Chapter 244: Rinella’s Destiny is Her Own (37)

Chapter 244: Rinella’s Destiny is Her Own (37)

An outsider unexpectedly toppled a knight from the Yurdina family.

Although the knight had provoked first, it was a duel without a judge or honor. My decision to hurl the hatchet was impulsive, nothing more.

If it were an ordinary noble family, I would have had to accept if they had thrown their insults and disdain at me because it was almost like winning through foul play.

Yet, Yurdina was different.

Their fixation on victory and relentless pursuit of survival—these were the guiding tenets the Yurdina family had upheld throughout history on the untamed plains.

Thus, they differed from other noble houses that placed greater emphasis on honor and tradition.

This was precisely why the rumor branding me a ‘lunatic’ had an unforeseen impact.

"Lunatic Young Master, what's going on?"

The words came from Sir Alex, the senior knight commanding a thousand soldiers.

The expression of the knight spewing the ruffians' language was profoundly solemn, to the extent that I questioned if I had misheard.

Sir Alex appeared meticulous at first glance.

His choice to don heavy armor, even in times of peace, hinted at his character.

While undoubtedly providing formidable protection in the battlefield, such armor was nothing more than a burden in everyday life.

Nevertheless, Sir Alex never neglected to wear his armor.

This alone spoke volumes about his character.

Strict and uncompromising, he must have attained a brilliant combat record to lead the Yurdina family’s army.

To hear such a person casually brandishing the term 'lunatic' left me perplexed.

A dumbfounded sound slipped from my lips.

"...Pardon?"

"Recently, you've gained quite the reputation among the soldiers as the 'Lunatic Young Master'... In my younger days, I was also known as the 'crazy dog.'”

With that, Sir Alex's lips curled into a faint smile as he drifted into nostalgia.

'Crazy dog'... People were calling me that in the academy as well.

I briefly considered sharing with Sir Alex. However, I soon dismissed the notion with a bitter chuckle.

It was useless information.

Even if I did, it would merely add another dishonorable nickname, 'crazy dog,' atop 'lunatic'.

However, one aspect puzzled me.

Hearing Sir Alex speak, it seemed he held the term 'lunatic' in some esteem.

It was a thought I found utterly confusing.

How much harassment and slander had I endured until now before being branded a 'lunatic' or 'crazy dog'?

Now, even the juniors at the academy subtly avoided eye contact with me.

So, I couldn't resist probing the elder with a hint of envy as he reminisced about his younger days.

"By any chance, is that a compliment...?"

"Ah, I see. Young Master, you're not native to the Northern region, are you?"

Finally, Sir Alex seemed to grasp the situation and silently nodded.

Did I really seem like a Northerner that much?

In the Empire, 'Northerners' were renowned for their fiery temperament and unwavering resolve, a far cry from the pacifist inclinations of Easterners like myself.

Although I wanted to deny that, I forcibly calmed my mind.

As vital as familial and school ties were, regional ties held equal weight.

So, there was no need to remind him of the differences between myself and Northerners. On the contrary, given their tendency to stick together due to common origins, being perceived as one of them should make them like me more.

Nevertheless, it couldn't shake off my discontent.

Despite my displeased expression, Sir Alex kindly elaborated.

"Valuing battle and victory is ingrained in Northern culture. Just by hearing the nicknames you have— 'lunatic,' 'crazy dog,' 'hatchet murderer'— it sounds like you are someone not to be trifled with, and naturally, it makes us envy you..."

"I have a reliable comrade, so why would I go alone?"

Upon guessing who the 'reliable comrade' was, Alex chuckled lightly.

Just then, a voice called out to me from behind.

"Senior Ian! Meal preparations are done, please..."

Both Alex and I turned our attention simultaneously to the woman calling out to me.

The stunning girl with ash gray locks appeared flustered under the gaze of the two men.

I offered a wry smile and spoke.

"...Seria."

"Y-yes?”

"How about a nighttime stroll with me later?"

Upon hearing this, Seria's previously puzzled expression transformed into a radiant smile.

She eagerly nodded in agreement.

"Yes!"

And so, that very night...

"Y-You didn't say we were going to find the ghost!"

Seria trembled, clutching onto my arm tightly.

Under the veil of night in the forest, the moonlight was our only guide.

We made our way cautiously, relying on the patches of light penetrating through the leaves. Before we knew it, the path extended deep into the heart of the forest.

Despite Seria's tearful state, the soft sensation of her body pressed against mine felt comforting, so I didn't mind.

I spoke to Seria with a firm tone.

"Seria, we're in the middle of an exploration. If you keep making noise, it could be troublesome for us."

"B-But..."

Although I wanted to assert my seniority, Seria's trembling form was just too cute.

With a heavy sigh, I decided to console her.

"A soldier might have seen something while being heavily drunk. Our goal tonight is simply to confirm that. Try not to worry too much."

Just then, the faint rustle of movement reached my ears, signaling someone's presence.

Swordsmen at the expert level took pride in their superhuman senses.

There was no way both Seria and I could have missed such overt sounds.

Soon, silence enveloped us once more.

Seria's complexion had long turned pale. I placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered,

"I'll chase after that person. You should watch the situation in the rear and follow me slowly. There might be traps. If there's any issue, call for reinforcements immediately."

With a tearful expression, Seria nodded in understanding.

Given her current state, she was too shaken to be involved in a fight right now. Taking a deep breath, I sharpened my senses, ready for action.

It wasn't an animal.

I could discern the unmistakable presence of a human figure. The other party seemed to have detected us as well, pausing momentarily

And then, in the next instant...

With a thud, the sound of someone kicking off the ground and bolting away reached my ears, making me give chase without hesitation.

A few minutes later, I finally came face to face with someone I had encountered before.

"...Mitram."

"Long time no see, Ian Percus."

She spoke through the vessel of my territory's /genesisforsaken