Bad Born Blood - Chapter 30



Only Noblemtl

030

Kinuan is under my surveillance. However, I feel comfortable with Kinuan. He also knows that I am under the orders of the captain of the guard.

In many ways, we have a delicate relationship. If I think about it carefully, most of the people I interact with are like that.

While we were talking about subordinates, I asked Kinuan a question.

“Oh, the captain of the guard said this last time. He said that Instructor Kinuan knows how to handle subordinates well.”

“Heylas? Haha, you overestimate me. Well, if it’s advice, I can give you some. After all, I’m your teacher.”

Kinuan leaned his tilted head against the back of his hand. He tapped the table with his other hand.

Wheeing.

A holographic portrait appeared. It showed a man and a woman. It was Gilda and Gabrielle.

“Gilda and Gabriel are your current allies in the lower sector. You have shown them a favor. You saved Gilda from the gang and paid for Gabriel’s medical expenses. These two people will be happy to help you.”

Now that I think about it, Kinuan taught me early on how to make friends.

“Of course. Because I did something for them.”

“But that’s not enough. If you’re in a really dangerous situation, they’ll betray you. You need to build deeper relationships through emotional connection. Like family and friends.”

I had a question.

“Like family and friends?”

“Yes, sometimes like lovers. They have to be emotionally close to you so that they’ll be willing to sacrifice their lives for you. However, you have to keep your distance from them psychologically. If your relationship gets too deep, you’ll start to avoid ‘consumption.’”

Kinuan spoke as if he was lecturing. The content was cold.

“… … I don’t feel like it.”

I thought it would be better to deal with people with violence and fear.

“The point is this: ‘Be loved, but don’t love.’ That’s the secret to taking the lead in all human relationships.”

I didn’t hide the resentment that was building inside me.

“The soldiers of the Empire will go to their deaths if you give them the order. I don’t think there’s any reason to bother forming bonds.”

Kinuan just laughed at my objections.

“There will be times in the future when you will have to have non-soldiers under your command. Not all soldiers in the Empire are as brave as you say. And above all… … .”

Kinuan, who had been taking a deep breath, opened his eyes slightly and interlocked his fingers. The light leaking out was cold.

“… … If you sacrifice your subordinates by order, your reputation will suffer. You will also develop resentment. However, if your subordinates sacrifice their lives voluntarily, it will become a good story and your reputation will improve. If this trend continues, those who are caught up in the crowd mentality will willingly sacrifice themselves for you. People who entrust their ego to the great trend tend to easily throw away their one and only life. They think it is worth it.”

I sat silently, absorbed in thought.

The captain of the guards was right. Kinuan knew how to command people well, even though he was just a member of the guards. His speech was as if he had been the leader of the group for quite some time.

The guardsmen often act as commanders, but Kinuan’s words hit on something more fundamental. It wasn’t an insight that could be gained from serving as a field commander a few times.

I stared at Kinuan without averting my eyes. However, it was difficult to read his intentions and thoughts. Why is he telling me such things?

“… … I understand. There are definitely areas where I am lacking.”

It’s hard to say that I’m sociable, even in vain. Rather, I’m rather exclusive. I wonder if I can make good use of advice.

“But I have a question, Instructor.”

Kinuan waited for me to speak as if telling me to do so.

“What if your mind cannot bear the attrition of others? For example, by pangs of conscience or guilt?”

“I guess I’ll have to get used to it.”

Kinuan said it easily. I dug into it to the end.

“What if you can’t get used to it?”

“Then you lack the qualities to command someone. It means you are not the type of person who can stand above others in the first place.”

I nodded very slowly. This is not a matter of understanding or not. It is reality and fact.

* * *

There are several educational institutions in the empire. Just as not all nobles are soldiers, not all educational institutions are military training centers.

One of them is the Royal Academy of Kratie.

It is an educational institution named after His Majesty the Emperor. It is said that in order to become an elite bureaucrat who will become the backbone of the empire, one must go through Kratzia Academy.

… … said Captain Heilas Custoria.

I just received a call from the captain of the guards and came in a hurry. Krachia Academy? I have no interest and it was none of my business. No, to be exact, it was like that until now.

“yes?”

This one word revealed my confusion. When have I ever asked a superior such a question? At least not in my memory.

“You seem surprised at the word ‘dispatch, Luca.”

The captain of the guards who was explaining the Krachia Academy was laughing as if it was fun.

“You’re not joking… are you?”

I muttered. The captain of the guard added, as if he fully understood my reaction.

“It’s a two-month assignment at best. It’ll be a good experience for you, too.”

“I thought I would fall.”

“It’s a tradition to send them in order of training performance. Oh, Illei refused. She said she wanted to rest at her parents’ house for the time being.”

“Then I will also refuse.”

I spoke firmly. But the captain of the guard answered without a moment’s hesitation.

“I will refuse your refusal. You have no experience of noble society. You must experience it indirectly through this. If you truly intend to become a member of the Custoria family.”

When I got to this point, I was left speechless.

To sum it up, it’s simple. I will be a student at the Royal Academy for two months from now. It’s ridiculous, but it was also an order from the Captain of the Guard.

I knew that the top 4th year of training sent the top cadets of the Guard to the Royal Academy, but I didn’t think they would include me, who was from the lower ranks.

“If you think it will be an experience I need, I will be happy to go.”

I saluted with my feet together in a dignified manner. I had no intention of showing any more unsoldierliness. If an order is given, I will simply carry it out.

“Oh, and Luca.”

The captain of the guard called me over and continued speaking.

“I’ve called your guide separately. Let’s see, pack your bags and go to the airport at 1:20 PM tomorrow.”

I licked my lips.

‘Guide?’

I had my doubts, but I didn’t ask. I would find out tomorrow anyway.

* * *

The next day.

Beep.

I heard the ringing of my wristwatch linked to the terminal.

The current time is exactly 13:20. The sound of engines was humming above the airfield.

A six-person aerial vehicle landed in front of me. The vehicle’s exterior was black, with lights along its edges that glowed a gorgeous red. The faint seams on its sides parted, and the wing-shaped doors opened upward.

I stood still and looked inside. The interior was very luxurious. Where there should have been seats, there were refrigerators and displays, and the floor was covered with gray cloth, giving it a calming feel.

“Don’t just stand there, come in.”

It was a woman’s voice. She was sitting inside, so she couldn’t be seen from outside. There was annoyance in her voice.

‘Well, for now, the vehicles and people came at the command of the captain of the guards.’

I shrugged and went inside. As expected, everything was luxurious. The seat that touched my feet was soft. Although it was a six-seater aerial vehicle, the actual interior was for four people due to the convenience.

“I am Luka, a cadet of the Royal Guard.”

I spoke to the owner of the voice.

“I know your names, so you don’t have to tell me everything.”

He had a very aggressive attitude. He probably had never been hit before because he was so shameless. Then he must have been a noble.

I observed the woman. I didn’t stare at her intently. Just a quick glance was enough.

‘Are they around my age?’

Judging from the breathing and atmosphere, it wasn’t a full-body suit. Most nobles use full-body suits when they become adults. Nobles who don’t use full-body suits are either minors or a different species.

The woman in front of me was looking out the window with her arms crossed. She didn’t seem to have any intention of introducing herself properly. Her hair was a dark blue that made her look like she was depressed. Depending on the lighting, it looked like black.

“I have come by order of the Captain of the Guard. Is your destination the Krachia Academy?”

“You know very well.”

The woman said that and closed her mouth. Hmm, I felt my patience evaporating.

“Understood, Lady of House Custoria.”

The woman looked at me properly for the first time. Her eyes widened, then frowned.

“How did you find out?”

“It’s a simple deduction. If you were a simple errand boy or a vassal of Custoria, no matter how much you disliked it, you wouldn’t dare express your dissatisfaction after receiving orders from Captain Heilas Custoria. In that case, you’re a noble of the Custoria family.”

The woman didn’t shake off her displeasure even after hearing my explanation.

“You didn’t know my identity in advance?”

“If you have any questions, ask ‘Father.’”

I spoke with confidence. Even if he was a member of the Custoria family… … a collateral or low-ranking member, he would not be able to maintain such an impertinent attitude in response to the orders of the captain of the guards. This meant that he was a direct descendant or close friend.

The woman in front of me is probably the captain’s daughter. If my guess is wrong, it will end with a brief fling.

Fortunately, the gamble was successful. The woman seemed to be interested in my talent and opened her mouth with a somewhat relaxed attitude.

“… … I am Giselle Custoria. I have come to act as your guide at the order of my father.”

I was torn between whether I should like it or not. There was no reason to send my daughter as my guide. In fact, Giselle was getting irritated because she didn’t understand why she had to be my guide.

The current situation itself meant that the captain of the guard was treating me specially.

‘Luca Custoria.’

And it was also a declaration of intent to keep that promise.

“Your insight is pretty good. But don’t ever talk to me like you’re standing over me again. It makes me feel bad.”

Giselle again maintained her cold demeanor. It seemed as if she had no intention of treating him kindly.

Suddenly, I thought of Lillian Ramones. Compared to Giselle, Lillian was a nice girl from the start. At least she didn’t ignore me.

“I apologize if I offended you… … .”

I let out a deep sigh as I spoke. The woman in front of me is a civilian. She is not my superior. Why should I bow down? If I can endure this much, the captain of the guards will understand.

“… … Well, let’s stop. Rather than flatter someone who hates me, I’ll bite my tongue and give in. Let’s each do what we’re told. You lead me, and I’ll follow you. Is that okay?”

Giselle seemed surprised by my remark. She stared blankly at me for a while. Soon, she bit her lower lip in anger and turned her head away without answering.

Wow, that’s a girl whose nose I want to break. Not metaphorically, but physically. I hope I get the chance to do that someday.

I also crossed my arms and looked out the window. Before I knew it, the Royal Guard training center was in the distance. And just like that, the Krachia Academy was getting closer.