Bow Beyond Class

Louis's brow furrowed.

All he had to do was fabricate a single excuse. No wonder he's stuck as a deputy butler.

"Did you know they were friends?"

"I knew the young master spent time with him, but not that they were friends. However, if Shirone lacked judgment, he couldn't have sorted 10,000 books."

Shirone's eyes widened. He hadn't expected Temuran to defend him.

Louis stepped forward, irritation sharpening his tone.

"Are you taking his side?"

Temuran shook his head calmly.

"No. As a fellow contract worker, I'm also shocked. I'm merely stating facts."

The issue was settled. Only Bishop insisted on punishing Shirone. Even the family head couldn't ignore the family's input.

As tension eased, Rian exhaled deeply. Shirone's expression softened—until Clump delivered his verdict.

"I cannot approve."

"Father!"

"Grandfather!"

Bishop and Rian shouted in unison, their tones polar opposites.

"I acknowledge their friendship—but it ends here. Continuing this will breed rumors and political attacks. It harms Rian's future. Part ways here, cherishing the memories."

Reina understood but felt conflicted. Family comes first. With Rye's exam looming, eliminating risks was their duty.

Rian disagreed. His fiery glare met Clump's serene smile.

'You've grown bold, Rian.'

"Shirone," Clump said, "Thank you for teaching my grandson friendship. But can you let him go? Nobles and commoners mixing is… difficult."

Shirone replied firmly, "No."

The room froze. Rian gaped.

"If I hinder Rian, I'll stay away. But we'll still be friends. Please understand that."

Rian's eyes burned with shame. 'I doubted him. Shirone knew—abandoning a friend means abandoning yourself.'

Rian raised his sword and declared:

"I hereby pledge—from this moment, I, Ozient Rian, shall become Shirone's sword!"

"You idiot!" Bishop roared.

Reina paled. "Did you just make a knight's vow?"

A knight's vow—an unbreakable oath binding one's life and honor. Breaking it meant eternal disgrace.

Bishop seethed. "Undo this!"

"Too late," Rian said smugly. "Now no one can separate us."

Clump stroked his beard, hiding a smirk. 'Foolish, but admirable.'

"Rian, if you'll be his sword, does the boy deserve it? Is he exceptional—or are you lacking?"

Rian answered without hesitation:

"A sword doesn't judge. It protects."

Clump chuckled. 'At least he grasps the basics.'

"Very well. Shirone, though unpolished, I trust this sword won't betray its master. Take care of my grandson."

Shirone bowed. "Thank you."

Later, in their room, Rian grinned. "Did you see their faces? Priceless!"

Shirone frowned. "Was the vow necessary? You risked too much."

Rian's tone turned earnest.

"I didn't do it just for friendship. You… pull people in. I'm betting my life on that."

Shirone flushed, deflecting with a joke. "You'll need to improve if you're protecting me."

Rian winced. "Ouch. But seriously, how'd you stay calm earlier?"

"I imagined jumping off a cliff."

"What?! You'd die!"

"No—it's about focusing on the present, not fearing the future."

Rian nodded. "If you jumped, I'd jump too. That's what knights do."

Reina peeked in, waving. Shirone turned red.

"The 'enemy camp' was tense, so I defected!"

"Leave. Men are talking," Rian grumbled.

Shirone protested, "She helped us! Come in."

Reina sat between them, grinning. "Rian, that vow was bold. Almost impressive."

"Are you mocking me?"

"Maybe~ But listen. Father considered sending you to Kaizen Swordsmanship School—with Shirone."

Rian blinked. "What? Why?"

"He thinks you both have potential. Even Shirone—despite preferring magic, right?"

Shirone froze. How does she know?

Rian shrugged. "He's a genius. He'll outshine even Rye."

Reina's eyes sparkled. "A mage? You lost to a magic student? Pathetic."

"Shut up! He's just—!"

As they bickered, Shirone smiled.

'However this ends… I won't forget today.'