WuxiaWorldEU

Chapter 39

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Chapter 39: The One Who Becomes a Knight Acquires ‘Brotherhood’ \n

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UNEDITED-WILL UPDATE ONCE PARASCYTHE IS DONE~\n

THIS IS AROUND 18 PAGES. YOU GUYS HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH I WANTED TO DIVIDE THE CHAPTERS INTO PARTS. AND INTERCHANGING POV IS CRAZY!! TOOK ME DAYS TO FINISH. SIGH, I BET Y'ALL JUST GONNA READ IT IN A MATTER OF MINUTES, BOTS WOULD COPY PASTE IT. SIIIIIIGH. \n

FOR THE POVS, I DID PUT SOME SORT OF MARKING. I HOPE THAT WILL HELP IN AVOIDING CONFUSION.\n

Para: Edited as of 05/02/21 and what a pain in the ass this was to reformat. Weebly does not keep the formatting when you paste text -o- \n

CURRENT WN STATUS: CHAPTER 47/1060 ONGOING.\n

ENJOY READING~!!\n\nTranslated by Eunie\n

Edited/Proofread by Para\n

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“Err...umm, is it...here?” \n

“Yes. I have a spare sword, so if it’s alright with you, please use it as you want.”\n

Arthur looked around and suddenly let out a sigh.\n

He was at a training ground exclusively for Royalty to use. If you compared it with the ones the knights were using, then the latter was definitely much larger, but this one was perfect for personal use. Even the changing room was big enough for only two people. There were various swords available, even ones meant for training, and the spares looked like they had been polished until they shone. \n

For some reason, I couldn't believe I was in this extravagant training ground with the country’s First Prince, Stayle-sama.\n

Just how did things turn out like this…??\n

If I remember it correctly, I ended up training with Stayle-sama…Pryde-sama was returning Dad’s coat to him….Then there was Dad who roared out in laughter…?\n

And before I could even grasp what was going on, I found myself inside the carriage together with Pryde-sama, Tiara-sama, and Stayle-sama. I was entirely surrounded by the Older Sister, the Older Brother and the Little Sister….?\n

When we arrived, Stayle-sama said something like, “I want to spar a bit with Arthur,” and I was dragged here….??\n

...It’s no good. I feel like I’m starting to lose a sense of what’s what. What's real and what's just a dream?\n

“Arthur-dono, are there any problems?” Stayle-sama asked as he looked over me. \n

“Ah...No...” I said as I unconsciously took a step away from him. \n

“Please don’t get too nervous since there’s only you and me here right now.” After saying that, Stayle-sama, with a smile on his face, handed me a practice sword. \n

“...Err, you don’t have to speak politely to me… I’m not even someone whose name should be known to someone like the first prince…, and...also...stop….please stop with the whole Arthur-dono.”**\n

To be honest, I had no idea how I should respond or act when the first prince, someone of his standing, speaks politely to me. \n

“Well, then you don’t need to speak formally to me. Besides, Arthur-dono is someone much older than me; that’s why I think it’s better if we stop speaking politely to each other.”\n

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No way!! Isn’t that just weird?!!\n

It doesn’t have anything to do with who's older. Despite being younger than me, Stayle-sama is the kind of person that even Dad and everyone in the Knight’s Order talks to formally. That’s why there’s no way I can just drop the whole formal speech thing.\n

Perplexed by the situation, I found myself frozen on the spot. \n

Stayle-sama continued his words, “...Well, then I’ll start dropping the formalities while speaking to you. And if you can think of me as a friend, then please do the same thing. Because it’s only now that I can face you openly like this. ...Arthur.”\n

As soon as he said that, the Stayle-sama who was smiling a few seconds ago, along with that creepy expression, suddenly became expressionless and disappeared. With a sword in one hand, he started readying his stance. \n

No, wait?! I just started learning the sword again, y'know?! Don’t tell me we’re jumping straight into a sparring match!\n

…\n

But things ended up exactly as I thought. \n

Stayle-sama started swinging his sword, repeatedly attacking me with sharp thrusts. For now, I decided to evade his incoming attacks since I wasn’t wearing any armour, parrying his sword from the side. \n

Stayle-sama saw through it, and using his right foot as support, he fixed his posture and looked at me as if he was surprised by something. \n

“Even though I thought my previous attack would be a finishing blow…” He mumbled as he looked at me and the sword I was holding. “Arthur, did you really take a break from your sword training?”\n

Again. He asked a similar question that Dad asked this morning.\n

“It was only this morning when I was able to hold a sword after years of not wielding— I mean holding one.” I knew it. It’s too hard for me to suddenly stop speaking politely to him.\n

After hearing what I said, Stayle-sama blinked a few times before resuming his stance. \n

“...As expected of Arthur. I want you to continue training with me from now on.”\n

I don’t get him. \n

But when I looked into his eyes, they were dead serious; that’s why I couldn’t question him. \n

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“I want you to take the exam next year to enter the Knight’s Order.”\n

“Waaaa….Huh?!”\n

I couldn’t help but exclaim. Just what the heck is he saying?\n

“N...no, that’s a bit….impossible…. sir.**. I still haven't grasped the basics of the sword, and… I just started learning them. The fastest I thought I could take the exam was three years from now.”\n

(Eunie: Arthur’s been trying to speak with Keigo/Polite/Formal Speech. Y’know the whole ‘desu’ and other formal stuff. But I’m not really sure how to tl-desu so I just changed it to sir.)\n

“Well, it’s not like you can only take the exam once in your life. If you don't pass next year, then just go take it the year after that, and if it’s still no good, then isn’t it fine for you to just retake it again?”\n

“No, that ain’t what I’m saying!! If I take it and just…” ** \n

(Eunie: He started speaking without keigo here.)\n

“I will also make sure to support you with everything I have. Because I want you to become a knight immediately.”\n

Wha— why is this person saying something like this…\n

All sorts of thoughts were swirling inside my head. Everything was getting too overwhelming, and I just wanted to abandon these thoughts of mine.\n

We basically just met, and yet he’s saying he’ll support me, that he wants me to immediately become a knight? And the person saying this is the First Prince!\n

“...Is it alright for me to ask you something?”\n

At this point, it felt like we wouldn’t be able to see eye to eye, and so when Stayle-sama answered, “Go ahead,” I decided to spill everything I was curious about. \n

“Why? Why are you pushing me to immediately become a knight...and does the First Prince, Stayle-sama, really need someone to accompany him as his training partner…? And if there’s really time for you to spare, don’t you have to learn about the laws, attend imperial studies and other lessons necessary for a Royal…?”\n

The prince is busy, even I know something like that. Furthermore, Stayle-sama was a commoner who became part of the Royal Family. I’m sure there are mountains of work, things he must know, and stuff that he must do. Since he’s a prince, I’m sure there are people from the Knight’s Order that could protect him...\n

“It’s to protect my Elder Sister.”\n

…After hearing that, I suddenly found myself lost for words. \n

He said it without an ounce of hesitation.\n

It felt like all these questions I had were answered by that one sentence from him. \n

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“As you already know, my Elder Sister is strong, but it’s the truth when she said that the incident two days ago was her first real experience in a battle.\n

The incident... he must be talking about that time when the cliff collapsed.\n

And then Stayle-sama’s face turned bitter as he started talking. \n

“And I’m sure Elder Sister will make the same decision if something like that happens in the future. As long as it is within her reach, she’ll always act rashly.”\n

Right. Since she is indeed that kind of person, I’m also fully aware of that kind of possibility. \n

“But Elder Sister isn’t invincible. ...Some time ago, she even mentioned something like, ‘Surely I’m no match against someone who has pure strength...'"\n

Hearing him say that made me immediately realize something as I remembered how Pryde-sama fought. Pryde-sama, who wielded a sword to defend against dozens of enemies. \n

She can evade incoming attacks and counter them, but she has never tried to fight in a battle of strength…!! \n

And once again, I was overwhelmed by this sudden realization.\n

That, that person...\n

.\n

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And as if Stayle-sama read my mind, he continued, “Elder Sister doesn’t have the necessary strength. Truthfully, she’s just a powerless lady. Elder Sister was only eight years old when I first arrived here, and ever since that time….she seemed to always be scared of something.”\n

Scared…?\n

And then I suddenly remembered Pryde-sama’s words from yesterday.\n

“The moment you judge me as an enemy of the people and this country, do not hesitate to cut me down.”\n

*CHILLS* \n

Even though I don’t know who or what scares her, and without comprehending anything that happened, I suddenly felt chills run down my spine, and then Stayle-sama continued talking, “I also don’t know the reason behind her fears. ...But the only thing I can say is that even at this moment, there’s a whirl of turbulence slowly nearing to put down or crush her.” \n

I’m suddenly reminded of what Dad said this morning. That even now, there are malicious rumours following and surrounding Pryde-sama.\n

“That’s why I want to protect Elder Sister, and for me to do that, I must learn all the things I can. That’s why I’ve been continuing my sword training. But…” After saying that much, Stayle-sama suddenly went quiet as he faced me, pointing his sword at me once more. “It’s still not enough.”\n

You would never think that those eyes belong to a kid who’s younger than me, for they seem sharper, and it seems like there dwells a strong will within them.\n

___________________\n

“I want to become stronger, strong enough to be able to protect Elder Sister. ...But I’m still weak.” Then suddenly, Stayle-sama’s eyes turned gloomy as his sword lowered a bit. “And even if I do become stronger, then I might just be able to become as strong as Elder Sister, but then it would be no good.” After saying that, Stayle-sama clenched and pointed his sword at me once more. “Even if I have to bet my life on it, I want to protect Elder Sister, but I won’t just bet my life on it, because even if I did, there’s no meaning to it if I'm not able to protect her properly. \n

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He stepped hard on the ground, jumping right in front of me. I immediately went on the defence, and as the attack came in, I readied my sword and blocked it. \n

As our swords clashed with each other, the piercing sound of the blades colliding echoed. I could feel how close things were now as the swords clashed and pushed against each other.\n

“Still not enough,” he said once more.\n

He's still not satisfied with himself.\n

“Even if I could protect her from the political influence of the adults or from some external force...it’s still not enough. If there comes a day when someone appears with overwhelming strength, someone with pure power and chaos…!!” I could hear a gritting sound as Stayle-sama swung his sword with one hand, I readied myself to receive his attack with both hands, and since he exerted such powerful force, I could feel the blade nearing my face. “I won’t be able to protect Elder Sister.”\n

I could feel the tip of the sword approaching in front of me, and I couldn’t endure it anymore, so as I gripped my sword with both hands, I decided to just fight with raw power as well, swinging my sword against his. \n

*Gaaaa-Kiiiiiiiiin* \n

Along with the thunderous clashing of two swords, Stayle-sama also leaped to the other side.\n

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“Arthur, I’m sure that you’ll become stronger, much more than Elder Sister and I ....and probably more than anyone else.\n

Why? Just why is the First Prince saying and doing this much for someone like me? I just don’t understand it. Is it because of Pryde-sama’s premonition? Even though I’m the Captain's son, I'm me, y’know? I haven’t even held a sword in years. \n

However, I still think that if I can become one, then I want to. No, I must become a knight. If it’s to protect Pryde-sama, then I have to be stronger than anyone else.\n

It’s a wish come true to have the First Prince as my sparring partner. On top of that, he even went as far as saying that he’ll support me to become stronger, so there’s no reason for me to deny his offer.\n

It’s just that…\n

“...Umm, would it be alright if...I ask one more thing?”\n

“Sure, go ahead.”\n

As always, Stayle-sama responded without hesitation. That’s why I thought it would be better to stop thinking and hypothesizing about this and just ask him. \n

“Why are you going this far for someone like me….And, even if you are someone who’ll be assisting Pryde-sama in the future, why are you going this far, being so desperate for her sake?”\n

It might have been a rude question. Pryde-sama is indeed a wonderful person. Even I know how wonderful she is. But he’s just someone who’ll be assisting her in the future, and besides, since he’s originally just a commoner who got dragged into the affairs of Royalty and ended up becoming one at such a young age, how could he be this desperate for Pryde-sama? I just can’t help but find all this strange. Just thinking about that suspicious smile of his…. \n

If….What if he’s just planning on using Pryde-sama, or he has other ulterior motives he wants to achieve? Then...\n

While thinking about all these, I waited for Stayle-sama’s reply. I noticed that this time there was a gap between us.\n

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“...It’s because I thought you were the same as me.” I heard him mutter in a quiet voice. Not understanding what he meant, I waited for him to continue his words. “It’s because the First Princess is Elder Sister. That’s why I’m doing this. I can’t say the complete details, but I will never be able to forget when that happened.” After saying that, he looked at me straight in the eye. “I vowed to no one but myself that I will always protect Elder Sister and that I will exist for her sake.” His eyes weren’t clouded, nor was there any hesitation in them to the point that even I found myself envious of him. “But…. I….... I can’t put my trust...in others much.”\n

-(END OF ARTHUR’S POV)-\n

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-STAYLE’S POV-\n

After saying that, I suddenly found it hard to continue my words as I remember what happened three years ago with the Prime Minister.\n

Even if, on the surface, a person’s personality is praised and admired by many, one cannot be sure of what they are saying or doing behind your back. You don’t even have any idea what they’re plotting against you to ensure your downfall. \n

Pryde, Tiara, Mother (Queen), Father, Mom (Biological Mom)... and even with what happened this time. I thought the Captain and the Vice-Captain were people that I could trust, but... For example, the current Prime Minister, Uncle Vest, her maids Lotter, Mari, and the others. Jack and the other Palace Guards, Karl-sensei who’s been teaching me the sword, the other teachers, knights, and of course, Prime Minister Gilbert...they’re people I’ve never trusted.\n

Even though I started to attend events and socialize in high society. Even though I was able to meet and have a lot of people I can be close with. There isn't a single person whom I really trust among them. Or rather, I think there’s no way I can trust any of them.\n\n

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It’s because there’s no way for me to know when they will betray Pryde or if they’ve already betrayed her. In short, there are way too few allies around us. That’s why I thought it would be alright as long as I became stronger. But then that wouldn’t be enough because there are a lot of enemies surrounding her.\n

But after experiencing the events that occurred yesterday, along with Elder Sister and Arthur’s interaction, I started thinking to myself that if it’s him, he can protect Pryde.\n

And then today, as if willed by fate itself, there was a turning point. I was able to meet him once more and to think it would be this soon. Besides, even right now, as we spar, I couldn’t help but be surprised. \n

It’s because even though it’s the first time he saw the thrust of my sword, he was able to evade and even counter my move.\n

I just started learning the sword recently, but I have already started learning the basics and established the necessary fundamentals since way before. Even Sensei praised me and said that I was progressing fast. \n

And yet, even just a while ago, he was able to evade my sword twice even though I wasn’t holding back anymore. \n

I told myself that I'll definitely land a blow on him this time, so I attacked seriously. But I wasn’t able to, and yet, he said that he hasn’t held a sword in years now. \n

I wonder if he has any awareness of his monstrous talent.\n

The power and talent that I don’t have…\n\n

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He will definitely become stronger, much more than me and maybe more than Pryde. \n

And then...\n

“I will protect you…! For as long as I live…!!!!”\n

(Eunie: this italicize part is a short flashback of Stayle when he heard Arthur say it) \n

Since he said that, and because I knew that there were no lies or falsehood, that’s why….\n

“I thought… I could put my trust in you.” I stared at Arthur as I said that. He seemed surprised as his eyes widened, and at the same time, I could see that he was taking my words seriously. “ Because when you said that you’ll protect my Elder Sister, I thought to myself that there was no falsehood in your words and that those were your true feelings...that it was an oath you vowed to yourself.”\n

That’s why if it’s him, I can trust him.\n

Even Pryde has foreseen it. She said that if it’s him, he can definitely become a knight who will have her back.\n

“I will become a shield that can protect Elder Sister from any power struggles or from any schemes. Arthur, I want you to become Elder Sister’s sword. A sword that will protect her from anyone who’ll use external force against her and cut them down.”\n

After saying that, Arthur suddenly stopped talking. I wonder if he’s hesitating.\n

It’s not a surprise if he’s doubting me. Because if I was in his position, I would have done the same.\n

But I want him to know. \n\n

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“......Are you wondering if my words are lies? Do you think my words are just to butter you up? To curry favour to take you in? Or do you think that I’m just using eloquent words and Elder Sister to reel you in and make you a usable pawn-”\n

“Like hell, I do!”\n

My words were cut off. I was so surprised that even I knew that my eyes were bug-eyed. Because right now, for the first time, Arthur dropped the keigo/polite speech while talking to me. \n

“...Well, then I’ll start dropping the formalities while conversing with you. And if you can think of me as a friend, then please do the same thing….”\n

I did say that in the beginning. \n

“I…don’t know what kind of debt of gratitude you have with Pryde-sama… and even though I don’t know why you’re placing that much expectation on someone like me, but…” After saying that, he re-grips his sword, and the deflated state he was in awhile ago seemed like a lie now. “...But I can believe that you really meant it when you said you want to protect Pryde-sama, or at the very least, I know that there’s no falsehood around that part, and that is indeed your real feelings.”\n

Arthur’s eyes were fixedly staring at me as if he was trying to gauge my intentions.\n

--END OF STAYLE’S POV--\n

As if their roles had been reversed, this time it was Stayle who remained silent. \n

“I also wanna protect Pryde-sama, and you’re also thinking the same thing. That’s why you were saying you wanna become strong together, right? And to do that, you want to train together. That’s what this whole talk is about, isn’t it?” Stayle immediately nodded his head in agreement. “Haaaa! The heck’s up with those shitty embarrassing words. Saying things like ‘shield’ or ‘sword’. This is why kids are annoying. ...But.”\n

The person who was acting all meek and polite a while ago suddenly started roaring in laughter and was now speaking informally, and then he looked at Stayle with a grin on his face and said, “...calling me a ‘sword’ ain’t so bad.” Stayle’s eyes suddenly started shining brightly upon hearing his words. Arthur, who saw the sparkling look directed at him, looked away and said, “Just like what I said before, it’s been years since I wielded a sword, so things might not go the way you plan, and it’s not like I can be a knight without a hitch, so don’t go complaining, Stayle.”\n

He said, ‘Stayle.’ For Stayle, who had been called the First Prince ever since he was officially adopted, it had been a while since someone other than his family called him by his name.\n\n

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“Ah, of course. But I know you will become strong, and I’ll make sure to properly support you*.”\n

“Tch. Again with that ‘You’. Stop calling me that! It’s fine if you just use ‘You’ (Omae**). Plus, it’s not just me who’ll become strong, right?”\n

(Eunie: The ‘You’ used by Stayle is the polite way or like the ‘You’ (Kimi*) used for nobles, which is why Arthur pointed it out and ‘You’ (*Omae) is more informal/depending on the use it can be used rudely. How to tl that in English?. Help. lol. Btw, another You in JP is (Anata/Anta) And depending on the characters used, Anata can also mean husband.)\n

After saying that, he pointed his sword at Stayle. \n

Surprised, Stayle unconsciously braced himself as he looked at the sword pointed at him.\n

"Aren’t you also planning on becoming strong? For Pryde-sama’s sake?”\n

ARTHUR’S POV.\n

I still don’t know everything about Stayle-sama...no, Stayle… but that’s alright since we both have the same goal and desire to protect Pryde-sama.\n

“The things I’ll learn from Dad...the things I’ll learn once I get enlisted in the Knight’s Order, I’ll teach you everything I learn from there. That's why… teach me as well. There are all sorts of things, right? The swordplay of a Royal, or the hand-to-hand combat for self-protection, and all sorts of other stuff.”\n

I know it’s not my style to teach someone, but if I can protect Pryde-sama that way, and if I can be one step closer to becoming a knight, then I’ll do it.\n

“Th… ...Thank you, Arthur.”\n

“......Yeah.”\n

Even though he said that with a blank-looking face, Stayle’s eyes looked extremely happy, and seeing that made me kind of flustered. Tsk. This is why kids are…\n

END OF ARTHUR’S POV\n

“... … ….O-one more thing.”\n

As if he just remembered something, he glanced at Stayle and then glared at him from above and said, “Stop that unnaturally shady and weird looking smile you did when we met a while ago. I prefer that expression you have just now when you were talking about Pryde-sama.”\n

Stayle couldn’t help but be surprised by the sudden words he just said. Until now, no one had thought his ‘crafted smile’ to be weird or strange.\n

“Was it...weird? I thought I did quite well…”\n

“Not at all. It’s all thanks to that smile of yours that I had to be overly cautious of you.”\n

Stayle was so shocked by his words that he wasn’t able to say anything at all.\n

He always acted depending on the person and their goodwill. There are indeed times when he has to show his ‘goodwill’ through a well-crafted smile, and it’s not just Pryde and Tiara…no one has ever pointed out such a thing to him. \n\n

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After seeing the astonished look on Stayle’s face, Arthur continued and explained, “...Ah well, at home, Dad’s the same with his stiff and unsociable-like expressions while Mom’s the complete opposite. And well, I’ve seen and observed all sorts of people with different expressions back in our shop...so…”\n

Arthur grew up surrounded by the looks directed at him by people who kept comparing him with his father. \n

For as long as he could remember, ever since he started helping out at his Mom’s restaurant, he couldn’t avoid being exposed to the judgemental gaze of others and interacting with them. And when he found out about his special ability, the contemptuous eyes, the pitiful looks, and the empty comforting words and expressions strongly directed towards him... \n

In the end, Arthur became extremely sensitive towards the fake smiles and words that people gloss over and do. It’s because he was exposed to too many of those types of people. \n

That’s why when he hated how much he looked like his father, he went through all the trouble of growing out his hair to hide his face and eyes. And as if running away from everything, he spent most of his time working on his field and only helping out when necessary.\n

“... ...I’m much more used to that unsociable stiff-like expression of yours that is similar to Dad’s.” After saying that, Stayle could hear Arthur mumbling to himself, "Even though you're just a kid, don’t go around making me overthink about things." After mumbling that, he went and ruffled Stayle's hair; compared to Arthur, Stayle was much shorter than him.\n

After hearing how the latter wanted to protect his Elder Sister, and for that reason he wanted to become stronger, and for him to cooperate, Arthur suddenly found himself looking at him, but not as the First Prince or some young lad three years younger than him.\n

\n

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After that, he brusquely grabbed hold of his sword as he readied himself, and then calmly, he said, “Well then, who’s gonna teach who first?”\n

For Arthur, who realized the mask Stayle was wearing, who said that his expressionless face is utterly useless when interacting with others, he was much better than the others. This person, who treated him like an ordinary kid, was such a precious experience for the current Stayle.\n

“... ...Arthur-kun… no, ...I’m glad I met you*” (Eunie: He used *Omae*)\n

If Pryde or Tiara were there at that very moment, then they would surely know that Stayle is currently smiling.\n

Arthur snorted, and then he burst into laughter as he yelled, “Don’t go spouting embarrassing stuff as if you're Clark!!”\n

Stayle and Arthur.\n

It was at this moment when an unlikely bond was formed between the two.\n

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