TFLMLD 31

Chapter 31

Shufen and the Secret of the Broken Blade
2020.12.19

“You can unofficially give orders to the Sword family and dismiss anyone. If you wish, you can even exile someone from the territory.”

Wait—did Macaron even know that Lael worked for the Sword family? Observing quietly, I realized Macaron’s intelligence network was impressively thorough. Of course, it wasn’t as extensive as the Luna Guild’s, but it was definitely beyond ordinary levels of information gathering. Even if Macaron had conducted intensive research before signing a contract with me, I hadn’t expected he’d know so many details. Watching him, I noticed Macaron grinning in a way that was almost murderous.

“If you wished not to know, I can take back what I just said.”

“…….”

“I can even erase it from your mind.”

If Macaron had intended to make me laugh, he had certainly succeeded. A smile escaped my lips despite myself, trembling and breaking through.

“Thank you.”

Finally seeming relieved, Macaron whispered sweetly into my ear:

“If neither of you wants it, I can also deliver some insults.”

“…….”

“A revolutionary rearrangement of your ribcage wouldn’t be enough, you—”

I laughed so hard tears began to form, and Lael completely vanished from my head as if washed away.

“Which would you like?”

“I’ll take just the sentiment. I’ve handled it well already.”

Macaron nodded with a pleased smile.

“I thought you would say that, madam.”

At that moment, Kai stepped into the arena, and the trumpet announcing the start of the match blared. His opponent wore an elaborate martial arts outfit and carried a sword with neat markings. Of course, it couldn’t compare to Kai’s own sword or outfit. However, his opponent had an impressive record, winning numerous tournaments. In contrast, our Kai… had no experience. Based purely on training or skill, hoping for a favorable result today would have been ambitious. Yet, knowing how hard Kai had trained—and with Duke Shufen’s encouragement—I couldn’t help feeling nervous. A wish for him not to get hurt, a desire for him to win… a tangle of emotions clenched my hands tightly.

The announcer stepped onto the stage and, using a magic loudspeaker, explained the match rules again.

“The tournament is single-elimination. Preliminary matches last 30 minutes per round. If a match isn’t decided within the time, the referee’s judgment will determine the winner.”

With that, the trumpet sounded again, and the match began. Even from afar, Kai quickly subdued his seemingly mocking opponent. As the match grew serious, the audience’s attention sharpened. Nobles who had been observing Kai for being the heir’s first match focused intently. Following the tactics practiced with Duke Shufen, Kai moved boldly, disorienting his opponent. Swift steps and sharp thrusts made my heart skip each time a blade whizzed past. Though I wasn’t wielding a sword myself, my hands twitched and sweat broke out. Every tense motion made Macaron’s fingertips touch mine, reassuring me.

After about ten minutes, a clanging sound rang—the clash of steel—and a sword fell to the ground. Kai had won his first match. Surprised and still in disbelief, my excitement only grew. After easily defeating the first opponent, Kai continued to dominate, one after another. With each advancing round, my joy, anticipation, and tension multiplied. Finally… the semi-finals ended in Kai’s victory as well.

“He won! Our Kai made it to the finals!”

Overcome with joy, I hugged Macaron tightly. He didn’t move, seemingly stiff as usual…

‘Isn’t it normal not to hug strangers in moments like this?’

My nose tingled as Macaron stared blankly at me. Coral, equally moved, glimmered with tears in her rabbit-like eyes. The announcer began the final instructions.

“The finals will consist of two 30-minute rounds, with a ten-minute break in between.”

As expected, the finals would be Kai versus Netro Yeongsik. Soon, both children stepped into the ring and greeted each other politely. The atmosphere was already tense, with the finals predicted to be a fierce battle. From what I had observed so far, Kai’s swordsmanship was sharp and agile, while Netro Yeongsik’s strikes were heavy and forceful. With such contrasting styles, no victory was certain. Netro had won most tournaments up until last year, making him an undoubtedly skilled fighter. As a descendant of the renowned Sword family, it was natural. Even Duke Shufen, watching from outside the ring, seemed slightly tense this time.

‘I didn’t think anything could make him nervous…’

Perhaps circumstances shape people. The trumpet sounded again, and the match began. Kai, assessing his opponent’s tactics, moved swiftly to evade, changing directions and steps to confuse Netro. A clever strategy. Yet, Netro’s experience and skill prevented his balance from being easily disrupted. After several minutes, swords clashed multiple times. Seizing an opening, Kai moved inward swiftly. His steps were fast and flexible, leaving the audience in awe. Strike and retreat, feint an attack, barely brushing past his opponent… Even I, unfamiliar with swordplay, could see Kai’s advantage. The sharp clangs of metal echoed repeatedly.

As the first round ended, a final clang signaled a broken sword falling to the ground. The crowd’s expressions shifted between hope and despair. I prayed it wasn’t Kai’s sword… but sadly, it was.

With his broken sword throwing off his balance, Netro pressed the advantage. Kai dodged with agility, escaping the danger, but Netro unleashed relentless attacks. The barely avoided blade strokes were nerve-wracking. The first round concluded, granting a ten-minute break. Although Kai survived the round, the issue remained: the sword. In adult tournaments, broken swords are common, so multiple swords are prepared. For children, however, this rarely happens, and spare swords aren’t usually provided. If Kai used a broken sword in the second round, victory would be unlikely… and there was no time to fetch a replacement. Children’s swords were often custom-made, not standard products. How could anyone get a sword in just ten minutes? For now, withdrawal seemed the only option. Yet Kai would never forfeit.

Observing the situation, Macaron, clearly frustrated, instructed Sir Momont:

“Tell Duke Shufen to decide on withdrawing.”

Sir Momont relayed the message. Surprisingly, Duke Shufen’s expression remained indifferent.

‘Does he not want to withdraw? But there’s no other way…’

After some discussion, Sir Momont returned to the room.

“Duke Shufen says to leave it to him.”

“……!”

“What about the sword?”

Macaron examined the broken blade carefully, then suddenly grew serious.

“This was definitely… intentional.”

Macaron gestured, and Sir Momont went outside to investigate. Macaron’s gaze remained fixed on the sword. If someone had tampered with it, it was likely the Sword family. Yet, such a prestigious family wouldn’t sabotage a children’s tournament. The sword had never left Kai and Shufen’s hands… It couldn’t have been Kai. That left only one person.

‘Could it… be Duke Shufen?’

Even though Shufen had been suspicious at times, it didn’t make sense—he genuinely wanted Kai to win.

‘Then who could have done this?’

I had so many questions, but no answers. Though Shufen said to leave it to him, the second round couldn’t proceed properly. Soon, the trumpet sounded again, and Kai returned to the ring with an unfamiliar sword in hand.

‘Is this one of Duke Shufen’s swords?’

Despite watching his training, I couldn’t recall Shufen’s sword. This one seemed slightly large for Kai, but not full-sized. Perhaps Shufen carried multiple spare swords. Oddly, since Kai reappeared, Macaron had been silent. Upon seeing the sword, his expression hardened. Earlier, when he reported to Momont, he hadn’t looked so serious… Being a swordsman, Macaron clearly understood the gravity of the situation. If so…

“Should we consider making him withdraw now?”

Although Kai might be disappointed, it was better than risking injury or defeat. Yet Macaron, despite his stern expression, said unexpectedly:

“I think Duke Shufen has a plan. Let’s see.”

“But the sword seems too large…”

Macaron erased his previous frown and smiled.

“Kai will handle it. No need to worry.”

He seemed to know something—but it was different from what I suspected. Seeing the match continue… perhaps his earlier stern look wasn’t about worrying for Kai. As I wondered, the clashing of swords echoed, signaling the start of the round.