Two months later, Jiwoon was set to meet the Marquess of Wakefield, the ruler of a vast region encompassing the Frederick Barony and three other vassal families, under the guise of a high-ranking noble from the distant foreign land of Korea.
Naturally, the Marquess hadn’t summoned Jiwoon directly.
Instead, Jiwoon would accompany Frederick Barony’s delegation as an honored guest during the “Derrickfon Festival,” a semi-annual review where nobles and key figures from the Marquess’s domain paid their respects.
When Jiwoon first heard about this, he was stunned.
He had introduced himself as the heir of a prestigious foreign count family, but to be formally recognized with a title in the Marquess’s domain?
The process wasn’t as difficult as it seemed.
Jiwoon already met the two crucial conditions for a foreigner to be acknowledged with a title: a testimony from a noble of baron rank or higher to the king or feudal lord, and an oath from a bishop-level priest affirming the same to Reyes.
In Jiwoon’s case, both Baron Frederick and Bishop Swendik, prominent local figures, favoured him greatly.
Since learning about Jiwoon from Roselia and Einse, Baron Frederick was eager to attract a seemingly learned and capable foreign politician to his domain.
Meanwhile, Bishop Swendik admired Jiwoon for his devoutness and humility.
For these reasons, both were keen to secure Jiwoon’s recognition before any complications arose, especially given the rigid hierarchy and suspicions about foreigners.
Without clear identification, any misstep could lead to severe consequences, including execution under fabricated charges.
Thus, the two men planned to have Jiwoon’s title recognized during the upcoming “Derrickfon Festival.”
For Jiwoon, the most attainable title was that of a baron, the lowest of the hereditary nobility but one with significant privileges, including immunity from certain punishments and the ability to purchase land to establish a domain, though the latter was not an option for a foreigner like Jiwoon.
Being recognized as a baron would allow Jiwoon to reside in the Frederick Barony without fear of retaliation, offering counsel and support without issue.
While he would remain slightly inferior in status to Baron Frederick, his noble title would afford him protection and respect from the local knights and retainers, solidifying his position in this new world and securing his survival—a dream come true for a reclusive writer from Korea.
However, Jiwoon’s elation quickly soured.
“Damn it! Why does the verification process have to be so tough?”
Recognition required more than testimonies; Jiwoon needed to learn proper noble etiquette and even dance to earn points.
Most daunting was mastering the language and performing a swordsmanship demonstration, a mandatory tradition for receiving a title in the Kingdom of Prim.
Despite being academically underdeveloped compared to its neighbors, Prim was renowned as a “nation of knights” that valued martial prowess highly.
Even hereditary nobles had to showcase their swordsmanship to be recognized.
This tradition traced back to the founding king, Henry Fairland de Prim, a legendary knight whose vassals were mostly fellow knights, embedding martial arts deeply into the kingdom’s culture.
Jiwoon’s lack of swordsmanship experience was now a significant hurdle.
His prior attempts to evade this by explaining the lack of such customs in his homeland fell on deaf ears with Baron Frederick.
The local customs were non-negotiable; Jiwoon had to comply.
“Ugh…” Jiwoon sighed, dreading the challenge ahead.
Jiwoon lowered his head in dismay as he recalled the events of the previous day when he heard about the swordsmanship demonstration.
“Let’s begin training immediately. We don’t have much time, but two months should be sufficient,” said Lawrence.
“Oh, that sounds great. What do you think, Sir Jiwoon?” the Baron asked, not as a question of whether he wanted to learn but as a directive that he should.
Jiwoon knew he had no choice. Without a demonstration, his title and everything else would vanish like smoke.
“I’ll learn,” Jiwoon replied, forcing a smile.
Baron Frederick smiled contentedly. “Good. But who will teach him? Will you do it yourself, Sir Lawrence?”
Both Jiwoon and the Baron turned their gazes to Lawrence. After a moment of contemplation, Lawrence shook his head.
“I’m afraid I can’t. Although two months seem like a lot, to prepare Jiwoon for a demonstration, we’d need to train him for at least half a day daily, and as you know, I have many duties.”
The Baron nodded thoughtfully. “That makes sense. Then, who?”
The Baron’s gaze shifted to the opposite side, where Sir Halford, the strongest and most boisterous knight in the domain, stood grinning broadly.
“Perhaps Sir Halford would be the best choice, given his strength.”
Halford’s grin widened with the Baron’s praise. “Hahaha! Indeed! Though it’s not modest to say, I am the knight among knights, the strongest warrior on land! Hahaha! Entrust Sir Jiwoon to me, and I’ll make him the finest knight within two months!”
Watching Halford pound his chest, Jiwoon’s face turned pale. He looked at Lawrence with pleading eyes, silently begging, ‘Are you trying to kill me, Sir Lawrence?’
Lawrence, understanding Jiwoon’s silent plea, nodded slightly and addressed the Baron. “While Sir Halford is an excellent knight, I fear that Jiwoon’s tall and slender frame might not suit the heavy weapons Sir Halford uses, like broadswords and morning stars. Furthermore, Sir Halford excels more in direct combat than in teaching.”
“Nonsense! I, the knight among knights, Halford, can turn even the weakest into a strong and splendid knight!” Halford protested loudly.
“Enough! That’s a fair point,” the Baron interjected, silencing Halford. “Then, what would be best? What about Sir Einse? Although he might be busy as the captain of the guard.”
The Baron’s interruption was enough to calm Halford, who, despite his loudly nature, wouldn’t openly defy his lord.
“Other than Sir Einse, only Sir Roddick remains in the castle. But like Sir Einse, Sir Rodrick is heavily occupied with his duties. So, I have an idea…”
Jiwoon focused on Lawrence’s words, his mind racing with thoughts of harsh training, akin to the grueling military drills he had once experienced. He swallowed nervously.
“Jiwoon may be in good shape, but foundational strength is essential for learning swordsmanship. I suggest starting with basic strength training under Sir Halford, alongside the morning exercises of the shock troops.”
“An excellent idea,” the Baron agreed.
“Hahaha! Wonderful! With our shock troop training, Sir Jiwoon will soon gain muscle. Just like this!” Halford exclaimed, flexing his brawny arm.
Staring at Halford’s bulging muscles, Jiwoon’s jaw dropped. Strength training…? His mind flashed back to the hellish endurance exercises from his military days.
Oblivious to Jiwoon’s inner turmoil, Lawrence continued, “Sir Rodrick is expected to return soon. And Sir Alfonso, who left three months ago upon hearing of Viscount Triche Raul de Alfonso’s passing, should also be back shortly, barring any complications.”
“Hmm… Sir Rodrick…” The Baron’s expression darkened slightly at the mention of Roddick, who had left for an honor duel on behalf of his family.
“He will return. Few can match Sir Roddick’s sword,” Lawrence assured him.
“My apologies. I meant no disrespect to our loyal and brave knight,” the Baron said regretfully.
“No offense taken, my lord. Sir Rodrick will be pleased by your concern,” Lawrence replied, softening his stern demeanor with a smile.
“That settles it then,” the Baron said. “Sir Jiwoon will begin strength training with the shock troops, and once Sir Rodrick returns, he will continue his swordsmanship training under him.
Sir Jiwoon, is something wrong?”
Caught off guard, Jiwoon quickly adjusted his expression. “No, nothing at all. I’m just grateful for your consideration.”
“Haha! Think nothing of it. It’s your fortune. We’ll start the training the day after tomorrow, then.”
“As you wish, my lord,” the others responded, bowing slightly, except Jiun, who remained silent, dreading the days ahead.
(To be continued)
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