The Youngest Hides a Lot - Chapter 29

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 29
Creating a barrier with Uncle to protect this place!
“I want to take sword lessons!”
Uncle’s eyes widened as if he’d heard something completely unexpected.
“What?”
“I’m going to learn the sword! I’m going to become super strong too! Isn’t that what Northern men do?”
Uncle’s expression grew reluctant, his eyes narrowing slightly.
“Well… I suppose?”
A brilliant idea had struck me, and I failed to notice the subtle shift in Uncle’s expression.
‘If I join the Knight Order, it won’t seem strange for me to move about outside!’
Most sword lessons took place in the Training Ground, but Void often accompanied the knights on their patrols beyond the castle.
Of course, I’d also visited the Castle Walls several times under the guise of inspection tours.
‘Inspecting the Castle Walls is the perfect excuse!’
Uncle seemed reluctant about something. Yet he appeared unable to find a suitable objection.
Uncle took a sip of tea, pondered for a moment, then nodded.
“Fine. Do what you wish. If you need other studies, pursue those as well.”
“Yes! I love learning!”
My spirits lifted. I swung my legs happily and devoured the remaining cookies.
“Then Rubian, you’ll continue to stay here…”
Uncle, who had been watching me quietly, hesitated in an uncharacteristic way.
“Hmm?”
“Here…”
“What is it, Uncle?”
“…Ah, never mind.”
Why was Uncle acting so strangely today?
The way he started to speak and then stopped felt oddly unfamiliar. It seemed as though he were observing my reactions quite carefully…
“I suppose I should look into hiring a private tutor first.”
Uncle leaned back in his chair with a resigned sigh.
“Can’t I take lessons together with Void?”
“Well, that’s possible, but it might be a bit much for you to keep up with.”
“Is that so?”
Void was already studying at an advanced elementary Academy level. Once spring arrived and the new term began, he was determined to rank first this time, or so he claimed.
Well, that was none of my concern.
“It doesn’t matter. As long as I can receive sword lessons from the knight uncles, I’ll become strong! Strength! Stamina!”
I clenched my small fist and held it up proudly.
While inspecting the Castle Walls was important, I also harbored a desire to train this weak body of mine. Seeing those rock-solid strong warriors had kindled an admiration within me.
Uncle chuckled and ruffled my hair vigorously.
“I don’t think those fellows will leave you alone.”
“Huh?”
“Since you’ve made up your mind, you should steel your resolve.”
What are you talking about?
Are you saying the knights are going to bully me?
‘No way.’
The Knight Order uncles quite liked me.
Whenever we happened to cross paths, they smiled so kindly.
Especially Leon—he was always giving me snacks….
Suddenly, that voice mentioning the youngest knight echoed in my mind.
In that instant, the back of my neck went cold. Wait, this doesn’t feel right?
“Uncle, I just got curious about something….”
“Yeah.”
“Has anyone recently joined the Zebert Knight Order?”
I asked carefully. Uncle rested his arm on the armrest and counted the ceiling patterns.
“Hmm….”
Gulp.
“No one. Not in recent years.”
Gasp.
“Void was the last one, several years ago.”
No! A new recruit after all these years!
Fresh water flowing into stagnant, rotting water!
I could already see the hardships ahead.
The knight uncles had been kind to me only because I wasn’t yet part of the Knight Order and thus not worth their attention!
“I, I should just accept reality as it is….”
“A man doesn’t hesitate.”
Tap. A plate of plump fruit jelly was placed on the table.
A familiar voice from beside me.
“Uncle Leon…?”
Creak creak, as I lifted my head, there was Leon, though I had no idea when he’d entered.
“Your Excellency, I came because there were urgent documents.”
“Right, hand them over.”
Uncle extended his hand with a smile playing at his lips.
While he examined the documents, the blue-haired knight stared at me intently.
His eyes gleamed with the greedy light of a predator that had found promising prey.
“So you’ve finally made your decision.”
“Uh….”
“Come on, youngest.”
* * *
Whoooosh.
A dry wind blew. Far away, a round cloud of dust rolled along the ground.
The desolate Training Ground.
Standing before me were powerful knights whose rippling muscles were on full display. I was nothing but a pathetic herbivore standing in front of them.
“A senior can become either an angel or a demon depending on what you do.”
I’d heard that phrase somewhere before.
I swallowed hard.
Ufufufu. For some reason, I could swear I heard sinister laughter echoing from all around, but it must be my imagination.
“Hehe… It’s been a while since we’ve had a new recruit.”
“You’re so adorable and charming that I just want to train you properly.”
“I’ll make you into a true man of the rugged Northern Region.”
“My blood is boiling…”
It had to be my imagination.
‘But it’s still cold out… isn’t a sleeveless shirt a bit much?’
I stared blankly as I watched heat shimmer like a mirage rising from their bronze-toned bodies.
“This is the Zebert Knight Order. This place is dominated by a strict, merit-based hierarchical culture. Therefore, we do not use formal speech here. Any complaints?”
You weren’t using formal speech with me anyway…
The knight at the very front took a step forward. Nearby, Void stood watching with an interested expression, wooden sword in hand.
“None at all, sir!”
I answered with as much sharpness as I could muster.
The atmosphere somehow demanded it.
Clink.
As I moved, the decorative clasp on my knight’s cloak chimed. The deep blue Zebert Knight Order uniform was heavier than I’d expected.
Of course, there was no uniform in my size, so I had to have one custom-made from scratch…
The gazes of the knight uncles who had gathered like clouds felt piercing. Leon seemed to be covering his mouth and staring off into space.
“I am Obron, Vice-Commander of the Zebert Knight Order.”
“Ah, yes. I’ve heard much about you, sir.”
I recalled Void’s chattering from earlier.
The Vice-Commander with his short, neat hair bore a long scar beside his left eye. His expression was anything but easygoing.
“Then, let us begin your initiation training.”
“Yes, sir!”
His resonant, solemn voice naturally drew a sharp response from me.
The senior knights moved with practiced precision.
Watching their disciplined movements, my body tensed up involuntarily.
“First, two laps around the Training Ground!”
Gasp, two laps?
“The children’s version!”
“Yes, yes, sir!”
I answered frantically.
I ran two laps around the tiny Training Ground attached to the side of the massive one.
Huff, huff, this is exhausting! The path to becoming a physical powerhouse knight is truly long and arduous!
“Next, wooden sword drills!”
“Yes, sir!”
I answered while catching my breath.
“But it’s still dangerous, so let’s just observe for now!”
“Yes, sir!”
Obron pointed toward the distant Armory with his thick finger. I was about to take a step forward when my collar was suddenly grabbed.
“Why, why are you doing this?”
“Hmm, horseback riding is essential for a knight. We’ll ride there.”
Oh, I was confident about riding horses!
“You there, passing by!”
“Yes, Vice-Commander.”
“Become the youngest’s horse! Execute!”
“Executing!”
“….”
I blinked quietly. As my field of vision suddenly rose and the wind struck my cheeks, my scattered mind finally returned.
‘Wait, what?’
This was just like riding on Uncle’s shoulders to see wooden swords?
* * *
Regardless, once Knight Order duties began intruding into my daily life, a peculiar vitality started flowing through me.
“Huff, huff. Two laps around the Training Ground, holding a wooden sword, dodging balls, conversing with horses! I’ve completed it all!”
Obron’s lips curved upward with satisfaction.
“Good. Excellent work. Tomorrow we’ll tour the Castle Walls.”
I lifted my head abruptly. It was a sound I’d been longing to hear.
Perhaps noticing the sudden change in my eyes, Obron’s expression softened for a moment.
“You wanted to see the Castle Walls that badly?”
“Yes! I really wanted to, senior!”
“Hmm, that’s a good attitude. The Commander will be pleased.”
“The Commander you speak of…?”
“Of course, the Duke himself.”
“I see.”
I nodded slowly.
Right. If we’re talking about the commander of this Knight Order, it would naturally be Leviathan.
Obron gazed into the distance with distant eyes. Upon his chest was embroidered the blue lion crest, the symbol of the Knight Order.
“We must constantly strengthen and train ourselves so as not to bring shame upon His Grace. Only then can we achieve true….”
“Say, what happens if that Commander brings shame upon someone?”
“Huh?”
The knight, drowning in loyalty, returned to reality.
I raised my arm and pointed to a corner of the Training Ground.
“He’s been sleeping over there since earlier….”
“….”
The surroundings fell into heavy silence.

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