Inheriting the Novel

Chapter 19 : Reorganizing Formation (2)

Reorganizing Formation (2)

Suddenly, as I studied the map, information I had forgotten popped into my head.

「In the end, after everything was exposed by Fabian, Baian had to escape through a secret passage by the valley...」

I always thought the secret passage was simply a device to set up the situation where Baian escapes and Fabian gives chase.

So, as soon as the incident was over, I had deleted any information related to it from my mind.

But now, as I thought about it in detail, something felt off.

'How did Baian know about that secret passage?'

It didn't seem like anyone in the Talua kingdom's army knew about the passage.

Then how did Baian find out about it?

The answer was obvious.

'He must have heard about it from the Kainzel kingdom's army.'

In other words, the secret passage was something only the Kainzel kingdom's forces knew about, and the Talua kingdom's side was unaware.

'In that case... are they planning to take advantage of the gap when we focus on the center to launch an ambush through the secret passage?'

It sounded like a reasonable guess.

No, it was nearly certain. There's no way they wouldn't use a secret passage only they knew.

'But the problem is, how do I report this...'

After thinking it over for a moment, I calmly spoke.

"Your Grace, perhaps the enemy has a way to target our rear lines."

"Our rear? But that's impossible. You know, as well as I do, that our encampment is surrounded by steep valleys and mountains."

Of course, I knew that. Plus, we've already used the mountains to conduct our own surprise operation.

Both sides would obviously be on guard for any incursion via that terrain.

"In fact, there's been something bothering me."

"Bothering you?"

"Why did Baian flee toward the valley? Your Grace, did you think Baian meant to throw himself into the valley to his death?"

"... Surely not."

As expected, Duke Gale immediately grasped what I meant.

"Your Grace, sir Ivan Gale."

I was sure of it.

The war would soon be over.

That meant this would be my last chance to stand out on this battlefield.

And that would be enough.

"Please grant me the authority to command a small platoon."

Because I was about to become the protagonist of this war.

* * *

Duke Gale remained half in doubt, but he clearly thought there was no harm in checking.

Thanks to that, I was given the right to command a special detachment of ten men.

I'd gone from being just another ordinary knight to the leader of a special unit.

'If you call this success, then I'm successful.'

The position would be meaningless once the war ended anyway, but I couldn't help feeling proud.

After all, from being a knight who did whatever he was told, I'd actually become—even if only of a small group—the commander.

But there was one thing I found troubling.

'All of them are at least low-rank Sword Expert, and one's even intermediate-rank.'

Keeping my expression calm, I swept my gaze over the ten knights lined up before me.

They were all outstanding, but one among them stood out in particular.

'Zelbin Ribina. Red hair and crimson eyes... "Red Lion" does suit him.'

The head of House Ribina, Count Aldred Ribina.

He was a knight with the title of "Red Lion"—the kingdom's finest and only Swordmaster.

Perhaps the saying "a tiger father has no dog sons" truly held.

His children were all renowned for their talent with the sword and their bravery, and among them, Zelbin Ribina stood out, even earning the nickname "Young Lion".

Despite not even being of age, he had reached intermediate-rank Sword Expert, a genius on par with Baian and Tedric.

'Hmm.'

Outwardly I kept a calm expression, but inside I felt distinctly uncomfortable.

I knew Duke Gale had assigned such elite knights to look out for me, but this was almost overwhelming.

[They're all further along the path of swordsmanship than you, aren't they?]

Grancesia spoke, stabbing at my nerves.

As if I weren't already sensitive about it—

'Honestly, "intermediate-rank Sword Expert"...'

Looking over Zelbin Ribina's stats, I swallowed dryly.

He was two years younger than me but simply not in the same league as average people.

==

〈Zelbin Ribina〉

Age: 18

Gender: Male

Role in the story: Ribina Count's son (extra)

Abilities: Lion's Heart, Sky-Dominating Lone Sword (6-star)

Note: Talented young genius of House Ribina. Overshadowed by Baian Deoric, but still a remarkable genius with comparable talent. Despite his wild, beast-like appearance, his introverted personality makes him reluctant to show off his skills.

==

Is this really an extra?

Honestly, the stats made me question it.

Most surprising was his mastery of the Sky-Dominating Lone Sword, the Ribina family's pride.

It was one of the kingdom's premier sword arts along with the Hidden Star Sword, and he had already mastered it to the six-star level.

When you consider that Baian, an advanced-rank Sword Expert, had reached six stars in the Hidden Star Sword, Zelbin's accomplishment was all the more remarkable.

'In the original, such a character died without even getting a chance to shine?'

If that was the case, it was a huge loss for the Talua kingdom.

After glancing at Zelbin for a moment, I cleared my throat and slowly looked away.

"Hrmm, pleased to meet you. I'm Clay Vanhart, now leading this platoon. If there's anything you're curious about, ask away."

After briefly introducing myself, the ten knights stared intently at me.

Their eyes were filled with largely the same sentiment.

'Why do we have to follow a guy who looks so slow-witted?'

That was surely what they were thinking.

After all, the only thing known publicly about me was that I helped solve Duke Gale's assassination attempt.

"Sir Vanhart, you're an upper-rank sword user... aren't you?"

Sure enough, a knight spoke up languidly.

Trying hard to hide it, but there was a clear undertone of disdain.

"Frankly I don't see why His Grace ordered us to follow you."

I told them to ask if they had questions, but I didn't expect them to come at me like this right away.

'He's the viscount's son from House Polsen.'

After confirming the knight's background, I tutted softly.

[What'll you do?]

'What do you think?'

Grancesia's voice was full of amused anticipation at the unfolding drama.

'It was predictable.'

A fallen count's son who recently attracted Duke Gale's favor through sheer luck.

That was my current reputation.

So it was only natural that someone would rebel like this.

The solution to overcoming this situation was very simple.

Show them my skills.

To be honest, I almost hoped for such a situation.

I needed the actual practice, and it would be much easier to do my job if I proved myself like this upfront.

"Seems you've got a problem with me..."

Feinting casualness, I reached for my waist.

And just as I was about to grip the sword hanging at my belt—

Cra-kraack!

"Ugh!"

The viscount's son from House Polsen who'd been taunting me suddenly screamed.

"Huh?"

For the record, it wasn't me.

I stood awkwardly, gripping the sword's hilt.

"Quiet."

The voice sounded almost bestial.

Red hair shook like a lion's mane, and his crimson eyes flashed with a predatory gleam.

"How dare you spout such nonsense to Sir Vanhart."

It wasn't exactly "nonsense," but still...

What the heck is with this guy?

[Do you know him or something?]

'As if I'd know. This is the first time I've met him.'

Zelbin was a knight rarely encountered.

He was always training in a private arena and seldom appeared at social gatherings.

"That's enough, sir Ribina."

Left unchecked, someone would probably end up dead.

I did my best to sound calm and steady.

"Sir Polsen is surely reflecting already, why not let go?"

"Understood."

Zelbin responded instantly and let go.

Only then did Polsen, finally released, gasp for breath as he looked between me and Zelbin.

"Wh-what on earth... what's your relationship...?"

'I'd like to know myself.'

Zelbin narrowed his eyes at the bewildered stare.

Though I did not understand, it seemed Zelbin found his demeanor especially disagreeable.

"Sir Ribina, sir Polsen's words have a point. The others probably also aren't happy with me as captain. That's to be expected. Not long ago, I was an ordinary knight just like the rest of you. And my skills are lacking for a sword user, so it's natural."

At last, I slowly drew the sword I'd awkwardly been holding.

"So I think it's only fair for me to take an opportunity to prove my skills."

Zelbin, on hearing my words, murmured with open admiration.

"As expected... Sir Vanhart."

I still couldn't understand it, but Zelbin Ribina looked at me as if I were someone he admired.

[What's with him?]

I wish I knew.

Still, the important thing now wasn't how well Zelbin listened—it was those other nine knights who held me in contempt.

"Sir Polsen, shall we have a match?"

"......"

Polsen looked genuinely confused.

I drew a circle around myself as I watched his hesitation.

The others watched, puzzled, as I suddenly circled and stood inside it.

"Of course, since what just happened was unfair, I'll consider it my loss if I even step a foot out of this circle."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes. If I lose, I'll speak to Duke Gale and recommend you for captain of this detachment."

Offended, Polsen's face turned red and blue as he breathed heavily. The other knights began to murmur, unable to believe what I was doing.

"... In that case, I'll accept."

Rubbing his sore neck, he stood and drew his sword.

Either way, the guy had reached low-rank Sword Expert. The old me would never have thought of such a reckless move.

But now...

"Haap!"

Without hesitation, Polsen charged at me as I stood in the circle.

Rage toward me was clear on his face.

Anyone less than a sword user knight would have trouble tracking such speed.

However.

'Compared to Sir Eaton or Baian, he's terribly slow.'

Sir Tedric and Baian, both advanced-rank Sword Experts.

Riya Asktalin, raining blows non-stop with Dragon Tongue.

Compared to them, Polsen's sword felt almost weightless.

Claang!

"Urk!"

With a thunderous crash, Polsen's sword was knocked from his grip and skittered across the sparring ground.

Clutching his torn palm, Polsen stared at his sword lying on the floor.

[You're pretty good at it now, aren't you?]

The Hidden Star Sword, Deoric house's secret sword art.

Even with the latter part incomplete and impractical, it was still praised as one of Talua kingdom's twin pinnacles of swordsmanship.

So, if it were the perfected Hidden Star Sword?

Then it would surely be worthy of being called the kingdom's strongest style.

The problem was my body couldn't use its full power.

It was simply too much for my undeveloped body to handle.

So after much consideration, I came to one solution.

'Make it so I can use it.'

Adjusting the amount of magic power.

That was my answer.

The power would decrease accordingly, but no matter how strong a weapon, if you can't control it, it's less than a broken blade.

"Looks like I'm the winner."

"Th-this can't be..."

Against a low-rank Sword Expert—especially one seeing the New Star for the first time—this was more than sufficient.

I lightly tapped the dazed Polsen on the shoulder and turned to look at the remaining frozen knights.

"So, anyone else want to step up?"

I grinned broadly.

Naturally, there was no reply.