WeTried Translations

Translator: Coughing Baby

Editor: Coughing Baby

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Chapter 141: Unique Sensibility

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Gladiheim stood at the summit of the Blade Mountain Range, at the Empire's northernmost edge. The Sword Hall, where countless Family Heads had resided throughout history, had a bleak interior.

The throne where so many Family Heads had sat was made from the same black Onyxia iron as Fenris, the symbol of the Founding Ancestor Ruin Alastor. Above it hung a large portrait of the Founding Ancestor.

Those were the only furnishings in the vast Sword Hall. Until ten years ago, Fenris had rested beneath the portrait. It had later been planted upright in the center of the Sword Hall, but after Fenris's owner was decided for the first time in centuries, only the black iron throne remained.

At least, that had been the case until recently. The former Family Heads might have mourned if they saw it, but the Sword Hall was no longer bleak.

Colorful.

New colors had been added. The black iron throne was decorated with ribbons and colored streamers, while drawings of every size covered the empty floor.

There must have been many adorable grandchildren throughout Alastor's history, grandchildren their grandparents treasured more than anything. Yet Kaya was surely the only one who had given the Sword Hall such a touch of her own sensibility.

'Then again, who knows? Perhaps the Sword Hall was decorated like this at some point in the past I don't know about.'

At the very least, the Sword Hall Julius had seen as a child had never had such touches. Julius had been more attached to the dignity of a Family Head than anyone before him, but in a sense, he had given up.

If the decorations were removed or the drawings erased, Kaya would cry. After he had met Kyle and Kaya, and Lavian, whom he had missed for so many years, awoke, Julius had become much gentler. He had always been particular about the dignity expected of a Family Head, but he had never clung to stale traditions. If he had truly been that stubborn about tradition, he never would have handed Fenris over to Kyle.

"..."

Julius stroked his smooth chin. That, too, was a sign of how he had changed.

He had recently shaved off the beard he had grown for years to preserve the dignity of a Family Head. Kaya, who had been enthusiastically playing with it until recently, had suddenly said she disliked her grandfather's beard. Lavian had also kept grumbling that it did not suit him.

[Your beard makes me look old too.]

His beloved wife refused to face the nineteen lost years as aging.

"Hm."

Still touching the chin that felt unfamiliar to him, Julius focused on the letter.

It had arrived from his grandson, who had left home for a while a month ago. Kaya, her hair in braids, sat on Julius's lap as he reread the letter several times, her round eyes sparkling. Lavian, seated in a wheelchair beside the throne, leaned in to read it with him. Arian and Aslan leaned over from the other side as well.

"Gwampa."

Three-year-old Kaya looked up at Julius, her words slightly slurred.

"When's Oppa coming back?"

The letter was too long and difficult for Kaya to read. Julius stroked her hair as he answered.

"It says it'll take a few more months."

"A few months? Not a few nights?"

"One month is thirty nights."

"Dat's too many. Can't it be one night?"

"That is not something I can decide."

Kaya's lips jutted out, and tension filled the Sword Hall. Everyone feared she might burst into tears, but thankfully, Kaya did not cry. She simply pouted and looked dejected. Julius swallowed his sigh of relief and patted her head.

"If you play every day, a few dozen nights will pass before you know it."

It was sad to watch his adorable granddaughter grow with each passing day, but the future also filled him with anticipation. Time passing made people grow.

Time flowed equally for everyone, but what people gained and how they grew within that time was never equal. Julius had known that because he had been born a genius, and watching his grandson, whose talent surpassed even his own, grow had made him feel it all the more keenly.

Perhaps Kaya did not possess talent like Kyle's. Still, that was all right. If Kaya found something she wanted to do, if the family supported her, and if she worked hard, she would surely bear some kind of fruit.

'Just like those children.'

Julius looked away from the letter and down at the people below. Alastor's purebloods had gathered beneath the throne, with the Sword Wolf Knights standing behind them.

Looking only at individual talent, none of the Sword Wolf Knights, aside from Lucia, possessed anything extraordinary. They could be called gifted, but not geniuses.

Yet they had grown strong. Geniuses could grow through innate talent alone, but those who were not geniuses grew because they admired the back before them and wished to follow it. In that respect, Kyle was an excellent goal to strive toward.

'No, that alone doesn't explain it. Should I say that meeting Kyle made their talent itself grow...?'

A month had passed since Kyle left Gladiheim.

During that month, the Sword Wolf Knights had entered the Cultivation Floors. Not one of the four had given up along the way. They had experienced death countless times within the Cultivation Floors, grown stronger, and borne fruit.

Lucia's growth, with her exceptional natural talent, was striking. Yet every other member had grown as well.

It was because of the seeds Kyle had planted in them. Whenever he had the chance, Kyle had dragged the members into sparring matches and taught each of them the sword in ways suited to them.

Those seeds had borne fruit as they endured the trials granted by the Cultivation Floors.

"Karthan."

Julius's calm gaze, which had rested on the young knights, turned to Karthan. Karthan bowed his head and stepped forward.

"Yes, Family Head."

"Read it."

Julius held out the letter. Karthan respectfully approached and accepted it. Returning to his place, Karthan quickly read it, and his eyes trembled.

"You all read it as well."

Julius spoke in a blunt voice. When Karthan finished, the letter passed to Katarina. While everyone read it in turn, Julius stroked his chin and sank into thought.

"It seems he is doing well."

After Erika, the youngest, finished reading the letter, Julius spoke.

"He resolved the request from Crow Company's Central Branch long ago, but as you know, the Sword Church Master intruded. He was caught up in it and left the Central Branch with them. He is now traveling to the Sword Grove with the Sword Church Master and the Fifth Apostle."

Only the purebloods had read the letter. It had not been passed to the Sword Wolf Knights. The members could guess why. If it had contained nothing but a simple update, there would have been no reason to prevent them from reading it. The letter contained information too heavy and extensive for ordinary members to see.

"It says the journey may take longer than expected. The Sword Church Master and the Fifth Apostle are actively teaching Kyle the sword. This is an opportunity he cannot easily find, and there is no urgent reason for him to return to Gladiheim at once. For the time being, I intend to let him do as he wishes."

The Sword Church Master was the greatest swordsman in the world, acknowledged by all. The Fifth Apostle was a swordswoman who could stand alongside the Ten Peaks. To travel with those two swordsmen every day and cross blades with them. Honestly, Julius himself wanted to kick open the doors of the Sword Hall and join Kyle's journey.

"The letter contained much concern for all of you because his return will be delayed. Lucia, how has your training been since leaving the Cultivation Floors?"

"I have been using the Crows' training simulator that the commander of the Sword Wolf Knights sent from the Central Branch."

Lucia answered in a mature voice. The device, which contained the Crows' latest technology, was used to cultivate their elite agents, including those who reached the artificial Boundary Realm. By inputting sword movements, users could examine their motions from various perspectives. It could also learn various patterns and repeat sparring sessions.

"There are also many Elixirs sent from the Central Branch. Your commander received them as compensation and asked that all of them be given to you. I will do so."

"Thank you."

"And my troublesome grandson also wrote that Aslan and I should personally instruct you."

Lucia and the members' eyes widened.

"You have already achieved remarkable growth compared to before Kyle left, but after learning from the Sword Church Master, he will return with standards raised just as high. If your growth displeases him, that troublesome and insolent boy will find fault with my instruction and claim it was inadequate."

"W-we will do our utmost to learn, so that we do not disgrace you, my lord."

Lucia stammered as she answered. It was an incredible opportunity for someone who was not even a pureblood to learn the sword from Alastor's Family Head.

"You must learn not only from me, but from Aslan as well. Aslan, who has done nothing but eat, finally has work to do."

Other than raising Kaya and training by himself, Aslan ordinarily did nothing in the Sword Tower.

"That is all I have to say to the Sword Wolf Knights for now. Lucia, take Kaya and the members out of the Sword Hall."

"Yes, my lord."

Now came the purebloods' conversation. Lucia bowed and approached the throne. Julius carefully lifted Kaya and passed her over to Lucia.

"Unni!"

Kaya laughed brightly as she fell into Lucia's arms. Once Kaya and the Sword Wolf Knights left, Julius immediately asked his children a question.

"What do you think of what was written in the letter?"

"An alliance with Duke Oun is dangerous, but the forces under his command would be useful."

Gerhard spoke.

"Duke Oun has already guessed that Alastor is watching the imperial family and the Moon Church. We have not yet taken a stance toward either the imperial family or the Moon Church, but if our observation continues, Duke Oun has enough influence to foment a split between Alastor and the imperial family."

"Garcia has grown quite a bit."

Julius muttered with a frown.

"It seems the fire at his feet is burning hot."

Alastor had also investigated the Crows. Duke Oun had not returned from the Dark Front for fifteen years, and his eldest son was managing the western headquarters in his place. Duke Oun continued directing the management from the Dark Front, but the eldest son was struggling to escape his father's shadow.

"The second son has secured a connection with Erebos, while the eldest daughter has joined hands with dark mages. We do not know exactly what they want, but Garcia cannot be pleased. His children are pursuing dreams of their own rather than worrying about their father."

"It is true that Duke Oun is isolated on the Dark Front, but the Crows' remaining strength is concentrated around him."

Gerhard touched his monocle.

"The Black Wing Guard, Duke Oun's personal guard, are all loyal retainers he personally raised and selected from childhood. If Duke Oun ordered it, they would not hesitate to kill themselves."

"What is the likelihood that the strength of the western headquarters turns its back on Garcia?"

"Even after fifteen years, Garod Rubalt, the president of the headquarters, remains a figurehead. It is true that quite a few follow him, but Garod has not yet seized control of the headquarters."

"The north and south are more concerning than the headquarters. Of the two, the south is the greater concern."

Julius's eyes narrowed. It was certain that the Crows' Northern Branch was plotting something with the Demon King of Erebos, and it was also certain they had sought to create biological weapons like Lucia. Yet all of that remained within Erebos for now and did not directly threaten Alastor or the continent.

The south was different. Galea Rubalt had joined hands with an unknown group of dark mages called Athanatoi, and she had even dared to approach Kyle.

The letter did not state the exact reason, but laying hands on a pureblood was not something to take lightly. On top of that, she was entangled with dark mages. Dark mages had gone into hiding and behaved themselves since the Dark Age, but they were still dangerous.

"We cannot strike the south immediately."

After a moment of thought, Julius spoke.

"Their ambition to rule the continent is absurd, but the situation is too unstable for us to attack the south when we do not even understand its forces. If we suffer losses, it will create difficulties later. What we must first uncover is the darkness within the imperial family and where that darkness came from."

"Will you join hands with Duke Oun?"

"Garcia has been waving about, begging us to join hands, has he not? It seems efficient to make use of the help he offers. Still, Garcia will remain on the Dark Front for the time being. The help Garcia brings us is not yet satisfactory enough to send Kyle and the knights to save him."

Julius made the judgment coldly. Duke Oun and his power were formidable, but they were not indispensable. If Duke Oun truly wished to board the same ship, he would have to reveal every card in his hand and expose his belly as he begged for help. Alastor held the hilt in this alliance.

"Assuming we cooperate with Garcia, the next alliance to consider is Izelion."

"Word has not yet arrived from Izelion's Family Head..."

"It seems he is having trouble persuading the Elders."

No matter how important tradition was, would they bind themselves to it when their family might perish at any moment? Muheok must have rushed to attempt his undertaking because that situation frustrated him, but it was strange that no word had come at all.

"We will watch Izelion for the time being. What do you all think of the Sword Church?"

"A mate... you mean?"

"Yes."

The purebloods' expressions, which had been grave as they discussed weighty matters, gradually became complicated and strange. Katarina's expression was especially so. Despite being Julius's eldest daughter, she had never even dated, much less married. Yet her nephew, who was only fifteen years old and far younger than her, had written to tell them about marriage.

"Not even a human, but an elf... and one over five hundred years old..."

Erika muttered with a troubled expression.

"Age does not matter."

Katarina said coldly. Erika flinched and quickly nodded.

"R-right, age does not matter. The other person is an elf, after all."

"Elves live more than a thousand years. In human years, how old would the Sword Church Master be?"

Barkas muttered, and Dante clutched his stomach and burst out laughing.

"Puhaha! Hyung, what does human years even mean?"

"Think of animals. If their Lifespans differ, we must calculate their ages differently as well."

"No, you were being serious, not joking? Even so, five hundred years is a little..."

"I said age does not matter."

Katarina spoke again.

"We Alastors are a Martial family. What we should consider is not the Sword Church Master's age, but how strong the Sword Church Master is. Where in the world is there a swordsman stronger than the Sword Church Master?"

"Katarina is right."

Karthan spoke, understanding his younger sister's feelings.

"For such a swordsman to cherish Kyle and choose Kyle as her mate... we should be grateful. Kyle is still too young, but it is not as though they intend to marry at once."

"I like Kyle's answer."

Katarina nodded.

"He said he would seriously consider marriage after becoming stronger than the Sword Church Master. That is how an Alastor should be."

Katarina had resolved in childhood to marry a swordsman stronger than herself, but no swordsman stronger than her had come to ask for her hand, so she remained unmarried.

"Even if it does not lead to marriage... maintaining friendly relations with the Sword Church would be a great blessing."

"If they truly do marry, the question will be children."

Julius muttered.

"I hear that elf and human Half-bloods are extremely rare."

"They may be rare, but it is not as if none are ever born."

Arian glared at Julius with wide eyes.

"And what is there to think about? If they like each other, they get married."

"Kyle is better than you. You married Aslan and left without even telling your family, simply because you liked him. This boy has not even made a decision yet, but he informed his family in advance and asked what we thought."

"Ahem..."

Arian had made one unnecessary remark and earned herself a scolding.

"The letter contained a great deal, but we should congratulate him. Kyle has reached the Boundary Realm."

That was why Roel had maintained a sour expression ever since reading the letter. Reaching the Will Realm at fifteen would already have been absurd, but the Boundary Realm? Did that make any sense?

"It seems he has moved beyond simply entering it and is seriously considering Sublimation. The process of establishing one's own world is long and arduous."

Julius furrowed his brow slightly and tilted his head.

"I do not understand why he is asking us to tell him the True Declarations of the Sublimations we achieved."

"Perhaps he wishes to hear our True Declarations and use them as reference."

"Would someone who had enough self-love to call himself the Black Sword really listen to other people's True Declarations for reference?"

"Kyle will soon be sixteen. He has reached the age where he might find the sensibilities of his fifteen-year-old self embarrassing."

The unique sensibility of that age inevitably became an embarrassing part of the past with every passing year.

Footnotes:

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