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Chapter : 25
The carriage came to a stop in front of the Caster Marquis’ mansion. Bella slowly opened her eyes.
Her entire body ached from traveling day and night for two days from the capital. The familiar sight of her family mansion outside the window welcomed her. It had been a long time since she last returned to her hometown, the last being the day she entered the academy.
Even without opening the carriage door, she could already sense the pungent smell of the sea. Bella stared at the mansion with tired eyes. The estate, located not far from Caster Harbor, proudly displayed its immense presence.
‘Why did he summon me?’
To fulfill her duties as a Caster.
Had Bella ever forgotten her responsibilities to the Caster family? She had never acted against the Caster philosophy that those who enjoy much must also bear great responsibility.
Soon, a servant opened the carriage door.
Bella stepped out gracefully. The familiar scent of the sea tickled her nose.
“Miss, the Marquis is waiting for you in his study.”
Following the butler’s guidance, she headed straight to the study. Reyvan stood by the window, gazing at the sea. He always seemed to watch the ocean as if expecting something to be there.
‘What are you looking at, brother?’
‘…Things far away. Things we cannot see, but that certainly exist.’
Reyvan was consumed by guilt for not becoming a Swordmaster despite the Empire’s expectations. As the bearer of the Caster name, he was supposed to awaken as a Swordmaster to protect Cyern, but no matter how much he trained, he couldn’t reach that level. Cyern remained in danger.
‘The monsters are advancing into the first sea zone.’
That meant the last line of defense protecting Cyern was losing strength. The weight of this knowledge had always pressed heavily on Reyvan.
Naturally, it was tense to be summoned by such a responsible man. After their parents passed, Reyvan inherited all rights over Caster and Bella. According to Caster family law, those unmarried must follow the head of the family’s orders.
Noticing Bella’s presence, Reyvan slowly turned his head toward her.
“You’re here, Bella.”
“Yes, brother. I heard you called for me urgently. Has something happened to Caster?”
Bella’s heart skipped a beat at the question. Could it be that the monsters had finally reached the coast?
“Sit. Have some tea first.”
Reyvan’s expression was heavier than usual, as if even Bella felt its weight pressing down. She sat on the sofa and took a sip of tea. Its mild warmth helped ease some tension. Only then did she truly feel that she had returned home.
It was her favorite tea.
“You must be tired, but I’ll get straight to the point.”
Leaning against his desk, Reyvan fixed his gaze on Bella. The weight in his eyes felt oppressive.
“Do you know a knight named Kaisa?”
“You mean the stranger from Luikaron? I’ve heard stories about him.”
Since rumors spread within the Caster household, Bella had heard them as well. Apparently, he had been shipwrecked and came here.
Moreover, that the stranger was now helping care for Grandma Elizabeth made the rumors even more widespread.
“Yes. From what I have observed… he is not just an ordinary knight.”
Reyvan paused briefly before speaking carefully.
“I suspect he has reached a special level.”
Bella’s eyes widened, and her teacup rattled.
“Are you saying… he is a Swordmaster?”
Her voice sharpened at the words. Swordmaster… The very thought weighed heavily on Caster. The last Swordmaster had come from the Caster family, and Reyvan had shown talent with the sword since childhood. The Emperor of Cyern’s expectations had been enormous.
“Perhaps… this might be the last chance the Sea Goddess has given us.”
Bella slowly set down her cup, her eyes now sharp.
“So, you need me for this?”
“You are perceptive. Yes, I want you to teach him the Cyern language.”
“Is that all?”
Reyvan studied her for a moment. He had no intention of hiding anything from Bella. He had called her for a purpose. In a low voice, he continued:
“I want him to settle in Cyern. To do that, he must feel at home here. I believe you can play that role.”
A wry smile crossed Bella’s lips.
“You want me to make him feel attached, so he takes up the sword for Cyern willingly. Since he cannot speak, making him feel at home with you should be easier. He speaks Luikaron, correct?”
“…”
“Use that to approach him.”
Turning to face Bella squarely, Reyvan’s eyes reflected his desperation.
“Remember, this is for the Empire and for everyone.”
Like all nations, the Cyern Empire had installed Poseidon, a massive monster defense system. The barrier could only operate through the aura of a Swordmaster and was said to last a full century once activated.
Poseidon’s engineers had tried to extend its function, but zones two and three had long been abandoned. Neighboring countries relying on Cyern’s help were also in a bleak situation.
Bella knew this well. She understood why Kaisa’s presence was so desperately needed.
People accustomed to long-standing peace had even forgotten Poseidon existed, but not the Caster family. Reyvan had spent his life bound to this duty.
His gaze shifted to a coastal map on the wall, marked with red dots along Cyern’s shoreline. These indicated where the defenses were installed.
Bella looked at it too.
“…If Kaisa truly is a Swordmaster, he is our only hope. If he really is a Swordmaster, he can save Cyern’s fate.”
Bella exhaled deeply.
“Do my feelings not matter?”
“…”
Reyvan had no answer. Silence filled the room for a moment.
“I’m sorry, Bella. But this goes beyond personal feelings. The survival of the Cyern Empire is at stake.”
Bella sighed, understanding there was no choice. Could she truly remain free of Poseidon’s duty? Born into the Caster family, she could not.
“I understand. As a member of the Caster family, I will fulfill my duty.”
“Thank you, Bella.”
“However, I have one condition.”
Reyvan nodded.
“Tell me.”
“If I judge that he becomes a threat to Cyern, I must be able to withdraw immediately.”
“Of course. In that case, I will personally handle him. You will never be in danger.”
Bella lightly rested her arm on the sofa. The fatigue of travel compounded by the weight of this conversation left her longing for rest.
“I’ll rest now, brother. When should I meet Kaisa?”
“Tomorrow. The sooner, the better.”
“Yes. I will do so.”
Bella agreed, a resigned expression settling over her face.
