A Depressed Kendo Player Possesses a Reckless Aristocrat - Chapter 134



Founding (10)

When was it?

We’d had that conversation.

“Master… I have a wish.”

“Speak it.”

“It might be a difficult thing to ask.”

“When have you ever asked for something easy? Don’t hesitate, just say it.”

It was just another ordinary day.

After finishing academy work, the time we spent side-by-side in bed, winding down the day.

I was nestled in your embrace.

Leaning on you as if drunk on the warmth that spread through me.

“I can feel it now, that there’s really not much time left…maybe 4 years at most.”

“Lucas.”

“My body’s not like it used to be either. When I was young, I could use magic all day and be fine, but now it feels like it’s pushing me too hard.”

“That’s why I told you to refrain from magic demonstrations.”

“Haha…I can’t exactly tell the students to study only from the textbooks, can I?”

You showed me a foolish smile.

But soon, you erased that smile, looking dejected.

It must have been because of the sad look on my face.

“I’m sorry.”

“……Why are you bringing this up?”

I furrowed my brow for no good reason.

I resented you for forcing me to face a reality I wanted to ignore.

I’ve lived my whole life in a fierce, blood-soaked struggle.

Is it true that even this happiness we’ve found at the end of such a tragedy isn’t granted to us, not even for a fleeting moment?

I think I lamented for a while.

“I don’t like that look, Master.”

“What does it matter?”

“Smile. You’re much more beautiful when you do.”

“You’re probably the only student in the world who treats their teacher like this.”

“Forgive me.”

“Hmph.”

Back then, I’d push away the hand that tried to stroke my hair, annoyed.

Now, even that scene has become something I miss.

“So… what is it you’re asking for?”

“It’s nothing much.”

“Didn’t you just say it might be difficult?”

“It’s nothing much, yet it’s actually the most difficult thing of all.”

You smiled with your eyes.

Your green eyes, curving like the thicket of early spring, held a certain ache.

“Please live, Teacher.”

Perhaps because you were a flower that would live only a season and wither.

I knew your winter.

That heartbreaking beauty made me love you.

“Even when the day comes that I ultimately leave this world… please, live on, Teacher.”

“……”

“Even if I’m not here, I wish you happiness. That’s my wish.”

“……You ask for something difficult.”

“That’s why it’s a wish.”

You always acted as if you were indifferent to death.

But I knew.

That in moments like this, a faint sadness would flicker in your eyes.

A scar and a soft spot that no one in the world, not even you, knew of.

“I’ll try… so for now, just hold me without saying anything.”

That’s why I couldn’t coldly reject your request.

“I’m always grateful, Teacher.”

“Nonsense.”

“Please look after the students for me.”

“Just sleep now.”

Seeing you in pain hurts me the most.

If I didn’t say even that lie, I felt like I wouldn’t be able to endure it.

Yes, that’s how we were left, a scene from the past.

*

“However, I must say… your presence is vital for our tomorrow, Grandmaster.”

A voice that, despite hesitation, rang clear and distinct.

Korn listened to it silently.

Behind the sincerity flowing down her ear, eyes that resembled the night sky came into view.

They were certainly black, but Korn thought they sparkled.

How long has it been since I’ve felt this way?

Probably the first time since Lucas.

She tapped the table lightly, then, chewing over a strange feeling, murmured.

‘……You really do resemble him.’

They say the disciple resembles their master; was that really true?

The steadfast will, the unwavering gaze, even the hesitant but unyielding demeanor.

It was an image that faintly evoked someone.

The woman had to briefly reminisce about a bygone yesterday.

-Please, live, Master.

A past already severed, yet a scar throbbing like it’s alive.

It was a terrible phantom pain.

Korn bit her lip quietly.

Perhaps she was going insane.

Even the agony that was so painful it felt like her mind would break, she was loving it.

Lucas, my cruel child.

Even the pain you caused is so dear.

How could I not cherish the traces you left behind?

‘Just for a little while… yes, I will live the life you wanted.’

It was a terribly beautiful sentiment.

Or rather, could such a feeling even be called love in the first place?

It probably doesn’t matter anyway.

You’ve already left.

Lost in complex emotions, Korn slowly parted her lips.

“Very well… I shall.”

A single word, drawn out languidly.

Returning from the calm reply was the boy’s voice, laced with confusion.

“…Huh?”

Looking up, she saw eyes with dilated pupils.

Was it because he’d heard an answer he hadn’t expected?

Ryden seemed quite surprised.

At that blank reaction, Korn let out a soft chuckle.

“Why, now that I’ve agreed, you don’t like it?”

“How could that be?”

The boy quickly regained his composure, a bitter smile playing on his lips.

“It’s just… I didn’t expect you’d accept my request.”

“Now you know.”

“…Thank you. For indulging my stubbornness.”

“Don’t mind it. I’ll only be here a short while before leaving.”

Korn nodded her head with a nonchalant air.

At the woman’s demeanor, Ryden seemed both awkward and relieved, his tension easing.

“I look forward to working with you, Grand Master.”

“Yes.”

And so, Korn took on the role of Sentinel’s Patron.

A war hero, the Academy’s headmaster, an existence that radiated a duke’s presence even on her own.

At the Academy, a power with influence unlike any seen twice in history was finally born.

*

In a daze, he’d somehow obtained the formidable force known as his Grand Master.

Truth be told, it was a request thrown out with no expectations, but he’d never imagined she’d say yes.

But perhaps… maybe she’d found some will to live again?

It might be a foolish hope, but he wished it to be so.

Anyway, we’d gone through a lot.

Now, Sentinel was taking its final step toward its beginning.

The stage of getting approval for its creation from the faculty and student council.

I wasn’t particularly worried. Even just the people here could crush most nobles, so would they really refuse to stamp their approval?

It just needed a little waiting.

From noble mtl dot com

And while that week passed, I brought a new connection to the kids.

“Everyone, pay attention.”

Following the quiet call, several pairs of eyes fixed on me.

All the kids were covered in sweat, rolling around on the training ground.

Ariel, Lucy, Maharet, Golden Sun, Alan and the others… Every single founding member of Sentinel was in the middle of training.

Their hard work was pretty pleasing, but I didn’t show it.

I had more important things to do right now.

I could give them praise later.

While I waited for the kids to line up,

“Have you arrived, Master?”

Alan was the first to greet me.

Is it because he was chosen as the hero? His recovery speed was noticeably faster than the others.

“Yeah.”

I gave a casual reply, and then Alan glanced at the person standing next to me.

“But, who is the person beside you…?”

“H-Hiiiek…!”

Startled by the sudden attention, the purple creature cowered.

I patted the girl’s head as if to say it was alright.

Alan, noticing that she was afraid, bowed respectfully and stepped back.

“I apologize. I was out of line.”

“It’s alright.”

And so, the kids, who had been scattered, gathered, and finally, all the members were lined up.

Every single one of their eyes was fixed on one place.

The purple-haired girl trembling beside me.

Their eyes sparkle with curiosity as they look at her.

“Violet…?”

“What? It’s Violet?! It’s been ages!!”

Maharet and Golden Sun.

It seemed the two, who’d formed a connection on the school trip, recognized the girl.

I cleared the commotion with a few coughs, then formally introduced Violet.

“This is Violet. She’s a new member of the Sentinels from today on. A commoner, but her magical talent is exceptional, she’ll certainly be useful.”

“Ugh, uhhh…”

Violet hesitated, letting out a soft groan.

It was the right time to offer even a simple self-introduction, but she was just frozen stiff.

To calm her, I stroked her head.

“Hic, hieet…?!”

Violet flinched, terrified, but then closed her eyes tightly and accepted the touch.

I could feel the texture of the bandage covering half her face beneath my fingertips.

Maybe it was a surge of tenderness I felt.

I blankly repeated the action, lost in thought for a while.

Lucy and Ariel’s eyes seemed to be filled with some sort of discontent, but…

Eh, it’s probably just my imagination.

“As you can see, she’s very shy… I hope you’ll all be kind to her.”

With those words, I nudged the purple-head lightly.

Violet belatedly snapped back to reality and hurriedly bowed her head.

“I… P-pleased to meet, m-meet you all…!!”

Her voice was shaking terribly.

Leaving that timidly thrown-out greeting behind, I gently pushed Violet towards the others.

Golden Sun jumped out as if he had been waiting for this moment.

“Woohoo www, it really has been a while?!”

“Ah, h-hello… T-Tae-yang-ssi…”

“What~? You let me just call you by your name last time!”

“Ah, uh… Th-that’s…”

“You’re making it seem like I’m the only one trying to act friendly~! I’m hurt, you know?”

“Please let it go at that. You’re making Lady Violet uncomfortable.”

It was Maharet, no less, who rescued the girl from the golden-sun onslaught.

Violet seemed even more flustered by the appearance of the high noble… but maybe it’d be okay.

It’s not like they’re going to eat her.

As the two talked, the kids standing around also began to show interest, one by one.

“Nice to meet you! I’m Ariel Liszt!”

“I’m Lucy von Rietro. I’ve heard stories about you from Lyden sometimes, it’s nice that we’ve finally connected.”

Violet was increasingly surrounded by children.

She looked at me with desperate eyes, but I subtly avoided her gaze.

“L-Lord…!!”

It can’t be helped, Violet.

If you’re going to live together from now on, you’ll have to get used to situations like this.

I quietly ignored her pitiful plea.

And so, the chaotic academy life began again, with a bang.