Chapter 011
“Hey, you’re here?”
“……”
Dedrick had always feared that mocking smile. But this time, it was different.
I can do this. As he thought of the girl, the trembling in his body subsided.
“I thought we’d spar for the first time in a while.”
Under the guise of sparring, Somerset had always abused Dedrick.
“It was just sparring, wasn’t it?”
If Somerset taunted him with that excuse, Dedrick knew he couldn’t argue back.
“What are you waiting for? Get up here.”
Dedrick grabbed a wooden sword from nearby and slowly stepped onto the sparring platform.
Seeing this, Somerset’s smile disappeared.
His lips tightened in cold disbelief, and an incredulous breath escaped him.
“Hah…”
Dedrick, who had never held a sword before, now clearly had a wooden sword in his hand.
Somerset’s lips curled into a smile.
‘He’s never even touched a sword before, and now he’s challenging me?’
The audacity of Dedrick made Somerset’s blood boil.
He hated Dedrick.
The way he looked so much like the Duke.
The way he endured despite constant mistreatment.
Everything about him. That jealousy had only grown over time, and lately, everything Dedrick did got on Somerset’s nerves.
Despite his constant interference, Dedrick consistently ranked first in the monthly evaluations, except for swordsmanship.
Somerset knew the Duke had his eye on Dedrick, and his mother’s increasing wariness of him only confirmed it.
Somerset admired the Duke and worked hard to win his approval, but in the end, Dedrick always seemed to be in the Duke’s line of sight.
‘That’s why I hate you.’
‘You, a mere illegitimate child, stealing Father’s attention.’
Somerset had always found solace in the fact that he surpassed Dedrick in swordsmanship.
‘And now you dare to pick up a sword?’
The Blackwoods were the Empire’s sword.
Their reputation was renowned across the nation, and every direct descendant of the Blackwood family was naturally skilled with the sword.
But not Dedrick.
‘Even if he has potential, without a proper swordsmanship instructor, it’s useless.’
And no one would dare take on the role of Dedrick’s teacher. Somerset’s eyes gleamed with cruelty.
“Maybe I should sneak a look…”
No. I shouldn’t.
It was the first promise she had made with Didi, and I couldn’t break it so easily.
‘How hard has it been to build this trust?’
Honestly, I didn’t need to go to know what Somerset would do to Dedrick in the sparring hall.
He’d humiliate him in front of the knights, crush his spirit, and ensure he’d never pick up a sword again.
In fact, it was that fear of humiliation that had kept Dedrick from touching a sword until he was nineteen.
Yet, despite that late start, in just two years, he had reached the peak of swordsmanship, becoming unmatched on the continent.
That was thanks to his extraordinary physical abilities, reflexes, and innate talent. And, of course, his relentless effort.
‘But I can’t wait until then.’
He needed a swordsmanship instructor.
I couldn’t just let Somerset keep beating him like this.
I knew how much Dedrick had suffered, cutting back on sleep and pushing himself to the brink for two years.
I wanted to lighten that burden, even just a little.
‘ And that person would be perfect as his instructor!’
Should I go find them now? Or wait? As I was debating, the door suddenly burst open.
Was it already that late? I cautiously called out to Dedrick.
“Didi?”
“……”
No response. Was it someone else?
Leaping down from the wardrobe, I didn’t see the adorable Dedrick.
Instead, I was greeted by the infuriating Axel.
Without thinking, a sharp, hostile tone escaped from my lips.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
Axel, clearly aware that Dedrick was out, casually strolled in and glanced at the desk.
Seeing the neatly arranged desk, Axel scoffed.
“Annoying little bastard.”
“Get out!”
He was obviously here to cause trouble.
Even though he couldn’t see me, I glared at him threateningly and clenched my fists.
“Ugh, why is it so creepy in here? Even my brother said he saw a ghost last time… Weird stuff keeps happening every time I mess with that guy!” “Oh, that’s me.”
Axel muttered irritably, kicking a chair with his foot.
“Because of that bastard, I keep getting scolded by my brother and my mother.”
“That’s your karma.”
“Let’s hurry up and sprinkle it.”
Sprinkle? Sprinkle what?
“Come in!”
Axel shouted.
A servant entered, carrying a small box.
“Lift the blanket and sprinkle it inside. After you’re done, you know what to do, right?”
“Yes, young master. I’ll cover it with the blanket so it won’t be noticeable.”
“Finish before that brat gets back.”
After Axel left, the servant poured the contents of the small box onto Didi’s bed. I stood there, stunned.
‘ Is he out of his mind? Scorpions? That’s crossing the line!’
I rushed over to inspect the scorpions, checking if they were venomous.
I deliberately let one sting me.
A sharp pain was followed by a darkening of the skin around the bite.
Soon, my stomach churned, and dizziness overwhelmed me.
“Wow… it is poisonous.”
“The effect is crazy… really…”
I quickly stumbled into the wardrobe and shut the door, trying to recover.
Thud!
“Aah!”
The servant screamed.
Right now, I didn’t have the time to care about him…
“That damn brat. Like his mother, always bringing bad omens,” the servant muttered nervously.
“Look at this bastard talking back?”
I fixed my glare on him.
Slowly, cold sweat started to bead on my forhead, and my body felt weak.
I laid down inside the wardrobe, trying to heal myself.
Symptoms: chills, nausea, and a splitting headache…
It was bad—really bad.
‘But I’ve dealt with worse.’
Through my spinning head, I vowed to take action.
Then, I lost consciousness.
“Of course. I knew it,” Somerset sneered and kicked Didi’s limp hand with his foot.
“Did you really think picking up a wooden sword meant you could beat me?”
Didi suppressed the rage bubbling up inside him and quietly responded, “Just attempting this means a lot to me.”
“Have you lost your mind? Why bother attempting something you’re bound to fail at?”
Somerset’s mocking tone made Didi grit his teeth.
At that moment, a conversation he had had with the girl from a few days ago suddenly came to his mind.
When he had said that he was embarrassed by his lack of sword skills, the girl had answered casually.
“Of course Didi isn’t good yet. But keep trying. You’re trying for success, right? Nobody mocks someone who tries.”
“What if they do?”
“Then I’ll beat them all up.”
The frustration that had been building inside him settled in an instant. He replied calmly.
“I’m challenging because I want to succeed.”
“Look at yourself now! You still have the nerve to talk?”
Somerset barked, his voice dripping with scorn.
“…Failure isn’t the end, brother. Trying is what matters,” Didi replied firmly.
Didi’s persistent remark made Somerset clench his jaw, his anger rising.
“You little…”
Didi, struggling to rise, grabbed the wooden sword again, trying to stand tall, though it was awkward.
He didn’t want to just be beaten anymore.
At least, he wanted to tell her…
I fought back. Even if he looked pathetic and clumsy now… He still believed that one day, he could win.
The girl believed in him. She believed he would become someone great.
That’s why he wanted to live up to her belief.
Don’t be afraid. As she had said, They’re afraid of you.
‘Afraid that I might rise above them and become the master of the Blackwood family.’
‘ They’re scared of me, too.’
So… Just as she said, there’s nothing to fear.
The trembling in Didi’s body stopped. He had finally overcome his fear.
‘I can do this.’
Clenching his teeth, Didi charged at Somerset, his battered body battered even further by the fight.
“…!”
When Somerset saw Didi coming, he was suddenly reminded of the Duke wielding a sword. His eyes wavered in shock.
Chapter 012
“You dare…!” Facing the unwavering blue eyes staring at him, Somerset faltered for a moment, stepping back instinctively.
This gave Dedrick just enough time to barely dodge Somerset’s reckless swings.
A sharp breeze brushed past Somerset’s neck, sending a chill down his spine.
‘If he had learned swordsmanship…’
The reason Dedrick hadn’t learned to wield a sword was simple: Delani had stopped him.
Using his small and weak body as an excuse, Delani had deliberately delayed Dedrick’s sword training.
To make matters worse, Delani had spread rumors to the Duke, saying Dedrick was lazy and lacked respect for knights. As always, the Duke didn’t intervene.
So, no matter how much Dedrick’s heart changed, nothing would change. He would never learn the sword.
That was certain.
‘How dare he look at me with eyes just like my father’s…’
Overcome with rage, Somerset struck Dedrick’s shoulder hard with a wooden training sword.
Thwack!
“You brat!”
Even after falling to the ground, Dedrick got back up, refusing to give up.
Annoyed by his own earlier hesitation, Somerset shouted furiously,
“No matter how much you struggle, you’ll never beat me!”
That’s when Dedrick noticed it—a small, unguarded opening in Somerset’s stance.
Ignoring the throbbing pain throughout his body, Dedrick clenched his teeth.
‘Just one hit!’
He poured all his desperation into the strike, aiming his wooden sword at Somerset’s exposed side.
“Damn it!”
Although Somerset barely avoided a direct hit, he lost his balance and fell backward with a loud thud.
Crash!
“Ugh!”
Dedrick didn’t miss the chance.
He swiftly pointed his wooden sword at Somerset’s nose, making him flinch and pull his face back in surprise.
Somerset, startled, pulled his head back and looked up at Dedrick, who was staring down at him with unflinching eyes.
It was clear to anyone that Somerset had lost.
Breathing heavily, Dedrick calmly spoke.
“I’m challenging you because I want to succeed, Brother.”
Repeating the very words Somerset had mocked him with before, Dedrick turned and walked away.
Filled with humiliation, Somerset sprang up and yelled.
“How dare you lay a hand on me?! You think I’ll just let this go?!”
“Brother.”
Dedrick turned to him and spoke coldly.
“It’s just a sparring match.”
When Dedrick repeated the words Somerset had once used, Somerset froze, unable to speak.
Dedrick quietly stared at him before leaving the training hall.
Somerset’s angry shout echoed as he finally realized what had just happened.
“Damn it! Come back here! That brat—!”
But Dedrick didn’t look back.
Pain throbbing, Dedrick frowned as he looked at his swollen wrist and aching shoulder.
‘She can’t find out.’
The image of the girl, more concerned about his injuries than her own, appeared in his mind.
He felt more concerned about her sadness than the joy of having won against Somerset.
While hesitating to return to his room, a voice called out to him.
“Good day, young master.”
Someone approached Dedrick. As a long shadow stretched across him, Dedrick lifted his gaze from his wrist.
“Oh, Sir Jacob.”
“Yes…?”
Before he could introduce himself, Jacob’s eyes widened in surprise.
“How do you know my name?”
Dedrick lowered his eyes slightly and muttered.
“I’m not skilled with a sword, but I’ve been watching because your skill is impressive…”
Jacob smiled awkwardly, though there was a hint of bitterness.
“…Thank you, but I’m just a useless knight who can’t even awaken aura.”
“But even so, you’re part of the Black Hawk Knights. The commander must have recognized your ability,” Dedrick replied.
“…I appreciate the kind words.”
However, Jacob couldn’t deny the harsh truth.
Without the ability to awaken aura, he was often overlooked—just like now, when the rest of the Black Hawk Knights had left for a monster subjugation, leaving him behind.
Seeing Jacob’s dejected demeanor, Dedrick felt a pang of familiarity. He saw his own timid self reflected in the knight. It reminded him of how the girl had always comforted him during such moments.
After hesitating, Dedrick finally spoke.
“Aura… often manifests later in life.”
It was a clumsy attempt of encouragement, but Jacob smiled faintly. “Thank you. May I take a look at your shoulder and wrist, young master?”
After a moment of hesitation, Dedrick extended his hand. Jacob carefully inspected it, his brows furrowing as he tried to hide his dismay.
The sparring match he had just witnessed wasn’t a proper duel—it had been outright abuse. The rumors of Somerset disciplining an arrogant younger brother couldn’t have been further from the truth.
Looking at Dedrick’s bruised shoulder and swollen wrist, Jacob grimaced.
“…Does it not hurt?”
“It’s nothing…”
“…”
Jacob hesitated before letting go of Dedrick’s arm.
“Luckily, there’s no damage to the bones.”
“That’s a relief…”
“Would you like to go to the infirmary?”
“…”
After a moment of hesitation, Dedrick nodded.
“Is there a way to heal the wounds on my face?”
“We do have a healing ointment with healing stones in it.”
Dedrick sighed in relief. He had tried his best not to be hit in the face, but small scratches were inevitable.
The girl would undoubtedly be worried about even those tiny wounds.
As they headed to the infirmary, Jacob cautiously spoke up.
“Do you not have a swordsmanship instructor?”
“There’s no one who will teach me swordsmanship…”
This was different from the rumors.
The gossip claimed that no instructor could satisfy him because he threw tantrums and acted out.
And the source of those rumors? It was obvious—the Duchess herself.
“Then, would you allow me to teach you?”
Dedrick looked up at Jacob, his eyes wide with surprise. Jacob met his gaze with warmth.
Watching Dedrick get back up no matter how many times he was struck and fell, Jacob saw himself in the boy.
In the past, people had laughed at Jacob whenever he picked up a sword.
But through relentless effort, he eventually caught the eye of the Black Hawk Knights’ captain, which led to his current position.
He couldn’t just ignore Dedrick, who reminded him so much of his younger self.
“…The Duchess won’t stay silent about it.”
“It’s fine. The Black Hawk Knights are untouchable by her. As a member of the order and in service to the Duke, there’s nothing the Duchess can do to stop me.”
“There’s nothing in it for you, though…”
Jacob smiled gently and asked, “Are you refusing me?”
After some thought, Dedrick softly replied, “If you don’t mind, I’d like you to teach me.”
Seeing the faint glimmer of joy in Dedrick’s eyes, Jacob readily agreed.
“It would be an honor to teach you, young master.”
Click.
The faint sound of the door creaking open startled me awake.
I hadn’t had the chance to get rid of the scorpions yet! Leaping up, I hurried to the wardrobe and shouted, “Don’t go near the bed! Axel released scorpions!”
“W-what…?”
Dedrick, startled, took a step back.
I climbed down from the wardrobe and quickly pulled Dedrick behind me.
I had expected him to return from the training grounds with a few injuries, but thankfully, his face was unscathed.
“Nothing happened at the training grounds?”
“I just watched some sparring matches and came back.”
‘Somerset, just let him leave?’
I looked at him suspiciously, but Dedrick smoothly changed the subject.
“Anyway, scorpions?”
“Oh.”
I stood protectively in front of Dedrick and spoke firmly.
“I’ll clean it up. Stay away, it’ll hurt if you touch it.”
I rolled up my sleeves and moved forward, but Dedrick stopped me by grabbing my wrist.
“Why?”
“Aren’t you in danger?”
I shook my head. “I’m not in danger.”
He looked like he wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words.
Still, he didn’t let go of my wrist.
“How do you know they sting?”
“I… accidentally got stung once.”
I rolled my eyes and avoided his gaze.
Of course, Dedrick saw through my lie instantly.
“Why are you lying?”
“Because you’d feel bad.”
“Didi.”
“Didi!”
“Good job.”
That’s odd.
Doesn’t it feel like the roles are reversed somehow?
Wasn’t I supposed to be the one taking care of Dedrick?
“Let’s clean it up together.”
“Are you not angry?”
“…You did it for my sake.”
“…”
“Just don’t do it again next time.”
“It’s fine. As long as the wardrobe is safe, I won’t die.”
“Do you remember the first thing you said to me?”
“The first thing? Uh… hello?”
He seemed to lose his words for a moment.
Chapter 013
“…I told you not to endure it if you’re hurt.”
“Ah.”
“I want you to tell me if you’re hurt. And try not to get hurt in the first place.”
“I will.”
It felt nice to be worried about after so long.
“Wait a second. Let me grab some gloves.”
I couldn’t touch them with my bare hands.
“Don’t you dare do it alone while I’m gone!”
I warned him sternly, just in case. Dedrick nodded meekly.
“Alright. Be careful.”
I slipped into the wardrobe to grab some gloves, specifically the fine leather gloves often worn by Axel and Somerset.
Poor Dedrick didn’t even have a single pair of gloves.
Returning to the room, I handed him the gloves.
“Here are the gloves. Be careful not to tear them.”
“Okay.”
“Aren’t you going to ask why I took them?”
“To return them later, right?”
“Exactly!”
So smart. Whether wearing poisoned gloves would affect Axel and Somerset didn’t matter—I was just being petty.
“Are you going to stop me?”
Dedrick shook his head.
“I don’t want to just take it anymore.”
“Good thinking. Whether it’s a favor or revenge, it should be returned ten times!”
“Tentimes.”
He repeated my words softly and smiled. Together, we safely returned Axel’s scorpions to a box.
“What will you do with this scorpion?”
“I’ll give it back to its owner.”
“…Won’t they get hurt?”
I closed the box and looked at Dedrick.
He avoided my gaze, smiling awkwardly. Despite saying he didn’t like being on the receiving end, the idea of returning the scorpion seemed to make him worry about Axel.
There was no reason to care about that jerk.
“You’re too kind. Being a pushover will only hurt you.”
“…”
“Let’s just keep the scorpion here. When they come looking for it, we’ll use it to scare them. Teach them a lesson.”
That should keep things quiet for a while.
“Okay… Thank you.”
This kindhearted boy…
The cruel duchess and her children didn’t deserve him.
“Did you release the scorpions?” Somerset’s question made Axel nod stiffly, forcing himself to smile.
He knew it was better to stay on his brother’s good side.
“Of course. By now, he should be rolling in pain.”
“Good.”
Somerset smirked. On the outside, he looked calm, but inside, he burned with frustration.
‘How could I lose to that idiot?’
He’d always been number one in swordsmanship, so he couldn’t accept losing to that idiot.
Meanwhile, he made sure to keep the people around them quiet.
The fact that Dedrick had won in the duel could never reach his mother’s or the Duke’s ear.
‘Damn…’
Suddenly, the image of Dedrick wielding a sword with the duke’s confidence flashed in his mind.
“I challenge you because I want to succeed.”
Even with a battered body, his face shone proudly.
Somerset gritted his teeth.
‘It was just luck, nothing more.’
“I hope the scorpion stings him in the face,” he growled, marching toward Dedrick’s room. Axel trailed nervously behind, glancing at Somerset’s mood.
As usual, Somerset barged in without knocking.
“Hey, how are your bruises? Today, I am just in good cond—”
He stopped mid-sentence.
Dedrick was calmly leaning against his bed’s headboard, reading a book. Seeing this, Somerset’s words dried up.
“Brother.”
Dedrick closed his book and stood up from the bed. Somerset glanced at the bed, then at Axel, his sharp gaze making Axel flinch.
Somerset looked at the bed once and then turned his gaze to Axel. Axel was frightened by Somerset’s sharp look.
“It’s… it’s definitely on the bed…”
He couldn’t believe it.
He had clearly ordered the servant to scatter it…!
Axel’s pupils shook violently. Seeing Axel panic, Dedrick nodded knowingly.
“The bed…? Ah.”
Then he handed Axel the box next to him. Axel, who had suddenly received the box, stared at him in confusion.
“These scorpions belong to my second brother, right? I found them on the bed and packed them away.”
Dedrick’s calmness left both brothers speechless. His cold gaze seemed to mock their petty prank.
Somerset clenched his teeth.
“You…!”
“But be careful, brother. They’re poisonous.”
“…”
“Also, I haven’t told Father.”
At the mention of their father, both brothers stiffened.
Dedrick leaned in to whisper to Somerset, loud enough for only him to hear.
“Not about today’s training session either.”
Somerset broke into a cold sweat.
Things had already gone wrong, and now the Duke was brought into it.
Despite being tortured countless times, Dedrick had never gone to the Duke for help.
Partly because of the duchess’s influence, but mostly because Dedrick couldn’t forgive his father for failing to protect his own mother.
For Dedrick to bring up their father now was significant—it was a warning. If they tried anything like this again, he wouldn’t stay quiet.
‘Has this brat lost his mind?’
The once timid Dedrick seemed like a different person.
“Now, could you please leave?”
“…”
Somerset didn’t argue and stormed out in frustration.
Axel followed, trembling, his face pale as if he’d been sentenced to death.
When silence returned to the room, Dedrick sighed, clasping his slightly trembling hands.
He turned to the girl who had watched everything.
“Did I… do okay?”
“Of course!”
The girl, who had been watching with excitement, ran up to hug him tightly. Dedrick smiled.
“You were amazing!”
“Really?”
“Yes!”
She jumped up and down, holding his hands.
“For a while, they won’t dare mess with you!”
Watching her delight, Dedrick tightened his hold on her hands. The warmth spread from his palms to his chest.
“What did you whisper to Somerset earlier?”
“Oh…”
Suppressing a grin, Dedrick spoke nonchalantly.
“Actually, I had a sparring match with him today.”
Before she could react, he quickly added,
“And I won.”
“You beat Somerset?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?!”
She was more excited than he was.
“Dedrick, you must be so talented with the sword! How could you beat someone who’s been training for so long?”
“I just got lucky…”
“No, it’s your skill! Don’t doubt yourself.”
Her firm tone made Dedrick nod and smile. Unable to hold back, she hugged him tightly.
“You worked so hard today!”
Then, taking his hands, she checked for injuries. Seeing none, she grinned in satisfaction.
“Great job, Dedrick!”
“Alright, should we continue reading, or should we sleep?”
As the girl pulled her hand away, Dedrick fidgeted with his fingers, reluctant to let go.
‘…I want to hold it longer.’
But there’s still plenty of time…
“Let’s read. Come here, next to me.”
Leaning back against the headboard of the bed, he patted the spot beside him.
The girl crawled over and settled snugly at his side. Her soft, grayish hair brushed against his arm, tickling his skin.
‘I want to pet her.’
Her tiny, twitching horns were almost too adorable.
‘…Not yet.’
‘She might dislike it.’
“I’ll read slowly so you can follow along with the words, alright?”
This was part of his plan to teach her how to read.
“Got it!”
The girl widened her eyes in eager anticipation, making Dedrick laugh softly.
That night, once Dedrick was fast asleep, I quietly slipped out and made my way to Axel’s room.
‘Did they really think I’d just let this slide?’
The thought of Dedrick almost being hurt by those scorpions made my blood boil.
‘I’ll make sure they get a taste of their own medicine.’
Carefully, I searched Axel’s room and spotted a glass container filled with scorpions in one corner.
‘Let’s deal with that servant first.’
‘That jerk dared to insult Dedrick’s mother?’
Still not learning his lesson, huh?
The man flopped onto his bed, mumbling to himself.
“Just wait until tomorrow… I’ll make him pay for it…”
“Tomorrow?” I whispered furiously.
“Not happening.”
I carried the box of scorpions over to his bed, glaring down at him as he snored away.
“You won’t wake up fine tomorrow, that’s for sure.”
With a quick motion, I dumped the scorpions onto his bed.
Based on my experience, their sting wouldn’t kill him, just leave him suffering. The scorpions scattered with a faint skittering sound.
Rustle, rustle.
“Ugh… wh-what the…?”
“Whether you squash them or get stung, it’s your problem now!”
My heart pounded as I hurried back into the wardrobe.
Why am I so nervous? It’s just payback for all their horrible deeds!
But I didn’t regret it. Not one bit.
Finally, I reappeared in Axel’s room.
He lay sound asleep, My brows furrowed as I watched him.
Time for you to have some nightmares.
Grinning wickedly, I grabbed a fistful of his hair with both hands.
