Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Shirone let out a heavy breath. Four minutes felt like eternity.

Reina looked amazed.

Since it was not quite a performance, she could not evaluate the pitch, but she had the insight to realize the essence.

Who was he?

Why did a child like this become a servant under my family?

Seriously?! Shut up, you old hag!

The emotional atmosphere of the room shattered, and Shirone and Reina turned their heads at the same time.

If youre here, just wash your feet and go to sleep! Or even play a nice lullaby to listen to! Why the heck are you being so hysterical!

Frizzy hair, and half-closed eyes.

Rian, still half asleep, came into the room while scratching his washboard abs.

Then after he locked eyes with Shirone, he tilted his head.

Huh? What are you doing here?

Uh, no. I was

If it were to be revealed that Rian and Shirone were friends, it would create problems. But fortunately, Reina took the lead.

So, do you guys know each other?

Shirone? Yeah, hes my friend.

Rian! What are you saying?

Hahaha! Its okay. Although she has a nasty temper, she doesnt really care about things like this.

Does she really?

He knew she was pretty open-minded, but there was a high barrier between the aristocrats and the commoners that shouldve been hard to ignore.

So your names Shirone. Dont worry about it. Any friend of Rians, is also my friend. Even though hes a little pathetic, he still takes responsibility for what he says.

Shirone wasnt looking any less suspicious.

From the receiving end, that could have been perceived as rude, but Reina accepted it rather well.

Genuine trust is born from doubts and suspicions.

But you are one of a kind. Really, how did you think to play like that?

What? Shirone was the one who did it? And here I was thinking it was your hysteria acting up again.

Shirone frowned slightly.

He couldnt understand how words such as witch and hysterical were used to call such a pretty and friendly sister.

Rian, why did you lie to me? Your sister is a kind and nice person.

Shirone! Dont be fooled! This woman is a witch! She might eat you one day!

Rians expression looked really serious, so Shirone could not reply back.

Reina spoke.

Hoho, Im sorry. My little brother is extremely immature, but Im relieved to see that he has a friend like you. Take good care of him for me.

Oh, no. I dont

Reinas eyes sparkled at the sight of Shirone, who lowered his head shyly.

Despite having an abundance of knowledge, Shirone was still an innocent child in regards to emotion. After all, he is still only sixteen years old.

Youre quite the cutie.

Rian, who gulped down a cup of water from a table, said while pouring himself another glass.

If hes so cute, why dont you just take him and live together. I would love to have Shirone be part of my family. Muhahaha!

Shirone was even more embarrassed at Rians joke, but what he was feeling didnt seem so bad either.

Reina realized something from her brothers words.

Oho, it looks like youre close enough to even give your sister away.

Rian retorted, looking flabbergasted.

What are you talking about? Of course. Shirone is like a brother to me, but I dont mind giving a witch like you to just about anyone. Rather, Shirone is worth too much. Youre not worthy of Shirone.

Oh, really?

As soon as she finished talking, Reina jumped high enough to the point where it could easily exceed a persons height.

While still frozen in surprise, she landed in front of Rian and pulled her brothers ear.

OWW! It hurts! It hurts!

I went easy on you because you were cute, but it seems like you are trying to walk all over me now.

It hurts! I said it hurts!!

Although she was now a musician, Reina was once a talented swordsman equivalent to Rai.

The strength of her pinch was so great that Rian turned his head with watery eyes.

Shirone! Run away while you still can! If you get caught by this witch, youre done for!

He couldnt tell if he was joking or not, but one thing was sure, He couldnt leave Rian like that.

Im sorry. I dont think you meant any harm.

Reina, who was staring at Shirone and Rian with a grim stare, pulled his ear roughly one last time and let go.

Ouch!

After hearing that Rai was taking a certified test, Rian increased the intensity of his training.

HA! HA!

I will definitely catch up.

The news added fuel to a fire, and Kite became sure as he watched his students sword dance.

His skills have improved!

Stamina, vitality, technique, everything.

With that level of skill, he would be able to easily defeat a bandit group near the city.

However, If he were to have a match against someone who learned official swordsmanship, he still had a long way to go.

The problem was Schema!

Rians impulsive, wild style was his biggest advantage, but it also acted as his biggest weakness.

His swordsmanship is too tactless and honest.

There were times when he would have to look back with a cold mind, but he was only moving forward.

Everyone has their own way. The downside of not having a clear mind becomes nothing compared to that heating power of his. Its obvious that we have no choice but to continue like this!

HA! HA!

He was wielding a club that was twice as heavy as a longsword with only his physical strength.

Kite couldnt imagine how much Rian would improve if he were to learn how to activate Schema.

Stop! 10 minute break!

Rian came back panting like crazy, but his eyes were on fire.

That also happened back then!

...Yes, it happened around a year ago, although it went away quite quickly too.

This time was different. Rians flame did not fade.

Young master! Young master!

A butler came running.

Arriving in front of Rian, who was taking a drink of water, the butler spoke before he could catch his breath.

Theres a big problem. Miss Reina is asking you to come to the mansion immediately!

Big sister did? Whats going on? If its because of my big brother, I dont care. He can do whatever he wants.

Thats not it, a contract boy named Shirone is on the verge of being executed.

What?!

Shirones in danger?!

He was even more taken aback because he was about to see his friend off in a few hours.

Shirone? Why? Whats going on?

Well, the thing is

Hurry up and tell me! Whats going on?!

Louis seems to have reported something to the Lord. I dont know the exact details, but I heard it revolved around a sort of friendship between you two

Damn it!

Kite asked as he watched Rian hurriedly pick up the dry clothes he placed on a rock.

Whats the matter? Who is Shirone?

Hes a friend. I didnt go around announcing it because of his commoner status, but Louis must have found out about it and reported it to father.

Kite remembered a boy he had met briefly in the library a long time ago.

Kite liked the shine in his eyes, but he wasnt that interested as he was a servant of the family.

Thats what happened?

Rian spoke who was now neatly dressed.

Master, lets finish our training for today. I have to see my father. I have to go to the mansion.

Unfortunately, you cannot.

Rian looked at him weird.

What are you talking about?! My friend is in danger!

Did you not say he was a commoner?

What does that have to do with anything?! Master, are you that kind of person?! You said it too! Anyone who can converse with a sword can become a friend!

Kite clicked his tongue.

His student, who did not understand the ways of the world, had gotten someone into trouble.

What are you going to do when you get there? Are you going to wail and cry like a baby?

Master!

Rian, anyone can be a friend. But this is a matter between the people directly involved. Bad rumors can affect the position of the Ogent family. Theyll do anything they can in order to ensure those rumors never see the light of day. Your foolishness will not be of any help in this situation.

So I should just stay still?! I reached out to Shirone first. I will not give up on him! I am no coward!

Hmm

Kite stared at his students eyes.

Such fine eyes. No lies, only passion. And above all, they are pure.