Leon covered his forehead with a puzzled face.
‘Did I get hit just now?’
It happened so suddenly that I wasn’t sure. It was after hearing Luke’s words that I properly grasped the situation.
“I was faster this time.”
“… … !”
Leon’s eyes trembled at the relaxed voice. how the hell I couldn’t even see the sword moving properly.
‘It’s a coincidence! It must be a coincidence!’
Suppressing his anxiety, Leon took up his posture again. Because he was so hasty, it was clear that the opponent’s attack had come from a blind spot.
This time, I thought to attack calmly so as not to make such a mistake.
‘Once you stick together and hit the wooden sword, then dig in… … !’
damn
“Where!?”
The moment the wooden swords collided, another spark flew on Leon’s forehead. Luke’s wooden sword was hitting the exact same spot.
Leone staggered back and stepped back, widening his eyes.
‘What the hell is this… … !?’
There was no attack this time either. Obviously it wasn’t that fast! Luke grinned at Leon, who was flustered.
“Do you want to continue?”
“… of course!”
Grinning at this, Leon rushed at Luke again. This time, I was thinking of breaking through from the front without any tricks.
If you hit it with the fastest and strongest speed, the opponent will have no choice but to face it head-on.
‘Let’s see if I can do the same anywhere!’
The moment the confident Leon’s wooden sword was swung, Luke’s wooden sword also moved. It was the moment when two wooden swords collided.
damn
‘… crazy! You knocked my wooden sword aside!?’
Leon sighed in horror. It wouldn’t be easy if the swords collided with each other to stop, but it wasn’t easy to hit them in different directions.
If the power is not controlled properly, the blower may not be injured and cut, or the side that was struck may lose balance and fall. But Luke’s trajectory was perfect.
A blow that knocks the opponent off balance, while the self is hardly shocked. The wooden sword flew at the staggering Leon again.
fast.
“Shut up!?”
Rion, who was struck by a wooden sword in the same place for the third time, stumbled. I couldn’t keep my mind off the flashing lights in my eyes.
Seeing that, Luke suppressed a laugh inwardly.
‘A kid who hasn’t been through a war somewhere wants to defeat me.’
The effect of the ‘Brimstone’ trait that tormented Luke so much was simple. The level of all skills cannot exceed ‘Expert’.
Even if you try to live and die, you have no choice but to stop at the limit of ordinary talent. The same goes for sword handling skills.
For over 10 years, Luke stayed at the limit of ‘expert’ and rolled the battlefield. In other words, it is said to be the strongest at the level of an ordinary knight.
Even a genius can win if he lacks experience, let alone a kid at the level of a genius.
“Would you like more?”
“… No, I lost.”
Leon twitched his forehead and lowered his head. I hate to admit it, but as a prosecutor, it was an opponent I could never defeat.
From noble mtl dot com
As the two came down from the gym, Viscount Cayden tapped him on the shoulder.
“It was a good sparring.”
“thank you.”
Contrary to his words, the viscount’s eyebrows were quivering slightly. It’s a sparring that I applied to break my spirit, but on the contrary, my face has been cut.
But nobles sometimes have to be able to smile in front of their enemies. The viscount gave praise in the brightest voice possible.
“As expected, the Bernstein family. Indeed, the swordsmanship of the dragon slayer Leonic.”
“How can the glory of my ancestors be mine? It’s just embarrassing.”
“No. I am opening my eyes today.”
The Viscount, who had been painting Luke’s face with gilt for a long time, made an oops expression as if he had finally remembered.
“Oh, come to think of it, I forgot I had something urgent to do. I’ve prepared a nice drink for you, but I can’t participate. Would you like to be with my son instead?”
“of course. If possible, I wanted to talk with the Viscount as well.”
“I am so sorry. It’s a place you can’t miss.”
The eyes of the Viscount and Luke met. Preparing for a drinking party means that we should talk privately with each other.
And the son’s replacement of the conversation is a blindfolded aung saying ‘this is not the family’s official position’.
‘It’s noble.’
Perhaps it was because I had seen my father for a long time, who had no right to be wrong and was straightforward, so I felt new when I saw the aristocrat for the first time in a long time.
Originally, the life of an aristocrat is a politician’s law.
“Rion, I want you to treat Sir Luke instead of me.”
“of course. I will not be ashamed of the family name.”
Leon smiled broadly and nodded to his father’s words. At that sight, Luke stuck out his tongue.
‘It’s a feat to be able to smile like that even though my forehead is still red.’
Aside from the swordsmanship aspect, he was a son who did not lag behind his father in political sense.
* * *
Luke was ushered into the drawing room with Leon. Light side dishes were placed in the parlor with luxurious wine.
Apparently, they had prepared in advance even before the confrontation was over.
“It is a wine produced in the southern Lergen province. It smells so good.”
The cup was filled with a brief explanation. As I said, the smell and taste were very good. After lightly emptying each other’s glasses, a full-fledged conversation began.
“I’ve heard a lot about Sir Luke’s performance.”
“As an acolyte, I just did the obvious.”
“How was the West as you were walking around?”
“There were so many monsters.”
The same answer I gave to Beric. There was no creativity, but honestly, I couldn’t find another sentiment.
Monsters, monsters, monsters everywhere. Suffering from this damned environment, anyone who thinks of the West will immediately think of monsters.
“you’re right. The West is a very difficult land. That’s why I always thirst for powerful knights.”
“A knight like Ray, for example?”
“Exactly.”
Leone looked straight at Luke and said.
“Although, recently, monsters have been rampant. I always think about how reassuring it would be to have someone like you at times like these.”
“Sorry. I hope one day more articles like that come out.”
Despite the apparent refusal, Leon’s face hardened slightly. But he quickly smiled again and sipped his wine.
“well. Wouldn’t it be more reassuring if someone who already exists takes over?”
“Yes, but it’s a different story if you have a loyal partner.”
“Then, what if the person to whom you gave your allegiance an order? Help the knight’s family by yourself.”
“well.”
why me? With that expression, Luke looked at Leone. As Leon clapped his hands, a servant brought something from outside.
Some were weapons, some were tools I’d never seen before. However, all of them had one thing in common.
It has a bluish pattern engraved on it. Leone said to Luke, who was staring at the object blankly.
“It is a magic tool.”
“… … !”
magic tool. It is an object imbued with magical power, and its power is far inferior to that of a relic. But even that much was very useful to humans.
Just looking at Beric’s magic tools, that’s the case. What could be as good as the purpose of tying up people without hurting them?
‘In this era where magic has almost disappeared, it’s something only dwarves make.’
If not as much as the relics, the value was considerable as it was difficult to obtain. Leone held out the magic tool in front of Luke and said.
“I’ll give it all to Lord Luke.”
“… That’s too cheap to trade for Ray.”
Luke clicked his tongue at the shallow trick, but Leon shook his head.
“It is just a gift. I want nothing in return.”
“… … ?”
“If I had to argue, I would like to trade with the Bernstein family with this magic tool. I heard that there are many strong knights here.”
Luke trembled. There are so many magic tools that you can use them for trade? It was an unexpected sound.
Then, is it possible to mass-produce magic tools?
“Did you find out a secret from the elves?”
“well.”
At Luke’s words, Leon evaded his answer. Sounds like you can’t tell.
“One thing is certain, it is that we can produce a large amount of magic tools that we can trade with. I am thinking of the Bernstein family as my first partner.”
“… … .”
Luke thought quietly. A hasty plan. If magic tools were produced, why would there be a need to come all the way to the east to trade with the Bernstein family?
Everyone would rush to sign a contract with me. So, this is a gesture toward Luke.
‘Take this deal and go to the family. Then, your position in the family will be greatly increased, so let’s exchange it for a lei… This is it.’
Definitely not a bad deal. No matter how monstrous a knight may be, in the end it is an individual.
Considering the development of the territory that can be achieved with huge income and the rise in the position within the family, there is a level of change left.
“How is it?”
Rion raised the corner of her mouth and asked Luke. I was full of confidence that I could deny this.
Luke gave a big nod and replied vigorously.
“I don’t like it.”
“… … .”
Leon’s face hardened into a smile. A response that I could not have imagined would be rejected. But Luke had his reasons.
‘Why am I raising the family’s position? I have to become famous by myself.’
The family’s position is already high enough to be Luke. Even higher than this, it doesn’t make much of a difference.
With this achievement, it would not be known if he was a deficit worthy of becoming the successor, but as a bastard, there was no reason to put more effort into it.
And one of the biggest reasons.
‘These bastards, the reason they went extinct before returning was because of the demons.’
The case of the extinction of five families that shocked the West. The main culprit was the elf. Until now, they despise each other and have not been in contact with each other.
But what the hell happened? At that time, they finally crossed the forest full of monsters and dried up the seeds of the five families.
The reason for this was not known until the end, but the deal now makes it clear.
‘What did you do to the dwarves?’
I still don’t know what he did. However, in the worst case, you will be stamped with the elf for accepting this deal.
From Luke’s point of view, there was no reason to exchange for that precious article unless he was crazy.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes, very sincere. At this point, it seems that we have said everything to each other. I want to see my articles soon.”
Leon bit his lip. I bet you would reject this deal. However, I couldn’t let Ray go like this.
“… All right. However, since my sister is away for a while, could you please wait for a day?”
“I will.”
Luke got up and was escorted to his lodgings by the maid. Leon stared sharply at the figure from behind.
If the regular method doesn’t work, I have no choice but to expel them cowardly.
* * *
Contrary to what he said, Rion did not let him meet Ray. A day passed, two days passed.
On the third day, the answer was the same.
“sorry. I guess not today.”
always repeating the same words. The reasons were different from time to time, but it was clear that any reason was an excuse.
Luke clicked his tongue and looked at Bruno and Max.
“What do you think?”
“No matter how you look at it, it’s a waste of time.”
“Isn’t that true?”
Max murmured, looking at the door as if he didn’t understand.
“I don’t know what this means. It’s not a clear rejection, you’re just wasting your time.”
“That means quite a lot to me.”
“yes?”
“I am an acolyte.”
“… … !”
Only then did Max grasp the situation, startled. It is the duty of an ascetic knight to help people while wandering the continent.
It is not permitted to laze around in one place without any obligations. Even if it’s someone’s invitation, at most a week would be the limit.
If you stay longer than that, the eyes of the world will sting.
“It’s drowsy.”
“The effect is direct, but.”
Luke and his party were invited to the end. According to the custom of hospitality, you cannot just go out to the host.
It would be a great disrespect and disgrace to try to find Ray recklessly. Conversely, you cannot stay there.
If you continue to sit like this, you will become an ascetic knight who abandoned his duty.
‘Bastards, did you roll your head?’
Luke swallowed his admiration inwardly. It’s simple, but it’s an extremely effective strategy for Luke’s party.
‘But I’ve experienced many things like this before returning.’
There is no plan without breaking the law. If there is such a thing, it’s just a simple lack of information.
Luke glanced at Bruno.
“How about a treat? Are you good to me?”
“The hospitality itself is very good. Just tell us what you want to eat or drink and it will be served right away.”
“Also?”
“Yes, they only pick out the good ones.”
“That’s right.”
It must be that they treat them so kindly in order not to get caught. But that was the moment to break their plans.
“If the opponent comes out rudely, we have to respond rudely too.”
“What tricks did you come up with this time?”
“therefore… … .”
Luke whispered the plan in Bruno’s ear. Hearing all the plans, Bruno blinked.
“You think so well.”
“how is it? can you do it?”
“Well, it’s not that difficult. I didn’t like these guys either, but it worked out.”
Bruno smiled. Even though I might be criticized a bit, I felt like I needed to give a blow to those who acted out these tricks to relieve my stomach.
* * *
“Hey, is anyone out there!”
As soon as night fell, Bruno shouted loudly. A servant rushed in with orders to do anything he wanted besides meeting Ray.
“Yes, Nari. What are you doing?”
“Do you have any wine? Poisonous ones if possible.”
“Poisonous wine? There is wine from the Arse region… … .”
“Then bring it. I want a strong drink today.”
“All right.”
The servant quickly brought the wine. Being Bruno, who occasionally sipped wine before going to bed, he didn’t notice anything strange.
But that day was different from before. After emptying the whole bottle of wine, Bruno asked for an additional, stronger drink.
“One more bottle!”
“Yes, please wait.”
“Just one more bottle.”
“yes? Now, hold on… … .”
“One more bottle!”
“yes!?”
Determined to get drunk, Bruno continued to drink wine. I didn’t drink all of it.
By the time he was moderately drunk, Bruno secretly opened the wine and poured it down the window.
From noble mtl dot com
Still, he did not forget to order strong wine.
‘Hmm, this should be enough.’
Bruno, who had been drinking wine for a while, looked at the empty bottles. It was just the right amount to intoxicate even a fairly confident person.
Bruno, who looked in the mirror and confirmed his slightly flushed face, staggered out of the door.
“Aww! get drunk!”
“B-Sir Bruno!?”
Seeing Bruno staggering from side to side, the servant freaked out. You’re so intoxicated A knight with a bad drinking habit could have been in big trouble.
Fortunately, Bruno only stumbled and did not lose his temper when he saw the servant.
“Keuk! I was about to go to the bathroom! Where is the bathroom!?”
“I-I’m over there.”
“I’m sorry!”
Stumbling from side to side eagerly, Bruno scanned the surroundings with his eyes. I had no intention of going to the bathroom.
‘Let’s see, I wouldn’t normally let you go that way.’
Bruno staggered toward the center of the mansion, which had exceptionally prevented Luke and his party from entering.
The servants were frightened and tried to stop it, but Bruno was reluctant.
“Hey, you can’t come here!”
“What!? Is it because I can’t go to the bathroom!?”
“No, the toilet is not here… … !”
“Noisy! If I go! I’m going!”
Bruno gave the servant a shove and went forward. The servants could not resist and were pushed away.
It was obvious that he would get beaten up if he made a mistake while blocking the drunk driver. It was time to keep moving forward.
“Sir Bruno! No access from this side!”
“What kind of insolence is this for a knight who has become a knight!”
Two knights stepped forward and stopped Bruno with angry faces. After checking the article, Bruno’s eyes lit up.
‘I shouted that I shouldn’t go in earnest from here.’
If so, it sounds like it’s quite close to where Ray is staying. Bruno sighed and talked like he was drunk.
“Ugh! I don’t know what you’re talking about right now!”
“This bastard! If you’re drunk, go in and get some sleep!”
“Ego ah? on that… ugh! It slips!”
“Wait a minute! window there… … !”
The knights tried to block it, but Bruno was faster. Bruno pretended to slip and slammed his shoulder into the window as hard as he could.
Clink.
“Kyaaak!?”
“What’s going on!”
People screamed at the sound of breaking glass. Since it was on the second floor, Bruno’s body quickly fell to the ground.
The knights were frightened, but Bruno made a perfect turn and landed. Because I didn’t even take that much in the first place.
“Ouch! Get drunk! I’m going to have to sing a song for you!”
“Sir Bruno! what now… … !”
“I’m fine! Bruno Oh! My lord! It’s Luke Bernstein. Yeah hehehe!”
A loud voice echoed through the entire mansion. It was a voice that even the person who was sleeping far away would jump out in fright.
It is the voice of Bruno, who used to wake up the spirits of the soldiers who were running through the battlefield. He shouted with a voice that could be heard even beyond the horizon, so there was no one who could not hear.
“Ray! Winslow Whoa! Where are you! Elixir! Take it! Hey hey hey! Lord Lee Yi In! Luke Bernstein! I’m here, eh!”
“Uh, that crazy bastard!”
“Stop! Shut up that noisy mouth!”
The knights rushed in droves and tried to block Bruno’s mouth, but their strength was far short.
Bruno pushed the knights away and shouted loudly.
“Ray hey hey! ray yi! Where are you! We’ve come! Burnstaiyyin! My lord yi yi!”
“Damn it! I mean shut up!”
The knights clung to Bruno in a cold sweat. Looking at those articles, I remembered what Luke had said.
‘Do you know how to be relatively easily forgiven for doing rude things in the world?’
‘Was there an easy way like that?’
‘Yes. Sorry, I was too drunk, just two words.’
Normally, you should never do something like this. In the custom of hospitality, the moment you intentionally be rude to your host, you lose your honor.
But what if that was a drunken accident? What if you were drunk and begged for it because you had no choice but to do it?
‘I will never forgive you even for the sake of aristocratic face! I can’t say that.’
An involuntary chuckle came out. He was a master who was very good at thinking like this. A foolish method of destruction against a foolish scheme.
I really liked the fact that I had no choice but to suffer even if I knew it. Clearing his throat once more, Bruno screamed.
“Luke ugh! Burnstaiyyin! I’m fine! Bruno oh oh oh! Ray Gyeooo!”
“I shut my mouth! I blocked you!”
“Okay, tie it like this!”
“Damn it! You have a bad drinking habit!”
Knights rushed in from all sides and tied Bruno with a rope. It was a fairly quick response, probably because it was plagued by monsters.
But it’s already too late.
– Oh, lady! You can’t come here! His Excellency also said… … !
– Shut up! Sir Bruno! I am here!
The knights’ faces turned pale, and the corners of Bruno’s mouth went up.