I Grabbed the Tyrant’s Heart - Chapter 211

“Someone named Curiel, she said.”

“Curiel was here too?”

He seemed quite surprised.

“Curiel? I thought she disliked the Northern Empire… Hmm, it seems there are quite a few elves living in the Northern Empire.”

“Aren’t there more in the Southern Empire? Elves generally prefer that environment.”

“That’s true. But if you look only at the central areas, the Northern Empire has a higher density. Even among the elves I know, excluding Ciel and Curiel, there are several more. None in the Southern Empire.”

“None at all?”

“Right.”

That’s unexpected.

“I won’t be staying long. I only came to see you for a bit.”

“Returning to Varen?”

“No, I plan to head to the borderlands between the Northern and Southern Empires.”

“Are you on the Southern Empire’s side?”

“No, I’m neutral. I don’t get involved in human conflicts. Unless their disputes harm other races, that is.”

In other words, this war could escalate to that level. I’ve just added more worry to my already full plate.

Although he didn’t have any baggage, Ber quickly grabbed his sword and prepared for a sparring match.

“You’ve improved a lot since last time. It seems like you need a worthy opponent, so let’s go.”

I led the way to the training grounds.

The local soldiers had been conscripted, but the palace guards stationed in the capital remained, gathering in small groups to watch.

Clang! Clash!

Without any signal, Ber and I drew our swords and clashed fiercely.

I swung my sword as if to release all the worries and frustrations that had built up. Whenever I started to let my emotions take over, Ber would aggressively counterattack. Despite the whirlwind of emotions, I managed to maintain my composure.

“Wow, you’ve really improved!”

“Ber, you can use more force if you want.”

“Then I won’t hold back.”

Crash!

“Wow, look at that!”

It was only the sound of our swords clashing, but a tree standing at a distance broke. My arm, having blocked the attack, was sore, but I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Do you think the dragon we saw last time would have been even stronger than this?”

“No, this is probably the maximum.”

The dragon seemed weaker compared to Ber. Even so, I might have had a chance.

I had definitely become stronger. I was closer to my goal of protecting my loved ones from harm.

“And we usually don’t rely on standard techniques. They’re optional. We generally break things with sheer force. In that sense, you’re a step above.”

“Ber, you’re quite unique, aren’t you?”

“That’s right. I enjoy wandering around like this. By the way, you’re not even flustered in moments like these. I must have taught you well.”

Ber, now self-praising, launched a fierce attack. At first, I was just trying to defend, but over time, I began to recognize his attack patterns and started to counterattack little by little.

I released and released the pent-up emotions.

Recently, my father and I had a heated argument.

– I fight much better than Gael, Father.

– That doesn’t mean Gael’s skills are lacking.

– Father.

– Euel, please.

My father looked even more desperate than when he had said four years ago that he couldn’t send me away.

– I’m not trying to shirk the family duties. When the time comes, you will fight for the family’s honor. So, could you please wait a little longer?

– …Yes, Father.

My mother watched my father with a worried look and then comforted him.

– Oh, Millen. It seems you’re tired from the heavy workload lately. Let’s go and rest.

– It seems so. I must have been unable to sleep… Euel, we’ll talk later.

My parents headed to their bedroom.

Count Daidi was also up in arms, he was the one who said that sending his daughter to the battlefield would mean the end of the family line, so he would never allow it. So my father’s attitude wasn’t too out of the ordinary.

Still, my father’s stance seemed particularly rigid…

When you go to the battlefield, the chances of life and death are fifty-fifty. But my father acts as if I would definitely die if I went.

Even though I’m much stronger, he wants to send Gael!

“Opening!”

Ber swung his sword horizontally, as if to split me in two, and I quickly raised my sword to block.

Clang!

The shock that I couldn’t fully absorb made my wrist ache, but I didn’t lose grip of the sword.

The sparring continued until Gael, who had returned home after the academy, arrived, and the family’s knights looked increasingly tired.

I had exhausted my stamina to the limit, and my whole body was trembling, but it felt refreshing.

“Ber!”

“Long time no see, Gael?”

“Wow, was Ber really this strong? I can’t believe it. No, actually, nothing’s changed!”

The dragon narrowed his eyes and placed his index finger on his lips.

Gael’s face flushed bright red.

“Let’s go inside.”

“Ye, yes! I’ll, I’ll show you to the mansion.”

Gael’s limbs moved simultaneously, and Ber laughed, pointing it out. Gael’s neck was visibly red as he led the way.

Perhaps Gael and I are very alike. We both seem quite sensitive about our faces.

“…I’m not sure which is better.”

Both Ber and Tess’s younger brother are formidable opponents.

* * *

Soon, Mother returned home, and for some reason, Father also arrived in time for dinner.

Mother welcomed the dragon warmly, while Father appeared somewhat aloof.

Ber had Gael spar with him—though it ended in just one round—and then we had tea together.

The dragon lounged in his chair, stretching out and crossing his legs.

“You have something to say?”

Just like in our childhood, he asked the question with a relaxed demeanor. He always seemed to know everything, so I often found myself revealing my true feelings.