TFLMLD 32

Chapter 32

Duke Shupen Arrives at Midnight
2020.12.22

If Netro focused on offense, Kai’s movements were much closer to defense. At first glance, it might have seemed that Kai was at a disadvantage. I didn’t know much about swords, but if you watch a child for long enough, you start to notice things. Right now, Kai… was clearly reading his opponent’s movements. From his unusually relaxed steps, I could sense that he was calculating.

They said that even a slight change in a sword’s weight could throw most swordsmen off balance, requiring extensive practice to adapt. Fortunately, Kai showed none of the staggered movements or hesitations I had worried about. On the contrary, his agility seemed even sharper compared to his previous sword. The wide arcs and rapid swings of his blade made me think that this new sword might actually suit Kai better than the old one.

The sword looked heavy for him to wield… yet Kai moved as if dismissing such concerns. He flew across the arena with the new sword, striking his opponent creatively. If Netro’s swordplay leaned toward orthodox, measured techniques, Kai excelled in variation and quick reactions.

Netro faltered, stepping back as Kai’s blade struck from unexpected angles. Repeatedly, Netro’s movements became tangled, and the battle began to unfold according to Kai’s control. Contrary to expectations, the spectators in the stands remained completely still, holding their breath as they watched this rising star emerge.

Round two drew to a close. Kai’s blade cut through the air with increasing speed, tracing refreshing arcs. Dodging Netro’s heavy sword, Kai rolled swiftly in the opposite direction and lunged. As Netro’s sword aimed at empty air, Kai’s blade landed atop Netro’s neck. For a moment, the world seemed frozen, and the entire audience rose to give a standing ovation. My heart pounded, a shiver running through me.

Images of Kai’s long-prepared journey with the Shupen Duke flashed like a panorama in my mind: his small hands gradually toughening, his dedication to training late into the night, Kai never shedding a tear even under the strict training of the resolute Duke Shupen… Coral’s eyes glistened with tears, and though I tried not to cry, my face was suddenly soaked.

The first to greet the tense Kai was Coral. The sight of Kai hugging Coral tightly was perfect—truly admirable. They were shaping up to be the perfect lead couple.

“Oppa, do you know how worried I was you might get hurt?”

“Hurt? Who would get hurt?”

Kai patted Coral’s tearful shoulder.

“Did you ever break a promise?”

“….”

“You said you’d win!”

And Coral shook her head emphatically… This child is going to keep breaking walls, I thought. Macaron seemed to share the sentiment, smiling warmly despite his usually stern expression during the match.

On the way home, Kai’s exciting tales of heroics continued, and Macaron and I quietly chuckled watching the children. Duke Shupen, however… remained unusually silent. His blue eyes, staring pensively out the window, seemed full of thoughts. Normally, with his cheeky personality, he would be boasting all night on a day like today… but the Duke had spent months sweating and striving for this day. Today must be especially meaningful for him. His unusual demeanor sparked suspicion again. I knew doubting him was wrong, yet I couldn’t easily shake the feeling.

As I contemplated, the estate came into view. Soon, the carriage arrived, and my rumbling stomach reminded me how tense I had been, making me hungrier. After changing into comfortable clothes, I went down to the dining room with Coral, where a lavish meal awaited.

Sweet cream cheese soup, fresh vegetables with savory dressing, sizzling steak, and potato salad. The chefs must have heard of Kai’s victory and had put extra effort into the feast. The pleasant chatter filled the room, and a joyful atmosphere prevailed. The massive cake and delectable desserts added to the celebratory mood, and the party didn’t end until late in the evening. Everyone seemed so excited that their smiles never left their faces.

Fortunately, today Macaron and Duke Shupen seemed to have a temporary truce. Macaron busied himself with the children, while Duke Shupen… occasionally wore an unfamiliar expression without a trace of a smile.

‘Bitter-looking, perhaps.’

When our eyes met, he raised his glass toward mine. Awkwardly, I clinked it, then turned my gaze. Coral had already dozed off nearby. Taking her to the eastern annex, Coral mumbled sleepily:

“Coral, you could still play…”

Even as she nodded off, her grin stretched ear to ear. Holding her hand tightly, I guided her to bed. She immediately fell asleep, exhausted from cheering Kai on all morning. Watching her reminded me of the first day I met her—the way her rabbit-like eyes peeked out as she hid and trembled.

‘Back then, the child couldn’t even look at me.’

Now she smiled innocently and played around with me… things I couldn’t have imagined back then. A wave of warmth ran down my cheeks as I recalled the time spent here. Maybe it was the night, or perhaps it was because of Kai’s victory… Today I felt unnecessarily sentimental. I often thought emotions could hinder rather than help…

‘Perhaps it’s okay to loosen the reins for a while.’

Smiling at my own carefree thought, I returned to the room. Someone tapped at the window. Looking up, I saw a familiar servant spirit after a long while. Remembering it belonged to Duke Shupen, the tiny spirit left a letter and flew off.

“I have something to tell you. I will wait. Terrace Garden.”

‘What could it be? Could it be related to today?’

Perhaps Duke Shupen knew who broke the sword—but I doubted he would tell me… maybe only Macaron. Sorting through my thoughts, I went to the designated place and saw his dignified figure. Yet somehow, his broad back seemed a little lonely today. His face must have reflected the same pensive expression I’d seen during dinner.

“You have something to say…?”

Feeling my presence, Duke Shupen turned, looking at me with a faint smile. But somehow, even that smile felt sad.

Why create such an atmosphere to speak?

“I… think it’s time for me to leave.”

His sudden words left me momentarily stunned. He had said he would leave after teaching the basics, but… after learning he was the Luna Guildmaster, I had assumed there was another purpose behind teaching Kai. Has that purpose ended now? But I desperately wanted to keep him here. Watching today’s match only reinforced that there was no better teacher to maximize Kai’s potential in such a short time.

“Kai still has much to learn…”

Duke Shupen smiled faintly.

“Are you trying to stop me now?”

His mischievous look made me feel like I was the one restraining him. Feeling something strange in his gaze, I turned my head, and silence fell. Yet I could still feel his eyes on me.

“It feels good to hear you say that.”

“…Huh?”

Before I could process, he pulled a book from his chest. Seeing it, all other thoughts vanished.

‘A knight’s swordsmanship manual?’

Even the simple title hinted at its significance. As I opened it, the techniques and stances were detailed.

‘Could he be giving Kai the secret techniques?’

In a renowned sword family, secret techniques were treasured like family heirlooms, passed down to ensure the family’s legacy. Rarely would they give them to outsiders. Seeing this alone was astonishing, but Duke Shupen went further.

“Give this to Kai.”

“Why… to Kai?”

“Tell him I hope he becomes the empire’s number one swordsman.”

“Is that all?”

“….”

He looked at me as if to convey a silent meaning.

“Was your reason for coming to the estate because of Kai?”

His eyes sharpened, but he left calmly.

“I only responded to your ladyship’s invitation.”

Normally, I would have let it slide, but there was no more time. I had often wondered when and how to bring this up. I couldn’t delay any longer.

“I know you are the Luna Guildmaster.”

“…!”

Duke Shupen’s eyes twitched in surprise.

‘So it’s true…!’

As if nothing happened, he quickly softened his eyes into crescents.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

I didn’t expect him to admit it. It was top secret, after all. But the fleeting expression earlier confirmed it: he was the Luna Guildmaster. He masked it quickly, letting a mischievous smile linger.

“I don’t do scary things like that.”

How many people could call their actions ‘scary’ without batting an eye? But Duke Shupen could. Skilled in acting… and a guildmaster. That confirmed it for me. No reason to push further, nor did I have proof of his guildmaster identity.

“…I see.”

The real question remained.

“What is the real reason you came to the estate?”