870 – Is this the land of the one-eyed? – 4

Knights are a people who live by the sword and die by the sword. Even when there is no war, they often clash swords with each other.

In cases where they spar to improve each other’s skills, in cases where they duel to stab their opponents with their swords because they are like dogs, in cases where they show off flashy martial arts to liven up the atmosphere of an event, etc. These are just some of the things that come to mind right now, so if you really think about it, all sorts of thoughts will come rushing out.

However, this is only possible if the two knights are of similar level. If the gap between the two knights is too large, sparring will not help improve their skills, and even swinging a sword at the opponent will end in an instant, and the fight will end before the atmosphere can be heightened, making it awkward.

However, in one case, it is okay for the gap between the two knights to be large, as long as the master teaches the novice. In this case, if the gap is not large, it becomes more strange and problematic.

‘It is a teaching.’

So, the King of Armenia’s proposal started to make my head spin.

If the Emperor had said something like, ‘You knights, teach me a lesson,’ it wouldn’t have been a problem, although they would have complained that he was ordering them to do all sorts of things.

I don’t know any systematic training methods? In the world of knights, such a thing is a minor problem. Of course, it would be better if I knew a systematic training method, but isn’t it true that physical jobs are more about practice than theory? Since I’ve reached my current level by training, the knights of the empire will naturally improve their skills if they train with me.

However, if the opponent is an Armenian knight and not an Imperial knight, such a crude and brutal method cannot be used.

‘It’s a bit much to treat another country’s finances like dogs.’

Personnel like knights and magicians are treated with respect wherever they go. Even commoners who rise to the ranks of knights or magicians through talent and hard work are treated as semi-nobles.

But how can you drive a knight so crazy that he is passionate enough to ask for teachings from a foreigner and has the position to ask for teachings from the best swordsman on the continent? If something goes wrong, he could be misunderstood as sabotaging the empire. If things go that way, it doesn’t matter that Armin asked for teachings first.

“It is indeed an honorable and humbling offer, but I know that the knights of Armenia are brave, courageous, and loyal. I fear that the small advice of a mere man may tarnish their path.”

That’s why I refused with the most plausible excuse. I thought that although it would be honorable, my teachings could have a negative effect on them.

In fact, it was a nice way of saying, ‘Even if I am the best swordsman on the continent, I am still a foreigner. Can you entrust your country’s talents to a foreigner?’ If you choose the wrong teacher, even if you are a local, you will suffer, so how much worse would it be if you choose a foreign, shady teacher.

“I am truly delighted by the Count’s consideration for the knights of our country, but that is not something for the Count to worry about.”

But despite my refusal, the King of Armenia smiled.

“As the King of Armenia and the head of the House of Robens, I assure you that the knights of our country are steadfast men who accept teachings but are not swayed. Those who do not have a firm pillar in their hearts are not knights, and those who cannot become knights do not dare to look up to the heavens. At least those who are qualified will not look up to the heavens.”

“The knights will also be moved by Your Majesty’s trust.”

I just smiled awkwardly at the King’s remarks, which not only raised my own standing, but also that of his own country’s knights.

He believed that even if I taught him strangely, the knights under his command would grow on their own. At the same time, he praised him by treating him as the best sword in the continent and giving him high praise. Because of this, the burden grew even more.

“And what the knights want is not the Count’s theories, but practice. What teaching is more certain and beautiful than crossing swords with the Count himself?”

‘It’s the actual situation that’s the problem.’

I barely managed to swallow the words that were rising to the top of my lungs. I couldn’t bring myself to say in front of the King of the Knight Kingdom, ‘I can’t do it because I’m afraid that if I run the knights of this country, they’ll get in trouble.’

No matter how much you acknowledge the Empire’s superiority, how much would your pride be hurt if you heard such words? At best, you are being respected and cared for because you are the best swordsman on the continent, but in an instant, the best swordsman on the continent can become an object of hatred rather than awe. At the same time, the relationship between the Empire and Armenia will return to the way it was before.

It’s a terrible diplomatic disaster to even imagine. It’s a disaster that wouldn’t be strange if the Foreign Ministry tried to kill me.

“How about it, Count? Would you mind giving a little teaching to your juniors?”

I felt breathless when I heard the word junior. I decided to make it official because I don’t know any juniors like that.

‘What should I do with this?’

Anyway, despite my polite refusal, I sighed inwardly at the continued persuasion.

Yes, if it is not a theoretical teaching but a practical exercise involving physical movement, then it is not complicated. Just swing the sword appropriately and receive the opponent’s sword appropriately, and that’s it. It is not that difficult, except that it is mysterious to come to a wedding celebration and honeymoon and become a one-day instructor.

But is this really true? Is it okay for an imperial citizen to spar with a knight from the Knight Kingdom and say things like, ‘Ah, this is the power of the best sword on the continent’? No matter how I look at it, this seems like teabagging.

Moreover, the parties themselves are claiming to be teabagging. What kind of country is Armenia…

“If it pleases you, Your Majesty.”

While I was wondering what decision to make, Fine opened her mouth.

“May I share my sword with the Armenian knights first?”

“Hoo.”

“Pine?”

Both I and the King of Armenia were a little surprised by Fine’s proposal.

Although the King of Armenia said that it was okay for Fine to come forward first, it was probably just a courtesy to lighten my burden. It was not a consideration to bring Fine forward for something that I found bothersome, and the King of Armenia probably forgot about it as soon as he said it.

However, Fine asked the ceremonial question. It was not rude, since it was nominally the king who suggested it first.

“I am ashamed to say it myself, but I am the wife of Count Tylglehen and a disciple who received intensive training from the best swordsman on the continent. I think sparring with me would be a good experience for the knights.”

“I am your disciple.”

And interest lingered in the king’s eyes at Fine’s addition.

“Count. Is that true?”

“Oh, yes. I personally guided him to the path of the unmanned, and helped him here and there. You could say he was my first disciple.”

It wasn’t a wrong answer, so I answered confidently.

Right after the 4th Division of the Inspectorate collapsed spectacularly, how much effort did I put into reviving the 4th Division? Among them, Fine was the person I cared about the most, and he repaid my care with his abilities. The other members of the Mukwangdae were also excellent, but Fine was overwhelming.

“I see.”

The King of Armenia stroked his chin as if he was satisfied with my answer.

When I glanced at Fine, I saw a firm determination on her face. As if she had to break through herself first to reach me.

***

I had lost everything in the Great War. My family, my neighbors, my friends, my hometown. Everything but my body was gone.

At the same time, I got everything. God took everything from me and gave me everything new. My soul, my life.

‘Master.’

I thought of my soul and my life.

Of course, the title of master is now an unspoken title. However, when I decided to truly follow my beloved husband, I called him master instead of wife. When others called him boss, I alone in my heart called him master.

And I have been taught by him since the time when my master was the chief inspector. I have been taught with sincerity by the one whom even the knights of Armenia, the so-called knight kingdom, long for, and who beg to receive even the smallest teachings.

This is my pride. It is the pride of me and the 4th Division of the former Inspectorate, the former Mukwangdae, and the current 1st Division of the Special Forces. Among them, I can say with pride that I am the first and best disciple in name and reality.

‘I cannot share this honor so carelessly.’

That’s why I was greedy. This glory should be ours. It’s a precious glory that only our Special Forces Unit 1 should keep.

So I stepped forward. To dare to be taught by the master—no, by the mistress. How presumptuous and unruly greed!

“next.”

I took a deep breath and opened my mouth as calmly as I could. Without even looking at the knight who had fallen to the ground, I called the next knight.

You are the ones who can handle it just fine. My teachings, not yours, are enough.

‘I hope you’re doing well?’

Still, I looked at my wife with a hopeful mind. I thought this was the right thing to do and took up the sword, but what if my wife was uncomfortable?

‘ah.’

But when I saw my wife smiling and giving me a thumbs up, my heart quickly felt at ease.

It was a mistake. My judgment was right. My wife didn’t want to fight the knights directly. How could the best swordsman on the continent, not even the best swordsman in Armenia, fight against the many, many low-ranking people?

‘Let’s take it easy.’

Then I felt my burning head gradually cooling down.

If you beat up your partner too much while your wife is being so kind to you, it’s likely to lead to a diplomatic dispute. Then that smile will turn into a smile of embarrassment. I don’t like that.

I am the wife of Count Tilglehen and the first disciple of the best swordsman on the continent. I must show the dignity and ability befitting that reputation. I must never disappoint someone who is like my life.

‘…Why…did it increase more?’

But something is strange. Wasn’t there clearly less than twenty people waiting for the sparring session just a moment ago? It seems like the number has nearly doubled in the meantime.

***

I just applauded Fine’s unstoppable winning streak.

I can roughly guess what Fine is thinking. Although it has become more relaxed than when she used to call me master, Fine thinks of everything from me to me. Since I am embarrassed by the request of the King of Armenia, she must have taken on the troublesome task for me.

In some ways, it could be said that this was Fine’s rampage, but Fine, who had been quiet for a while, took the lead. Furthermore, she was fighting the Armenian knights as ‘the unmanned’ Fine, not as ‘my wife’ Fine. As her victories increase, Fine’s reputation will also increase.

‘Great, our Pine.’

With this momentum, let’s break the dojo with the Armenian capital as the backdrop.

“Huh, the special agent chief is different no matter what! I’m itching to pick up my sword right now!”

I’ll be stopping this crazy prince in the meantime.

‘Thank goodness the wedding is just around the corner.’

I let out a small sigh inside.

That little b*stard Ryutis. If it weren’t for the groom who’s about to get married, he would’ve fought Fine a long time ago. Right now, he’s holding back because he can’t afford to get hurt even a little bit.

I wouldn’t have come if it weren’t for the wedding in the first place, but I’m glad it is a wedding.