The Helvint Manor.
With the Sword Oath Ceremony preparations in full swing, Arandel Helvint was currently receiving guests, albeit unwillingly.
The visit had come about at the request of his wife, Galenia Helvint. She believed these guests could provide significant help for the upcoming Sword Oath Ceremony, and thus Arandel reluctantly consented to meet them.
The visitors were from the Blackhand family. To Arandel, who held little regard for the weak, interest in the Blackhand clan was minimal, though he had to admit, even they couldn’t be dismissed entirely.
Even if Blackhand wasn’t normally treated with such disdain, any house, no matter how proud or prestigious, had to lower its head in front of Arandel Helvint and recognize his superior skill.
To Arandel, any who were labeled “weak” inevitably fell into that category when standing before him.
The guest from Blackhand was their eldest son, Male Blackhand, whose refined and noble appearance betrayed his upbringing. His posture was tall and commanding, exuding confidence.
Yet, Arandel could sense that this confidence was not entirely his own.
Accompanying Male was a man who stood a head taller than him, silent yet evidently present. A quick glance revealed what was unmistakable: this man was far more skilled than Male Blackhand’s companion, and likely served in a subordinate capacity.
“Great Helvint, I am most grateful that Lady Galenia has kindly arranged an audience with you.”
Male Blackhand inclined his head deeply in deference. Arandel, resting his chin on the armrest, remained silent, signaling his lack of interest and impatience.
“Hem, the matter is… we have something to offer you, Lord Arandel. Something Blackhand believes your Excellency desires.”
“…”
“Lord Arandel, humans cannot fly. Nor can they breathe underwater. They cannot survive without sunlight.”
The preamble was unnecessarily long, and the manner in which Male spoke his lines as though reciting them irked Arandel deeply. Impulsively he considered cutting the tongue from the speaker but allowed the speech to continue, curious as to its ultimate point.
“What greatness do you have that warrants all this clamor?”
“Even the greatest knights like yourself, Lord Arandel, cannot exceed the limits of humanity.”
“But we can! We can offer you power that transcends human limits!”
“…”
“Have you heard of the Transcendental Race?”
Male’s voice became hushed and secretive.
“Beings beyond humans. A superior race destined to rule over all! They seek to ally with you, Lord Arandel.”
“Enough.”
Arandel sighed, cutting the speech short.
“I have no interest.”
Turning away, Arandel resumed reviewing lists and matters concerning the Sword Oath Ceremonial preparations with allied companies and local vendors, leaving Blackhand’s proposal behind. The frightened Blackhand, silenced, remained motionless with dry lips, until the taller man next to him intervened.
“Lord Arandel, have you ever questioned the uniqueness of the Helvint body?”
“….”
“The Helvints possess physical abilities that are almost otherworldly. They stand above ordinary humans.”
“…”
“And this is the same with the Transcendental Race. Actually, the true members of the Transcendental Tribe can easily overpower such abilities.”
Arandel could tell there was truth in the man’s eyes, indicating the existence of beings who surpass the Helvint clan.
“We believe the Helvints are closer to the Transcendental Race than to humans.”
“…”
“Don’t you think it’s backward? To possess such power and yet still rule like common nobles? To us, they are all the same.”
“They are ants. Queens or soldiers or laborers, they are all just ants. They’d crumble under a boot’s heel.”
“So, Lord Arandel, join hands with us and gain true freedom!”
Slowing rising, Arandel glanced through the window and saw knights approaching with Sharon’s carriage, realizing action was necessary. In the office, among the array of swords, Arandel grasped the oldest and roughest blade, and then moved forward.
Already aware that Arandel no longer heeded his words, the man exposed his teeth in defiance, blocked the door, and growled,
“Perhaps you don’t know what we truly are.”
The man transformed, monstrous horns sprouting from his head, his skin darkening, his eyes turning fierce red—a demonic figure complete with a pair of wings at his back.
“Our greatness-”
Words ceased as his head was severed and landed on the ground.
The so-called Transcendental Race, unable to leave a final word, was dead. It took Blackhand three seconds to realize that it was Arandel’s blade that had struck down his companion.
“H-H-HEAVENS!”
Every step of Arandel’s presence shook the manor. Yet Arandel moved faster than the eye could follow.
Frightened and trembling, Male Blackhand began to understand, his earlier confusion clearing up.
‘So this is why they were so fixated on Arandel!’
Even as bribery reached Galenia Helvint to secure this meeting, Male now saw why. It became evident upon observing the sheer dominance and power Arandel embodied.
Greater physical prowess than Helvint? Humans as insignificant as ants?
Then…
Then…
‘Arandel doesn’t need persuasion! Not by a long shot!’
It finally made sense. While they boasted of superiority, they were genuinely fearful of Arandel. They wanted desperately to pull him to their side.
This revelation struck Male as the fate was sealed and the threat to his own life loomed.
At least one thing remained merciful in Male’s mind:
Just as unnoticed were his initial words,
‘What should I do? What should I say to survive?’
Even the second strike of Arandel’s blade evaded Male’s comprehension.
‘First, I must drop to my knees!’
Even as Male lost his head and it fell to the floor, he likely pondered a way to live.
The sound of a body hitting the ground echoed,
“Father!”
The sight that greeted Rianne Helvint as she entered her father’s study was two decapitated corpses spilling blood onto the floor. Above the spreading puddles stood her father, motionless.
Still, Arandel greeted her without a glance to the fallen, holding the bloodied ancient sword.
“You’ve come prepared, I assume.”
As expected. Rianne nodded, unwrapping the white bandages encasing her weapon, Laghna Bell. As the bandages fell away,
“There will be no leniency.”
Arandel warned calmly.
“It could mean your death.”
Bang! Boom!
The loud noises inside the manor caught the attention of the eldest son, Roengreen Helvint, amidst his Sword Oath preparations. He rushed inside.
“What in the world is happening?!”
In charge of organizing the village stalls and ensuring open passageways with swift patrols,
Suddenly great turmoil erupted from the manor.
Even the garden adorned with blooming red roses shuddered with the impact.
Family members gathered at the entrance.
Most prominent among them was Aloys with a broken leg and the worried Galenia tending to him.
“Mother, what is the matter?!”
“Roengreen.”
Galenia greeted her son with a grave expression, her voice filled with concern.
“Rianne has returned…” she said simply.
Ah, that said enough. It clearly meant Rianne, who had gone off unannounced, was facing discipline for her actions.
Bang! Clang!
The clashing of blades resounded like thunder. The gleam of light from inside suggested a serious disturbance.
‘What could this…’
Roengreen had learned of Rianne’s strength during their spars before she left. Though he trained diligently, he doubted he could face his father in such a manner.
Understanding his thoughts perhaps,
Galenia gently took his hand.
“Do not worry.”
“Mother…”
“Should you not be resolute? If you are to become the head of the house?”
“…You’re right, Mother.”
Roengreen steeled himself, aware that his potential failure could have severe consequences.
Just as he resolved his thoughts,
Bang!
Arandel Helvint emerged from the mansion, shattering the main gate with one hand gripping Rianne by the neck. He resembled the king of beasts with his prey.
Rianne’s hair, matted with blood and sweat, suggested she was unconscious.
“Go and set her to rest, and tell her to remain confined until my permission.”
Saying this, Arandel reentered the house. The sword he carried was now heavily battered and nearly unusable, revealing the fierceness of Rianne’s resistance.
After treatment, Rianne lay in her bed, eyes closing as the familiar scent of roses enveloped her.
Being confined to her bed was worth it, she thought, considering her prior actions had broken Aloys’s leg as a precautionary measure.
The door creaked open, and in walked Galenia Helvint.
Feigning sleep, Rianne felt her mother’s approach.
“Why did you harm Aloys?”
“…”
“Such a sweet boy. Even during his treatment, he only worried about you.”
“…”
“Fine. If you don’t wish to answer, that’s alright.”
Galenia, knowing her daughter was awake, smiled gently and patted her head.
“Do not resent him too much. We are family, aren’t we?”
“…”
“Dear, love your family.”
With a warm smile, Galenia tenderly caressed Rianne’s cheek.
“You must become the head of the family.”
And with that, she exited, leaving Rianne to her thoughts.
