Clang!
The two swords clashed, sparks flying, before separating.
With a grin, Ghislain said to Arel, "Let's go again."
"Yes, my lord," Arel replied.
Even amidst the heavy task of managing his territory, Ghislain never neglected Arel's training.
Arel had grown into a fine young man, the kind that made many women's hearts flutter.
But more famous than his looks was his skill. Over time, Arel had endured hellish training and grown faster than anyone else.
His training was so rigorous that even the mercenary knights who had followed Ghislain from the beginning were left speechless.
But that wasn't all. Ghislain didn't allow Arel to focus solely on martial prowess, like his subordinate knights. He brought in scholars from across the territory to teach Arel academics, including military strategy.
It was a schedule that would be grueling for any ordinary person. But Arel pursued it all diligently, without complaint.
— "He's a monster, a real monster."
— "Lord Ghislain really picked up an incredible guy somewhere."
— "But why does he push him so hard?"
People often whispered whenever they saw Arel. They marveled at his talent but were also curious about why Ghislain taught him so much beyond swordsmanship.
Ghislain knew what they were saying.
'They just don't know yet who he was in my past life.'
The Commander of the Northern Fortress, Kaipilar.
The tragic genius, the Barbarian Slayer, the Terror of the North, the Saint of the Kingdom—these were all names associated with one man.
Baron Arel Hydune.
After catching the eye of Harold Desmond, who later became a duke, Arel rose rapidly through the ranks, his talent and dedication recognized.
Eventually, he took over the role of guarding the northern fortress, replacing the fallen Perdium.
Arel's name even appeared in the journal of the Forest of Demonic Beasts.
When the Greggs escaped the forest and devastated the North, Arel led his army south from the fortress to confront them.
'He was quite renowned on this side.'
Fueled by vengeance and talent, Arel brilliantly defended the North, sweeping through the barbarians.
The barbarians hated him so much that they ground their teeth and cursed at the mere mention of his name.
Of course, this was made possible by the kingdom's full support, something the old Perdium had lacked.
'I never saw his face in my past life, though.'
Before the One-Year War began, when the kingdom attempted to negotiate with the barbarians to develop the Forest of Demonic Beasts, Arel vehemently opposed the idea. But he couldn't go against the tide.
Even after the negotiations, the barbarians raided small villages "for fun," and the kingdom turned a blind eye, deeming it insignificant.
But not Arel. Enraged, he led his army and annihilated the tribe responsible.
This act reignited tensions between the kingdom and the barbarians. Since developing the Forest of Demonic Beasts was a priority, the kingdom charged Arel with insubordination and imprisoned him.
Later, after expending vast resources in the Forest of Demonic Beasts, the kingdom even diverted over half the northern fortress's forces to the forest.
Negotiations with the barbarians were expected to go smoothly, so they saw no need to station a large army at the fortress.
'That's where his record ends.'
Ghislain didn't know what happened to Arel after that.
However, through various records, he remembered the name and decided to take Arel under his wing.
Ghislain was pleased that Arel was following his guidance so well, and he spared no effort in teaching and supporting him.
What drove Arel to keep moving without rest was his loyalty to the territory and his burning hatred for the barbarians who had slaughtered his family and village.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
As fierce as his master, Arel's swordsmanship was intense. But mastering Ghislain's sword style required more than skill; it demanded emotions beyond mere technique.
Because of this, Arel absorbed Ghislain's swordsmanship faster than anyone else.
He, too, had experienced the same kind of pain as Ghislain.
Clang!
As their swords met again, Ghislain asked, curious about Arel's feelings. In his past life, Arel had even opposed negotiating with the barbarians and ended up in prison.
"Are you still holding a grudge?"
"Yes."
"Then why don't you suggest striking the barbarians?"
"...Because the territory has an agreement with them."
"At the time, we ended it there to reduce losses and gain what we needed. But if you wish, we can strike the barbarians again anytime. I'm not such a poor teacher that I can't grant my one and only disciple's wish."
When Ghislain smiled and said this, Arel answered without hesitation.
"Revenge is important, but the territory, our home, is more important."
"You're worried about causing trouble?"
"No, sir. It's because the territory and its people are more precious to me than my revenge. I believe it is my life's duty to protect them."
Ghislain smiled at Arel's unwavering answer.
Arel had changed slightly from his past life. He now prioritized protecting what was dear to him over seeking revenge.
If the legendary hero truly existed, he would surely have a personality like Arel's.
He valued the greater good over personal feelings, distinguished public duty from private emotion, and understood the meaning of justice.
For the sake of everyone, he endured his own pain.
Arel was similar to Ghislain, yet his path was entirely his own.
Ghislain couldn't help but admire him.
'To grow so upright in this territory…'
Honestly, Fenris's territory was full of people who could have had a bad influence on Arel.
Claude, Alpoi, Kaor, Ascon, Kane, and even knights like Gordon and Lucas—there was no shortage of bad examples.
But Arel had always resisted their temptations and focused solely on improving himself.
He had grown upright, almost too upright.
With a slight laugh, Ghislain sheathed his sword and spoke.
"That's enough for today. If you want to train alone, go ahead, but don't miss your evening lessons."
"Yes, sir."
"And soon, we'll be fighting the barbarians again."
At that, Arel's eyes widened. Currently, Fenris, Perdium, and the barbarians were bound by an agreement to trade food and horses. Fighting the barbarians would mean breaking that agreement.
"Does that mean…"
But with the kingdom, or rather the entire continent, in turmoil, wasn't it dangerous to divert strength to deal with the barbarians?
Ghislain smirked bitterly and said,
"I won't need to make the first move. Those bastards will act anyway."
"Is that true?"
"Yes, Waroka is a greedy man. If civil war breaks out, he'll certainly make his move. Maybe even before then. He knows that if things continue like this, he'll spend the rest of his life begging for food."
In his past life, when Ghislain invaded the kingdom, Waroka had wormed his way in to seize territory.
This time, with the four major churches and the Salvation Church involved, the civil war would escalate further. The kingdom would be thrown into chaos, and Waroka would undoubtedly exploit it.
Preparations had to begin now.
Though Ghislain couldn't predict exactly how Waroka would strike, he was certain the man would act.
"Wait until then. I'll make sure you're at the center of that war."
"Yes, sir!"
Arel answered energetically, determined to join the war and earn merit.
It wasn't for glory but for revenge. Victory was also essential to protect the territory.
After Ghislain left, Arel threw himself back into training with all his might. He had a clear goal and the determination to achieve it.
On his way to his evening lessons after training, Arel encountered Alpoi, who had sneaked out.
"Hey, Arel! Don't just head off—come play a quick game. I'll even go easy on you at first."
In front of Alpoi was a teary-eyed Piote. He'd apparently lost money to Alpoi again.
Arel bowed politely to Alpoi and said, "I have to attend my military strategy class."
"Just a few rounds. It's a quick game of odd or even. It won't take long. Do you always have to be so stiff?"
"I'm sorry."
"You're ignoring me, aren't you?"
"No, sir."
"Then what, is your life in this territory coming to an end?"
"..."
"You act like you're above me because you're the lord's disciple. Do you want to taste a 5th-circle spell?"
"..."
"Today, you're playing a round, no matter what. You've probably saved up plenty of money since you don't spend any. Meanwhile, our priest here says he's broke."
"I'm sorry."
"Hey! I said let's play right—"
Just as Alpoi was about to lose his temper, a sharp voice rang out from behind him.
"Lord Alpoi! You said you were taking a break, and now you're out here again?!"
With a flash of light, Vanessa appeared before him.
"Ah, well, no, it's not that…"
"Why are you stopping someone on their way to study? You should be working as hard as Arel! And when did you drag Lord Piote into this again?"
Alpoi stammered, fumbling for an excuse.
"Well, you see… I just happened to run into Piote, and then I ran into Arel… But, you know, he seems so boring, living like this. Honestly, it hurts to see him, like looking at the old me…."
As Alpoi rambled, Arel bowed respectfully to Vanessa, showing his sincere respect for the territory's most skilled mage and hardest worker.
Vanessa returned the bow, equally respectful. Both were impeccably polite.
"Arel, don't mind them and head to your class. And Lord Piote, go take care of your business."
"Yes, thank you, Lady Vanessa."
With that, Vanessa dragged Alpoi away, leaving Arel and Piote free to go on their way.
As Arel resumed heading to class, he encountered Kaor and a group of knights who had just finished training and were on their way to drink.
"Hey, Arel. Training's done? We just finished too. Want to join us for a drink?"
"I'm fine, Lord Kaor."
"Hey, are you going to refuse every time? You're old enough now—have a drink! Live a little! Be a real man and loosen up a bit, huh?"
"No, thank you."
"Then what, is your knight career over or something?"
"..."
"That's it. Tonight, I'm making you a real man. You're not getting out of this one. The lord's off on an inspection, so the timing is perfect. You're coming with us."
The knights laughed uproariously at Kaor's words.
"Of course! If the Captain says so, it's a must!"
"A disciple of the lord can't skip a knightly gathering!"
"Tonight, we drink till dawn!"
Kaor held a high position in the territory, and there were only a few people who could stop him.
Arel could sense that escaping Kaor's grasp this time might not be easy.
Just as Kaor was about to drag him off, Gillian appeared, having just finished his military drills.
Kaor turned his head sharply and muttered under his breath.
"Damn it, when did the old man finish?"
Gillian quickly assessed the situation and gestured for Arel to go.
Taking the chance, Arel bowed and hurried away, leaving Kaor and the knights clicking their tongues in disappointment as they dispersed.
Even as Arel moved around the territory, he faced constant struggles against those trying to corrupt him.
His upright nature seemed to make people itch to see him falter.
In particular, Kane, the lord's cousin, persistently tried to use his connection to Ghislain's bloodline to pressure Arel, but in those cases, Belinda would step in to help.
Claude, at least, couldn't do much when he encountered Arel.
"Hey, Arel, let's make a deal—ow! Don't shove me! I told you my leg hurts!"
Every time he tried something, Wendy would forcibly shove him out of the way.
If not for timely interventions by his superiors, Arel might have been dragged off and corrupted long ago.
'Phew, I've made it to class safely today too.'
Swordsmanship and military studies weren't the only challenges Arel faced. Every day, he underwent mental training like this.
As a result, his patience and willpower grew stronger by the day.
The scholars who taught him were very fond of him, as he was quick to understand and always diligent in his studies—a model student who was a pleasure to teach.
After spending another productive day, Arel found it unusually difficult to fall asleep that night.
'To think we'll fight the barbarians again…'
He had always hoped for this day to come, but it seemed it might arrive sooner than expected.
He needed to become even stronger. Only then could he avenge his family and village.
And he would bring peace to the North, ensuring that its people no longer feared barbarian invasions.
'I will….'
He swore to himself.
He would make it happen.
No one else would endure the pain he had suffered.
***
"Bandits? Suddenly?"
"Yes, that's correct."
Returning from his inspection of the territory, Ghislain listened to Lowell's report with a puzzled expression.
With the kingdom in chaos, bandits could naturally spring up. Lords had gathered their armies at key strategic points, weakening the security of towns and villages.
But the locations where the bandits appeared were strange. Some places made sense, but others, like the route leading to the northern and western borders, were suspicious.
It was odd for bandits, who had been quiet until now, to suddenly become so active.
Pointing to various spots on a map, Lowell explained,
"With Marquis Rodrick gone and the West still unstable, it's not surprising to see bandits. But their appearance near our territory is suspicious."
Western bandits trembled at the mere mention of Fenris's name. Since Marquis Rodrick's defeat, many had been surrendering.
Moreover, Fenris's mobility was now known throughout the kingdom. If bandits appeared, Fenris forces could annihilate them in no time.
But bandits near Fenris's borders? That was practically begging to be wiped out. No bandit dumb enough to do that could survive long.
After a moment of thought, Ghislain spoke.
"Are they trying to divert our attention?"
"I believe that's highly likely. The only groups with such motives would be the Duchy and the Salvation Church."
"Hmm, which means…"
"Yes, it's likely they're trying to conceal something. And that something…might be the 'rift' we've been missing."
Lowell grinned slyly as he continued.
"I'd say there's a good chance."
Ghislain smiled back and asked, "Do we have a likely location?"
Lowell pointed to a spot on the map.
"Judging by the bandits' movements and their areas of activity, they're cleverly blocking paths in three territories. If I had to pick one, it'd be Baron Finros's territory, a former supporter of the Duchy. There's a small city along this route."
Ghislain immediately stood up.
"I needed to visit the West anyway. Perfect timing. It's not far. I'll check it out on the way."
"How should we prepare?"
"We need speed. Prepare only 200 knights."
"Understood."
"Oh, are the 'medicines' being delivered?"
"Yes, they're being sent to the Royalist faction and Perdium as they're produced. We've also shared the recipe and requested additional production. Marquis Branford will handle the deliveries to other kingdoms."
"Good. There's not much time left."
Ghislain gazed out of the darkened window.
Far in the distance, a few shooting stars streaked across the sky.
[T/L: Please support me and read 385 extra chapters: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]