Chapter 7:
Full Mastery
"MANY IMPORTANT GUESTS will be attending this party," the Hot-
Blooded Knight said. "Put your all into the preparations!"
That day, we were in the event hall where the party would take place,
setting up for it. The favored students didn't have to get their hands dirty, of
course. Enduring such a difference in our treatment right up until the very end
ticked me off, but the work was easy enough.
"They're really going all out, aren't they?" I muttered.
"Rumor has it that a bunch of people from House Petack will be there,"
Kurt said from beside me. "They're going to officially announce the engagement
between House Razel and House Petack too, so I'm sure they want this to be as
grand as possible."
"And that's why we're doing all this work, huh?" I said bitterly. The grand
announcement had nothing to do with us.
Setting up the party involved some honest-to-goodness construction work;
we were tearing up part of the floor of the venue and installing a fountain.
Machines did most of the work, but the process took time due to the sheer size of
the place. Thankfully, professional laborers were in charge, and we were just
assisting them.
How many people are gonna come to this stupid party anyway?
As we worked, the fighting ring for our martial arts matches was brought
in.
"We're gonna fight in that?"
"Did you end up deciding not to take part, Liam?"
"It'd be too humiliating for a master of the Way of the Flash to lose. Even
if the matches are fixed, I have no obligation to play the loser for them."
I wouldn't be able to face Master if I participated in a fixed match. Kurt,
however, planned to participate and lose at a suitable moment.
He laughed, though it came off a little sad. "Our time here's almost at its
end, huh?"
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Even leaving a place like this made us feel kind of forlorn.
"Don't get so down. When this is all over, we'll be going straight to the
next stage of our learning. We'll only get busier from here on out."
"Yeah, you're right." He still seemed a little sad.
The Hot-Blooded Knight approached us. "Your family called, Kurt. It's
urgent, so head over to the communications room immediately."
"Something urgent...? Okay, got it."
As Kurt briskly left the hall, the Hot-Blooded Knight returned to his
duties.
"Well, guess I should get back to work too," I said.
When I turned to resume my labor, I spotted an animal out of the corner of
my eye. Well, part of an animal—a dog's tail.
"Did it wander in here? Something weird like this happened to me once
before..."
Since I'd had one in my past life, I was really fond of dogs. I would feel
bad for the thing if it got caught up in one of the construction machines and was
injured. I left my post and chased after the dog to let it outside of the great hall,
but it took off. It kept turning corners, and I would only catch glimpses of its tail
over and over.
"Wait, where'd it go?"
When I finally lost sight of the dog, I found myself near the
communications room. Inside, I heard Kurt's voice.
"So you can't come pick me up because you're busy dealing with pirates?
All right, I got it. Don't worry, I'll be fine."
He appeared to be speaking with a relative from home. I leaned in closer
and overheard that pirates had invaded his territory, so his family wouldn't be
able to come get him from House Razel anytime soon.
Kurt finished his conversation and left the room. He was surprised to find
me waiting by the doorway. "Were you listening?"
"Sorry. I chased a dog all the way over here."
Kurt looked uneasy. "Oh, yeah? Well, seems there's trouble at home.
Guess I'm not gonna be going back there for a while."
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"Did something happen?"
"They've uncovered a pirate gang—a really large-scale operation too. My
father's racking his brain trying to deal with it. He said they're using a resource
asteroid for their base of operations and it'll be tough to take them down."
So pirates were attacking Baron Exner's domain, huh? That gave me a
brilliant idea: I'd deal with the pirates for them, and the Exners would be
indebted to me.
"Kurt, call your father. Tell him I'll bring you home...and that I want to
take part in this pirate hunt too."
"I appreciate the offer, but I can't accept that. There are just too many of
them. Anyway, we already owe you. We can't just keep relying on your help."
Son of an evil lord though he was, Kurt still planned to honor the debt he
owed me. Very admirable! But I just wanted a good reason to hunt some pirates.
"Kurt, I'm gonna let you in on something. Defeating pirates can fill your
wallet."
"Huh?"
"We'll split the profits seventy-thirty. What do you say?"
I was trying to negotiate for the spoils, but Kurt was having a hard time
keeping up.
"W-wait, you can't just decide that! Isn't this something you have to
discuss with your vassals back home?"
"Nah. My territory belongs to me and me alone. My orders are absolute. If
I say black is white, then white it shall be. My people can't refuse when I order
them to fight."
Being a noble is great! War is the most foolish thing there is, but I can
start one on a whim if I so desire.
Kurt was staring at me, slack-jawed.
You're so naïve, Kurt. Still, I should contact Amagi about this.
"Pirate hunting is fun. You'll see."
I tapped a fist against my stunned friend's chest.
***
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Someone had been listening in on Kurt and Liam's conversation.
"Hmm, seems I've heard something I shouldn't have."
The person watching the pair from the shadows grinned upon learning of
their future plans. She'd been keeping an eye on Kurt and Liam throughout their
entire training.
"Soon enough, they'll..."
Sensing someone approaching, the eavesdropper quickly wiped the
cunning expression off her face.
***
I felt a super unsettling aura emanating from nearby, but when I looked for
the source, I only saw Eila coming our way.
"Is this where you were? You're gonna get in trouble if you don't get back
to work soon."
I guess she came to find us.
I asked, "You didn't see someone suspicious just now, did you?"
Eila tilted her head to the side, looking bewildered. "Suspicious? Nope. I
don't think anyone suspicious would be able to get in here."
Security was tight in a noble's mansion. If anyone with questionable
intentions could get inside, they would have to be a pro among pros.
Worry creased her brow. "What's up? Did you see someone suspicious?"
"No, I just thought I felt something. Oh, did you see a dog?"
"Definitely not." Eila looked downright mystified now.
Kurt looked pensive for a moment. "You know, come to think of it, I
sometimes feel like someone's watching me. If you're feeling it too, maybe it
isn't just my imagination."
Eila wrapped her arms around herself, shivering. "What? You're not
talking about ghosts, are you? S-stop that. I can't do scary stuff."
Wow, she can be really cute sometimes, huh? Kurt didn't elaborate on his
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comment, as if afraid of making Eila more nervous. This guy's too nice to girls.
Does he have a thing for Eila, after all?
"Sorry about that. Should we go back, Liam?" Kurt suggested.
The three of us left the communication room behind. As we walked down
the hallway, the Hot-Blooded Knight came around the corner looking for us.
"Hey! What are the three of you up to? C'mon, back to work."
***
We finished preparing the party venue, and our training had nearly come
to an end. There was less than a month now until the students would return to
their own territories, and they were all relieved about that. I felt the same way,
but I also dreaded the mountain of work that would undoubtedly be waiting for
me.
"I'll be busy for a while, I'm sure." I sighed.
As I was cleaning up my room, Eila poked her head in. "You in here,
Liam?"
"I am."
"Oh, good. Um, Kurt told me that you two are gonna stop by House Exner
on your way home, right?"
Kurt must have shared our plans with her, so now she knew that Kurt and
I would be going pirate hunting for House Exner.
"We are."
"Do you...mind if I come along too?"
"You?"
"Y-yeah. Some stuff happened, so..."
Eila didn't seem to want to reveal her reasons, but I was pretty sure by
now that she had a thing for Kurt. She must not have wanted to be parted from
him so soon, so she figured she'd follow him into his domain.
"I don't mind, but if Kurt says no, then you can just come to my place."
"Huh? Oh, right. Y-yeah."
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From how flustered she'd become, maybe Eila hadn't considered that Kurt
might say no. If it bothered him to have her at his home world, I'd just take see
her home myself.
While I'm doing that, I can meet Baron Berman and Eila's family.
Since she's getting the cold shoulder from House Razel, I'm sure her family
are evil nobles like me.
"I'll talk to Kurt about it, then. Come to my ship when we leave. I bet
you'll be surprised."
I'd gotten word from Amagi. It was finally ready.
"Ah ha ha... Thanks, Liam." Eila scratched her head, laughing bashfully.
Well, they're both friends of mine, so I'll cheer on their little romance. I
should help out with whatever I can since we're all evil lord buddies.
***
Kurt had many things to think about as his three years of schooling came
to an end. Presently, he was out on the mansion grounds, wishing to be alone
with his thoughts.
"I didn't know how this would turn out when it started, but now that it's
ending, I'm actually gonna miss it."
When he'd first been entrusted to House Razel, he'd been thoroughly
disappointed. But now, he was gratified by the experience, and it was all because
of his roommate, Liam.
Liam's been a noble since he was born. He has a different sort of resolve
than I do.
Kurt had done his best not to shame himself as a self-made noble, but
when he learned about the lives of nobles like Liam, he had to admit his
weaknesses. Even his swordplay, which he was proud of, couldn't compare to
Liam's, and he had nowhere near Liam's confidence.
Unlike Kurt, Liam was already a ruling count at his age. He didn't seem to
have the best reputation, but he was impressive enough to Kurt. At times, he
tried to come across as a villain, but it was amply clear from how he lived his
life that he was hardworking. Even if he did have something of a crude mouth
and a twisted personality, he was a good person in Kurt's eyes.
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All the things Liam's taught me have really helped. He even gave my
family his support, so I want to pay him back somehow.
Thanks to Liam, House Exner's financial situation was steadily
improving. He felt indebted to his friend for that, but Kurt currently had nothing
with which to repay Liam.
You never know; we might not stay in touch after our schooling ends.
I've got to do something for him before then.
Their meeting here had been something of a miracle, and due to the
distance between their domains and their increasing responsibilities, there was a
good chance they wouldn't maintain their bond after parting. They'd probably
meet again at school, but that would be a big place, and they'd be tremendously
busy. This might be the only chance they'd ever have to share a close
relationship.
While Kurt was contemplating all this, someone called his name.
"There you are, Kurt!"
"Huh? Liam?" He turned around and found Liam standing before him.
The boy sat down beside Kurt and stated his purpose.
"We'll be going to your place when this is done, right? Sounds like Eila
wants to come along with us. Do you mind if she takes advantage of your
hospitality for a bit?"
Upon hearing Eila's name, Kurt grew restless. "Eila? Sure, but I don't
know if we'll be able to entertain her properly at my place. I don't know much
about etiquette and such."
Self-made noble families often had trouble following Imperial etiquette.
Kurt was worried about offending Eila with his family's ignorance.
"I don't think you need to worry about that. If you really don't want to,
though, I can take her to my place instead."
"That might be better."
Just like that, the matter with Eila was settled.
***
At House Banfield's mansion, Brian opened a line of communication with
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the Imperial Home Planet, calling a friend of his—a woman named Serena with
a wrinkled face and long white hair. Since she looked to be in her golden years
even with the help of anti-aging technology, she was actually far older than that.
"It's been a long time, Serena." Brian greeted the woman politely, but her
response was curt.
"You've gotten old since I last saw you, Brian. It's rare for you to call
me. Has something happened?"
"I see you haven't changed. I still picture you working in the Imperial
palace as a maid."
"What year do you think it is? The great-grandkid took over that job a
long time ago. I'm living the retired life now."
"I have to admit I'm envious."
"You should've given up on that rotten family and come join me."
"I have pledged to serve House Banfield for life."
"Oh, yeah?"
Serena had once served as the head maid at the Imperial palace, so she'd
heard her fair share of dirty details, and she still had connections there. Brian had
actually been scouted by the palace himself at one time.
"Anyway, how have you been, Brian? Rumor has it you've got the first
wise ruler since Lord Alistair over there."
Brian decided to endure his shame and confide in Serena about House
Razel. "Yes, I'm actually calling about Lord Liam. He's training with another
lord right now, but I just cannot accept the treatment he's been receiving there. I
was wondering if there was anything you could tell me about this fellow."
The butler had done a little digging on his own, but for whatever reason,
he hadn't been able to come up with much of anything. Thus, he'd decided to
rely on the ace up his sleeve, Serena. Truth be told, he hadn't wanted to make
this call, but it was a sacrifice out of his concern for Liam.
"Which lord would that be?"
"Viscount Razel. He had a good reputation and seemed to like Lord Liam
at first." The moment he named House Razel, Serena sighed. Alarmed, he went
on, "Wh-what is it?"
"House Razel's got a good reputation...among other nobles, anyway.
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From the Empire's point of view, the viscount's got a lot of issues. Seems like
you left him with a real problem house."
"What?"
"Just pray your little golden boy doesn't pick up any twisted values."
"Wh-wh-what do you mean by that?"
Serena sighed again. "You should have called me sooner. I could have
referred you to a less problematic house."
Brian was stunned into silence. Her reaction confirmed that things weren't
good.
***
Tomorrow, my days at House Razel would be over. Today, we were
taking part in the martial arts exhibition, the part of the festivities where the
students' skills would be shown off to their family members. However, only the
families of the favored students had been invited to spectate—allegedly, there
just wasn't enough space for everyone. This way, House Razel could put on a
whole series of fixed matches.
Presently, the match between Kurt and Peter was ongoing. After they
clashed a number of times, Kurt grunted in exasperation.
I heard Peter respond, "Hm? What's the matter? Since we're both users of
the Ahlen style, I can't have you acting so gutless."
Peter was dominating the match, and Kurt was...struggling. The reason
for this was completely clear to me: Kurt was having a hard time with how bad
of a swordsman Peter was. The difference between their skill levels was so great,
Kurt couldn't even find a way to lose. This must have been incredibly
embarrassing for my friend. After all, they were supposed to be using the same
style, making the same types of moves, and taking the same kind of stances, but
anyone watching could tell that Peter's form was just plain poor.
"This is awful. I feel so bad for Kurt now."
Eila, who was sitting next to me, said, "Whoever granted Peter mastery
should probably have thought a little harder about it. He's going to bring down
the reputation of the whole Ahlen school."
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Kurt must have given up on losing gracefully. He simply threw his sword
down and took a knee. "I yield."
The mood in the hall grew a little awkward when Kurt forfeited, but a
slow clap transformed into applause, and the atmosphere of celebration was
restored.
Peter raised both hands. "Yes, yes, thank you!" Carried away by the
excitement of the crowd, he said to Kurt, "I'm very disappointed in you,
though."
Eila frowned, her face etched with frustration.
However, Peter was on a roll. "Do you understand my abilities now?"
"I understand perfectly." Kurt looked mature and admirable as he endured
Peter's provocations. If it were me, the second he insulted me, I'd have split him
in two.
Suddenly, Peter pointed the tip of his shock sword directly at me. "Since
my opponent was so boring, I'll fight you next. Why don't you climb up into the
ring, mister poor person with an obscure sword style?"
At Peter's words, a great cheer rippled through the venue at the promise of
unscheduled entertainment. Up in the box seats, the viscount looked exasperated,
but he nevertheless motioned for me to enter the ring.
My instructor, the Hot-Blooded Knight, came over to me with an
apologetic look on his face. "Sorry, but you really should fight in a match."
"He's got some nerve calling my style obscure. Say, old man...I can fight
seriously, right?"
The Hot-Blooded Knight started to say something, then merely smiled
instead. "You'd do it even if I tried to stop you, wouldn't you? I've never cared
for this farce myself. Give 'em a good show, I say!" He grew serious as he
added, "But no matter what you do, don't kill him."
Obviously I didn't intend to kill him. "Just leave it to me. I never got a
chance to practice holding back in a bout, but I did come up with a
countermeasure for Kurt."
"A countermeasure, you say?" The Hot-Blooded Knight didn't understand
what I meant.
From my pocket, I pulled out a toy that I intended to use as my weapon.
Since even a shock sword was a lethal implement in my hands, I'd gone out of
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my way to procure a toy hammer—the kind that squished in with a squeaky
sound when you hit something with it. If I smacked Peter with this, it shouldn't
hurt too bad.
"H-hey, that's gonna be a little too disrespectful, don't you think?"
"Well, if I use anything else, I'll kill him. This is the best I can do."
When I stepped up into the ring with the toy hammer, Peter pointed his
finger at it and guffawed incredulously.
"You really want to fight me with a weapon like that?"
Viscount Razel's brow had furrowed deeply. Evidently, he disapproved of
my choice of weapon.
Meanwhile, Peter was egging me on. "Pfft... Ha ha! Looks like you're so
poor, you couldn't even afford a sword. Want me to buy you a shock sword for
the match?"
Ignoring his jeers, I waited for the signal to start the match. The referee
glanced uncertainly at Viscount Razel, but the viscount nodded, and the match
was approved.
"B-begin!"
It only took a second.
When the hammer connected with the top of Peter's head, it made less of a
"squeak!" and more of a tremendous "boom!" that echoed through the venue. As
soon as the match started, I'd instantly closed the distance between us and swung
the hammer down. No more, no less. Peter collapsed to the stage floor, eyes
rolled back in his head.
"Huh, guess he was all talk."
I swung the hammer in the air to discern whether it was broken, but it was
still intact. These futuristic toys were really durable.
As I stood there in the ring, several of the viscount's darlings raised their
voices in protest. They must have resented me for bursting their bubble and
shoving reality in their faces.
"H-hey, that wasn't fair!"
I snorted and gestured for the whiner to enter the ring. "If you've got a
problem, then why don't you get over here?"
I'll teach you spoiled prissy brats the harsh reality of the world. Might
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makes right, not the other way around! Before you guys go on to become
holier-than-thou lords and ladies, let me show you what life's really about!
"Why waste time fighting you one on one? Get over here—I'll take you
all on at once."
Stepping into the ring, one kid yelled, "Don't be so full of yourself!
Nobody's even heard of your obscure sword sty—bghk!"
I sent him flying back out again with one swipe of the toy hammer.
"It's not obscure—it's the Way of the Flash. I'll carve it into your body
along with the memory of your loss so that you'll never forget it again. Come
on, come at me!"
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Feeling too confident from their bogus victories, more kids scrambled into
the ring and crowded around me, but I knocked them all flying with my squeaky
hammer, cackling the whole time.
Having vanquished every last one of my challengers, I stood at the center
of the ring and fed the truth to the befuddled crowd. "Don't get cocky just
because you won some fixed matches, small fry!"
That pissed off not just the assembled family members, but Viscount
Razel as well. He was red-faced with rage. It might've been a step too far, but I
doubted I'd ever have to deal with House Razel again after this, so I figured I
might as well let out all my pent-up frustration at once.
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