Chapter 23

Chapter 23
## Chapter 23

The Grand Duke redirected his attention from Lucian toward Philip.

Under that freezing appraisal, Philip began to quake.

“Y-Your Grace. I beg you to hear me. What transpired… it was all a…”

“Save your excuses; I have no use for them. Be silent. No words you utter will ever earn my regard.”

“This is a total misunderstanding! Will you truly deny me even a single moment to clarify? Do you actually intend to turn the House of Roglan into your enemy?”

“An enemy?”

The Grand Duke let out a sharp snort at Philip’s threat, as if the notion itself was laughable.

“You clearly fail to grasp the reality of your situation. I made an enemy of that man Bernhardt a long time ago. We were simply waiting for a justification to strike at one another. Now that you have handed me that very pretext, my only task is to back him into a corner.”

“…!”

“You had better hope Bernhardt does not view you as disposable. If he decides to sever ties, your life will become a much more pressing concern than your rank within the family.”

“Your Grace! Your Grace…!”

With a subtle motion from the Grand Duke, the knights positioned behind him grabbed Philip by the shoulders and forced him away.

Philip shrieked as those heavy hands dragged him off, but his cries fell on deaf ears.

The remaining knights were escorted in the same direction. Having already suffered a total blow to their pride, they offered no fight this time, a stark contrast to their earlier behavior.

“A job well done. Let us go inside.”

With the situation resolved, the Grand Duke gave Lucian a steadying pat on the shoulder and climbed onto his horse.

Just before they departed for the estate, a thought struck the Grand Duke, and he glanced back at Lucian.

“Now that I think of it, why did you set that particular maid apart? Surely you don’t mean…”

“I will provide an explanation once we have returned.”

“Ahem, very well. You are a grown man, I suppose.”

Lucian offered a strained smile at the Grand Duke’s tone, which sounded like a father trying to respect a son’s private affairs.

It was evident he would need to clear up some awkward assumptions the moment they stepped through the door.

—

Lucian proceeded immediately to the office with the Grand Duke.

The purpose was to settle the ‘reward’ the Grand Duke had alluded to previously.

“The Black Lions gave me a summary. You managed the situation with great efficiency.”

“You are too kind. It was only achievable through the resources you granted me, Father.”

“There is no need for such modesty. What is it you want as a prize? Provided it is within reason, I shall see it done.”

“Hmm.”

Lucian paused to reflect on the offer.

He lacked for nothing personally at the moment, but he had a loyal follower to consider.

“I would like for Hugo to be elevated to knighthood…”

“That is out of the question.”

The Grand Duke cut the request short instantly, his voice losing its warmth and becoming razor-sharp.

Though Lucian had anticipated this refusal, he couldn’t simply concede. As a leader, he was bound to fight for the promise he had made.

“Hugo’s contributions were significant.”

“Perhaps, but he is also the individual who plotted with the Marquis to distribute those drugs originally. Had you not intervened, he would have seen the crime through to its end.”

“That is merely speculation. Furthermore, it was Hugo who lured Philip into the open and identified the coordinates for our strike.”

“Even taking that into account, it does not qualify him for the knightage. At the very least, he should have built a reputation of honor and performed a deed that is beyond reproach. Can you honestly stand before the public and announce the nature of his service this time?”

Lucian went quiet.

It was undeniably true that Hugo’s actions were of a nature that had to remain in the shadows. His success relied on the underworld influence and connections he had built during a life of crime.

“If he desires wealth, I can provide stacks of gold. If he wishes it, I can even arrange a fresh identity for him. But he cannot be a knight. This is not about his birth, but because the compensation far outweighs the merit of the deed.”

Lucian gave a nod; the logic was airtight. Still, he felt he had fulfilled his obligation as a master by making the attempt.

“Your reasoning is sound, Father. I asked for too much.”

“Since you understand, name another desire. One that is not so overreaching this time.”

“Please grant the maid I took into custody the opportunity to train under the Sword Saint.”

“…What?”

The Grand Duke’s face went blank at the sheer absurdity of the request.

—

The moment Lucian exited the Grand Duke’s office, he went to find Felicia.

She had been kept briefly at Hugo’s establishment but had been relocated to the high-security cells when Philip’s party was detained.

While the location was a dungeon, it was designed for high-ranking captives and was reasonably comfortable.

However, the second Felicia spotted Lucian, she pressed a jagged shard of metal against her own neck and screamed.

“If you come near me, I will end it right here!”

“….”

Taken aback by the hostility, Lucian glanced at Hans, who was nearby.

Despite the presence of a regular guard, Lucian had assigned Hans to watch over her to ensure nothing went wrong.

“What is she going on about?”

“What do you think? She believes the Young Master has some foul intentions for her, so she’s making it clear she’d rather die.”

“Who gave her such an idea?”

“I can’t change what she’s already decided is true. And frankly, the explanation you gave me, Young Master, was also a bit…”

Hans stopped short, but his skepticism was obvious. Even Lucian had to admit the truth sounded far-fetched.

Lucian let out a breath and looked at Felix—no, Felicia.

“I am not sure what you’ve imagined, but I have no desire to mistreat you.”

“….”

“You don’t believe a word I’m saying, do you?”

“Of course I don’t. You singled out a lowly maid and isolated her. If you aren’t after my body, then what could you possibly want?”

“Your skill with a blade.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“My interest lies in your swordsmanship. Tell me, do you have any wish to wield a sword at my side and see your potential truly realized?”

Felicia’s face twisted into a look of sheer confusion. Rather than being convinced, she seemed to think this was a complicated trick to lower her guard.

Lucian then revealed the deal he had secured from the Grand Duke.

“I am recommending you as a pupil to Sir Eisen, the Sword Saint.”

“…!?”

“I have my father’s consent. I have already dispatched a message to Sir Eisen as well. If you are willing, we can go to him this instant. What is your choice?”

It was unbelievable. To offer such a monumental chance to a common maid was unheard of.

Yet, it was a temptation too powerful to ignore. Even if she suspected a trap, she couldn’t turn away. Anyone who had taught themselves to fight as she had always craved a true mentor. To have the Sword Saint—the very peak of martial skill—as that mentor was the ultimate dream.

After a long silence, Felicia finally locked eyes with Lucian.

“Are you telling me the truth?”

“Do I look like a man who toys with such things?”

“Honestly, the idea that it’s a lie is far more believable. Perhaps you are just saying what I want to hear so I won’t kill myself.”

“By invoking the name of Sir Eisen for a maid? Why bother? If I just wanted to stop you, a simple promise of freedom would have been far easier.”

Felicia bit her lip. He was right. She was prepared to die to protect her dignity, but that didn’t mean she didn’t want to live. If he had merely offered to release her, she would have hesitated.

The fact that he offered the Sword Saint before even offering her life suggested a strange sincerity…

“…Hold on. Did I ever mention wanting to study the sword?”

As she thought about it, Felicia realized something was missing. She had never voiced such a wish. Yet the entire negotiation was moving forward as if her life revolved around the blade. Normally, if one bargained with a maid—no matter her skill—one would offer coin.

“You didn’t have to say it. I can see it. It is the natural drive of a true warrior.”

“A warrior? You consider me a warrior?”

“Are you not?”

Felicia found herself unable to answer. At the same time, a wave of heat rose in her chest. For the first time, she wasn’t being looked down upon as a girl playing with a weapon she shouldn’t have; she was being acknowledged as an equal in spirit.

“Will you… truly bring me to the Sword Saint?”

At her shaking voice, Lucian’s expression became profoundly grave.

“I give you my word on the name of Lucian Valdek.”

For a noble to pledge both their given and family names was to stake the entire reputation of their bloodline.

Finally, Felicia closed her eyes tight and stood up. Even if the offer seemed impossible, she chose to trust this man’s word, just this once.

—

Lucian immediately contacted Eisen. He requested a meeting, stating he had found the exceptional talent he had mentioned previously.

Graciously, Eisen accepted.

—The Third Young Master is not given to exaggeration. I shall meet this person.

Hearing that Eisen was already on his way to the training grounds, Lucian gathered Hugo and Hans and made his way there.

Hugo, plucked from his duties, looked utterly lost. He had been occupied with closing down the drug operation that had served as their bait.

“Is there a reason I need to witness this? My presence doesn’t change anything.”

“What’s the harm? Use this opportunity to introduce yourself to Sir Eisen.”

“That’s exactly why I’m nervous! How is the Sword Saint going to look at a former criminal like me?”

“You’ve turned a corner, so he will see you for who you are now. He isn’t the type to judge a man by his past, so calm down.”

Hugo remained visibly anxious, but he had no choice. Recommending Felicia meant that a total stranger was reaping a benefit that could have gone to Hugo, who had actually helped the cause. If Felicia’s skill didn’t justify this, bitterness might take root. Lucian needed Hugo to see her divine talent with his own eyes to understand why.

As they reached the training grounds, Lucian stopped in his tracks.

“…Father?”

“You’re a bit late. To be exactly on time for Sir Eisen is a slight. You should have arrived early out of respect.”

Lucian blinked at the Grand Duke’s minor scolding. Why was he here?

“What brings you to the grounds?”

“What do you think? This is a recommendation for the Sword Saint. Did you expect me to ignore such a significant event?”

It was a fair point. Sword Saint Eisen was a pillar of the Empire and a vital asset to the House of Valdek. As the patriarch, the Grand Duke naturally kept a close watch on the next generation of power. Still, Lucian hadn’t expected him to show up just for an initial test.

The Grand Duke’s eyes then landed on Hugo.

“So, you are Hugo. I am told you played a vital part in this affair.”

“I… I offer my greetings to Your Grace the Grand Duke.”

“However, your previous crimes weigh as heavily as your recent merits.”

“I am deeply sorry. But I am a changed man…!”

“Lucian requested a knighthood for you despite knowing the risks. He told me he wanted nothing for himself and asked that his reward be given to you instead.”

Hugo’s eyes went wide as he turned toward Lucian. Even as Lucian signaled for him to look away out of etiquette, Hugo remained paralyzed with shock.

The Grand Duke continued, unbothered by the reaction.

“It may sting, but I denied that request. Not because of where you came from, but because your deeds were simply not enough. Setting aside other prizes, it was nowhere near the merit required to elevate a commoner.”

“Y-Your Grace is entirely correct.”

“Asking for too much can ruin a person’s reputation. Your master was aware of that danger, yet he still made the plea on your behalf. I trust you understand the weight of that gesture.”

Hugo bowed his head so low his forehead nearly touched the ground, his frame trembling. It was the movement of a man fighting back an explosion of feeling.

A moment later, Hugo looked up, his eyes burning with resolve.

“What could I possibly do to repay him? I will simply dedicate every breath I have to his service for the rest of my life.”

“Hmph.”

A small, satisfied smile touched the Grand Duke’s lips, though he made a show of snorting. Hugo’s response clearly pleased him.

However, that warmth vanished the moment he looked at the other candidate.

“Is this the one? The maid you want to present to Sir Eisen?”

“It is.”

“I… I greet His Gra—”

“Pathetic.”

The entire group, Felicia included, went still at the Grand Duke’s harsh dismissal.

Sigmund then turned back to his son.

“Even after being told no once, you still held the right to a reward. A chance to ask for anything within reason. And yet, the thing you valued so much that you threw away that opportunity was the right to let this woman stand before Sir Eisen?”

“…!”

“If you think rewards are just handed out like candy, you are incredibly foolish! You have squandered a priceless chance on a whim, and you will live to regret this day!”

Felicia’s gaze shook. Even as a bystander, she had seen the cutthroat nature of noble succession in her previous household. She knew the lengths children went to for their father’s approval. And yet, in the heat of a struggle for the title, he had discarded his own reward just to give her a chance.

Lucian, however, didn’t waver for a second.

“I apologize, Father, but I will not regret it.”

“What?”

“Even if this were the final request I could ever make of you, I would still make it. I have used my reward for the most honorable purpose.”

“Do you truly believe this woman is worth that much?”

“I do.”

The confirmation was instant. It wasn’t the voice of a rebellious son talking back; it was the voice of absolute conviction.

“I do not know what you see, Father, but I see a warrior touched by the heavens. A once-in-a-century genius who could cleave the sky and part the waves, yet who cannot even take a full breath because she is chained by her rank and her sex.”

“….”

“Many people will side with you and fail to understand me. They will probably snicker behind my back at my stupidity. But one day, those laughs will turn into awe. They will say that Lucian Valdek was the man who found the next Sword Saint when she was nearly lost to the dark corners of history.”

The moment Lucian stopped speaking, a single tear escaped and fell down Felicia’s face.