Sir Hero, It’s Time to Train!

“Damn fools, they don’t know their place…”

Riley gritted his teeth as he climbed into the carriage, furrowing his brow.

Though it was comfortable to sit alone in the spacious carriage, he could not shake his irritation.

“What should I tell Father about this? Sigh…”

Never in his wildest dreams had he expected Count Worden’s siblings to react in such a manner.

He was already stressed about what scolding he might receive from his father for failing to handle this matter properly.

And he had just begun to gain his father’s recognition…

“Annoying.”

The third son in a family with two older brothers, and lacking in business acumen within a merchant family.

In contrast, his eldest brother, already chosen as the family’s heir, had outstanding talent, and his second brother, though not as remarkable, also possessed admirable business skills.

His eldest brother was already assisting their father, and his second was helping manage their family’s estate with their uncle.

Only Riley felt out of place within the family. Hence, he chose a different path.

If he couldn’t contribute financially to the merchant family, he hoped to be of value in a different way, through the sword.

“Do they think they’re all that just because they’re heirs to a prestigious family?”

Though his mood was sour, Riley regained his composure after a few deep breaths.

His original personality was arrogant and somewhat impetuous, but he had learned to control his emotions while learning the sword, developing a knack for maintaining his calm.

Once he recovered his composure, Riley thought quietly.

“But something seems off.”

Why did those siblings refuse the agreement between the two maternal families, and even use the name of the Worden County?

It didn’t make any sense. The invitation was from families tied by marriage to the Worden County, who were their maternal relatives. The refusal seemed inconceivable.

“Could it be an order from Count Worden?”

Once he considered this, it explained the siblings’ audacious stance.

Without such backing, could those young siblings dare to act as they did?

Absolutely not.

At least, Riley was certain they couldn’t.

“Then why would Count Worden do such a thing?”

As a new question arose, Riley furrowed his brow again.

Since leaving his family to pursue the sword and walking the path of a knight, he had grown to admire Count Worden, who was renowned as both a knight and a powerful figure in the kingdom.

Witnessing the swordsmanship of Roberto Worden as a child had left a lasting impression on him.

For a brief period, he had even studied under Count Worden, who guided him onto the path of the sword when he was lost. In a way, he was a benefactor.

“Count Worden isn’t someone who would go astray like this…”

Thus, he couldn’t believe that he would use his children to engage in a power struggle with maternal relatives.

“Sigh. I guess Grandfather will take care of it.”

What was done was done, and it was out of his hands now. Not wanting to waste any more mental energy, Riley leaned back in the carriage and closed his eyes peacefully.

*

As soon as Riley left, Caedwin shouted as if anticipating it.

“Well done! You really gave it to that damn guy! You carry the Worden name well!”

“What are you up to now?”

Caedwin slapped Christian’s back as if they were close friends and even gave a thumbs up.

“You, you were cool, big sis! Even the teachers at the academy rarely stood up to that senior!”

“Uh, right? Really?”

Even Sonya, who was usually distant, was beaming at Aira like a newfound friend. The situation left them wondering why the sudden change.

Looking at their actions, Liber smirked and spoke.

“That Riley guy, he’s pretty famous at the academy, but not in a good way.”

“Well, from his attitude, he seems the type to throw his weight around and make enemies.”

“Yeah, there were definitely some who found him bothersome and tried to avoid him.”

Christian nodded slightly as if it made sense, and Liber thought his nonchalant demeanor was impressive.

“Liber, did you also?”

“…”

To Christian’s question, Liber didn’t answer verbally; he just averted his gaze.

Christian wasn’t so dense as to not pick up on what that meant, so he pondered deeply.

In schools like the academy where adults’ influences didn’t reach, he had often encountered kids from influential families who flaunted their power.

Of course, those who showed off like that were all reduced to crawling on all fours by his master’s lessons, ensuring they wouldn’t do so again.

“Those guys in the academy were of provincial nobility from the same region as us. How much did they ostracize and torment Rangar?”

“Right! Those bumpkins act like they’re better!”

Even Sonya, uncharacteristically, got angry alongside Caedwin, who had seemingly suffered a lot.

Unlike them, Liber maintained his usual composure, trying to hold onto his dignity as the elder.

“Anyway, good job. I’m thankful you and Aira were there.”

“Well, I wouldn’t call it something to be thankful for…”

Feeling shy about the praise, Aira awkwardly smiled, avoiding the gazes of Liber, Caedwin, and Sonya.

Watching the group in their heartwarming interaction, Christian spoke.

“Alright. Shall we get ready and go?”

“Huh? Go? Where to?”

Aira tilted her head in confusion at Christian’s words, and Christian grinned at the group.

“Your maternal grandparents.”

“…?”

Everyone’s expressions turned to confusion at his words. Aira, in particular, looked increasingly perplexed as if she couldn’t understand it at all.

Though the words were so straightforward she failed to comprehend them at first, she quickly grasped their meaning.

“You said we weren’t going!”

“I hate going when summoned, but I’m choosing to go of my own accord. That’s different.”

“Different my foot!”

“Ugh…!”

Aira grabbed Christian by the collar and shook him fiercely. Though she wanted to smack him, she knew he wouldn’t let her, so she held back.

Unaware of the subtle psychological battle, Liber hastily intervened, separating the two.

“Aira, calm down. And Christian, why do you want to go to the Viscount Miles’s estate all of a sudden?”

“Gasp, sigh. As a grandson, I suppose I should show minimal courtesy. Well, I’m not the direct grandson, but still.”

“I’m a bit confused, is all… You just told Riley you weren’t going.”

“It’s intriguing isn’t it?”

“Intriguing?”

“Why the proud families, especially the Miles Viscounty, would invite me at a loss. Aren’t you curious, elder brother?”

“Huh? Well, because you’re still the grandson, so…”

“Grandson my foot. I’m telling you, the Miles Viscounty incurred a loss. Don’t you understand what that means?”

“That’s…”

He couldn’t bring himself to say such a thing was possible. The Miles Viscounty was known for spending a penny to earn two more.

Such a family had agreed to incur a huge loss by inviting Christian and Aira to their home for just a few hours.

Entrusting their granddaughter, and indeed everyone from Ringar, to the family of their other relatives, Marquis Ferdida.

It was indirectly a statement that the Ferdida family held greater influence over the Worden family and the entire Ringar region.

And apparently, it was the Miles Viscounty that proposed this first.

Marquis Ferdida probably had their reasons, but the offer must have been too tempting to refuse.

“My aunt would never agree to a losing deal. But if the head of that house is right there, why would they take a loss and invite me?”

“Hmm…”

Hearing his explanation, even Liber found it strange and was intrigued, but he couldn’t, in good conscience, say, “Then you must go.”

“Even so, you said you wouldn’t go, right? If you go, they might look down on you.”

“Look down on us? Why?”

“Why, indeed? They might think you changed your mind because you feared the consequences.”

“Simple-minded people would think that way.”

Liber, feeling briefly like a simpleton, flinched, but Christian continued undeterred, casting a glance at Aira.

Aira, however, avoided Christian’s gaze.

Did you think the same, too?

Seeing Aira’s expression, Christian sighed and shook his head slowly.

“Maybe they’d think I regretted my decision. But families like them might think, ‘Why is he coming after refusing? Isn’t that strange?’ They’ll be suspicious.”

People often overthink simple things, especially if they generally consider themselves intelligent.

They ponder hidden motives, wondering why someone is doing something unexpected.

Sometimes they over-interpret simple actions, ending up ruining their own plans.

“And, most of all, there’s something intriguing about it that makes me want to see it for myself.”

“Intriguing? What is it?”

Christian’s eerie smile and eye-smile, in response to Liber’s question, startled Liber, Caedwin, and even Aira.

Sonya hid behind Aira, experiencing the chilly air for the first time.

“Seeing us after having refused their invitation, imagine how that Riley guy’s expression will change.”

“…”

Liber’s face darkened. Although he had tangled with Riley at the academy over a few bad incidents, he remembered seeing such expressions before.

Unlike Liber, Aira shared a similar mysterious smile with Christian.

“That seems interesting? I’m curious what face that damn guy will make.”

“Right? So you’ll go, won’t you?”

“Yeah. Besides, if I don’t go, mom might scold me.”

Despite telling Riley she wouldn’t go, Aira was worried about what her mother might say if she didn’t go.

She somewhat felt relieved that Christian had taken the initiative.

“Alright, let’s go.”

As Christian started walking, Aira hurried to his side to ask.

“Huh? Right now?”

“Yup, right away. The worse his mood when we arrive while Riley is being scolded, the better.”

“You really are mean.”

“… You’re laughing too.”

Liber, watching the devious siblings, broke out in a cold sweat but couldn’t bring himself to stop them.

“Well, have a safe trip.”

“Sure, keep an eye on the house. We’ll be back soon.”

“Don’t go out too far, just do some strength exercises right here. I’ll check when I get back.”

To Liber, the siblings looked like they were merely going for a stroll. As he bid them farewell, an odd sense of apprehension set in.

‘Hopefully, they won’t cause any trouble?’

After all, it was their grandparents’ home. He thought they’d have some sense not to act out, yet couldn’t shake off the uncertainty, leaving him deeply concerned.