Chapter 30: The Anticipated Four Years Later (2)

Ashuran and Valet, who had arrived before Raion, were exuding an overbearing presence.

No matter how much Raion’s appearance had changed, it seemed laughable to them.

“I couldn’t properly greet you earlier since the coming-of-age ceremony had already begun.”

“It’s been a long time, Brother Ashuran.”

“You’ve changed quite a bit. You can even look us in the eye now.”

Ashuran, who had gone on extended monster subjugations as a knight, and Valet, who had left to study commerce, had both been away from the royal castle for quite some time.

The last time Raion had seen them was about six years ago.

Naturally, back then, he had been too timid to even meet their gaze.

“It seems the swordsmanship training I’ve received at His Majesty’s suggestion has borne some fruit.”

“Hah! Do you think a mere five years is enough to properly wield a sword? It took me years of hard training to learn the blade myself.”

Ashuran was twenty-three this year and had been wielding a sword since he was seven.

After sixteen years of training, he could now use sword techniques at the entry level of the advanced tier.

Considering his age, his skill was indeed remarkable.

“How could I compare my skills to yours, Brother? I’ve only learned the basics of how to swing a sword.”

“If an opportunity arises, I’ll teach you myself.”

“Thank you, Brother.”

While the two conversed, Valet interjected from the side.

“I heard you’re also learning magic. What use is it to bring along an old geezer from the 13th Mage Division?”

Unable to insult Raion directly, Ashuran and Valet aimed their ridicule at those around him instead.

“He’s a magician with quite extensive knowledge in the field. Since I lack magical talent, I’m simply learning out of curiosity—just to see what kinds of spells exist.”

“Magic must be innate. Without talent, one can’t even light a proper spark.”

Valet, who said this, not only had a sharp mind but had also reached the intermediate level of the 3rd Circle.

He could use most common offensive spells, and alongside Ashuran, he possessed considerable skill.

“I’ll take both of your advice to heart.”

Hearing Raion’s composed answer, Ashuran placed a hand on his shoulder.

Slowly, pressure began to tighten in his grip.

Kwaaaak!

“No matter what you’ve learned, it would be best for your own safety to live as you did before. Don’t you agree?”

Ashuran’s tone, though calm and gentle, was undoubtedly a threat.

The veins on the back of his hand bulged slightly as he applied more force.

Yet Raion’s expression remained calm.

“Hahaha. It seems only my brothers worry about my safety. You don’t need to be so concerned—I plan to live properly now so as not to trouble you anymore.”

Raion gently grasped Ashuran’s wrist, which was resting on his left shoulder.

Kwaaaak!

“Urgh—!”

Ashuran flinched in shock and quickly pulled his hand away at the sudden pain.

“Ah! Did I startle you by grabbing your hand without manners? My apologies, Brother.”

“……”

Ashuran’s face stiffened with surprise.

The strength Raion had just shown far exceeded his own.

Of course, if he fought seriously, the result might differ—but that level of physical power was not something a supposedly frail Raion should have possessed.

Sensing something amiss, Valet approached Ashuran and asked,

“Are you all right?”

“I-I’m fine. Let’s return.”

“What? But…”

Valet shot Raion a resentful glance.

“I said, let’s go!”

“Ah, understood.”

The two quickly made their way back to where Queen Elina was waiting.

Once they disappeared, Trine, the Royal Knight Commander, who had been watching for an opportunity to greet Raion, approached him.

“Your Highness, are you all right?”

To him, it had looked as if Raion had just been bullied by the other princes.

“I’m perfectly fine. Hey, Jade! Come over here.”

At Raion’s call, Jade, who had been keeping watch nearby, walked over.

“You called for me, Your Highness?”

“You don’t seem too concerned about me, unlike Sir Trine, do you?”

If he were truly acting as Raion’s guard, it wouldn’t have been strange for him to step in during that earlier situation.

Yet Jade merely looked at Raion, as if nothing had happened.

“What’s the point of guarding someone stronger than me?”

“That’s true enough.”

Over the past five years, Raion’s strength had completely surpassed Jade’s.

Of course, Jade’s swordsmanship had also advanced greatly, but Raion’s combat experience—carried over from his previous life—could not be overlooked.

Moreover, he had mastered True Martial Art, the pinnacle of close-quarters combat techniques, which, when combined with his swordsmanship, granted him overwhelming prowess.

Hearing this, Trine, who was standing nearby, widened his eyes in shock.

“Are you saying His Highness has defeated Jade?”

The last time Trine had seen Jade’s skill, it had been nearly equal to that of a high-ranking knight.

If that were the case, it meant even the First Prince, Ashuran—who had entered the threshold of a high-ranking knight through considerable talent—would be no match for Raion.

“Shh! I’d appreciate it if you kept this a secret. It’s not something that would please my brothers or Her Majesty the Queen if they found out.”

“I understand. But I never imagined you’d stay secluded for a full five years without stepping outside once.”

Only Trine, the commander of the Royal Knights, had occasionally visited Taron’s Palace.

Aside from him, no one else had ever gone there.

“I didn’t have any particular reason to go outside.”

“If Your Highness has grown this capable, then His Majesty the King will surely gain strength from it.”

“I plan to keep this a secret from His Majesty as well.”

At that, Trine lowered his voice as much as he could.

“Pardon? Why is that, Your Highness? His Majesty is planning to decide the succession to the throne in a few days.”

At present, only King Laskan, Royal Knight Commander Trine, and First Secretary Raphael knew about that matter.

Because it was such a delicate issue, even Queen Elina and Duke Alito, the Prime Minister, had been kept in the dark.

“That decision won’t go as His Majesty expects. Most likely, at least.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke won’t stay idle, that’s why. Anyway, since this is my coming-of-age celebration, let’s enjoy it. Staying beside me too long might earn you Her Majesty’s displeasure.”

Saying that, Raion began strolling through the great hall with his attendants.

Then, something entertaining caught his eye.

Pairs of people were sitting face-to-face, moving small pieces one by one across a broad board.

It was none other than the chess and janggi sets that Raion had spread throughout the kingdom via the traveling merchant Fordman.

Since three years ago, production of chess and janggi had gone smoothly, spreading across the entire Canel Kingdom and eventually reaching the royal palace itself.

Just then, Valet, who had been dragged away earlier by Ashuran, approached from the side.

“This must be your first time seeing such things!”

His tone still carried that familiar arrogance toward Raion.

“Not at all. I’ve heard about them from Patrick and even have a few sets in the palace.”

“Oh-ho! Then how about playing a round with me?”

At Valet’s words, the people who were just finishing their own game quickly stepped aside.

“Very well. Which game would you like to play?”

“I’ll let you decide. I’ve been enjoying both Chers and Jagir since they came out, so I’m confident in either.”

He wore a look of absolute confidence.

Raion chose Jagir.

Because the pronunciation of chess and janggi was difficult in the Phalon Continent’s language, they were renamed and sold as Chers and Jagir.

“Fine. Jagir it is.”

The two sat facing each other.

It was a match between Valet, famous for his sharp mind, and Raion, who had long been regarded as simple-minded.

Because of that, many nobles and ministers enjoying the banquet began to crowd around them.

The first move was Raion’s.

He started by moving the pawn on the far right, following a formation of horse-elephant-elephant-horse.

“You start quite unusually. But this isn’t an easy game!”

Valet moved his horse piece first.

From that alone, Raion could already see what tactic Valet intended to use.

‘He’s trying to come in using the elephant as cover.’

Even back in 21st-century Korea, it had been considered a fairly tricky tactic.

But it was useless against Raion, who had lived in that world himself.

Move after move, the game progressed.

Then Valet’s planned elephant strategy was unexpectedly countered by Raion’s own elephant that had lain in ambush.

That was when their real battle began.

Every spot Valet aimed for, Raion’s pieces blocked, gradually tightening the space around Valet’s king.

“H-how could there be such a move…?”

Valet, who had been certain of victory, couldn’t hide his shock.

But it was nothing more than a drop in the bucket.

There was no way someone who had only learned janggi for a few years could defeat Raion, who had played countless rounds with elderly masters in 21st-century Korea.

“This is the end!”

Tak—!

Raion’s rook landed directly in front of Valet’s king, silencing the murmuring crowd.

Though it looked like Valet could capture it, his horse in the back blocked the move completely.

Cornered with nowhere to escape, Valet’s king was finished.

“Th-this is impossible!”

Valet cried out in disbelief, his voice trembling with frustration.

At that moment, Ashuran, who had quietly approached from behind, gripped his shoulder firmly.

“Calm yourself, brother. It’s just a game.”

“B-but…”

“Raion must’ve gotten lucky. Do you really think he could defeat you by skill alone?”

There was a faint murderous glint in Ashuran’s eyes.

As the atmosphere in the banquet hall turned cold, King Laskan finally stepped forward.

“What kind of behavior is this?!”

His booming voice echoed throughout the hall, silencing the murmurs of the nobles.

Descending slowly from the dais, King Laskan approached the brothers.

“Ashuran! Valet! This is a celebration, not a place for disgraceful conduct!”

At his command, the two immediately stepped forward and knelt before him.

Ashuran spoke first.

“My apologies, Your Majesty. My younger brother grew too excited during a simple game, and in the process of stopping him, I ended up showing poor decorum.”

“It’s good that you admit it honestly. However! As this is Prince Raion’s coming-of-age celebration, you must exercise restraint.”

“We will keep that in mind.”

Ashuran and Valet answered together.

“Good. Then let everyone return to enjoying the banquet.”

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