Chapter 18

Chapter 18

TL/Editor: Yana/gummy

Having learned the basics of fencing, I was able to take lessons with the rest of the students from my class. I was still inexperienced but I was sure that I would learn.

For our final test we had to split up in pairs to spar. Prior to the test I was studying with the master swordsman in charge of the class as a beginner. However, during practice, I saw a lot in common with the kendo that I had done in my previous life.

Judging by the method of capturing the body’s center of gravity, the moment requiring direct force for the attack was the same as in kendo. The only difference was the way the goal was achieved.

Basic fencing is called Guardian Style Fencing here and is very similar to the fencing I would see on TV in my past life.

After learning the fundamentals, I realized that the basic methods were fun and I became more and more confident. I really liked receiving praise from the master swordsman. According to him,  my stance was impeccable.

The guy who was supposed to show up at any moment finally came.

“Hello, we meet for the first time, young Kayla Vesta.”

No one has called me “young” since I entered knight class, but he said it with confidence.

‘He was childish but I was impressed by his slender body, short blond hair, and long, thin face. This is the face of the guy who punched Franz in the stomach in the first chapter of the original story.’

This guy’s name…

“We study in the same class. I am Nicholas Chard.”

Instead of asking to shake his hand, Nicholas leaned over and kissed her hand.

In a formal setting, it was common for the man to ask permission to kiss the back of the woman’s hand. However, we were not in such a situation.

Every eye in class was focused on us. I was embarrassed since the most obvious choice of greeting was a handshake.

“I’m Kayla Vesta from third grade.”

I held out my right hand to request a handshake. Seeing my hand, Nicholas Chard smiled insincerely and shook it.

“Young lady, I’m embarrassed.”

“I don’t want you to call me that at school.”

Nicholas’ jaw dropped when he heard my demand.

“Oh, sorry. When I saw Kayla I was ecstatic.”

He seemed to be amused when he said this, as if he was mocking me.

“I think the Vesta family is admirable. There is considerable improvement. Is it because of the talent flowing in your blood?”

“In that case, don’t hinder me from completing my paired training and please take your seat.”

I thought I had expressed my displeasure enough, but Nicholas did not leave me alone.

“I flatter you.”

I held on to the hilt of the training rapier, pretending not to hear him. My grip on the sword became slippery from the sweat that started to form on my hands.

“You can share breaks with me, Vesta. You have no idea how lonely I am with Franz gone.”

This guy shamelessly brought up Franz.

“Have you heard of my relationship with Franz? We were very close…”

At that moment, I felt my blood boil with anger as memories of the past rushed in.

“There were bruises on my brother’s body. And not one or two… He was severely beaten over a long period of time. Didn’t you know?”

Hearing this, his hands began to tremble.

“He said we were bothering him? We were very close! Guys, tell his sister how close we were.”

“Is this a suicide note? It seems you wrote it yourself?”

The students who were only in their third year of school began to laugh viciously.

When I showed my brother’s notebook and confirmed that it was his handwriting, the student’s expression changed and exclaimed with disdain.

“Hey guys, did we harass him?”

“No, we never bothered him. We would not act unreasonably.”

The development was not uncommon. School violence was not punished if there was no proven motive.

On top of that, my brother’s death was a suicide, so it was viewed as a separate incident that had nothing to do with them.

My breathing began to quicken.

‘No, this guy in front of me is not him. Calm down.’

I took a deep breath. Nicholas looked at me with his dark eyes.

I wanted to slap the smile off his face, but instead I forced out a smile.

“Are you his friend? I haven’t heard anything about you.”

“Oh, you must not be very close with your brother. We were very good friends” he answered calmly, hiding his agitation.

‘My patience is about to reach its limit!’

At that moment the fencing master came and rang the bell.

“Break is over! If you did your hundred hits, then do one hundred more !”

Since the fencing master was a member of the Guard, Nicholas restrained himself. When he looked at me again, I smiled at him despite my fury.

Exactly six people chased after Franz in the original work and they were known as the Magic Mirage.

Four were in the same class as Franz, and two, including Nicholas, were sixteen-year-old third years. Nicholas Chard was the leader of this group and was one of the “flyers” of the Magic Mirage.

I didn’t think that we would peacefully coexist, but I also didn’t think that they would be so arrogant.

What should I do?

The fencing master called out to me because I was thinking.

“Kayla, it’s time to train. Keep your head on straight.”

“I apologize.”

I wiped my sweaty hands and lunged again.

I still didn’t dare fight with anyone in my class so I had to pair up with the teacher.

Suddenly, Nicholas spoke up.

“Master, allow me to spar with Kayla this time.”

Nicholas approached with his rapier and bowed to the instructor.

I was reluctant, but fortunately, the teacher intercepted him.

“Kayla just started learning the basics of fencing. Due to the disparity between you two, sparring is out of the question.”

“But isn’t she the keeper of the famous Schuette? Is there a skill difference between me and the girl who is famous for her feat against the Blood Demon at Berg Station?”

At Nicholas’ words, the fencing master sighed.

“Nicholas, what’s rule number 3? It is forbidden to use magic tools at school.”

“Ah, of course. I momentarily forgot such a rule existed.”

Nicholas bowed tactfully with a mocking expression.

“The new keeper of Schuette looks remarkable. Don’t you think so?”

“Nicholas! Stop. I’m warning you.”

Despite the reprimand, Nicholas scowled at me.

“For some reason, only the Vesta family lineage is able to wield Schuette – a sword that enhances their combative abilities.”

‘He’s so jealous. Now I somewhat understand why Nicholas resented and harassed Franz.’

“Hence, with Schuette, even a person who has never held a sword can become the Captain General of the Knights of the Wardens. Isn’t that troubling… young Kayla?”

“To be honest, the Vesta family had no say in this.”

Schuette- A magic sword that amplifies your initial abilities, even if you don’t have the ability to wield a sword.

In the past, the Emperors kept a close eye on the Vesta family, Captain general of the Guardian Knights of the Imperial Palace, because of Schuette. This was because it was advantageous to whoever controlled it.

Schuette, a family treasure, became an item that made many knights feel disadvantaged.

“I am curious. How can I get Schuette? Only a member of the Vesta family can lay their hands on it. If I marry you, will I have a chance to use it?”