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Chapter 29
“Wow, even the Academy’s assignments are so different from my time.”
At the botanical garden.
Nox, looking unusually cheerful, was already running far ahead. The Academy’s new assignment was to collect stamps from every stop on the tour of the newly opened botanical garden.
“Still, it’s nice to come out together, isn’t it?”
Elaena smiled as she asked Lyle, who nodded quietly in response.
Early that morning, they had stopped by a weapon shop to find something suitable for Nox to use. Since he hadn’t undergone any physical training yet, there weren’t many swords he could properly handle.
Nox’s build wasn’t very different from Elaena’s—which meant he had no muscle to speak of.
Normally, they would have waited until he’d built some strength before buying a sword, but seeing the anticipation sparkling in Nox’s face, Lyle couldn’t bring himself to walk out empty-handed.
So in the end, he bought Nox a slender rapier.
“I didn’t know you used swords like rapiers.”
“No.”
The rapier was something Lyle bought purely for Nox. The House of Grant never used fast, thrust-based swords like rapiers. Their style of swordsmanship was purely power-based, overwhelming opponents with brute strength.
“Until he gains strength, it’s just for motivation—a showpiece. The Grants have always wielded greatswords.”
On the battlefield, Lyle had used a two-handed sword, heavy enough to require both arms. He had cut through countless visible enemies with sheer might. He might never use such a brutally powerful weapon again, but even at best, he would stick to a bastard sword.
“Rapiers are flashy. They’re all about quick thrusts and retreats. That kind of sword has never suited me.”
“I see.”
Elaena nodded. In her mind, she recalled a certain man in the Empire known for his masterful use of the rapier.
“I hope the day comes soon when Nox can wield another kind of sword.”
After all, in a year, she wouldn’t be around to go with him. When Elaena said that, Lyle gave a faint smile.
“We won’t need to buy another sword.”
“Huh? Why not?”
“He’ll inherit the sword of his grandfather and father.”
“They still have those?”
“They do. The butler said he couldn’t bring himself to dispose of them.”
When Lyle mentioned that he was going to the weapon shop with Nox, the butler had taken him to the basement storage. There, the precious swords of his father and grandfather still rested in good condition.
“That’s wonderful.”
“Hey! You two snails! What’s taking so long?”
Far ahead, Nox was waving both hands, bouncing on his feet. How many stamps did this ridiculous tour even require?
“Do we really have to go through the entire botanical garden?”
“Probably.”
“Haah. Good thing I wore comfortable shoes. Otherwise, I’d have collapsed already.”
Elaena sighed as she waved back at Nox. Her body was tired, but her spirits were high. Seeing the child’s smiling face rekindled her energy.
“All right, shall we go?”
“You’re leaning on me a lot.”
“Cut me some slack. I’m exhausted.”
Elaena leaned heavily against Lyle as she walked briskly. Lyle only shook his head slightly at her shameless behavior.
They reached the next stop, where someone was already getting their paper stamped. Waiting behind, Nox suddenly thought the figure looked oddly familiar.
The kid getting stamped was about the same height as him. When that child turned around, Nox’s shoulders stiffened.
“Huh? Nox?”
A silver-haired girl, her face resembling a rabbit, recognized him immediately and smiled brightly.
“…Marion. Uh, hi.”
“Hi! You’re here for the assignment too?”
Marion beamed as she spoke to him. But soon, her eyes were drawn to the person standing behind Nox.
“Elaena?!”
“Marion?”
Startled, Elaena blinked for only a moment before swooping in to hug the girl tightly.
“Now that I think about it—you and Nox are the same age.”
At ten years old, Marion would have gotten the same assignment. Which meant her family must be somewhere nearby.
Marion’s family.
Elaena quickly set her down and looked around.
“Hey, Marion. Who did you come with today?”
“Hm? Today? I came with my mom.”
“Why?” Marion asked innocently, and Elaena let out a quiet sigh of relief.
“So your brother didn’t come with you?”
“Huh? Leo? Nope. He said he’s super busy today.”
“Good. Marion, let’s keep it a secret that we met here, okay?”
“Huh? Why?”
“Just because.”
Because if your brother finds out, things are going to get really annoying.
Elaena smiled awkwardly instead of saying it out loud. Marion nodded eagerly.
“Okay! I won’t tell Leo.”
“Oh, you clever little lady.”
Elaena playfully pinched Marion’s cheek. As an only child herself, she had known Marion’s family since they were little.
Marion’s older brother was the same age as Elaena—but having a younger sister made him act overly protective toward her too.
I still haven’t told him properly yet…
Just imagining how much he’d nag once he found out made her head throb.
After getting her paper stamped, Marion handed Nox the stamp. Nox, flustered, mumbled a shy thank you.
“See you at the Academy, Nox!”
Waving brightly, Marion ran off.
That girl…
Elaena glanced at Nox’s dazed face. The way he waved back, awkward but smiling faintly…
“What are you looking at?”
Startled by Elaena’s gaze, Nox shouted, his face flushed.
“Nothing.”
“Don’t laugh!”
“Okay.”
“I said don’t laugh!”
“I got it.”
Elaena’s lips curled into a mischievous smile despite herself.
“Let’s head back.”
After stamping the final stop, Lyle checked the time. If they stopped by a bakery and then went home, they’d return just as he’d told the butler.
“I’ll go call for the carriage. You two walk slowly.”
With his long strides, Lyle went ahead. He was giving Elaena, who looked tired, a chance to rest.
Elaena strolled leisurely with Nox, who still seemed distracted by running into Marion. Grumbling, he asked how Elaena knew her.
“Marion is my friend’s little sister. We’ve known each other since we were little.”
“…Really?”
“She’s such a sweet, pretty girl, isn’t she?”
“Well…”
Scratching his head, Nox nodded shyly.
Just then, a gust of wind blew, sending Nox’s tour sheet fluttering to the ground nearby.
“I’ll grab it.”
Elaena ran quickly to pick it up.
When she came back, a boy about Nox’s age was standing beside him.
“Hey, beggar! You doing the assignment too?”
Elaena froze at the sneering tone. The large boy was mocking Nox.
“You came alone, didn’t you? I’m going to tell Mr. Jones tomorrow that Nox Grant didn’t complete his assignment properly!”
“I didn’t! I came with my family!”
“Really?”
At the mention of family, the boy hesitated—clearly afraid Lyle might be nearby. But seeing no tall man around, he puffed out his chest again.
“Ha! Liar! Your only family is that guy, right? The murderer who killed a million people in the war!”
“That’s not true! My brother isn’t like that!”
“Not true? Hah! If your grandfather was a traitor and your brother’s a killer, then your whole family must be monsters!”
“Then I guess your father must be a real idiot and a jerk. Seeing as you turned out stupid and mean.”
“Wh–who said that?!”
The boy spun around at the sudden voice behind him. Elaena stood there, looking down at him with eyes devoid of any warmth.
“Who else? I’m Nox’s family.”
Crouching so her eyes met his, Elaena stared him down coldly. The boy, realizing someone had heard him, averted his terrified gaze.
“Judging by your face, you’re the Marquis of Virua’s son, aren’t you?”
“Eek!”
“Whether Nox lied or not—you can check for yourself. Want to come along and see?”
“I–I, uh…”
Elaena’s icy gaze pierced the trembling boy, who had no idea what to do.
