LVSMLA 38

Chapter 38

“I practiced my swordsmanship really hard… and I even beat Ivri. So why am I still a baby?”

“Uh… sorry, kiddo. No, Kali… are you mad?”

Flustered, I fidgeted and pulled Calisto into my arms. Only afterward did it occur to me that he might push me away for calling him a baby, but unexpectedly, he let himself be held. Still, he complained in a prickly tone.

“Didn’t you see earlier? Ivri wasn’t even a match for me. I’m the strongest among the kids. Kevin and Anessa too— even that fox can’t beat me.”

“I see… I didn’t know. It’s all my fault. Come on, don’t be mad, okay?”

“I’m not mad. I’m just upset.”

“Alright, alright.”

As I continued to soothe him, the earlier scene came back to mind. I’d been so worked up because of Ivri that I hadn’t processed it properly, but Calisto’s swordsmanship was no joke. Ivri was known among the noble children for being especially skilled, and he was much bigger—an adult, no less. I never imagined Calisto could defeat him so easily.

‘Well, he was exceptional at everything in the original story.’

That’s why he wasn’t just any protagonist. That’s how a thirteen-year-old, practically driven out and forced into the navy, could rise to become its commander through sheer ability.

Remembering how Calisto had snapped Ivri’s longsword in two, I smiled. Calisto, still sulking, glanced up at me.

“Kali, you were really cool earlier. If you’re that good, why didn’t you say so sooner?”

“…Really?”

“Of course. Ivri’s sword broke instantly. He’s probably stronger than you physically, so how did that happen?”

Calisto’s expression instantly turned smug. His chubby cheeks flushed red as he shrugged like it was nothing.

“Hyung, swordsmanship isn’t just about strength.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. Skill matters. Not just anyone can do it.”

“Then I guess I can’t do it. No one could be as good as you, Calisto.”

“That’s fine. I’ll protect you. So stay right by my side, okay?”

“Sure, sure. Where would I go?”

Just a minute ago he’d been sulking, and now he was already cheerful again—it was too cute. I hugged him tightly and asked,

“Thanks. Then can I give you a kiss? Or since you’re not a baby anymore, is that not allowed?”

Calisto’s big eyes darted around. He furrowed his neat brows as he thought for a moment, then reluctantly offered his cheek.

“A kiss is fine.”

Then, after a bit more thought, he hurriedly added,

“And sleeping together at night is fine too. I’m not a baby, but you can still hold me tightly. Got it?”

Make up your mind already. I muttered inwardly, but I couldn’t resist his soft, mochi-like cheeks and quietly gave him a kiss.

Because of Ivri’s commotion, I had nearly forgotten, but there had been another achievement that day. Harrington had failed to repay his debt to Winyates, and as a result, the Bjorn region—formerly his—had finally come into my possession.

Harrington had handed it over so easily because the placer gold mines there had long been depleted, making the land seem worthless. But what I was after was the copper mine that would be discovered there in a few years.

Copper wasn’t as precious as gold or silver, but it was essential for producing cannons that far surpassed traditional iron ones in both firepower and range. And in a few years, Brine—who had been attending joint lessons with us since she was ten—was destined to create those copper cannons.

Brine was now sixteen. She had already shown remarkable talent in firearms research a few years ago, so under the name of Winyates, I had set up a dedicated research team for her.

Perhaps thanks to the improved environment, her progress far outpaced the original story. Recently, she had already developed an improved iron cannon with better performance. At this rate, it wouldn’t be long before she perfected the copper cannon technology from the original plot. I intended to arm Winyates’ private forces with those cannons.

Unlike the Harrington ducal house, which had maintained private troops for years, Winyates had only begun building its forces recently, so its military strength was still lacking. But once the copper cannons were complete, surpassing Harrington’s forces would only be a matter of time. Then Calisto would be able to take revenge on the Empress and Roen.

Thinking of the cannons, I figured it was about time to visit Brine. Mining in Bjorn would begin soon, so it would be best to inform her about the copper ore.

“Cliff, was today a lesson day as well? Are all the children here?”

“Lord Lawrence is still touring the territory with Duke Armagnac and will be absent until today. The others are at the training grounds with the young master.”

“Thank you. I’ll head there.”

“Yes, young master.”

After dismissing Cliff, I made my way to the training grounds. When I arrived, the lesson seemed to be over, as the children were gathered together, sitting in a circle.

They were talking in serious tones, while Brine sat slightly apart, watching them with an exasperated expression. I crept closer quietly, wanting to surprise them, when Kevin suddenly shouted, flailing his arms.

“It’s because you act like such a baby! Do you think Etienne would ever see you as a marriage candidate like that?!”

My name came up.

What were they talking about? I paused, frowning slightly. Anessa nodded vigorously.

“That’s right! You’re already thirteen but still just like when you were seven—a baby!”

“At this rate, you’ll never marry Etienne!”

“Yeah! Someone will snatch him away! Lawrence is such a sly fox—what if he brings something great from his trip and proposes first?!”

“Oh! Then Calisto has to propose before Lawrence!”

“Have you been saving your allowance? You need to buy a good ring!”

Now I understood why Brine had looked so exasperated. Just when I thought things had quieted down, it seemed Calisto still hadn’t given up on his dream of marrying me.

I clenched my teeth, trying not to laugh. Then Calisto spoke weakly.

“I’ve been saving… but I don’t think I can afford a purple diamond ring. It’s too expensive.”

“Really? That expensive?”

“Yeah… Lawrence could probably buy something like that easily. What should I do?”

“Then… ask for more allowance!”

Brine, who had been watching them, finally showed a look of utter disbelief and shook her head.

“This is exactly why you’re treated like babies. You’re going to ask Etienne for more allowance so you can buy a ring to propose to him? Not that he’d accept it anyway.”

“Why are you being so mean? Brine, are you on Lawrence’s side?”

“Brine’s the worst! You’re not going to tell Lawrence everything, right? It’s a secret!”

“Whether he knows or not doesn’t matter. Etienne isn’t interested in Lawrence either. What’s the point of you competing among yourselves?”

Kevin and Anessa’s expressions immediately drooped.

“Then whose side are you on?”

“Why does there have to be sides for something like this?”

“Still, make your stance clear!”

“If I had to choose, I’m on Lawrence’s side.”

“What? Why?!”

Brine sighed and scolded them.

“Why? Calisto is Etienne’s younger brother. How are they supposed to get married?”

“Ah…”

“Oh…”

Understanding dawned on their faces. Only Calisto protested loudly.

“He’s not my real brother!”

“Half-brother or not, it doesn’t matter. You still can’t marry.”

“…I can! I have a plan! You don’t know anything, Brine!”

“Ugh. Fine, do whatever you want.”

Brine turned away, no longer interested.

At that point, I figured I should step in and cleared my throat lightly. The children startled and turned toward me. Calisto’s round cheeks instantly flushed red.

“H-hyung… when did you get here?”

“Just now. Everyone’s been well, right?”

The siblings nodded awkwardly. Only Brine clicked her tongue in exasperation.

Still, to me, the kids—fidgeting and unable to meet my eyes—were simply adorable. I wrapped an arm around Calisto’s shoulders and asked the siblings,

“Last time was so chaotic because of Ivri that I didn’t get to greet you properly. Nothing happened since then, right?”

Kevin and Anessa exchanged quick glances. Deciding I hadn’t heard their earlier conversation, they brightened up.

“Yeah! We took the probationary knight exam a few days ago!”

“I think we did well! We were in different groups, but we both ranked first in our groups!”

“…The Imperial Palace trainee knights?”

“Yeah!”

My expression briefly darkened, but I quickly hid it. I couldn’t bring myself to dampen their excitement.

Come to think of it, I had forgotten this was around the time they took the entrance exam in the original story. Back then, they were rejected due to discrimination against lower-ranking nobles and ended up joining the navy instead—where they met Calisto.

‘Will they fail the entrance exam again this time?’