Succession (2)
“He wanted to be taught.”
After all the classes were over in the afternoon
Bersus and Naver faced each other in an empty training ground, each holding a sheathed sword.
Naver had agreed to live like Bersus’ deceased master as a condition to become his disciple.
It was a proposal that was not a definite answer, but rather a proof of Naver’s recognition of Bersus.
On the other hand, Bersus accepted the proposal, thinking that if Naver became his colleague, it would be easier to prevent ‘destruction’ and survive in the future.
“As long as I teach you, I won’t take it lightly.”
Of course, Bersus had never properly trained in swordsmanship, let alone taught someone else.
But perhaps because of the dream he had last night, he felt confident in teaching Naver.
“I’ll go easy on you. Come in for now.”
“Then don’t hold back.”
Naver rushed towards Bersus at a rapid speed.
Chae-ang
“That attack just now was quite sharp.”
Vissus easily dodged Naber’s attack.
Ching Chae-ang
Naber continued his assault without pause.
“But.”
Thunk
Vissus seized the momentary opening in Naber’s defense and tripped him.
“Ugh!”
Naber fell to the ground.
“You exposed your vulnerability while focusing on your attack.”
Vissus reached out a hand to help Naber up.
“I understand to some extent, your level of skill.”
“You’re talking about my skill level?”
“Yes. It is undoubtedly exceptional swordsmanship. Not only does it show talent, but also traces of considerable effort. If you continue to grow like this, becoming a Sword Master won’t just be a dream. However, the lacking aspect would be practical experience. Have you not had proper battles so far, only sparring with knights?”
Vissus’s tone had suddenly changed to that of Mercenary V.
“Experience, huh…”
Naber pondered.
“It’s not a problem. It’s actually strange for someone your age to have abundant practical experience.”
“…You speak as if you’re not the same age as me.”
“Huh. That’s right. Why did I… unknowingly…”
Bee’s secretary felt uneasy at the words that came out without her realizing it.
“Real-life experience. If I were to accumulate such experiences. If I were to become as strong as you, would that be possible?”
“Like me? Hmmm… Well, if I think back to when I was active as a mercenary, you’re stronger than I was back then, so I think it’s definitely possible… Huh.”
What am I saying right now?
Mercenary? The past?
That’s not my past.
It was Bell’s master and the legendary mercenary V, another Bee’s past that she experienced in her dream.
Why am I speaking like Bee?
Is it because I lived Bee’s life in the dream, that I inherited some of his memories and personality?
“I see. A mercenary. I can understand your strength to some extent.”
“…Huh? Well, um, that’s…”
Mercenary? What nonsense!
I don’t even have the lowest rank of an Iron Mercenary Badge!
“Judging by the fact that you’re trying to change the subject, it seems like you don’t want others to know. Don’t worry. I will never tell anyone.”
Naver slightly smiled and tapped his left chest with his right hand.
“I swear on the honor of Naver Schraig. I will not reveal anything about your past to anyone.”
Looks like he completely misunderstood.
But it’s too ambiguous to make excuses.
Like saying that I said that because I was actually a mercenary in the dream.
I was someone else in my dream, but the person’s personality remains, or so they say.
They’re both just mentally ill.
“I thought all mercenaries were trash.”
People who know nothing of honor.
People who take pride in fighting unfairly.
People who have no respect for their opponents and live only for today.
But Vissus was different.
He respected me, even when I challenged him to a duel in hostility, and even gave me guidance.
He is more honorable and merciful than any knight I have ever met.
“I guess it’s because I’ve never met a honorable mercenary like you.”
An honorable mercenary?
Vissus was bewildered by Navar’s words.
What are you talking about?
What does it mean to be an honorable mercenary?
“He has lived as a mercenary since a young age. And he’s the Marquis’s nephew. It must be because he had such a spirit of adventure that he was able to reach his current status.”
I don’t know about that.
What nonsense.
“I admire you, Vissus.”
This kid is seriously deluded.
…I don’t know anymore.
Good things are good.
You know that.
“Ahem. Anyway, now that I know your skills, I will teach you practical swordsmanship that cannot be obtained through sparring.”
“I will listen.”
“First, when it comes to unfolding swordsmanship…”
“Thank you, Vissus. No, my master. I will never forget this favor.”
Oh, yeah. Don’t forget to help me later with “destruction”.
If she becomes stronger, it’s good for me too.
After teaching Naber for a long time, Vissus approached the two women waiting in the corner of the training ground.
“Sorry for making you wait!”
Sophia greeted Vissus first.
“Is everything finished, Vissus? You made me wait with such an expensive body. I will definitely charge you for it.”
Sophia said with a smile.
“More than that, your teaching skills were excellent, just as expected from a former warrior. I never thought you could develop a novice to such a level.”
Teaching someone was possible not because of Vissus’ memories as a warrior, but because of her memories as a mercenary.
It was too complicated to explain, so Vissus decided not to say anything.
“Lord Nang, you were so cool!”
Pohok
Arthoria hugged Vissus from behind.
“Huh?”
Why is he acting like this today?
Has something changed since he healed my injured finger?
“Four years. Do you think I would break the promise we made?”
Sophia couldn’t stand his attitude.
“Well, I’m just healing the noble warrior who worked so hard, you know?”
Arthoria used her divine power to relieve Viss’s fatigue.
“Ah, refreshing…”
Arthoria looked at Sophia with a questioning expression.
“…This girl.”
She couldn’t say anything since it was for Viss’s sake.
“Oh, Arthoria. I just finished training and sweated a lot. I smell, so please stay away.”
“Smell? …Sniff sniff.”
After hearing Viss’s words, Arthoria tilted her head and buried it in Viss’s neck.
“Hey!”
“The smell of the Duke is fragrant. …I really like it.”
“I can’t stand this.”
Sophia grabbed Arthoria’s neck.
“Ew!”
“What are you doing right now?”
“W-What?”
“What kind of perverted behavior is this!”
“Pe-peverted…”
Artoria realized that she had unknowingly done something strange.
“Uh… Your Highness, this isn’t something weird… It’s an angelic expression of affection!”
“An angelic expression of affection?”
“Yes… hehehe. Angels usually bury their faces in the necks of the people they like and smell them. Didn’t you do that with me often, Your Highness?”
This lie is real!
Artoria blurted out whatever came to mind.
What if Your Highness regains his memory?
Uh… But if Your Highness regains his memory, would he forgive this lie?
“…So those angels were truly a filthy and debauched race.”
“Ah, no! We don’t have a soul as pure and clean as ours! Why don’t you try smelling yourself!”
From Noble mtl dot com
“Me?”
“Yes!”
Gulp
Sophia unknowingly swallowed her saliva.
“Th-then, just to confirm.”
And she brought her nose to the nape of Secretary’s neck.
“…Indeed, it has a, a nice scent.”
Sophia’s face turned as red as a beetroot.
“Oh, don’t misunderstand, Biseus! I’m just curious, without any ulterior motives!”
“Enough from both of you.”
Biseus was the type who might develop strange tastes herself if this continued.
Then tonight, she might have a very perverted dream.
…I might be a little curious about that kind of dream.
* * *
Student Council Room
Only Diabel and Lobina remained in the room.
“The first step, huh?”
Lobina murmured as she looked at the box Diabel took out.
“Yeah. It’s the preparation for the first step.”
The first step towards the destruction of the world.
Infecting the students inside the academy.
To make them do her bidding when needed.
“Don’t hesitate to use any means and methods to survive. Honor? That’s something foolish knights worry about. Would you rather die honorably? It’s better to live, even if it means being dishonorable. Got it?”
Diabel recalled the words of her past mentor who taught her.
Honor…
Living is better than honor.
No.
Living is hell.
If only the covenant etched into this soul didn’t exist, I could have met you.
I will go to meet you by any means necessary.
“Did I teach you to act like that? When did I ever tell you to do that?”
I miss you.
After orchestrating this event, Diavel thought of the reaction his master would have in the afterlife and chuckled to himself.
“Oh… President?”
“Ah, I just had a funny thought for a moment. Don’t worry about it.”
“I understand.”
“The execution of the plan will be next week. We’ll encourage club membership during the week.”
Thud.
Diavel closed the drawer on his desk.