Eugene stopped in the hallway. He surveyed the assembly at his door and attempted to parse the odd scenario on his own.
Unfortunately, he failed. The grouping was baffling: Ortus Hyman, Ivic Sald, Aman Rhur, Genos Lionheart, and Genia Lionheart. He didn’t know why these five of all people were congregated here. It was even more baffling to think that people of their stature were standing together in a corridor, specifically outside his door. The entire situation was beyond him.
"What are you all doing here?" Eugene asked outright, prompting Genos to step forward and bow respectfully.
"Master, have you been well?" Genos inquired.
"What do you mean, well? You'd think we hadn't seen each other in years. Didn't we just meet a few days ago?" questioned Eugene.
"Your recovery is a relief to us all," responded Genos.
He glanced sideways and found his daughter mimicking his bow. A smile touched his lips at her gesture. He inclined his head once more.
"Stop that. You’re going to hurt your neck. No need for everyone to bow,” said Eugene.
Eugene didn't find Genos’ formal greeting awkward. They had a long-standing relationship, and Eugene knew about Genos’ genuine respect for Hamel. As such, he could understand Genos’ attitude. In fact, Eugene thought Genos respected Hamel the most among everyone he knew.
"Why is Miss Genia acting like this?" Eugene asked as he quirked an eyebrow when he saw Genia also bowing her head.Miss Genia. The title was very formal and laced with distance, making Genia's shoulders twitch. Genos swallowed hard.
"My daughter wishes to apologize for her past disrespect…" Genos said cautiously.
Past disrespect? Eugene blinked and delved into his memories of Genia Lionheart. These weren't abundant, and their first and last encounter was….
‘It was when Eward went berserk at the Black Lion Castle,’ Eugene recalled as the memory clicked.
— I will never lose to you, Sir Eugene.
Back then, Genia had shown open hostility towards Eugene, fueled purely by jealousy. At twenty-seven, she resented that a boy seven years younger than her had won her father’s favor and inherited the prided Hamel Style, which was exclusive to her family.
"Aha."
Genia's jealousy stemmed from her pride in the Hamel style. Eugene knew this, so he had not been bothered by her attitude. Her supposed jealousy had merely stoked her competitive spirit, making her actions seem almost endearing.
With all the chaos that ensued because of that cursed hunting festival — Eward’s demonic ritual, Dominic's assassination of the elder, Hector's kidnapping of the twins and the children from the collateral lines — Genia's tantrum was hardly memorable to Eugene.
“There’s no need to apologize,” Eugene said dismissively.
Genos stepped in to help. “Even if Master Eugene doesn't mind, my daughter insists on offering her apologies.”
“I’m truly sorry!” Genia bowed once more and shouted her apology.
What a noble gesture! Eugene smiled warmly as he recalled the affronts from the press conference. Despite the world ridiculing him as being stupid, those who truly understood commemorated Hamel's sacrifice as noble.
While everyone praised the Great Vermouth and the Brave Molon, those who thought for themselves respected Hamel. The best example was Gilead Lionheart, the esteemed head of the Lionheart family. He admired Hamel more than the family's ancestor, which served as solid evidence.
“Alright, alright. I get it, so lift your head. If there’s more you wish to talk about, let's not do it in the hallway. Come inside,” Eugene said warmly.
Was there any gift he could offer? Eugene reached into his cloak while maintaining his warm smile.
In the face of the world's scornful disdain, their family had continued to inherit the Hamel style. While everyone laughed at Hamel, this family earnestly respected him and tirelessly honed the Hamel Style. Though Eugene had helped enhance Genos’ technique in the past, upon reflection, it now seemed insufficient as a gift.
‘Should I become their family's guardian and look after them? It's too late for these two, but perhaps for the future generations, I could teach them the White Flame Formula….’
What about the traditions of the Lionheart clan? In the first place, Vermouth had arranged those traditions to facilitate Hamel's reincarnation. Now that the reincarnation had taken place, adhering to those traditions seemed futile and unnecessary.
‘I’ll get rid of that damn Bloodline Continuation Ceremony. Hmm.… Teaching everyone the White Flame Formula might be a bit excessive, so maybe it's better to select the bright ones for the family's future,’ Eugene mused.
The family elders would never have allowed such a thing in the past, but now, it was a different story. Even if Eugene weren’t Hamel's reincarnation, the elders could not afford to ignore him, considering his influence alone.
“Do you want Wynnyd?” Eugene offered all of a sudden.
“Excuse me?”
“Well… I occasionally use the Annihilation Hammer and the Demon Spear, but I don’t really use Wynnyd anymore. How about the Dragon Spear? Or the Thunderbolt Pernoa?” Eugene continued.
Truthfully, Eugene felt that he could summon Tempest even without Wynnyd. But could he really give away the family's treasures so freely?
Eugene didn’t concern himself with such thoughts. Instead, he was more bothered that Mer and Raimira had grabbed his hand inside the cloak and, for some reason, were pinching, tickling, and biting it inside the cloak.
Ignoring the two children, Eugene suggested, “Standing here and talking isn’t ideal, so let’s all go inside.”
“Wa-wait…” Ivic quickly interjected. “Sir Hamel. No, Sir Eugene. In my case, the matter I wish to discuss is somewhat delicate for a group setting. May I inquire if a private conversation would be acceptable?”
“What?” Eugene asked, sounding annoyed.
Why was this bastard beating around the bush in such an annoying, roundabout way? What exactly was this delicate matter that could not be discussed in front of everyone?
Eugene narrowed his eyes at Ivic. Then, realizing what the topic of discussion might be about, he swallowed hard.
"Alright. Let’s talk, just the two of us,” Eugene said.
"M-me too,” Ortus hastily chimed in.
Aman and Alchester didn’t think their matters were necessarily private, but they decided to go with the flow upon hearing the others’ declarations. Thus, an impromptu queue formed outside Eugene’s door without regard for Eugene’s opinion.
"Really now…." Eugene sighed.
He looked uncomfortable but didn’t disperse the newly formed line.
The individuals at his door were among the continent's renowned powerhouses. Particularly Alchester and Aman. They were people Eugene held in great regard and fondness.
"Then… ah… come in one at a time,” he declared.
What was initially unintended now morphed into a series of private consultations.
"We’ll take our leave now,” declared Genos.
He had noticed Eugene's slight discomfort and decided it was time to leave. After all, Eugene had graciously accepted their apology for the past disrespect, and Genos felt content with the forgiveness granted.
"Is that so?" said Eugene.
"Yes. We’ll visit again some other time," Genos said politely.
Genia couldn't hide her disappointment. She had hoped to share a meaningful conversation with Hamel, the hero she revered so much.
‘Well… it doesn’t have to be today. We can always visit the main house,’ Genia decided.
It seemed feasible to visit Eugene in the future. With that thought, Genia managed to curb her disappointment as Eugene warmly saw them off. He then turned around and entered his room, followed closely by Ivic.
"I’m sorry!"
As soon as the door closed behind them, Ivic dropped to his knees and bowed deeply. Eugene simply took a seat, unfazed.
"Let’s pretend it never happened,” responded Eugene.
"Excuse me?" Ivic cautiously raised his head to look at Eugene.
"That thing on the ship. Let’s just forget about it,” Eugene declared.
"Sir Eugene…! I-I could not. I must sincerely apologize for how I insulted you," said Ivic.
"No, what insult? What? Oh, about the mercenary thing?" Eugene chuckled and shook his head. "Well, first off. I think we need to clear up a misunderstanding. About the bad reputation that I gained among the mercenaries.… Well, it’s a rough profession, isn’t it?"
"Yes," Ivic agreed readily.
“So, naturally, one needs to be a bit unruly not to be looked down upon or ignored. It was especially true for me since I was inherently gifted. It was inevitable that I was going to earn others’ jealousy,” said Eugene.
"Yes…"
"And next. The issue of a few mercenary bands getting disbanded because they crossed me? That’s quite a malicious rumor. I remember those guys were collecting corpses and injured men to sell to black wizards. Some were also initially paid by the black wizards to kidnap civilians and embezzle supplies,” Eugene explained.
"Such scum…" Ivic said.
"Exactly, scum! So, what do you do? You kill them, right? Wouldn’t you have done the same?" asked Eugene.
"I would have,” Ivic agreed.
"See?"
Eugene nodded in satisfaction, his smile reflecting a sense of contentment.
Of course, there might have been other incidents that earned him infamy, but Hamel thought it unnecessary to delve into those incidents. Even in retrospect, he knew Hamel was objectively a mercenary who was full of venom. He had been a pretty intolerable man.
"I apologize. I harbored many misunderstandings about you, Sir Hamel,” said Ivic.
"Well, it can't be helped. Most tales about me in this era are based on misunderstandings anyway. No need for apologies… if it really bothers you, well, you're known as the Mercenary King, right? Maybe go around explaining the kind of mercenary Hamel truly was when you’re out drinking with your men,” responded Eugene.
"Yes."
"Let's consider everything else as water under the bridge,” said Eugene.
He couldn't bring himself to mention the cross-dressing incident. No matter how he thought about it, it had been an absolute mistake to dress as a girl. It should never have happened. But no amount of regret could turn back time. Why did he do it? What had possessed him…?
"Yes…" Ivic did not press any further.
His intuition warned him that dredging up the past would only sour Eugene's mood further.
“You may leave,” declared Eugene.
"Yes, thank you."
Ivic stood up, gave a bow, then left.
Before the door had even closed behind Ivic, Ortus hurried in.
"And what brings you here, sir?" inquired Eugene.
"To apologize…"
"Do I have a sign on my back inviting apologies? Is everyone talking behind my back? Why are so many people eager to apologize to me when I can't think of a reason?" Eugene asked with a scowl.
He was confused by the sudden influx of penitence. Ortus stood looking very formal while glancing down at the floor. Ivic's knee marks were visible. And those impressions… were they from plowing his head into the ground? Ortus pondered whether he should do the same.
"Let's hear it then. What exactly are you apologizing for?" asked Eugene.
"Sir Hamel, I was too—"
Eugene interrupted, "Just call me Eugene. Why do you keep calling me Hamel when that’s not my name right now? Even I'm getting confused.”
"Yes, Sir Eugene."
Ortus composed himself and slowly knelt, mirroring Ivic's previous gesture.
"I didn't ask you to kneel, nor do I wish for it. Why do you insist on troubling your knees unnecessarily? It makes me feel like a villain,” Eugene stated.
"Out of a sense of guilt…" responded Ortus.
"So, what did you do that’s making you feel so guilty?" Eugene asked.
He was genuinely puzzled. What could possibly warrant such profound apologies? Eugene truly couldn’t think of anything. He almost wondered if he should be the one apologizing instead.
"It’s about the parade in Shimuin. I felt it was embarrassingly inadequate,” said Ortus.
"Excuse me?" Eugene exclaimed, baffled.
"Given the hasty preparations, there were many aspects which fell short. The arch of triumph wasn't up to mark due to the tight schedule. And when you requested a royal audience in our kingdom, His Majesty reacted quite poorly…." Ortus’ voice dwindled as he continued with the reasons for his apology.
Eugene was bewildered by the trivial nature of these concerns. He couldn't help but interrupt, "Wait… Wait a minute. Are these the reasons you wanted to apologize?"
"Yes? Oh… my apologies. If my behavior during our first encounter at the Knight March was displeasing, that too…" continued Ortus.
"No, that’s not what I’m… I mean… it’s fine. I've never been bothered by it, so please leave."
Eugene ushered Ortus out, somewhat perplexed.
"How are you feeling?"
Next was Alchester, and Eugene felt a bit relieved seeing someone so evidently normal.
"I'm perfectly fine. Not a scratch on me,” Eugene answered.
"That is good to hear. I know that you were struggling to walk just a few days ago. I'm glad you’ve recovered,” responded Alchester.
Alchester sat down, his demeanor relaxed.
"What brings you here, Sir Alchester? Don’t tell me you've also come to apologize?" questioned Eugene.
"Apologize? I can’t think of any discourtesy I’ve committed towards you, Sir Eugene,” answered Alchester.
He chuckled softly while glancing at the marks on the floor.
"I'm here to congratulate you on your recovery. And, if you're willing, I was hoping for some advice on swordsmanship,” declared Alchester.
"Advice? What sort of advice are you looking for?" Eugene asked.
"About this war,” he answered.
Alchester’s gaze lingered on a sword resting by the chair.
He continued, "This was my first experience in a conflict of such magnitude. Frankly, the White Dragon Knights and I are not accustomed to war."
It was an unavoidable issue. Kiehl was a colossal empire unmatched on the continent, with only the Holy Empire of Yuras and the Helmuth Empire as potential rivals. However, Yuras and Kiehl were practically allies, and Helmuth would never initiate a war unprovoked. Thus, despite their renown, the White Dragon Knights of Kiehl had never truly experienced real war. Their involvement was limited to the empire’s internal disputes and combat training simulations.
"For someone who claims inexperience, you and the White Dragon Knights fought admirably in this war,” Eugene complimented.
He was particularly impressed by Alchester, who had freely wielded the Empty Sword to slice through enemies and fortifications.
"Your kind words are appreciated, but… I felt rather powerless towards the end,” Alchester said with a grimace.
The end.
That was when Gavid Lindman suddenly descended from the sky, and all the heroes, including Alchester, rushed to protect Eugene but were overwhelmed by a single strike from Lindman.
"Duke Lindman’s swordsmanship… was beyond what I, or even hundreds like me, could handle. It was absolute,” admitted Alchester.
"It seems… you’ve come to face a wall because of him,” Eugene remarked.
"Yes. I think it’s natural to feel inferior to someone like Duke Lindman, who has dedicated centuries to mastering the sword far beyond my mere century. It’s only natural that my sword cannot reach him. After all, I'm no prodigy like yourself either,” Alchester admitted.
"Don't be too hard on yourself,” Eugene said.
"I think it’s natural, but I was truly shocked. I know that I must overcome this challenge through my own efforts. I'm not seeking direct teachings from you,” said Alchester.
"So, what advice are you after?" Eugene asked, puzzled.
In truth, Eugene didn't have much advice to offer Alchester about swordsmanship. Alchester's sword technique was already shaping into something unique to him, and any advice from Eugene would hardly make a difference.
"I’d like to hear about the sword of Orix Dragonic, the founder of the Dragonic family,” Alchester requested.
Eugene's eyes fluttered at the unexpected request.
"Sir Eugene, you saw the founder’s sword yourself three hundred years ago, didn’t you? According to the stories passed down in our family, you were considered a peer who could share in-depth discussions about the sword with him,” Alchester said.
"Uh… well…"
"Indeed, as you know, our family’s technique of the Empty Sword was created in an attempt to replicate the founder’s sword. As the current head of the Dragonic family, I take great pride in the Empty Sword. I think it was perfected and passed down by generations. If possible, I’d like to test our current technique against the founder’s sword to evolve the Empty Sword further,” Alchetser stated.
Eugene was at a loss for words in response to Alchester’s passionate declaration.
Was he a friend to Orix, with whom they could share long discussions on the sword…? Eugene had never shared such conversations with Orix. He did recall summoning Orix, who had been prancing around while declaring himself half-dragon and beating him senseless.
"Um… so, you’re asking me to… compare your Empty Sword with Orix’s Empty Sword?" Eugene asked tentatively.
"Yes."
"That’s… well… I’m not sure what to say…" Eugene muttered cautiously.
Orix's sword technique essentially involved recklessly swinging around crude mana extracted from a dragon heart. If anything, Orix's sword was no more sophisticated than a large balloon.
"Sir Alchester, your Empty Sword surpasses Orix’s Empty Sword,” Eugene declared.
Eugene was confident. If Alchester and Orix were to duel now, Alchester's sword would easily slice through Orix within seconds.
"Really?"
"Absolutely. Your swordsmanship has long surpassed Orix’s swordsmanship. In my opinion, you're holding yourself back by concerning yourself with something you’ve already outgrown,” declared Eugene.
Alchester looked puzzled, but Eugene continued.
"There's no need to dwell on Orix's sword. Why concern yourself with someone who’s weaker than you?" Eugene asked.
With those words, Alchester’s eyes widened. Not out of offense but because it felt as if he had been enlightened. After a moment of reflection, Alchester rose briskly.
For someone of Alchester’s stature, even a minor epiphany could lead to significant transformation. Eugene couldn't help but smile at the enlightenment shining in Alchester’s eyes.
"Thank you."
Alchester joined Eugene in laughter as he picked up his sword beside him. He gave a respectful bow before leaving the room.
Before the door had even fully closed, King Aman Ruhr barged in.
Eugene asked, "What brings Your Majesty—"
"Let’s go for a bath together,” Aman promptly answered without letting Eugene finish.
"Excuse me?" Eugene asked.
"Is that a no?"
"Yes," Eugene answered with an awkward expression, and Aman’s broad shoulders slumped.
"If you’re not interested, then I guess there’s nothing I can do…."
The door closed once again.