The Genius Orphan Who Trains the Sword

Chapter 200 : The Genius Orphan Who Trains the Sword

Chapter 200: The Genius Orphan Who Trains the Sword

The thief Robin had been chasing was cut down by Imelda.

With a face that did not even realize what had happened, the thief’s head was cleanly severed from his body.

They retrieved the baggage he had been carrying and headed back to the Rest Stop.

After briefly hearing what Robin had gone through after disappearing in the war, Imelda let out a sigh of relief.

“So that’s what happened…….”

“A lot happened. I’m sorry I couldn’t contact you. I sent a letter, but I guess you didn’t receive it.”

“Of course! There’s no way you would forget me!”

Imelda reacted far more strongly to the fact that he had sent a letter than to the explanation that he had trained for three years.

Even though she had never received it.

The anguish she had endured all that time seemed to wash away in an instant.

Seeing her smile so purely, Robin let out a faint chuckle.

“Now tell me about you, Miss. What were you doing in the Uncharted Area at this hour? Did you become an Adventurer?”

“Uh, yeah. That’s how it turned out…….”

“The person I was chasing was a thief, but how did you know and catch him?”

“Uh… well…….”

Imelda was visibly flustered.

To a degree that anyone who knew her usual self would not believe.

“And just in case, have you ever participated in the Arena? I once fought someone called Butcher, and your Swordsmanship just now was very similar.”

“Th-that…….”

Should she tell him?

It felt like he had uncovered a shameful secret she wanted to hide.

If possible, she wanted to conceal it to the very end…….

“That man—I cut him down without knowing he was a thief. He looked suspicious at a glance, and I didn’t feel like stepping aside. And the Butcher who fought you in the Arena—that was me.”

She poured it out quickly, like making a confession.

Avoiding Robin’s gaze, she lowered her head.

How would he react?

If he recoiled and called her a murderer, she would have no excuse.

If Robin were horrified, it would pierce her heart painfully—but she would endure it.

With that in mind, she waited for his answer.

“You did well.”

“What……?”

“You’ve gotten a lot stronger while I was gone. You even beat me in the Arena, didn’t you?”

Robin praised Imelda in a voice filled with admiration.

It was such an unexpected reaction that she stared at him blankly and asked again,

“Aren’t… aren’t you scared of me?”

“Why would I be scared of you, Miss?”

“Just hearing the nickname Butcher gives you an idea…… And what I showed in the Arena…….”

Robin, too, remembered the scene of her brutally crushing Nelson in the Arena.

It had been so cruel that even among spectators who enjoyed matches where people killed and were killed, some had vomited at the sight.

The current Imelda was closer to the true nature of the Butcher who showed no mercy.

“It was a bit harsh, sure—but maybe because the opponent was Nelson, it felt refreshing.”

“Y-you really mean that?”

“Yes. I was grateful you avenged me in my place.”

It was sincere.

At the time, even though Robin had not known that the Butcher was Imelda, he had felt grateful.

He had even felt a strange sense of familiarity—and now that he knew it was her, it made sense.

“H-ha, hahah…….”

“Don’t tell me you were worried about that?”

“I suppose I was…….”

“Don’t worry. Do you think I’d treat you coldly over something like that?”

At Robin’s firm assurance, Imelda could not suppress the corners of her lips from rising.

With her biggest worry gone, a smile naturally spread across her face.

“Thank you, for not hating me.”

“Come on, between us?”

“That’s right! Between us, this much is nothing!”

The atmosphere suddenly grew lively.

Seeing Imelda puff out her breath proudly, Robin burst into laughter.

Imelda, for some reason, smiled back just as brightly.

“Ah, how is Elder Theodric? He’s doing well, right?”

“Grandfather? Y-yeah. He’s in good health.”

“I should go see him sometime. Where is he staying now?”

“He’s… recuperating in a safe place.”

Imelda answered vaguely, looking troubled.

Though he found it strange, Robin did not press her and moved on to the next topic.

To how Imelda had lived during the three-year gap.

“What did you do to become that strong? Tell me your secret.”

She had expected that question.

Ever since confirming Robin’s survival in the Arena, she had been thinking about what to say.

She had even practiced speaking in front of a mirror several times.

Without hesitation, she delivered the answer she had prepared.

“After you went missing, I went into the Uncharted Area with Grandfather. I didn’t want to lose something precious again, so I wanted to grow stronger. I honed my Swordsmanship, and as I built a reputation as an Adventurer, I gained a nickname. I earned a lot of money hunting Monsters, and I gained experience conquering Dungeons……. The Uncharted Area is dangerous, but I never joined a secret organization to take assassination contracts or killed Imperial officials or anything like that. Even without you, I lived my life in my own steady way.”

That should do it.

A flawless history by anyone’s standards.

There was no way to verify what had happened in the Uncharted Area.

It was the kind of story any ordinary Adventurer might tell.

When she glanced at Robin, he was only smiling gently.

Imelda was satisfied with her performance.

“I-I see?”

“That’s how it is.”

“You must have gone through a lot.”

Of course, Robin had noticed something strange in her words.

‘She’s hiding something.’

But he did not ask further.

Because from now on, he himself would be hiding many things.

“Ah! The timing’s perfect. I was on my way back from the Extreme Region. I heard your Adventurer rank is Gold Rank? I’m Gold Rank now too!”

“Pardon……? You went to the Extreme Region alone?”

“Not alone. I met an acquaintance in a Dangerous Area and asked them to go with me.”

“You can just ask and make it that far?”

“They were a very skilled guide.”

It seemed Imelda had built quite a network.

After all, she had been active as an Adventurer far longer than he had.

“Robin, from now on, let’s travel together. With my skill and experience, I’ll be helpful.”

“You mean the Uncharted Area?”

“Yeah. I’ve heard the rumors—they’re incredible. Some even say you might go beyond the Extreme Region.”

“Ah, about that…….”

As they talked, they soon arrived at the Rest Stop.

“Let’s stay here tonight.”

“Alright. What about you, Robin?”

“I’ll be downstairs the whole time. I may be temporary, but I’m the Manager.”

“Really? Then should I stay up with you?”

“No. You must be tired, so get some good rest. I have things to do as well.”

When he firmly refused, Imelda pouted slightly.

Only after he added that it was late and she should hurry to bed did she head upstairs.

“You have to wake me up before sunrise!”

“Alright. Rest well.”

Seeing her wave her hand so innocently, it felt as though they had returned to their childhood.

For Imelda, today was the day she reunited with someone she had longed for and finally laid to rest one knot in her heart.

Robin, too, had been filled with joy at seeing her again.

But he had not been able to immediately answer her suggestion to travel together.

Because he had made a promise to Sella.

‘Let’s sort things out.’

Robin walked around the empty first floor, checking for anything in need of repair.

It was a night that made him think more than usual.

* * *

The result of pointing his sword at Sella and charging at her with all his strength.

Even though he had succeeded in displaying his Domain, in the end Robin’s sword did not reach her.

“Huff… huff…….”

“At your age, to reach this level. Honestly, I’m impressed.”

“Then will you reconsider?”

“Hmm…….”

Even after showing everything, she was still hesitating.

All his strength drained away.

But now he understood a little.

Even possessing such extraordinary power, she still avoided an all-out confrontation with the Emperor—once again, he realized the true might of the Empire.

“Does this mean my name will be expelled from the Guild?”

“That was my intention, but it feels like a waste of talent.”

Sella sat down beside Robin and handed him a water flask.

Robin accepted it gratefully and emptied it in one gulp.

“The organization I lead. Is your resolve to join The Hand of Liberation unchanged?”

“Yes. I’ve come too far to just stay still like this.”

“If you join, you’ll be forced to take on tasks you don’t want. You’ll receive more menial work than the exploration you’re hoping for. Even so, is that fine?”

“Yes.”

Seeing the determination in Robin’s eyes, Sella let out a small sigh.

She supported the exhausted Robin into the Log Cabin and seated him in a rocking chair.

“I still oppose you going to the Demon Realm. But… it’s certain you won’t die easily wherever you go.”

“If you’re saying that, then?”

“I’ll observe you for the time being. But there’s a condition.”

“Please say it.”

“I’ll assign you several missions. Until you pass them all, no independent exploration.”

“How long will it take?”

“That depends on you.”

“Understood.”

Perhaps she had changed her mind after seeing Robin’s sword; in the end, she permitted it under conditions.

No matter the difficulty, he would clear them all.

With that resolve, he parted ways with Sella.

As promised, Raymond returned in the evening.

He exchanged a brief glance of greeting with Imelda, but neither offered much in response.

Robin wondered if they knew each other and asked, but both gave no clear answer.

“Come to think of it, it’s been a while since you met Serena too, right?”

“That’s right. If I’d known I’d run into Robin, I would’ve followed along…….”

“There’s no difference from before. The other two are, well… a reliable warrior and an archer.”

“I’m curious about the companions Robin travels with.”

When Robin returned with Imelda, the reactions of the three were all different.

Sigbard welcomed him without any territorial attitude.

Aelin wore a somewhat uneasy expression.

And Serena greeted him with both joy and doubt.

Since they had once traveled together after being branded as Rebels, he had expected her to be more openly pleased—but her reaction was slightly subtle.

It was friendly, yes—but there was a hint of why are you only showing up now?

“I’ve been busy in many ways. If I’d known Robin was alive, I would’ve come here right away.”

“I suppose so.”

“Serena, are you not pleased that I’m here?”

“As if. If we get another sturdy swordsman, exploration becomes easier. Why would I complain?”

Contrary to expectations, the reunion was not perfectly smooth—but it was not a big issue.

After all, he still had not received permission to return to the Uncharted Area.

To his companions, he excused himself by saying he wanted to focus seriously on training.

After returning from the Rest Stop, orders to serve as Temporary Manager kept coming repeatedly, and during his time in the Uncharted Area, he refined his Domain.

“Robin, still not yet?”

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“If the gap grows too long, it’s easy to lose your edge. Are we exploring within this year?”

“Honestly, I can’t promise.”

“I see. Understood. I’m not trying to reproach you, so don’t feel too pressured.”

The team, who had thought it would be a mere two- or three-week break, entered an indefinite rest.

Besides serving as Temporary Manager, Robin also carried out the tasks passed down to him by Sella.

Or perhaps they had not come directly from Sella.

The Hand of Liberation operated in a cell structure, its members concealing even their identities from one another.

Since returning from the East, he had been unable to contact Sella directly.

One month, two months…….

Three months passed as he honed himself, moving between training and assignments.

As usual, while serving as the Manager of the Rest Stop and attending to Adventurers, he received a small note.

When he slipped away during a quiet moment and secretly opened it,

At last, the time to move forward again had come.

“Mmm… I had a feeling, but I didn’t expect Robin to get caught up in that.”

“M-Miss?”

Robin hurriedly hid the note, but it seemed Imelda had already seen it.

As he smiled awkwardly, Imelda spoke first.

“So you can explore now?”

“Uh, well…….”

“You don’t have to hide it from me. No… even if I say that, I guess you still can’t talk about it.”

Leaning against the wall, Imelda stared straight at Robin.

No words were exchanged, yet in that brief moment, they conveyed many things.

“I’m planning to explore again soon. Will you come with me, Miss?”

“Isn’t that obvious? What do you take me for?”

“Hahaha. I wonder how the three will react.”

“If a veteran says she’ll join, they’ll gladly accept.”

“I’m not sure. Serena’s a veteran too—will she accept you so easily?”

At the teasing remark, Imelda glared at him fiercely.

Only for a moment. When Robin made an exaggerated look of surprise, she burst into laughter.

Seeing her expression change so abruptly, Robin laughed as well.

As the sound of laughter naturally faded,

Imelda spoke.

“Robin, I’m only saying this now, but you’ve always had something strange about you.”

“What do you mean?”

“When we were children, you know. Even back then, you didn’t feel like a child. Even though we were only a year apart, you seemed much more grown-up.”

“I was a servant attending nobility, so I was careful with my words and actions.”

“Not just your polite attitude—you taught me the sword. Thinking about it now, that was absurd.”

Light returned to Imelda’s eyes.

The day she had decided to learn the sword.

That day had been such a turning point in her life that it could be called a complete transformation.

If she had not begun then, she would never have reached this far.

“Do you know what the maids and Guards used to call you?”

“I had a nickname I didn’t even know about?”

“The genius orphan who trains the sword.”

“That’s quite an excessive nickname.”

“It’s not excessive. It wasn’t back then. And it isn’t now.”

The spring breeze fluttered softly.

Imelda’s hair, scattering in the wind, looked especially vibrant.

“The organization you belong to. The orders they give will only grow harsher.”

“I know.”

“The path you’re walking is a thorny one.”

“I’m prepared.”

“There will be times you must kill people regardless of your own will.”

“Even if I am punished someday, I’ll endure it.”

Robin’s eyes did not waver in the slightest.

Her large eyes curved slightly as she looked at him.

“Then let’s walk it together.”

Her brown eyes drew closer.

The sunset that had illuminated the space between them was briefly blocked.

Robin’s eyes widened, and he held his breath.

“Puha! M-Miss?”

“What do you mean, Miss. Just call me Imelda.”

“N-no, that’s not it.”

Imelda smiled faintly and turned around.

Perhaps because of the sunset, the tips of her ears were tinged red.

“If I don’t want to fall behind, I’ll have to work hard too. I’ll tell the three to prepare for exploration, so come slowly.”

Robin stared blankly at Imelda as she ran toward Narvik.

Only when she had become a mere dot and disappeared did he regain his senses.

“Mmm… that was too sudden…….”

He carefully retraced what Imelda had said.

Though she had not spoken it aloud, Imelda was also a member of The Hand of Liberation.

It was a terrifying fact—but setting that aside, one sentence kept circling in his mind.

“Let’s walk it together……. When did she grow up so much?”

It might have been a reckless vow, but those words gave him strange strength.

He muttered toward her vanished figure.

“No matter the result, I’ll do my best. Well, isn’t that the same for all of us?”

There was much to be done ahead.

Even after reaching the end of the world and settling everything.

Even when a peaceful world arrived where he could stretch out his legs and sleep at ease.

There were many tasks given now, and there would be many more in the future.

At times, there would be moments so hard he would want to die, temptations to give up.

Yet he could continue moving forward because there were those who supported him.

Just as a once-immature noble girl had come to stand beside him and lend him her strength.

Robin looked at the fading sunset and returned to the Rest Stop.

As he planned the exploration, his heart pounded.

Using that fluttering heartbeat as fuel, he stepped toward the unknown.