Dark Fantasy Normalized – Chapter 14

“What… is going on?”

“Ricir… you’ve won, right?”

“I don’t really know swordsmanship…”

“Me neither…”

“But, but look! Hemton has fallen, and since Ricir has lifted him up, it seems like Ricir won!?”

“I hope that’s the case…!”

“Please, I wish it would end before Ricir gets hurt—”

It truly could be called an ironic situation.

This was a gathering of warriors who never neglected training their minds and bodies to maintain their composure in any situation.

In such a place, the only ones maintaining their composure were the quietly dressed maids.

Of course, it’s understandable since they didn’t grasp the situation at all.

What it meant for the bastard of the Bendel family to win against Bendel’s apprentice knight in a sparring match.

And what it meant that the crucial move resulting in that victory was Magic.

Even Hemton, who should have announced the end of the sparring when Ricir’s sword was aimed at his neck, seemed to be in a daze.

It meant he was so stunned he couldn’t even blink.

Ultimately, the bastard announced his victory himself.

With a smile while raising Hemton’s hand, that appearance was unmistakably that of a victor.

The first ones to react were the group of servants.

“What do we do?! It looks like Ricir really won!”

“I’m glad you’re not hurt—”

“Hey, isn’t that the problem right now?!”

“Exactly!!!”

“How could you win when the size difference is twice as big!?”

“Don’t you know that swordsmanship isn’t just about strength?”

“That’s right! Just look at Miss Loera!”

“So, does that mean Ricir is as strong as Miss Loera?”

“Every day, he practices really hard in the annex’s backyard! It must be some secret training that others don’t know about!”

The servants, knowing nothing about swords, let their imaginations run wild and quickly accepted Ricir’s victory.

Moreover, they wanted to offer cheers and applause.

“Why is everyone just standing there!? We should congratulate him!”

“Wait—”

The excited servants trying to cheer him on were stopped by the oldest servant standing at the front.

“The atmosphere… feels strange…?”

Finally, the servants raised their hands awkwardly and surveyed the surroundings.

“Wasn’t it said that Hemton used magic just now?”

“That seems to be the case. I didn’t see it, but Hemton’s head suddenly jerked back.”

“Wow… I can’t believe magic came out here… I never imagined it.”

“Has there ever been a mage in Bendel’s history?”

“Could there have been?”

The trainees, who began to understand the seriousness of the situation, caused a commotion, much like looking up at a heavily clouded sky.

The apprentice knights, fully grasping the seriousness of the situation, were already in a state of panic as if a storm had hit.

“Oh my god. Hemton, that crazy bastard. He actually lost to this!?”

“Surely, that’s what happened… the head told him to use all his strength and not think of anything else…”

“Agh. I suspected it when I was slacking off.”

“No, why are you blaming Hemton here? Clearly, the issue is that magic was used, no?”

“…Well, there was no rule against using magic.”

“It’s not just about rules! It’s a matter of pride! How dare you use magic while sparring in the name of Bendel in front of the head?”

“This is driving me crazy. Where on earth did Ricir learn magic?”

“I heard he’s been visiting the library every day—was that the reason?”

“Can you really learn magic just by visiting a library?”

“Seems like it, but it doesn’t seem like he just learned it in one or two days?”

“Our young master… might be better than we thought? He’s quite resourceful?”

“Is now really the time to be impressed!?”

“Guys, can you cover for me a bit? What face do you think the head is making right now?”

“Maybe he’s genuinely pleased? After all, he’s still his son.”

“Not a chance. He lost to the bastard carrying the Bendel name, even if he’s just an apprentice, would he really be happy about that? With our head’s personality?”

“Especially since he learned magic without anyone knowing…”

“Damn it. Why did I even come to watch this?”

The servants, caught between the two groups’ differing atmospheres, awkwardly froze halfway between clapping and standing at attention.

As a result, no one congratulated Ricir on his victory.

“What do we do…”

“Poor Ricir…”

The servants looked at Ricir as if he were a wounded puppy.

Even in such a situation, his playful smile seemed like a pitiful effort to act as if nothing was wrong.

“Ricir… even if you seem smiling on the outside, I bet you’re crying inside…”

“What do we do? His eyes are closed…”

“He’s trying to hold back tears…!”

Ah. Sex.

Crude as it is, that’s the way I have to express how I feel right now.

The silence of the enemies is soon a roar.

It felt like my ears were going to go deaf in the silence that seemed to encapsulate the place.

Yeah, this is it.

This is the thrill of the expedition match.

Should I just build the Bendel library now?

I gazed at the direction where the head sat, fully savoring the glory of victory.

“…”

The head’s face was shadowed, lost in deep thought.

There was not a hint of joy to be seen as it transformed into happiness.

It was clearly a different reaction from when Loera had defeated the apprentice knight.

Then, it had been ‘Is this real!?’ and now it was more like ‘…Is this real?’

I had become a nightmare incarnate, manifesting right before the head.

Head.

Is this bastard so uncomfortable with me being a bastard?

I shed tears inwardly.

Tears of emotion.

Truly, the reaction I had longed for.

I wondered what kind of wind had blown when the head accepted this proposition.

This man wasn’t the kind to give me such an opportunity.

Surely, some calculation must have supported that decision.

The current reaction from the head, however, was more than just a startled face from the charming rebellion of a bastard.

It was as if some plan had gone awry, and now he had no idea how to fix it.

Our eyes met.

I did not shy away but returned his gaze directly.

Head. Your bastard has returned.

Why now do you see only darkness before you?

Yeah, there’s no such thing as eternal child abuse.

Clap. Clap.

It was then that the sudden sound of applause broke the tension.

Applause? In this situation?

Everyone looked stunned, turning toward the source of the sound.

It was Loera.

My younger sister was clapping in an awkward yet proud manner.

“…”

“…”

I caught the gaze of Loera.

Whoosh!

Loera appeared to have not been looking at me from the start, avoiding eye contact.

Her already stiffened expression grew even more rigid.

Loera’s face was blushing bright red, even from a distance.

–Clap clap clap clap clap!!!

Yet the applause did not cease.

The nervous sounds of clapping began echoing around me, seemingly affected by her expression.

“Ricir~~~”

Then, Pamon’s delicate clapping layered on top.

“Oh! Miss Loera and Miss Pamon are clapping!”

“Then, can we join in too!?”

Next, the servants who had been observing nervously chimed in.

“Ricir!!! Congratulations!!!”

“Ricir, you’re strong!!! You’re amazing!!!”

As I waved and smiled, the servants burst into joyful cheers.

That gesture shifted the atmosphere of the place completely.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

The sounds of clapping, like fists striking palms, came from beside me.

“If we fight once more, I will win.”

Hemton looked at me with a sulky face while clapping.

I patted Hemton’s shoulder, saying, “If we get another chance, I won’t disappoint you next time.”

“…!”

Hemton’s eyes widened.

His applause stopped for a moment, then resumed, more vigorous and faster than before.

At the same moment, the head stood up.

“Winner, Ricir.”

The place that had just moments ago been quiet was now filled with claps and cheers.

The Bendel library, built just now, was already demolished?

The whole construction was ruined.

“Hah.”

Still, it’s not a bad feeling.

If it comes down to it, this place might be better than the Bendel library.

I purely enjoyed this moment.

After the sparring ended, Ricir was called to the head’s office.

“…”

Like before, the desk was covered with countless documents.

However, unlike before, Idor’s gaze was directly aimed at Ricir.

Ricir returned his look without saying a word.

For quite some time, the two stared at each other in silence.

“Can you explain what happened?”

It was Idor who spoke first.

“I had the opportunity to learn magic. In the sparring, I took advantage of Hemton’s focus on my humble swordsmanship with magic. That’s all there is to it.”

“You—…”

Idor rubbed his temples as he tried to speak.

In that brief moment, many confusing thoughts passed over his face.

“…”

Eventually, it seemed he made up his mind and spoke.

“How long exactly have you known magic?”

“Precisely, it hasn’t even been a week since I recognized and attempted to enjoy the value of magic.”

“Ricir.”

Idor spoke in a stern tone.

“What you demonstrated today is significant enough on its own. There’s no need to embellish with flowery words.”

Ricir rummaged through his memories, contemplating Idor’s stance.

The bastard found it hard to gain his father’s interest.

By birth, by talent.

If the bastard had shown talent as a child, perhaps his treatment would have been different.

But the bastard’s talent was exceedingly ordinary. Perhaps even meager.

With no other options, the bastard tried to catch his father’s attention with that meager talent.

Typically, it would be impossible, thus such attempts often manifested in contrived ways.

That is, by performing notably loud “secret” special training that the whole mansion could hear.

So.

Is that it?

Does this man believe I’m just exaggerating to draw his interest?

“Huh.”

Ricir let out an unexpected chuckle.

“…Ricir?”

Idor appeared taken aback by this unusual behavior.

Regardless, Ricir continued.

“Yes. I apologize for misleading you. The truth is, I have been steadily learning magic for a long time.”

“…”

Even though he had clearly expected this answer, Idor’s bewilderment only deepened.

Ricir, who had always seemed utterly transparent and innocent before him, now felt utterly inscrutable.

“…”

Idor sank into deep contemplation.

He slowly rose from his seat and made his way to the window.

“I think I might have—”

With his hands behind his back, he looked out at the view beyond the window, speaking with a serious tone.

“Perhaps I’ve left you to your own devices for too long.”

“…”

“I had promised that if this matter was resolved well, I would positively consider improving your treatment.”

“…”

“Starting today, you will learn from the Bendel lineage. There will be no separate teaching on magic, but I will not hinder you either. Adjust yourself as you see fit as long as it doesn’t interfere with your learning from the Bendel lineage.”

“…”

“Of course, this is not an unqualified privilege.”

“…”

“The lady from the Dinthal family shows considerable interest in you.”

“…”

“In truth, it has traditionally been practically impossible for our families to interact. While there have been no major disputes, the longstanding petty conflicts have created enough tension.”

“…”

“The Dinthal family is aware of this as well. Yet, with a single request from that lady Pamon, the Dinthal head bent all his intentions and reached out to us first.”

“…”

“For both families, this is a significant opportunity and relationship. You will now be responsible for this.”

“…”

“I will ask you, Ricir. Are you ready to take on this responsibility?”

Having verbalized his emotions and thoughts, Idor turned again to face Ricir to hear his answer.

“…”

Upon confirming Ricir’s appearance, Idor closed his eyes tightly.

He was trembling slightly while covering his face with his hands.

Idor intended to give himself time to compose his emotions.

“Head—”

However, Ricir had no intention of collecting his emotions.

He had no plans to hide his emotions.

“Speak.”

“What are you talking about?”

“…What?”

Idor realized late.

That Ricir’s current state was significantly different from what he had envisioned.

Ricir had slapped his palm against the table.

His face struggled to suppress laughter rather than overflowing tears.

“I told you. I’m leaving the family.”

“…There’s no need for that. You now have many other paths. From the onset, that path was unfitting for you.”

“That’s not it—ah. I understand now. It seems there was a minor misunderstanding between you and me.”

There was neither malice nor hostility.

Ricir spoke with a refreshing smile.

To which Idor nodded with satisfaction.

He readied himself to listen to Ricir’s next words.

“What I mean by leaving the family is that I’m completely giving up on the identity of Bendel.”

“…!”

Idor had never imagined such shocking words would come from Ricir.

A noble abandoning their identity? That was utterly inconceivable, even if he was a bastard.

“Head. At this very peak of this place, you promised me as the head that if I won the sparring today, you would respect my will.”

“Y-You know what you’re saying?!”

Idor had no thought for the various problems this would cause, nor did he mind the implications.

He was simply taken aback by Ricir’s sudden change.

Ricir replied calmly.

“No one in the world understands this better than you do. Surely, you know what I’m saying.”

Ricir did not reproach or feel disappointment at Idor’s attitude.

That had been how Idor had treated Ricir in the past.

“W-What on earth—”

Idor had many things to say.

But he ultimately couldn’t utter a word.

There was too much to say to express all of it right now.

In stark contrast to Ricir, who had laid all on the table and had nothing left to say.

No more emotions. No more words.

Right, I had anticipated this.

But still, isn’t this level of satisfaction alright?

“Huhuhuhuhuh— Hahahaha!!!”

Ricir laughed.

It wasn’t a twisted emotional response.

As evident from his endlessly cheerful laughter, it was a pure expression of joy.

Thinking that everything tedious would finally come to an end, only pure delight guided his emotions.

“This time, let me clarify without any ambiguity.”

Ricir stood and grasped the sword he had sheathed at his waist.

“I no longer need the name of a prestigious family, an identity that mimics nobility, or your recognition.”

It was an ordinary sword.

Made by removing the decorations and patterns representing Bendel, unlike those typically forged.

A sword he had never separated from his body since receiving it.

Ricir placed it on the desk without any lingering affection.

“I’m done being a bastard.”

Thank you for everything.

Father.

At those words, the father’s eyes trembled mercilessly.