‘Was I too distracted by the paper and misheard it?’
Riley couldn't believe what he had just heard and asked back.
"..."
He was simply waiting for Riley's response with his right arm still extended.
"No, just..."
Riley, who had his brows furrowed in shock, narrowed his eyes and stared at the piece of paper Stein was holding out.
"What is that?"
It seemed it was originally a rolled up message, seeing as the sides of the paper were curled inwards.
"Hm, the capital?"
The capital.
In the centre was a large palace and outside its white walls, the citizens, merchants and nobles lived in a beautifully decorated city.
[At our 17th tournament starting next week, we invite one of the sons of 'Finn Iphelleta,' widely acclaimed for their swordsmanship. We would be honoured if you were to attend and set an example for this event.]
The words were difficult to see from afar, so Riley approached Stein’s desk and took the paper to read its contents.
"..."
‘Leave the mansion.’
To compete in the swordsmanship tournament.
'I mean, even if you were to be a man of few words...'
It would have been much easier to say it that way, and there was no reason for him to say 'leave the mansion' now was there?
Riley, who was complaining in his mind, placed the paper back on the desk and began to slowly walk backwards.
"Riley."
"It will be a good experience."
"Your brothers have been there too."
"This letter was for you."
"It's what they refer to as a love call."
"..."
Love call?
When Riley stopped his backwards pacing as if he was struck by something, Stein pushed his chair back and stood up behind the desk.
"I... won't go."
Crying will not work since he's not so young anymore.
Therefore he must state his intentions clearly.
"For how long will you live so self-centredly? You should put an end to such a lifestyle soon.
"I don't have talent."
Riley looked at his hand and replied with a tired tone.
"I'd tried it last time with a wooden sword. I was worried about my mother. I wanted to defend her. But... my sword was pathetic. Ha! You should have seen Ian's face that time, father. What a sight that was!"
Although it was unknown if Stein could find out which part was the lie.
"I know. I've always known. That I have no talent for swordsmanship. So I'm giving up. Let me give up. Please don't force me on this path anymore."
It felt like Stein would give up after hearing those words.
Riley bit his lips because the vow he had made and kept ever since he was born anew was about to slip out.
"Riley."
An average person would not have noticed it, but under that bland dry voice of Stein’s was a small hope.
"..."
His hand was damp with sweat.
'We believe in you...'
'Of course you can! You're the hero!'
He could remember their bloodied bodies with their gaping mouths in his head.
Riley swallowed loudly.
'Don't look...'
Riley's mouth was gaping as he thought to himself.
Slowly, Riley began to step back with cold sweat on his head.
"Riley... There's a difference between a novice's tournament and the capital's tournament. When we told you to compete in the novice tournament... You made all sorts of excuses to not go."
Stein grabbed the paper titled 'Capital Swordsmanship Tournament' and walked toward Riley.
"But, this place is different. You have come of age as well, so I won't go easy on you anymore. You have to attend to at least show your face to the king..."
Stein opened his eyes in surprise as he heard the door open during his lecture.
It was because Riley managed to sneak his way to the door without him noticing.
"... Uwah!?"
It was Ian's.
"Ah, no! I wasn't eavesdropping at all! The door felt really good so I just had my cheek on it!"
It seemed Ian was curious about the conversation and tried to snoop in, as you could see a clear red mark on one side of his face.
"Huh? Y-young Master? Where are you going?"
Ian tilted his head questioningly at the sight of Riley who was slowly retreating without lowering his guard.
"Young Master?!"
His actions of pressing his ear to the door was for naught.
"Ian, grab Riley!"
Stein ordered Ian who was lying on his chest.
"Sorry?"
As Ian replied in confusion, Stein shouted.
"Grab Riley!"
He's going to play hide and seek again.
Therefore, to not miss him, he had to catch Riley before he lost him.
'This is like-'
For the child of his lover to act like an assassin.
Stein frowned and grinded his teeth in anger.
"Riley, you better stop now!"
Considering his lack of interest in the sword, he was an unusually bright child.
If anything it would be his mother Iris.
Riley knew that too.
Therefore-
"Riley!"
-he can ignore his father's words and run like this.
"Damn it, Sera!!'
Sera flinched with surprise.
"Riley, get Riley!"
"T-the Young Master?"
Because she couldn't ignore it, she turned around to grab Riley but then widened her eyes in shock.
"Huh? He was just here..."
Riley had disappeared all of a sudden.
"Just... a moment ago?"