The Failed Swordmaster - Chapter 133
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
Chapter 133 51. Countless Requests for Handshakes (1)
“What’s wrong? Why do you look like that? Did you fight with your senior when I wasn’t looking?”
Bumer, dressed up stylishly, asked Lumian.
Though his tone was blunt, it contained genuine concern. Lumian chuckled and shook his head.
“We haven’t fought even once since we started dating.”
“Then what is it?”
“Hmm…”
‘Right. What was it.’
His hand fumbled toward his pants pocket. He could feel the bulk of a neatly folded note inside.
It had already been several hours ago. However, Lumian still couldn’t escape from the lingering effects of what the old woman had told him.
‘Don’t be too obsessed with carnal desires… Think about what comes first and what comes after…’
Honestly, it had stung.
Recently, he had been truly obsessed with physical intimacy, with so-called making progress.
The purpose of the trip was already that, but when the unexpected bonus income of a new type of aura appeared, he became focused only on that. Like a bull in a bullring.
‘She’s right. The old woman’s advice was appropriate.’
Being deeply buried in just one thing isn’t good. Lumian reflected on his actions over the past few days when his vision had become extremely narrow.
Of course, believing her words like gospel would also be problematic.
No matter how skilled she might be, she’s ultimately a stranger. Nothing is more foolish than entrusting one’s future to others.
‘Let’s neither ignore nor become obsessed.’
And for now, let’s enjoy the present. It’s a festival, isn’t it.
If he keeps a serious expression and acts weighty even at times like this, it’s a nuisance to those around him.
Having finished his thoughts, Lumian patted Bumer’s shoulder and said.
“I was just thinking about swordsmanship for a moment.”
“Disgusting guy. When it’s time to play, you should play.”
“That’s exactly what I’m trying to do. When will they come? Those two.”
“Right. I haven’t seen my sister in a dress yet… Hehe…”
Bumer let out a foolish laugh.
Now that it was night, they had arrived in front of the ballroom to enjoy the finale of the festival. They were waiting for Tania Eloise and Deiner Selly to come dressed up.
‘The royal palace ball is the best, but this place should be pretty good too! Rather, the comfortable atmosphere might make it even better for having fun!’
Lumian smiled slightly, recalling Deiner’s words.
The location didn’t matter.
Rather, he was more looking forward to Tania’s appearance as she would emerge in beautiful attire.
And his expectations.
“Ah…!”
“Wow…”
After a short while, were rewarded far more perfectly than he had imagined.
Bumer’s partner, Deiner?
She didn’t catch his eye at all.
Of course, she too was charming enough to make one’s eyes light up, but she couldn’t compare to Tania’s beauty armed with a blue dress.
Lumian approached his partner with his mouth slightly open and a dazed expression.
The old woman’s advice he had heard earlier didn’t even come to mind.
He wanted to hold her hand, he wanted to link arms with her.
He wanted to gently embrace her firm yet beautiful body.
“You’re so beautiful.”
“Is it okay? This is my first time with this kind of design. I think the back is too exposed too…”
“Ah, you must be cold. Let’s quickly go inside, senior.”
Lumian, with a worried expression, hurriedly took Tania’s hand and went inside.
The Bumer and Deiner couple weren’t even in his thoughts. But it didn’t matter.
They too were absorbed in their own world.
“Wow… really…”
“Shh. You don’t need to say more.”
“But can’t I say it? I have so many things I want to say right now…”
“I know I’m cute and pretty, okay? Let’s go in quickly. I’ll show you what Rodisia-style dancing is like.”
“Yes, sister! Hehehe…”
‘Sister? Sister?’
‘With that face, calling her sister…’
‘No, his way of speaking and laughter are so disgusting.’
The men around frowned as they looked at Bumer. However, he didn’t care.
It would be a loss not to enjoy the happiest moment of his life because of others’ gazes.
With a face full of smiles, he moved to the ballroom following the Lumian and Tania couple.
Needless to say, he was firmly holding the hand of his lovely girlfriend, Deiner Selly.
* * *
“Wow…”
“It’s incredibly beautiful.”
Tania burst out with exclamations. Lumian also expressed his honest impressions.
Glass and crystal decorations replacing ice sculptures. And the beautiful magical lighting that highlighted them further pleased the eyes.
The Rodisia-style dancing, completely different from Tarasan, also caught their attention.
It was completely different from Jenas, which felt somewhat stiff, and Tarasan, which felt modest and stuffy.
The passionate and splendid movements that seemed to pay no attention to the surroundings made Lumian continuously burst out with exclamations.
“It’s very different. I thought it might be better to just walk the night streets, but I think we did well to come.”
“Right. Hahaha…”
Tania received his words with laughter.
It was a slightly awkward appearance.
That was natural, as she was currently slightly misunderstanding Lumian’s reaction.
‘Even though it’s winter, what kind of outfits are these… Why is the exposure so extreme?’
It was surprising.
Even her current outfit was something she had no choice but to wear because Deiner had strongly insisted, and the back was cut so deeply that she would never have chosen it if she were in Tarasan.
But the Rodisia people were even more extreme.
Without exception, the chest area was deeply cut. Even as a fellow woman, she didn’t know where to look.
Moreover, most people possessed sizes that would make one’s mouth drop open.
She thought it was natural that Lumian couldn’t take his eyes off them.
‘…It’s okay. I will too someday!’
Tania nodded with a serious expression.
If it were before, she would have fallen into despair. But now it was different. She had the mysterious charm that the mystical old woman had given her.
Although she was lacking compared to those women right now, just wait and see.
In 1-2 years, it would be different!
The day would come when she too would boast a size that was nothing to be ashamed of!
Having cried out inwardly, she grabbed Lumian’s sleeve.
“Lumian, let’s dance.”
“Huh? Already? I want to fill my stomach a bit while watching others dance. To dance in the Rodisia style, I need to watch a bit more and learn the movements…”
“It’s not necessary. Stop looking at other women. Focus only on me.”
“…Yes.”
A drop of sweat ran down Lumian’s forehead. He didn’t know why, but Tania’s expression felt scary.
However, it wasn’t a bad feeling.
He liked her appearance of being obsessed with him. He liked her attitude of showing possessiveness with a sulky face.
With a grin, he made an exaggerated bow and extended his hand.
Seeing this, Tania burst out laughing.
Her mood slightly lifted, she was about to accept the dance invitation.
“Excuse me, beautiful Lady?”
“…Yes?”
“If it wouldn’t be rude, how about having a brief conversation with the young master over there?”
“….”
A man dressed as an escort knight suddenly appeared. At his words, both their heads turned simultaneously.
They saw a man confidently raising his wine glass with a self-assured face.
Tania unconsciously let out a laugh.
‘There are people like this everywhere, really.’
Anyone could see they had come together as a couple.
Intruding between such a pair was certainly rude, but there were far too many people in the world who didn’t care about such etiquette.
What was surprising, however, was that the target was herself, not Lumian.
This was Rodisia’s ball, where women were more proactive.
So she had thought the opposite could certainly happen, but she never expected to receive advances herself.
‘Of course, it doesn’t matter.’
Tania looked toward Lumian and smiled mischievously.
It was as if she was saying ‘Look how popular I am!’ Seeing this, Lumian also burst into laughter.
Having created a cheerful atmosphere, she turned her head to look at the escort knight.
And just as she was about to politely but firmly refuse without leaving any room for hope.
“By the way, our young master is the third son of Count Priden of the Kingdom of Cairo.”
“….”
“Please come along. Our young master is not very patient.”
It was confidence as if, having heard these words, you would naturally follow him.
It was an absurd tone.
However, it wasn’t entirely incomprehensible, because the title of a count’s family from the Kingdom of Cairo carried such tremendous power.
Jenas, Rodisia, and the Kingdom of Cairo.
They were the three most powerful nations on the continent.
A count’s family from such a place could be said to have power equivalent to or greater than a duke’s family from most other countries.
‘He has reason to be confident.’
Tania thought.
She didn’t know why someone with such a background was attending this place instead of a royal ball.
Perhaps he thought the women here would be easier.
Indeed, if he was a prince from a count’s family of the Kingdom of Cairo, there would be plenty of beauties who would line up without question. Being drawn to strong power was no different even for the independent women of Rodisia.
Perhaps she herself might have been the same.
She had done everything she could for her dreams.
If she could gain excellent connections through brief socializing, it would be a profitable deal. Asking her partner’s understanding and then moving to a table to put on a fake smile wasn’t such a difficult task.
‘Of course, not now.’
Tania let out a small laugh.
She was different now.
She had the ability and confidence to not need to depend on others’ backgrounds.
Above all, she had her beloved lover, Lumian Calard.
‘I’m the one who even refused Sword Master Sir Claire Cambahita’s proposal.’
There was absolutely no reason for her to be swayed by the proposal of a count’s third son, especially one who was even rude.
“I appreciate the offer, but I have a partner.”
“….”
“There are many other beautiful ladies here, so there’s no need to waste time on me. Well then.”
After politely maintaining courtesy, Tania looked at Lumian and smiled brightly.
Her expression seemed to say ‘I did well, right?’ Looking at her face, Lumian made another dance request with an incredibly happy heart.
“My beloved lover, Tania Eloise. Would you please grant me the honor of dancing together?”
“I’ll allow it. Though it’s a bit cheesy.”
“…I’ll tone it down next time.”
“I’m joking. Let’s go.”
Lumian and Tania lightly held hands and walked toward the center of the ballroom.
Deep smiles were spread across both their faces.
It seemed like no one could intrude into their fresh yet tender atmosphere. It seemed like no one should.
Of course, there were occasionally people in the world who didn’t care about such things, others’ circumstances, or the flow of situations.
Unfortunately, the third son of the count’s family from the Kingdom of Cairo was also such a person.
He strode forward in front of the two and opened his mouth.
“You.”
“Me?”
“Get lost.”
“…What?”
“I have something important to discuss with this lady, so get lost.”
“….”
Lumian made an dumbfounded expression.
It was so absurd that he couldn’t think of what to say.
In his place, Tania opened her mouth.
Her expression was very displeased.
“I believe I already gave my answer through your escort knight?”
“My goodness, what are you being so stubborn about? I’m just suggesting we have a light conversation, is that so difficult?”
“…I’m sorry, but you seem a bit drunk.”
Tania was right.
Though the ball had only just begun, his face was already flushed red. A strong smell of alcohol wafted from his mouth.
Of course, like most drunk people, he didn’t acknowledge this.
In fact, even if he were sober, there wouldn’t be much difference. Even without drinking alcohol, he would still be intoxicated by power and background.
He shook his head and spewed harsh words.
“Damn, acting so expensive? Are you some Rodisia noble? From your accent, that doesn’t seem to be the case either? Not from Jenas, and certainly not from Cairo… Aren’t you from some rural kingdom?”
“….”
“Damn it, with such a status, how dare you ignore the son of a Cairo count’s family… I really… Does this situation even make sense…”
‘How is it that every time I come to a ball, incidents never cease?’
Am I someone who doesn’t suit balls?
Looking at Tania’s hardened expression, Lumian seriously thought.
Naturally, greater than such doubts was his anger. He wanted to smash the head of the stupid bastard in front of him right away.
But he couldn’t.
The first reason was that such action wouldn’t help Tania at all, and the second reason was that it could cause trouble for Denier Selly, who had arranged this occasion.
‘Damn it.’
Of course, such judgment was only possible under normal circumstances.
Right now, Lumian was on the verge of losing his reason.
“Oh? This bastard still hasn’t left? Acting like a partner or something?”
“….”
“What? Going to glare at me? Kid, don’t just stand there out of stubbornness and just leave. My escort knight is an Expert, you know? Don’t pick a fight and get beaten up, don’t piss yourself. Huh?”
It was an utterly childish provocation. Therefore, Lumian didn’t care about it at all.
But what that scoundrel had said to Tania.
His anger about that didn’t subside at all.
Rather, like a heating metal mass, it continued to build heat. Enough that Tania standing beside him could sense something was wrong.
“Lumian, let’s just go.”
“….”
“Lumian! What’s wrong!”
“Mr. Lumian Calard! Are you alright?”
The Bumer couple, who had grasped the seriousness of the situation, also hurriedly approached Lumian.
Nevertheless, Lumian’s emotions showed no signs of calming down. Before they knew it, everyone in the ballroom was looking their way.
Then, an amazing figure appeared who broke the current precarious situation.
“Sword Master Sir Claire Cambahita is entering.”
“What?”
“Lady Cambahita?”
“Someone who rarely even attends royal palace balls, in such a humble place?”
The hall stirred with murmurs.
It was inevitable. Though this was a fairly famous ballroom, it was a place far beneath the dignity of someone who was a Swordmaster.
It was a situation that defied common sense. People threw out comments one by one, speculating about why she had appeared here.
‘Shit, what the hell?’
Even the drunken scoundrel Third Son of the Count couldn’t act brazenly now.
She was someone who possessed even greater power than his own father.
If it had been just moments before when only easy targets were gathered, it might have been different, but in this situation, he was more sensitive to formality and courtesy than anyone else.
‘Let’s just stay quiet for now.’
The Third Son quietly closed his mouth and watched Claire Cambahita.
She would obviously leave after a brief moment anyway. There was no reason for someone of such high status to stay long in a place like this.
“…?”
But then something unexpected happened.
Her gaze, which had been looking around as if searching for someone, turned toward his direction.
And after nodding her head, she walked over step by step.
The Third Son was extremely flustered.
‘What? What is this?’
Without realizing it, his sphincter muscles tensed. His hands became damp in an instant.
Why on earth was that person walking toward where he was?
‘Could it be? Because of the commotion I caused? No, that can’t be! She just arrived!’
That couldn’t be it. He was certain of that.
But regardless, he couldn’t help feeling anxious.
Though he had acted and spoken like a king, he was nothing but a petty person. He was merely a small fry who had to watch others’ reactions everywhere because he couldn’t be proud of himself.
And compared to someone like him.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Sir Lumian Calard, and Sir Tania Eloise.”
The two people who had been acknowledged with the title of ‘Sir’ by a Swordmaster clearly had the qualifications to be called big shots.
‘…Swordmaster Claire Cambahita initiated the greeting first?’
To those young brats?
The bewilderment that appeared in the Third Son’s eyes was brief.
His face turned deathly pale as he belatedly grasped the situation.
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————