255 Article 254. "The Swordman and the Magician




 Silver light glittered in a semicircle within the heraldic camp. At the same time, the sound of steel meshing with steel rang out. It was not just the sound of two swords striking each other, but the unmistakable sound of swords wielded with all their might overlapping.

 The two swords joined together, sending out scarlet sparks. In an instant, both swords were in position, and one of them was easily flicked away. This has been going on for a while now.

 From a distance, Fialat-La-Borgograd thought it was more like watching a stage sword fight than a training exercise.

 This is why the silver long sword wielder Kalia Vadnick's sword flashes are so overwhelming and beautiful. Even Fialaert, who had no training in swordsmanship, could see this.

"Next.

 I'm sure you'll be able to understand why," she said to the soldiers, her sweat licking her white cheeks. No wonder. She's been like that all morning, wielding a long sword. Even in this cold weather, she was sweating, and even the brilliant Kalia had her limits.

 However, Kalia never stopped her hand. She continued to wield the long sword, refusing to lower her stance even slightly. Fialat bit the edge of his lip and let out an exclamation of admiration.

 Even with such a talent for swordplay, Kalia never neglects her training. Moreover, the degree of his training has been increasing rapidly in recent days. It's even out of the ordinary.

 I can guess the reason without asking. It must have something to do with Lugis. There must have been something going on between her and Lugis. That's why Kalia has been training like that.

 To Fialaat, it was both dazzling and frustrating at the same time.

 Fialat, of course, never missed his daily training in magic. In fact, for her, who considers herself to be mediocre, missing out on the effort would mean being left behind by someone else.

 Accumulating effort is the only thing that even mediocre people are allowed to do. That's why Fialaat fills his head with so much knowledge that it wears out, and forgets to eat and sleep, and devotes himself to the study of magic. It was no longer an effort, it was more like her everyday life. In a way, it was befitting of a sorceress.

 So there is nothing lacking or negligent about her. Fialaat clenched her fingers again and again, trying to convince herself of this, but the sight of Kalia made her heart tighten. Frustration fills his body in an inexplicable haze.

 Fialat has no illusions that gifted people do not work hard, and he knows that it would be disrespectful to think so. Their talent is sharpened by the hard work that lies behind it.

 --But to be honest, I'm impatient to see it.

 Fialaert's gaze wavered, as if mesmerized by Kalia's swordplay, even as she worked her magic into her fingertips.

 Whereas an ordinary person would take a hundred efforts to get one, a gifted person would take one effort to get a hundred. That's what it means to have talent.

 I know it's an ugly thought, but I wanted the gifted to be arrogant in their own power. I wish they would just sit back and be lazy and not make any effort. That would have given even the talentless hope that their efforts would eventually reach their fingers.

 Kalia is a friend. We met through Lugis, but we've been traveling together for a long time now, dealing with crises together. I'd call her a friend.

 What should I call this feeling that makes me happy for the growth of my companion, but at the same time makes me irritated? Fialat's dark eyes darkened slightly.

 Suddenly, he realized that Kalia had finished her continuous training. No, she must have taken a short rest. She was wiping away her sweat with a dry cloth, looking strangely elegant.

"Good work. Why did you start working out without a break?

 Sitting next to Kalia, Fialaat says with a book in her hand. He knew what the answer would be, but still, he had to ask. Kalia said yes to Fialaat's words, and then answered.

That fool would never know what kind of predicament he could get himself into. He's the kind of guy who'd jump himself into a hexenbiest's arms.

 See, I knew it. I'm sure you're right. His prediction that it must be about Lugis had come true.

 But yes, I understand what Kalia is saying. I agree that you never know what kind of predicament he will get himself into.

So, I'm glad I didn't follow Lugis when he went to Philos.

 Kalia's obsession with Lugis is somewhat out of control. To be honest, it is not an exaggeration to say that it is abnormal. In that sense, it would not be surprising if she accompanied him to Philos.

 I'm sure I'm not that far off. I'm just giving him a little piece of my mind. In exchange for giving him happiness, I want to be given happiness. In return for not abandoning him, I don't want to be abandoned. It's just a simple feeling.

 In response to Fialaat's question, Kalia's lips rippled for a moment, and she looked as if she had bitten into something bitter.

I said I would accompany you. I said I would escort you, but the fool said it wasn't such a big deal.

 So I reluctantly complied," Kalia spat out with pursed lips.

 Looking at her profile, Fialaert, feeling bad, blew out a little breath. It's not like he's going to listen to anyone else, he's arrogant to say the least, but the thought of him obeying such a comment from Lugis made him chuckle quietly.

 It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and how you can use it. I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea.

 Fialaert nodded to Kalia and said.



But we're just going to pick up some supplies for the allied cities. I'm sure you're not going to cause any trouble with that, Lugis.

 At these words, Kalia propped herself up on her elbow, feeling as if she were watching a brat shopping. To be honest, I know exactly what you mean.

 Lugis is like the sky in the rainy season, or should I say, the gunpowder is bouncing around. You never know what he will do. And yet, he looks as if he is just doing what he is supposed to do, which is unbearable.

 I'm sure he doesn't even know how we feel about what Lugis is doing. It's a shame, or maybe it's just like him.

"But it's a little late for that. It's not like it's going to take long.

 Kalia responded with a wry smile on her cheek.

"Maybe he'll bring another woman with him--someone we don't know.

 She was smiling, but her silver eyes were not smiling. I think I saw the same thing in her face.

 Fialat could see that the heraldic camp was beginning to rustle slightly. Perhaps Lugis had returned.

 Well, then, I'd better go check it out. Let's see if Kalia's words are true. And if, by any chance, they were true...

 --Maybe it's time to tell Lugis that. There are limits to how heroic you can be.