Chapter 9: Whispers in the Wind

Two Months Later – The Training Grounds

"Earth Breathing Technique—Second Phase Completed. Strength +0.4, Agility +0.5, Constitution +0.5."

"Huston Merlin: Strength 2.0, Agility 1.6, Constitution 2.2, Spirit 1.2."

"Physical limits have nearly reached genetic constraints."

Huston exhaled slowly, lowering himself from his thousandth round of training. Sweat dripped from his brow, but his eyes remained calm.

For the past two months, he had done little else but train.

At first, Beihard's forces had continued their raids, stealing food and supplies where they could. But then—suddenly, the attacks stopped.

No more skirmishes. No more stolen grain. Just… silence.

Baron Buck had been infuriated by the constant harassment. Every time he sent soldiers to respond, the raiders would vanish like ghosts. His forces were too few—barely three hundred men to defend the entire Dur Valley.

Worse still, Beihard's lands were starving. There was nothing worth raiding.

With no more immediate threats, Huston and the other guards had found themselves with unexpected free time.

A familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts.

Huston turned to see Emil approaching.

"Still not feeling it," Huston admitted, shaking his head. "I don't think I'll ever awaken as a knight."

His body had already reached the limits of an ordinary human. Yet—without the awakening of the Life Seed, he would never truly step into the realm of knights.

AI chip had confirmed it. He was at his peak. And still—nothing.

Emil placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't rush it. Keep training. Some knights awaken when they least expect it."

Huston nodded silently.

But deep down, he knew the truth. His strength wasn't natural.

Everything he had achieved—all of it—came from AI chip's assistance.

He wasn't meant to be a knight.

A clear, feminine voice rang out from the edge of the training grounds.

"Emil!"

Both men turned.

At the sight of the woman approaching, Emil visibly stiffened.

His body tensed, his expression a mixture of surprise… and unease.

Huston had never seen him like this before.

"Melissa?" Emil's voice was uncertain. "When did you return?"

Melissa—daughter of Baron Buck.

She moved gracefully, the golden fabric of her gown catching the sunlight as she walked toward them. Her fair skin seemed to glow, her presence commanding, yet effortlessly elegant.

Her gaze locked onto Emil, lips curling into a sharp, teasing smile.

"What's wrong? Surprised to see me?"

Her tone was playful, yet edged with something deeper.

"If I told you ahead of time, you'd just find some excuse to 'patrol the borders,' wouldn't you?"

Emil looked away, his posture uncharacteristically rigid. "The roads haven't been safe. If I had known, I would've sent an escort."

Melissa laughed softly. "An escort? Please. I study at Northent Academy. My mentor is Grand Scholar Claude. My father is a Great Knight. Who would dare touch me?"

Emil's voice lowered. "It's always better to be cautious…"

Melissa's smile faded.

Then, suddenly—her voice sharpened.

"Look at me, Emil."

Her tone demanded obedience.

Emil hesitated. Then, with visible effort, he met her gaze.

Only for a moment.

Then he quickly looked away.

Melissa's hands clenched into fists. "Do you know why I came back?"

Emil did not answer.

"I'm getting married."

Her words hung in the air like a blade.

Emil's hands tightened at his sides.

"My father has arranged for me to wed the son of the Duke of Tulip."

There was a tremor in her voice now, tears welling in her eyes.

"That's great," Emil said quietly. "The Tulip Duchy is vast. You'll have a good life."

Melissa's eyes flashed with fury.

"That's all you have to say?"

Emil remained silent.

"You love me. I love you. We both know it."

Her voice cracked.

"Who says knights can't marry noblewomen? To hell with those outdated traditions! We're young! The world is changing! My mentor always says we should decide our own fate! If you just—if you just speak to my father, he'd listen!"

Huston shifted uncomfortably.

The entire training ground was empty now.

Only the three of them remained.

Huston was standing too close to pretend he wasn't there. Leaving would be obvious. Staying was even worse.

So, he did the only thing he could.

He froze and tried to become invisible.

Emil opened his mouth, as if to speak.

But no words came.

His fists clenched. His jaw tightened.

But still—he said nothing.

Melissa's breathing hitched.

Then—a sharp crack.

She had slapped him.

Tears streamed down her face as she turned and fled, her golden gown billowing behind her.

Emil stood motionless.

Watching her go.

And then, without a word, he left as well.

Huston stood there, alone.

He exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "That… was quite the spectacle."

An uncomfortable shudder ran through him.

He had just witnessed something monumental.

Something dangerous.

And he wanted no part of it.

Without hesitation, he made his escape.

Later that evening, Huston visited Old Henry.

The elderly man lay in bed, his breathing unsteady.

AI chip had already diagnosed him—a mix of age-related illnesses. His body was failing.

He might not survive the winter.

Huston sat beside him, voice quiet. "If you need anything, tell Mary. I gave her the funds."

Mary, the old maid he had hired, had been taking care of Henry in his final days.

Though Huston had risen in status—his position now **secure under Emil's protection—**he had never forgotten the people who mattered.

Henry gave him a tired smile.

Huston stayed with him for a while, talking of trivial things. Of the valley. The rumors. The absurdity of life.

Somewhere in the middle of their conversation, Henry drifted to sleep.

Huston stayed a moment longer.

Then, quietly, he left.

Huston gave Mary firm instructions to take care of Old Henry before returning to his home.

Not the crumbling shack that once left him shivering on rainy nights.

No—this was a proper house. His house.

His pockets were heavier now, carrying the weight of gold coins—a reward from Baron Buck for his valor in battle.

Even if he never became a knight, his skill in combat had already made him one of the most formidable fighters among the castle guards.

For most men, this would be enough.

A house. A title. A steady position under a powerful lord.

A life of stability.

But as Huston leaned against the window, gazing at the full moon, now larger and more luminous than ever, he knew the truth:

He would never be satisfied with this.

He had no control over his fate.

And until he did, he would never stop.

But… where did his path lie?

The way of the knight had nearly closed to him.

And sorcerers?

They were nothing but myths.

For the first time in a long while, Huston felt lost.

The news spread quickly.

Lady Melissa was to marry into the House of Tulip.

Across Dur Valley, the people celebrated.

For they all understood what this truly meant—

Dur Valley was untouchable now.

No more skirmishes. No more raids from rival lands.

With the Tulip Duchy standing behind Baron Buck, no lord in the Kingdom of Norton would dare provoke them.

Only a full-scale war could threaten them now.

No one knew how Buck had secured such an alliance, but one thing was certain—

The Beihard raiders had vanished.

At dawn, Emil arrived.

His travel bag was already packed, slung over his shoulder, as if he had been preparing for this journey long before speaking.

"Huston."

His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.

"For the next two months, you're coming with me to guard Pumpkin Farm."