Chapter 11: A Sword Style of One’s Own
“Th-That… my lady…”
“In an instant…?”
Seles’ sword was deflected by Al so fast that no one could follow its movement, and the sparring match ended abruptly. Or perhaps it couldn’t even be called a sparring match—it had been nothing more than a single swing of a sword.
Everyone present instinctively held their breath.
She seemed more shocked than anyone had anticipated. Claiming she needed a short break, she now sat on a bench, watching the duke’s troops train on their own.
Just then, a sweat-drenched Al appeared. Behind him lay the knights who had likely been disciplined by him, gasping and sprawled on the ground.
Seles’ cheeks flushed slightly at the sight of him, unusually pushing his bangs aside.
Al muttered some grandfatherly words and lowered himself to sit beside her.
“Yo, here we go.”
“To think I lost to someone like… an old man…”
“Well, that’s just it. This time I just happened to predict your movements, Seles.”
“…What do you mean?”
“You were using the preemptive strike stance of Imperial Swordsmanship just now, weren’t you?”
“Y-Yeah… How did you know?”
(There are countless stances…)
Al began to speak nostalgically.
“When I was a kid, the Imperial Army often marched into the Dragals territory. Every time, my father would take me along to watch the training. We became acquainted with the Imperial Knights’ captain, who took good care of us. That’s how I learned every stance of the Imperial Swordsmanship—from the basic moves taught to ordinary soldiers to the advanced techniques used by the captain. …You know how things you see as a kid somehow stick in your memory?”
“I see… By the way, the Imperial Knights’ captain is actually a knight I’ve admired for a long time…”
“That man’s charisma and skill are unmatched. Even within the Imperial Army, he was half-revered.”
For reference, the Captain of the Royal Guard and the Imperial Knights’ Captain were different. The former mainly protected the royal family; the latter commanded troops in battle.
As an aside, the Imperial Army used to regularly march into Dragals territory, even when there was nothing there, and each time they spent a significant amount of money. Al felt a minimum sense of gratitude toward both the army and the emperor who sanctioned it. One of the reasons he reluctantly accepted the court magician appointment was out of obligation to them.
“Did you actually spar with the Knights’ Captain?”
“Yeah. Even though I didn’t know my right from my left, he took my wild swings seriously. And every year, as I mysteriously improved, he would widen his eyes in surprise.”
Al gazed at the clear sky, reminiscing.
“I envy you… And that’s such a nice story.”
“You’ll become the Captain of the Royal Guard someday. The entrance exam is the first step on that path.”
“In two weeks, I have to really improve my swordsmanship.”
Seles clenched her fist tightly, as if resolving something.
—Al had come here for that exact reason.
Using his past experiences and natural talent, he had come to help her level up.
The two immediately began a strategy discussion.
“First, assume Barnes knows all the stances of Imperial Swordsmanship.”
“He’s still a squad leader, after all.”
“Then, we need to create a sword style that’s uniquely yours.”
“My own sword style…?”
“Yes. Combine your favorite stances or create new ones yourself. That way, Barnes won’t be able to predict you.”
“…I never thought of that.”
Typically, knights master existing stances, progressing from basic to advanced. They switch stances depending on the situation. This method is considered the most effective and recommended.
“Let’s call it Seles-style Swordsmanship. Cool, right?”
“Looks cool, but… won’t people criticize it as unorthodox?”
“Maybe at first, but if you become stronger than anyone else, no one will complain. Instead, you’ll be praised. In war, the victor is justice—this world is fairly straightforward. Ultimately, the style of the strongest is the one that prevails.”
“That may be true, but…”
(Blood doesn’t lie.)
Al saw the shadow of Duke Levian in her.
Seles’ father had also feared criticism, shutting himself off from becoming a mage.
…Now she stood at the crossroads: follow the pre-laid path out of fear, or carve her own path.
“Honestly, you could probably push through with Imperial Swordsmanship alone. But then you’d just become a competent Royal Guard captain. That wouldn’t be interesting.”
“That’s fine, isn’t it…?”
“But if you develop Seles-style Swordsmanship and make it known to the world, your legacy will endure forever. Your name will be recorded in history as a legendary knight.”
“My legacy… a legendary knight…”
Seles’ eyes began to spin with excitement.
“So? Are you ready to develop Seles-style?”
“Yes… I’ll do it. I’ll become a legendary knight!”
“That’s my fiancée. Honestly, Barnes is just a weed to step on on the first step toward your dream. Take it easy.”
Shocked from losing to Al, Seles had been completely swayed by his words and had unknowingly taken her first step toward legend.
◇◇◇
—Two weeks later. Today was the Royal Guard entrance exam.
Al and Seles were on their way to the testing site.
Al stole a glance at his fiancée’s profile as they walked.
(She’s impressive. In just two weeks, she’s completely transformed.)
Previously, he had called Barnes a weed to motivate Seles, but Barnes was a squad leader of the Royal Guard… no weakling. Even the current Seles probably couldn’t defeat him easily.
But a knight must overcome obstacles with grit. Overcoming them too easily can be dangerous later. Perhaps Barnes’ opposition had been a necessary factor for her awakening.
Seles noticed Al’s gaze and returned it with a glare.
“…What are you looking at?”
“I just thought you looked beautiful today, that’s all.”
“Hmph… Then I’ll allow it. You can stare all you want.”
“…………” stare
“Too much staring!!”
Al received a gentle elbow to the side.
“Ugh… That’s unfair.”
“Ufufu. You’re my fiancé, so deal with it.”
As always, this duo’s dynamic remained unchanged.
Inside the exam hall, the candidates were warming up. The room was filled with energy equal to or surpassing the duke’s training. Having already sparred early in the morning, Al and Seles didn’t need to warm up. They decided to first observe the abilities of the other candidates.
“All the candidates are at a high level.”
“The Royal Guard is special. Every year, even captains of Imperial Army units seem to participate. This year is no exception, I suppose.”
“Honestly, Seles, you’re the top.”
“Fufu, thank you. That gives me even more confidence.”
Later, as last time, the vice-captain and two squad leaders entered, and the room fell silent.
“Candidates, thank you for gathering today. Let’s begin the exam.”
Barnes spotted them immediately and gave a slimy grin, even sending Al a provocative look. His audacity alone deserved some acknowledgment.
…Or perhaps it was a roundabout declaration: “I’ve prepared meticulously enough to show this attitude today.”
“…………”
(Today, your fake engagement ends, Al Dragals. I will personally sever the dirty magic you placed on Seles. And you will receive the punishment you deserve.)
“…………”
(Wow, that guy’s face is still disgusting.)