The Genius Son-in-law of the Swordmaster Household—Blessed by Authority

Chapter 104 : Home (2)

Home (2)

"Thank you for walking me home."

A feeling that she didn't want to be alone again...

"Get home safely. I'm going in as well."

Pushing aside her reluctance to part with Ian like this.

The moment Yuria bit down on her lower lip and turned to head toward the Heavenly Sword main estate—

"Miss Yuria."

—Grab!

Ian caught hold of Yuria.

"Uh, uh!?"

Yuria, surprised at having her wrist suddenly grabbed, was flustered.

"......"

Ian looked like he wanted to say something but hesitated.

Yuria, wide-eyed, waited quietly, gazing up at him.

She wondered what he was trying to say, with his lips trembling like that.

Her heart, secretly, began to race a little.

She could feel the thumping of a pulse, even from her wrist.

She didn't know if it was from her own wrist, or being transmitted from Ian's hand.

"U-uhm..."

Suddenly, if it was because of her own pounding heart, she somehow didn't want him to notice.

It would be embarrassing.

Just as Yuria shyly tried to slip her wrist from his grasp—

"Miss Yuria."

—Grasp.

Ian gripped her wrist even tighter and spoke again.

"Uh, yes!?"

"If it's alright with you, miss... how about living together with us at Lunabreeze starting next year?"

"W-what?"

It was such an unexpected remark.

"W-what!? What do you mean!?"

"No special meaning. It's just as I said."

"You're asking me to live with you!?"

"Yes."

Ian already knew all about how Yuria lived in the basement of the Heavenly Sword main estate.

In his previous life, he visited her daily in that basement to receive treatment for his mana circuits.

'The air there was unpleasant.'

It wasn't just about the musty, damp smell of a basement.

The Heavenly Sword main estate's basement was equipped with cutting-edge magic ventilation, so that was never a problem.

Rather, there were despicable people who made the very air there disagreeable.

The knights, servants, and administrators sent by various factions to monitor Yuria.

Their cold gazes at Yuria, their whispered schemes rumbling in the air, all made the atmosphere as filthy, stagnant, and unpleasant as a rotten swamp.

'You can't call that a home.'

It was nowhere you could feel at peace.

With all sorts of factions mixed together, coming and going as they pleased, constantly watching and checking up on each other—how could that be called a home?

It was closer to an animal cage at a zoo, or a prison for criminals.

Yuria would be watched and checked by countless factions, whether she was training, cultivating, eating, reading a book, or even napping.

'A terribly stifling and uncomfortable place.'

Yuria was always terribly alone there.

Even though she was surrounded by so many people.

Most people only considered Yuria an object to be monitored and checked, and those who approached kindly were simply traitors with an ulterior motive.

Perhaps Yuria couldn't bear the loneliness that had built up in layers there any longer, which was why she had reached out to Ian.

That's the impression Ian got.

The place she lived was unforgiving and cold.

"......"

Ian mustered up his courage.

"I'll be straightforward. I want to live together with you, miss Yuria."

"W-what!?"

"I want to eat together, laugh together, train together, and live joyfully together every day, like today."

"Gasp...!"

"Lunabreeze has many rooms with beautiful views. There are quiet ones, spacious ones. You can choose one to your liking and settle in right away—even if you just bring yourself, you can stay immediately."

"That's... so direct...! You!"

Yuria's face flushed red.

To suddenly ask her to live together.

This was beyond a confession—it was almost like a proposal.

Though, since he hadn't explicitly said he liked her yet,

Ian's true intentions were still a mystery to Yuria.

"Uh, um... hmm."

Yuria lowered her eyes, nibbling nervously at her lower lip, as if lost in thought.

"......"

Ian waited silently, watching her for an answer.

"... Frankly..."

Yuria slowly opened her mouth again.

"Honestly, I want to, too."

Yuria plucked up the courage to speak her heart.

She didn't want to be alone anymore.

The time spent having dinner with Ian today was genuinely delightful.

If possible, she wished she could spend every day that way.

She wanted to run off to Lunabreeze right away and pick out a room of her own.

But—

"But if I did, it would cause all kinds of trouble..."

Countless faces flashed through Yuria's mind.

Her aunts, siblings, distant elders, and vassals who were desperate to monitor and restrain her.

If Yuria moved to Lunabreeze, they would no longer be able to keep an eye on her, nor directly restrain her.

They would find some excuse or another to drag Yuria back to the Heavenly Sword residence.

If things got out of hand, not only would Yuria suffer, but Ian, too, could be harmed.

"And I need to get approval from my father as well."

The Heavenly Sword Lord might be troubled, since keeping Yuria safe would be harder if she left his household.

"There are so many things to worry about."

Especially Aris, her sister, would be the first to make a move.

Aris wasn't only watching Yuria but had also set her sights on Ian.

"... It probably won't work."

Yuria's voice dropped low.

As she slowly tried to free her wrist from his grasp in resignation—

—Slide!

Ian grabbed Yuria's hand firmly.

"Uh, wha!?"

Yuria's eyes widened in surprise.

Ian held her hand even tighter.

"You don't need to worry about any of that. I'll handle everything. I'll take responsibility for it all."

"...?"

—Gulp.

Yuria swallowed hard without realizing it, blinking her large eyes as she stared at Ian.

"Miss Yuria, you can simply make whatever decision you want."

"N-no..."

Yuria's hand fidgeted in Ian's grasp.

"It's not about me... I'm worried about you."

Yuria bit her lips again, lowering her eyes.

If it was up to her, she'd have done whatever she wanted long ago.

"I told you a few months ago... Aris has been targeting you."

Ian nodded.

That was why Yuria had lent him her precious treasures, the Heavenly Bone Wheel and Corgadin.

So he could protect himself.

"If Aris sees that I'm close to you, there's no telling how she'll react. To be honest... Even being here with you like this is extremely risky."

Even though this was a deserted backyard, it was right behind the Heavenly Sword Lord's house.

If anyone saw them, it would quickly reach Aris's ears.

But Ian tightened his hold on her hand even more.

"So, please wait just half a year. Please."

Ian gently placed both his hands over Yuria's.

"For my part, I want to bring you to my annex right away. Maybe even by force if you're unwilling."

Because he couldn't bear the thought of Yuria staying in such a desolate place.

Once she came and lived in Lunabreeze, she'd realize how much more joyful and comfortable it was.

"W-what!"

Yuria's crimson face worked up and her lips parted.

Take her away by force!?

It was a bit high-handed and rude, but somehow, it made her happy to hear it.

It even made her heart flutter; it was a strange feeling.

"But just as you said, there are many obstacles right now. I don't want to recklessly hurry things and ruin it all. So, just half a year... It's not a short time, but please wait half a year."

In half a year, he'd be able to rapidly consume the Millennium Golden Elixirs, reach the very top of Swordmaster, and, with the addition of the Authority of Projection, Frenzied Insight Style, all sorts of Sword Spirit Release techniques, and Vladiark, he could handle someone like Aris with ease.

Ian had dealt with such monsters even in his previous life—and won, and survived, many times over.

"I promise you. In half a year, I'll be able to resolve every concern you have right now."

No matter what threat anyone tried to bring, Ian was confident he could cut them all down.

"Miss Yuria, all you'll have to do... is come to me."

—Gulp...!

Yuria subconsciously swallowed again.

"... W-what exactly are you thinking?"

Yuria asked, her voice betraying a hint of anticipation.

"..."

But it was hard for Ian to answer.

He wanted to explain everything.

That in half a year, he'd become a Swordmaster top ranker, with Vladiark, the Authority of Projection, and other powers, and that no one but the Heavenly Sword Lord himself could stand in his way.

"... Well."

But if he explained everything transparently, the questions would never end.

'Swordmaster top rank in just half a year? How is that possible?'

'Authority of Projection? What's that? How did you get it? Who are you really?'

'Frenzied Insight Style? Where, and from whom, did you learn such swordsmanship? You couldn't have mastered that alone—do you have someone behind you!?'

To fully satisfy her, he'd have to tell her about his past life. Would Yuria believe it?

In the worst case, she might find him suspicious and mistrust him forever.

"......"

Ian's lips moved, searching for an explanation.

"......"

Seeing Ian's troubled look, Yuria spoke up first.

"Ha... It's another secret, isn't it."

Ian lowered his head apologetically and nodded slowly.

"I'm sorry, miss. But when the time comes—"

"It's okay."

Yuria shook her head and smiled.

"I trust you."

Then she gently placed her hand on top of Ian's.

"After all, you saved my life twice. And now, I know for sure you're a kind person."

She'd seen Ian bleed and sweat for those around him, time and time again.

If anyone got hurt, Ian always tended their wounds himself.

A few months ago, and again today—Ian had always been reliable and gentle.

"Ian Greysel. I'll trust in you. Just like you said, I'll wait half a year... so you have to keep your promise, okay?"

At those words, Ian's face lit up.

"Thank you. I promise—you will never be disappointed. I will keep my word."

"Yes! I'll look forward to it, Ian. I trust you."

—Whoosh...

For a moment, a fragrant flower-scented breeze drifted between the two of them.

The scent triggered a memory from a previous life.

'... Hey, Ian, there are so many places I want to go with you.'

'How about you, Ian? Is there a place you want to go with me?'

'I like forests, I like caves, even cold polar regions... anywhere's fine.'

'Once we settle somewhere decent and build a house, then... We'll throw a party every day, like today. Eat delicious food, and I'll keep giving you massages.'

'And if you want more—just say so. I'll do anything for you, Ian.'

.

.

Countless tangled thoughts swirled in Ian's chest.

Those were painful memories.

Yet, in his grip, warmth still remained.

The vivid sensation of Yuria's living, gentle touch.

That brought in waves of relief and gratitude, soothing his aching heart.

'Yuria... Even though it took quite a detour to get here, now, we're finally starting over... The things you dreamed of in your past life—I'll make sure to grant them all. Every single thing you wanted that I couldn't give you back then... all of them...'

'... Ah, let's have a child, too. A child who resembles you and me... I'm sure they'll be incredibly cute.'

"Gasp!"

Ian snapped out of his thoughts.

"U-uhm!"

But his face was already flushing hot, beyond help.

And his two hands were growing warm, too.

"Uhm?"

Though the sun was nearly gone, Yuria noticed Ian's sudden change right away.

"What? What's with you all of a sudden?"

"Uh, what? What do you mean?"

"I mean... your face... your hands just got hot, too."

Yuria blinked.

"... You had a weird thought, didn't you! What were you thinking!?"

"W-what? I don't know what you mean!"

Ian instinctively feigned ignorance.

"Hmmmm..."

Yuria narrowed her eyes and stared hard at Ian.

Ian darted his gaze elsewhere to avoid her look.

Thankfully, Yuria didn't tease him for long.

"Hmph. You're weird sometimes, you know."

Yuria smiled and gently patted Ian's hand.

"Well... I really have to go now. The sun's almost completely set, and if I'm any later, the housekeeper will question where I've been."

"... Alright."

Though regretful, Ian nodded.

And then, slowly...

He released Yuria's hands one by one.

"Then, I'm going."

Yuria waved her hand.

"Yes. Please get home safely."

Ian answered with a slight bow.

"Pfft. What could happen here at this hour? You should get going too."

"I'll watch until you're inside."

"... Geez~ Okay. I'm going first. Bye, Ian!"

Yuria trotted off toward the Heavenly Sword main estate.

Then suddenly, she spun around and glanced back.

"See you tomorrow!"

She waved both hands above her head—hop!—saying goodbye.

Ian also raised both hands above his head and waved.

"..."

And even after that, several more times—

Yuria would walk a bit, then turn around and look back.

She grinned and waved, took a few steps, and looked back again, waving, hopping.

Gradually, she faded into the distance...

Until, at last, she disappeared inside the Heavenly Sword main estate.

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=

Damn, Ian having indicent thoughts...

Hmm, puberty is hitting him, huh...

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