Reincarnated as a Genius Prodigy of a Prestigious Family - Chapter 8

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Reincarnated as a Legendary Talent Genius of a Noble Family Episode 8

 

 

 

3. The Seventh Birthday (4)

 

 

‘Black Wave’ Bout Termion.

A man who rose to become a hero alongside ‘Blue Gale’ Aken Sogress in the war with the Drenik Empire.

His journey from the capital to this distant southern region wasn’t solely to celebrate the seventh birthday of Count Sogress’s youngest son, Dane Sogress.

‘Hmm. It would be good to bring up the engagement talk during today’s conversation.’

His eldest son Owen Termion.

The top talent in the Swordsmanship Department at the Imperial Academy.

The real intention behind this visit to the Sogress Count House was to discuss his eldest son’s marriage.

The target was Arabella Sogress.

Similarly, she was the top talent in the Academy’s Magic Department.

‘If the two families unite… it would create a power that even the Imperial Family would find difficult to touch?’

Duke Termion wasn’t greatly interested in politics.

This aspect was similar to Count Sogress.

However, there was a need to respond to the Imperial Family’s attempts to keep the noble houses in check after their prestige and popularity had risen following the war.

The method for this was marriage.

Of course, he wasn’t planning to forcibly propose a political marriage. It was merely something he intended to bring up while visiting his friend.

Count Sogress wasn’t the type to blindly follow along just because he insisted on it either.

Duke Termion decided to first enjoy the atmosphere of this southern region.

“The morning air is truly refreshing. As expected, the southern air is wonderful.”

It was while Duke Termion was walking through the garden of Count Sogress Castle, lost in such various thoughts.

“Hmm.”

A strange sound reached his ears.

Instead of the sounds of dewdrops forming and insects chirping, the sound of air being pierced and battle cries echoed in his ears.

Though very faint, he could tell.

He thought perhaps the guards of Count Sogress House were training from early morning, but the sound he caught was from just one person.

Duke Termion unconsciously moved his steps in that direction.

If it happened to be Count Sogress, he planned to casually bring up the topic while he was at it.

There was no time when one’s mind was clearer than at the tail end of dawn when the sun was rising.

“Oh my.”

But Duke Termion, who discovered the source of the sound, couldn’t help but let out an exclamation.

It wasn’t Count Sogress.

It was Count Sogress’s youngest son, Dane Sogress.

“Haap.”

A thrust executed with short, disciplined battle cries.

Despite being only seven years old, his posture was properly angled, and the spear he thrust stopped at the exact point every time.

‘Oh ho.’

Duke Termion was amazed by the movement and concentration that didn’t feel like that of a seven-year-old at all.

How could this be possible?

As if the child was born to wield a spear, the thrusts executed with his tiny hands were exquisite.

In terms of simple thrusting alone, even spearmen who had rolled around battlefields for years would have to acknowledge his skill.

‘Count Sogress has finally found his successor.’

He had heard that Count Sogress’s worries were considerable, as his eldest daughter Arabella and younger daughter Claire had each taken the paths of magic and summoning respectively.

But it seemed there was nothing to worry about at all.

The count’s youngest son, Dane Sogress, already showed sufficient potential and talent in the thrusts he demonstrated with his short spear.

“They said he already showed tremendous talent at age one…”

He had dismissed it as mere rumor, but was it actually true?

Then a certain posture caught his eye.

Duke Termion narrowed his eyes.

“Has he learned swordsmanship…?”

Swordsmanship at such a young age too?

But strangely, it felt familiar.

Where had he seen this before?

‘I’m sure I’ve seen it somewhere…’

If what that boy was holding now was a sword instead of a spear, he would have recognized it immediately.

“I don’t know who you are, but I think it would be better for your dignity if you came out to watch rather than hiding.”

Then a bold voice was heard.

Duke Termion was momentarily flustered, then burst into laughter and walked out.

“How impudent indeed.”

Upon spotting Duke Termion, Dane bowed his waist as if he had been waiting for this moment.

“Dane Sogress of Count Sogress House greets Duke Bout Termion.”

He seemed to have received proper etiquette education.

It was also impressive that despite having trained so intensely that his whole body was soaked with sweat, there wasn’t a tremor in his body.

At that age, he couldn’t have already formed a mana core, but he was a fascinating child nonetheless.

“I was momentarily entranced watching the precious scene of Sogress’s sacred child training from early morning. I wasn’t trying to spy, so will you forgive me?”

“I will forgive you.”

Duke Termion burst into laughter once again. He was beginning to like this bold little rascal before his eyes.

“Your thrusting is excellent. You’ve properly inherited the talent. Hmm. The spear you’re holding isn’t an ordinary item either… May I take a look?”

Dane handed over the spear without hesitation, surprisingly.

By the handle, not the spearhead.

Duke Termion smiled.

His etiquette for handing over weapons was also perfect.

“It’s a good spear. I can feel Count Sogress’s affection.”

“I understand that Father prepared it with great care, so I’m grateful that you recognize its worth.”

It was an excellent answer.

His own son Owen, being the eldest son of a ducal house, was second to none in either etiquette or skill, but he wasn’t this good in his childhood.

‘Should I consider a marriage arrangement on this side too?’

Duke Termion thought of his youngest daughter Leila.

She was his precious youngest daughter who wouldn’t hurt even if put in his eye, and though she was too young to discuss marriage, with such promising signs, it might be good to look ahead to the future.

Of course, his daughter would have to approve.

“My daughter also trains with the sword. Since you’re the same age, you’ll probably become good friends when you enter the Academy someday. Oh, I’m returning tomorrow, so it would be nice if you could meet and talk before then.”

Dane recalled meeting Leila in the garden yesterday but didn’t bother to mention it.

“Yes, Your Grace. I will do so.”

“Haha. I like how refreshingly you answer. But still, you’re in the middle of training and I’ve interrupted for too long.”

Having said that, Duke Termion recalled Dane’s posture and movements he had observed earlier.

And with a slight hope, he asked.

“Have you ever trained with a sword?”

For a moment, Dane’s politely clasped hands trembled. But soon Dane shook his head as if he knew nothing about it.

“I have read swordsmanship manuals, but I have never trained with one.”

“Hmm. I see.”

However, what Duke Termion had seen in Dane’s spear arts was definitely the posture and habits of those who wielded swords.

And ones with a raw scent at that.

For instance… should he call it the scent of the battlefield?

‘That can’t be right.’

The scent of the battlefield from a seven-year-old kid?

Duke Termion chuckled at his own thoughts that had gone too far.

‘Well, if he doesn’t want to reveal it, he must have his reasons.’

Duke Termion decided to pretend not to know.

“Oh my, I’ve delayed too long for a walk. Well then, I’ll see you later when I take my leave.”

“Yes, Your Grace. Please take care on your way back.”

“Indeed. And if you ever have occasion to come to the capital, do seek me out. I owe you for the hospitality I’ve received at this count’s castle, and I’ve personally taken an interest in you.”

Interest.

At those words, Dane flinched inwardly but didn’t show it as he replied.

“I will certainly visit.”

Duke Termion left the training ground, leaving behind Dane who had bowed his head.

A pleased smile graced his lips.

‘I came to discuss marriage arrangements and ended up seeing something far more interesting.’

Getting to know the boy named Dane seemed like it would be the greatest harvest of this southern trip.

 

 

“Wow…”

Duke Termion was overwhelming.

I don’t mean he unleashed his mana against a child. He instantly recognized that I had learned swordsmanship just from my stance.

Of course, there was no reason to hide it.

But when learning something new, you have to conceal your existing habits.

So while learning the thrust stance from Father, I tried hard not to reveal my past life’s habits, yet he caught it.

“A duke is indeed a duke.”

One of only six Hexa-level practitioners in the Alteon Empire.

Among them, a man evaluated as the strongest alongside Father.

That was Duke Termion, who had just laughed heartily like a friendly neighbor and conversed with me.

‘Will he remember me?’

It was too sudden so I couldn’t bring myself to ask, but if I had been training with a sword instead of a spear, he might have recognized me.

Perhaps that’s why.

My heart was pounding.

‘I’ll win this time.’

It wasn’t an emotion like revenge.

Should I call it a kind of additional goal?

Fighting and defeating someone who had beaten me before.

“I can do it.”

Step by step, I just need to move forward one thing at a time.

I’m currently in an incomparably better environment than my previous life.

By the way, I wonder what Leila is doing.

I recalled Leila, who had worn a strangely lonely expression last night while watching me receive gifts from family members one by one.

Since all her brothers are at the Academy too, perhaps she’s feeling lonely?

Though I can’t presume to guess…

“Should I meet her briefly before going back?”

Let me train first.

Anyway, I only stopped my spear after training thrusts to a level that satisfied me.

“Whew.”

Then, sensing a presence behind me, I turned around to find Herman standing there.

I had been so focused that I hadn’t noticed him at all.

“Herman. Were you waiting?”

“My duty is always to serve you like a shadow, young master.”

Perhaps he should be the one taking stealth, no, assassination lessons.

With that thought crossing my mind, I wiped my sweat with the cloth Herman handed me and asked.

“How are things? Is everyone very busy?”

“Everyone seems frantic preparing for tonight’s second banquet.”

Herman added.

“And other nobles seem to be arriving one after another. After all, it’s difficult for all the nobles to arrive on the exact date.”

Incidentally, for this banquet that doubles as my birthday celebration, over thirty noble families will visit Count Sogress Castle in succession.

Given the distance, only nobles whose circumstances permit will visit, but including their retinues, it will probably be an enormous number.

“Oh, your sisters arrived safely.”

“Ah.”

My sisters who had given me gifts, briefly reunited, then left at dawn.

This time they amicably opened a teleport gate and headed to the Academy.

Little Sister seemed to insist stubbornly on riding a wyvern back, but was easily subdued by Mother’s single word to go together.

Anyway, it seemed unavoidable since Academy midterms were right around the corner.

I should examine the gifts my sisters gave me when I have time.

“Let’s go, Herman.”

I returned to the main castle with Herman, and after bathing, put on clean training clothes and left my room.

I didn’t forget to bring my short spear either.

Wrapped in a cover it wasn’t threatening, and Father had advised to always carry a weapon, after all.

Since a banquet was being held for my birthday, I could have rested until evening when the banquet would begin, but I wanted to practice handling mana as Big Sister had taught me.

“I’ve been doing it in my spare time, but… I should invest more time, right?”

Having overflowing talent is sometimes troublesome. I still can’t get a feel for what to focus on.

I’m doing whatever I can for now, but there hasn’t been any ‘major progress’ in magic and summoning arts yet.

Though plenty of people at this age can’t even sense mana or make contact with summoned creatures.

So today I planned to analyze the mana of flowers as Big Sister had taught me.

The source of mana is nature, and she had told me that ‘flowers’ contain the greatest mana energy in nature.

“Here they are.”

I gazed at the flowers blooming luxuriantly in the garden, filled with spring energy.

Looking at the flowers that Gardener Dreno had cultivated so beautifully somehow put my mind at ease.

It’s quite strange considering my previous life when looking at flowers would first make me think about whether they could be used as medicinal herbs.

“So this is the mana of flowers.”

I hadn’t noticed when passing by carelessly, but when I concentrated, I could see the faint flow of mana.

Proof that Dane Sogress’s body has tremendous mana affinity. What others sense through intuition, I can see with my eyes.

“I was supposed to… bring this into my own flow.”

While I was at it, I even pulled out the short spear I was carrying on my back, set it down beside me, and concentrated.

Natural mana.

Making that flow your own is said to be the true beginning of magic training.

Simply mimicking my sister’s magic concentration orb in childhood with just affinity wasn’t even a real start.

I focused on the flow of mana swirling within the flower. To think such a tremendous flow was surging within this tiny flower.

Sensing this natural mana flow, making it your own, and finally settling it within your body creates a circle.

Of course, it’s easier said than done – Big Sister said only a truly tiny fraction of people can accomplish it.

But I have a feeling I’ll probably be among them.

Having high mana affinity is indeed a tremendous advantage.

It hadn’t been long since I encountered the flower’s mana, yet I could almost completely grasp its flow.

“Like this… if I do…”

And finally.

“I did it.”

I surprisingly easily followed the flow shown by the flower’s mana and manifested it in my hand.

“So this is it.”

A gentle thrill coursed through me.

The mana that had only been faintly visible became much clearer.

If I keep doing this one by one, creating a circle would be no trouble at all.

‘How should I go about making a circle and core simultaneously?’

Well, I’ll think about that later.

What’s important right now is fully unleashing my talent without letting it rot away.

“Let’s try again.”

It was just as I was bending down toward another flower.

“Ah, how boring. Father gets busy talking the moment he arrives. What’s this about? Coming all this way took a whole month.”

“Still, this garden here is quite pretty, isn’t it?”

“A guy acting like a guy and saying the garden is pretty… Ah, damn boring. Isn’t there anything fun?”

Voices came from the inner path of the garden, and two boys appeared.

In that instant, my hands trembled.

Those guys were walking around trampling the flowers.

Crunch, crunch.

The flowers I had carefully tended were being crushed mercilessly.

“Hey, that doesn’t look like a path.”

“So what? It’s not like anyone’s going to say anything for stepping on these a bit.”

A hollow laugh escaped me.

“Ah.”

They seemed to be young nobles from aristocratic families visiting the Count’s Castle today.

“By the way, when does this damn garden end? It’s not even a maze. Where the hell is the way out?”

“Maybe this way?”

“Ah, you idiot. That’s the path we just came from!”

“Oh right. Hehe.”

And as soon as those guys spotted me, they shouted:

“Hey, you there! Judging by your clothes, a servant? Or… someone who tends the garden? Whoever you are, just guide us to the way out of here!”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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