Swordsmanship Family's Martial Arts Genius - Chapter 34

Did Henry know?

That all of this was already predetermined.

Ethan appearing at this timing, Henry’s reactions, and even the flow of the conversation.

Everything had been pre-arranged.

Ethan had already been notified about Henry’s existence.

‘He must have known from the start.’

Henry is a character that appears in the original work.

He wasn’t a major character, but he had his own significance.

‘The reasons will be revealed gradually.’

Right now, that wasn’t important. What mattered was Henry’s disposition.

‘He’s not harsh, can’t say bad things. But he has his convictions.’

A citizen with beliefs.

This phrase perfectly described Henry.

The snowball that had begun rolling was now so large that it was difficult to make it any bigger.

Henry must know that it was hard to deny or escape this situation.

Ethan made eye contact with Henry.

For some reason, Henry shrunk his neck, as if intimidated by Ethan’s impression.

‘Is this really Blante’s pig-headed scoundrel? He’s completely different from what I’ve heard!’

No matter how unreliable rumors might be, this was too extreme.

It wasn’t just different; it was something else entirely.

Ethan, who had undergone repeated training, had transformed his body in a short period. The unnecessary fat was all gone, and his muscular physique was apparent even under his clothes.

It was the body of a rigorously trained warrior. Additionally, the power acquired from defeating the Black Ogre subtly exuded an aura of intimidation.

Ethan’s gaze was full of confidence.

That confidence didn’t stem from baseless arrogance, but from self-belief.

That spirit made Henry timid.

When Ethan greeted him with a slight nod and extended his hand, a flustered Henry took it.

‘…It’s rough.’

The sensation of Ethan’s hand.

His skin was tough.

His hand was full of calluses and scars.

Even Henry, who had never trained his body, could tell.

This was the hand of a warrior, not a drunkard who abandoned his sword for alcohol and food.

Ethan let go of Henry’s hand and naturally took a seat.

Then, he gestured politely for Henry to sit down as well.

“I assume you must be quite bewildered.”

“…It appears so.”

Ethan maintained a calm tone. Vincent watched Ethan with a peculiar expression.

As if saying, ‘Let’s see what you’ve got.’

Ignoring that gaze, Ethan continued.

“Are you a man of few words, Henry?”

Henry’s expression became subtle at Ethan’s question.

He seemed to ponder what answer to give.

Ethan waited a bit for Henry’s reply before speaking.

He didn’t ask the question expecting an answer in the first place.

“I am telling you this because both I and my family trust you, but… our Blante family has a negative perception of the Academy.”

“Why is that? The Academy operates with the intent to benefit everyone, endorsed by numerous countries…”

“That’s the problem. Do you really think a group formed by those in power was created for such simple reasons? Power always brings corruption.”

Ethan crossed his legs as he spoke.

“This is just my family’s personal opinion, so I don’t expect you to agree… but it seems you haven’t been corrupted yet.”

“Ah… Thank you.”

— What a cunning snake.

Feon spoke in a bewildered tone.

Feon had only seen Ethan fight like a madman.

This was the first time seeing him negotiate calmly at a table.

Naturally, it was a stark contrast to what Feon had known of Ethan.

Vincent and Chen weren’t much different in their observations.

They too wore expressions that were hard to describe, as if they had swallowed something wrong.

“A great warrior does not emerge from times of peace.’ That is something my father used to say to me.”

Henry looked at Vincent.

‘Did I say that?’

However, Vincent couldn’t respond here, so he spoke without changing his expression.

“That thought hasn’t changed.”

“I agree with that. But… I believe it’s possible to prepare to foster great warriors even in times of peace. I am aware of the rumors about me. It hasn’t been easy to claim that I’ve changed. Of course, I don’t intend to cover up my past misdeeds.”

“Then how do you intend…”

“To prove it.”

Ethan’s eyes cooled.

“That I’ve changed.”

“…Are you planning to use our Academy just for that reason?”

Henry, surprised by his own words, gulped.

A hint of regret began to surface on his face.

Ethan responded with a hint of a smile.

“Why, is that not permissible?”

“…What?”

“I am asking if it’s not permissible to attempt that for such a reason. Blante must always be held high. We must remove any irritating dust. Surely, you don’t mean to say that the Academy’s respect for Blante has been false all along?”

Ethan’s eyes turned cold. When he intentionally released a hint of his power, Henry’s expression stiffened instantly.

‘I wasn’t there during that conversation.’

That wasn’t the important thing. The important thing was that Ethan was now setting the tone of this meeting.

“I don’t think…”

“Then we need evidence to that effect. It’s awkward to say this myself… but I am stronger than any of my siblings within the family.”

“…Is that true?”

Henry looked at Vincent. Smirking, Vincent nodded.

“It’s true. Recently, he even defeated the eldest, Morun, in a duel.”

“…Really?”

Henry knew about Morun. It was only natural, since he had come as an envoy to negotiate with the Vincent family.

That’s why he was even more shocked. Ethan, known only as a scoundrel, had won a duel against Morun.

‘I can’t believe it… It could be a lie…’

Henry alternated his gaze between Ethan, Vincent, and Chen.

There was no sign of deceit in their expressions.

Logically thinking, there was no reason for them to lie about this.

“As the legitimate heir and strongest of Blante, my joining the Academy as a professor is the utmost courtesy. But… the Academy’s stance seems different.”

“…”

“If the Academy changes its stance after showing this much sincerity and response, we will not simply be disappointed. Blante repays insults doubly.”

“…Are you threatening me?”

“Threats? This isn’t a threat. Consider this a warning. A threat would be…”

Ethan momentarily raised his killing intent before he continued speaking.

“I heard you have a younger sister.”

“…!”

Henry’s eyes widened. His usually weak and blurry eyes now filled with killing intent.

‘I like this reaction.’

If there hadn’t been any change even after this provocation, Ethan would have been genuinely disappointed.

“What do you mean by that?!”

Henry shouted as he rose to his feet, but Ethan still wore a smirk.

“Sit down.”

“You’ve made a mistake.”

“Nothing has happened yet. Listen first before making a decision.”

“…I’ll listen for now.”

“I understand you are taken aback by Blante’s sudden position. But we cannot back down either. I have already been humiliated once by the Academy. If you change your mind again after showing this level of sincerity and response, it won’t just end in disappointment.”

“…So what are you proposing?”

“If you know about Blante, then you should also be aware of our infamy. I understand you are flustered, but emotional responses are not advisable. That’s why I am here, for a simple negotiation.”

“Negotiation?”

“As you previously mentioned, I understand that in the Academy, skill determines everything.”

“That is correct.”

“Don’t you want a promotion? Your entry seems to be around the same time as Reberlyn, yet there’s quite a gap in rank already, isn’t there?”

“Ugh…”

“Not to mention, with the famed Emila who joined later…”

“So, what are you suggesting?”

“Bring in a swordsmanship professor.”

“Pardon?”

Ethan laughed broadly, showing his teeth as he responded.

“I will defeat that professor and prove my ability.”

***

After the conversation ended, Henry hurriedly left the mansion, and Ethan was alone with Vincent.

“…You surprised me quite a bit.”

“Nothing to be surprised about.”

Vincent narrowed his eyes.

“Where did you learn such eloquence? Judging by your usual behavior, you don’t seem like someone who reads a lot of books.”

“Hahaha, that’s a good joke. Who would teach this? One picks it up naturally.”

It wasn’t a lie.

In his previous life as Ryu Taesin, martial arts organizations and various media outlets were more than cunning foxes.

They employed all sorts of political tricks and monetary schemes to manipulate Ryu Taesin.

To protect his value and prove himself, one had to know how to negotiate.

That was something naturally acquired; eloquence isn’t something one can teach.

— A terrifying guy…

Feon, equally shocked, was still saying the same thing.

“Alright. I’ll let this slide. But let me ask you one thing.”

“Go ahead.”

“Why do you want to go to the Academy?”

Vincent’s expression was filled with complexity.

Ethan could roughly understand why.

“I have no interest in the position of head of the family.”

Both Vincent and Chen’s faces distorted at Ethan’s answer.

“…Do you understand what you’re saying?”

“Winning one duel doesn’t mean I can take everything. That would be a thief’s mindset. I refuse to be involved in bothersome matters any longer… You know the letter.”

“…Is that truly the reason?”

“Yes. That’s the reason. It annoys me to the point that I can’t sleep. Aren’t you curious?”

“Curious about what?”

“The expression Lisa will have when the brother she so despises becomes the professor in charge of swordsmanship.”

“Hah…”

Vincent momentarily lost his words and sank into his chair.

‘He’s hiding his true intent to the end, cunning fellow.’

However, Vincent didn’t find Ethan’s hidden intent displeasing.

Vincent laughed softly.

“Indeed, it does pique my interest a bit.”

Vincent decided to let Ethan proceed as he intended.

“Keuk, right?”

“I’m not sure what I’m seeing here.”

As Chen shook his head and sighed, Ethan asked.

“Doesn’t Sir Chen find it interesting?”

At that question, a smile crept across Chen’s stern face. With a smile curling his lips, Chen responded.

When a smile crossed his cold face, it looked peculiarly bizarre.

“Of course, I do.”

Everyone in the room burst into laughter at Chen’s response.

***

Henry exited the reception room with a blank expression. Awaiting him outside the reception room were knights emanating a fierce aura.

Henry passed through the corridor with a somewhat sullen expression.

“We will escort you back to the territory.”

“N-no, that’s okay. I’ll go alone.”

Refusing the knight’s offer, Henry started walking briskly.

‘I need to leave quickly…’

He had been swept along by the situation to this point…

Henry tried to organize his complicated thoughts, but the dismal situation made his head spin.