Chapter 18: Frog in a Well

Naber Schreig.

Born the eldest son of the renowned Schreig family, a lineage famed for its swordsmanship.

“…I lost.”

At five years old, he defeated a low-ranking knight of his family.

“I lost, young master.”

At ten, he bested a mid-level Sword Expert knight.

By the time he reached the age to enter the academy, he had become a top-tier Sword Expert, a genius among geniuses.

He’d heard rumors of a girl in the republic who’d also reached the top tier of Sword Expert, but Naber had never met anyone his age who surpassed him.

He always sparred with and defeated those older than him.

As a result, he felt no interest in those of ordinary skill.

Even within his family, only his father, a Sword Master, could match him.

Only his father’s swordsmanship could inspire and push him to grow.

His extraordinary talent left him bored with the world despite his youth.

But there was someone who caught his attention.

“The saintess is coming, so attend the festival,” his father had ordered.

Though it was a hassle, Naber reluctantly attended at his father’s command.

And there, he saw her.

The embodiment of divine holiness.

Her beauty.

Her radiance.

More noble than anything in this world.

“How do I marry the saintess?”

“What? Did you eat something bad?” his father asked.

“Hmm… Naber, the saintess is… haha,” his mother laughed awkwardly.

“Young master, the saintess… If you became a holy knight, you might get close, but marriage would be nearly impossible…” even his lifelong butler said.

Everyone told him it was impossible.

No way.

Absolutely impossible?

Me, Naber, give up?

Then, news came that the saintess would enroll at Lichten Academy.

“You want to go to Lichten Academy? Hmm, fine. I allow it,” his father said, oblivious that his eldest son’s decision was driven by a girl.

Naber, who had no initial plans to attend, saw this as a chance to be near the saintess.

He easily passed the entrance exam, packed his bags, and headed to the academy.

The saintess he saw there hadn’t faded from the beauty he remembered.

No, her matured elegance shone even brighter, radiating unmatched splendor.

Perfect.

This is my chance.

I’ll spend time with the saintess and…

But his hopes were shattered during a practical swordsmanship class by a man at her side.

Bisus Granginol.

The Granginol barony?

A name he’d never even heard of.

A frail-looking man with no apparent strengths.

Why is the saintess with someone like him?

Worse, she seemed more interested in him than he was in her.

It didn’t sit right.

What underhanded tricks did he use to gain her attention?

He must’ve done something vile.

I’ll expose him!

“Since it’s the first class, let’s have a demonstration spar. Any volunteers?”

The perfect opportunity presented itself to Naber.

A duel!

Perfect.

I’ll crush him in this duel, dedicate the victory to the saintess, and reveal his true nature.

Once she sees he’s a weakling, she’ll reconsider.

Naber immediately raised his hand.

The duel with Bisus was set.

Bisus stood there, holding his sword, looking dazed.

As expected, a novice who doesn’t even know how to wield a sword.

Joining a practical swordsmanship class for show, just to impress girls.

Naber glanced at Bisus’s soft, callus-free hands.

Pathetic.

No effort, and yet…!

Naber raised his sword, intent on crushing Bisus.

“Begin!”

He charged at Bisus the moment the signal was given, aiming to dominate overwhelmingly.

Bisus didn’t react properly as Naber closed in.

Or so it seemed.

Clang

He deflected it?

The duel didn’t go as Naber expected.

Clang clang

Bisus began effortlessly parrying all of Naber’s attacks.

Impossible!

I thought he was a novice who couldn’t handle a sword!

His swordsmanship is better than mine?

Naber couldn’t find a single flaw in Bisus’s technique.

It felt like sparring with his father.

No, like facing a mountain.

No way.

This is…

As the duel continued, Bisus’s swordsmanship grew even tighter.

Beyond even his father’s level.

We’re the same age.

Better than me, no, better than my father?!

Clang

Naber’s sword finally gave out, flying backward.

I… lost?

Thud

Naber collapsed to the ground.

“Winner! Bisus Granginol!”

I lost.

I’m the loser.

Naber sat there, his spirit broken.

Tap

Bisus extended a hand to him.

“What?”

I challenged him to humiliate him.

I belittled and insulted him without cause.

Yet he’s showing me respect.

The greatest honor a victor can offer a loser.

…Hah.

Was he the one more suited for the saintess?

What have I been thinking all this time?

Naber took Bisus’s hand and stood.

“Congratulations on your victory, Bisus-nim!”

The saintess celebrated Bisus’s win as he returned to his seat.

I lost in skill and character.

Is this why the saintess is drawn to him?

I was a frog in a well.

Naber reflected on his arrogance.

After days of deep thought, he sought out Bisus.

Spotting him at the lecture hall, Naber approached.

“Bisus Granginol.”

He knelt before him.

“Take me as your disciple. Please.”

“Take you as a disciple?”

“Yes.”

“…Wait, I don’t get it. Why?”

“That day, after our duel, I thought long and hard. I realized your swordsmanship and character are beyond my reach.”

Swordsmanship and character?

I get the swordsmanship part, but character?

“Your swordsmanship might even surpass my father’s.”

“Of course. Bisus’s swordsmanship is strong enough to defeat a Demon King,” Sofia interjected proudly.

“Demon King?”

“No, no, don’t mind her!”

What’s she saying now?!

“Hah, a Demon King? I see. Your swordsmanship is so remarkable, it wouldn’t be surprising if you were a hero,” Naber said, misinterpreting.

What’s with this guy’s assumptions?

“Please, take me as your disciple.”

“But, about being a disciple…”

I’ve barely had this swordsmanship for long—can I even teach someone?

Plus, it’s kind of a hassle.

“I won’t ask empty-handed. I can procure anything you want. I’ll follow your orders. That’s the duty of a disciple.”

“Alright, you’re in.”

“What, Bisus? You’re accepting him that easily?” Sofia exclaimed, surprised.

In our past life, he rejected so many people begging to be his disciple.

“He’s got the right mindset to be a disciple.”

It’s Naber Schreig, after all.

A top-tier swordsman as a ally.

Plus, with his family’s resources, he could help me acquire elixirs, artifacts, or supplies later.
What a steal!

“Thank you, Bisus!”

“No big deal. Let’s work well together.”

Bisus extended a hand to Naber, who was still kneeling.

Creak

Bisus collapsed onto his bed, exhausted.

What a tiring day.

Adolf and now Naber.

Why are there so many sudden events lately?

And Naber, what’s with him wanting to practice swordsmanship even after class?

I thought he was more of a talent-driven guy, not an effort type.

Why’s he so driven now?

Bisus closed his eyes and quickly fell asleep.

Flash

A shabby cabin.

Bisus realized he’d entered another dream.

A new dream?

The last two gave me powers.

What will this one grant?

The previous dreams were tied to Sofia and Artoria.

Is this one about Princess Claudia?

Creak

A rickety wooden door screeched open.

A small girl stepped inside.

“You’re here, Bel.”

His body spoke against his will, addressing the girl.

“I’m here, Master.”

…Huh?

Something’s off.