Chapter: 870
Knights are folks who live and die by the sword. Even in peaceful times, they find plenty of reasons to clash blades.
Whether it’s to train their skills, duel because someone felt like a mutt, or showcase fancy martial arts to hype up an event, there’s no shortage of sparring going on. Just thinking of these scenarios, I can come up with a ton of reasons.
But this is only possible if the two knights are evenly matched. If there’s a huge skill gap, training won’t help at all, a duel could wrap up in a flash, and instead of elevating the mood, it might just end awkwardly before the real fun begins.
However, there’s one exception: when a master teaches a rookie, a significant skill gap doesn’t matter. In fact, if both knew their stuff equally, that’d be odd and problematic.
‘Taking on the role of a teacher.’
So, the King of Ainter’s proposal started making my head hurt.
If the Emperor had said, “You should teach those knights,” I might’ve complained a bit about his demands, but it wouldn’t feel awkward.
Not knowing a systematic method of education? In the world of knights, that’s a minor issue. Of course, it’d be nice to have a structured approach, but in practical fields, it’s all about rolling up your sleeves, isn’t it? I’ve reached my level by getting my hands dirty, and I figured the empire’s knights would naturally improve through tough training sessions alongside me.
But if the knights aren’t from the Empire, like those from Ainter, using such rough and brutal methods just won’t fly.
‘I can’t just treat someone else’s resources like a toy.’
Knights and sorcerers are treated like prized assets everywhere. Even commoners, with talent and hard work, get treated like minor nobility if they climb up the ranks to become knights or sorcerers.
But to go all out with a foreigner who’s passionate enough to call for a lesson from the Continent’s Greatest Sword? And if some disaster happens during that? They might suspect it’s sabotage by the Empire, and it won’t matter who sought whom for help in the end.
“While it’s an incredibly gracious and honored proposal, I know that Ainter’s knights are brave, spirited, and loyal. I fear that even a small piece of advice from a mere warrior might tarnish their path.”
Thus, I declined with as plausible a pretext as I could muster. It was honorable, but I feared my guidance might do more harm than good.
In essence, I was saying, ‘No matter how much of a big deal the Continent’s top sword is, I’m still a foreigner. Is it okay to hand over your talents to someone from another country?’ If someone meets the wrong master, they can suffer, even if they’re local; dealing with a foreigner as a questionable teacher might end even worse.
“I’m sincerely pleased with the thoughtfulness Count Krasius has for our knights, but that’s not something you need to worry about.”
Despite my refusal, the King of Ainter was still smiling.
“As the King of Ainter and patriarch of the Robens royal family, I assure you, our knights will receive your teachings but will not be swayed. Anyone without a firm pillar in their heart isn’t a knight, and those who can’t become knights wouldn’t dare to look up to the heavens. At the very least, there must be qualifications to gaze towards the sky.”
“Your Majesty’s trust will surely inspire our knights.”
Of course, the royal proclamation uplifts not just his knights but also my standing, leaving me with a stiff smile.
The belief that even if I taught poorly, his knights would still grow and the praise treating the Continent’s Greatest Sword like a deity only piled on the pressure.
“And what the knights desire is not Count’s theory but practical experience. What could be a more concrete and beautiful teaching than exchanging swords with the Count?”
‘That’s the problem with the practicality.’
I barely held back the words rising in my throat. I couldn’t possibly voice out, ‘I’m holding back because I might send your knights wheezing on the floor.’
No matter how much I acknowledged the Empire’s superiority, saying that aloud would be terribly damaging to my pride. Here I was, the Continent’s Greatest Sword, respected and treated with esteem, but those words could turn that respect into resentment in an instant. Not to mention, it would revert relations between Ainter and the Empire back to their former awkwardness.
Just imagining that caused cold sweat. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Foreign Affairs Department wanted me dead over this mess.
“Count, how about it? Would you share a little teaching for your juniors?”
The mention of “juniors” left me feeling suffocated. I don’t even know any of those juniors!
‘What to do now?’
Despite my polite rejection, the persuasion stuck to me like glue, making me sigh internally.
Well, teaching doesn’t have to be theoretical, and if it’s all about practical training, my job becomes easier. Just wave your sword a bit and block theirs; that’s all there is to it. It’s the oddest thing to be crashing a wedding and honeymoon only to turn into a guest lecturer, but it’s not rocket science.
But wait, is it alright for an imperial citizen to spar with knights and have them say, ‘Ah, this is the power of the Continent’s Greatest Sword’? Doesn’t that sound a bit like teabagging?
Besides, it’s the knights who are volunteering for that! What kind of place is Ainter, anyway?
“If it pleases Your Majesty.”
While I was lost in contemplation about what decision to make, Fine spoke up.
“May I have a chance to exchange swords with the knights of Ainter first?”
“Hooh.”
“Fine?”
Both Fine’s and the King of Ainter’s surprised reactions mirrored my own.
The King might’ve endorsed Fine first, but it was probably more a matter of courtesy than genuine consent. He likely forgot he even said it after throwing it out there.
However, Fine took that token offer and ran with it. Since on paper the King suggested it, it wouldn’t be rude.
“I feel a bit shy saying this, but as Count Tailglehen’s wife and as a disciple who received focused teachings from the Continent’s Greatest Sword, sparring with me might be a good experience for the knights.”
“A disciple, you say?”
With that added detail, a spark of interest danced in the King’s eyes.
“Count, is that true?”
“Yes, indeed. I’ve guided her on the path of the warrior and offered various assists. You could say she’s my first student.”
There’s no denying that. I confidently responded.
After the spectacular collapse of Information Department’s branch 4, I struggled hard to resurrect it. Out of all that effort, Fine was the one I poured the most attention into, and my investment paid off handsomely. Others from Mukgwangdae were impressive too, but Fine was absolutely the standout.
“I see.”
The King of Ainter, seemingly satisfied with my reply, stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Shooting a glance at Fine, I noticed she had a firm resolve on her face, almost as if she knew she had to pierce her own barriers to reach my level.
*
Due to the great hunt war, I lost everything: my family, my neighbors, my friends, and my hometown. Everything except my own body was gone.
At the same time, I gained everything. The gods had taken it all from me and then, anew, gave everything back. Something just as precious as my soul, something equivalent to my very life.
‘Master.’
I was reminded of my soul, my life.
Of course, the title of Master isn’t one I throw around lightly anymore. But when I resolved to follow my beloved husband, that was the moment I stopped calling him “dear” and instead used Master. While others called him Executive Manager, I alone raged in my heart, addressing him as Master.
And since the day when Master was the head of the Information Department, I had received his teachings. Even the knights from the so-called Kingdom of Knights in Ainter longed for a bit of his precious lessons, craving even the tiniest bit.
This is my pride. My pride as his first and ultimate disciple, and also the pride of the fourth branch of the Information Department and the Mukgwangdae.
‘This glory cannot be shared lightly.’
Because of that, I was greedy. This glory has to be ours. A treasured honor that should only belong to our first operational special unit.
That’s why I decided to step up. How dare I seek to receive teachings from my Master—no, from my husband? What kind of impudent and ignorant greed is this?
“Next.”
With a small, deep breath, I opened my mouth as calmly as I could while ignoring the fallen knight on the ground and calling for the next warrior.
You guys are all just my level to manage. Those things can be safely handled with my teachings, not my husband’s.
‘Am I doing okay?’
Just to be sure, I stole a glance at my husband. I thought I was doing the right thing by taking the sword, but what if he was uncomfortable?
‘Ah.’
But seeing him smile and give me a thumbs up, my anxiety lifted.
It was merely a fear. My judgment was indeed correct. He wouldn’t want to mix it up with the knights personally. It would be ridiculous for the Continent’s Greatest Sword to spar with the likes of Ainter’s least skilled knights.
‘Let’s just take it easy.’
I felt the blazing heat in my head starting to cool down.
My husband is being supportive, and overly knocking someone out could lead to diplomatic disputes. Once that happened, his smile could twist into one of embarrassment. I don’t want that.
I am the wife of Count Tailglehen and the first disciple of the Continent’s Greatest Sword. I need to show the dignity and skill worthy of that title. I can’t let someone who shares my life live in disappointment.
‘…Why are there suddenly more of them?’
But something felt off. Weren’t there just a little under twenty waiting for a bout earlier? Now, it looks like that number has nearly doubled.
*
I just clapped as Fine’s unstoppable winning streak continued.
I could somewhat guess how Fine felt. Even if it’s not as intense as her days calling me Master, her thoughts were still centered around me. Seeing me distressed and awkward over the King of Ainter’s request, Fine likely stepped up to help me out.
In a way, it could be characterized as Fine going full throttle, breaking out of her long-standing silence. And now, she’s not just fighting as “my wife” but as “the warrior” Fine, brawling against Ainter’s knights. The more victories she racks up, the more her reputation will soar.
“Way to go, our Fine!”
Let’s see her karate-chop her way through Ainter’s capital while we’re at it.
“Wow, the special unit head is on a different level! I’m just itching to swing a sword myself!”
And I’ll just hold back the crazy prince from going wild.
‘Good thing the wedding is so close.’
I let out a small sigh inside.
That Rutis kid. If he weren’t about to tie the knot, he would’ve jumped on Fine long ago. Right now, he has to hold back since any injury could ruin the wedding.
Honestly, I wouldn’t have come if it weren’t for the wedding, but still, thank the stars for it.
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