Riley mumbled to himself the word which stood out the most on the paper.
The capital.
The large city located outside the Iphelleta's domain.
In the centre was a large palace and outside its white walls, the citizens, merchants and nobles lived in a beautifully decorated city.
[Information Regarding The Capital's Swordsmanship Tournament]
[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.
"…"
In summary, the message on the paper contained what Riley despised the most.
‘Leave the mansion.’
This was most likely the reason why Stein has said such words.
To compete in the swordsmanship tournament.
'I mean, even if you were to be a man of few words…'
You, go to the capital's swordsmanship tournament.
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.
"Hahahah…"
"Riley."
"Father, you know what my answer is right?"
"It will be a good experience."
"But I don't need experience?"
"Your brothers have been there too."
"Why don't they go one more time? It's a nice place."
"This letter was for you."
"What, no way."
"It's what they refer to as a love call."
"…"
What did he say now?
Love call?
To think such words would come from the hard-headed Stein.
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."
At the sound of the chair scraping against the floor, Riley's mind came back and he shook his head as he stated his thoughts.
Crying will not work since he's not so young anymore.
Therefore he must state his intentions clearly.
"I won't go to the swordsmanship tournament."
"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!"
Some of it was true, some of it was false.
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."
‘Because I really like reading. If anything, I'll find a path to become a wizard,’ Riley added in his head.
It felt like Stein would give up after hearing those words.
‘I just want to live a leisurely life. I want to avoid receiving high hopes from others.’
Riley bit his lips because the vow he had made and kept ever since he was born anew was about to slip out.
"Riley."
Riley flinched at Stein's voice.