There was no way I could refuse when Grandfather offered to teach me.
I had to learn at least a move or two.
As a result, the people who had come to watch my sparring were suddenly forced to spar with Grandfather themselves.
“Kuk!”
“Retreating is also a tactic! But if you run about without purpose, you will be nothing more than prey chased by a predator.”
“…I apologize.”
The eldest uncle and the second uncle smoothly withstood Grandfather’s sword and stepped back.
Next was the third uncle, Do Beomjun.
Do Seungwoo’s father hung his head after being scolded by Grandfather.
Perhaps feeling humiliated, his ears were burning red.
“Next!”
Soon, the third uncle returned to his place.
The eldest aunt walked out into the training ground, her heels clicking with each step.
Grandfather frowned.
“You intend to fight wearing heels?”
“How was I supposed to know this would happen? If I had known, I wouldn’t have worn such high heels.”
Unlike the uncles.
The eldest aunt seemed relatively less intimidated by Grandfather.
Perhaps because of that, she nonchalantly removed the shoes she was wearing and neatly placed them to one side.
“I’m fighting without shoes, so you should take that into account and go easy on me.”
“Not a chance.”
The bold and cheeky eldest aunt.
Grandfather snorted, yet he didn’t seem entirely displeased.
Immediately, their swords clashed.
‘…Amazing.’
I felt I understood why Grandfather was somewhat lenient with the eldest aunt.
Her swordsmanship was dazzling.
Swordsmanship that mixed illusion into speed pressed in on Grandfather’s movements, sealing them away.
Neither the eldest uncle, the second uncle, nor the third uncle had managed to pressure Grandfather that much.
“Your skills have improved greatly.”
“If I want to catch up to my brothers, I need to be at least this good, don’t I?”
“But even so, you are still far from defeating me.”
“…!”
Grandfather swung his sword wide, knocking the eldest aunt’s blade upward.
The hand gripping her sword was flung up, severing the rapid flow of her swordsmanship.
The illusions vanished.
In that opening, Grandfather’s sword moved, touching the edge of her neck.
“I trust you know what you lacked.”
“…I learned a good lesson. Thank you.”
The sparring ended.
The eldest aunt bowed her head gracefully and moved to where she had left her shoes.
“Wow… Oppa, I want to learn the same swordsmanship as Big Aunt! It’s so beautiful!”
“Right? It really was something.”
It was enough to make Yeeun’s eyes sparkle, even though she’d been whining about being sleepy just moments ago.
I could understand the feeling.
Seeing the eldest aunt’s swordsmanship made me interested in the Illusion Sword to that extent.
‘Is it Father’s turn now?’
And before long,
Father stood before Grandfather.
“Dad! You can do it! Go go!”
Yeeun cheered loudly.
At that, I could see Father break into a grin.
Chaeng!
The sparring began.
Father quickly rushed in.
Unlike Aunt’s sword, Father’s blade held no flashiness, but it was clean.
His movements held no wasted motion, responding to the situation immediately.
But after exchanging several moves, he began to be pushed back by Grandfather.
Just as I thought it would end like that…
‘What are they talking about?’
I couldn’t hear from far away, but it seemed Grandfather was saying something while clashing swords with Father.
Immediately after, Father’s movements changed.
Chiring!
Father used Grandfather’s sword, borrowing its force as recoil to create distance.
Then he ran at Grandfather, pouring out relentless attacks.
Chiring!
Father’s actions grew bold.
He showed no hesitation in thrusting.
He dug deep into Grandfather’s guard, pushing so fiercely that Grandfather couldn’t swing his sword.
‘Why is Father doing that?’
Could Grandfather’s words have caused some change in his resolve?
I couldn’t help but wonder.
But that was that.
Hwi-ik!
Before Father’s sword could reach him, Grandfather’s sword touched Father’s Adam’s apple.
“…I lost.”
“Your skills haven’t rusted, at least.”
“It’s a body that rolls around in the field every day.”
Father conceded defeat.
Only then did Grandfather lower his sword and exchange a few words with him.
When Father returned to his seat afterward, his face was far from bright.
“I never knew you could swing your sword so fiercely, as if you’d become a different person.”
“You’re only realizing that now? I’m someone who gets things done when it counts.”
“Dad! I cheered for you to win, so how could you lose!?”
“Oh my, my daughter! Is that so? Sorry Dad lost. And thank you for the support.”
When Mother and Yeeun talked to him, Father’s face softened somewhat.
Even so, he still seemed deeply troubled about something.
I asked that Father,
“What did the Patriarch say?”
“Huh?”
“I saw you two talking earlier, and your movements changed after that. Is something going on?”
“…It’s nothing. Nothing you kids need to worry about. Just watch the rest of the sparring.”
Father ruffled my hair and deftly changed the subject.
‘If he puts it that way, I can’t dig any further.’
I fixed my disheveled hair.
I was curious about what they had discussed, but I decided not to press Father out of consideration.
Not long after that…
“Next… it’s Sieun.”
“Yes, Patriarch. Please guide me.”
The turn of Father’s generation passed, and the younger generation’s turn arrived.
Seeing Do Sieun step onto the training ground, Grandfather smiled.
“Show me all the strength you possess. Hmph, it seems I wish to taste my granddaughter’s Byeoknoe.”
“Before that, I have a request.”
“A request? Very well, speak.”
“I too would like to receive a move from the Patriarch, just as Gyeonu did.”
“….”
What is that noona up to?
It’s not like she’s trying to gain courage or anything.
I stared intently at Do Sieun.
Those around her also showed bewildered reactions.
“I ask of you. I too wish to realize it through my own body.”
“Ho-ho.”
Nevertheless, Do Sieun requested without paying heed to the surrounding gazes.
Grandfather did not refuse.
“Very well. Come and receive it.”
“Yes.”
“….”
Do Sieun gripped the Suyeon Sword.
‘Just how did he move?’
Grandfather replaced the sword he held with a wooden sword and took his stance.
I tried not to miss even the slightest movement as I observed Grandfather’s sword.
But in the blink of an eye, I lost sight of him.
‘When…’
A distance of about ten paces.
Grandfather closed it in a single step and stood directly before Do Sieun’s eyes.
Without any sign of manifesting mana.
At least, that’s what I saw and felt.
And he brought his sword down.
Basic Form Number One, the Hunter’s Stance.
A single downward slash.
Tang! Hwi-i-ik! Kung!
“Ugh….”
“….”
Just as I had done moments ago.
Do Sieun couldn’t react at all and was sent flying.
The moment she received Grandfather’s sword, she was lifted from the ground and crashed into the wall behind her.
The onlookers were at a loss for words, their mouths agape.
In contrast,
“This time she flew properly. So she really did avoid it back then….”
“….”
Grandfather muttered something incomprehensible as Do Sieun slid down the wall like a stuck insect.
For an instant, I thought Grandfather’s gaze turned toward me.
It might have been my imagination.
I just had that feeling.
‘So even Sieun-noona can’t handle Grandfather.’
Meanwhile, I worried about Do Sieun, who was staggering to her feet.
She refused the help of others and walked over to Grandfather.
“I learned a good lesson. Thank you.”
“Yes, it was quite enjoyable to cross swords with you. Since you never know, go see a supporter for a check-up.”
“Yes.”
“….”
Limp. Limp.
Thus, Do Sieun left with her family.
“I hope she isn’t hurt. Though she’s not someone who gets hurt easily….”
Should I text her later?
I looked in the direction she had left, lost in thought.
Then I tried to return to watching the others’ sparring.
“Patriarch, I request your guidan—”
“Shall you receive my sword as well?”
“…Pardon?”
“Come and receive it.”
The person who followed Do Sieun suddenly received Grandfather’s sword and went flying.
“Next! You too, receive it!”
“Next!”
After that, and long after that…
As if the wind had changed, Grandfather began plastering his grandchildren into the wall.
Amidst people being struck by swords, flying, and crashing into the walls…
“Next! Ah, Seungwoo.”
“W-well, please go easy—”
“You too, receive it.”
“….”
It was Do Seungwoo’s turn.
The corner of my mouth naturally rose.
‘That bastard Do Seungwoo is going to fly too.’
I can’t just watch this.
I need to save this to watch again and again.
I took out my smartphone to record Do Seungwoo’s sparring on video.
The moment I pressed the record button.
Tang! Hwi-i-i-ing! Kwang!
“…Keo-heok!”
The bastard’s feet left the ground upon receiving Grandfather’s sword, floating into the air.
Then, just like the others, making bizarre sounds, he flew through the air and crashed into the wall.
“Oh.”
Perhaps because the impact kept hitting the same spot?
The training ground wall was slightly dented.
Do Seungwoo was stuck in that area and couldn’t move.
Do Seungwoo’s family had to rush over to pull him out.
‘Did that come out well?’
I had captured the entire scene.
Do Seungwoo had flown so fast that the focus was slightly off, but I decided to be satisfied with this much.
‘I can’t be the only one to see this.’
I should show Yeon Haneul too.
I tried to send her a text.
“Ah, right.”
Only then did I realize.
Since arriving at the main house yesterday, I hadn’t checked her messages.
I’d been out of it, what with fighting Do Seungwoo, undergoing the evaluation match, and receiving Grandfather’s teachings.
When I finally checked my messages after the date had changed, there were texts from her.
[Yeon Haneul]: Am I at the summit right now?
[Yeon Haneul]: (Photo)
[Yeon Haneul]: There! Proof shot.
Yeon Haneul had sent a photo.
It was a selfie with the sunset mountain scenery in the background.
Yeon Haneul was making a V with her fingers, looking shy.
“Hah, really….”
Come to think of it, I had told her to send a proof shot.
But I meant a picture of the mountain summit, not a selfie.
She must have misunderstood.
Anyway.
“Hmm…”
The photo came out pretty well.
Perhaps because she had sweated climbing to the summit, her sky-blue hair was stuck to her cheek.
Her shy rabbit ears were quite cute too.
‘…I should save this.’
I saved the photo.
Then I sent her a belated reply.
[Me]: Sorry, just saw your text. Been busy with stuff at the main house
[Me]: The photo came out nice
Then, the ‘1’ mark disappeared.
Yeon Haneul had read it.
[Yeon Haneul]: It’s okay ^^
[Yeon Haneul]: So what if it’s a day late
[Yeon Haneul]: It happens
[Yeon Haneul]: It’s not like we’re anything to each other
“Huh? What?”
The message was suddenly deleted.
I blinked.
[Yeon Haneul]: It’s okay ^^
[Yeon Haneul]: So what if it’s a day late
[Yeon Haneul]: It happens
[Yeon Haneul]: (Deleted message)
[Yeon Haneul]: The orphanage kids are playing a prank!
[Yeon Haneul]: Don’t get the wrong idea!
It was a text that seemed sent in great panic.
“Is she playing with the orphanage kids right now?”
I tilted my head.
Even if the orphanage kids had played a prank, was there a need to delete it?
I decided to just respect Yeon Haneul’s wishes.
[Me]: Okay :D
[Yeon Haneul]: Anyway, I sent it
[Yeon Haneul]: So you send one too
“A proof shot? Do I even have anything to send…”
I browsed my gallery.
Since she had sent me a photo, I felt I should send one too.
‘Ah, this will do.’
I happened to have a photo from yesterday.
I sent the photo from my gallery.
[Me]: (Photo)
[Me]: Here, proof shot.
It was a selfie taken yesterday at the Gate, in front of mud cerberuses with their tongues tied together.
[Yeon Ha-neul]: Where are you? It looks like a forest...
[Yeon Ha-neul]: Didn't you go to the main house?
[Me]: I took it inside a Gate. At the artificial Gate at the main house.
[Yeon Ha-neul]: Wow... I've never seen anything like this.
[Yeon Ha-neul]: But don't you have anything normal?
[Me]: Something normal? What's that?
[Yeon Ha-neul]: Hmm...
[Yeon Ha-neul]: Something you could use as a profile picture?
[Me]: I don't really take those kinds of photos.
[Yeon Ha-neul]: Fine, don't then...
[Me]: Rather than that, look at this instead.
[Me]: (Video)
[Yeon Ha-neul]: What's this? Who is it?
[Me]: My cousin.
And after that, it continued.
While exchanging messages, Yeon Ha-neul and I talked about everything we hadn't finished discussing yesterday.
* * *
He realized through this incident.
Whether Do Gyeon-u had intended it or not.
His son would continue to cause trouble.
That much was clear just from what had happened at the main house.
"Challenging Seung-u to a spar, speaking so boldly to the Patriarch... The kid has changed too much."
And this had all happened in just two days.
Do Gyeon-u's outrageous acts were not few in number.
In particular, he had even demonstrated Wall Lightning before the clan members.
By breaking the record of the 2nd Patriarch, who was considered the strongest of all past patriarchs, he had achieved the youngest record.
Because of that, he had become deeply etched into the minds of the clan members.
While it was a good thing that the evaluation of his son—who had been mocked as "Rabbit" for being unable to hunt even a single rabbit—had changed, he could not simply be happy about it.
'The more one stands out, the more enemies one gains.'
To a lion, a small rabbit was merely prey not even worth acknowledging.
As Do Gyeon-u had said to the Patriarch, a lion would almost never go out to hunt a rabbit with all its might.
But when the target became a lion cub, the story changed.
If that lion cub showed outstanding qualities, even more so.
They would see it as nothing more than a threat to their position.
It was obvious as fire that he would face their opposition.
There might even be those scheming to eliminate him before he reached adulthood.
'I can't just watch that happen.'
And the enemies weren't just the clan members.
From now on, Do Gyeon-u would go out into the world and meet countless enemies.
Do Sang-jun thought that as a father, he had to protect his son from being hunted by them.
But he knew very well.
'This won't do.'
His own strength was insufficient to protect Do Gyeon-u, who was growing rapidly.
He was already struggling to face his own brothers; he couldn't possibly have the strength to face other fierce beasts.
The position of branch manager of the Regulus Clan might be enough to feed his family, but it was inadequate to protect them.
He needed a higher position to protect them.
"Is this all your strength amounts to? At this rate, you won't be able to protect Gyeon-u."
Do Ye-ik, Patriarch of the Divine Sword Do Clan.
Do Sang-jun's father had seen straight through the worries he harbored.
At that, Do Sang-jun flinched.
"You said this before. That you didn't want to fight your brothers, and as long as you had your family, you were satisfied with where you were. Has that thought not changed even now?"
"..."
"Your son's weakness must have come from you. But from what I see, that child seems to have decided to live as a fierce beast rather than grazing on grass. Even so, has your thinking not changed?"
"I..."
"Do you truly think you can handle and protect that child?"
"..."
"If you don't have the confidence to handle him, entrust that child to me. In return, I will become a shield protecting that child and pass down everything to him."
"...!"
By the time he heard that.
Do Sang-jun, who had shown hesitation all this time, was finally able to reach a conclusion.
As if fighting monsters, as if trying to defeat the enemies threatening Do Gyeon-u.
He swung his sword fiercely.
"Your skills haven't rusted, I see."
"...Thank you."
"To protect, you must seize."
"...Yes."
Do Ye-ik seemed satisfied.
Do Sang-jun engraved the last words he had spoken into his heart.
And he repeated them over and over.
"To protect, you must seize..."
"Hm? What did you say?"
"It's nothing."
In this world where the law of the jungle prevailed, to survive intact, perhaps one truly had to do so.
Whether one was a carnivore or herbivore, it didn't matter.
To protect, one must seize.
To live, one must fight.
Even if the opponent were one's brothers.
"...Everyone's sleeping soundly."
"The kids must have been very tired."
On the way home from the main house.
Do Sang-jun, who had stopped the car at a traffic light, looked into the back seat.
He saw Do Gyeon-u dozing in his seat, and Do Ye-eun sleeping with her head on his knee.
The sight was unbearably lovely.
That was why he didn't want to lose it.
"I have something to tell you. From now on, I'll be coming home late."
"Is it because of the conversation you had with Father earlier?"
"Yeah, something like that."
His wife was quick on the uptake.
He nodded to Han Ji-ae, who asked from the passenger seat.
"I'm going to climb as high as I can. Get a promotion, so to speak."
"Are you aiming for Father's position?"
"Well, I'm not sure about going that far... but I'll rise higher than I am now."
"So that's why you'll be coming home late—to rack up results now."
"Yeah, something like that. Fortunately, I've accomplished enough so far, so I should be able to secure the Sub Lord position within the year."
"I'll cheer you on. I should make sure to do my part supporting you too."
"You don't have to..."
"Who says only you have to protect the children? A mother is a parent too—wouldn't she protect them? No, I'll fight too."
"...Alright, then I'll count on your support."
"I'd been wondering when to go anyway; I think I'll go cut my hair later."
"Hey, Ji-ae."
"Yes, Sang-jun oppa?"
"...Are you really going to cut it?"
"Why? You don't like it?"
"No, everything you do is good. Summer is coming soon anyway, so it's fine. It'll be cool. Short hair is nice, yeah..."
The light changed.
Smiling bitterly without ever voicing his true feelings, Do Sang-jun drove.
I Became the Childhood Friend of a Mid-Boss