LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 10 - Trash
✦ Chapter 10 — Trash ✦
「Translator – Creator」
᠃ ⚘᠂ ⚘ ⚘ ᠂ ⚘ ᠃
“Sister?”
Early morning.
Alois, the third son, was training when he spotted his eldest sister kneeling alone in the garden.
‘How beautiful she is,’ he thought.
Even from behind, her grace was undeniable, her red hair radiating a nobility that set her apart from the rest of them.
Alois truly adored his sister. Just taking a step toward her made his heart race with excitement. ‘If only roses were in bloom, it would have set a much better atmosphere,’ he mused with a sly smile as he walked softly towards her.
“Sister, idling away early in the morning, are we?” he whispered, ensuring their secret exchange remained unheard. Yet, Rianna remained silent, her head bowed.
‘Hmm?’
Then, he noticed it.
In front of her, a single lilac bloomed.
At this sight, Alois frowned and let out a sigh.
“What are the gardeners doing?” he wondered aloud, irritated as he seemed to understand why Rianna was there.
“Sister, I’ll give those gardeners a piece of my mind and tell them to do their job properly. Don’t you worry-”
“Alois.”
He flinched and instinctively took a step back; the uncharacteristic chill in Rianna’s voice sent a shiver down his spine.
“Y-yes? Sister? What’s wrong?”
“I’m the one taking care of that flower.”
“……You are?”
“Yes. So don’t you dare touch it.”
“O-of course, sister.”
Despite complying, Alois couldn’t hide his puzzlement. Rianna, tending to a lilac? And even planting it in the family garden, no less? It was unfathomable.
“Hmph.”
Rianna slowly rose to her feet and turned around.
“I should get back to training.”
As she brushed past him, Alois noticed the telltale redness around her eyes.
In that moment, it was like a bolt of lightning had struck him, sending chills down his spine.
‘Sister… was crying?’
It was a sight he had never witnessed before. The shock of seeing Rianna, the epitome of strength and composure, in such a state was almost too much to bear.
‘Heh.’
A wide, uncontrollable grin spread across Alois’s face, and he quickly covered his mouth with his hand.
Excitement surged within him.
The sight of his sister, usually an unyielding fortress, brought low by tears, her usual composure shattered by grief…
…ignited a thrill within him he’d never experienced before.
‘Is it because of Isaac?’
Alois was quick to connect the dots. That lilac — there was no doubt in his mind that Isaac was somehow involved.
‘A quick word with the gardener will confirm it.’
But that wasn’t important right now. Feigning obliviousness, Alois hurried after Rianna.
“By the way, Sister, have you given any thought to your next marriage prospect?”
Rianna stopped dead in her tracks.
Her gaze, cold and sharp, held a hint of murderous intent.
‘Just as I expected.’
Struggling to suppress his excitement, which manifested as a strange pressure in his lower body, Alois pasted on an amicable smile, “It wouldn’t do to drag out your divorce, would it, Sister? Of course, rushing into another marriage wouldn’t be a good look either–”
He continued to prod, relishing her reaction. Her losing her composure like this was a first. He was curious to see how far he could push her.
“Still, someone of your status will have no shortage of suitors. You should just forget about Isaac.”
She couldn’t very well get angry at him for stating the truth.
So, would she resort to sorrow? Would she run away to avoid the subject?
“He wasn’t worthy of you anyway. Perhaps this divorce is a blessing in disguise for him.”
He meant it. If Isaac hadn’t initiated the divorce, he would’ve faced dire consequences.
Because Father had allowed for Rianna to conceive a child.
‘The thought of his Sister bearing that bastard’s child…’
It was unbearable. Alois had even devised a plan to “accidentally” drop a chandelier on Isaac.
Though his plan had failed, it seemed Isaac had removed himself from the equation, which was a good outcome in Alois’ eyes.
“Honestly, it must’ve been tough for him to try and fit in, a commoner like him–”
“Alois.”
Her voice was flat, devoid of its usual highs and lows.
Rianna had regained her usual composed expression. Slight disappointment flickered within Alois, but before he could dwell on it, Rianna issued a challenge.
“Spar with me.”
“……What?”
“Let’s spar for morning training. It’s been a while since we last crossed blades.”
“……………….”
“Let’s see how much you’ve improved.”
“W-wait a minute, Sister.”
Alois called out to Rianne, flustered.
Sparring now could result in who knows what kind of mishap. He never imagined she would vent her anger like this, and as he tried to say something, Rianne had already drawn her crimson greatsword, Ragnarok, which she had prepared beforehand.
“Follow me, Alois.”
A crimson aura enveloped Rianna. ‘Red Descent,’ as they called it – a unique sword force wielded by those of Helmund blood; the crimson aura, akin to a second skin, surged around her, her long hair dancing wildly as if caught in a raging wind.
“………….”
Alois, his mischievous excitement replaced with dread, could only pick up his sword and follow Rianna to the training grounds.
𓇘
‘Those crazy horse-riding father and daughter.’
Clutching his throbbing head, Isaac dragged himself towards the training grounds. The crisp morning air of the North pierced his lungs, offering some relief from the lingering effects of last night’s drinking.
“Lord Isaac, are you alright?”
Jonathan approached, his brow furrowed with concern. He had clearly noticed Isaac’s less-than-stellar condition.
“I’m fine. More importantly, Jonathan, how did I get back to my room last night?”
He wasn’t joking; his memory was blank. He remembered engaging in a lively discussion about spearmanship with the Caldias father and daughter, the atmosphere amicable and welcoming.
Then, as he continued to accept the drinks Anna poured, things became a blur.
“You were incredible yesterday, Lord Isaac. Lady Silverna helped you back to your quarters. I was worried, so I waited for you.”
“…Is that so? My apologies.”
Isaac sighed, slapping his forehead. Even his sigh carried the lingering scent of alcohol, making him frown.
‘The conversation with the lord brought back memories of my time with my Master. I got carried away.’
In truth, Isaac had been rather excited. Ulderan Caldias was a hero he had never met in his previous life.
The valiant general who held the front lines for a month against the Transcendents’ invasion, without any support from the Kingdom. The chance to converse with such a figure had stirred something within Isaac.
‘I should offer my apologies to Silverna as well.’
He’d have to make sure he hadn’t said anything he shouldn’t have.
“Umm, Lord Isaac.”
“Yes?”
“I know this is rather presumptuous of me, but…”
Jonathan fidgeted, his gaze darting around nervously. He clasped his hands together and spoke with a bow.
“Lord Isaac, you are still Lady Rianna’s husband. So, perhaps… it would be best to minimize contact with other women.”
“……You’re right.”
“I’m so sorry! I shouldn’t have overstepped my boundaries!”
Jonathan looked as if he were about to drop to his knees and beg for forgiveness. Isaac stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.
“No, you were right.”
“T-thank you, Lord Isaac!”
It was true that he was planning to divorce her, but they were technically still married. And since only the Helmund family and the kitchen staff were privy to the situation, Jonathan’s advice was sound.
Isaac absentmindedly rubbed his left ring finger, a bittersweet ache in his chest, and steered the conversation elsewhere.
“What about you, Jonathan? Are you joining us for training? I heard that knights and escorts who are here as adjutants are immediately put on active duty.”
Unlike the dispatched nobles, who needed to have their basic skills assessed as many promising individuals had arrived, Jonathan…
…these aides, who served the nobles, were all exceptionally skilled individuals, immediately deployed to the Wall for duty.
“No, m’Lord. My shift’s in the afternoon. I came to assist you, and also to get some personal training in.”
Jonathan was diligent and genuine, his smile as bright and innocent as a young man from the countryside. Isaac gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder. Just then…
“Absolutely not!”
A furious roar echoed across the training grounds.
A group of nobles had gathered for morning training. One of them stepped forward, his face contorted in rage, and bellowed at the officer in charge of instruction.
“Are you disrespecting House Drakewall? You think you’re better than us because you can handle a spear?!”
“That’s not-”
‘Drakewall?’
Like Helmund, it was a renowned swordsmanship lineage. Of course, in terms of prestige, they were a far cry from Helmund, but still not a house to be trifled with.
“The purpose of your dispatch here is not simply to stand guard on the Wall. We are tasked with escort missions, reconnaissance, assisting nearby villages… Our roles are multifaceted.”
Even though they were greenhorns, they were still nobles. The officer, faced with what was practically insubordination, maintained his composure.
“So what? You think we don’t know that? Who said we wouldn’t do it? Did anyone say we refused?”
“…………”
“We’re offended that you’re treating us like fools and making us go through this pointless training. We tried to be patient yesterday, but… you expect us to do these basic drills again today?”
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the assembled nobles.
“We’re only here because you lot failed to deal with the beast horde! You try to test us, despite failing to protect this land? Despite being unable to offer any solutions to the beast issue?!”
The atmosphere grew increasingly hostile. Even with their noble status, they were crossing a line. However, the fact that other nobles stood behind Drakewall’s pawn made it impossible for the officer to take action.
The situation could lead to alienating powerful noble families if mishandled here.
“Ha!”
A woman with short hair scoffed. With a flick of her wrist, she drew her spear and strode into the middle of the training grounds.
Silverna Caldias.
A predatory grin spread across her lips as she stopped in front of the Drakewall noble.
“State your name.”
“Meldick Drakewall.”
Meldick rested a hand on the pommel of his sword; the corner of Silverna’s lip twitched in amusement.
“At least you’re not completely clueless. Draw your sword. Let’s see if you have the skills to back up that pride, to survive even a single patrol on the Wall.”
This was the way of the North. From the moment they had started their tantrum, this outcome had been inevitable; all eyes were now fixed on the two figures standing in the center of the training grounds.
“Jonathan, pay close attention to Silverna’s spearmanship. You’ll learn a lot.”
“But I use a greatsword, m’Lord.”
“Don’t be daft. Just observe.”
“Yes, m’Lord!”
Jonathan snapped a salute and widened his eyes, eager to take in the impending spectacle.
‘Brings back memories.’
Isaac crossed his arms, a small smile playing on his lips.
He had first met Silverna in his previous life, years from now.
After the Wall had fallen to the Transcendents, when he was the sole survivor thanks to the sacrifices of countless others…
His master had brought Silverna to him — or rather, the woman who now called herself Caldias, having abandoned her former name.
‘I was certainly surprised.’
Witnessing her spear technique for the first time had been like encountering a new world.
For a while, he had followed her relentlessly, leaning on his cane, peppering her with questions.
“There’s a reason I praised it as a great spearmanship style.”
“I can only imagine, m’Lord!”
Isaac added offhandedly to Jonathan, then turned back to the unfolding duel, anticipation bubbling in his chest. It had been a while since he had witnessed a display of true skill.
The spar began.
Five moves.
Meldick lasted a paltry five moves before his footing crumbled and he lost his grip on his sword, landing unceremoniously on his backside.
The soldiers erupted in cheers.
“As expected of Lady Silverna! You’re the best!”
“Amazing! What a display of perfect spearmanship!”
“Caldias! Caldias! Caldias!”
The arrogance that had been radiating from the dispatched nobles evaporated, replaced with a resentment directed at Meldick.
Jonathan was just as effusive in his praise.
“I-incredible! That’s Caldias spearmanship for you!”
As Jonathan babbled excitedly, Isaac could only stare, his jaw slack with disbelief.
“No way…”
“M’Lord?”
“No, that’s… That’s just…”
“What do you mean, m’Lord?”
Startled by Jonathan’s question, Isaac blurted out in genuine distress,
“That’s not it! That wasn’t it at all! That was… That was just garbage!”
What in the world had he just witnessed?
Was that…
Was that really what he thought was Silverna’s renowned spearmanship?
His bewildered cry, fueled by complete and utter confusion, traveled further than he intended.
And, unfortunately…
“What?”
…the sharp northern wind carried his words to Silverna’s ears.
END of CHAPTER
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