For a while, Ian watched in a daze as the spectral figure of the First Count executed its final thrusting motion.
As light gradually returned to the training hall, message windows popped up one after another.
<You have discovered the lost secret techniques of House Schrantz.>
<You can now learn all Schrantz swordsmanship styles.>
<You may now study the Schrantz legacy at any time.>
“……!”
Only then did Ian realize what this place truly was.
A training ground for the Schrantz family—and the long-lost secret techniques of House Schrantz.
They had been here all along.
***
In the end, the Earl of Erce signed the surrender document ten days after the other lords had returned to their territories.
The news that Ian had indeed occupied Gins Village had reached him, and he feared that all his lands would soon fall under Schrantz control.
If all his lands were seized, there would be no point in signing anything—he would be left as a ruined noble with nothing but his title.
And that was the best-case scenario. He couldn’t even guarantee his own survival.
“Thanks to your swift decision, further military action has been canceled. We can avoid any more unnecessary bloodshed.”
The Earl of Erce looked utterly haggard.
The past few days had been nothing short of torment.
Truthfully, he had been ready to sign the surrender document mere hours after being captured—but Hubert had deliberately refused to meet him, dragging things out.
The reason was simple.
‘Let him stew in his own misery for a while.’
Hubert had made him wait ten whole days just to twist the knife.
“Had you signed right then and there, things would have been much easier for both of us.”
Grind. Grind.
The Earl clenched his teeth so hard the sound was audible.
He knew Hubert had deliberately avoided meeting him.
But even knowing that, he couldn’t say a word.
Hubert didn’t care.
If anything, the sound of the Earl grinding his teeth was music to his ears.
“Today marks the return of peace. Perhaps this could be an opportunity to clear up any misunderstandings between us and start anew?”
“……”
What a joke.
The hatred between their families wasn’t some petty misunderstanding—it was a grudge spanning over a century.
It wouldn’t be resolved unless one side was completely wiped out.
“Ah, right. There will be a modest banquet tonight to celebrate the return of peace. Would you care to grace us with your presence? Of course, this is merely a personal invitation—I haven’t yet sought my father’s permission. But given his magnanimity, I’m sure he’d gladly approve.”
“……”
To the Earl, this was just another provocation.
Attending a banquet filled with Schrantz nobles would be nothing short of humiliation.
He’d be reduced to a court jester, there solely for their amusement.
‘Tch!’
But the Earl held his tongue.
Hubert was clearly baiting him, waiting for him to lose his temper.
Watching the smug look on Hubert’s face, the Earl barely restrained himself and replied through gritted teeth.
“No. I’ve left my lands unattended for too long. I shall return at once.”
“Hmm… You must have much to attend to. It would be improper of me to detain you further.”
“……”
“However, we’ve seized so many horses that finding yours among them would be impossible. I’ll have one prepared for you.”
“…Very well.”
Hubert’s relentless needling was infuriating.
He turned to Jurdan, who stood behind him like a silent shadow.
“Chamberlain, prepare a suitable horse for the Earl.”
“At once, Young Master Hubert. My Lord, if you would follow me to the stables.”
“……”
The Earl followed Jurdan out without another word.
Watching him leave, Hubert burst into laughter.
It was an immensely satisfying sight.
***
After occupying Gins Village, Ian’s daily life changed.
Originally, he had planned to gather the spoils, station the cavalry, and return to Rosen—but instead, he ended up staying at the villa.
He had stumbled upon the family’s lost techniques by accident, and now he had to guard them.
After spending a few days here, Ian made another discovery.
‘I can view Chapters 1, 2, and 3… but not Chapter 4?’
He could access the first three chapters, but the fourth remained locked.
“Show me Chapter 4.”
He tried speaking to the statue, but—
[Conditions not met. Access denied.]
…was all he got in response.
Ian pulled his hand away from the gem embedded in the statue.
‘Do I have to master Chapter 3 first?’
Was this a system designed to force him to progress step by step?
‘I was curious…’
He had wanted to see just how powerful these secret techniques were.
But he decided to leave that curiosity for later. Without hesitation, he turned and walked back through the wall.
Outside, Lutherus was waiting for him.
There was one more thing Ian had discovered about this hidden chamber.
Strangely, no one but him could pass through the wall.
He had tested it—multiple people had tried touching it, but none could enter like he could.
‘It’s not that I’m special. Maybe only those of Schrantz blood can pass through?’
He didn’t know why or how it worked.
But he’d find out once Hugo and Hubert arrived.
“By the way, why are you standing here?”
“A letter has arrived for you, Young Master Ian.”
“A letter?”
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