Chapter 38

Here’s the translated version of the romance novel using first-person point of view:

—

Aslin’s request to observe the genuine Paleord from a distance, despite it being a common guest’s request, was surely not something that would have been granted without her black, matte brooch symbolizing the amount she had spent in this Shaten.

It wasn’t just her identity being confirmed by her face; it was the VIP brooch that confirmed it. It made me reflect on how cunning the management of Shaten was, taking advantage of the fact that many people who frequented here were wary of their identities being exposed. But looking at Aslin’s desperate attempt to manage her expression while I saw her getting caught sneaking drinks, I decided it was better not to show my emotions and followed the staff’s guidance to the exhibition room quietly.

My footsteps weren’t the only thing that moved quietly; I gathered various facts along the way. One of them was that Aslin liked alcohol more than I had assumed based on what I had seen so far.

The VIP brooch she wore to prove her status.

I thought it was just given to those who spent money in this Shaten. However, the employee’s explanation that it was awarded only after spending a certain amount on specific items in this auction house made me realize the significance of the brooch.

Surely, she didn’t spend that much, did she?

As I looked at her with a mix of surprise, her face turning red and purple, I couldn’t control the blush spreading over her ears even when she kept her mouth shut. It was cute, but not entirely so.

In just three minutes of silence, she stared intensely at me. Then, out of nowhere…

*Slap!*

A harsh wind-like noise came from Aslin’s right hand, and before I knew it, her hand hit my back without any margin for error.

I tried hard to hold back the gasp of pain, but…

“…”

Despite the silence, I could tell she had been looking at me for a while before hitting me. If either of us had trained in combat, we could have easily ended an unarmed attack on an unguarded opponent’s body.

She hit a spot that wouldn’t cause any lasting damage, so there was no point in exaggerating.

…If I exaggerated, she might end up revealing why she was called one of the best swordsmen in the empire at her age.

Without showing my pain, I smiled and showed my intention not to provoke her further.

“…”

When our eyes met, Aslin turned her head away like she had been burned. Even though she hadn’t said anything, her abrupt change in demeanor was evident.

“Even if I hit your back, why do you act like you’re trying to burst my heart?”

“??”

Her face turned bright red, and the words she spoke were incomprehensible. This happened often when talking with Aslin, but today was particularly confusing.

Sometimes, without saying a word, we would smile and talk. It was strange to feel something wrong with my heart during such moments.

Could it be?

“Are you feeling unwell?”

I asked casually about her health without calling her name in the auction house.

“…”

Aslin made a face that was hard to describe in words instead of answering.

Did I make a mistake somewhere?

Was it because I laughed too awkwardly?

It was a moment where I resolved to practice my expressions and how I laugh in front of a mirror when I have time.

—

As we went through these minor incidents, we finally entered the exhibition room where the genuine Paleord was displayed.

“…”

I couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh of amazement at the careful arrangement inside the room dedicated to the exhibit.

The transparent glass, but sturdy enough to withstand a determined superhuman’s tantrum, was reinforced with strengthening spells everywhere. Despite this, the Paleord was still visible from a distance, fulfilling its purpose of being displayed properly.

“It’s clear they had no intention of hiding it. It’s obvious it’s genuine.”

“From the cold air emanating from the sword, the temperature must have dropped significantly behind the barrier.”

“…You can see that?”

“You’d only know if you’ve held the sword before.”

“Indeed.”

Thanks to this, I could confirm it was genuine without having to scrutinize it closely.

The intangible coldness filled the room, which could only be felt when holding the sword and swinging it.

Though it seemed fine when it was first displayed, perhaps the Paleord sensed me approaching, someone who has handled swords before.

“…Seems to be acting up more.”

The cold air emitted by the Paleord continued without diminishing, making the display cabinet where the sword was kept feel chilling.

…It was fortunate that the special device inside the cabinet only emitted cold air and didn’t cause any other disturbances.

“A stubborn sword.”

“…What do you mean?”

“The cold air keeps coming out even though the real owner is right here. It’s quite vexing.”

Seeing this, Aslin coldly critiqued the Paleord with a frozen gaze.

*Shudder!*

The Paleord seemed to try to break free from the display cabinet, but due to the special mechanism inside, it couldn’t move, and the cold air it emitted completely ceased.

Seeing this, Aslin’s gaze thawed, and she smiled contentedly.

“Looks like it has some pride as a sword, responding when it hears criticism.”

She seemed to retract her earlier harsh judgment.

“But it acts as if it’s alive, doesn’t it?”

This scene was puzzling to me.

No matter how famous it was among the three great swords of the empire, it was nothing more than a metal weapon.

How could anyone treat it as if it had life?

“I guess you don’t understand. Well, maybe the previous patriarch didn’t teach you properly.”

“Can you explain it simply?”

“It’s not complicated.”

As Aslin explained, her words became increasingly detailed.

“This sword is so powerful that it can match Ascalon and Caladbolg, two of the most famous swords in the empire.”

“…Self-awareness?”

“Yes. When you swing it, don’t you feel it trying to extend its strikes and cut more?”

“Sometimes, I sharpened my sword more carefully and swung it normally after feeling that.”

“You’re literally gripping the sword.”

Realizing I had held such a dangerous weapon without falling apart, I understood.

When the former patriarch handed it to me, the immense energy it emitted caused my body to lose control. Was that the trick the sword played?

Seeing my surprised expression, Aslin continued.

“It’s concerning how suspicious your father’s mind is. Perhaps he was so obsessed with the sword that it affected his personality and mental state.”

While it seemed Aslin was speculating that my biological father’s condition might have been influenced by the Paleord, she seemed to think it was unlikely.

“No, I can guarantee it. That man changed because of himself, not the sword.”

Drawing strength from my sympathy for Andymion, who suffered greatly due to the man’s actions, I strongly asserted.

If that man had possessed even a fraction of a typical baron’s education, Andymion wouldn’t have died.

But then, would I still be wandering the backstreets if I hadn’t been taken back by him?

It was a fleeting thought, but I wondered if those who saved me from a difficult situation might have had better lives.

Naturally, my own fate wasn’t considered in this scenario.

Was I doing this because I had confidence in handling any situation?

“You’re confident. Well, since you’ve seen him up close, I won’t doubt your judgment.”

My brief reflection was cut short by Aslin’s respect for my opinion.

“Thank you for putting it nicely.”

“It’s only natural. Anyway, now that we know it’s genuine, we don’t have to worry about theft until the bidding.”

“Does that mean someone touching the sword could be possessed and go mad?”

“Even in extreme cases, people who know what the sword is are less likely to tamper with it.”

“Indeed…”

—

Our conversation afterward mainly revolved around the risk of theft, the starting bid for the sword, and strategies for the bidding process.

Since it was all information that could be shared later anyway.

“Guest, it’s almost time…”

“Oh, it seems it’s already time. Let’s go.”

Our viewing session was over sooner than expected.

Leaving behind the relief of seeing the sword again, I said,

“Let’s go. We’ve gathered everything we needed. Now, we just have to bid according to the plan.”

“Right. I’ll wait here and look for your favorite drinks if I see them.”

“…I’ll see you in the room.”

With a light puff of her cheeks, Aslin glared at me as we left the exhibition room.

Despite the dazzling array of art and precious metals, Aslin’s cute face, even when her expression was so cold, was enough to make me forget everything else.

—