LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 20
Chapter 20: How to Take the Initiative (2)
The heavy silence that filled Martin’s office didn’t last long.
“Kuhahaha!”
Vincent von Igreet burst into laughter once more, this time doubling over as he clutched his stomach with his right hand, pounding the table with his left. Tears welled up in his eyes from laughing so hard.
“Thank you, young master. It’s been ages since I’ve laughed like this, both earlier and now.”
“I wasn’t trying to be funny, though.”
“Don’t misunderstand me. I didn’t take it as a joke. I just admire your boldness. Your confidence alone could make you the strongest in the Altaria Empire.”
As he finished speaking, Vincent’s expression shifted instantly, becoming serious.
“I’ve always had a high opinion of you, young master.”
“I know. That’s why you so easily agreed when Sien wanted to become my bodyguard. However, I still don’t know exactly what it is about me that you like.”
“You must be aware that among those who suffer from the Dragon’s Curse, very few manage to fully develop their talents.”
“That’s true.”
Martin nodded slightly in agreement.
Those afflicted with the Dragon’s Curse had limited time to live. Even if they were born with exceptional talent, 20 years was a short time to accomplish anything of significance. Knowing how little time they had often drained their passion and desire to excel.
‘Overcoming such profound despair is incredibly difficult.’
And even if one could push past the despair, the pain from the curse grew more severe with time. To endure that pain while mastering swordsmanship, magic, or a unique ability was far from easy.
“In that sense, I consider myself fortunate. I had someone beside me pushing me forward, helping me overcome it.”
Martin glanced at Sien, who responded with a soft smile.
“Hmph.”
Vincent cleared his throat, attempting to shift the mood.
His daughter usually looked annoyed when he was around, but seeing her smile so brightly now stirred a pang of jealousy in him. He didn’t let it show, though.
“What matters is that you overcame despair and pain. Even when you knew you had no future, even when you were branded as a failure, you still dedicated yourself to swordsmanship. You even used Dragon’s Blood to strengthen yourself. I respect that determination.”
“Thank you for the kind words. Does this mean I can now count on your support?”
“Not yet.”
“But you just said you admire me.”
“And you promised me enjoyment, didn’t you? But you haven’t fulfilled that promise yet.”
Smirk.
Martin chuckled, entertained by Vincent’s response.
“It seems I made a mistake. A promise made is a promise kept.”
“Can you keep it?”
“Of course.”
Slip.
Martin calmly removed his glove and tossed it to Vincent, who caught it with a grin.
“I challenge you to a duel, Vincent. A real one.”
“Martin, what are you…?”
Sien trailed off as she looked back and forth between the two men.
They were smiling at each other, already understanding each other’s intent. Sien could see there was no point in stopping them.
“Good. If you’ve declared yourself the future head of the Adalbert family, you should have the courage to back it up. I accept your challenge.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re still smiling. Do you think you can beat me?”
“Of course not.”
“Isn’t that a little too modest, young master? A one-circle difference doesn’t mean much. Spatial domination alone is powerful enough to close that gap. It wouldn’t be surprising if you showed more confidence.”
“That may apply to others, but not to someone as skilled as the Sword Breaker.”
Though Vincent was known as an 8th-circle warrior, he was strong enough to ascend to the 9th circle at any moment.
Back when Martin was hailed as the Sword Master, he might have stood a chance. But in his current state, victory seemed unlikely.
‘Winning or losing isn’t what’s important here.’
What truly mattered was that Vincent von Igreet was a knight recognized by the Emperor of the Altaria Empire. He was one of the most respected knights in the Adalbert family.
If Vincent publicly declared his support for Martin, it would give Martin tremendous influence. He’d be able to keep the elders and the other branch family heads in check.
‘With others, there are many ways to manipulate them, but…’
Martin knew many of the weaknesses of those in the main family’s high-ranking positions.
But Vincent was an exception.
He had never made a single mistake throughout his life.
‘Vincent is a quintessential knight. It’s better to win his heart through actions rather than threats or manipulation.’
Of course, just because the outcome of the duel didn’t matter didn’t mean Martin intended to lose easily.
After all, he had once been called the Sword Master, even if that was in the past. Despite the disparity in power, his pride wouldn’t allow him to accept defeat so easily.
“By the way, there’s one more thing I need to ask for your permission.”
“Hm? What is it?”
“I’d like to make this duel a bit more… public.”
While Vincent looked puzzled, Martin flashed a playful smile.
—
The news of Martin challenging Vincent to a duel spread quickly, and a large crowd gathered at the training ground to witness it.
Martin, the direct heir of the Adalbert family, had regained his strength.
Vincent, the head of the Igreet family and the strongest of the five branch families.
There was no way people would miss the opportunity to watch these two clash.
“I’m curious. How will the young master, who’s known as a genius, fare against someone stronger than him?”
“No matter how skilled the young master is, this will be tough. Viscount Igreet is an 8th-circle warrior, and the young master is only at the 4th circle. It’s hard to imagine him surviving even a single blow, even if Igreet holds back.”
“Come on, that’s too harsh. The young master has manifested spatial domination. He’s not just an ordinary 4th-circle warrior.”
“Wanna bet? I say the young master won’t be able to block even one strike from Viscount Igreet.”
“I’ll take that bet. I think he’ll manage to block it. Loser takes an extra guard shift?”
The knights gathered around the training ground and eagerly debated among themselves.
Most of them didn’t expect Martin and Vincent to fight seriously, given the significant difference in their abilities.
They treated the duel as more of a spectacle.
However, the elders didn’t share their nonchalance.
From their perspective, the situation was far more serious.
“It seems the head of Igreet is officially backing the young master. Look at how he’s setting the stage,” said Aren Cruse with a bitter smile.
“It’s not surprising, is it? The head of Igreet has always been favorable to the young master. Now that Martin has manifested spatial domination, there’s no reason for him to hesitate,” replied Marius Protal in a detached tone.
Oriana Flores shook her head.
“The problem is Igreet’s reputation. Many of the young knights in the main family respect him. You know that, Elder Marius. They admire his straightforwardness and call him bold and manly.”
“Mmm.”
“There’s more. The captains of the White Dragon and Golden Dragon Knights are close friends of Igreet. If they officially support the young master, we’ll lose control of over half the main family’s military.”
“It sounds like the young master anticipated this, which is why he called Igreet first. Would you agree, Elder Oriana?”
“Personal theory, but yes. By securing the entrance to the dungeon, the Adalbert family gained immense wealth, but at its core, we’re still a martial house. If the young master can control the main family’s key military forces, he won’t have to worry about us or the branch families opposing him.”
Marius’ expression darkened at Oriana’s words.
“Let’s not focus on the worst-case scenario, Elder Oriana. The heads of the Bitenfeld, Rustal, and Fezek families are determined to block the young master’s ascension at the grand assembly.”
“They wouldn’t make bold statements without reason. We have to assume they’re preparing something.”
“Exactly. All we need to do is watch the situation unfold and ensure that the young master doesn’t gain too much ground.”
“That would be ideal, but I’m not so sure. The young master doesn’t seem like someone who’ll be easily cornered.”
Oriana knew that Aren’s concerns were valid.
Since returning to the main family, Martin had displayed remarkable and unexpected growth.
“I agree with Marius. The young master is only 18. He’s just barely reached adulthood. The odds of him fending off a political assault from three seasoned family heads are slim.”
“Indeed. We just need to stay aligned with the right forces and react accordingly.”
With Aren supporting Marius’ view, Oriana reluctantly nodded. Her expression remained dark, though.
Step. Step.
As the elders discussed the situation, heavy footsteps echoed across the training ground, followed by a powerful presence that blanketed the area.
Everyone fell silent and turned their heads.
At the far end of the training ground, Martin and Vincent stood side by side as they stepped into the arena.
Thud!
Aren shot to his feet in alarm.
He wasn’t alone—Marius and Oriana also rose abruptly, staring at Martin in disbelief.
All three were 7th-circle warriors, and they immediately recognized Martin’s true strength.
‘What on earth happened?!’ Aren screamed internally, shocked by the young master’s sudden and astonishing rise in power.