13 - Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

**Chapter 13 of Dark Fantasy: "The Day I Left My Family"** The day I planned to leave my family. A modest farewell party was intended for that day—only those who truly cared about me would gather, in the stillness of an early morning. That is why I planned to quietly slip away at 3 a.m., the time when Vendel is at its most silent. Those who weren't invited to the farewell might later express regret, lamenting, "The illegitimate child has fled!" I didn’t care. We weren’t going to see each other again, anyway. Or perhaps they would form a search party? All for an illegitimate child who disappeared? It would be like calling in an exterminator because a cockroach went out the window. Thus, the parting between the illegitimate child and the family was going to be shy and poignant. “Say it once more.” “I said I’m leaving the family.” Plans changed. A thought suddenly crossed my mind. Why did I have to leave in a way that made it seem like I was escaping? It wasn’t as if I’d committed any crime. The people of Vendel openly expressed their discomfort with my existence. Under such circumstances, my disappearing on my own? Isn’t that me doing them a favor? If they had any conscience or affection, they should at least write me a heartfelt letter. And more than anything— I wanted to make things crystal clear. There was something left unresolved between me and this man. “…” The family head quickly lost interest and took his eyes off me. He shifted his gaze back to the desk, showing me the top of his head. It seemed that the fact that his work had been temporarily interrupted surprised him more than an illegitimate child declaring to leave the household. “You were led astray because of Roera, huh?” “?” Suddenly, my sister's name was mentioned. “It was something only Roera could have done. To leave the family’s embrace and stand on her own without anyone’s help. She was able to not only elevate her own name but also honor the family as well.” I wondered what on earth he was talking about. It seemed the family head interpreted my declaration to leave as wanting to emulate Roera by boosting my name outside the family’s confines. “I understand what you’re trying to say.” “If you do, then leave.” I did not move and instead stared directly at the top of the family head's skull. When our gazes seemed to meet in a fiery clash, he spoke in a voice less dry than usual: “If the marriage with Dilthan goes through, I will consider improving your status.” I couldn’t help but let out a wry smile. To think he’d consider improving my status. A rare kind of statement for the family head to make. If I were the me who hadn't realized memories of a past life, I would have been as delighted as a child receiving a Christmas present. “So refrain from any more rash actions.” Perhaps interpreting my scoff as my conceding, the family head decided to end the conversation unilaterally. People should make eye contact when conversing. Judging by the shallow understanding my eyes and his cranium shared. I pondered. How should I deliver the unsettling news to the family head that the illegitimate child is hitting their rebellious phase? “Ah.” Perhaps it was because the family head mentioned Roera. She suddenly came to mind. There was a time when Roera also sought permission from the family head to live outside the household, just like I wanted. Roera wasn’t one to listen to mere words. The family head, intending to dissuade her, made a proposition. - If you can defeat one of our family's apprentice knights in a duel, I will permit your departure. - However, if you lose, you must approach the Vendel Sword training with more seriousness thereafter. - What will you do? Roera accepted without hesitation. And, in front of the entire family, she won against the apprentice knight. With a sword skill she had developed independently, not the Vendel Sword style. I remember the complex expression on the family head’s face as he observed Roera that day. Ultimately, he was pleased to confirm the exceptional talent of his daughter. I wonder. If Roera were replaced by an illegitimate child, how would the family head react? There’s no guarantee that an illegitimate child would win against an apprentice knight of Vendel. In truth, not only is there no guarantee, but the likelihood of defeat is exceptionally high. The apprentice knights are at least reaching the third level of mastery. “Family Head.” But I too had something I believed in. “Please give me the same opportunity as Roera.” “I surely told you. Refrain from any more rash actions. I am disappointed.” “I will undertake a duel with the apprentice knight, just like Roera did.” “...” Only then did the family head raise his head and look at me. *** The mornings for Vendel trainees began as early as those for the staff of the mansion. Here, at the training ground located in front of the main building. For trainees, nothing was more important than their training schedules, but today was an exception. None were swinging their swords. All gathered at one corner of the training ground, eagerly waiting for someone to arrive. “A spar with Rashir 'Nim' and Hemtun? Is this even possible? I have no idea.” “Are you the only one clueless? Who would know what’s going to happen?” “Hemtun has got to be having a hard time...” “Hemtun? What about Hemtun? Come on, Hemtun 'Nim' is surely going to struggle. Rashir 'Nim' could easily overpower any of the apprentice knights.” “What nonsense are you spouting? Get over the apprentice level already.” “Exactly, we don’t even need to get to the apprentice knights. This could be settled among us trainees.” “Hey, come on, even so. It's the noble Rashir 'Nim' from Vendel.” “So, who are you betting on if Rashir 'Nim' and Malcolm were to spar?” “Is that even a question? Of course—but wait, just to be clear, I’m quite close with Malcolm.” "Ah, our friend Malcolm. Who could possibly dislike him? If Rashir 'Nim' were to spar with Malcolm, we’d all end up betting on Malcolm, wouldn’t we, even if we already knew?" "Kekeke." An illegitimate child sparring with an apprentice knight! Such sensational news spread like wildfire throughout the entire Vendel estate. Everyone at the Vendel estate moved to witness the rare spectacle. Even the staff, just as busy as the trainees at this hour, couldn't resist. "Don’t you think Rashir 'Nim' has been acting a bit strange lately?" "I hadn't noticed." "I find Rashir a bit off-putting. How should I put it... It's like they're especially harsh on us." "I heard from other households that similar situations are quite common among them." "Them?" "You know, illegitimate children." "Oh..." "Being born into a lower noble family means they get looked down upon, so they take out their frustration on those beneath them." "Ah, I get it." "Really? That's odd... He’s always been nice to me." "Same here. Rashir’s been quite amicable with me! I’ve never met a noble like that before." "Technically, he’s not a noble..." "You guys joined recently, so you wouldn’t know. Back in the days, Rashir 'Nim' was really sensitive." "Eh? Was he different back then?" "...Well, he has changed a little recently." "Oh no... I can’t watch this." "I hope Rashir 'Nim' wins." Most of the staff rooted for Rashir. They liked the young master who had mellowed out recently, perhaps due to some change of heart. And, being utterly unfamiliar with the craft of swordsmanship themselves. "Hey, Yoen. What should I do about this? Give me some advice." "Why would you ask me?" "Why else? You went through something similar before." "Are you serious? Dude, my opponent was Lady Roera, not some illegitimate child with zero proper sword training." Among the apprentice knights gathered, the atmosphere was distinctly different from the excitement elsewhere. Most of them were skeptical about the duel itself. "Just take it easy, okay? Don’t go hurting anyone. Despite being an illegitimate child, he’s still part of Vendel." Their attitude towards Rashir was notably different from that of the trainees. And for good reason; most of them hailed from other noble families. Even if inferior to Vendel in rank, at least their blood was pure. As hereditary nobles, their standing was inherently higher than that of an illegitimate child. Taking in their words, Hemtun, the apprentice knight scheduled to duel with Rashir, sighed deeply and scratched his angular head. Annoyance was plain on his face as he spoke. "Seriously, what’s up with this? What’s gotten into Rashir that he’d want to cause this ruckus?" "Maybe he's trying to impress Lady Dintal?" "Ah, makes sense." "But wouldn’t impressing a fiancée involve showing off an impressive performance? Who in their right mind would want to show themselves getting completely beaten up in front of their fiancée?" "The family head didn’t give any special instructions? Like telling you to take it easy on him." "Exactly. It’s a chance to polish some dusty goods." "Not really." "What?" "He said to give it my all and not hold back." "...Really? I can’t wrap my head around what he’s thinking." "Like father, like son, eh?" "You madman. If you said that in front of the family head-" At that moment... "Look, he’s here! He’s really going to spar with an apprentice knight!" The illegitimate child appeared on the training ground. The arena was buzzing with anticipation. Soon after, the heads of Dintal and Vendel made their appearance. The once-clamorous training ground fell into silence, leaving only a suffocating tension hanging in the air. *** Originally, the head of Vendel, Idor, had two options. To betroth his youngest daughter Roera to Dintal’s eldest son, Calon. Or to arrange the marriage of the illegitimate Rashir to Dintal’s youngest, Pien. The choice that appealed to Idor was the former. From the family’s perspective, it was more beneficial to send the youngest daughter to marry, thereby creating debt, than to send an illegitimate child as a live-in son-in-law. From a father’s viewpoint, he also harbored the hope that his wayward daughter, after marriage, might mature. - We have closely considered Vendel’s proposal. - And? - ...Regrettably, we must decline. - May I enquire as to why? - Our daughter stubbornly refuses. - By daughter, you mean... Lady Pien? - Yes. For reasons unknown to us, she seems to have taken a serious liking to young Rashir. - Huh... - I heard that a long time ago, during a visit to Hayeren, she briefly got lost. Rashir treated her with kindness then, and since that moment, she began harboring feelings for him. ...This was the reason Vendel indulged Rashir’s whims. Feelings at their peak in a young girl burn intensely over trivial reasons and fizzle out just as quickly. Seeing Rashir lose in front of such a large audience would snap Lady Dintal’s infatuation. "Dad!" Just before the duel began, Roera approached Idor with a reproachful tone. "Is this right!? Dad, you know, don’t you? More than anyone, you of all people know that Rashir struggles even against the trainees, let alone a full-fledged apprentice knight!" "It was at Rashir’s request." "You know that’s not what I mean!!! The rumors have spread already! They say the illegitimate child is trying to mimic the Vendel lady!!! If he loses here, you know what will happen to Rashir’s honor as well, don’t you—" "Roera." "...!" It was a rare occurrence. Idor addressed her not as a gentle father, but as the stern head of the household. "It is family business." "..." Crrrack. Her clenched fists made a threatening sound, but Roera ultimately said nothing further. Even with her rebellious nature, Roera couldn’t challenge the authority of her father, Idor, in such a formal setting. "...And, this also fulfills a promise I made to you." Roera took a moment to interpret Idor's words and then bowed her head in resignation. *** “Duellists, take your positions.” At the family head’s command, the two duelists stood on the training ground, facing each other. A mere thirty paces apart. “Hah…” The short-haired man of formidable build standing opposite the illegitimate child. Apprentice knight Heumtun had to hide his displeasure from the family head. 'What is this nonsense…' Heumtun, too, found the duel with Rashir distasteful. Knights revere strength. And they hold honor in high esteem. What could Heumtun possibly gain from dueling an illegitimate child and novice swordsman like Rashir? Moreover, Heumtun felt a sense of humiliation in this situation. “Rashir 'Nim.'” “Yes, Heumtun.” The training ground was vast, their exchange barely audible to others. “Is it true? That this duel was requested by you, Rashir 'Nim.'” “That’s how it happened.” “And that you specifically requested an apprentice knight as your opponent? Is that true as well?” “That’s how it happened.” “Have you not considered that, in itself, this could be seen as an insult to us, the Vendel apprentice knights?” “Is that what it amounts to?” “Consider the viewpoint of an adult who must face a child earnestly.” “If it’s a child I’m against, I at least have confidence that I won't lose.” "What the..." “Are both of you prepared?” The two nodded. “Then, let us begin.” The duel commenced. Heumtun swung his sword about, warming up his body. Crack. Crack. The sound from his solid arms was chilling. He spoke lowly. “I’ll give you the first move.” This wasn’t some sort of honor-bound action. No, allowing the illegitimate child to charge and be subdued would look better than mercilessly striking him down. “In that case, gladly. Oh, by the way, before we get started, can I clarify something? In a standard duel, all techniques and actions, including the Vendel sword style, are permitted. Am I correct?” “By all means, Rashir 'Nim,' unleash your skills to the fullest~” Heumtun smirked despite himself. The audacity of an illegitimate child with no noteworthy skills making such statements was comical. “That’s good to hear.” The illegitimate child gripped his sword and stepped forward. He began to close the distance. Some of the apprentice knights and trainees turned their heads quickly. Such a clumsy footwork, the closing in on distance, was almost laughable. “…” Heumtun didn’t need to see to know. His senior, peers, and juniors alike were suppressing their laughter while watching his duel. Crunch. Step. Despite having offered the first move, Heumtun finally stepped out. He didn't take a ready stance. Nor did he assume footwork. Using his techniques against this kind of opposition would be disgraceful in itself. It was like an adult scolding a child. “…” Rashir’s eyes sharpened. He corrected his stance and put more force into his legs. Tadadadak— Like a charging cavalryman, Rashir sprinted towards Heumtun with his sword poised. An overhead slash. Rashir’s first strike. “Damn it.” Heumtun couldn’t hold back his annoyance. Terrible form aside. To assume such an exaggerated stance with this much distance still between them? It was as if he was inviting Heumtun to strike anywhere he liked. Heumtun was more than willing to oblige, but doing so would mean that poor illegitimate child would not escape unscathed. Heumtun resolutely didn’t take a stance. Simply swinging the sword in his right hand with full force would suffice. That alone would cause the illegitimate child to fumble his sword and fall gracelessly. However, just as Heumtun precisely measured the distance different from Rashir and was about to swing his sword, it happened. Rashir released his grip on the sword. To be precise, he let go with the left hand that had been holding the sword with both hands. To unleash what had been concealed within. Thunk! With a dull impact, Heumtun’s head snapped backward. "!?" It took Heumtun a moment to grasp what had happened. Lying on the ground, he discovered a metal ball beside him. The metal sphere that had flown like a bullet and struck his forehead mercilessly. Rashir's sword was already pointed at Heumtun's neck. “Magic!!!!!!!” Heumtun roared in fury at Rashir. “How dare you use such trickery in a duel!!!” The cowardly illegitimate child. At least, that's how Heumtun remembered him. Yet there he was, confidently smiling back. “I did clarify before the duel began, didn’t I?” “You— you disgraceful!!!” Knights and mages have great pride in their affiliations. The fact that Heumtun extended minimal decorum to Rashir was due to understanding his effort to earn recognition from Vendel. But to use magic in a duel? This was an affront not just to themselves, but it sullied Vendel’s name. “To think someone in Vendel— someone from Vendel —would have no pride whatsoever!” “Why would I be of Vendel?” “…?” A soft, almost weary, retort. An unexpected response. Heumtun’s blazing anger was quelled with surprising simplicity. His bloodshot eyes blinked repeatedly. “I’ve never once referred to myself with the Vendel name in my life.” “No—but—” “And swordsmanship? If only I’d been taught to brew or serve drinks with a sword.” “…” “You laughed seeing my stance too, didn’t you? Oh. Don’t worry. I’m not going to scold you for it. When I look in the mirror to correct my posture, I sometimes laugh too.” “…” The apprentice knight merely blinked in confusion. The illegitimate child spoke of his own sorry state without seeking understanding or pity. With a dry chuckle, as if telling a pathetic joke, Rashir stood there. It was clear that Rashir's behavior was beyond Heumtun’s understanding. The illegitimate child extended a hand to the apprentice knight. As if in a trance, the apprentice knight took that hand. Then, the illegitimate child lifted their clasped hands into the air. “I was fortunate. And I did well, too.” His smile was broad and sincere, casting no shadows of doubt. “...” Everyone present mirrored Heumtun’s expression of bewilderment. ────────── ▷ Character 2: "Illegitimate Child" - Has been deactivated. A special reward is being granted. ──────────