How to Live as a Swordmaster of the Enemy Nation

Explanation

Gregory, worried that Adrian might train in the wrong direction, watched him every day, hiding nearby and observing.

After a week had passed, Gregory stood before Adrian as planned.

Adrian smiled warmly at Gregory.

Seeing Adrian, who was lost in laughter upon facing him, Gregory, unable to find an answer even after some thought, asked back.

"What's so funny?"

"It's just... it's funny seeing you stand so confidently here after spying on me every day."

Gregory initially thought the laughter was because Adrian had regained his confidence and composure, but in reality, Gregory's not-so-thorough tailing had been caught.

Still, seeing Adrian smile like this, Gregory believed he had overcome his sense of pressure, and in turn, felt relieved.

Gregory cleared his throat and tried to change the subject.

"Ahem. Anyway, let's see how much you've improved."

Gregory assumed it would be difficult for Adrian to achieve remarkable results proportional to the time invested. Focusing solely on training while abandoning all distractions was no easy feat.

However, contrary to expectations, Adrian had passed Gregory's benchmark.

His movements were noticeably lighter. As he caught his breath, he exhaled at a proper pace. Thanks to previous efforts, his physical condition was fairly well-trained, and with his body supporting him, he now looked every bit the part of a proper swordsman.

There were certainly areas for improvement, but even at this level, one could judge that he had the essential qualities of an excellent knight.

"Really, you grew this much in such a short time?"

Gregory was stunned. Of course, he had expected Adrian to improve after enduring so much pain for so long.

But Gregory had never imagined Adrian would meet his expectations so quickly.

No, was this simply to be expected?

In his past life, Gregory's companions in the Dawn Knight Order had all grown to become major figures of Arme. Though they were still young and showed cute sides now, they would display even more remarkable growth in the future.

To these companions, Gregory intended to serve as the kindling that lights their flames.

Gregory applauded and showered Adrian with praise. He believed this praise would also serve as excellent fertilizer for growth.

"Hm... Good. This is more than enough."

Naturally, Adrian was overjoyed. He jumped up and down as if soaring through the sky. Praise truly could make even whales dance.

"Really? Really? At this level, can I already be of help to the Dawn Knight Order?"

"You're already being helpful."

Moreover, Adrian's actions often served as a good influence and example for Gregory.

Gregory wished this influence could reach the other knights as well, but Adrian wasn't ready to show the results of his training to everyone yet, so there was nothing he could do.

"Is that so...? I don't really get it. It's almost time for the others to wake up—should we head back to the base?"

Adrian couldn't fully grasp what Gregory was saying but decided that good news was good news and laughed it off.

"Let's do that."

Gregory was certain. The results of their efforts so far would soon shine.

While Gregory and Adrian were talking, dawn broke again, and the two of them returned to the Dawn Knight Order's base. Worried that someone might witness them together, Gregory picked some fruit from a nearby tree to bring along.

Just then, Alessandro woke up and, still drowsy, saw Gregory and Adrian entering the base together.

"What's this? You two seem to be getting along lately."

"Getting along? We just went for a walk because I wanted to discuss swordsmanship for a bit, that's all."

Adrian subtly signaled to Gregory, and he had no choice but to play along.

"That's right. Anyway, eat this."

Alessandro grumbled and looked sleepily back and forth between Adrian and Gregory. He ate the fruit Gregory tossed him and eyed the situation suspiciously.

"Oh, this is nice. Hmm, but still, something's up, isn't there... I want to talk about swordsmanship, too."

Adrian deflected and tried to move the situation past this.

"Whatever. It was nothing. Ugh, it's cold. I'm heading inside."

Gregory followed Adrian inside the base. Heln was already busy preparing breakfast, and Gregory began to consider what must be done going forward as he ate.

With about three months left, there was still a lot he could do.

He could help improve his companions' skills or further temper his own body. But there were other things he needed to do first.

That was his promise to Radian. By now, the upper ranks of Arme would have concluded discussions and begun providing supplies.

Radian had likely attempted to defect to Stria group, and there was a high chance Stria group had gotten wind of it.

It was truly time to move.

"It's about time for it to arrive, isn't it?"

With a mumble, Walter took a deep breath and entered the base.

"Gregory, you have a letter."

Gregory nodded slightly.

'It's finally here.'

Gregory quietly began reading through the letter Walter handed him.

That's right. Even while secretly observing Adrian in the early morning, Gregory had collected information about Radian's family to recruit them and had recorded it.

He had sent all this detailed information to Hemingway by letter. Now that a response had come...

It was a reply to Gregory's proposal to Hemingway.

- Investigation shows no issues. Execute the operation. P. S. Gregory is to stop all activity and come to the Radiant Light Order the moment he receives this letter. Walter is to wait for Gregory's arrival before proceeding with the operation.

Gregory, his expression heavy, looked at Walter. Now he was convinced it was time to act and gazed intently at Walter.

"You must have received the details of the letter, right?"

"I haven't heard the specifics, but nothing too important was mentioned."

Gregory feigned ignorance and asked Walter.

"Then, why is Father calling me?"

In response, Walter also played coy.

"That, I don't know, but we must follow orders."

Walter gladly let Gregory go. Once again, Gregory swiftly set off for the Radiant Light Order.

***

"Father, have you been well? I came rushing after seeing your letter."

"Yes, I received it well. You wrote it quite thoroughly."

Hemingway, worried someone might have tailed Gregory, grew anxious, but once assured nothing was amiss, he began laying out what had to be done.

"You know what needs to be done now, right?"

First, Gregory explained the current situation. They might be sentenced to death by an unknown force in Blandi, and to bring them in, he'd have to personally go fetch them.

He had to pretend to not know anything about Stria group. If he revealed knowledge of the corrupt forces that only came to light after Radian's death, it would make Hemingway suspicious.

Even so, it was enough to persuade Hemingway. If it was discovered that Gregory, who had recently competed in a Blandi martial arts tournament, had also been colluding with the Blandi kingdom, the hard-won peace could turn into war instantly.

If Gregory was caught not only defecting but also recruiting collaborators in the Blandi kingdom, war would break out, and his life could not be guaranteed.

To prevent any mishap with Blandi, Hemingway had made a bold investment. And, in some ways, this was all vaguely anticipated.

To prevent war, the snowball Gregory had started rolling had become too large to stop, yet he had to try to prevent disaster at all costs.

Gregory chose the method with the fewest risks, and that earned Hemingway's approval.

'Everything as planned.'

Hemingway had spent days pondering, worried for Gregory's life, before reaching this conclusion.

"I know perfectly well what needs to be done."

"I'm sure you do. Son, you've done well so far. This time, follow your own convictions."

Thinking there was nothing to lose, Hemingway intended to let Gregory go. Gregory had handled things smoothly so far, so he believed Gregory would succeed this time as well.

"Yes, father. Then I'll take my—"

"Wait a moment."

Though he had called him, Hemingway hesitated to speak, but eventually continued.

"This time, take the Dawn Knight Order with you on the operation."

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
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