Book 14: Chapter 3: A Swordwoman's Talent

Book 14: Chapter 3: A Swordwoman's Talent

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On a certain rainy day―

Looking outside of my office window, I see dark, heavy clouds gathering in the sky.

“Well, the weather forecast did say it would rain today. Having said that, days like this remind me of my time in the Capital.”

In the Capital, rainy days are determined ahead of time, meaning people won’t have to adjust their schedules based on the weather conditions.

We could do the same thing for our home planet by wrapping it entirely in metal, making it a massive colony. However, I don’t plan to do so.

“―After all, days like this are necessary as well.”

As I prepare to return to my work, a hologram materializes on my desk, revealing the figure of Rosseta.

Her face is red and her eyes are watery, both clear signs of agitation.

Again?

I could roughly guess what she’s going to say, but I lend her my ears for the time being.

“What’s wrong?”

Normally, I don’t allow others to interrupt my work unless a serious matter has arisen, but when it comes to family members, I make an exception.

Amagi and Brian have told me repeatedly to prioritize Rosetta before all else.

―As the head of the Banfield Family, I wield the greatest authority on this planet.

But even with that authority, I couldn’t bring myself to say no to Amagi.

Also, if I were to ignore Brian’s advice, trouble might come knocking in the future, which is why I’ve begrudgingly chosen to follow their suggestion.

Rubbing her nose, Rosetta sniffles.

[It’s about Ed.]

“Again?”

Having anticipated this, I let out a sigh.

Rosetta, however, demands that I take this more seriously.

[I’m worried about Ed’s recent behavior. It’s been getting increasingly worse.]

“He must be going through his rebellious stage.”

While he seems to be causing a lot of problems, none of them are fatal enough to affect the Banfield Family’s management. Therefore, I’ve instructed the servants in charge of his education to turn a blind eye to some of the minor issues he may cause.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be enough to ease Rosetta’s worry.

[The other day, he was up until late at night doing― you know―]

Finding it difficult to finish her sentence, Rosetta quickly moves on to her main point.

[Anyway! I want Darling to have a proper talk with him. And while you’re at it, tell him you love him.]

Apparently, Rosetta has a rather Western way of thinking, and saying “I love you” on a daily basis doesn’t seem to faze her.

Meanwhile, as someone who grew up in Japanese society in my previous life, telling others “I love you” feels embarrassing.

“And why would I do that?”

[My words alone aren’t enough to reach him. Maybe he’s starting to feel anxious now that we’re about to have our second child.]

Saying this, Rosetta gently strokes her protruding stomach.

She’s about to give birth to our second child, so it seems she wants this issue resolved as quickly as possible.

“Is he that worried about not receiving his inheritance? But he’s so young! Hmm, but then again, it’s been several decades since he was born. It wouldn’t be strange for him to have his thoughts on the matter.”

Edward may look young in appearance, but he’s old enough to be considered a proper adult back on Earth.

He must be under the impression that he’d have to fight with his younger sibling over inheritance rights.

“Fret not. Even if he fails to succeed me, I plan on giving him a suitable territory.”

Saying I love him is nothing more than empty words. In comparison, promising support in becoming independent is much more pragmatic, and he’d feel much more assured.

However, it seems this isn’t the answer Rosetta’s looking for.

[That’s not what I meant!]

“―Huh?”

Rosetta’s hologram sighs in exasperation.

“I hardly see how that explains your current situation.”

If she had notified my staff in the mansion ahead of time, I would’ve set aside some time for her.

What was she thinking?

With a strained smile on her face, Rinho looks down on the ground.

“Senior Brother, you’ve noticed by now, haven’t you? ―Fuuka has advanced to the next stage.”

As a swordswoman of One Flash, Fuuka has indeed stepped into a higher realm.

It may just be a small step forward, but she has demonstrated the potential to one day rival me in strength.

“Well, yes.”

Rinho looks up, her smile still present, but her eyes filled with tears.

“Then tell me. ―Do I have what it takes to catch up to Senior Brother or Fuuka?”

Her voice trembles as she poses the question.

The answer is immediately apparent. With clenched teeth, I curl my fingers.

―Rinho lacks the talent to match us.

She’s a fine member of One Flash, but her talent isn’t enough to reach our level.

It pains me to break it to her, but as a fellow swordsman and her senior disciple, I decide to tell her the truth.

“You should focus on pursuing your own style of One Flash. Leave the otherworldly monsters to Fuuka and me.”

As I recall, there was once a swordsman named Yasujirou who preached what he referred to as the Original One Flash, a style distinct from ours.

Although we shared a common root, the Original One Flash was inferior to the style that we practiced, and its disciples weren’t nearly strong enough to deal with the otherworldly monsters.

As a member of the orthodox faction, Rinho is more than qualified to continue her practice.

“If you wish to open a dojo, let me know. You’re my cute junior disciple. I’ll give you all the support you―”

Rinho cuts in before I can finish my sentence.

“I refuse to let things end like this! I’ve always been the stronger of the two! I’ve been protecting Fuuka all this time!! Why must I be left behind!?”

Rinho falls to the ground, crying.

I rush over to her and pick her up.

“Your talent in the sword is better than Fuuka’s, I promise you that. But that simply isn’t enough to overcome the barrier.”

I couldn’t find any words to comfort her.

If hard work is all that’s required, I’d be willing to train her until she coughs up blood.

I could even stay with her until she masters her skills.

But knowing that her efforts wouldn’t be rewarded, I have no choice but to convince her to give up.

“Rinho, acknowledging and accepting your limits is also a form of strength.”

The light in Rinho’s beautiful cherry blossom eyes has disappeared.

“I don’t need that kind of strength. What I want is the strength to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Senior Brother.”

Rinho grabs onto my clothes like a child pleading with her parents.

“Senior Brother, you’re my last hope. Master has already abandoned me. Please, I’m begging you.”

Unfortunately, I lack the means to fulfill her wish.

“―I’m sorry.”

Hearing my response, despair fills her face.

“Haha― I see. So Senior Brother has abandoned me as well.”

“That’s not true!”

Standing back up, Rinho shakes me off and walks unsteadily into the distance.

“Wait, Rinho!”

Ignoring my calls, she leaves.

“I also wish to see you grow stronger. But there’s nothing I can do.”

*****

Brian ( ́・ω・`): “It’s New Year, but we’re off to a painful start. I hope everyone’s doing well. Please enjoy yourselves to the fullest by reading about the heroic tales of Lord Liam!”