Chapter 5

My footsteps didn’t slow down despite the complexity of my thoughts. Before I knew it, I found myself stepping onto the training ground that was boasted by the Sword Rules Manor.

Even from afar, the sword marks on the marble floor looked like remnants, but upon entering the training ground, they immediately showcased an overwhelming presence.

Anyone with a heart set on swords would feel a rather complex scene seeing this.

If my biological father, who had long been buried underground, were here, he might feel uncontrollable jealousy seeing a training ground with achievements far beyond what he could ever build. But since I wasn’t like that father of mine, I didn’t harbor any envy towards the history of the Sword Rules Manor as a renowned family of swords and the leading authority on imperial swordsmanship.

“Even closer up, it’s impressive.”

I nodded slightly and expressed my impression directly.

“Pleased you like it,” Asulin replied calmly, accepting my praise.

Although her tone was calm, the slight tension in her shoulders suggested she was pleased by the praise about her family’s training ground.

“Of course, a swordsman of your caliber recognizing the value of this training ground would surely make even the ancestors in heaven satisfied.”

Seeing Asulin explain my happiness at her praise as if she could read my mind, I realized I needed to be more careful with my expressions when I looked at her in the future.

Still, it was surprising how just praising the training ground could make the ancestors who brought the Sword Rules Manor to its current position feel satisfied.

I thought I had grasped everything about the woman in front of me, including her disposition, after countless encounters on the battlefield. Yet, even in this brief conversation, aspects I hadn’t noticed before were revealing themselves.

‘I need to get used to this.’

Even if our marriage was merely a formality, at least I needed to ensure my true identity remained hidden from her. Thus, I needed to pay attention to such minor details about her.

With these thoughts in mind, I headed toward the center of the training ground.

Asulin, who had already begun lightly warming up at the center of the training ground, adjusted herself as I approached.

“Take it.”

She threw something towards me at an angle that made it easy to catch. Without hesitation, the weapon she threw landed in my hand—a sword exuding an ancient elegance at first glance.

Though I had predicted she would hold her usual weapon, it was clear she intended to engage me seriously, even if she didn’t want to risk a life-and-death duel here.

‘This is a sword she truly prepared for me.’

Before drawing the sword, I took a moment to examine it.

Despite learning hastily, my skills with the sword had improved significantly over time. My ability to discern good swords had also sharpened.

“How does it look?”

Even as I inspected the sword, Asulin’s expression revealed her satisfaction. It was evident the sword was magnificent.

There was no need to draw it to see its quality. Even holding it in one hand, I could sense its perfect balance and grip.

This sword was undoubtedly among the finest I had ever held, though not the best I had wielded.

The best sword I had ever used was the Pale Lord, which my father, a Master of the Blade, always carried. It emitted cold air with every swing.

Even though I wasn’t particularly attached to weapons, each time I tested it, it felt like a formidable artifact.

But, ‘we weren’t meant to be together.’

It was a weapon only fit for those with the title of Head of Household or the Second-in-Command, so it was enough to satisfy me with just a few swings.

“Very good. This might be the first choice among all the weapons I’ve held.”

I quickly dismissed my past thoughts and praised the sword currently in my hand.

Honestly, finding a better sword than this wouldn’t be easy, so I genuinely believed it was a fine weapon.

As soon as I spoke, the worried look on Asulin’s face melted away instantly.

Though our marriage barely felt real, seeing her expression during our battle on the battlefield and now her genuine relief made me realize the gravity of our union.

“Thank goodness. Even though it was rushed, I’m really glad you like it.”

Her words made me pause again.

Even though it was just the first day, her words made me feel the reality of our marriage.

“Good. It’s a great sword. It feels like it’s the best one I’ve touched.”

Her eyes closed tightly in confirmation as I spoke.

Seeing her attempt to hide the truth revealed through her subtle movements, I understood her disappointment.

Just like how I had been caught off guard by her earlier, she probably felt similar unease.

So, I waited silently until she could compose herself.

“Hmm…”

Asulin exhaled softly, as if easing some lingering worry. Her gaze shifted back to me, and her green eyes, sparkling cleanly, met mine without flinching.

“Now that we have the place and the weapons ready, shall we?”

Asulin finally brought up the main point.

“Of course.”

I answered immediately and moved towards her, resuming the halted steps to inspect the sword.

—

When I first stepped into the training ground of the Sword Rules Manor, I felt the overwhelming presence of the sword marks etched into the smooth surface of the marble floor.

While it might seem funny to feel their presence, to me, each mark seemed to emanate the dedication and sincerity of the swordsmiths who created them.

Even shallow marks left by the swords of the Sword Rules disciples conveyed the emotions behind their creation.

Such traces naturally evoked the pain and effort of those who carved them, making it almost impossible to count them all. Anyone else would likely feel intimidated just looking at them.

“If you had a voice and a will, these marks would say to the first ones to step into this place: See, this land has seen warriors who achieved greatness with a single sword.”

Despite the unique presence of these marks, their impact faded as I got closer to the person who had led me here.

They must know that showing off isn’t necessary.

The woman standing at the end of my steps was the one who would leave the most brilliant mark in this training ground’s history. It was pointless to flaunt anything.

Silently, Asulin stood there, fully prepared to face me.

‘…She’s flawlessly prepared.’

Even if I tried to close the gap in a single leap, she would be ready to respond.

…Due to minor damage to my core, I couldn’t execute explosive movements, but that was another matter entirely.

‘Indeed, I can’t take this lightly.’

Internally, I prepared for a cautious approach to this sparring session with Asulin.

As I said, I didn’t plan to win, nor did I have the conditions to do so. Therefore, I needed to carefully control my strikes and avoid unnecessary risks.

It wasn’t a grand gesture, but a simple maneuver would suffice.

Avoiding her strong strikes while keeping my condition hidden would ensure I didn’t offend her and still give her a victory.

That would be the perfect “welcome.”

Yet, before I could implement this plan, Asulin spoke.

“We’ll spar without activating hostility.”

Hearing this, I realized my plans were already derailed.

“…I know about the damage to your mana core from overexertion near the war’s end. I don’t want to strike you seriously when you’re injured. How do I know? That’s a secret.”

Her explanation made it hard for me to mention my physical condition.

“Thank you for not activating hostility, but…”

As I drew the sword, I deliberately placed a challenge.

“Don’t swing that sword at me.”

Immediately, I stepped forward with my left foot, narrowing the distance between us.

Seeing my advance, Asulin anticipated my move and turned to swing her sword along my trajectory.

Clang!

After the Succession War ended in favor of the First Princess, who later became the Emperor, our swords, which hadn’t clashed for a long time, met again, emitting a metallic sound.

“Haah!” / “Hmph!!”

Our bodies moved in such a swift dance that only silhouettes would be visible to an ordinary observer, marking the beginning of our sparring session.