I Became a Swordsmanship Genius at the Academy

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The examination results showed that there were no issues with my body.

The mana circuit was just a bit poor, but thanks to the spirit beast’s blessing, I was actually overflowing with vitality.

I even received a diagnosis from the Endo family’s dedicated healer that I could start intense training right away.

Confirming that my physical condition was fine, Kim Il-shin headed straight to meet the sword master.

It was only three days since that incident, yet the mansion was almost completely rebuilt.

Thanks to construction magic.

However, they said that it wouldn’t last long with just that, so they planned to gradually replace things.

“Oh, by the way, I’ve already sent a formal notice to the academy. You don’t have to worry about attendance.”

To be honest, there wasn’t much need to care about the academy anymore.

With two bishops dead, the situation would only become more urgent, so we couldn’t get too caught up in the academy.

Kim Il-shin moved while chatting with Hazuki.

Most of the talking was done by Hazuki.

She explained the terrain and structures of the mansion or asked Kim Il-shin questions she was curious about.

There weren’t any particularly important questions. It was simple small talk.

During that time, he encountered several retainers, and their gazes filled with reverence and goodwill were all directed at Kim Il-shin.

Especially the warriors who were present at the time had even more intense looks than the others.

It was quite overwhelming.

“Please wait a moment.”

Upon reaching the barrier, Hazuki placed her palm on it.

She mumbled softly like she had before, and he could hear what she was saying.

Thinking about it, it seemed that the heightened quality of mana had also brought about a rise in sensory perception.

“Grandfather, Kim Il-shin is here. Oh dear, he said he would come right away, but what can I do? And it was you who said he could come anytime…!”

Outside, she showed deference, calling him ‘Lord’ properly, which was a stark contrast to that.

He was curious about the reaction when they realized she could be heard, but decided to hold back.

Dudududuk.

Soon, the door of the barrier opened, and Kim Il-shin walked inside.

“Have you come?”

As he entered the barrier, the sword master greeted him with a bright smile.

With that smile from his youth, he looked like a dashing young man.

“I’ve seen your progress. Truly impressive. When I saw the last sword, I was speechless in amazement.”

There was no exaggeration in the sword master’s words.

The realm of embodying one’s thoughts cannot be achieved solely through talent.

It requires solid experiences that forge a firm belief and ample contemplation on it.

No matter how boundless Kim Il-shin’s talent was, he never expected to reach that level so quickly.

“You’re too kind.”

“No need to be humble in front of me. You know well how exceptional your talent is.”

“That’s true.”

“Yes, yes. How wonderful it is that you recognize that!”

The sword master laughed heartily at Kim Il-shin’s words. Kim Il-shin had no idea what was so funny.

“Ahem, ahem. Now, let me tell you why I called you here.”

Suddenly, the sword master calmed down and spoke in a serious tone.

“What do you think of our Hazuki?”

It was a question that felt somewhat unsettling. Kim Il-shin answered as he thought.

“I think she is a good person.”

“In what way?”

“…In what way are you asking?”

“Well, you know, like her abilities or personality.”

“I believe both her abilities and personality are excellent. Hazuki’s contribution was significant in minimizing casualties in this incident. She has no flaws in both ability and character. She will be a great head of the family in the future.”

“Hmhm, I did teach my granddaughter well.”

The sword master was greatly satisfied with Kim Il-shin’s praise.

Just when Kim Il-shin thought it was over, the sword master threw out another question.

“What do you think of her appearance?”

It was a question that intensified the unease he had felt earlier.

“Of course, I think she is outstanding.”

Hazuki’s appearance was undeniably magnificent even objectively.

The contrast of her long black hair and porcelain-like skin highlighted her delicate features.

The dot near her left eye was the finishing touch that completed a masterpiece.

Not only was her superficial beauty striking, but the atmosphere she exuded was also dignified, so it was impossible to criticize even if he wanted to.

“Isn’t that right? I’m not saying this just because she’s my granddaughter, she is truly beautiful. She resembles my wife in her youth, her eyes inherited from me.”

After nodding contently once more, the sword master finally dropped a bombshell.

“Then how about as a bride?”

“…What?”

Kim Il-shin’s brain froze.

He had expected it just a little, but hearing it directly like this was a completely different feeling.

“Why is there no answer? Could it be that our Hazuki doesn’t appeal to you—…!”

Suddenly, the sword master frowned and shrank back. He seemed to be feeling some pain.

Unconsciously, he noticed that his hand was moving toward his ear.

“Is there something wrong?”

When Kim Il-shin asked, the sword master waved his hand dismissively and relaxed.

“It’s nothing. Nothing at all. More importantly, I want to hear your answer. So, what do you think?”

Kim Il-shin pretended to think hard, frowning slightly. However, he had already made a decision.

“I understand that Hazuki is a good person, but…”

“…But?”

From the gleaming eyes of the sword master, Kim Il-shin felt pressure. It was like encountering a tiger alone in the mountains.

Enduring that pressure, Kim Il-shin continued.

“I believe it is still too early for me. I apologize.”

“…What a pity. There’s no need to apologize at all. I can’t change what you think.”

Surprisingly, the sword master accepted this easily and left room for further discussion with his next words.

“Still, you never know what might happen in life, so it would be wise to keep thinking about it. I won’t know if you regret it later.”

After that, Kim Il-shin stayed a little longer inside the barrier, chatting with the sword master.

*

“What do you mean, Grandfather!”

Hazuki, who had placed her hand on the barrier, shouted loudly.

It was a voice loud enough to make the retainers passing by turn their heads.

Hazuki had just heard the conversation between Kim Il-shin and the sword master.

The sword master had adjusted the barrier so that sounds could leak outside.

“How could you bring up marriage without discussing it with me…!”

She had felt uneasy since he asked that strange question, but she never expected him to throw such a tantrum.

Before this question, she was pleased to find out how Kim Il-shin was regarded.

“Excellent in abilities and character… and even remarked that my looks were great….”

If it had ended there, Hazuki would have had no complaints.

“But this is just wrong!”

No matter how much she knocked on the barrier, the door wouldn’t open.

All Hazuki could do was helplessly listen to the conversation leaking out.

[So, what do you think?]

At that moment, the sword master pressed for Kim Il-shin’s response.

During the brief moment while Kim Il-shin pondered his answer, Hazuki’s imagination took wing.

“He’d refuse. Someone like me marrying the sword god? That’s absurd. It’s blasphemy. Well, that can’t be helped.”

As Hazuki was contemplating negatively, she thought of a troubling scenario.

“What if he accepts? I can’t possibly reject the sword god’s intention… then we’ll have to get married, right? Yes, if that’s God’s will… Should I start learning to cook? But I’m confident with a knife though…”

As Hazuki was looking down at her hands, sporting a shy smile.

[It seems to be a bit early for me to think about that. I apologize.]

Kim Il-shin delivered his refusal, and Hazuki’s expression suddenly hardened.

“…That’s only natural. Well, of course.”

It was a sudden proposal, not only for Hazuki but for Kim Il-shin too.

She never thought he would accept.

Yet, something in her heart felt uneasy. No matter how she tried to shift her thoughts, she couldn’t shake it off.

“Oh, I was waiting for you. Though you could have done something else in the meantime.”

“This is my duty, so don’t worry. Did you have a good conversation?”

“Yeah.”

Yet she didn’t show any sign of it. Hazuki welcomed Kim Il-shin with the same smile she always wore.

“What do you plan to do next? If there’s anything you need, I can prepare it all.”

“Oh right, I was wondering if we could start the swordsmanship training we talked about before. Is that good for you?”

“…Really?!”

Hazuki asked back with bright eyes.

After such a major incident, she had completely given up on swordsmanship training and erased it from her mind.

But since Kim Il-shin took the initiative to suggest the swordsmanship lesson, she felt blissfully happy.

Receiving swordsmanship instruction from Kim Il-shin was an unparalleled honor for Hazuki.

To put it metaphorically, it was like Jesus personally descending to teach the scriptures to a believer.

“If it’s just for your time.”

“Perfectly fine! Then I’ll guide you straight to the training ground!”

With a happy smile, Hazuki led Kim Il-shin.

All her negative thoughts had completely vanished.