Time passed.
Yuri was once again slumped in front of Bernard. His whole body ached from being beaten by him.
He wanted to knock that man down and look down on him at least once, but that day seemed far off.
"Bernard."
Since formal speech just didn't come naturally, the contract to use polite language was eventually scrapped.
"Yes."
"You know what?"
"What are you referring to?"
"You're quite popular, you know?"
"Pardon?"
Yuri jerked his chin toward outside the training grounds instead of replying.
When Bernard turned around, the maids who had been pushing laundry carts giggled among themselves and hurried away.
"The maids keep peeking at you."
Yuri waved his hand at them.
"You wave too."
"No, thank you."
"You're playing hard to get."
Yuri stood up from his seat.
"How's the swordsmanship?"
"You're right, Your Highness."
Bernard assessed.
"That swordsmanship has no fixed form."
"Exactly. I just move as it flows."
Yuri felt the flow of Mana Method coursing through his body.
Mana, resonating with Yuri's will, spread throughout his entire bloodstream, and that flow would then take on a new shape and manifest into the world.
Thus, he merely embodied the flow of Mana Method through his sword.
"Mana Method is your swordsmanship…"
Bernard looked regretful.
"It's not something I can learn. To study it, I'd have to constantly observe you…"
"Sounds good, right?"
"That's why I'm even more worried."
The Heart-Soul Slash left behind by Erich Briol had only been passed down to Yuri. So to observe it, one had no choice but to follow him.
"By the way…"
Bernard raised his sword and thrust at the air.
It was the very attack that had just toppled Yuri.
"You're growing fast."
"Of course."
Yuri shrugged.
Naturally.
It couldn't be helped.
Because this life was 'serious.'
"Indeed, your affinity for mana is exceptional."
"Oh?"
Bernard rarely praised others. For him, such words were high praise.
"Yes. I'm surprised. That you've already come to handle mana this well…"
Yuri felt a slight twinge of guilt.
His quick adaptation to mana came from his experience as a mercenary.
He had tirelessly trained to erase all traces of the Briol Method, and in doing so, developed a heightened sensitivity to mana.
"Take it slow. I'm concerned."
It was the first time the word "concern" had come from Bernard's mouth.
"Concern?"
"Yes. You're too fast, Your Highness. Compared to your age, your accomplishments are already considerable."
"I've only just started."
"You started early."
"You're the one who told me to learn it."
"I didn't expect it to be this fast. Your Highness's body hasn't fully matured yet."
"I have facial hair, you know?"
"No, you don't."
"It'll grow soon."
Typically, the start of secondary sexual characteristics marked the point to begin Mana Method training. In Yuri's case, there were just the faintest signs now.
Considering the growth of his Mana Method, it was, as Bernard said, indeed too fast.
But Yuri wasn't worried. Thanks to the memories of his past life, he clearly understood the synchronization between his body and mana.
"Don't worry. I'll regulate it well."
"Always observe your inner self."
"Got it."
Yuri stood up.
"Let's go again."
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"Of course."
Yuri was so focused on his training that even Bernard was starting to worry.
He had a reason to grow stronger as quickly as possible.
Before he came of age, a major incident would occur across the continent. Only much later did he understand that the event was the beginning of a storm.
He had to be prepared by then.
"Let's use real swords."
"Understood."
He raised Guilty, which had become familiar in his hand, instead of a wooden sword.
Yuri asked suddenly,
"Are you going to participate in the martial arts tournament?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"There's no need."
"Wanna bet?"
"No, thank you."
"Why not?"
"Because even if we bet, Your Highness won't keep your end of it."
"When have I ever?"
"The formal speech."
"You said it felt awkward too."
"I said it was awkward, not that I disliked it."
"Whatever, let's bet. If I land a single hit, you participate in the tournament."
"That's ridiculous."
"Are you doing it or not?"
"I'll win anyway."
"We'll see."
Yuri didn't land a single hit.
***
Every spring, Briol held a martial arts tournament, inviting prominent nobles and foreign dignitaries.
It was an important event for the royal family of Briol.
As Yuri headed toward the tournament hall, he kept fiddling with his outfit.
"What's wrong?"
"You said this and that were all bad."
"If you take everything off, what's left? Want me to just bring you your sword training outfit?"
"That might be better."
"Geez. Why are boys always like this?"
"What did you just say?"
"Huh?"
"You called me a boy…"
"You must've misheard."
"…"
Lately, Ena seemed to be getting a little too bold, but since she was cute, he decided to let it slide. Considering his past life, he was far older than Ena.
"I'll bring you lots of your favorite food. Your Highness should go find a cute young lady or something."
"No need, just bring lots of meat."
Ena had been recruited to help prepare for the tournament. It wasn't originally her task, but due to a shortage of hands, she volunteered.
As they neared the tournament hall, servants were carrying ingredients.
"Oh! Hello, Your Highness."
Even while holding heavy loads, they bowed in greeting.
Yuri waved his hand dismissively.
"It's fine, it's fine. Carry on."
"Thank you!"
Ena rolled up her sleeves.
"Looks like everyone's busy. I'll go on ahead."
"Sure. Good work."
"Don't cause any trouble at the tournament."
"Don't worry."
She ran off after the other servants.
Yuri watched her go, then clasped his hands behind his back and looked up at the sky.
White clouds drifted by.
"Hm…"
He tried to remember what the tournament was like in his past life.
Since he couldn't recall anything, it must not have been a big deal.
"I don't have time for this…"
Clicking his tongue, Yuri started walking toward the tournament hall.
Someone familiar, Rosso, was guarding the entrance.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
"Working hard, Sir Rosso."
"You still remember me."
"Of course I wouldn't forget a loyal member of the royal guard."
"It's an honor."
"Knowing that you're guarding the tournament hall puts me at ease."
"Haha, thank you."
"And next to you?"
"Yes! Your Highness. I am Hudson."
Rosso explained further.
"He's new. Even newer than Jared."
"I see."
Yuri suddenly extended his hand.
Hudson looked flustered, unsure of what it meant, but when Rosso gave him a nudge, he hastily took Yuri's hand.
"Thank you for joining the royal guard. Young men like you are the future of Briol."
"Th-thank you…"
Yuri had no problem offering this level of kindness to foster harmony in Briol.
He patted Hudson on the shoulder, commending his hard work.
"Well then, keep up the good work."
"Yes, sir!"
As he passed them, he heard whispers from behind.
"His Highness the Third Prince is very kind. He's nothing like the rumors."
"Well… I can see why you'd feel that way. I understand."
"My loyalty is overflowing."
"Calm down, my friend."
He probably thought Yuri wouldn't hear it, but having mastered the Mana Method, Yuri didn't miss even a small compliment.
"Heh heh heh…"
Even the strongest liquor becomes diluted when mixed with water. He would dilute his past infamy, bit by bit.
"I'm here."
"Oh, Your Highness."
"Blow that horn with style."
"Y-yes, sir."
As Yuri appeared, the doorman of the banquet hall blew the horn.
The nobles who had arrived earlier rose from their seats and greeted him respectfully.
Yuri glanced around the hall, then walked over to the royal family's seating area.
Cedric greeted him.
"You're here."
"Elder Brother."
Yuri blinked.
The softly falling light from the chandelier sparkled atop Cedric's eyes. His neatly worn ceremonial uniform made his already handsome features even more dazzling.
"You look great."
"Thanks. You look good too."
Though he was the same eldest brother Yuri always saw, on a day like this, he truly looked impressive.
Lately, Cedric's eyesight had started to decline, so he kept a pair of glasses in his breast pocket, which only made him appear even more refined.
Yuri sat down, admiring Cedric anew.
"Have you seen Joshua?"
"Nope."
Yuri shrugged.
"He'll show up when he feels like it."
The horn kept sounding, and soon the banquet hall was filled with nobles.
There were some unexpected guests, too.
"Sir Jaime showed up. I don't recall hearing he would come."
Yuri frowned.
Another event that hadn't happened in his past life had occurred.
He hadn't thought he'd changed much after returning to the past.
But once one thing changed, other things responded, and unexpected events kept piling up like this.
Yuri suddenly got chills, realizing just how many things were invisibly connected.
"Joshua. Why are you late?"
"Overslept."
Joshua plopped down in his seat. The dark circles under his eyes made it seem like he'd done something naughty the night before.
Sinking into his chair, he mumbled,
"Father'll be here soon. I saw him on the way."
The banquet would begin once Fiore arrived. Most of the nobles were already seated, waiting for him.
"What's wrong, Yuri?"
"It's nothing."
Yuri shrugged. He had a strange feeling that Jaime Theodore was staring at him, but brushed it off as his imagination.
Joshua muttered,
"I heard there's supposed to be an unexpected guest today…"
"Over there."
"Who's that?"
"Count Sadeur."
"How's that a surprise guest?"
"He never comes to these kinds of events."
"Not interested in that."
"Then who?"
Before Joshua could answer, the curtain behind them was drawn.
It was Fiore's entrance.
As he appeared, the orchestra stopped playing, and all the nobles in their seats stood up to greet him.
Yuri also bowed his head along with his two brothers.
Fiore spoke briefly.
"Enjoy yourselves."
At his words, the orchestra immediately struck up a grand tune.
The banquet had begun.
Some nobles lined up to request an audience with Fiore, while others immediately began dancing.
Those thinking a bit further ahead offered their greetings to Cedric, after Fiore.
"Greetings to His Highness, the Crown Prince."
"Thank you."
"We are truly grateful for your invitation…"
But neither Joshua nor Yuri drew much attention.
"They're ignoring us, huh?"
Joshua grumbled.
The old Yuri would have agreed and tried to stir up trouble somehow.
But now, he is an adult.
"That's a good thing. What do we gain by drawing attention?"
"What's with you? Did you eat something weird?"
"Heh heh…"
There was no need to rush the mental re-education of Joshua. It would come in time.
While picking at some food, Yuri observed the atmosphere of the banquet.
The nobles who came without much thought drank and chatted, or danced.
The more political ones gathered in groups to share quiet schemes.
And at the end of it all, someone no one expected appeared.
The horn sounded again.
The nobles stirred.
Tradition held that one should be seated before the king arrived. But this guest ignored that rule and came after the king.
Who could it be?
Soon, a vivid red silhouette appeared at the entrance.
The banquet hall fell silent.
Even Yuri was struck speechless.
Over a white ceremonial uniform fluttered a bright red cape.
Brilliant blond hair and deep green eyes — the unmistakable symbols of the continent's noblest bloodline.
The bloodline of the emperor.
Prince Georg, second prince of the Empire.
Why was he here?
While everyone remained silent, Fiore opened his mouth.
"You came earlier than you said."
Georg smiled and gave a small nod.
"I hurried. I happened to be passing by and heard good news."
"Thank you for visiting our humble hall."
"A place with Briol's Swordmaster can't be called humble — that's excessive humility."
Fiore rose from his seat and walked toward him.
Though Fiore was a king, Georg was imperial royalty.
The two met as equals, shaking hands while looking each other in the eye.
"Apologies for the sudden visit."
"You are always welcome here."
"Thank you for your hospitality."
"Please, enjoy the banquet."
"Gladly."
The bright red cape — a privilege granted to no one but imperial blood — fluttered with his every movement.
Yuri watched the meeting, frowning.
Joshua whispered beside him.
"He's not alone."
Just as he said, Georg had not come alone. Several retainers followed after him, and among them, Yuri spotted a face he never wanted to see again.
Joshua spoke in an excited voice.
"See her? She's really pretty. Who is she?"
He pointed to a girl.
Yuri muttered her name.
"Ekaterina."
"Ekaterina?"
As Joshua tilted his head, Yuri spoke the rest.
"Ibarra Granjay."
Ekaterina Ibarra Granjay.
Sister of Georg Ibarra Granjay, and daughter of the emperor.
And, Yuri's sin.