Chapter 259

Words : 1530 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

Chapter 259 Recently, Jake had been spending his days in the garden. With his new sword, he practiced Gilbert’s swordsmanship until his mana was depleted, and after, he put what little he had learned directly into combat. “Huff... Huff...” By the end of each day, Jake was soaked in sweat and on the verge of collapse. He sometimes even fainted multiple times during training due to dizziness. “Hey, get up.” However, Se-Hoon would force him awake each time by speeding up his blood flow instead of sending him back to the mansion. As a result, Jake fainted dozens of times, pushing himself with relentless training. And like that, five short, yet seemingly long days passed, and it was now the eve of his engagement ceremony. “...I’m screwed,” Jake muttered absentmindedly. “I thought I had it.... With just a little more time, just a few more days...” Muttering his regrets endlessly, Jake repeatedly rubbed his face with his hands. Shaking his head at the sight, Se-Hoon turned to gaze out the window. “Hmm...” Outside, in the mansion’s back garden, guests had already begun gathering in the splendidly decorated venue for the pre-engagement party. S-rank heroes, high-ranking officials, and corporate chairmen—a considerable number of influential people had shown up and were mingling. So, these are all the people on friendly terms with the Myers... Some had likely come due to the mass-produced sword aura technology, but judging by how they had to be invited, most should have already finished signing their contracts. Has anyone from Inoues shown up? Although the Inoues and Myers weren’t particularly close, given the current state of world politics, a strategic alliance was not completely out of the question. Curious, Se-Hoon scanned the guests one by one to see if there was anyone of interest. But when he heard Jake approaching, he turned and saw a nervous wreck. “S-Se-Hoon,” Jake called out, completely in a panic. “What should I do? Should I just run away for a few days to buy some time?” “Weren't you the one who said you didn’t want to cause trouble for your family?” In disbelief, Se-Hoon looked at him with a frown. “It’ll only be for a short while... I'm sure people will understand...” Jake hopefully said, forcing a smile. “Yeah, I’m sure everyone will find you real trustworthy after that, right?” “...” Unable to retort, Jake, who had been ready to lay out his elaborate plan, froze. Sighing, Se-Hoon exasperatedly reminded him, “I told you already yesterday that you’re prepared enough. It’s better to do it now than half-assing it later on.” “But what if I can’t perfect it during the duel today?” “Didn’t I tell you that yesterday, too? If that happens, just accept it as fate.” “Ugh...” Seeing Jake still struggling with the pressure, Se-Hoon patted his shoulder. “I won’t tell you not to feel burdened—I know it's impossible not to. Just don’t leave room for regrets. Give it everything you’ve got. That’s my last piece of advice.” Sincerely rooting for him, Se-Hoon left the room, leaving Jake, now alone, rubbing his shoulder where Se-Hoon had patted him. It had been a light gesture on Se-Hoon’s part, but the pressure weighing down on felt like it intensified. Trying to steady himself, he clenched his trembling hand into a tight fist. I promised myself every day that I'd give it my all... but it didn’t do anything. No matter how much he steeled himself, anxiety still surged and shook his resolve when the time came. He had received so much help, and yet he still couldn’t control his emotions. Disappointed in himself, Jake let out a deep sigh. Knock, knock. “I’m coming in.” Immediately after the knock, the door opened, and Raphael, dressed in a red gown that matched her hair, walked in. Her beauty, further enhanced by her dress, was undeniable to anyone, but Jake couldn’t help but make a strange expression at the sight of her, feeling somehow uneasy. No matter how often I see her, I can’t get used to this strange feeling. An inexplicable discomfort—at first, he thought it was because she was his arranged fiancée, but now, it didn’t seem that simple. Not sure what to say, Jake remained silent, but luckily, Raphael spoke first. “You seem quite nervous.” “I’m not really...” “There’s no need to worry. All we have to do is smile and greet people.” Making a gentle smile, Raphael walked up to Jake and looked at him. From their first meeting until now, her face always brimmed with confidence. But that self-assured look just intensified Jake’s uneasy feeling—she looked like she had predicted his failure. “Am I still making you uncomfortable?” Raphael suddenly asked softly, sensing his feelings. Again, he felt eyes on him, but no one dared approach. Regardless of his past actions, he was still just a first year. Why were they so afraid of him? Unable to understand, Se-Hoon suddenly heard a voice call out to him. “I see you’ve come down.” Turning his head, Se-Hoon found Miles, dressed in a wrinkled suit, approaching him. “How’s Jake... wait, why are you staring at me like that?” “...No reason. I was just thinking about how consistent you are.” Miles’s clothes were wrinkled, and he hadn’t even bothered to button his shirt properly, let alone tie his necktie. He was even holding a bottle of wine, which he seemed to have been drinking directly from. “Oh, is it about the clothes? I didn’t think you would care about stuff like that.” Taking a swig of wine, Miles smirked. “I don’t approve of the engagement, but there’s nothing I can do. So, I’m trying to cause trouble in my own way.” Seeing Miles' carefree attitude, Se-Hoon couldn’t help but make a wry smile. So that’s where Jake gets it from... he’s just like his uncle. Both resented their family, yet neither could fully leave it behind. “Have you ever considered leaving the family?” Se-Hoon casually asked, picking up another snack. “Of course. I’ve thought about it dozens of times just in the past few days.” “Then why haven’t you?” Se-Hoon genuinely wondered what Jake and Miles couldn’t give up on within the family. Remaining silent, Miles just drank his wine quietly before finally answering, “Because I’m not the only one who’s sacrificed themselves for the family.” Deep within his heart, Miles understood that countless family members had devoted their lives to the family, allowing Miles to exist today. He hated the family but could never leave it behind because of that. “Do you think it’s foolish?” “A little.” “Everyone else probably feels the same. That’s why it’s even harder to walk away.” Chugging what remained in his bottle of wine, Miles placed it under the table. “Please look after Jake, whether he succeeds or fails.” “I will.” “...Thank you.” With a somber expression on his face, Miles walked off. Watching him go, Se-Hoon made a complicated look. Power and responsibility built on the sacrifices of previous generations—on the surface, it seemed like a tragic, noble story. But a different thought crossed Se-Hoon’s mind. Could this all be part of the genetic modification? The Essence of the Sword passed down from William—could something within that essence be compelling his descendants to sacrifice themselves? “How could I know what that guy was thinking deep down? From here on out, it’s the realm of the unknown.” Recalling the words of the Seeker, Se-Hoon quietly fell into thought until the murmurs of the crowd, their gazes converging on one spot, piqued his interest a few moments later. There, two figures were making their way out of the mansion and toward the party: Jake, forcing a smile and bowing his head, and Raphael, who had linked her arm with his and was smiling brightly. Watching them from a distance, Se-Hoon soon met eyes with Jake, who had noticed his gaze. “...” “...” They continued quietly staring at each other for a long while, until Raphael gently tugged on Jake’s arm, prompting him to look away. Se-Hoon sighed. So that’s how it is. He had thought Jake was prepared enough, but he faltered at the last moment. Shaking his head, Se-Hoon debated whether to intervene when the distinct sound of heels clicking on the floor interrupted his thoughts. It hadn’t been particularly loud, but it echoed loudly in his ears. And it seemed it was similar for the guests, as they all turned toward the entrance, where a new arrival had appeared—Aria. Standing at the entrance, Aria, her golden hair simmering under the lights, was dressed in a pure white gown that revealed her shoulders. With her undeniable presence, the guests all stared at her, none able to tear their eyes away. But she just disregarded the attention and walked straight to Jake and Raphael, her gaze frigid. “Pathetic.” She grabbed Jake by the collar and slammed him into the ground.

Chapter 259

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