With the splendid entrance of Northern Sword Duke Daemon, clad in a magnificent black uniform and a handsome laurel wreath, everyone respectfully knelt on one knee.
"We greet the Northern Sword Duke."
The sight of them all shouting in unison was truly a magnificent spectacle in itself.
Watching this, Ruin muttered to himself.
'No wonder Linegrime is called the sky of the north.'
[At least that family head is worth looking at. This generation is done for, completely done for.]
Thanks to the Sword Soul, who had been ceaselessly muttering and evaluating the strengths of those around him since earlier.
Ruin was in quite a headache-inducing situation.
Even during his conversation with Snow Rock Leader Freon just moments ago.
[This one's truly a pity. His foundation isn't bad, but he hasn't received proper instruction.]
The Sword Soul kept laying out evaluations, insisting that if he imparted his teachings, the man could become a far superior swordsman.
Tap!
[Ouch, why are you suddenly hitting me?!]
Unable to hold back any longer, Ruin lightly tapped the Sword Soul hanging at his waist, prompting a fierce reaction.
'Please be quiet now.'
[Quiet? What...! I didn't say anything wrong. No need to pay attention or even look at them. This Linegrime generation is total trash, utter crap. Shit!]
Ruin could only sigh inwardly and shake his head at the words that would shock anyone who overheard.
[So hurry up and accept my teachings, then spread Linegrime's prestige across the continent...]
Thud!
As the Northern Sword Duke finally entered the banquet hall and took his seat at the central head table prepared for him, the large doors closed.
He slowly extended his hand and murmured.
"Everyone, rise."
At the Northern Sword Duke's commanding order, those who had been kneeling on one knee with heads bowed stood up once more.
"This banquet is prepared for the children who passed the Sword Selection Ceremony. The protagonists today are not me, but those children, so pay me no mind and enjoy yourselves freely."
In response to the Northern Sword Duke's declaration in a low tone, everyone bowed their heads and replied.
"Thank you, my lord."
"As you wish, my lord!"
"We shall obey your command."
Though their voices and responses varied, the intent was the same.
Following Northern Sword Duke Daemon's directive, they resolved not to view this banquet as a formal affair but to relax and enjoy it.
Soon, they began laughing and chattering noisily as before.
And gradually, the atmosphere in the banquet hall ripened.
Of course.
"Still shamelessly hanging around."
"Tsk tsk, if he had any sense of face, he'd have left long ago."
"Just like his parent, totally self-centered."
"And what about the one who took him under his wing?"
"...Quite disappointing, Snow Rock Leader. Didn't think he was like that."
"Who would've thought the once-idol of swordsmen would become a dog of power. Tsk."
There were still those who continued their criticisms and gossip about Ruin and Snow Rock Leader Freon.
It was at that moment.
"Ahem!"
Someone cleared their throat loudly and pushed their way into the group of chattering people.
"Huh?"
Startled by the person forcefully shoving in, the group stumbled back.
And then.
"Who the... Oh?"
"Isn't that Heinz?"
The ones who had been absorbed in badmouthing Ruin and Freon reacted with wide-eyed surprise at the middle-aged man with striking blond hair and beard who had suddenly interrupted and pushed them aside.
"My apologies. It's been a while since I attended a banquet like this, so I had trouble finding my way."
The man burst into hearty laughter and scratched the back of his head.
"Ah, no problem. It happens."
"Hahaha, yeah. But be careful. I almost tripped."
"Come to think of it, Viscount Kuril was looking for us, wasn't he?"
"Oh, really? Let's go then. Can't keep him waiting."
Forcing awkward laughs, they soon turned pale and began fleeing the scene.
Once the group that had been most persistently cursing Ruin and Freon had left.
"Tch, pathetic bunch."
The blond middle-aged man, Heinz, shook his head and muttered.
Then, he approached Ruin and Freon with a bright smile.
"Freon!"
"...Heinz."
Snow Rock Leader Freon relaxed his stiff expression and called his name.
"You seem quite popular, huh?"
"If you're here to tease, why not just keep going on your way?"
"Whoa, this guy. He doesn't say a word to others, but he's merciless with me."
"I didn't say anything because they're not worth responding to."
"Oh, sure. As if our esteemed Azure Light Sword would do otherwise."
Heinz chuckled and naturally placed a hand on Snow Rock Leader Freon's shoulder.
Freon let out a wry smile.
"Sigh, fine. Thanks for the help."
"Hahaha, no need. I didn't come here to hear that."
Waving it off, Heinz turned his gaze to Ruin standing beside them.
"So you're the famous Cabel's son?"
"Hello."
Ruin bowed politely in greeting toward Heinz.
At the same time, in his ear.
[Hmm, this one's foundation isn't bad either. Seems like he's had some decent training... But his potential hasn't fully awakened yet. Tsk, what a shame.]
The Sword Soul's voice continued evaluating people.
It was then.
"And the protagonist who's been keeping my one and only daughter up at night?"
"Huh?"
Caught off guard by the unexpected comment, Ruin soon realized the situation.
'Ah, so this is Maylin's father.'
Heinz Linegrime.
Though from a distant branch far from the direct line, he was evaluated as having talent and skill far surpassing most direct descendants.
He currently operated an independent combat unit called the Blue Wind Squad.
"No, just kidding. Kidding."
Quickly waving his hands, Heinz glanced around and muttered in a low voice.
"If you happen to run into my daughter, don't tell her I said that..."
"Dad!"
Suddenly, a booming voice came from behind, accompanied by the appearance of a familiar blond-haired girl.
"M-Maylin. You're here?"
"What are you... Ruin?"
Maylin, who had approached with a furious expression ready to scold her father, tilted her head upon spotting Ruin.
She then walked over to him.
"Hello, Uncle Freon. Long time no see."
"Yeah, it's been a while, Maylin."
Seeming to have met Snow Rock Leader Freon a few times before, Maylin exchanged a somewhat warm greeting before narrowing one eye and asking her father.
"What were you talking about?"
"Talking? Haha, just greetings. Right, Ruin?"
"...."
Ruin could only remain silent at Heinz's awkwardly forced laugh as he eyed his daughter nervously.
'This guy has no talent for acting.'
He couldn't even pull off his own performance, so what lies was he planning...
[He seems quite lacking compared to his talent.]
For the first time, Ruin shared a similar thought with the Sword Soul and subtly nodded where no one could see.
At that moment.
"Uncle Freon. What was my dad talking about?"
Deciding that pressing her father or Ruin further wouldn't yield much, Maylin turned to the ever-upright and steadfast Snow Rock Leader Freon.
"We were talking about you."
"My story? What about it?"
Glaring at her father with eyes that could shoot lasers, Maylin asked, and Freon replied without a change in expression.
"He said he's been feeling complicated in many ways since you obtained the Black Dragon Sword this time."
"Huh? Ah...."
At Freon's answer, Maylin was momentarily speechless, her mouth agape, before looking at her father Heinz with eyes filled with complex emotions.
"I told you. No need to worry. Don't believe in that curse."
Speaking more resolutely and gravely than ever, Maylin prompted a brief flicker in Heinz's eyes before he nodded with a calm expression.
"Yeah, Maylin. I trust my daughter."
As the father and daughter exchanged a warm gaze, Maylin tilted her head and muttered.
"...But when I was coming over, it looked like you were talking to Ruin, not Uncle Freon?"
"Ahem. Maylin, how about we head over there? We should greet Uncle Pallen too."
Still not fully dispelling her suspicions, her gaze on her father prompted Heinz to quickly change the subject.
Maylin nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, sure. But hold on a sec."
Then.
"Ruin."
Approaching Ruin once more, she wore a similar expression as before.
"What?"
"I'm sorry about last time."
Maylin suddenly apologized for her previous behavior.
"I should've considered your position instead of just insisting on my own. I think I was a bit immature. So, I wanted to apologize. Sorry."
"...."
Caught off guard by Maylin's sudden apology, Ruin stared at her blankly for a moment, at a loss for words.
'Ha. Thanks on her own terms, apologies on her own terms too?'
Amused inwardly at how everything seemed to revolve around her self-centered actions, Ruin soon stared intently at her.
The girl before him, with her blond hair and droplet-hued dress, formed a strikingly harmonious color palette, exuding a noble elegance and beauty despite her young age.
However.
Her anxiously darting eyes showed she was quite nervous right now.
Typical behavior for a kid her age.
"Fine, I'll accept that apology."
Ruin soon nodded, accepting her apology, and Maylin broke into a bright smile, nodding back.
"Phew, at least you accepted this time. Whether it's an apology or thanks."
"What?"
"Nothing, I was just a bit scared you'd reject it again."
Maylin openly revealed her honest feelings in front of everyone without hiding.
Her father and Snow Rock Leader Freon watched her with eyes that didn't seem to find it displeasing.
And right then.
"But hey, Ruin."
Calling Ruin again, she asked with a smile plastered across her face.
"What did my dad say to you earlier?"
"...."
Heinz's pleased expression shattered at Maylin's hunter-like quality, seizing any momentary gap to get what she wanted.
"...To have three such splendid and excellent sons—I'm truly envious."
"As if they compare to Count Duken's children. Well, see you next time."
"Hahaha, yes, let's do that."
Following his father Oswell, the boy Seron was emerging as the true star of this banquet.
At his waist hung the Sword Saint's sword he had claimed in this Sword Selection.
And most people he encountered kept chattering endlessly about how the Sword Saint's legend would be recreated.
The next Sword Saint, or the reincarnation of the Sword Saint.
"Seron, people's eyes and attention are on you. Don't lose focus."
"Yes, Father."
Whenever he started to slack even a little, Oswell's sharp voice would snap him back, and Seron straightened his posture.
Striving to act with a mix of confidence and humility, liveliness and a touch of melancholy.
'Haa, this is exhausting.'
Of course, inwardly, he sighed deeply, venting his dissatisfaction with the current situation.
'What the hell is so great about this Sword Saint anyway!'
Ever since obtaining the Azure Light Sword, Seron Linegrime had been growing increasingly irritated by the constant barrage of the word "Sword Saint."
But.
"Of course, just because others praise you doesn't mean you should think highly of yourself. Don't make that mistake, Seron."
"I understand, Father."
He could only reply politely to Oswell's firm tone from beside him.
"You're still a lacking fellow with much to learn. Never become arrogant, and continue your rigorous efforts. You know better than anyone the disappointment your brothers caused me..."
"I'll keep it in mind."
"As I've told you repeatedly, you are another me. So never show a disheveled side. Be bold and magnanimous in front of everyone—think that, except for Grandfather, all are beneath you. Now, we're about to meet Count Andrew. Prepare yourself."
"...."
His father Oswell, always strict, endlessly promoting effort and fierce competition.
He was a man filled with ambition to become the next head of Linegrime.
Thanks to that, he possessed a cruel and cold nature, willing to sacrifice or use anything to achieve his goals.
His two older brothers, already much older than Seron, had long been cast aside for failing Oswell's expectations.
Of course, that didn't mean they were openly expelled or ostracized.
They each held positions as squad leaders and were operating their own combat units.
It was just that they no longer received the same level of expectation and attention as Seron.
"The one to succeed me is you alone, Seron."
Oswell's resolute voice declared Seron as his sole heir.
But.
'I don't care about that crap.'
To Seron, positions like next squad leader or heir held no appeal whatsoever.
Rather, he.
'I just want to swing my sword soon. What am I even doing here?'
Simply wanted to grow stronger faster.
But.
"Seron."
"Yes, Father!"
He straightened up again at Oswell's single call.
It was then that a thought crossed Seron's mind.
'Right after the banquet ends, maybe I should challenge Maylin or Selena to a spar?'
Among his peers of similar age, they were among the few who could compare to him.
Naturally, his gaze shifted to search for Maylin and Selena, passing over Selena standing aloof in her black dress.
"Hmm?"
It connected to Maylin, who was chatting excitedly with someone, smiling brightly.
And then.
'That guy is....'
His eyes landed on the boy in front of the blond Maylin, responding curtly with a somewhat sullen expression—the sight of Ruin.
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T/N:
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