The Terminally Ill Prince is the Mad Dog of the Underworld (Novel) - Chapter 47

Chapter 47. The Dirt on One’s Back is a Swordsman’s Pride

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It was a night when the bright moon hung between clouds. Duke Georg Grünewald’s blue eyes shimmered softly in the moonlight.

“How absurd.”

Among everyone in this castle, only Georg easily saw through Allenbert’s true intentions.

“What a mischievous fellow, causing trouble for so many people.”

A faint smile appeared on the duke’s face, which was usually cold and solemn. How had he managed to hide such liveliness for seven years?

“Moreover, it seems he has a natural talent for fighting.”

This was a different dimension from simply having exceptional martial arts talent.

“When someone like Jeffrey declares him a genius, it must be no ordinary talent.”

The head butler was inwardly surprised at the duke’s words. How long had it been since the head of the family had mentioned his child so frequently?

Just a few days ago, he had said there was no need to report unless there were special circumstances, but now he was listening to updates about Allenbert almost daily.

“Give Somerset a light warning about this matter.”

“Yes.”

Georg knew everything. Both what Somerset had done, and even how his birth mother, Third Lady Bianca, had quietly carried out her elimination.

‘My son. You’re still rough and don’t know your boundaries.’

Moreover, he was foolish. It was hard to suppress a laugh at hearing how he had ransacked the medicine warehouse in the annex immediately after meeting Allenbert.

However, as a father, he had no intention of crushing Somerset and Bianca’s ambitions himself. How could a father stop them from trying their best within their means? It was merely the duty of the family head to warn them not to cross the line as they were doing now.

“There is one more thing to report.”

“Speak.”

“This afternoon, Lady Ulbhild came to see me. She asked why you haven’t assigned a sword instructor to Young Master Allenbert…”

“It’s been a while since that fellow has shown such interest in someone else’s talent.”

However, Georg’s position remained unchanged.

“There are still things I want to confirm.”

The head butler knew what this meant.

‘…This is unusual. To observe for such a long time.’

This was a sign that the duke had extraordinary expectations. It meant he was carefully considering the appropriate personnel selection.

“Indeed, we can’t just assign any teacher.”

“Do you have someone in mind?”

Georg answered, and—

The head butler was shocked at hearing the name.

“Your Grace, are you serious?”

“Of course.”

“…”

Georg smiled slightly at the head butler.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you this surprised.”

“This will truly be an extraordinary test.”

If Allenbert could endure that man’s training…

‘Perhaps this could lead to unexpected developments.’

The head butler felt his palms becoming sweaty without realizing it.

* * *

The sky was cloudy since morning. Though it didn’t look like it would rain, the mood wasn’t particularly good.

‘When the port is cloudy, my mood becomes gloomy too.’

I maintain that the seaside should be bright with sunshine.

“But it’s already completely healed.”

When I removed the bandage, my palm was cleanly healed. The potion’s effect seemed quite good.

“Was Joseph actually a renowned doctor all along?”

“He has a good reputation among the guards.”

“Despite being a bit slow, he’s really smart, I tell you.”

When both Olivier and Peter said so, I became rather worried.

“Then he must meet many people. I hope he doesn’t carelessly let slip any strange remarks.”

“I’ll remind him about that once more.”

“Good.”

Olivier is fundamentally quick with handling matters.

“Well then, Olivier, is everything ready?”

“…Are you really going?”

“Of course.”

Today, I was thinking of going to observe training.

“Without a master and unable to read swordsmanship manuals, shouldn’t I at least learn by watching?”

Seeing how permission was granted without any issues, it seemed father wasn’t going to stop me from doing this much. Like yesterday’s outing, father generally had a strong laissez-faire attitude.

‘He’s raising his child to be strong, Duke Georg.’

“Young master, will it be alright?”

“What?”

“In the 4th Battalion, that person is there.”

It was clear what Olivier was worried about.

Guard Keseg.

The third son of a vassal family who gave me an unsettling look two days ago, and who was desperate to establish connections with Verdzich.

He was worried about unnecessary friction because that guy belonged to the 4th Battalion.

“What are you so worried about? Think I’ll lose?”

“So you’re planning to fight outright.”

Olivier sighed.

“Keseg is a proper regular guard. He’s a swordsman who has reached the 4th rank and a first-class soldier.”

Meanwhile, I’m a young boy at early 3rd rank who hasn’t even learned swordsmanship.

…At least that’s how others see me.

“You still doubt me after seeing my fight yesterday?”

“Even if Keseg had been there, the result would have been similar.”

This time Olivier wouldn’t easily back down.

“Young master, please have one practice match with me.”

“To prove my skills?”

“That’s the only way you can convince me.”

This was the difference between Peter and Olivier. He wasn’t just a vassal who whispered sweet nothings. This was how this man showed his loyalty.

And I believe bitter medicine is better for the body than sweets.

‘This is why I still can’t tell you all my thoughts, Olivier.’

If he knew my true intentions, he would obviously oppose even more strongly.

But I didn’t want to demand blind trust without basis. Just as a vassal must prove their abilities, there are times when a lord must do the same.

“Olivier.”

That’s why I was pleased with this man’s heart. Though I could force my way if I wanted to, as even Olivier couldn’t stop me in the end, I didn’t want to do that.

“I seem to have gotten myself a nagging butler.”

“I apologize. This is what I learned from my uncle.”

“If you’re going to use the head butler’s name here, I can’t say anything against it.”

I said to Peter with a grin.

“Bring us some wooden swords.”

“Ah, yes!”

Peter ran off hurriedly.

‘This works out well.’

Actually, I wanted to cross swords with this man at least once too. It would also be good to observe the martial arts of House Borgardt while at it.

‘This gives me a good justification in many ways.’

“I won’t use mana. If you can withstand 10 exchanges with me, then I won’t presumptuously try to stop you anymore.”

Olivier Borgardt.

As a butler, he possessed combat ability surpassing Jeffrey, the captain of the guards.

‘He must have passed the early stages of 5th rank long ago.’

Even in my past life, there weren’t many who could last 10 exchanges in a wooden sword match against someone like him.

‘But not against me.’

* * *

“Won’t you lighten up your expression?”

“……”

On the way to the training grounds where the 4th Battalion was practicing.

Olivier’s expression was full of dejection.

“It was a good match.”

“……”

The 10 exchanges ended much more anticlimactically than expected.

“I never thought you’d roll on the ground so shamelessly.”

“The dirt on my back is a swordsman’s pride.”

“Isn’t it usually the opposite?”

“Isn’t getting dirty better than losing your neck?”

“……”

That was also Karzan’s philosophy.

In my past life, I survived through countless shameful acts, and I never felt ashamed of them.

“I did learn something. I realized that in real combat, unexpected variables could catch me off guard at any time.”

“Good. You’ve learned an excellent lesson.”

Let’s briefly review the fight.

Olivier tested me lightly with his first three attacks, and as soon as he realized my responses were much more skillful than expected, he increased his attack speed.

‘Smooth combinations like flowing water.’

Thanks to Peter’s prior explanation, I knew this was the sword principle pursued by the Borgardt family.

‘Usually, this type of swordsmanship prefers to limit the opponent’s options with multiple attacks rather than going for a single killing blow.’

Just like playing chess.

‘In my experience, swordsmen with such tendencies all have the same chronic problem.’

They were the type who got a perverted pleasure from ending fights with an exquisite final move.

‘When you know your enemy’s tendencies, it’s easier to form tactics.’

So I let myself be led by his intentions until the ninth attack. My body was completely open, there was nowhere to retreat, and my sword was flying outside my center of gravity.

The moment Olivier launched his final attack to seal his perfect setup-

I rolled on the ground as if I’d been waiting for it.

It was such a perfect ‘Lazy Donkey Roll’ that even the composed Olivier couldn’t help but let out a stupid “Huh?”

“It was a perfect victory of moves, tactics, and psychological warfare.”

Olivier sighed at my self-praise.

“Out of concern, I should mention that you shouldn’t use such moves in your duel with Keseg. Even if you win, you’ll be greatly ridiculed.”

“I know. That’s why I used it against you.”

“……”

His face showed he was annoyed but had no words to counter with.

‘Well, it wouldn’t have been difficult to last 10 moves without using such tricks.’

My principle is to always keep some strength hidden. That’s not to say Olivier’s swordsmanship was shabby. There were aspects that surprised even me with their excellence.

“By the way, Peter.”

“Yes?”

“You should head back now.”

“What?”

Peter asked with a surprised face.

“Why?”

“You have work to do at the annex while I’m gone.”

“W-what is it?”

Peter asked with a nervous expression.

“The atmosphere at the annex will be unsettled for a few days. If there are any planted spies, they’ll likely strike during such times.”

I pointed at Peter.

“Go keep an eye on the atmosphere, get information from Julia, and maintain order.”

“Understood.”

“Also catch Marco. Like catching a rat.”

“Ah, is that allowed?”

“Of course.”

“Understood!”

“Your expression is quite serious. Relax your brow.”

Peter smiled awkwardly.

“Yes.”

“Now you’ve relaxed too much. Stop looking like an idiot.”

“You’re really too much.”

“Just get going.”

“Yes sir!”

As Peter ran off with light steps, Olivier lowered his voice and said,

“By the way, young master.”

“Yes?”

“About your reason for wanting to fight Keseg.”

I asked with slight irritation.

“Is there something you still don’t understand?”

“That’s not it.”

“Then?”

“My uncle always used to say: A butler is not someone who receives explanations about their lord’s judgments and actions, but rather someone who anticipates and matches their steps in support.”

I answered while recalling Count Iden’s sharp monocle.

“Indeed, very good. And?”

“I understand there must be a reason ‘why it has to be Keseg specifically.’ However, I simply cannot grasp what that reason might be.”

I looked at Olivier.

“Perhaps it was presumptuous of me, a mere butler, to ask the young master to show his trust.”

Yesterday’s events seemed to have left an impression on Olivier as well.

“But I have always admired the relationship between my respected uncle and our great head of household. That’s why, even if I cannot share everything right away, I wish to become a retainer who can fully understand the young master’s intentions someday.”

“…I see.”

I suddenly raised my head.

In the distance, I could hear the shouts of the royal guards. It matched strangely well with the vastness of the sea beyond them.

I think this scene explains a lot about the House of Grünewald.

Olivier is a man who wants to continue that tradition. And I am both a stranger and not a stranger in this landscape.

“The royal guard must be the unit with the highest pride. That would stem from their skills and history.”

“That’s correct.”

“How do you think people would react if I, who hasn’t even properly learned swordsmanship yet, were to defeat a formal member of the royal guard?”

“…It would be quite a spectacle indeed.”

“Could there be any greater proof of genius?”

“It would be hard to find one.”

“That’s also why I deliberately chose Keseg, who has ill feelings toward me. If my opponent was someone who feared me, they might easily suspect that he held back.”

“Ah!”

Olivier asked with a surprised face.

“So that’s why you specifically chose Keseg…”

“I see you finally understand.”

“Yes.”

A person’s reputation is ultimately created by memorable, impressive stories.

Long ago, the founders of kingdoms would create their authority through absurd tales, claiming they were born from eggs or were children of the sun.

‘What I’m trying to do isn’t any different.’

For my future challenge to the successor position, I need to diligently create extraordinary tales like ‘defeated a royal guard after self-studying martial arts for just one week.’

You could say I’m accumulating achievements in advance.

“Actually, there’s one more reason.”

“Oh, what would that be?”

“I plan to steal some of the royal guard’s swordsmanship techniques.”

“Pardon?”

“Since Father won’t assign me a teacher or let me read sword manuals, I have to resort to this kind of demonstration, don’t I?”

“Indeed. So that was your thinking.”

Olivier marveled.

“If the young master had such deep calculations, I have no reason to stand in your way.”

Olivier looked like he understood me a bit better now.

“That’s good.”

A man like Olivier, who doesn’t hold back his counsel, tends to give full support when he agrees with his master’s intentions.

“Let’s go then.”

If possible, I hope Keseg sees me as appetizing prey.

Only then will he step into the sharp trap without any suspicion.