Chapter 8 …
“How on earth did you manage it?”
Milleon asked.
From the start, he had thought the plan was absurd.
Meeting the Sword Queen just to hide one’s skills for a while?
There was no way their lord would grant the ridiculous request of a ten-year-old child.
Up until just moments ago, Milleon had been certain of it.
“I merely gave Father a sense of trust.”
But his expectations had been shattered.
Amazingly, Dante had received permission. Naturally, Milleon was curious how.
However, Dante avoided going into detail. Once he gave one answer, it would only lead to a flood of endless questions.
And to be honest, he was a little too exhausted to explain everything.
As expected, Father…
He glanced down at his arm.
Though he showed no outward signs, the hand that had gripped the sword still tingled. The final blow he had blocked had placed immense strain across his entire body.
That such a shock could not be completely endured even with this evolved body… it only proved how formidable his father, Xenon Aquites, truly was.
“In any case, departure has been set for tomorrow. So be sure to make preparations in advance.”
“I trust I won’t be the only attendant, will I?”
“No. Several others will accompany you.”
Truth be told, Dante wanted to go alone. He had the confidence to.
But Xenon would never concede on that point. Talent aside, Dante was far too young.
He had no knowledge of life outside the estate, nor any experience of the world’s tempests. No father alive would allow such a child to go out into the world alone.
Dante also had no way to persuade him otherwise, so he had no choice but to yield.
“Three knights including yourself, twenty soldiers, and Eina. In total, twenty-four will depart together.”
“A fitting number.”
Too many escorts would only draw attention. This amount was just right. Besides, the empire’s public order wasn’t so bad to begin with.
“But… will you truly be all right?”
Milleon suddenly asked with a worried expression.
To be honest, he still didn’t fully understand why Dante wanted to leave the family. Being known as a genius was not harmful in the least.
On the contrary, it would bring praise, attention, and even greater support. What better way was there to build recognition as the heir to the family?
And yet, Dante wanted to leave.
“Of course. Nothing could be better.”
Dante nodded.
He understood Milleon’s doubts and worries. Without knowing the full story, with only limited information, this was the natural reaction.
But he couldn’t very well say that Lucia might become a danger to him. It was something that hadn’t even happened yet, and no one would believe such an outlandish claim anyway.
After all, Lucia’s reputation inside and outside the household was flawless.
“I see. My dull head doesn’t quite understand, but I shall follow regardless.”
Though still young, Milleon’s loyalty was as firm as any sworn knight’s. Even if he harbored doubts, he would never act carelessly against the decisions of Dante and Xenon.
“Still, you must continue training even while traveling. I intend to keep teaching you mana control, as well as the basics of swordsmanship and stamina.”
“Isn’t that only natural?”
That was exactly what Dante wanted.
This was merely moving to another place for a time, not fleeing for his life as when the family had perished.
On the way to meet the Sword Queen, he would eat good food, enjoy the scenery, and devote himself to training. He meant to do everything he hadn’t been able to before.
“So don’t worry. Just be thorough in your preparations.”
“As you command.”
Milleon smiled with his handsome face and withdrew.
“Haa…”
Left alone, Dante dropped onto his bed with a sigh.
“I’m exhausted.”
Just three strikes had piled a heavy fatigue on his body.
Still lacking.
Enlightenment at the extreme.
A reconstructed body.
The awakening of the stigma.
Each alone was an unbelievable achievement.
But Dante knew. None of it was yet in harmony.
His undeveloped mana use he could understand—it was only at a beginner’s level.
But the lack of complete unity between his younger body and his matured mind was a serious problem. The difference was so slight that any ordinary knight would never perceive it, yet to Dante it felt enormous.
I must adapt as soon as possible.
It wouldn’t take too long. His newly evolved body was powerful enough to leave even him astounded. He only needed to move more, to push harder.
Before I meet the Sword Queen…
He would forge himself into his best state.
And then…
The day dawned.
This morning, Eina did not come to wake him. She was likely busy preparing for the long journey.
For the first time in a while, Dante greeted the morning alone.
It felt strangely awkward.
“Tch. Has it only been a few days?”
Had he already grown so used to comfort? He was chiding himself when—
Knock, knock.
“Young master. Are you awake?”
The voice was different from what he was used to.
“Come in.”
The door opened, revealing a maid he had never seen before.
“What about Eina?”
“She is preparing the luggage for your journey. So it seems I must attend you today.”
She carefully approached and set down water for washing.
“I’ll take care of this myself. Bring me breakfast instead.”
Nutrition was essential for growth. No matter that he was leaving on a long trip—he couldn’t skip a meal.
“At once, young master.”
After his encounter with Lucia, Dante had taken all his meals in his room. If he saw her again, he feared he could no longer hold back.
The servants all knew this, so the maid thought nothing of it and went to fetch breakfast.
By the time he had washed and changed, she returned with several attendants—bearing a mountain of dishes.
Having woken with a strong appetite, Dante immediately sat down to eat.
“How far are the preparations?”
“Almost finished, thanks to Lady Eina’s efforts.”
Picturing Eina bustling about with exaggerated energy, Dante found himself smiling.
“Tell them I intend to depart as soon as I finish my meal.”
“Yes, young master.”
The maid bowed and left. Shortly afterward, Dante finished his meal.
“I’m full.”
Once again, he cleared away enough food for three grown men without leaving a scrap.
Just where does it all go?
Even he was puzzled. Unless it was digested and absorbed instantly, there was no explanation.
Patting his full stomach, Dante stood and took the sword hanging on the wall.
Clink.
Fastening it to the belt at his waist, it locked firmly in place with a satisfying sound.
The heavy weight felt good somehow. Though his small frame forced him to press the hilt aside with one hand when walking, it wasn’t much trouble.
“I really should give this sword a name…”
He had pondered it for days, but nothing felt right. It wasn’t urgent, so he decided to take his time.
“Shall we go, then?”
Leaving his room, he found the house already bustling that morning.
“Did you sleep well, young master?”
“Good morning, Lord Dante.”
“We heard you’ll be leaving on a long journey. We pray for your safe return.”
Word had clearly spread through the manor.
“Thank you. I shall.”
Accepting the greetings, he descended to the first floor—where familiar faces awaited.
Xenon, Milleon, Eina.
And Lucia, along with two of his half-siblings.
He froze. He had not expected to see them before leaving.
Grit.
Endure.
Even a trace of killing intent here, and Father would sense it. That must not happen.
Summoning superhuman patience, Dante drew a slow breath and continued forward naturally.
“Did you sleep well?”
He politely greeted Xenon and Lucia.
“Yes,” Xenon replied as always.
“Not well at all.”
Lucia looked at him with eyes full of concern.
“How could a mother sleep soundly, knowing her son is suddenly leaving on such a long journey?”
Her voice overflowed with tenderness. Anyone watching would believe she had stayed awake all night in worry.
So deceitful.
But Dante knew better. She simply disliked that he was going to meet the Sword Queen.
Grinding his teeth, he forced himself to bow his head.
“I apologize for not telling you sooner.”
“Why not give it up even now? I understand curiosity at your age, but you are still far too young—”
“Mother.”
He cut her off. It was impolite, but he didn’t care.
“Father has already granted permission, and preparations are complete. There is no turning back.”
Looking directly into her eyes, he saw her brow twitch. A tiny movement, but Dante caught it instantly.
She’s unsettled.
She had never shown such a reaction before—clearly, she was rattled.
Dante shifted his gaze away from her to Xenon.
“Father.”
Xenon wore a faintly intrigued expression, as if he had sensed a subtle change between Dante and Lucia.
“Since everything is ready, you may depart immediately.”
Yet he didn’t pry. He seemed content to watch from the sidelines.
“Who will accompany me?”
“Those over there.”
Xenon pointed to two knights and twenty soldiers.
What were their names again?
He didn’t quite remember. Their faces were familiar, though—likely people he had seen in passing.
“My name is Patrick.”
“I am Elaine.”
Patrick had a warm, genial look, while Elaine gave off a cold, aloof air.
Hearing their names stirred buried memories.
Patrick—the veteran knight who used to be a mercenary. And Elaine…
In the past life, she had survived even after the family’s fall, eventually earning renown as the order’s only female knight.
She was called the Red Ghost of Bariel, wasn’t she?
A woman who devoted her entire life to vengeance, wielding her blade until the day she died to annihilate those who destroyed her lord and her house.
I had only heard rumors before… never seen her myself.
Dante’s gaze softened toward Elaine. Her loyalty rivaled Milleon’s.
“I look forward to working with you.”
He extended his hand.
“The honor is ours, Lord Dante,” Patrick said with a smile, shaking it firmly.
“I as well,” Elaine murmured, offering only a slight bow.
They said she had a cold personality—it seemed that was indeed her nature.
After exchanging light greetings with the knights, Dante approached the soldiers next.
No other noble would have bothered.
But Dante greeted each one personally.
Having lived decades as a wanderer, he had long discarded the trappings of noble pride.
The soldiers, astonished and deeply moved, shook his hand with gratitude.
As a result, their departure was delayed more than expected.
Ignoring Lucia’s sharp gaze, Dante turned back to Xenon.
“We’ll be leaving now.”
“Gain good experience and return.”
“I intend to.”
Dante smiled faintly, then turned.
“We depart.”
Milleon, Patrick, Elaine, Eina—
and twenty soldiers stepped beyond the estate, following Dante out into the world.
