How a Two-Life Scoundrel Lives

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【Chapter 21】

The people of House Sigmund.

More precisely, those who had undergone the commissioning ceremony all possessed very special swords without exception.

Inheritance Swords.

Swords said to contain the souls of ancestors.

House Sigmund had a tradition of imbuing swords with the enlightenment achieved over a lifetime just before death, passing them down to future generations.

Such swords were called Inheritance Swords, and they were regarded as treasures and heirlooms of House Sigmund.

Since they were swords containing swordsmanship and enlightenment passed down through generations from predecessors, such treatment was only natural.

And people of House Sigmund were destined to receive their own Inheritance Sword on their 24th birthday, that is, during their commissioning ceremony.

Going to a place called the [Cradle of Swords] and emerging with a sword that chose them from among hundreds of Inheritance Swords was the grand finale of the commissioning ceremony.

Since they would receive a sword to accompany them for life, it was a very important day not only for the House Sigmund members’ interest but also for the person involved.

“Young Master, this old man is truly moved.”

Maranello suddenly reddened his eyes as if he found Carlisle admirable.

For a knight called the messenger of death of the north to shed tears was quite unfitting, but Carlisle just accepted it.

Given Maranello’s age, he now suited the role of a kind grandfather and meticulous butler better than that of a sharp-edged knight.

Of course, Maranello still hadn’t put down his sword.

“It’s something everyone does, so what’s the big deal. Selena… I mean, was it the same during sister’s commissioning ceremony?”

Carlisle asked, saying ‘sister’ somewhat awkwardly.

“Of course it was. Hehe. When Miss Selena was chosen by Asrada, it was truly moving.”

The Sword of Bitter Cold, Asrada.

That sword with ice attributes was a famous sword that ranked among the top ten even among Inheritance Swords.

It wasn’t for nothing that Selena was mentioned as a strong candidate for the next head of the family.

Of course, due to events that would unfold in the future, it would be Frey who would ascend to the position of family head…

“You don’t need to do that for me. Save your tears for Frey’s time. That would be more moving than mine.”

“How could there be degrees of being moved? All Young Masters’ commissioning ceremonies are equally moving.”

“Forget it.”

Carlisle replied curtly.

“Don’t have any expectations. I’m planning to just pick up whatever and come out.”

“How could that be up to Young Master’s will? Hahaha!”

Maranello laughed as if it were impossible.

“The inheritance ritual isn’t about Young Master choosing, but about the sword choosing Young Master…”

“Who doesn’t know that? Anyway, don’t have any expectations whatsoever.”

Honestly, Carlisle found Maranello’s recent attitude very burdensome.

Eyes full of expectation, subtle tone, and even the smile hanging on his lips.

Maranello was definitely harboring great expectations.

‘That fox-like old man. He must have misunderstood that I’ve been hiding my true nature all this time.’

Carlisle clearly understood Maranello’s inner thoughts.

Maranello wasn’t a fool, and if a person had changed so suddenly like this, it was reasonable enough to think that way.

From Carlisle’s standpoint, there was neither need nor possibility to reveal the truth, so he had no choice but to just leave it be.

As long as he didn’t bother him, it didn’t really matter what he thought.

“How long does the ritual take?”

“Usually about 2 hours, wouldn’t it?”

“That’s bearable.”

Carlisle headed toward where the ceremony would be held, hoping the commissioning ceremony would end even a minute or second sooner.

* * *

Before the commissioning ceremony began.

“Do well, don’t make mistakes.”

Selena approached and casually threw out a remark.

No matter how much of a scoundrel he was, he was still her younger brother, so she seemed somewhat worried.

“I don’t know which sword will choose you, but you’ll get one that’s perfect for you. Don’t worry too much.”

“Yeah.”

Carlisle answered briefly and left it at that.

“Brother, congratulations on your commissioning.”

“Right.”

His younger brother Frey also offered words of encouragement to Carlisle.

Although they were scoundrel siblings, Carlisle was receiving care from Selena and Frey in his own way.

Of course, due to the misdeeds and outrages Carlisle had committed over the past few years, their relationship had grown distant and awkward.

‘It’s about to begin.’

The commissioning ceremony began with taking an oath before Grand Duke Guntram, the lord of Dekaron and head of House Sigmund.

“…I solemnly pledge.”

Carlisle knelt on one knee before Grand Duke Guntram sitting on the throne, watched by members of House Sigmund, and swore loyalty to Dekaron and Nurburg Kingdom.

Though many attended, Carlisle didn’t give anyone a glance.

He only wanted to quickly finish the commissioning ceremony and return to his room.

Grand Duke Guntram completed the commissioning by lightly touching Carlisle’s shoulders and head with a ceremonial sword.

Up to this point, it was an extremely ordinary event, not much different from a typical commissioning ceremony.

However, when Grand Duke Guntram created a portal to subspace through a ring called [Heart of Legion], the atmosphere changed considerably.

Swoooosh!

The portal leading to the [Cradle of Swords] shone brightly.

“Go.”

Grand Duke Guntram said to Carlisle.

“Go and bring back your sword. My son.”

“Yes.”

Carlisle readily nodded and slowly stepped toward the portal.

After Carlisle disappeared into the Cradle of Swords.

“…Whether he’ll even be chosen.”

Grand Duke Guntram muttered to himself as if deeply worried.

And for good reason, as the Inheritance Swords sleeping in the Cradle of Swords possessed a degree of self-awareness.

Inheritance Swords were based on their creator’s disposition, with their characteristics changing and being established through various owners.

As a result, it was no exaggeration to say there were no Inheritance Swords that would choose a scoundrel like Carlisle.

If there were any…

‘Abaris or Baramund, perhaps.’

[Abaris] was a bizarre sword that was utterly unpredictable, and [Baramund] was a sword like a collection of pure madness.

In Grand Duke Guntram’s opinion, only such swords would be likely to choose Carlisle.

The probability of being chosen by any other sword was realistically quite desperate.

“Please don’t worry.”

Maranello smiled and whispered to Grand Duke Guntram.

“No matter what anyone says, he is Your Grace’s son. What you’re worried about won’t happen.”

“However…”

“Please have faith in your son.”

“I don’t understand at all. For you, who knows that boy better than anyone, to say such things.”

“It’s because I know him well that I say this, isn’t it? Hehehe.”

“Hmm.”

Grand Duke Guntram made a dubious expression at Maranello’s words.

It seemed Maranello wasn’t just offering formal pleasantries, but was genuinely expecting something.

“We’ll see in time.”

Grand Duke Guntram said this and returned to his throne, waiting for Carlisle to emerge.

* * *

The Cradle of Swords was like a dark, gloomy labyrinth.

All sides were dark, the earth was barren and dry, and the sky was completely shrouded in darkness.

There, hundreds of swords—inheritance swords imbued with the souls of House Sigmund’s ancestors—were embedded throughout the area.

‘How fascinating.’

This was Carlisle’s first time seeing the Cradle of Swords as well.

In the game, there had never been an opportunity to enter the Cradle of Swords, so he hadn’t even known what it looked like.

‘But what am I supposed to do?’

Since no one had ever told him what to do in the Cradle of Swords, Carlisle could only look around.

He had asked Maranello just in case, but the answer he received was ‘you don’t need to do anything.’

And Maranello’s words turned out to be true.

Swoosh!

Suddenly, the sword positioned closest to Carlisle began emitting bright light and floated up on its own.

‘Huh?’

Carlisle knew that sword all too well.

Blazing Sword Brynhild.

Uniquely, this sword with a green blade was a famous sword imbued with powerful fire attributes.

And the owner of that sword was…

‘That’s supposed to be Gunter’s?’

Brynhild was destined to become Gunter’s sword in the future.

‘Why is that sword choosing me…’

Right at that moment.

Swoosh!

Another sword nearby floated up as well.

And that was just the beginning.

One sword, two swords, three swords, four swords…

All the swords in the Cradle of Swords rose up and looked at Carlisle.

As if asking him to choose them…

[Alert: 【Storm Sword Gricale】 has chosen you.]