LMOFSF 03

Episode 3 – One Step

“So you’re telling me the fall of the House of Yug was mostly my fault?”

Early morning.

I tossed aside the history books I had been reading all night and lay on my bed, going over yesterday’s conversation with Emma.

Five years ago, my parents had gone on an expedition to find a cure for my body’s condition—and died in an accident.

After that, the branch family questioned my ability as heir and seized the family.

“Those sly snakes.”

Right after my parents’ funeral, I was kicked out of the capital.

All because of an order from the current Emperor.

“Defend the border, my ass.”

He acted like he was doing me a favor by letting me keep my title, but it was just an excuse to throw me out.

How could that old man treat the descendants of the House of Yug, who had done so much for him, like this?

Only a few long-serving retainers and loyal knights followed me.

And so, the Duke’s family—now only a hollow title—was exiled to the border.

That’s Tindalos now.

“And to think that bastard Carter came back alive.”

The descendant of the great hero who had led the continent to victory centuries ago.

From the empire’s greatest mage family, master of the Magic Tower.

A royal relative with no interest in power, the model of an upright noble.

That’s what the Knightgons are supposed to be.

“What a load of crap.”

Even the history books I pulled from the library said the same.

Emma wouldn’t lie to me, so it must all be true… but I saw him cut in half by my sword.

And now he wants an alliance?

One of the empire’s oldest alliances, lasting over 200 years.

They say they’re helping Tindalos and pressuring the branch family in the capital.

“Yeah right, pure generosity my foot.”

That bastard was one of the fanatics who started the Screaming War.

He must have been the one who helped them operate inside the empire.

“There’s no way a man like that would help Tindalos out of goodwill.”

I was called the Empire’s Greatest Sword, the Mercenary King.

Yet there’s no record of someone like me ever existing.

When Emma said she didn’t know, I thought it was just too long ago.

“…And the only one with both the power and motive to do such a thing is Carter.”

Somehow, he could hide the aura of a fanatic. His descendants could be the same.

This place isn’t just the House of Yug anymore—it’s my house too.

I won’t let it happen twice.

I finally have my family and my people back. I won’t lose them again.

“First, gather allies. Then slowly build strength.”

Once I restore the family to its proper state, the power will come naturally.

My sister has been holding on all this time. Thanks to her, not everything’s been taken yet.

If that’s not enough, I can form a mercenary company again like before.

The real problem is training my body again…

If the great Howard starts whining, the fools who died before me will be laughing in their graves.

I’ll find a cure for my body later. For now, I’ll do what I can.

Might as well start swinging my sword for training—

“…?”

I felt someone’s presence outside the door.

Not my sister or Emma.

Smaller.

“Oh.”

I opened the door silently—

Thud!

“Ah!”

“Ugh!”

“What are you two doing?”

Golden hair like a wheat field in autumn, green eyes like gemstones—just like our late mother.

Nian and Niv de Tindalos.

My younger twin siblings.

“You okay—”

“S-sorry, Brother!”

“We just heard you were awake and wanted to check if you were alright…”

When I reached out to help them up, they flinched and stepped back with frightened faces.

…Was my relationship with them bad?

Hawn’s memories are spotty, and what’s left is mostly blurry.

Yesterday I could use dizziness as an excuse when talking to Emma, but now…

“…Thanks. As you can see, I’m fine now.”

The twins looked surprised.

“Judging by your clothes, you were on your way to the training grounds?”

“Yes… yes.”

“I was about to get some exercise too. Want to go together?”

“Really?!”

“Hey, Niv!”

Niv’s face lit up. Nian looked worried and whispered:

“Did you forget last year? What if he gets mad again?”

“But this time he asked us, dummy.”

“Still…”

That’s when a memory came back.

Around this time last year—just after their tenth birthday.

They kept pestering me to join them at the training grounds.

That day, they awakened their Aura.

I don’t remember much after that, but I think I said something harsh instead of congratulating them.

What an idiot.

Our parents died when they were six.

They probably barely remember their faces.

And I, instead of giving them the affection they needed, pushed them away out of jealousy.

“If you really don’t want to go with me, I’ll just—”

“N-no! Let’s go together!”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course.”

They seemed genuinely happy, which made me feel a little better.