Exercising power was not easy, especially in cases like the Kingdom where there was no guarantee that two large factions getting into a conflict would not lead to a civil war.
Renner could not cause the collapse of the Kingdom.
That was the reason why those topics came up in the discussion with Lakyus and her party. That was why Climb did not say anything. No, he could not say anything.
Interpreting something from Climb’s silence born from his troubles, Sebas muttered that he understood and told a shocking truth.
“…According to the girl, that place had many others besides her, regardless of gender.”
Impossible. Despite not being run by the slave trade organization, a brothel like that exists? Or… maybe that’s the brothel that they were talking about?
Climb spoke.
“If it was to only help them escape… I could ask my master. She possesses territory of her own so if they were to seek refuge there…”
“Is that possible? …And the girl could be sheltered as well?”
“…I apologize, Sebas-sama. I can’t tell you for certain without asking my master. But my master is benevolent, that person will approve without a doubt!”
“Hoh. If your master is that reliable… must be quite an amazing person indeed.”
At Sebas’ question, Climb nodded deeply. No one could be greater, he claimed.
“Though this regards a different matter, what happens if there is evidence that the brothel is involved in the slave trade and thus breaking the law? Will that be covered up as well?”
“Although that’s possible, if the evidence was given over to the appropriate hands… I want to believe that the Kingdom would not be so corrupt as to ignore it.”
“…I understand. Then allow me to ask you a different a question. Why do you wish to be strong?”
“Eh?”
At the sudden change in topic, Climb unwittingly made a strange noise.
“A moment ago, you asked me to teach you my technique. Though I determined that you are someone who can be trusted, I wish to know the reason behind why you seek strength.”
Climb narrowed his eyes and Sebas’ question.
Why did he want to be stronger?
Climb was an abandoned child who did not know the faces of his parents. Stories like his were not uncommon in the Kingdom. Dying in the mud wasn’t uncommon either.
Climb was also one of those whose fate was to die in the rain.
However— on that day, Climb met the sun. The existence that had been crawling in the dirt, in the darkness, was captivated by that light.
When he was young, he longed for her. And as he grew up, his feelings changed shape without hesitation.
— It was love.
He had to be rid of these feelings. The miracles that the wandering minstrels sang of would never happen in reality. Like how man cannot touch the sun, Climb’s wish would never be fulfilled. No, it must not be fulfilled.
The woman that Climb loved, her fate was to eventually be married to another. A princess could not be married to someone of an unknown birth like Climb, someone who was lower than a commoner.
If the king was to die and the first prince succeeded the throne, Renner would immediately have to marry a high-ranking noble. It was likely that such talks were already underway between the prince and the high nobility. She may even be sent away to a neighboring kingdom as a tool for a political marriage.
Rather, despite being at a marriageable age, the fact that Renner did not even have a fiancé, let alone marry, was what was strange.
To him, this moment in time was like gold. So much so that he would be willing to pay any price to be able to stop time. If he did not pour all of his time into his training, then he could enjoy that moment for even a tiny bit longer.
Climb was a simple, ordinary person with no talent. Even so, at the end of training, he had considerable skill when compared with the other soldiers. Then would it not be better to be satisfied and stop his training here so he can serve Renner by her side just a little while longer?
However— was that truly enough?
Climb yearned for the light of the sun. That was not a lie or a misunderstanding. It was a thought born from Climb’s honest truth.
However—
“Because I’m a man.”
Climb smiled.
That’s right. Climb wanted to stand by her side. The sun shines brilliantly in the sky, a man could never stand next to it. Even so, he wanted to rise even higher so that he could become an existence that can be closer to the sun, no matter how marginal.
He did not wish to always remain as someone who had to raise his face to see her.
This was the insignificant thoughts of a boy, but well suited for a boy nonetheless.
He wanted to become a man who would suit the woman he yearned for, even if they could never be together.
These thoughts were why he was able to endure the life without comrades, the harsh training, and his studies that cut into his sleep time.
If people wanted to call him foolish and mock him, then let them.
Those who did not truly love another could never understand his feelings.
Sebas narrowed his eyes as he observed his sincerity. As if he was trying to understand the myriad of meanings behind Climb’s short answer. He then nodded his head in satisfaction.
“I have decided how to train you from your reply.”
He stopped Climb as he was trying to express his gratitude.
“However, I am sorry to say that you have no talent. Training you in earnest will take quite some time, time that I do not have. I wish to train you so that the results will show quickly but… it will be very severe.”
Climb gulped loudly. The glint in Sebas’ eyes made his back shudder.
The reason he didn’t respond immediately was because he felt the power in those eyes. It was a strength that could not possibly exist, one exceeding even that of a serious Gazef.
“I will tell you honestly, you may die.”
This was not a joke.
Climb’s hunch told him that he was speaking the truth. He didn’t care whether or not he died. However, that was only the case if it was for Renner. He did not want to lose his life over a selfish matter.
It wasn’t because he grew scared. No, perhaps that really was the reason.
Climb swallowed his saliva once and then hesitated. The surroundings were dominated by a brief silence, quiet enough to hear the noises in the distance.
“Whether you survive is up to you… If you have something that you hold dear, a reason to crawl forward and cling onto your life, you will be fine.”
Was he not going to teach him about martial arts?
Despite such questions that rose to his mind, that was not the problem at hand. Understanding what Sebas’ words meant, he accepted it and gave his reply.
“I am prepared. I leave myself in your care.”
“Do you mean that you have the confidence to not die?”
Climb shook his head, that wasn’t it.
It was because in his heart, Climb always carried with him a reason to cling onto life, even if he had to crawl on the floor.
Sebas nodded deeply, as if he had read what was in Climb’s heart by looking into his eyes.
“I understand. Then I will start the training here.”
“Here?”
“Yes. It will only take a few minutes. Please raise your weapon.”
What was he trying to do? With his mind filled with anxiety and confusion over the unknown and a faint glimmer of expectation and curiosity, Climb drew his sword.
The sound of the blade sliding from its sheath rang out through the narrow alleyway.
Sebas quietly stared as Climb assumed a middle stance.
“Then I will begin. Concentrate.”