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Ray tilted his head to the side.
“Are you perhaps holding Johanna hostage?”
Ray felt a sense of absurdity.
From the start, Ray never intended to keep Johanna confined within Phillip’s County. To fully realize and continue developing her potential, an appropriate environment and support were necessary. Achieving high levels of skill while being isolated in a rural area was nothing more than a fantasy.
Therefore, even if Ray returned to Phillip’s County for a few months, he planned to ensure Johanna would receive proper support afterward. However, Ernst’s appearance stirred some resentment in him.
Ernst burst into laughter at Ray’s irritated expression.
“I admit that you have every reason to misunderstand, but there is another reason.”
Ernst began explaining. Currently, Johanna was rapidly advancing in her swordsmanship. With her understanding deepening, she was accelerating at just the right time. Taking a break for several months now would be highly detrimental.
While Ray agreed with this part, the main reason Ernst wanted to keep Johanna was something else.
“That child has immense potential.”
In the world, there were only a few individuals considered capable of reaching the pinnacle of Swordmaster status. Saria, Ray’s aunt by registry, was one of them. However, no one could guarantee that these promising candidates would truly achieve the title of Swordmaster. Even those hailed as geniuses often stumbled against the insurmountable barrier known as Swordmaster.
In terms of power, a Swordmaster was an entirely different entity compared to even a Graduate. The usual assumption—that knights are at a disadvantage compared to prepared mages—was overturned by the presence of a Swordmaster.
The influence of a Swordmaster equaled or sometimes surpassed that of an entire nation.
And currently, excluding Ray, there were only two people believed to inevitably reach the rank of Swordmaster: Speira Prizzran and Johanna.
Speira Prizzran, Ernst’s cherished great-granddaughter, was already famous. Meanwhile, Johanna’s reputation was quietly spreading due to her months of sparring with Speira. Being alongside Speira, who had long been under intense scrutiny by various factions, made it impossible for information about Johanna to remain hidden. Moreover, Ernst hadn’t made much effort to conceal Johanna, allowing her to train under renowned swordsmen invited by the Prizzran family.
As such, the royal court was well aware of Johanna’s existence.
“Having both Speira and Johanna in one family… is inappropriate.”
Politics inherently requires balance. While excessive concentration of power might bring short-term efficiency, it often leads to problems later. For long-term stability, an appropriate balance of power is essential. Therefore, from a national perspective, having two Swordmasters in one family should be avoided.
“The Emperor wishes for Johanna to enroll as a student at Izhise.”
If Ernst had refused to let Johanna go out of greed, things would have become complicated. But Ernst was loyal to the Empire. Years later, when Speira Prizzran became known as the “Swordmaster of the Empire,” the Emperor hoped Johanna would be called the “Swordmaster of the Emperor” or the “Swordmaster of the Royal Family.” Johanna’s enrollment at Izhise wouldn’t sever her past ties or create enmity between the royal family and the Prizzran family. The Prizzran Dukedom would continue to represent and remain loyal to the Empire, and Johanna would maintain close relations with the Phillip’s County and the Prizzran Dukedom, remembering what they had given her.
Though it seemed like covering up the truth, in politics appearances matter most.
“Johanna will be presented publicly as a talent discovered by the royal court at Izhise.”
Of course, the royal family couldn’t erase all traces of their involvement, so some form of compensation was necessary.
“…”
After hearing Ernst’s explanation, Ray rubbed his temples. It reminded him of the ‘draft’ or ‘trade’ concepts he had seen in professional sports in his previous life. Just like how players’ choices are often overridden by power plays between teams, the situation here was somewhat similar. In fact, calling it a draft or trade was putting it mildly from Ray’s perspective.
“Hmm… Could it be…?”
Ray stopped rubbing his temples and belatedly realized something. Before Ray informed Ernst about his limited lifespan, Ernst had continuously pushed for Ray’s engagement to Speira. At first, this could be attributed to being dazzled by Ray’s extraordinary talent during their first meeting. However, Ernst never withdrew the engagement proposal afterward.
But if they weren’t going to directly confront the royal family, bringing Ray into the family would have been very inappropriate. So why did Ernst insist on the engagement back then?
The answer lay with Johanna.
Ernst had planned to exchange Ray’s inclusion into the family for sending Johanna to the royal court, adding various conditions to resolve the situation.
Realizing that Ernst had meticulously planned all this, Ray momentarily felt dazed. His political acumen still fell far short of the central noble elite.
Running a hand through his hair, Ray spoke with a deadpan face.
“… Duke Prizzran must have had everything figured out.”
It was clearly a sarcastic remark.
Ernst chuckled lightly but wasn’t offended. Ray had earned the right to act arrogant.
Ernst raised the teacup before him and said,
“Johanna needs to learn many things before entering Izhise.”
At the very least, she needed to master basic etiquette before joining. Noble etiquette covered everything from drinking tea to folding handkerchiefs, leaving no stone unturned.
“Understood. When is the enrollment period?”
“Considering the entrance exam, it’ll be no later than autumn.”
“Is there an exam? I thought the Prizzran family name would suffice.”
“Publicly, Johanna cannot be associated with the Prizzran family.”
“Ah, that makes sense.”
Ray sighed once. If they were to proceed with sword training while also learning basic etiquette within a few months, Ernst was right; there would be no time to return home.
Understanding the situation fully, Ray finally responded after some deliberation.
“I understand your words. I’ll consult Johanna’s opinion.”
Ernst’s proposal wasn’t bad. Essentially, Ernst and the royal family were offering Johanna the highest possible elite path considering her humble origins. Ultimately, it was the path Johanna needed to take, but Ray didn’t want to force her into it without her consent.
“Trade cost… no, no, anyway, please compensate for taking someone.”
This referred to Phillip’s County.
Ernst assured Ray he would consider it sufficiently and continued speaking.
“If you’re worried about Johanna, you can enroll in Izhise as well and stay by her side for a few months.”
“Why would I enter where kids play…”
Ray trailed off mid-sentence and fell silent.
Firstly, Izhise wasn’t a place for kids. Knight department students were expected to handle Sword Aura upon entry. Only a select few geniuses could reach the Expert level by their teenage years, and anyone over 30 was ineligible for enrollment, making most students in their twenties. Additionally, most students came from noble backgrounds or wealthy gentry families. Without such a background, even the most talented individuals struggled to develop properly.
“Johanna might have a tough start.”
Since Johanna would officially enter as a commoner without any backing, she might face bullying or get entangled with unsavory groups. There were numerous other potential issues as well.
Still, Ray believed Johanna would succeed and understood he couldn’t protect her forever. However, leaving her alone at Izhise didn’t sit well with him.
“A few months of watching over her until she adapts should be enough…”
Reading Ray’s thoughts from his expression, Ernst spoke.
“Take a rest in your hometown and return before summer ends. I’ll send someone for you.”
“…”
Ray adopted a deadpan expression again. No matter how you looked at it, Johanna was essentially in a position akin to a hostage.
As Ray silently cursed, Ernst laughed again.
*
Excluding Johanna,
Among the children staying in the fortress, only Delun had the skills necessary to immediately enroll in Izhise. Of course, having the skills didn’t guarantee admission. Since Izhise was a royal institution, significant effort was put into verifying each applicant’s background. As Delun was an orphan whose parents were unknown, he lacked the means to prove his lineage, making him ineligible for Izhise. However, Ernst had promised to resolve this issue.
Ray gathered Johanna, Delun, and Speira together and recounted his conversation with Ernst. After giving a rough explanation, Ray turned to Johanna.
“Johanna, if you choose to enroll in Izhise and work hard, in about twenty years, you could be called the Emperor’s Swordmaster. Your name could be recorded in history.”
“…”
“Of course, it won’t be easy. Once you’re at the center of imperial power, simply wielding a sword well won’t be enough to survive. You’ll need to cultivate political and administrative acumen to protect yourself. Always remain cautious.”
Despite saying this, Ray believed Johanna would succeed. The Johanna he knew wasn’t foolish, and with the Emperor’s support, she’d likely navigate most crises smoothly.
“Johanna, if you keep striving, you could receive a high title and establish your own house. You’ll be remembered as one of the two knights who defined an era alongside Lady Speira.”
Envisioning the futures of Johanna and Speira, Ray smiled.
“About two hundred years from now, children might argue over whether Johanna or Lady Speira was stronger.”
“…”
Johanna didn’t refute Ray’s statements. She understood her destiny wouldn’t be ordinary. Despite knowing this, she didn’t feel like whining to Ray like a child.
Instead, she asked,
“Then, how will Ray be recorded in history?”
Ray froze momentarily, then took a deep breath. A memory from his childhood surfaced—an older man he had encountered once.
“Hey kid, make sure to write this line in your epic someday: ‘To Mirther House’s Dan, the young hero who almost died before he could bloom.'”
That’s what the man had said.
Recalling that distant memory, Ray shrugged.
“Well, because I’m just that good.”
Ray’s confident attitude prompted Johanna to pout slightly before finally responding.
“I’ll enroll in Izhise. I’ll do my best.”
“Good choice. I’ll be with you for the first few months, so don’t worry too much.”
“Do I have to? I’ll be fine without you.”
Despite her casual response, Johanna couldn’t hide her subtle excitement. Having someone trustworthy nearby in an unfamiliar place was reassuring.
Smiling at Johanna, Ray turned to Delun.
“What about you?”
“I’ll give it a try, Brother.”
“Right, seize the opportunity when it comes. Chances like this don’t come around twice. Prepare yourself and don’t miss it.”
“Yes, Brother.”
“And remember who helped you along the way…”
Ray was referring to the favors from Phillip’s County and Duke Ernst.
Delun, of course, wasn’t unaware of this, but in his mind, the person he owed the most to was Ray.
After conversing briefly with Speira, Ray stood up.
“Alright, Johanna, Delun. Get ready.”
Ray hugged Johanna and Delun one last time before they parted ways. Though they were set to meet again in a few months, the farewell wasn’t without its bittersweetness.
Hugging Ray tightly, Johanna hesitated for a moment before gripping his back firmly.
Thinking of teasing her about his aching back, Ray noticed her serious expression and simply smiled instead.
