Chapter 174. Swordsmanship Festival (1)

If asked which is the most influential nation in the southern continent, many would likely name the Kain Kingdom. With Sword Master Willer Garcia and 8th-star magician Alban Gaitlin, Cain’s national power was comparable to the great nations of the central continent.

But there was another entity, not a nation but an organization, with comparable strength…

“That would be the Seton Swordsmanship Hall.”

“Not a kingdom, but a mere swordsmanship hall has that kind of power?”

“It’s true. The Seton Swordsmanship Hall’s territory is far larger than most kingdoms. Though it retains the title of a swordsmanship hall due to its discipline not aligning with a national system, it’s practically a country in scale.”

“I see. Thinking about the magic towers, that makes sense.”

Hearing Ransel Grantz’s words, Harang nodded.

The Yellow Magic Tower, one of the five major magic towers, had a small territory but power rivaling most kingdoms. In terms of military strength or wealth, it was equal to, if not better than, the Nadan Kingdom.

“If the largest swordsmanship hall in the south is treated like a kingdom, that’s understandable.”

With that thought, Harang looked at Ransel Grantz again and prompted him to continue.

“So, this great Seton Swordsmanship Hall is holding a swordsmanship festival? Out of the blue?”

“Not exactly. The Seton Swordsmanship Hall believes in raising the overall level of swordsmanship for the peace and stability of the continent. To stimulate this, they hold a swordsmanship festival every four years, sending invitations to the nations of the southern continent.”

“It’s bigger than I thought.”

“Indeed. A hundred years ago, few nations participated, but now it’s like a festival for the southern continent… No, ‘festival’ isn’t quite right. It’s more like a stage for nations to compare their strength and talent.”

“The Nadan Kingdom will participate, I assume. They wouldn’t want to be called a cowardly kingdom.”

“That’s likely… I’ll be competing in the youth division for swordsmen under 35.”

“You’ll win. Congratulations.”

Harang offered his congratulations without hesitation.

Ransel Grantz had made tremendous strides through intense training over the past few months. Though he still fell short compared to high-ranking Godok like Gael or Hagio, Harang was confident few in the outside world could match him.

But upon hearing Harang’s words, Ransel Grantz gave a bitter smile, delaying his response.

It wasn’t mere humility; there seemed to be some difficult circumstance.

“I won’t pry.”

Harang’s social awareness had grown!

He successfully avoided awkwardness by reading his opponent’s reaction and expression. The old Harang would have immediately asked questions the moment curiosity struck, likely embarrassing the other party.

“Good. Now I can confidently call myself an outsider.”

He felt proud. Quite pleased.

Of course, he didn’t let it show. That, too, was part of social finesse.

With a neutral expression, Harang took a sip of water and steered the conversation back to the main topic.

“So, for the main event… who was it again? Sorry, I heard it but can’t quite recall…”

“Lord Kremer Kubel or Lord Xanthos Bogen. You must mean one of them.”

“Right, that’s it. I heard those two are the strongest in the Nadan Kingdom. Are they not participating?”

“Well… there’s a problem.”

With a deep sigh, Ransel Grantz explained.

Normally, Duke Kremer Kubel, the kingdom’s top swordsman and head of the Kubel family, would have participated in the Seton Swordsmanship Festival. His absence would be filled by Xanthos Bogen, the second-in-command and head of the Bogen family.

But a major issue had arisen: Xanthos Bogen, the kingdom’s second knight, had been battling illness for months.

“Illness? A Graduate?”

“It… seems to be a mental affliction.”

“A mental affliction?”

“I’m not sure of the details. But it’s rare for a Graduate to be bedridden for months due to physical issues, so… it’s likely something major has caused a mental breakdown. That’s what his close aides suspect.”

“That’s unfortunate.”

A look of sympathy crossed Harang’s face.

Being a Graduate wasn’t just about physical perfection or mastering aura techniques. Mental fortitude was equally critical, almost painfully so. As the kingdom’s second knight, Xanthos Bogen’s mental strength was likely extraordinary compared to ordinary people.

Yet something had caused his mind to collapse…

“I don’t know what happened, but I hope he recovers soon.”

Though they’d never met, Harang felt a pang of sympathy.

After a brief prayer for him, Harang continued.

“Anyway… I understand now. The reason you came to me.”

“Yes. I know you don’t enjoy these kinds of hassles, but… can’t you do it?”

“…”

“It’s for the honor of the Nadan Kingdom. Please, stand in for Duke Kremer Kubel and Count Xanthos Bogen in the main event.”

Ransel Grantz bowed deeply after speaking.

Harang immediately asked a question.

“Will Sword Masters participate in the swordsmanship festival?”

“Hmm… No, they won’t.”

“I see.”

Having answered, Harang’s expression instantly turned bored.

And for good reason.

Excluding Mercenary King Austin, Harang was confident he could defeat any Graduate. This wasn’t arrogance. Since he could now infuse emotions into his swordsmanship and wield a top-grade sword capable of withstanding his corrosive aura, he wouldn’t lose unless facing a Color Sword. It was an objective assessment.

“Of course, there could be fighters on par with the Mercenary King, and observing others’ swordsmanship and emotions could be interesting…”

But it didn’t feel right at the moment.

The death of the spirit master Allen Meir and the negative emotions it stirred.

Those feelings continued to cloud Harang’s mind.

“For now, I want to focus on this.”

Swordsmanship.

Life.

Emotions.

Mind.

Bonds.

Each was a weighty topic he couldn’t treat lightly, and sorting them out would take considerable time.

What was certain was that the moment he gained insight into these matters… he would earn the qualification to break through the Graduate’s wall and move to the next stage.

“Hmm. I’m sorry, but… I can’t.”

“I see…”

“Yes. For a while, I want to focus on personal training…”

Having reached this conclusion, Harang expressed his refusal.

Ransel Grantz looked deeply disappointed, but Harang’s resolve didn’t waver.

But then, someone burst through the reception room’s door.

BOOM!

“What’s that? Of course, you’re participating!”

“…Mercenary King?”

It was none other than Mercenary King Austin.

“When did you get here? And what do you mean I have to participate…”

“Do you remember the contract we made?”

“What?”

Harang asked in a dumbfounded tone, and Austin raised his voice, looking as if he’d expected this.

“Look at this guy. I didn’t take you for one, but you’re quite the selfish type!”

“I’m sorry, but could you explain why you’re upset…”

“How many missions have you completed since receiving the Special Gold Plate?”

“…”

Harang averted his gaze, like a mute who’d eaten honey.

It finally hit him.

As part of promoting the mercenary brokerage, Harang was obligated to periodically take on major missions befitting a Special Gold Plate holder.

If he failed to do so diligently, he’d have to resolve the matter through conversation—or physical conversation—with Austin, the head of the brokerage.

“I really haven’t done much for the brokerage.”

Harang gave an awkward smile.

He had no choice.

Two years was enough time for a super rookie of the mercenary brokerage to make a name across the southern continent.

But what was Harang’s status now?

Still relatively unknown.

Sure, he was famous in Marzen and nearby areas, but that fell far short of the Mercenary King’s expectations.

“Still, I did make quite a mark at the Yellow Magic Tower…”

“Was that for the brokerage? It was all for your own gain.”

“…I won’t deny it.”

“Fine, you’re participating in this swordsmanship festival, no excuses. And every time you give post-match comments or get interviewed by the press, never—NEVER—refuse, and make sure to mention your affiliation. Say you’re Harang, the Special Gold Plate mercenary of Austin’s Mercenary Brokerage!”

“But I’m participating as a representative of the Nadan Kingdom, not the brokerage…”

“Then say you’re from the Nadan Kingdom and a Special Gold Plate mercenary of Austin’s Mercenary Brokerage! Do I have to spell everything out for you? Huh?!”

BOOM!

CRASH!

Austin slammed his fist down, and the table, unable to withstand his strength, shattered pitifully. It was blatantly rude.

But Harang wasn’t in a position to complain.

The disrespect he’d shown the Mercenary King over the past two years was far greater.

“Alright, I’ll participate.”

“Really?!”

“Yes, really. I’ll do my best to uphold the honor of the Nadan Kingdom… and Austin’s Mercenary Brokerage.”

“Damn right you will! With your skills, you could even win. Oh! I’ll write down your victory speech separately, so memorize it and recite it exactly. You’re not going to say you can’t even do that, are you?”

Hummmmm-!

“…Of course, I’ll do as you say.”

Harang broke out in a cold sweat.

The Mercenary King’s presence was fiercer than ever, leaving him no choice but to give the desired response.

***

A month after Ransel Grantz’s visit,

Harang and a few others headed to the capital of the Nadan Kingdom. The group included Eddy and other key members of the mercenary corps, Sheratiya Viyan, Hagio, and a few orphanage children. Though Harang was the only participant, several others tagged along to cheer him on and tour the Seton Swordsmanship Hall’s territory, making the group quite large.

“Wow! Such a comfy bed!”

“Yeah! It smells nice too!”

The orphanage kids, staying at Ransel Grantz’s mansion, bounced around excitedly.

“Wow! A high noble’s mansion!”

“…”

Daereon, a former street kid, was just as thrilled, bouncing around.

Eddy and Sheratiya looked at him with pity, but he didn’t care, reveling in the luxury and comfort of the grand mansion.

Meanwhile, Harang, meeting Kremer Kubel, the Nadan Kingdom’s first knight, spoke calmly.

“I’ll win the swordsmanship festival.”

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