Chapter 50

Viscount's Magic Genius - Chapter 50 (50/324)

50

After returning to my main house.

The first thing I did was to assign a position to Seron.

As Leonhardt's squire, to be precise.

Since I had already discussed it with him, the position was decided as smoothly as water flowing.

"Being a squire... what exactly does that entail?"

"Just attend to me and handle tasks well. It's like being a servant, but one who learns swordsmanship."

In fact, it was a bit higher in rank than a simple servant, but the role was roughly similar.

At my words, the boy nodded.

"I understand."

"Training will take about an hour a day. I'll also get you a solid cultivation method and sword technique soon."

"No, that's fine. Just providing a place to stay here is already..."

Fine, my ass.

If this boy doesn't build up his skills, it's no different from carrying a bomb around.

So, to make proper use of him, I needed to get him a proper cultivation method and sword technique.

And they had to be the best.

Cultivation method and sword technique?

These two are closely linked.

Because the sword technique that can be activated varies depending on the cultivation method.

Once you start learning a cultivation method, it becomes quite difficult to switch to another one, so it's best to learn the best one from the start.

That's why so many aspiring knights knock on the doors of renowned swordsmanship families like the Viscount's.

After a solid foundation curriculum for training knights, they can proceed to intermediate and advanced levels, walking a smooth path.

In contrast, if you're appointed as a knight in a mediocre baron's family, the best you can hope for is to reach lower expert level, whereas here, with talent, you can quickly reach advanced levels.

Of course, this is on the premise of true loyalty to the family.

'If I teach him what Leonhardt knows, that would be perfect.'

My bodyguard knight won't reveal the family's cultivation method and sword technique until the viscount's permission is granted. Since these are the elements that support the family's foundation, the punishment for external leakage is severe.

At the very least, execution, and on top of that, the extermination of three generations.

Such a terrifying punishment.

'I need to get permission.'

Seron could be a useful companion even in the later stages. I definitely don't plan to give him just any cultivation method.

The best thing to give him now would be the aura cultivation method and sword technique that exist in the viscount's family. They are considered advanced even in the game.

I'm sure Remton would readily grant permission for the basic level.

And if he grants permission for more, that would be even better.

Since I also need to bring up the topic of using the gate, I should visit the castle.

"Let's go to the inner castle."

Seron and Leonhardt.

I visited the inner castle with these two.

"Seron, follow me. I need to see my father."

"…Yes? You mean… the head of the family?"

"Who else? Don't be scared, just follow me. It's all for your benefit."

"…."

Is it because he's timid?

The boy stood there, hesitating.

"You said you want to become a knight. Then you need to meet him."

"…I understand."

Soon, the boy reluctantly followed me.

After reaching the office.

I knocked on the door and entered.

"What brings you here today? And who is this boy?"

Interest sparkled in the viscount's eyes when he saw Seron.

"He's become Leonhardt's squire. Let me introduce him."

"Viscount… Seron, I am Seron."

"What kind of man lacks such vigor?"

The viscount's eyes narrowed at Seron's timid greeting.

It seemed he didn't like Seron's attitude.

Well, that attitude.

The moment he wields a sword, it will completely change.

"Father, I have two matters to discuss today."

"Two matters. Speak up."

"The first is to request permission to teach this boy the family's cultivation method and sword technique."

"The family's cultivation method and sword technique?"

"Yes. For now, just the basic level should be enough."

At my words, the viscount stared at me intently.

"Kai."

"Yes."

"Even though these are what training knights learn, that doesn't mean they can be taught to just anyone."

"I understand that."

"Since you understand, it's a quick decision. No, it's not possible. These are only taught to the elite who pass the family's tests. It's not something to be taught to such a weakling."

We'll see if he can say that after seeing this weakling's talent.

I smiled slightly and said.

"Father."

"What is it?"

"Can I order this boy to draw his sword?"

Drawing a sword in front of a noble is a threatening act.

Of course, prior permission is required.

At my words, Remton smiled as if amused.

"Do you think my decision will change if that boy draws his sword?"

"Yes."

"Then fine. Draw it."

With permission, now.

It's time to show him the sword spirit.

"Seron. Did you hear? Draw it."

"…I understand."

Soon, the boy, with trembling hands, began to grasp the hilt of his sword.

He must be very nervous.

The viscount chuckled at the sight.

It seemed he had no expectations at all.

After all.

The sword spirit is deeply hidden in Seron's inner self.

Even a Sword Master would find it hard to detect it. It only shows itself when it emerges.

If I hadn't built trust with the viscount, he might have gotten angry at Seron's attitude.

His attitude was quite frustrating.

That's why a person's usual behavior is important.

The moment the sword blade began to emerge from Seron's scabbard.

Remton's face hardened instantly.

"…"

"How is it?"

"It's as if his soul has been swapped. A soul like a well-polished sword. The timid boy… now seems to only have consciousness. The one controlling the body is the one that has emerged."

Indeed.

Being a Sword Master, he immediately noticed Seron's state.

"You're right."

"I roughly understand why you brought up the cultivation method. If he doesn't reach a certain level, he will gradually be consumed by the sword."

"Indeed. By the way, is he like this with any sword?"

"Yes. Just holding a sword makes him like this. Isn't it interesting?"

It's a scene that could only come from an occult movie.

The viscount must have started to find it interesting.

After all, this wouldn't happen if it weren't for the game's characteristics.

It's an amazing event that can only happen when the game and reality mix.

At my words, the viscount nodded.

"You said this boy is Leonhardt's squire?"

"Yes."

"Then he's your subordinate."

"Yes. I plan to teach him well."

"Indeed… it's quite remarkable."

After finishing his words, the viscount stared at me intently.

"What is it?"

"Every person you bring in has monstrous talent. Your personal maid, Ersiel, and this sword-possessed boy."

"I guess I have a good eye for people."

"Indeed. Wait a moment."

The viscount, after finishing his words, drew the sword from his waist.

Then.

Without a word, he lunged at Seron.

The sword began to descend over the boy's head. The chilling strike approached Seron's head.

Clang!

Seron, who had raised his sword, began to block the viscount's sword.

Then, the boy, making eye contact with Remton, quietly asked.

"Is this a test?"

"Yes."

"Then, have I passed?"

At this, Remton smiled at the boy's eyes.

"Yes."

"…Thank you."

"I want to teach him myself. It's a shame I'm so busy."

After smacking his lips, the viscount returned to his seat.

"Tell Leonhardt it's fine to teach him."

"Up to what level?"

Basic, intermediate, advanced, and highest.

These are the levels of sword techniques and cultivation methods within the family.

The highest level can only be learned by the head of the family and their successor, so I was aiming for the advanced level.

Fortunately, from the viscount's expression, it seemed he would grant permission for a high level.

And that prediction.

"The sword technique and cultivation method. Both up to the advanced level are fine. Whether to teach them is up to you to decide and tell Leonhardt."

It was exactly as I expected.

Indeed.

As impulsive as he is, he's a fiery man.

"Thank you."

"No, thank you. Thanks to you, I witnessed an interesting scene. However."

Then, Remton leaned in and whispered in my ear.

"There's no need to worry much about the timid boy, but still, make a good judgment. That state can be dangerous."

I immediately understood the viscount's meaning.

It means to firmly secure his loyalty.

Leonhardt is a knight whose loyalty can't be doubted, but Seron is a new recruit.

I was already planning to do that.

"Of course. Father, Seron, go wait outside. Sheath your sword."

"…Yes."

The boy, sheathing his sword, carefully left the office.

The first matter was concluded successfully.

Now, it's time to bring up the second matter.

"Father."

"Yes. What's the next matter?"

"I want to use the teleportation gate."

"…The gate?"

At my words, the viscount's expression hardened.

"That's not something I can easily permit."

"I understand that."

"Indeed. Since you're smart, you would. Then, try to persuade me to grant permission."

"I plan to move to Helena."

"Helena…"

After pondering for a moment, Remton, as if sensing something, looked into my eyes.

"Do you plan to participate in the magic competition?"

"Yes."

"So? Just stating your intention to participate isn't enough for me to grant permission."

That's obvious.

But I'm not using the gate just to participate.

"I plan to participate in the theoretical category."

"The theoretical category… you mean the competition where you create and reveal new magic?"

Exactly.

And the reward in this category is much larger than in the combat category. Winning the theoretical category grants the right to build a magic tower.

The reason the reward is larger in the theoretical category is simple.

Because the magic that reaches the finals in the theoretical category is made into a magic book and revealed to all mages.

So, the reward is larger.

I answered, looking at Remton.

"Yes. And I plan to win there. As the price for using the gate, how about this?"

If I can win, it's a condition he can't refuse.

The moment I finished speaking.

A deep interest began to fill the viscount's eyes.

As if curious about what confidence I have to claim I can win.