Reborn as a Blind Noble Swordsman

A week before the event, servants moved busily throughout the Valtor estate, preparing for the arrival of noble guests, extended family members, and military officials. The halls buzzed with whispered conversations, speculation, and gossip.

Servant 1: "The estate hasn't been this lively in years. It seems the Duke wants to make this a grand occasion."

Servant 2: "Of course. Lord Leon is the heir. This is his introduction to the nobility as the future Duke."

Servant 3: "I heard Duke Reinhardt is finally letting the blind boy attend..."

Servant 4 scoffed. "What's the point? He'll just embarrass himself."

Haruto, passing by, heard every word. His expression remained unreadable, but as he returned to his room, he reflected on their words.

"So, I am to be paraded out for the first time? Not out of recognition, but as an afterthought?"

He had long since stopped expecting acknowledgment, but this only confirmed his position further. His presence was not meant to be celebrated. It was tolerated.

A Visit from His Mother

That evening, his mother, Lady Selene, visited him in his quarters.

Lady Selene: "Haruto, you will attend the gathering this year."

Haruto remained silent. He knew this was not his father's decision. He waited for an explanation.

She knelt beside him, placing a gentle hand on his face. Her voice was soft but firm.

Lady Selene: "I know how your father sees you. I know what the nobles whisper."

A pause, then she continued, her tone resolute.

Lady Selene: "But if you do not appear at least once, you will be completely erased from this family's history. I cannot allow that."

Haruto considered her words. He did not believe that simply appearing would change anything. The nobles had already decided his worth. But he understood his mother's intent.

With a calm, emotionless tone, he simply responded, "I see. I will go."

Lady Selene sighed in quiet relief. "Thank you, Haruto."

The Banquet Begins

The grand banquet hall filled with nobles, their voices blending into a constant murmur of conversation. Laughter, clinking glasses, and the sounds of aristocracy enjoying themselves.

Noble 1: "It has been years since House Valtor hosted such a gathering."

Noble 2: "With Lord Leon being officially introduced, it is only natural."

Noble 3: "The future of House Valtor is bright."

But the moment Haruto stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. The room fell into an awkward silence before whispers began to spread.

Noble 1: "So the blind son really exists?"

Noble 2: "Why bring him here now?"

Noble 3: "A waste of noble blood."

Haruto, despite hearing every word, kept his face unreadable and calmly walked forward. Inside his mind, however, thoughts swirled.

"So this is how they see me. Not as a person, not as family. Just a mistake."

At the head of the hall, Duke Reinhardt stood beside Leon, proudly introducing him to the nobles.

Duke Reinhardt: "My son, Leon, the future of House Valtor."

Nobles laughed and congratulated them.

Noble 1: "A fine boy, strong for his age."

Noble 2: "A natural talent."

Leon, smiling, thanked them all. He had once looked up to Haruto, but now, he basked in their approval. In his mind, he knew:

"I am the heir. I am the one who matters. My brother... is nothing."

Haruto stood there, waiting—not out of expectation, but curiosity. Would his father acknowledge him?

The answer came in silence.

Duke Reinhardt never looked in his direction. He continued speaking as if Haruto did not exist.

Haruto's thoughts: "I am invisible to him. I always have been."

A Public Display of Favoritism

Duke Reinhardt stood at the center of the hall, commanding attention with his presence. The nobles, knights, and officials fell silent, anticipating his words.

Haruto, standing in the background, already predicted what was about to happen.

Duke Reinhardt: "Tonight, I present to you the future of House Valtor—my son and heir, Leon Valtor."

Leon, dressed in a finely embroidered noble uniform, stood beside his father, his golden hair neatly combed. He was still young, but his posture was strong, and his eyes gleamed with excitement.

Noble 1: "A fine boy, strong for his age."

Noble 2: "He will be a great swordsman, just like his father."

To further prove Leon's potential, Duke Reinhardt gestured to a knight.

Duke Reinhardt: "Show them, Leon. Let them see what a true heir of Valtor is capable of."

A training sword was handed to Leon. The knight knelt, ready to test him.

Leon tightened his grip, his heart racing. "This is my chance. I must prove I am worthy."

The knight began with slow strikes, testing Leon's reflexes. Leon dodged and countered, his movements fast for a child.

Leon: "I have trained for this. I won't disappoint Father."

The knight increased the speed, making Leon struggle, but he adapted, blocking an incoming strike and delivering a clean hit to the knight's side.

The nobles applauded.

Duke Reinhardt: "A natural warrior. Strong, decisive, fearless."

Leon felt pride swell in his chest. "This is where I belong."

Noble 1: "A fine heir."

Noble 2: "Duke Reinhardt has raised a worthy successor."

Throughout this, Haruto remained unnoticed. No one spoke his name. No one acknowledged him.

Haruto's thoughts: "They have already decided who matters in this family. My existence holds no meaning to them."

The Final Insult

After Leon's demonstration, a noble turned to Duke Reinhardt.

Noble Guest: "And what of your firstborn, my lord? Will he not be presented as well?"

Duke Reinhardt's response was cold and absolute.

Duke Reinhardt: "There is no place for the weak in House Valtor. Leon is the only son worthy of my name."

Silence fell over the hall. Then—laughter.

Nobles chuckled, whispering behind their hands.

Noble 1: "How harsh."

Noble 2: "But true."

Haruto did not flinch. He did not react. He simply stood there, unmoving, listening to the final confirmation that he was nothing to them.

As the banquet continued, Haruto had already made his decision.

He did not seek his father's approval. He did not feel anger.

He only felt one thing—determination.

The First Acknowledgment

After Leon's grand introduction as the heir, the nobles returned to their discussions, feasts, and alliances, completely ignoring Haruto's existence. The banquet hall was alive with chatter and laughter, yet Haruto stood alone, listening to every word spoken about him.

Nobles Whispering:

Noble 1: "Why is he even here? He's not even part of the family's future."

Noble 2: "I doubt he can even hold a sword, let alone wield one properly."

Noble 3: "A blind noble… utterly useless. What could he possibly contribute?"

Noble 4: "I heard the Duke doesn't even acknowledge him. A shame, really. To be born noble but treated as a ghost."

Noble 5: "Some say he trains in secret. But what's the point? He'll never match Lord Leon."

Despite the ridicule, Haruto remained calm and emotionless, standing straight, refusing to show any weakness. Inside, his thoughts stirred.

Haruto's Thoughts:

"So this is how they see me. An afterthought. A mistake."

"They assume my worth is tied to my sight. They think I am nothing."

"Let them talk. Words mean nothing. Strength is the only truth."

"They look at me as if I don't belong. But I was born in this house, just as Leon was. Yet, I am invisible to them."

As the noble children ran around, showing off their skills in mock duels or boasting about their training, one girl quietly observed Haruto from across the room.

She was Amelia Valtor (Age 8), a distant cousin of House Valtor. Unlike the others, she did not mock him, nor did she look at him with pity. Instead, she was curious.

Amelia had long, silvery-white hair that flowed past her shoulders, slightly curled at the ends. Her bright emerald-green eyes held a sharpness beyond her years, filled with intelligence and playfulness. She wore an elegant, dark blue noble dress with golden embroidery, her posture graceful yet relaxed. She carried herself with confidence, unbothered by the rigid formalities of noble gatherings.

As she studied Haruto, she noticed how he stood—still, calm, unaffected by the murmurs around him. That alone intrigued her.

After a moment of hesitation, she walked toward him, stopping beside him.

Amelia: "You're Haruto, right?"

Haruto remained calm. "Yes."

He didn't react much, assuming she would mock him like the others.

Amelia (bluntly): "Why is everyone ignoring you?"

Haruto was caught slightly off guard. Most nobles pretended he didn't exist, but this girl spoke to him so casually.

Haruto: "Because they already decided I'm not worth noticing."

Amelia giggled. "That's dumb. You're still a Valtor, aren't you?"

Haruto tilted his head slightly, intrigued. No one had ever spoken to him like this before.

Unlike the other nobles who either ignored or insulted him, Amelia spoke to him as an equal. He sensed no hostility or mockery in her voice—just honesty.

Haruto: "…You're different from the others."

Amelia (grinning): "Obviously."

She did not pity him, nor did she treat him like an outsider. Instead, she seemed fascinated by how, despite everything, Haruto stood tall and unshaken by the whispers.

Amelia crossed her arms. "So, do you actually train? Or are the rumors just exaggerations?"

Haruto turned his head slightly toward her. "You seem quite interested in me."

Amelia smirked. "Well, you're the only one not acting like a peacock in this room. That alone makes you interesting."

Haruto thought for a moment before answering. "I train."

Amelia raised an eyebrow. "Even though you can't see?"

Haruto remained composed. "I don't need sight to be strong."

Amelia's eyes glimmered with amusement. "That's a bold claim. But… I kind of like it."

For the first time in a long while, Haruto felt something unfamiliar—acknowledgment, not out of pity or scorn, but genuine curiosity.

"Most would laugh at the idea," he said.

"Most are idiots," Amelia shot back. "They only believe what they can see. But strength isn't just about what's obvious."

Haruto found himself silently agreeing.

Amelia then asked, "So, how do you fight? How do you know where things are?"

Haruto hesitated before answering. "I listen. I feel the movement in the air. I use everything but my eyes."

Amelia let out an impressed whistle. "That actually sounds kind of cool. I'd love to see you fight one day."

Haruto was silent for a moment before replying. "Maybe you will."

While the other nobles dismissed him, Amelia became the first noble to acknowledge him as a person, not as a "blind disgrace."

Amelia's Thoughts:

"Haruto is different from the others. He doesn't need attention or validation. He just exists, completely unfazed by their cruelty. That makes him stronger than they realize."

Haruto's Thoughts:

"This girl… she is unlike anyone else here. She does not see me as weak. She does not mock me. She simply… speaks to me."

This moment marked the beginning of their friendship, even if Haruto did not fully realize it yet.

The Vow of Strength

After their conversation, Haruto and Amelia sat together for a short while—an unusual sight among the nobles. While others continued to ignore him, Amelia casually talked to him as if they had known each other for years.

They exchanged thoughts and opinions, learning more about each other. Amelia subtly helped him navigate the room, ensuring he wasn't left behind in conversations or overlooked when food was served.

Haruto's Thoughts:

"She doesn't pity me. She doesn't mock me. She treats me as an equal… Why?"

"I had assumed all nobles were the same—shallow, self-serving. But she's… different."

Though reserved, Haruto acknowledged her kindness. It was the first time a noble from his family had treated him like an equal. Even though it didn't change how he was seen by others, it was a small moment of warmth in an otherwise cold night.

Haruto's Thoughts:

"It means nothing in the long run. But… for this moment, I will allow myself to accept it."

However, that moment was soon shattered.

The Duke's Declaration

As the banquet neared its end, a loud chime echoed through the hall, signaling that the Duke was about to speak.

Duke Reinhardt stood, his mere presence commanding immediate silence. Haruto already knew what was coming, but he listened closely.

Duke Reinhardt: "Tonight, we gather not only to strengthen our bonds but to secure the future of House Valtor."

He glanced at Leon, resting a hand on his shoulder.

Duke Reinhardt: "And here stands the one who will lead us into that future—my son and heir, Leon Valtor!"

Applause erupted, and Leon, despite being only six, puffed out his chest with pride.

Leon's Thoughts:

"This is my moment. The whole world will recognize me."

"I am the heir. The one who matters."

"Even my brother—the one I once admired—he is nothing compared to me now."

The nobles praised him, toasting to his name.

Noble Guests:

Noble 1: "A future leader, indeed!"

Noble 2: "House Valtor will only grow stronger with him at the helm."

Noble 3: "A true prodigy, just like his father."

Duke Reinhardt's expression was filled with pride as he looked down at Leon, the son who would carry his name.

Duke Reinhardt's Thoughts:

"Leon is everything a Valtor should be. Strong, capable, and filled with potential."

"A warrior must possess strength, not just in body but in mind. He must stand above all others, commanding respect, not pity."

"There is no room for weakness in House Valtor. And there is no room for Haruto."

The Duke tightened his grip on Leon's shoulder, making sure everyone saw the confidence he had in his son.

Duke Reinhardt: "Leon, you will one day lead this house. You will carry the legacy of our ancestors and surpass even me. Do you understand?"

Leon nodded, his young face serious, determined to prove himself.

Leon: "Yes, Father. I will become stronger than anyone. I will never disappoint you."

The Question That Changed the Atmosphere

In the middle of the celebration and praise, a high-ranking noble from an allied house suddenly spoke up.

Noble Guest: "Duke Reinhardt, if I may ask—what of your firstborn?"

The question hung in the air like a blade.

The room fell into brief silence. For the first time that night, all eyes turned toward Haruto.

Even Amelia, who had been enjoying her time with Haruto, tensed slightly, sensing the shift in the atmosphere.

Duke Reinhardt did not hesitate. He didn't even glance at Haruto. His voice was cold, absolute, and filled with finality.

Duke Reinhardt (flatly, without emotion): "There is no place for the weak in House Valtor."

His next words were even harsher.

Duke Reinhardt: "Leon is the only son worthy of my name."

The words cut through the room like a blade.

Then—laughter.

The nobles chuckled in amusement, nodding in agreement.

Noble Guests:

Noble 1: "As expected."

Noble 2: "A wise decision, Duke Reinhardt. Strength must come before sentiment."

Noble 3: "No room for weakness in a family of warriors."

Leon looked toward Haruto, his once-admiring eyes now filled with quiet superiority.

Leon's Thoughts:

"Even Father doesn't acknowledge him. He truly is nothing."

"I once looked up to him, but now… I see how pathetic he is."

"I am the heir. I am strong. And he is forgotten."

Leon took a deep breath, then confidently spoke in front of the nobles.

Leon: "I will not let House Valtor fall into weakness. I will become the greatest warrior this family has ever known."

Duke Reinhardt nodded in approval.

Duke Reinhardt: "That is what it means to be a Valtor. Strength is the only thing that matters."

Haruto's Reaction

Haruto did not react outwardly. He did not flinch, did not bow his head. But inside, something hardened.

Amelia was stunned. She expected cold treatment toward Haruto, but this was a public rejection.

She glanced at Haruto, expecting to see sadness or pain—but there was none. Instead, he remained perfectly calm, his expression unreadable. But she noticed something… the way his hands tightened just slightly, the way his breathing slowed as if holding something deep inside.

Amelia (whispering): "Haruto… that's not fair."

Haruto (calmly): "It was never meant to be."

But inside, Haruto made a silent vow.

Haruto's Vow:

"They believe I am nothing."

"They think I have already lost."

"Then I will carve my name into history so deeply that they will never forget it."

From this moment on, Haruto did not seek their approval. He did not train to gain recognition—

He trained to surpass them all.

To be continued…