༺ Eyes of a Dragon and the Human Heart (36) ༻
With a Clang, sparks flew.
The two blades clashed against each other.. Then, a series of attacks, fluid like water, once again scattered sharp shockwaves.
In just those few seconds, the number of sword paths drawn was beyond estimation.
However, following the burst of compressed air, my vision blurred. The blade weaved through the gap, moving fluidly like a buoy on water.
At first, I nimbly responded to each strike.
However, after a while, barely managing to keep up with the sword, I was ultimately forced to stagger back after a kick to the solar plexus.
Ugh, a choked groan escaped me as I stumbled back.
Gritting my teeth, I endured, almost collapsing…. I was sick and tired of fainting..
My opponent seemed pleased.. A satisfied smile appeared on his lips.
He was a burly, middle-aged man with a striking red beard.
He held a greatsword in his hand that seemed too heavy to lift, yet he freely swung the massive chunk of metal as if it were a mere skewer, exuding an aura of intimidation.
His name was Derek, a full-time professor in the Academy’s Knight Division, and a legendary demonic beast hunter.
I had thought my skills had improved significantly, but Professor Derek remained an opponent beyond my reach.
Well, he hunted countless demonic beasts in the wilderness for decades., so it made sense. He had much more practical experience than I could ever compare to..
Of course, I did not expect an easy win.. But finding myself unable to successfully land even a single strike was a bitter pill to swallow.
After calming my breathing by repeatedly thumping my solar plexus, I let out a deep sigh. It was an overt expression of disappointment.
Professor Derek simply snorted in amusement.
“Ian, no matter how many times you’ve crossed the threshold of death, it’s still too early to go up against me. While I acknowledge both your swordsmanship and quick thinking, the concentration of your aura is too low.”
“…Advancing beyond that point isn’t just about effort; it’s about innate talent. If you could become an Expert just by wanting to, half of the Academy would already be full of them..”
With lingering disappointment, I reflexively grumbled. Yet, in response, Professor Derek simply shook his head.
After all, Professor Derek was a swordsman who had achieved a level of mastery rare even among Sword Experts. Boasting about talent in front of him would be utterly futile.
He was a man who had attained a level most can only dream of, without even undergoing formal swordsmanship training. His talent was indisputable.
Had he lacked such talent, he would have long since met his end, given the harsh life of a demonic beast hunter.
The fact he stood here alive was enough proof of Professor Derek’s talent. Moreover, despite being a commoner, he had risen to the position of a professor at the Academy.
Perhaps due to his exceptional talent, Professor Derek didn’t seem particularly empathetic to my grumbling.
“It’s easy to blame a lack of talent, Ian. Especially since you lack a substantial amount of mana… But that’s not what’s required to become an expert. What’s needed is the right state of mind.”
My gaze turned to Professor Derek. My posture was somewhat hunched from the blow to my solar plexus.. Noticing my dubious look, he gave a bitter smile in response.
“Even now, look at you. Your swordsmanship and combat experience have already surpassed the level of the average Expert.. But for some reason, your aura doesn’t seem to progress. What do you think is the reason?”
“… Because I lack mana?”
He once again rejected my argument.
Once more, Professor Derek shook his head and said.
“No, it’s because your state of mind isn’t yet settled. Aura is a manifestation of your state of mind, and the stronger your state of mind, the stronger it becomes. But lately, I can feel a crack in your aura.”
My mouth clamped shut at his words.
The moment I heard that my state of mind wasn’t settled, it struck me immediately, just like tripping over a stone.
Lately, I often felt as if I was not myself.
My memories were disordered, I gradually acquired skills I had never learned, and when I came to, my surroundings were drenched in blood.
It was possible that this confusion was affecting my aura.
Seeing me silent and downcast, Professor Derek sighed as if he had expected this reaction.
He slowly approached me and patted my shoulder twice.
His hand was so big that even a slight pressure caused pain. Naturally, my face grimaced, causing Professor Derek to laugh..
“Don’t overcomplicate things, Ian. You may still be wavering, but you’re already on the threshold of becoming an expert… Just remember one thing.”
My gaze shifted back to Professor Derek, who now spoke to me in a more solemn tone.
“Adhiṭṭhāna1translated as “decision,” “resolution,” “self-determination,” “will”, “strong determination” and “resolute determination.” is an essential part of Buddhist practice. Essentially means determination!”
I paused momentarily at his words, then couldn’t help but ask in a puzzled voice.
“What’s that?”
“When fighting, as you see, everything becomes blurry, forgotten, and hazy… From the crevice of unconsciousness, there indeed exists a will that suddenly pops out, like cutting through a curtain.”
Professor Derek, who said this, had a playful smile on his face. It was similar to the expression of a father who was sending his son on his first errand.
“Search well, I believe you have what it takes.”
With those words of encouragement, Professor Derek started walking away, nonchalantly waving his hand a few times to bid farewell.
It was then, as I briefly stood with my back to Professor Derek, that I spoke.
“……Professor Derek.”
I sensed Professor Derek’s gaze briefly turning towards me. His sharp eyes testified that his wildness had not yet left him.
Instinctively, my eyes also turned towards him.
It was the moment when my gaze met that of the middle-aged swordsman in mid-air.
“May I continue to seek your help? I’m currently in the midst of a conflict with the Imperial Family.”
“Hmph, I wondered what you were going to say…”
Despite my cautious question, Professor Derek only swallowed a chuckle of disbelief.
He clicked his tongue and said,
“Born a commoner and now teaching nobility, what’s the big deal about it? Even nobles can dare to splash water on the Imperial Family.”
It was an outrageous statement.
Anyone with even a slight understanding of the aristocratic society would know it’s a remark one should not make. If taken seriously he could be arrested for the charges of disrespecting the Imperial Family.
Such a perilously bold statement.
However, when it came from Professor Derek’s mouth, it felt like a casual banter and I suppressed a wry smile.
It was advice from a mentor who has overcome countless life-and-death situations.
Resolving to etch the word ‘Sati’ deep into my heart, I steadied my hands, still trembling from the shock.
Clutching the hilt of my sword, my gaze turned towards the descending twilight.
A lot had happened in the meantime.
I had assigned Senior Delphine and Senior Elsie the task of guarding the procession, and advised non-combatants, including the Saintess and Emma, not to participate in the Homecoming Festival.
Of course, I also asked Professor Derek, who I met today, to pay special attention to the perimeter. A professional like him would be able to reduce many sacrifices.
All such roads ahead would continue, just to eventually meet and diverge at the end.
The ‘Homecoming Festival’ was tomorrow.
**
On the day of the Homecoming Festival, the Princess was anxiously waiting for someone.
Her steps, aimlessly pacing back and forth, appeared unsteady to anyone watching. The change in the usually composed Cien was such that even a few passerby stopped to pay attention.
However, today of all days, the princess was far too preoccupied to care about others’ eyes.
The preparations were complete.
The only thing left to do was to light the fuse. Although the Yurdina Family’s army would take time to arrive, the plan to ruin the Percus territory could be set in motion beforehand.
The first step was to strangle the finances of Ria Percus’s trading company.
The reason the trading company had been able to withstand the termination of numerous contracts so far was due to the cash assets they had amassed over time.
But if the company’s debt repayment ability is questionable, the creditors can request an emergency refund.. Although this usually happens under the strict supervision of the Imperial Family, it didn’t matter.
Wasn’t Cien herself a member of the Imperial Family?
For the Percus territory, which had started to lose its connections with neighbouring territories, this would be a devastating blow.
Soon there would be a shortage of resources in the territory, and the support from the Imperial Family for such a situation would not come.
Not only that, but there were also a few measures in place for the Einstern and Hester territories. It was a perfect plan, devoid of any loophole.
Yet, there was only one reason why Cien was so anxious right now.
It was irreversible.
Once set in motion, reversing the damage required many times the effort and time. Moreover, it was particularly detrimental for a trading company to be labelled with uncertain debt repayment capability within the trading sector.
It wouldn’t take just a few years to reverse the distrust, it might take whole decades.
And inflicting irreversible damage on someone means establishing an irreversible relationship with them.
In fact, Cien was scared.
She had to endure the fear and contempt of everyone alone in her childhood. It left an indelible scar deep within her psyche.
That’s why she had been trying so hard not to make a single person dislike her.
She knew better than anyone how painful it can be to have even a single person’s hostility.
But if Cien made a decision today, at least one person in this world would hate her for the rest of their life.
That was terrifying to her.
Especially when she recalled the golden eyes staring at her with a hatchet in hand, Cien couldn’t help but tremble. What a terrifying human to make an enemy of.
But it was better to be feared than to be looked down upon.
That was the conclusion Cien had reached after overcoming countless hatreds. Wasn’t Ian Percus himself a prime example of this?
There were many who were hostile to him, but none who dared touch him.
Because Ian Percus was a terrifying existence.
The princess simply followed suit.
But no matter how often she repeated her resolve, the lingering hesitation did not disappear, so she was waiting for the man.
It wasn’t just Cien who was anxious.
Irene, reluctantly brought along by the princess, also showed signs of unease. Although her guard had been strengthened following Ian’s previous threat, the numerous deceptions she had faced left her deeply disheartened.
Only a few of the newly dispatched Imperial Guards from the Imperial Family seemed to be calm. The only other person maintaining composure was the head maid, who could be considered a non-combatant.
The man who had caused such worry for the two women made his appearance as soon as morning arrived.
A pouch, previously unseen, was now visible at his waistband. It appeared bulky, likely a pouch filled with potions. Also visible was the keen edge of his sharpened hatchet.
He seemed fully prepared. It was unclear why he had to put so much effort for a procession of the Homecoming Festival.
Cien felt a momentary suspicion, but the relief of finally facing the man was greater.
She carelessly called out the man’s name.
“Ian Percus!”
The man, who had been walking silently, stopped in his tracks.
His golden eyes briefly glanced at the princess. Every time she saw his burning gaze, the princess felt nervous, but she could no longer hold back.
She walked briskly and stood close to the man.
It was the moment the eyes of the two met.
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