Chapter 9
Lang suddenly recalled the existence of the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince had yet to hold a wedding, and there had not even been any news about an engagement.
In other words, if Duke Illenat wished, he could have offered Brillie to the Crown Prince.
'It wouldn't be easy. Would the Emperor even allow it?'
Emperors throughout history had always been wary of powerful nobles since long ago.
If they let their guard down, the nobles might deceive the Emperor and try to rise to the top of the Empire.
That is why immediate royal marriages were often made with nobles who possessed weaker power or demonstrated great loyalty.
'Even now, it's known as a powerful household—if they became the Emperor's in-laws as well...'
Lang was aware that even he was being too greedy thinking this way.
He thought not only the Emperor, but also the officials would radically oppose such a move.
Besides, given there were nobles hostile to Duke Illenat's faction, it would not be achieved smoothly.
'Other royal family members aren't particularly valuable. The grand duke's family would be a better choice.'
Inheriting the Emperor's blood didn't mean you could surpass the power of the nobles.
On the contrary, members of the collateral royal family often ended up living off others or acting recklessly and facing severe punishment.
Especially since the current Emperor would not tolerate the misdeeds of the royal family, he punished them even more thoroughly.
'There aren't many noble families that could rival the grand duke's.'
If anything, the northern grand duke wouldn't even need to consider arranging a marriage with the House of Duke Illenat.
He possessed the highest possible title that no one else could even dream of approaching, and it was not as if he lacked wealth or reputation.
It would make more sense to select a noble family he could keep under his wing and arrange a marriage with the youngest son.
'It's hard to understand either side. What are they thinking?'
Of course, from Lang's point of view, it did not matter which family did what.
He only needed to fulfill his role as the commander of the knight order.
However, since Brillie was tangled up in this, he could not completely ignore it.
'If I could gain the title of Sword Saint now, perhaps even Duke Illenat would...'
"Still, I should try talking little by little. I can't treat him like a stranger, can I?"
"That's for the best. He must be very lonely. Shouldn't you step up and look after him?"
"In my view... he didn't really seem that lonely. He said he liked the capital because it's warm."
"... I think I know what he means. Being sick and staying in a cold place can only make it worse. Your fiancé must be hoping his health improves."
"That's probably true, isn't it?"
Brillie unintentionally nodded, accepting those words.
Marriage was something his family commanded him to do, and he was reluctantly staying at the duke's mansion.
If his frail body could even get a little better, he might be able to nurture some faint hope.
'Hmm... Maybe I should bring him some medicinal herbs that warm the body.'
* * *
Alter received a bowl of decocted medicinal herbs from a maid at regular intervals.
In truth, this was a gesture of consideration from the Duke of Illenat and showed respect for the grand duke's family as well.
Related to this, it was said that they procured expensive herbs and had a professional herbalist prepare the medicine directly.
'Is anything actually improving? Why does it all feel the same?'
Feeling a faint heat, Alter took a quiet breath.
A sensation like something boiling up from deep within his body was rising.
Perhaps his body was undergoing subtle changes after consuming the medicine.
'Still, I can't refuse what I'm given.'
Alter harbored a subtle hope deep inside.
Returning his frail body to a normal state—
He wasn't sure if it was actually possible, but for now, he tried quietly.
'Wouldn't it be a bit unfair to die living like this?'
Of course, even if his health improved, not much would change drastically.
He would simply be able to move around more comfortably than before, and casting magic would become smoother.
It was not as if he had any particular enemy to defeat, so he wouldn't need to obsess over magic.
'If I became a Great Mage... I could probably endure even without my family.'
Alter Radiant knew he had great talent for magic.
But because he lived for only a short time, he never got the chance to prove it.
What would happen if he extended his lifespan and raised his magical skill?
'If I became a Great Mage, it could rival the Sword Saint. There's even the path of becoming a royal court mage.'
Even the most reputable mages in the Agnes Empire had never received the title of Great Mage.
So far, only a single person had inherited the title, and with no apparent successor, that individual was growing old.
Thus, if he could earn the title of Great Mage now, he could become uniquely dignified.
'Since I'm sustaining this body solely with magical power, my talent must be real.'
After confirming that the heat had subsided, Alter immediately brought out a book.
It was a book about magic, and he had the maid bring him other related books as well.
Though he couldn't use magic right away, he aimed to at least master the theory in advance.
'... You need a dream, even if it's just to give life some purpose.'
Alter recalled the words Brillie had once said to him.
No matter how poor your health is, you can still have a dream.
Even if it's a dream you'll never achieve in your lifetime, can't you still keep it in your heart?
'I never thought I'd be persuaded like this.'
* * *
Alter, as promised to Lang, visited the headquarters of the Setinos Knights.
He had no particular interest in the knight order, but having been invited, he couldn't refuse outright.
Besides, since Brillie had also immediately agreed, he had essentially been swept up despite himself.
'All I can do is cause trouble by being here.'
Alter walked slowly through the center of the headquarters.
Now and then, he passed by knights and ran into servants running errands.
Even so, Brillie greeted everyone naturally, regardless of status.
'She seems well-liked.'
Following Brillie quietly, Alter observed the reactions of those around them.
No one showed discomfort in Brillie's presence.
Rather, they treated her warmly while still maintaining proper respect for their superior.
'And she has skill to match...'
Rumors about Brillie had likely spread widely even among the current knights.
It was reckless for a noble lady to participate alone in a monster subjugation, making personal achievements.
Most knights could not do such a thing, so none would dare to underestimate Brillie.
'It took that much effort just to be accepted...'
"Next move!"
With a resolute shout, a vigorous cry rang out.
Alter just listened quietly, then belatedly noticed Lang.
Lang was standing tall before the knights, leading their training.
'Couldn't he leave this to someone else?'
Alter stopped along with Brillie, thinking that perhaps Brillie intended to wait until the training was over.
"Henon! Your leg is shaking, isn't it!"
"I—I will correct it!"
"Kenian! Swinging like that won't cut down your enemy!"
"I will correct it!"
"... Next move!"
Though Lang drove the members hard, he didn't miss the smallest mistakes.
Alter watched calmly, then suddenly felt a suspicion.
'Don't tell me I've been called here to be trained like that?'
With a difficult expression, Alter started watching for signs.
Perhaps Lang meant to put pressure on him in front of Brillie.
If her fiancé appeared weak, Brillie would certainly be disappointed.
'If I just refuse and back out, that's that...'
"Today's training ends here. Dismissed!"
Only then did Lang turn around to face the two of them.
He didn't need to come over, but ended up responding to his invitation anyway.
He thought it wouldn't be a bad chance to show off Brillie's skills.
"Was there anything inconvenient in getting here?"
"No inconvenience. I just had to follow."
"Perfect timing, then. While you're here, why don't you watch Brillie's swordsmanship?"
"Huh? Suddenly?"
Brillie responded with considerable surprise.
Lang unconsciously glanced at Alter, then continued.
"Can't have you going back empty-handed, can I?"
"I don't really want to swing a sword alone..."
"I'll face you. Might as well do it properly, don't you think?"
"...?"
Alter kept silent, merely eavesdropping on their conversation.
Contrary to his expectations, the two were about to spar together.
He wondered if he hadn't over-suspected Lang's motivation.
"The commander will face me? Then I guess there's nothing to be embarrassed about."
"First to be hit loses."
"Yes, yes. It's always been like that."
After exchanging fleeting looks with Alter, Brillie headed toward the training grounds.
Alter simply watched, unable to think of stopping them.
'As far as I know, Brillie always lost these matches...'
The two donned simple protective gear, then pointed wooden swords at each other.
Without waiting, both thrust their wooden swords simultaneously.
'They're not even using magic power, but they're that fast.'
Watching their swordplay, Alter was filled with awe.
He couldn't follow every move, only getting a general sense of the flow.
At first, they seemed equally matched, but in just moments, the balance was broken.
'The next Sword Saint is strong, after all. There's a physical difference, but...'
Of course, if magic power were added, the conditions would be nearly equal.
But as knights fighting with swords, that would be no excuse.
In real battle, the outcome would be life or death with no time for excuses.
'I really don't fit in. They should just end up with each other.'
Alter acutely realized the distance between himself and the two during their match.
He could never swing a sword so fiercely.
If he used magic power, he'd collapse in moments; just getting through a day left him anxious.
How could someone like him possibly belong with Brillie?
'If Lang is that skilled, how impressive must the Crown Prince be...'
"Stop right there! If you don't, we'll subdue you by force!"
"Th–that bastard!"
Shouts from the knights were heard from somewhere.
At the same time, a ragged-looking man burst into the training grounds.
The man, his hands tied, was running frantically, chased by the knights.
"Out of the way! Move!"
The man ran along the edge of the training ground and spotted Alter.
But instead of stopping, he couldn't even avoid the person in front of him.
He would just push this person aside and escape.
'I shouldn't let him go, but if I get hurt...'
The moment Alter tried to move aside, both presences disappeared instinctively.
Alter was pulled away in an instant; the fleeing man was rolling on the ground.
"Are you okay? You must have been startled."
Brillie held Alter protectively, having whisked him far from the spot.
Lang pinned the man's hands, suppressing him completely.
It all happened so fast that Alter could only be swept along.
'What? I saw nothing at all. How did I end up in her arms?'
-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
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