Ending Maker SS #31 Lucas Hresvelg (1)

The first time he held a real sword, not a practice one, a thought crossed his young mind.

‘I want to be Bildwein.’

The protagonist of Bildwein’s Heroic Saga.

A brilliant, cool, and strong, invincible hero.

Someone who could lead everyone from the front, who could become everyone’s hope.

It was a childish thought.

A dream a child would have.

But children become adults.

They go out into the world and face its cold reality.

Growing pains.

At some point, he came to a realization.

He was nothing but a frog in a well.

There were people with far greater talent.

True geniuses, whom he could never hope to catch up to, existed in this world.

They were people who shone like the stars in the sky.

He realized the truth.

He had no choice but to, even if he didn’t want to.

The praise he had taken for granted while growing up faded away.

People’s gazes no longer focused on him.

All their interest and praise had turned to the true geniuses who had appeared like comets—to the heroes who had saved the Wild Lands and the royal capital.

They were the stars of the stage.

They were the protagonists of the story.

If they were the stars and the moon, wasn’t he nothing more than a firefly?

He realized the truth.

He witnessed reality.

A child’s immature dream was, after all, just a dream.

But.

But still, I.

I still…

…want to be Bildwein.

Lucas opened his eyes.

His head was groggy, a sign that he hadn’t just dozed off but had fallen into a deep sleep.

His blurry vision was an added bonus.

“Uhhh?”

Letting out a dazed sound that matched his dazed mind, Lucas wiped the drool that had trickled down his chin and blinked, looking around.

It was his own bed, familiar to his eyes and body.

Beside his pillow lay an open book.

Lucas squeezed his eyes shut and opened them again, then sat up and stretched.

A groan escaped him along with a series of cracking sounds.

“Kngh.”

It seemed he had been reading late into the night and had fallen asleep without realizing it.

“Ugh, it’s creased.”

The book, left half-open next to his pillow, now had its pages bent. Given the book’s weight and the hours it had been left that way, the crease was sharp and clear. The bigger problem was that it wasn’t just one or two pages. At least ten pages were crumpled haphazardly.

‘Hah… can’t be helped. At least it was the reading copy.’

For each volume of Bildwein’s Heroic Saga he owned, Lucas had five copies prepared.

A collector’s copy, a display copy (to admire on the shelf), a proselytizing copy, a reading copy, and a spare reading copy.

The one that got crumpled was the reading copy, so he still had the spare.

‘I’ll have to buy a new one tomorrow.’

He needed to maintain the set of a reading copy and a spare.

The reading copy was, true to its name, for reading, so it was often damaged.

“Tomorrow.”

Saying the word aloud, Lucas let out a soft, happy laugh.

He might be one of the Sailun Kingdom’s famed Ten Sword Masters and, with the establishment of the Holy Nation Yudelria, effectively the strongest swordsman in the kingdom, but at his core, a boyish side of him remained.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow was a very important day.

It was his, Lucas Hresvelg’s, nineteenth birthday.

As mentioned, Lucas was no longer just the heir to the Hresvelg Count family.

Of course, being the heir to a Border Count family, renowned even among the Northern 12 Families, was an incredible feat, but Lucas’s status had risen far higher than it was a few years ago.

One of only two teenage Ten Sword Masters in the world, and in all of history.

The strongest swordsman in the Sailun Kingdom.

Naturally, a great number of people wanted to attend Lucas’s birthday party, and the Hresvelg family had been busy with preparations for a full two months.

But Lucas’s own thoughts were a little different.

The reason tomorrow was so important.

His own birthday was part of it, but there was a more important reason.

“A new volume, a new volume.”

A new volume of Bildwein’s Heroic Saga.

And a new series, at that, the first in three years!

It was no exaggeration to say that when he first heard the news, he was so shocked—no, so overjoyed—that he nearly fainted.

The mere fact that a new Bildwein book was coming out was enough to make the world seem beautiful.

‘Three years.’

The author of Bildwein’s Heroic Saga was a person named Sanudil.

Age unknown, gender unknown.

The name Sanudil was, of course, a pen name, not a real one.

Because of this, when no new book came out for three years, Lucas and other Bildwein enthusiasts trembled in fear and dread, wondering if Sanudil had met with an accident or perhaps had given up writing.

Since not even their gender, let alone their age, was known, all sorts of rumors circulated.

Stories ranged from Sanudil having been a knight who died in the Disaster War to having stopped writing to focus on raising a child.

‘Ah, Sanudil-nim. Whatever the case, thank you. Thank you for coming back.’

Lucas couldn’t know if Sanudil was a man or a woman, or why it had taken three years for a new book to be released, but he decided to think simply.

Whatever the reason, the release of a new book meant that Sanudil was well enough to publish, and that was a blessing for all readers of Bildwein’s Heroic Saga.

‘Tomorrow, tomorrow.’

Tomorrow, I’ll go to the bookstore and buy the new volume.

In truth, for someone of the Hresvelg family’s stature, Lucas didn’t need to go buy it himself, but he always went to the bookstore in person whenever a new volume was released.

He wanted to get his hands on it as soon as possible.

Of course, as the heir to the Hresvelg family, a house so powerful it could claim leadership among the Northern 12 Families, he could have easily obtained a copy during the distribution stage if he had wanted to, but Lucas never resorted to such underhanded methods.

“Hehehe.”

Having spent the last two nights rereading the old volumes in preparation for the new one, Lucas smiled once more and got out of bed.

The sunlight streaming through the window seemed especially beautiful and brilliant today.

“So, in the end, which of the two is it?”

“Pardon?”

In Count Hresvelg’s office.

Count Hresvelg usually resided in the northern fortress of Thunderdoom rather than at the family estate, but he had returned for the past few days.

It was because Lucas’s birthday was tomorrow.

“I asked, which of the two is it?”

When Count Hresvelg asked again, Lucas wore a troubled expression and couldn’t answer.

The Count’s question.

One of the two.

Though the subject was omitted, it was as clear as day who he was referring to.

Kaisa Orphend and Scarlett Viper.

The daughter of the Orphend Marquis, the de facto leader of the Southern 6 Families, and the beautiful, genius swordswoman from the Empire.

The two had not only been with Lucas throughout the Disaster War but had also traveled the continent together as a trio afterward.

And because of that, people who saw the young man and women together thought:

“Which of the two is it?”

Who will become the next Countess Hresvelg?

In terms of status alone, Kaisa Orphend was the right choice.

She was the daughter of the Orphend Marquis, one of the Southern 6 Families.

Considering that the Hresvelg family was one of the Northern 12 Families, Kaisa Orphend was the one whose family status matched.

But people didn’t jump to conclusions.

“The north and the south are too far apart.”

What was the point of the Hresvelg family at the northern tip of the continent joining hands with the Orphend family at the southern tip?

They weren’t particularly meaningful partners for a political marriage.

“Besides, that girl Scarlett is also said to be a noble.”

Her family wasn’t as powerful as the Northern 12 Families, but a noble was a noble.

And there was one more reason Scarlett was a strong contender.

“I hear she’s an incredible sword genius.”

The Hresvelg family was a warrior house—a renowned family of swordsmanship that had passed down the Holy King’s Cross Sword for generations.

Therefore, many within the family held a favorable view of Scarlett, who was called a sword genius.

“The daughter of the Orphend Marquis is strong, yes… but her style is closer to brawling.”

Brawling, not swordsmanship.

Furthermore, Kaisa’s various notorious reputations from the south acted as demerits.

The fact that she had been the captain of a privateer ship that plundered pirate vessels didn’t sit well with the northern sensibilities of those unfamiliar with the sea.

Of course, Scarlett wasn’t without her own drawbacks.

First, being a noble from the Empire was an issue, and no matter how you looked at it, her family’s status was lower than Kaisa’s.

And if the yet-unknown fact that she was a Rogue Master were to be added to the mix, Scarlett could find herself in a more precarious position than Kaisa.

In any case, the two of them.

The most likely candidates to become Lucas Hresvelg’s wife.

“Lucas.”

“Yes, Father.”

“I trust you won’t give me the shameless answer of ‘both’.”

Under Count Hresvelg’s stern gaze, Lucas broke into a cold sweat and pursed his lips.

A few hours later.

Scarlett and Kaisa sat facing each other across a table, one drinking coffee, the other fruit wine.

“It’s tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow it is.”

They weren’t talking about the release date of the new Bildwein’s Heroic Saga volume.

It was the day of Lucas Hresvelg’s birthday party.

A highly significant official event held at the Hresvelg estate.

“I’m getting the first dance tomorrow.”

“That’s hilarious. I’m getting it.”

“Hey, the first person Lucas ever danced with was me.”

“That was then. When he was dating me, he danced with me first.”

They were talking about their past lives.

Unlike Lucas, who had always been on Yuder’s side, Scarlett and Kaisa had sometimes been on Yuder’s side and sometimes on the side of the demon followers.

And, as if by a lie, whenever they were on Yuder’s side, they always became Lucas’s lover. Conversely, when they were his enemies, they became his rivals.

‘Of course, there were times when we were both his enemies.’

And at those times, Scarlett and Kaisa had been the best of friends.

“Anyway, we’ll leave it up to Lucas tomorrow. No funny business. Got it?”

“You’re the one who shouldn’t try any funny business.”

In truth, based on their current lives alone, the two were quite close.

Even setting aside the memories of their past lives, they had traveled together for nearly three years.

Through thick and thin, they had grown so attached that it was no exaggeration to say each considered the other her best friend.

But the problem, as always, was Lucas.

Neither Scarlett nor Kaisa could bring themselves to give up on him.

But they couldn’t pressure Lucas to choose quickly, either.

“I-I can’t choose. I’d rather not see either of you than do that.”

Those were Lucas’s words, and he had actually said them.

It wasn’t that he wanted to openly date both of them; he truly couldn’t choose.

Because if he chose one, the other would be hurt.

The relationship between the three was truly complicated.

It was entangled not just with their current lives, but with their past lives, where they had shared a love so deep they had faced life and death together.

‘That idiot might just decide to live alone his whole life instead of just not seeing us.’

Scarlett’s thought was not wrong.

That was the kind of person Lucas Hresvelg was.

And because Kaisa thought so too, the three had maintained their strange relationship until now.

“By the way, you know, right?”

“I know.”

Though the important words were left out, the two could tell what the other was thinking just by looking into their eyes.

“Sylvia Crossbell.”

The name of the woman Lucas had mentioned when they were in the royal capital, attempting to summon the fairies.

As the daughter of the Crossbell Count, one of the Northern 12 Families, she was also scheduled to attend the party tomorrow.

“At least don’t lose to her.”

“You neither.”

Because this is a race between the two of us.

To put it nicely, one might call it a friendly competition.

Their bond, a hard-to-describe but undeniably strong connection forged from memories of a past life and ties in their current one, led the two to lightly bump their fists before turning to look out the window.

The sun was setting.

“This is truly incredible.”

Sir Silion, a female knight of mercenary origin, remarked as she looked out the window at the long line of carriages surrounding the Hresvelg estate. Sir Seoreun chuckled and replied.

“This birthday party is a special one.”

It was natural for many guests to gather for a party celebrating the birthday of the Hresvelg heir, but this year, nearly twice as many people had come as in previous years.

There were several reasons for this, but one in particular captured Sir Seoreun’s interest the most.

“You know there’s a rumor that the young master’s future partner will be decided at this party, right?”

“I’ve heard that rumor, but… is it true?”

“It’s not true. But it’s a good enough reason to get people fired up. Personally, I kind of wish it were true.”

“I agree.”

Like most of the knights of the Hresvelg family, Sir Seoreun and Sir Silion were fond of Lucas.

The children of the Bayer and Chase families next door got together two years ago and are being called the couple of the century. Our young master needs to find a partner too.

And have an heir who looks just like him.

“So, Captain, who do you think will become the next countess?”

Hearing his old mercenary title used as a nickname, Sir Seoreun smiled and was about to say something, but a loud announcement cut him off.

“Presenting Lady Sylvia Crossbell of the Crossbell Count Family!”

Instantly, the gazes of everyone in the banquet hall focused on the entrance.

And amidst that flood of countless stares, a woman with sky-blue hair who maintained her elegance—Sylvia Crossbell—entered the hall with a gentle smile.

She wore a pure white empire-waist dress with a deeply cut back, which further accentuated her fair, flawless skin.

“Ooooh.”

“She is as beautiful as ever.”

Before Cordelia rose to prominence as part of the couple of the century, Sylvia had been revered as the most beautiful woman in the north.

Her beauty, as if she had just stepped out of a storybook, was truly magical.

But there were two people who watched Sylvia with a critical eye.

“So that’s her.”

“That’s her.”

It was Scarlett, in a provocative red dress, and Kaisa, in a tight-fitting black dress that highlighted her figure.

“Tch, she really is pretty.”

As Kaisa clicked her tongue, Scarlett narrowed her eyes slightly before straightening her shoulders and saying.

“You’re plenty pretty too.”

“That’s right, Scarlett is pretty too. We’re both pretty.”

If Cordelia had heard them, she would have apologized to everyone around and exclaimed, “Why am I the one who has to be embarrassed?!” but Scarlett and Kaisa were serious.

After carefully adjusting each other’s clothes and hair once more, the two approached the battlefield—that is, they walked over to Sylvia’s side.

‘What’s with them?’

Sylvia was flustered by Scarlett and Kaisa approaching her.

It wasn’t just because the two of them were coming closer.

It was because of the strange hostility—no, competitiveness—radiating from them.

‘Ah, don’t tell me?’

Like the clever young lady she was, Sylvia quickly realized why the two were acting this way.

In a short while, in about five minutes, the music was set to change, and the dance time would begin.

Lucas, the star of the day, would naturally be dancing as well.

‘Is this about who gets the first dance?’

Lucas, Scarlett, and Kaisa.

Sylvia was well aware of the story between these three.

‘I guess Lucas must have said something about me?’

Or perhaps the two were just being wary after hearing she was called the most beautiful woman in the north.

A smile spread across Sylvia’s face.

Though she had been suppressing it lately, she was actually quite mischievous.

Moreover, she was now over twenty, so it was highly likely a concrete marriage prospect would be arranged by next year at the latest. In fact, several families were already making inquiries.

‘Should I play a little prank?’

Chuckling inwardly while maintaining an elegant smile, Sylvia quickly sent a glance toward Lucas.

And as the clueless Lucas approached, she spoke to him in a friendly manner.

“Lucas, it’s been a while.”

“Yes, Lady Sylvia. It has been a while.”

“Happy birthday.”

“Thank you.”

“Really?”

“Pardon?”

“Are you really thankful?”

At Sylvia’s question, Lucas tilted his head for a moment but then smiled brightly and nodded.

“Yes, I’m very thankful.”

“Then you should repay me, right?”

“Is there something you’d like to receive…?”

“How about the first dance?”

In that moment, sparks flew.

Not real flames, but the flames of fighting spirit—of rivalry, perhaps.

Scarlett and Kaisa.

Scarlett simply stared at Lucas, while Kaisa clenched her fists and glared at him.

At this point, even the clueless Lucas couldn’t help but understand.

Scarlett and Kaisa.

And now Sylvia.

‘I can’t make the wrong choice.’

If he chose wrong, he wouldn’t be able to handle the aftermath.

If he chose Sylvia, Scarlett and Kaisa would explode.

If he chose Scarlett, Kaisa would; if he chose Kaisa, Scarlett would.

“Lucas?”

Sylvia called to him, her voice laced with a mischievous tone hidden beneath her elegance. Scarlett’s deep gaze and Kaisa’s anxious one landed on Lucas’s cheeks.

‘Which of the two is it?’

On top of that, the voice of Count Hresvelg from yesterday echoed in his mind.

Lucas broke into a cold sweat.

And as if on cue, the music in the banquet hall changed.

The start of the dance time—the moment of truth, where he had to choose one, come what may.

Lucas agonized.

In a moment that felt like an eternity, he felt extreme torment.

But it was right then.

“Lucas?”

A helping hand descended from the heavens.

“I think Yuder’s sulking. He’s been glaring at us this whole time.”

“I will gladly accept it.”

Cordelia giggled at Lucas’s reply.

“Were you in that much trouble?”

Enough to endure the jealousy of that jealous Yuder?

Lucas answered Cordelia’s question with a bitter smile.

“Anyway, I’m really glad. That you appeared then, Lady Cordelia. You were truly like an angel of salvation to me.”

“Oh, it wasn’t that big of a deal.”

“No, it’s true. Thanks to you, I was able to get through today… I’m so relieved. Thank you so much.”

If he had chosen Sylvia, Scarlett and Kaisa would have exploded together, but with Cordelia, it was a different story.

And the same was true for Sylvia.

As Lucas thanked her again, Cordelia narrowed her eyes for a moment before saying with a pitying smile.

“Hey, Lucas. Are you a fool?”

“Pardon?”

“Who are you going to dance with for the second dance?”

“Eh?”

“What do you mean, ‘eh’? Did you really think you’d only dance once on your own birthday?”

Besides, Scarlett and Kaisa dressed up so prettily!

You’re not just going to send them home, are you?

If you do, I’ll get mad too.

Faced with Cordelia’s slightly interrogative gaze, Lucas swallowed hard and averted his eyes.

Scarlett and Kaisa were standing side-by-side, watching him after firmly refusing countless dance requests. And next to them stood Sylvia, a mischievous glint hidden behind her elegant and amused expression.

“Ah, the music’s over.”

The first dance was over, so now onto the second.

“I’m taking her.”

“Kya.”

The moment the music ended, Yuder, using not just Trust Twelve Steps but the incredible Heaven Escape Nine Steps, leaped across space and whisked Cordelia away. Left alone, Lucas swallowed dryly again.

He faced Scarlett and Kaisa, who were looking at him.

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Translated By: Meher (RaidenTL)

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