Chapter 165.2

Despite all the hardships he was currently facing, Edelred would survive. As a powerful king suitable for the Elil Kingdom and a hater of knights, he would tread the path of civil wars marked by bloodshed, following in the former king's footsteps.

Eventually reaching the level of a Swordmaster.

'He would get stronger on his own, but...'

Isaac decided to give his future a little nudge. Since he had the talent, it wouldn't hurt for Isaac to show off a little by helping him.

"I will teach you some swordsmanship, Your Highness."

Edelred looked at Isaac with wide eyes.

"Swordsmanship from a Holy Grail Knight? I heard that such skills are not taught lightly."

"Some eccentric old man I knew said something similar. But I'm not so petty."

"The same person as that Swordmaster?"

"Not the same, but they were in the same knightly order. They were constantly at each other's throats."

"What strange people..."

Edelred was puzzled, but Isaac stood in front of him, drew his sword, and moved slowly.

Edelred mimicked his movements, swinging his sword. Having grown up with a violent father, King Alfred, Edelred had naturally practiced swordsmanship for a long time. He already had well-developed basic skills and strength.

"This move I call the 'Eight Branches.' It's like sharp fingers seizing an enemy..."

Although Isaac had never taught swordsmanship to anyone before, he painstakingly taught Edelred. Edelred awkwardly mimicked the movements.

It was different from the swordsmanship he was used to, but the opportunity to learn from a Swordmaster was rare.

Soon, Edelred was focused, sweating as he swung his sword.

"Isaac!"

After a while, Edelred exclaimed in surprise. Isaac approached, and they could see the field on one side looking savagely torn up, as if by claws, not a clean cut as a sword would make.

Isaac felt a sense of awe; Edelred had started to mimic the 'spirit' of the movements even though he had just been shown them.

'Did Gebel feel this way when he saw me?'

Of course, Edelred was already well-trained. Perhaps as the king and a devotee of Elil, he was receiving a 'buff' to his swordsmanship skills.

In truth, if those who had indirectly taught Isaac swordsmanship like Gabel or Bashul could see this, they would be astounded. To their eyes, Isaac was a once-in-a-millennium genius.

Comparing him to Edelred would be misleading.

But what was certain was that another person was about to be born who would wield Isaac's unique sword techniques.

"Excellent. Let's continue."

"Ah, okay. Oh, but..."

Edelred hesitated, then spoke cautiously.

"I called you Isaac by mistake earlier, which was rude. I apologize. But I'm a bit reluctant to keep calling you 'Holy Grail Knight' after receiving such teachings..."

Isaac waited to see what Edelred would say next. After looking around hesitantly, Edelred finally spoke up.

"May I call you 'Master'?"

"...If there's no one else around, you may do so."

With permission, Edelred happily focused again on swinging his sword. Having someone to guide and teach him what to do was enough to thrill Edelred, who had until now only watched

powerlessly.

Isaac could understand his feelings; he had felt similar when he first met Gebel at the monastery and began training under him.

However, Isaac also felt pity seeing Edelred start to harbor hopes.

'Edelred, you will inevitably become the knight and king you despise.'

To destroy what you hate, you must become what you hate.

And he was to fall with those he despised, letting future generations enjoy the peace.

But that's how change is.

Isaac thus planted a seed of chaos in the Elil Kingdom.

***

"Pant, pant..."

Having learned swordsmanship from Isaac, Edelred swung his sword until he was utterly exhausted. It was late at night, almost dawn, so Isaac thought it was time to send him in. Edelred had not progressed beyond showing a chaotic vigor, but his growth had already exceeded expectations.

"Pant, I guess it's because I haven't moved like this in a while, but I'm feeling quite hungry."

Edelred muttered as he wiped his sweat.

Isaac felt a twinge but didn't show it.

"That's because you moved suddenly."

Just then, Isaac turned his head.

'Western ridge, beside the birch tree, three in black clothes. Likely Elil knights.'

A sense of warning from Hesabel suddenly reached him. Isaac could also observe the others through Hesabel's eyes. There were no identifying marks, but they were not Aldeon knights, and their hiding was too clumsy to be human hunters.

"Let's call it a day and rest. Tomorrow we have a long journey back to the Aldeon royal castle."

"Ah, okay. Oh, I mean, yes, Master."

Edelred said it and looked pleased with himself. Isaac almost absentmindedly patted his head but stopped just in time. Patting the king's head would be madness.

'Hesabel, keep an eye on Edelred. I'll handle those guys.'

'Roger.'