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Chapter 20
For example, if you turn the body of a strong swordsman into a puppet,
it can use the same sword techniques it practiced its entire life.
These two were no different.
They could repeat everything they had done before.
The only difference from living humans—
They could no longer grow stronger.
“Yes, understood.”
“Gillian, you…”
I had revived him because Raiden asked, but I didn’t have a specific order for him.
Just then, Raiden returned after finishing his task and spoke.
“Can he spar with me?”
“…What?”
“I want to become stronger.”
I turned to look at him.
His expression looked frustrated.
“I don’t want power like yours… I just want to become stronger.”
Well, I did become strong suddenly.
Even though both were 2nd-rank knights, Raiden clearly lost.
That’s how martial skill works.
Even at the same level, there can be a big difference.
Like a fight between an old man and a young man—
the young one may have better stamina,
but lacks experience.
And Gillian said he was a slave.
He must have used every possible method to become strong.
“Raiden, are you upset because you lost?”
“….”
My movements, defeating the opponent instantly—
he probably couldn’t understand them.
Valentiere.
From what I’ve seen, a powerful noble family capable of influencing the Imperial Family.
Maybe because he grew up in such an environment—
he tries to wield a righteous and noble sword.
But death is equal to everyone.
Being good doesn’t protect you from dying.
This battle must have made him realize it.
He lacks real combat experience.
“Raiden?”
“That fight… meant nothing to you, didn’t it? I risked my life…!”
He bit his lip and looked straight at me.
I smiled slightly.
Then I placed my hands behind my back and looked out the window.
Morning was quietly approaching.
Equal for everyone.
“I wasn’t always strong.”
“…That’s impossible.”
He looked at me in shock.
“It’s hard to believe, but it’s true.”
“….”
“I didn’t want to become strong. I just wanted to survive.”
“The desire to become strong came after that.”
Why do I want to be strong?
Yes… to live.
I once had a reason.
But now, I can’t remember it clearly.
Still—
if you truly want to become strong,
you must have a reason.
“There was a time when just surviving was difficult. I was mocked, forced to fight just to stay… and in front of true power, I was nothing.”
This sky—
so different from the cultivation world.
So peaceful.
But it doesn’t suit me.
“…Is that why you became so strong?”
“Haha, no. Living like that alone doesn’t make you strong.”
“Then how? How did you become this strong?”
He asked urgently.
His voice carried impatience, confusion… and frustration.
Feelings he probably never experienced before.
Maybe—
he already knew I wasn’t the real Rize.
After all, I can control corpses.
“Raiden.”
“Yes.”
“Strength comes from here.”
I raised my hand and pointed at his heart.
To reach higher levels, one must understand will and intent.
And that starts from within.
“…I don’t understand, Lady.”
“If you want to become strong, you need a reason.”
“To protect. To fight. To not lose something. There are many reasons.”
“….”
“Why do you want to become strong, Raiden?”
Silence followed.
He couldn’t answer.
“Some enjoy killing. Some seek revenge. Some…”
“Some become strong just to survive.”
“Your reason will eventually define who you are.”
“If you want strength, you must find that reason.”
After I finished speaking—
he lowered his head.
Drip.
Something fell onto his foot.
“…I… I don’t know. I just followed the path given to me…”
For the first time, his true feelings came out.
“I held a sword since I was young. I was faster than others. Better than others. That’s how I got here…”
Was he crying?
His body trembled slightly.
Well, it makes sense.
He may have never experienced defeat before.
“The moment I saw you come to save me… I hated how weak I looked. I felt ashamed for acting arrogantly and following you.”
I pretended not to notice his tears and kept looking away.
Then I spoke awkwardly.
“You realized it now, didn’t you? That’s enough. Now just find your reason.”
“But… isn’t it too late?”
“Hmm. Starting late doesn’t mean you can’t become strong.”
“….”
“Though some people never find their reason at all.”
I glanced at him.
For the first time—
A fierce flame burned in his eyes.
“Lady Rize… I want to become strong. Truly.”
“Then start by finding your reason. I can let you spar with Gillian sometimes… but for now, he needs to guard the Baron.”
“That’s enough. And…”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
He bowed deeply.
It was the first time I received such respect as a strong person in this world.
* * *
Clatter. Clatter.
The road to the Tupon Count’s territory was quieter than expected.
Since it was close, we chose to travel by carriage.
To avoid suspicion, we sent a message ahead and used a carriage with the Valentiere crest.
“Lady, why are we heading directly to the Tupon territory instead of investigating their residence in the capital?”
“It’s easier to hide secrets in your own territory than in the capital. If you do something bad in the capital, the Imperial Family will notice quickly.”
I stopped looking outside and turned to him.
“But in your own territory… you can cover it up as a family matter.”
“I see.”
“And it’s easier to hide things there. If it were me, I’d do it in my own territory.”
Silence followed again.
We both seemed deep in thought.
After another day of travel, we arrived at the Tupon territory.
It was much larger than Steyn’s territory, and the roads were well maintained.
But one thing stood out—
In the distance, the Count’s residence looked more like a mansion than a castle.
Strange.
Surely he wasn’t poorer than Baron Steyn.
“Lady, before we enter, let me ask one thing.”
“What is it?”
“Do you need my help?”
I almost laughed at how childish the question sounded.
Honestly—
I didn’t need help.
But I gave him the answer he wanted.
“Yes. I do.”
The carriage stopped.
Because we requested to meet the Count directly, we arrived quickly without delays.
“Raiden, if we get separated—do not move at night.”
“Why?”
“Because the Count will focus more on you than me.”
“Draw his attention.”
The carriage door opened.
A servant greeted us.
“Welcome, Young Duke of Valentiere. Is this lady with you?”
“…Yes. I have already informed the Count. Lead the way.”
“Yes. I will guide you to the reception room. Shall I prepare dinner?”
“We’ll eat in our room. The journey was long. We want to rest.”
The servant nodded and led us inside.
Even though we arrived early, Count Tupon was already waiting calmly.
“Welcome, Young Duke.”
“It’s been a while, Count.”
I secretly observed him.
Count Tupon was subtly measuring the distance between us.
Not rude—
but not fully welcoming either.
An uncertain attitude.
“Young Duke, may I ask why you have come here?”
