The Failed Swordmaster - Chapter 103

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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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Chapter 103 40. Discussing the Continent’s Best (1)

“Haha, this way please. Please have a seat here.”

The delegation representatives from the Kingdoms of Jenas, Rodisia, and Charlotte made their entrance.

Following the Academy Director’s guidance, they sat in the seats of honor and chatted while waiting for the Swordsmanship Competition to begin.

“Hehehe, I’m very excited to see the talents from the renowned Kingdoms of Jenas and Rodisia. Of course, I’m also looking forward to the students from the Kingdom of Tarasan.”

“I feel the same way. I hope this opportunity will broaden our children’s horizons.”

“I share the same sentiment. This is hard to wait for. Hahaha.”

Adam Harper, Claire Cambahita, and John Macart spoke in order. The Academy Director and Knight Department Head also received their words with pleasant faces.

However, contrary to the smiles on their lips, their hearts were anxious and uneasy.

This was because they knew well how tremendous the skills of the foreign participants were.

‘Isn’t Lucas Young a talent who will lead Jenas’s next generation? I thought they would just send someone to make up the numbers, but they brought their best…’

‘Rodisia’s Violet Porter… I heard she’s quite a promising prospect. How long will our students be able to hold out? Moreover, the squires from the Kingdom of Charlotte don’t look easy either…’

The wrinkles on both their foreheads deepened further.

It would have been better if this were the 1st semester Swordsmanship Competition targeting 15-16 year old children.

Because they had the 2nd year quartet led by Lumian Calard. Their skills were rapidly spreading beyond the kingdom toward the eastern continent. Their abilities were not lacking compared to the rumors either.

However, regrettably, the skills of the 3rd and 4th years fell short of that.

Despite being older than them.

‘Still, I have no choice but to believe in them. I hope they do well.’

‘It was fortunate that we sent them for practical training with the regular knight order during vacation. They’ve grown a lot since then, so even if they can’t win, they won’t be disgraced.’

The Academy Director and Knight Department Head exchanged glances. Then they looked at the stage.

They must protect Tarasan’s honor!

Fight on, students!

The two were cheering fervently in their hearts.

Of course, even while doing so, the conversation with the delegation representatives continued uninterrupted. From their position as representatives of a small nation, they had to treat the figures from the three kingdoms like masters.

“Then, we will begin the first round of the Tarasan Academy Swordsmanship Competition!”

“Oh. It’s starting now.”

“The first round… both are children from Tarasan?”

“Hahaha, that’s right. Especially that blonde child took first place in the recent evaluation.”

“Ah, is that so?”

“Yes. Of course, the child has many shortcomings, but still, his light footwork and swift sword are quite fierce. Hahaha.”

“I understand. We’ll look forward to it.”

As the conversation ended, the match began.

The two nervous students vigorously swung their swords toward each other.

Clang!

Clang, clang-!

Despite not exchanging many moves, the advantage and disadvantage became clearly apparent.

The 4th year top student overwhelmingly pressed his opponent. The 3rd year student desperately swung his sword, but seemed unable to keep up as his posture gradually crumbled.

Swoosh

Clang!

Clatter!

“Match over! 4th Year Class A George Martin, victory!”

Eventually, the match was decided before long.

The 4th year top student who won the match raised his hand high, and cheers poured from the audience seating.

‘Good, that wasn’t bad.’

The Knight Department Head also clapped with a bright expression.

His condition looked quite good. At this level, even if it would be difficult against those from Jenas or Rodisia, he thought they might be able to beat the Kingdom of Charlotte.

The Academy Director saw the Knight Department Head’s expression and let out a sigh of relief. From his position of not knowing how to judge swordsmanship, he had no choice but to observe others’ reactions.

‘The atmosphere among the foreign representatives seems fine too… Well, this level should be okay.’

His face, which had been stiff with tension, became somewhat more comfortable. Fortunately, it seemed there would be no loss of face.

However, that was too hasty a judgment.

Clang!

“Ugh… I lost.”

“Match over! Jenas Squire Jacob Hart, victory!”

Bang, bang, crash!

Clatter-!

“Match over! Rodisian Squire Deiner Selly, victory!”

Thwack!

“Urgh… Cough, cough!”

“Stop! Match over! Charlotte Squire Isaac Merton, victory!”

“…”

“…”

Watching their own students suffer consecutive defeats to the squires from the three kingdoms, the faces of the Academy Director and Knight Department Head grew increasingly dark.

Only then did they realize. They had been thinking wrongly all this time.

The reason the foreign representatives had exclaimed in admiration was not because the 4th year top student’s skills were excellent.

It was merely an expression of consideration.

The Knight Department Head bit his lower lip firmly.

‘Damn, this is more miserable.’

Of course, this was the normal flow of events.

Jenas and Rodisia being superpowers was natural, and Charlotte was also a country with stronger knight power than Tarasan. There was nothing strange about losing to them.

However, as long as this was a competition held in their own territory, they couldn’t help but hope for some degree of good showing.

“Wow… they’re really strong.”

“Right. The difference in level is clear.”

“That person is that guy, Lucas Young. I heard Jenas has really high expectations for him? They call him the next generation Sword Master.”

“Sword Master? Wow, really?”

“That’s what they say. Well, if the knights of Jenas said such things, won’t he definitely become a Sword Master in a few decades?”

“Amazing. Our country doesn’t have even one Sword Master.”

“Right. But well, it’s Jenas after all…”

Resigned voices could be heard from the nearby audience seating.

Hearing this made the Knight Department Head’s heart even more gloomy.

He wasn’t someone with fervent patriotism. He was someone moderately corrupted and moderately selfish.

Nevertheless, the current situation couldn’t help but be regrettable.

The Academy Director felt the same way.

The two had to struggle desperately to pull themselves together from their continuously sinking hearts as they felt the limitations of a small nation.

They couldn’t show sad expressions in front of the representatives of the powerful nation delegations.

“Truly amazing!”

“Isaac Merton? Even though he’s a squire, he’s remarkable. The future of the Kingdom of Charlotte is truly bright.”

“Hehe, ehehehehe. He is indeed a child we’re paying quite a bit of attention to!”

At the laughter of Charlotte representative Adam Harper, the two also smiled.

It was the sad smile of politicians, revealing nothing of their inner thoughts.

* * *

“Hmm…”

Joel Cock, a squire from the Kingdom of Charlotte sitting in the waiting area, smiled.

It wasn’t because of his friend’s victory. He had naturally thought Isaac Merton would win. Losing to students from a small nation would be impossible.

‘Except for those four monsters…’

When Lumian Calard’s face came to mind, his body unconsciously shrank.

But this was only momentary.

As far as he knew, there were no such monsters among the 3rd and 4th years of Tarasan Academy.

Wearing a sly smile again, he spoke to the black-haired beauty with her hair tied in a ponytail style.

“Your name was Tania Eloise, wasn’t it, Lady?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

‘Ha, even her voice is pretty.’

Joel Cock’s smile deepened.

It truly was a lucky day. Not only had he sat next to a female knight, rare in his own country, but that female knight possessed such stunning beauty it was dizzying.

And she was even his first-round opponent.

He fell into the delusion that something fateful was swirling between himself and her.

‘Honestly, compared to these guys here, I’m a much better man.’

Joel Cock was overflowing with confidence.

He was from a country stronger than Tarasan, and held the high status of being a count’s eldest son.

It wasn’t just his background that was outstanding. With skills that would surely reach Expert someday, and even a handsome face.

It wasn’t a subjective assessment. Compared to his friend Isaac Merton, he could confidently say he was about 13 times more handsome, so he was certainly qualified to woo the woman before him.

He extended his hand and said.

“I’m Joel Cock. Not to brag, but I’m someone who receives quite a bit of expectation in the Kingdom of Charlotte.”

“Ah, I see.”

Tania accepted the handshake.

But she withdrew her hand very quickly. It was almost at the level of just brushing past.

Joel Cock’s brow furrowed.

‘Well, a woman needs to act worthy of her looks to be attractive.’

Recovering his expression, he tried to break the ice for conversation.

But most of the content was bragging about himself. Tania, who had been nodding halfheartedly, slightly frowned.

‘Is this the guy Lumian mentioned? The braggart?’

It was annoying.

An important opportunity had come to spread her fame not just beyond her own country but across the entire continent. She absolutely didn’t want to miss this, so she was closing her eyes and concentrating.

But some greasy guy who looked like he’d oiled his entire face was talking to her. Acting fatally charming despite being completely unsuited for it.

‘Does he think he’s handsome?’

It was absurd.

This was Tania, trained by the faces of Lumian, Cal Krone, and Teoro.

If there had only been men like Bumer around, it might have been different, but otherwise, Joel Cock’s looks made it impossible to win her over.

Of course, his background as the eldest son of a Charlotte Kingdom count was useful.

Frankly speaking, it was sufficient for making connections. The old Tania would probably have endured the annoyance and conversed with Joel Cock with a smiling face.

But the current Tania was different.

Having fallen completely for Lumian Calard, she simply couldn’t maintain her expression in this situation.

“Excuse me, I’m sorry but…”

“Yes? Do you have something to say to me, Lady?”

“I have someone I’m meeting with good feelings. Having long conversations with other men is a bit…”

“…”

Joel Cock’s expression hardened. Tania bowed her head slightly and turned away.

Though it was a lie, this was the best method for politely declining. She barely held back a sigh and looked toward the audience seating.

She could see Lumian’s face watching the stage. A bright smile bloomed unconsciously.

‘I wish it wasn’t a lie.’

She could no longer deceive herself.

She liked him. She really liked Lumian.

Enough that just looking at his face for a moment made her feel good. Enough that her heart raced knowing he had come to watch her.

But she didn’t have the courage yet. She closed her eyes tightly.

‘To get closer, I’ll probably need a little more time.’

But for now, this state was fine too.

As she made a pleased expression thinking about his face she’d meet after the match ended.

“Haha, how ridiculous.”

“…”

“Despite being given an opportunity by someone from a great nation, and the eldest son of a count family at that… truly laughable. Haha, hahahaha.”

Tania opened her eyes.

And began looking at Joel Cock with an expression of undisguised contempt.

No matter how hurt his pride was, how could he spout such words?

But that wasn’t the end of it.

Garbage-like words continued spewing from his mouth.

“Well, perhaps it’s for the best. A foolish woman who misses the jewel before her eyes because of some man who’s obviously nothing special. I regret not being the first to reject…”

Joel Cock’s excessive words made the surrounding participants frown. Those from Rhodesia and Jenas alike couldn’t hide their bewilderment.

However, those most enraged were the Tarasan Academy cadets.

‘How can he say such things.’

‘Even if he’s a powerful figure from a strong nation, this is too much?’

‘Such humiliation…’

They weren’t Tania.

But they were fellow citizens of the Kingdom of Tarasan, and therefore couldn’t listen to Joel Cock’s nonsense any longer.

As knight cadets, they couldn’t just sit still after receiving such insults.

However, they didn’t get a chance to step forward.

Because Tania, who had been quietly listening, took action.

“Fucking bastard.”

“…”

“…?”

A curse quietly flowed from her lips.

Those who heard it looked at her with expressions wondering if they’d heard wrong.

Joel Cock was the same.

He stared at Tania with a dumbfounded expression.

And said in a trembling voice.

“What did you just… say…”

“What. I didn’t say anything.”

“…”

“And don’t talk to me anymore. You stink.”

With those words, Tania closed her eyes.

It was a sign that she wouldn’t respond anymore. She thought with a hardened face.

‘A man who’s nothing special?’

A snicker escaped.

Beyond irritation, it was absurd.

Who was judging whom here. Dozens of curses rose up inside her.

If asked to name Lumian Calard’s superior points compared to Joel Cock, she could list more than ten without even a moment’s pause. If she thought about it, she could name a hundred.

She couldn’t stand the thought that such a pathetic guy had badmouthed Lumian. Even now her insides were boiling with rage.

“You bitch, how dare you…”

Joel Cock continued spewing harsh words.

The old Tania would probably have regretted her mistake and not known what to do. What she had just said was insulting language that could escalate into a diplomatic problem if handled wrong.

But the current her was different.

Rather, her anger still hadn’t subsided.

“Ah, you talk so much.”

“What, what?”

“Fine, how about we make a bet? If you win, I’ll do one thing you want. But if I win, what just happened will unconditionally be your fault. Plus you won’t talk to me anymore. Sounds good, doesn’t it?”

“…You bitch!”

“Next! 3rd Year Class A Tania Eloise versus Kingdom of Charlotte apprentice knight Joel Cock!”

Just then, their match approached.

Tania stood up first, grabbed her sword, and strode onto the stage. Joel Cock followed her belatedly with an enraged expression.

His eyes looked like they could burn someone to death. He said.

“Fine. I accept the bet.”

“Swearing on Goddess Allia’s name?”

“Deal!”

“Good.”

“Hehe, I’m already excited thinking about what wish I’ll make. Hehehehe.”

Joel Cock licked his lips with his tongue.

His lecherous expression was a bonus. He seemed to have no intention of hiding his lustful thoughts anymore.

That sight looked extremely disgusting.

“Sigh.”

Tania shook her head and let out a sigh.

Soon she raised her sword, and the referee looked at both sides and said.

“Are you both ready?”

“Ready.”

“I’m ready.”

“Good. Then… begin the match!”

It was when the referee who announced the start of the match moved far away.

Someone’s sword shot out as fast as a beam of light.

However, its weight was by no means light.

Heavy and thick energy, like a massive tidal wave crashing down.

It was Tania’s energy.

Joel Cock, facing this, made a startled expression.

Swoosh!

Clang!

…Clatter!

The match was decided.

It was in the blink of an eye.

Joel Cock couldn’t block Tania’s heavy sword. He didn’t even have the presence of mind to clutch his aching hand, staring blankly at his sword that had flown far away.

“…!”

“…!”

The countless spectators, and the contestants in the waiting area too.

Even the referee had a dazed expression.

Coming to his senses belatedly, he announced the result of the match with a trembling voice.

“Ma, match over! 3rd Year Class A Tania Eloise, vi, victory!”

“Woaaaaaaaaaah!”

Thunderous cheers echoed throughout.

It was the moment when a Tarasan Academy cadet defeated a foreign apprentice knight for the first time.

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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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