Reset Life – Chapter 82

Chapter 82: Re.Extra: Spring Has Come (3)

“Then it can’t be helped. Since we’re going to dump the Aila anyway, it’ll be about 80% of the regular price, and we’ll have to consign it to the Eastern Defense Command. The vassals of Orknesia are rich, so if we sell it at 90% of the regular price, they’ll buy a lot. If we sell it all, it’s a profit for now.”

Arisein drafted an official document. He decided to pay a deposit with the salt money from the supply budget, pay the balance later with the sales proceeds, and put the remaining money into the temporary budget.

Although the salt distribution would be a little delayed, it wasn’t at a critical level. Military supplies are supposed to have reserves unless it’s a wartime situation.

It was a question whether the absurd plan of trading with supplies would be accepted, but Duke Ecaledon had completely delegated authority to Arisein. The soldiers would be a bit bewildered, but Arisein was satisfied with the rational and efficient method.

“Good. Now we just need to fit the remaining parts.”

Nodding his head vigorously, he proceeded with the supply plan quickly.

By the time he had finalized the supply plan and signed the final signature, the grandfather clock had already struck eight. It couldn’t be helped that it was a little late because of the interruption.

“Ugh! Damn it!”

He had made a promise to go to the theater with Levidian at 7:30 pm today.

He had often taken her to various places in the Imperial Capital. He thought that even Levidian would be bored if she only taught swordsmanship at the mansion, and above all, he enjoyed the time she enjoyed things other than the sword.

Today, he had suggested going to the theater for the first time. Arisein’s face, which had been recalling her inwardly anticipating it because it was a place Levidian had never been to before, crumpled.

He was 30 minutes late. It was definitely not something a gentleman or a man should do.

“Kuaa-! I’m late-!”

He screamed, organized the documents, quickly grabbed his coat, and hurriedly opened the door.

As if she had been waiting, she was there.

“Yes. You’re late.”

“Ugh! Levidian!”

Bang!

The moment Arisein saw Levidian with her arms crossed, one eyebrow and the corner of her mouth twitching in anger, he reflexively closed the door.

‘Gasp! What have I done!’

Surprised by his own actions, Arisein chewed on his fingernails in front of the door.

Not only was he late, but he also closed the door in front of her abruptly. It was something he deserved to die a hundred times over.

He began to escape reality, wondering if he could come back to life if he died by Levidian’s hand. However, Levidian was not one to just let it go.

“If you don’t explain what this means, I’ll cancel today’s schedule and start night training right away. Shall we run around the mansion 100 times or so?”

Winter had already passed, but a chilly air and murderous intent flowed in from outside the door.

In the end, Arisein managed to open the door with trembling hands.

“Ah, ahahaha, I’m sorry……”

His attempt to smile was admirable. But no matter how hard he tried, it was awkward, and Levidian fully expressed her displeasure.

“Oh my? You know you’re sorry? After making me stand in the living room for 30 minutes, that’s all you have to say? On top of that, you made me wear these…… uncomfortable clothes.”

She said curtly, looking at her clothes.

The pearl-colored dress was purchased by Arisein for today. It was an outfit he had forcibly taken Levidian to the dress shop to have fitted, and it suited her quite well.

Arisein scratched his head and stammered.

“Un, uncomfortable? Well, that…… you look beautiful.”

“Forget it. You’re good with words.”

Levidian turned her head away haughtily. Arisein thought that side of her was quite cute. If anything, her charm was that she would act even more haughtily if he complimented her honestly.

Arisein looked at her with a calmer demeanor.

When he went to Azot before, there was a ball held in a city called Kinchedin. Levidian had worn a similar dress then.

“As expected, pearl-color suits you, Levidian.”

“I said forget it. Hmph.”

She turned her body away.

Although she didn’t want to, Arisein thought she looked incredibly beautiful. There weren’t many women who became more beautiful the more they dressed up like her.

She was already in her late 20s, but wasn’t this the time when a woman was at her most beautiful?

‘But somehow…… the only thing that’s changed from when we first met is her atmosphere. Where does she age?’

Arisein couldn’t hide his wonder as he looked at Levidian, who had become smaller than him.

Even when they first met, she looked young for her age. And now she looked 10 years younger. It seemed like she was aging in reverse.

As he was thinking that, Levidian grumbled softly with her back turned.

“You’ve grown taller and now you’re even looking down on your teacher. I thought your skills had improved, but your arrogance has also increased. I don’t know why you’re growing in so many ways. Uselessly.”

“Hmm, I’m sorry. I was a bit busy with work……”

“Do you know that? What Risel just said is the excuse that the Duchess and Miss Sera hate the most.”

“I’ve committed a grave sin.”

A man who brings his work home without separating his public and private life is committing a sin against his family.

Arisein was speechless because he had always said that.

Levidian sighed deeply. This didn’t happen often, but time was of the essence.

“Let’s go. We’re not late, are we?”

“Ah, yes. We should be able to make it in time if we go now. Hmm. Shall we go, Levidian?”

Arisein politely offered his hand, and Levidian glared at him and took his hand as if she had no choice.

He escorted her to the front door. Marlin and the carriage were already waiting there.

“Ah, Young Master, I said I would go, but Teacher insisted……”

“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”

Arisein smiled brightly. As Marlin became healthier with each passing year, he had long since stopped worrying about her.

Just as they were about to get into the carriage, a young boy passed by.

“Lea, evening training?”

“Ah, Senior! Are you going out?”

“Yeah. Ugh. Take it easy. This makes me look like a lazy bum.”

Virean Orcanto, who had just turned seventeen, chuckled at Arisein’s playful remark. He was still skinny, even though he was no longer the scrawny fisherman boy he used to be.

However, there would be no more foolish thing than to judge him based on his physique.

Virean was developing splendidly as a swordsman, to the point where it was a wonder how such agility and strength could come from his skinny body.

Arisein was already no match for Virean.

Although it was a secret, Arisein’s current skills had already surpassed his father, Duke Ecaledon.

Even though he was less proficient in the family’s swordsmanship, the Dance of Nine Swords, if they sparred seriously, he had an overwhelming advantage that would guarantee him victory over Ecaledon.

Such a person was surpassed by Virean, who was two years younger than him. Nevertheless, Virean continued to grow and did not become arrogant about his skills.

Because there was an opponent that neither Virean nor Arisein could defeat, even if they teamed up: his teacher.

The terrifying Sword King, who became stronger with time, poked Risel in the side.

“Your training time has decreased recently. Even if you’re busy with work, you should keep your promises, right? Since when did Risel become such a credit delinquent?”

“Huh? No, hmm, Lea, good luck. Levidian, let’s go.”

“Risel, are you trying to change the subject now? Huh? Don’t push me! Answer me!”

Levidian could have resisted with force if she wanted to, but she obediently entered the carriage as Risel pushed her. Virean watched with amusement.

“As expected, Senior and Master are interesting.”

He nodded meaningfully and started running again.

“Hey! Lea! You, you!”

Arisein thought about hitting the back of his junior’s head for his impudent remarks, but then he realized that there was someone inside the carriage who was screaming with her eyes that she wanted to hit the back of his head.

He seriously considered just running after Lea.

The story of the founding of the Empire had a similar structure to the heroic legends passed down from ancient times.

It was the story of a hero defeating the evil that was rampant on the continent and founding a nation to live happily ever after.

The only difference from the legend was that the hero who saved the continent during the founding of the Empire became the founder of the Duke’s family.

Although the content was quite combative and not recommended for women, Arisein thought Levidian would like it.

Indeed, it was her first time experiencing a play, and because the content was somewhat familiar, she watched with a serious attitude.

Although she occasionally made the people around her, including Arisein, flustered by analyzing the battle scenes with a sharp, professional eye, she generally enjoyed it.

Arisein was relieved to see her enjoying herself. He had been worried that she might be bored because of the farce they had put on until right before they left, but that worry was instantly relieved.

They continued to talk about the play inside the carriage, and Levidian, who was able to have a pleasant time after a long while, did not let the smile leave her face.

“I had so much fun today.”

She said to Arisein sincerely in front of her room.

It was her first time having such a fun time. She even thought that she should have gone to the theater sooner if she had known it was such an enjoyable place.

Above all, she had more fun because he was with her. It seemed like she had seen many new things since meeting Arisein.

She looked at her disciple, who had now grown taller than her, with a nostalgic expression. The boy had grown up splendidly into a fine young man.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. It makes me happy to see you enjoying yourself.”

“Hehehe. Thank you.”

Levidian blushed and said. Arisein couldn’t see it because of the darkness in the hallway.

She opened the door.

It was past 11 o’clock, time to sleep.

“Then good night. See you tomorrow morning.”

“Ah…… well, Ibi.”

“Yes?”

She was slightly surprised that Arisein called her by her nickname. She didn’t know when it started, but whenever he called her by her nickname, her heart would flutter as if she was startled.

Arisein was hesitating. His hand was fumbling in his pocket. It was too dark to see clearly. She wished the candles in the hallway were a bit brighter.

“Why?”

She unconsciously whispered softly. She treated him gently to try and ease his tension, as he was clearly hesitant.

“Do you have something to say?”

“Yes. Well, that is…… this!”

As Arisein took something out of his pocket, she reflexively tried to take a defensive stance, but then chuckled. It couldn’t be a surprise attack, not from Arisein.

She stared at the hand he held out. Again, it was too dark to see clearly.

“Well…… I can’t see it very well.”

“Yes? Ah, oh dear!”

He clattered away and came back with a candlestick that was stuck on the wall. Then he held out his hand again.

She saw the object on it and took half a step back. It might be a surprise attack after all.

“Th, this is……? What is this?”

“Yes? Ah…… It’s a ring.”

“This…… to me?”

After a moment of silence, Arisein nodded.

“Yes.”

The ring was simple in design, but it was crafted with extraordinary skill.

There was a light wave pattern made of metal inlay, and a tiny blue jewel was embedded in it.

It was something that would be easily visible depending on the wearer.

For example, to Levidian.

She looked at the ring and him, then frowned.

“Risel, this joke is going too far.”

“It’s not a joke.”

“Yes?”

She widened her eyes. He was saying it in earnest.

Arisein bit his dry lips nervously.

“Well, there will be a ball to celebrate my birthday in six weeks. I originally wanted to give it to you last year for my coming-of-age celebration, but I missed the timing…… This time, I don’t want to be late. Ibi. Please attend the ball as my official partner then. Please.”

“Me?”

“Yes. Please be my lady, without the mask.”

Levidian was slightly speechless in shock.

After four years in the Duke’s mansion, she had learned a lot of miscellaneous knowledge, whether she liked it or not. In particular, the words asking her to officially become his lady meant courtship.

She flinched and reached out her hand.

She was about to fold his hand and return it.

At that moment, she felt a feeling within her that rejected that action.

She wanted to have it.

‘Me……? Why?’

She was startled by her own feelings.

While training in swordsmanship, she had abandoned all desires except for the sword. She thought it was enough to have a disciple who would inherit her progress.

Then she met a disciple with quite a bit of talent.

Curiosity.

That’s what it was at first.

How far could this disciple go? How much could he achieve?

As a teacher and as a swordsman, she wanted to see it.

And if he were to defeat her someday, it would be a great reward. The duty of all disciples is to surpass their teacher, and the teacher feels proud of it.

It was quite a high standard of expectation for an ordinary sixteen-year-old boy.

She was prepared for it to take a long time.

Arisein was worth it.

She watched him as she taught him.

At some point, she didn’t know when.

She realized that she was looking at ‘Risel’, not her ‘disciple’.

He was humane.

He empathized with the sadness of others and led them to a new path out of their sorrow.

He was driven.

He carried out what he wanted to do without hesitation, and he did not hesitate to move forward even when faced with difficulties.

He was discerning.

He distinguished well between what he could do, what he couldn’t do, what he should do, and what he shouldn’t do. He knew when to crouch and when to move forward.

‘I…… I……!’

What should she do?

She was confused.

She had never felt this way, even when she was learning her most difficult swordsmanship at the Hall of Martial Arts.

She was wavering.

No, she had already experienced wavering many times.

When she started teaching Lea. She tried to prove that his eyes weren’t wrong. Then he got angry at the excessive training. She was upset that he didn’t recognize it.

When a crossbow bolt pierced his body in the Hiltenpens Barony. She had never been so agitated in her life. She was consumed by uncontrollable rage.

Why did she waver?

How could Arisein shake her?

Her head was dizzy.

She was expecting something from him. At some point, she had been yearning for something from him.

“Ibi?”

“Ah……”

Arisein’s voice brought her back to reality. And she realized that her fingers were holding the ring at some point.

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