"Most of the people who apply to our group are promising young people."
"Wouldn't it be a waste of their talent to ask them to condescend to come here? I want to recruit people who truly love swordsmanship.
"What we rough men like to do most is communicate with others through swords. It's just that many young people can't get used to our style."
"In that case, does Lord Belius already have someone in mind? For example... the daughter of the Arnold family, I heard that she started practicing swordsmanship when she was just able to walk."
"Yes, I have indeed visited the Arnold family. I must say, they are indeed a long-established martial arts family."
"At such a young age, she already possesses an amazing level of swordsmanship. If possible, I would like to recruit her into my ranks someday."
"However, it depends on her own wishes. Perhaps she doesn't want to join a group of old men who reek of men's stench. There are plenty of other excellent knight orders with more young people."
"Lord Belius is too kind. Simply being able to join the renowned Golden Lion Knights is enough to be considered a lifelong honor. No one can refuse an offer from your esteemed order."
"Besides, I've heard that Lord Belius has a very good relationship with the head of the Arnold family, haven't I?"
"Haha, it's true that Lord Arnold and I had dealings when we were young, after all, we were both active on the battlefield as warriors. But who can say what the future holds?"
"Because my father was in the Golden Lion Knights when he was young, I feel that his daughter must also achieve the same success. I personally don't like this kind of logic."
"Girls should be protected more; how can we let her suffer so much from a young age? Lord Arnold is good in every way, except that he's too stubborn."
"That's true."
"I think Lord Bahod does a great job in this regard. I just met your daughters, and they are very lovely girls."
"Hmm? Ah~ yeah."
Then the conversation turned to the children of the Marquis Bahod. I learned that Robert, Aisha, and Lia were the second son, first daughter, and second daughter, respectively. The eldest son, Lucius, who was 12 years old, was of school age and was not at home. So I didn't meet him.
From Lord Bahod's descriptions of his children, I can tell that he values and favors his second daughter, Lia, the most. She is said to be a magical prodigy, so she will probably focus on studying magic in the future. She will most likely be a candidate for court magician and have little to do with the Knights.
Fortunately, Robert has excellent talent himself. But it's really too difficult to discover swordsmanship prodigies in noble families these days. I sighed silently to myself.
After finishing my meal and saying goodbye to Marquis Bahod, I rested for an hour. I figured it was about time to head to the backyard; Robert might already be waiting for me there.
"Um?"
As I was walking down the corridor, I suddenly noticed a striking red-haired girl staring out the window at something. .
"Oh, it's Aisha, what are you looking?"
Upon hearing my greeting, the girl quickly turned around. Seeing me, she greeted in return but didn't answer my question and left with an excuse.
Hey, what's with the kid's in this family.
Lia and Aisha, they both seem to to dislike me.
I don't think I have done anything to offend them. So why...
With various thought in mind, I stood by the window and looked outside.
The area outside the window is the backyard where Robert and I were training. The only noticeable thing right now is Robert, who is constantly swinging his wooden sword in the air. It seems that he hasn't slacked off at all even when I can't see him; in fact, he's pushing himself very hard. That kind of spirit is truly rare.
It's not unusual for an older sister to be so engrossed in watching her younger brother train and this isn't the first time I have seen the good relationship between the siblings, but I always felt that Aisha's gaze wasn't just pure curiosity...
Never mind, I'm just speculating here. I should go to the backyard and meet up with Robert.
Oh right, while he's focused on training right now, I'll give him a surprise attack.
As a swordsman, one must always be vigilant about one's surroundings, especially behind oneself. This is a good opportunity to teach him a lesson. My master used to torment me like this, even ambushing me while I was eating. Those days were truly agonizing. However, it also quickly honed my keen perception and reflexes. Forgive me, young man, it's time for me to fulfill my duties as your master. This is for your own good.
I approached Robert silently, intending to press the wooden sword directly against his neck.
But just as I was about to make a move, Robert's body suddenly disappeared before my eyes... No, he crouched down and quickly approached my unsuspecting abdomen to retaliate.
Of course, I couldn't possibly be hit by a kid who was still a novice, so I immediately adjusted my posture and blocked Robert's attack.
After recognizing me, Robert immediately took a few steps back.
"Master Belius? You suddenly approached me without warning, which startled me."
I was truly startled. I was absolutely certain I had approached him silently, so how could I have been discovered? Did he anticipate my move? No, it didn't seem like it. He wasn't even sure it was me until he saw me clearly; it was obvious he only sensed someone approaching but didn't know who it was.
Most importantly, his gaze revealed absolutely no emotion except pute murderous intent, a strong emotion that was not typical of a child.
"Sorry, I just wanted to test your reflexes. I was planning to teach you a lesson if you hadn't noticed me approaching, but it seems I was just being redundant."
"No, I know that this is how martial arts training is done, and I understand my master."
"That's good. You did very well. I won't test you like that again."
"Thank you for the compliment, Master."
The swordsmanship training has only just begun, but Robert's behavior just now was like that of a completely different person. Could something have happened in the past?
I came here simply to teach swordsmanship, yet in just one day I've uncovered numerous incomprehensible mysteries. It seems the Anglus family is filled with complicated secrets. Although I don't want to know, they're probably mostly unhealthy ones.
But right now, the most important person is Robert, who is standing in front of me. Although Marquis Bahod claims he doesn't think much of him, but I don't think so. If he previously only had the physique suitable for Martial Arts then his retort just now was enough to showcase his spirit.