How to Live as a Swordmaster of the Enemy Nation

The Changing Knight Order

Having succeeded in persuading him, Gregory looked at Hemingway with a dazed face. Hemingway, seeing this, informed Gregory once again.

"You may go. But, never do anything that would undermine your honor."

Gregory, whose Verk's curse had only recently been lifted, felt a certain satisfaction that his father seemed to finally recognize him.

To appear as mature as possible, he concealed his pleased feelings. He believed that showing emotion was unbecoming of the heir who would one day lead a noble family.

Gregory knelt on one knee, bent one arm before him, and bowed his head deeply as he spoke.

"I will keep that in mind."

Hemingway picked up a pen right there and began writing something. It was a letter for Gregory's participation in the martial arts tournament of the enemy state, blandi. Without the signature of him as the Ashborn family head, Gregory would be rejected everywhere he went.

Gregory had persuaded both Walter and Hemingway up to now in order to obtain that letter.

After finishing the letter and sealing it with wax, Hemingway took something else out. It was the insignia of the Radiant Light Order. He temporarily bestowed it upon Gregory.

"Take this with you as well."

A rising sun. Wings wrapped around the sun to symbolize sanctity, and a lion brought to life. That was the symbol representing the Radiant Light Order.

That alone was an excellent way to show the nobility and holiness of the Order.

With that insignia, for the time being, the plan would proceed without a hitch. At least in Arme, it was such a grand symbol that it stood just after the king's order.

Except in times of war, for a knight who was a member of the order to cross into another country, the permission of the head of the Order was required.

If not for Hemingway's decision, Gregory would not have been able to go to the Blandi Kingdom, nor participate in Radian's martial arts tournament.

"Thank you."

"Yes, go on. It is to prevent a war, even if only a moment earlier."

"I will take my leave. I hope to bring you good news."

Creeeak—

Gregory tightly grasped the letter in his hand and, with proper decorum, left the office. It felt entirely different from the tense and oppressive atmosphere at home.

He couldn't tell whether it was because his mana rank had increased or because Hemingway was acknowledging him as a future leader of Ashborn. Either way, now his mind grew ever more impatient with the thought that he could prevent the war.

After Gregory left the office, Hemingway gazed blankly at the entrance for some time. It became an occasion for him to have many reflections.

'Is someone who wields red aura capable of such things?'

Even though he had entrusted Gregory with both the insignia and the letter, Hemingway couldn't quite believe the rumor that Ernest had already been outshone by Gregory. What's more, such eloquence and insight.

It was not the kind of composure expected of youth. Hemingway felt an odd sense as if he were speaking with a peer, but all he had was a hunch.

In any case, the thought that the war, which he too wished to stop but could not, might yet be stopped filled his face with joy.

If he continued to grow up right, he would become an unparalleled swordsman, one who would save the nation on the brink of war and take his place as the mightiest Swordmaster ever seen.

About that time, Magnus knocked on the door.

"Come in."

Magnus entered the office, and Hemingway questioned him.

"Have you investigated the red mana?"

"There is no progress yet."

Hemingway believed the reason for Gregory's rapid growth was thanks to the red mana. He had ordered Magnus to conduct a covert investigation into the origins of the red mana.

"I'll brew you some tea. There's still plenty of time, so let's think calmly."

"Thank you. There's no shortage of things to worry about."

As expected, there were no results from the investigation. The existence of red mana itself was so shrouded in mystery. Magnus had only just recently confirmed that red mana truly existed in the past, and that was all.

With such meager information, Hemingway's curiosity only grew even more intense. For now, he decided to gather additional information about red mana before reporting it.

***

Another five days passed. In the distance, through the straight-standing trees, the faint figures of the Dawn Order began to come into view.

He reduced his speed as he approached the knight order, so as not to disrupt their training. Contrary to Gregory's intentions, his companions welcomed him.

Ernest was the first to greet Gregory as he dismounted and strode forward.

"You're back. The knight commander said you were entrusted with an important mission."

"Uh, yes..."

Gregory felt apologetic toward Ernest. For Ernest, hearing that Gregory was entrusted with a major mission was no different from his own status falling. After all, as the senior and stronger one, it meant he was not chosen.

Even so, Ernest looked more at ease than before.

For some reason, Gregory was reminded of when he had talked with Ernest about inheriting the position of the next family head and the leader of the Dawn Order.

The next family head would naturally be Ernest as the eldest son, but at this rate, he might not succeed as the Order's commander. Still, Gregory couldn't understand why Ernest seemed so unfazed.

This time, Alessandro quietly approached.

"Gregory, I'm not sure where you've been, but I'm glad you're safe. That's so like you, Gregory. So cool. So cool!! Someday, I'm definitely going to be just like you."

"What's with you?"

Alessandro responded, rubbing his head at Gregory's comment. Normally, his hair was wild and red like a bird's nest, but for some reason, it was now shaved.

"Oh, are you talking about this? I shaved my head to become a great swordsman."

"Why shave your head to be a great swordsman?"

"Why? Isn't it cool?"

"Yeah, it's cool."

Mulling over Alessandro's words, Gregory became certain that Walter was treating this mission as top secret.

He thought perhaps the matter would be resolved and brushed aside if approved, but Walter seemed convinced that Hemingway would be swayed by Gregory.

That was why he judged the event as important and did not tell anyone about it.

Looking into Alessandro's sparkling eyes, Gregory replied with a bright smile.

"Thank you. But this is only the beginning. Since I'm now assigned to a near-confidential operation, I can't share the details."

Alessandro's expression turned flustered. He answered in a pleading tone.

"You've been away for nearly ten days, and now you say it's just beginning? Does that mean you'll be gone again for a while?"

"This time, it'll be even longer. Make sure to fully memorize and correct everything I taught you last time."

"Uh, okay..."

When Gregory looked out for him, Alessandro felt thankful—but didn't show it.

Just at that moment, someone's gaze was felt from behind. When Gregory turned, he saw Brea, arms folded and hip cocked, staring at him.

Catching Gregory's eyes, Brea put on a sulky act.

"Hmph, what's so great about your big mission anyway? I'll take on even greater missions than that one day."

"I see.... You're the best!"

Gregory praised her perfunctorily and moved on, not wanting to bother with them. He felt as if someone was missing. Gregory turned his head and looked for someone.

Elisabeth showed no curiosity about where Gregory had been; she was silently absorbed in her training and didn't look particularly interested.

'Everyone but Elisabeth is gathered here... I'm so busy. I'd better get going.'

Turning on his heel, he headed for the Dawn Order's base to seek Walter. Due to the noise, Walter was already outside the base.

"You're here. Come inside."

Welcoming Gregory, Walter opened the door of the base and instructed Kylas to make sure no one else entered the room.

Watching all this, Gregory immediately realized Walter was about to discuss the Blandi Kingdom with him.

Inside, the base looked entirely different. In the ten days he'd been away, even the atmosphere of the place had changed.

Last time, it felt like a rowdy tavern where roughnecks might run wild, but now all the necessary furniture was there, and a new chef had been hired.

Unlike before with so few people, new comrades had been added to the order, and so a first-class cook was brought on.

During his visits to the Radiant Light Order, Gregory had gnawed on hard, tasteless bread to stave off hunger, unable to carry large provisions because of the rapid travel required. The only thing he could bring in portions was that tough bread.

Because of that, his stomach was grumbling with hunger, but at that very moment, Walter had, as if on cue, prepared a banquet with various ingredients.

"Ah, hello."

"Ohoho, I'm meeting you for the first time. Pleased to meet you."

The chef was a beautiful woman. Her pink hair flowed and was tied at back in a long ponytail—she looked stunning. Seeing her cook with slender hands was a bit worrying, but she moved skillfully.

Whoosh, whoosh—

Walter, proud, watched Gregory, who in turn was staring intently at the chef's skills, and spoke with satisfaction.

"This is the person who'll be preparing our meals from now on. Our budget shot up since our numbers grew."

"That's fortunate."

Soon, a dish created by Helne, the new Dawn Order chef, was brought out. Though a simple stir-fry, it was presented so elegantly on the plate it looked refined.

"Please enjoy."

As Gregory chewed the food heartily, he looked over at Walter, who seemed quite impatient. Soon, unable to contain himself, Walter got straight to the point.

"What did my brother say? Did he agree to send you to the Blandi Kingdom?"

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
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