training of their mind and body to maintain composure in any situation.

In such a place, the only ones maintaining their composure were the servants dressed in maid outfits.

Of course, it is possible because I have no understanding of the situation whatsoever.

What does it mean for an illegitimate child of the Bendel family to win a duel against Bendel’s apprentice knight?

Even the decisive move that led to that victory was magic.

Even the head of the household, who should have signaled the end of the duel the moment Risir’s sword was aimed at Humpton’s neck, was saying ‘Humpton’.

It means that he is so absorbed in his work that he keeps blinking his eyes.

In the end, the illegitimate child announced his victory on his own.

The sight of Humpton raising his hand and smiling was the unmistakable look of a winner.

The first to react were a group of servants.

“What should I do! It looks like Risir really won!”

“I’m glad you weren’t hurt-”

“Hey, that’s the problem now!”

“What I’m saying!!!”

“How did you win when you’re twice as big!?”

“Don’t you know that swordsmanship isn’t just about strength?”

“That’s right, that’s right! Look at Miss Loera!

“Then, is Risir-nim as strong as Loera-nim?”

“You train really hard in the backyard of the annex every day! You must be doing secret training that other people don’t know about!”

The servants, who knew nothing about swords, used their free imaginations to quickly convince themselves of Risir’s victory.

Furthermore, I wanted to send cheers and applause.

“Why are you all just sitting there!? I should be congratulating you!”

“Just a minute-”

Employees who are excited and want to cheer.

The one who stopped them was the most senior servant at the very front of the group.

“The atmosphere. Doesn’t it feel a bit strange…?”

Only then did the servants raise their hands awkwardly and look around to check the atmosphere.

“Did Mr. Humpton just say magic?”

“I think so? I didn’t see it, but Mr. Humpton’s head suddenly tilted back.”

“Wow… How can there be magic here… I never imagined that.”

“In the history of Bendel… has there ever been a wizard?”

“Would it have been there?”

The trainees, who had some understanding of the seriousness of the situation, made a fuss as if they were looking at a sky covered with thick clouds.

The rescue workers, who fully understood the seriousness of the situation, were already terrified as if a typhoon was approaching right before their eyes.

“Oh my god. That crazy bastard Humpton. He lost this?”

“It definitely was… The Lord told me not to think of anything frivolous and to give it my all…”

“Oh my. You noticed when I was taking it easy without taking care of my posture.”

“No. Why are you guys blaming Humton here? Anyone can see that this is a problem because he used magic, right?”

“…Well, there was no rule saying you couldn’t use magic.”

“It’s not a matter of rules! It’s a matter of pride. How dare you use magic to spar in Bendel’s name in front of the Bendel family?”

“I see. Where did that human, Risir, learn magic?”

“I heard you’ve been going to the library every day lately. Is that why?”

“Was magic something you could learn just by hanging around the library?”

“Looking at it, it doesn’t seem like you learned it in a day or two?”

“Our master. He’s better than I thought. Are you quite skilled?”

“Is now the time to be amazed!?”

“Hey guys, you guys take a look. What kind of face is the Lord making right now?”

“I wonder if you’re secretly happy? After all, he’s your son.”

“What the hell. Even though it’s a training session, would you be happy about losing to a bastard child of a knight with the name Bendel? With our lord’s personality?”

“Even though I learned magic without anyone knowing…”

“Damn. I came here for nothing.”

The arms of the servants who had been observing the atmosphere of the two groups froze in a state somewhere between clapping and standing at attention.

As a result, no one congratulated Risir on his victory.

“What should I do… ”

“I feel bad for Risir… ”

The servants looked at the Risir like a wounded puppy.

Even in this situation, his playful smile seemed like a pitiful sight, trying to pretend like nothing happened.

“Lord Risir… You may be smiling on the outside, but you must be crying on the inside…”

“What should I do, you closed your eyes…”

“Trying to hold back tears…!”

***

Ah. Sex.

It’s a bit crude, but I ended up using that expression.

Otherwise, there would be no way to express how I feel right now.

The silence of the enemies is soon a shout.

The silence that filled the place made me feel like my ears were going deaf.

Yeah. This is it.

Away games are like this.

Bendel Library, make it?

I looked in the direction where the host was sitting, savoring the glory of victory with my whole body.

“… ”

The owner’s face was covered in dark shadows and he was lost in thought.

There was no sign at all that the agony would turn into joy.

It was a completely different reaction from when Loera won against the apprentice knight.

If back then it was ‘Real story!?’, now it’s ‘… Real story?’

I was reborn as a nightmare that had manifested into reality for Gaju.

My lord.

Is this illegitimate child so troublesome?

I shed tears inside.

These are tears of emotion.

This is exactly the reaction I was hoping for.

When Gaju accepted this offer, I wondered what was going on.

Because this man wasn’t the kind of person to give me this opportunity.

It must have been a decision backed by some kind of self-interest.

The reaction of Gaju now was not just a face of bewilderment at the bastard’s cute rebellion.

A face that looks like something has gone wrong and you have no idea how to fix it.

Our eyes met.

I returned the gaze without averting my gaze.

Gaju. Your illegitimate child has returned.

How is it that now you only see darkness before your eyes?

Yeah, there’s no such thing as permanent child abuse.

Clap clap clap.

It was then that a sudden applause was heard.

Applause? In this situation?

Everyone made that face and looked in the direction where the sound was coming from.

It was Loera.

My sister was clapping her hands in a confident yet awkward manner.

“…”

“…”

I met eyes with that Loera.

Phew!

Loera avoided my gaze as if she had never been looking at me from the beginning.

His already awkwardly stiff expression became even more tense.

Loera’s face turned a bright red, visible even from a distance.

-Clap clap clap clap clap!!!

Still, the applause did not stop.

A nervous applause, as if completely influenced by the expression, echoed around.

“Rishirnim~~~”

Then, the faint sound of Pien’s applause was superimposed over it.

“Ah! Miss Loera and Miss Pien are clapping!”

“Then, can’t we do it too!?”

Next were the employees who were looking around.

“Rishir-nim!!! Congratulations!!!”

“Rishir-nim is strong!!! You’re awesome!!!”

When I waved my hand with a smile, the servants responded with excitement.

That completely changed the atmosphere of the place.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

A clapping sound, like someone hitting a fist with their palm, was heard from the side.

“If we fight one more time, I will win.”

Humpton was clapping his hands, looking at me with a sullen face.

I said, patting Humpton on the shoulder.

“If I get another chance, I will not disappoint you.”

“…!”

Humpton’s eyes widened.

His applause pauses for a moment, then resumes, louder and faster.

At the same time, the head of the household stood up from his seat.

“The winner, Risir.”

The place that had been quiet just a moment ago was filled with applause and cheers.

Bendel Library, just built and already being demolished?

The construction project was a total failure.

“Ha.”

Well, it’s not a bad feeling.

If we really have to be picky, this might be better than the Bendel Library.

I purely enjoyed this moment.

***

Right after the sparring session.

Risir received the call and headed to the head of the household’s office.

“…”

A desk covered with numerous documents as before.

But unlike before, Idor’s gaze was directed straight at Risir.

Risir returned his gaze without saying anything.

For quite some time, the two looked at each other in silence.

“Can you explain what happened?”

It was Idor who spoke first.

“I learned magic when I had the chance. In the sparring match, I used magic to take advantage of Humton’s weak points while he focused on my meager swordsmanship skills. That’s all.”

“You-…”

Idor stopped speaking and rubbed his forehead.

In that brief moment, countless fascinations passed across his face.

“…”

Soon he opened his mouth as if he had made up his mind.

“How long has it been since you learned magic?”

“It hasn’t even been a week since I’ve really started to appreciate and appreciate the value of magic.”

“Rishir.”

Idor spoke in a urging tone.

“The achievement you showed today is meaningful enough in itself. There is no need to add any additional words.”

At Idor’s attitude, Rishir recalled his past memories.

An illegitimate child was in a position where it was difficult to attract his father’s attention in many ways.

Either by birth or by talent.

If the illegitimate child had shown talent in childhood, his treatment might have been different.

But the illegitimate child’s talent was extremely ordinary, perhaps even mean.

The illegitimate child, who had no other choice, tried to attract his father’s attention with his pitiful talents.

Since this was generally an impossible task, such attempts were usually made in an artificial manner.

Such as carrying out ‘secret’ special training that is so noisy and harsh that everyone in the mansion can see it.

in other words.

Is that it?

Does this person think I’m exaggerating just to get his attention?

“Huh.”

Risir burst into laughter without realizing it.

“…Rishir?”

Idor was taken aback by his unfamiliar appearance.

Either way, Risir continued.

“Yes. I’m sorry for lying to you. In fact, I have been learning magic steadily since long ago.”

“…”

Although he heard the answer he clearly wanted and expected, Idor’s confusion only increased.

He could no longer see the inner thoughts of Risir, who had been so transparent and childish in front of him.

“…”

Idor was lost in deep thought.

He slowly got up from his seat and headed toward the window.

“I guess-”

He continued speaking in a serious tone, looking down at the scenery outside the window, his luggage on his back.

“I feel like I’ve left you for too long.”

“…”

“I told you clearly. If this matter is resolved well, I will positively consider improving your treatment.”

“…”

“From today, you will be a Bendel-type master. There will be no separate teachings on magic, but I will not stop you either. You will adjust yourself without harming the Bendel-type master.”

“…”

“Of course. It is not a right without responsibility.”

“…”

“The interest the Dintal family’s daughter shows in you is truly great.”

“…”

“Originally, it would have been realistically impossible for our family to interact with the Dintal family. There were no major conflicts, but the minor conflicts that had been repeated over a long period of time were enough to create a rift.”

“…”

“Dintal also knows this fact. However, at the request of that girl named Pian, the head of the Dintal family gave up everything and reached out to us first.”

“…”

“This is a meaningful opportunity and relationship for both families. You will be responsible for this in the future.”

“…”

“I ask you, Risir. Are you ready to take responsibility for this?”

Idor, who had sorted out his feelings and thoughts through words, turned around again.

To hear Risir’s answer.

“…”

Idor, who confirmed Risir’s appearance, closed his eyes tightly.

He was shaking his body, covering his face with his hands.

Idor thought he would give her time to sort out her feelings.

“Go, my lord…”

But Rishir had no intention of suppressing his emotions.

I had no intention of hiding my feelings.

“Say it.”

“What are you talking about?”

“…What?”

Idor realized it too late.

Now, Risir’s condition was very different from what he had thought.

Risir waved his palm away.

It was a face that had a hard time swallowing laughter rather than overflowing tears.

“I told you, I’m leaving the family.”

“…You don’t have to do that. There are other paths for you now. In the first place, that path didn’t suit you.”

“That’s not it- Ah. I understand. I think there was a minor misunderstanding between you and me. ”

There was no malice or hostility.

Risir said with a refreshing smile.

Idor nodded his head in satisfaction.

I listened to what Risir had to say.

“My leaving the family meant that I was completely giving up my identity as Bendel.”

“…!”

Because I never imagined that such shocking words would come out of Risir’s mouth.

A nobleman giving up his identity.

It was an absurd thing, even if he was an illegitimate child.

“My lord. Here, at the highest point of Bendel, you have made a promise with me as the lord. If I win this duel, you will respect my will.”

“Yes- Do you know what you’re talking about!?”

The many problems that would arise from this were not even on Idor’s mind at the moment.

He was simply bewildered by Risir’s sudden change.

Risir answered calmly.

“There is probably no one in the world who understands this better than I do. If you are the Lord, you will know what I am talking about.”

Risir neither criticized Idor’s attitude nor felt disappointed in it.

That was also Idor’s attitude towards Risir in the past.

“Do, what the hell-”

Idor had a lot to say.

But in the end, I couldn’t say anything.

There was too much to take out here and now.

It was the complete opposite of Lisir.

Since Risir had already taken everything out, he had nothing left to take out.

Emotions and words.

Yeah, I knew it.

But, isn’t this okay?

“Heh heh heh heh heh- hahahahahahahaha!!!”

Risir laughed.

It is not an expression of distorted emotions.

As you can see from the endlessly cheerful laughter, it is an expression of pure joy.

The thought that all that was tedious would now be completely over with wealth, and only pure joy guided his emotions.

“This time, I will speak clearly so that there is no misunderstanding.”

Risir stood up from his seat and grabbed the sword on his waist.

“I don’t need the name of a prestigious family, the status that can imitate nobility, or your recognition anymore.”

It was an ordinary sword.

A plain sword made by erasing the decorations and patterns that symbolize Bendel rather than the usual cast ones.

A sword that has never been taken off my body since I was awarded it.

Risir placed it on the desk without any regrets.

“I will beat up the illegitimate child.”

Thank you for everything.

father.

At those words, the father’s merciless eyes shook without mercy.