< Ending Maker SS #31 Lucas Hresvelg (1) >
Ending Maker SS #31 Lucas Hresvelg (1)
I thought about it as a child, when I first held a real sword, not a practice sword.
‘I want to be a built-in.’
The main character of the Built Vine Heroes story.
A shining, cool, strong, and invincible hero.
A person who can lead everyone from the front and become everyone’s hope.
It was a childish thought.
It was a sweet dream for a child.
The child becomes an adult.
Go out into the world and face the cold reality.
Growing pains.
At some point I was able to realize it.
He was just a frog in a well.
There were people with far greater talent.
There are people in this world who can be called true geniuses, people who cannot be caught up to.
Those who shine like the stars in the sky.
I woke up to reality.
Even though I didn’t want to realize it, I had no choice but to do it.
The praise I took for granted as I grew up has died down.
People’s attention was no longer focused.
All their attention and praise went to the true geniuses who appeared like comets – the heroes who saved the wild lands and the royal capital.
They were the main characters on stage.
They were the main characters of the story.
If they are stars and the moon, then I am nothing more than a firefly.
I woke up to reality.
I witnessed reality.
A child’s childish dreams were, of course, just dreams.
but.
But still I.
Still I······.
I want to be a built-in.
&
Lucas opened his eyes.
My head was dizzy, as if I had fallen into a deep sleep rather than just blinking.
Blurry visibility was a bonus.
“Huh huh?”
Lucas, whose voice was as dull as his head, wiped the drool that had run down the corner of his mouth and down his chin, then blinked and looked around.
My own bed, familiar to my eyes and body.
A book spread open next to the pillow.
Lucas closed his eyes wide once more, opened them, raised his upper body, and stretched.
A groan escaped me without me realizing it, along with a thud sound.
“Ugh.”
It seems that he fell asleep without realizing it after reading a book all night.
“Ugh, it’s crumpled.”
The book that was lying half-open next to the pillow had half of its pages folded. Not only was the book heavy, but the folds were clear because it had been left like that for hours. What was even more problematic was that there were more than one or two folded pages. At least ten were haphazardly crumpled.
‘Ugh… I guess there’s nothing I can do. But it’s fortunate that it’s for reading.’
Lucas’ collection of the Bildwein Heroes came in five volumes, each volume prepared in its own right.
For collection, appreciation (to be placed on a bookshelf and looked at), missionary work, reading, and preliminary reading.
This time the crumpled one was for reading, so there was still a spare one for reading.
‘I need to buy a new one tomorrow too.’
Because you need to have a reading set and a pre-reading set.
Because reading glasses are really just for reading, they tend to get damaged quite often.
“tomorrow.”
Lucas said it out loud and let out a mhhhh laugh.
Although he was a member of the Ten Swordsmen that the Kingdom of Seilun was proud of, and was effectively the strongest swordsman in the kingdom after the establishment of the Holy Nation of Yudelia, he still had a lot of boyish aspects left in him.
tomorrow.
Tomorrow was a really important day.
It was Lucas Hresvelg’s nineteenth birthday.
As listed above, Lucas was no longer just the heir to the Hresvelg Counts.
Of course, being the successor to the House of Margrave, one of the most prestigious families in the North, was an incredibly important thing, but Lucas’s current status was much higher than it had been a few years ago.
One of the ten great swordsmen, one of only two in the world and one of only two in history.
The strongest swordsman in the Kingdom of Seilun.
Naturally, there were a lot of people who wanted to attend Lucas’ birthday party, and Count Hresvelg had been preparing for the party for two whole months.
But Lucas’ thoughts were actually a little different.
Why tomorrow matters.
Lucas’s own birthday was a birthday, but for a more important reason.
“It’s a new book, a new book.”
A new book from the series Built Vine Heroes.
It’s a new series that’s been out for a whole 3 years!
When I first heard the news, I was so shocked – no, so happy – that I almost fainted, it’s no exaggeration to say.
The mere fact that a new book on the Heroes of Builtwein was coming out made the world look so beautiful.
‘3 years.’
The author of the Heroes of Builtwein was a man named Sanudil.
Age unknown, gender unknown.
Of course, the name Sanudil was not my real name but a pen name.
As a result, when no new books were published for three years, Lucas and other Built Vine enthusiasts were trembling with fear and horror, wondering if Sanudil had suffered an accident or if he had stopped writing.
Since they didn’t even know the person’s age or gender, all kinds of stories were going around.
It was actually a news article, starting with the story that he lost his life in the Great War and then going on to say that he stopped writing to focus on raising his child.
‘Oh, Sanudil. Anyway, thank you. Thank you for coming back.’
Lucas couldn’t figure out whether Sanudil was a man or a woman, or why there hadn’t been a new book in three years, but he decided to keep it simple.
In any case, the fact that a new book was published meant that Sanudil was serious enough to publish a book, and it was a blessing to all readers of the Bildwein Heroes.
‘Tomorrow, tomorrow.’
I have to go to the bookstore tomorrow and buy a new book.
In fact, there was no need for Lucas to go to the bookstore and buy books himself, even though he was at the level of Count Hresvelg. However, Lucas still went to the bookstore to buy books himself whenever a new book was released.
Because I wanted to get my hands on the new book as soon as possible.
Of course, as the successor to the Count Hresvelg family, who were powerful enough to claim the position of leader among the twelve northern families, there were plenty of ways to obtain them at the distribution stage if he wanted to, but Lucas did not resort to such tricks.
“Hoo hoo hoo.”
Lucas, who had been up all night for the past two days touring the sections for the new book, smiled once more and stood up from his seat.
The sunlight streaming through the window looked beautiful and bright today.
&
“So which one of you is it in the end?”
“yes?”
Count Hresvelg’s office.
Count Hresvelg, who usually stays at Thunderdoom Fortress in the north rather than at the Count’s residence, has been back at the Count’s residence for the past few days.
Because Lucas’ birthday was tomorrow.
“I asked which of the two you were.”
When Count Hresvelg asked again, Lucas looked embarrassed and was unable to answer.
Count Hresvelg’s question.
One of the two.
Although the subject was omitted, it was obvious who was being referred to.
Kaisa Orphan and Scarlet Viper.
The daughter of the Marquis of Orphan, the de facto leader of the six southern clans, and a beautiful genius female swordsman from the Empire.
Not only did the two stay with Lucas throughout the entirety of the Catastrophe War, but the three of them also traveled around the continent together after the war.
And so, people who saw men and women in their prime hanging out together thought:
“Which one of you is it?”
Who will be the next Countess of Hresvelg?
If we look at it only from the standpoint of status, it was Kaiser Orphan.
Because she was the daughter of the Marquis of Orphan, one of the six southern families.
Considering that the House of Hresvelg was one of the twelve northern houses, the one who would be most suitable for the family was Kaisa Orphand.
But people did not make hasty judgments.
“The North and the South are too far apart.”
What would be the point of Count Hresvelg at the northern end and Marquis Ophand at the southern end joining hands?
They were not very meaningful partners for a political marriage.
“Besides, that woman named Scarlett seems to be a noblewoman.”
Although they were not as powerful as the 12 Southern Clans, they were still nobles.
And here’s one more reason why Scarlett is competitive:
“They say he’s a great swordsman.”
The Hresvelg Counts were a noble family, especially a family of swordsmen who had inherited the Holy King’s Cross Sword from generation to generation.
Because of this, there were many people within the family who had a crush on Scarlett, who was known as a swordsmanship genius.
“The young lady of the author of Ofund is strong, but… she is close to a melee.”
It’s a melee fight, not a sword fight.
There, the various notoriety that Caesar had accumulated in the South worked as negative factors in one way or another.
The fact that he was the captain of a privateer who raided pirate ships did not seem like a very good look for the northerners who did not know much about the sea.
Of course, Scarlett didn’t necessarily have only strengths.
First of all, the problem was that he was a noble of the empire, and in any case, his family’s status was lower than Caesar’s.
And with the fact that she was a Rogue Master, which is still unknown, Scarlett could be more at risk than Kai’Sa.
Anyway, two people.
Lucas HresvelThe ones most likely to become his wives.
“Lucas.”
“Yes, father.”
“I don’t think you would give such a shameless answer as ‘both.’”
Lucas pursed his lips and sweat poured down his face under Count Hresvelg’s stern gaze.
&
A few hours later.
Scarlett and Kaisa were sitting across from each other at a table, one drinking coffee and the other drinking fruit wine.
“It’s tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow.”
I wasn’t talking about the release date of the new book, Built Vine Heroes.
The day of Lucas Hresvel’s birthday party.
A day of great significance and official celebration held at the Count Hresvelg’s residence.
“I’ll dance the first dance tomorrow.”
“That’s funny. I’m going to leave.”
“Hey, I was the first one Lucas danced with?”
“That was back then, but when you were dating me, you were the first one to dance with me?”
These were stories from a previous life.
Unlike Lucas, who was always on Uther’s side, Scarlett and Kaisa were sometimes on Uther’s side and sometimes on the side of the demon followers.
And as if it were a lie, when she was on Uther’s side, she always became Lucas’ lover, and when she was his enemy, she became Lucas’ rival.
‘Of course, there were times when we were both enemies.’
And at that time, it was Scarlett and Kaisa who were best friends.
“Anyway, I’ll leave it to Lucas tomorrow. Don’t waste your time. Okay?”
“You shouldn’t be using numbers.”
In fact, if we look at it only by modern standards, the two were quite close friends.
Even if we exclude memories from our past lives, the time we traveled together was almost three years.
As the love and hate accumulated, it would not be an exaggeration to say that both sides were best friends.
But the problem was Lucas.
Neither Scarlett nor Kaisa could possibly give up on Lucas.
But that doesn’t mean we can pressure Lucas to make a quick choice.
“Seo, I can’t choose. In that case, I’d rather not meet either of you.”
Those were truly Lucas-like words, and they were actually spoken.
It’s not that I want to straddle the fence, it’s that I really can’t choose.
Because if you choose one side, the other side will get hurt.
The relationship between the three was indeed complicated.
This is because the events of their past lives, when they shared a deep love that was enough to last them through life and death, were intertwined.
‘That fool might not just not see either of us, but might end up living alone for the rest of his life.’
Scarlett’s thoughts were not wrong.
Lucas Hresvel, that’s the kind of person he was.
And because Caesar thought so too, the three of them maintained a strange relationship until now.
“More than that, you know?”
“I know.”
Although the important sentences were all missing, the two could tell what each other was thinking just by looking into each other’s eyes.
“Sylvia Crossbell.”
A female name that Lucas mentioned when he was challenging to summon fairies in the royal capital.
As the daughter of the Earl of Crossbell, one of the twelve northern houses, she was also scheduled to attend the party tomorrow.
“At least don’t lose to him.”
“You are the one.”
This is a race between the two of us.
If we had to put a nice spin on it, we could call it a friendly competition.
The two people, whose relationship was difficult to express in words, but was clearly strong, had their memories from their past lives added to their current lives, so they lightly bumped fists and looked out the window.
The sun was setting.
&
“This is truly incredible.”
As the mercenary knight Sir Silion spoke through the window, looking at the line of carriages surrounding Count Hresvelg’s house, Sir Seorn chuckled and said.
“Because this birthday party is special.”
It was a party to celebrate the birthday of the successor to the Count Hresvelg family, so it was natural that many guests would gather, but this year, almost twice as many people gathered as in previous years.
There were several reasons, but one reason caught Seorun Kyung’s attention the most.
“Did you know that there is a story that the young master’s companion will be decided at this party?”
“I’ve heard that rumor too······ Is it true?”
“It’s not real. But it’s enough to set people on fire. Personally, I wish it was a little more real.”
“I agree.”
Like most of the knights of the House of Hresvelg, Sir Seorn and Sir Silion were fond of Lucas.
The children of Count Bayer and Count Chase, who live next door(?), got married two years ago and are called the couple of the century. Our master should also find a partner.
He also gave birth to a successor who resembled his master exactly.
“So, Captain, which of the two do you think will become the Countess?”
When the nickname and title from his days as a mercenary came up, Sir Seorn smiled and tried to say something, but at that moment, a loud shout interrupted his conversation.
“This is Lady Sylvia Crossbell of the Crossbell Countess House!”
For a moment, everyone in the banquet hall’s eyes were focused on the entrance.
And even amidst the flood of countless gazes, the woman with sky blue hair who maintained her elegance – Sylvia Crossbell entered the banquet hall with a gentle smile.
She was wearing a pure white empire dress, with a low back that made her pale, clear skin stand out even more.
“Ohhh.”
“As expected, it’s beautiful.”
Sylvia was revered as the most beautiful woman in the North before Cordelia emerged as the couple of the century.
The sight was so beautiful that it seemed as if it had just popped out of a storybook, it was truly magical.
But there were two people who looked at Sylvia in a crooked way.
“It’s him.”
“Them.”
It was Scarlett in a provocative red dress and Kaisa in a tight black dress that accentuated her figure.
“Tch, it’s really pretty.”
When Caesar made a sound, Scarlett narrowed her brows slightly, then straightened her shoulders and said.
“You are pretty enough too.”
“Yeah, Scarlett is pretty too. We’re both pretty.”
If Cordelia had heard, she would have apologized to everyone around her and shouted, “Why is it my fault for being so shameful!” But Scarlett and Kaisa were serious.
After fixing each other’s clothes and hair, the two approached the battlefield – that is, Sylvia’s side.
‘What the heck, guys.’
Sylvia was taken aback by Scarlett and Caesar approaching her.
It wasn’t just because those two approached.
It was because of the strange hostility – no, competitiveness – felt between the two.
‘Oh, really?’
As a smart girl, Sylvia quickly realized why the two were acting like this.
After a while, that is, after 5 minutes, the music was to change and that’s when the dance time began.
Lucas, the main character of today, was also going to dance, of course.
‘Who will have the first dance with this person?’
Lucas, Scarlett, and Kaisa.
Sylvia also knew the story of these three people well.
‘Did Lucas tell you something about me?’
Or maybe the two people who heard that she was the most beautiful woman in the North were just being unreasonably cautious.
For a moment a smile spread across Sylvia’s face.
Although she has been suppressing it lately, she is actually quite playful.
Moreover, she was now over twenty years old, so it was highly likely that she would have a specific marriage partner by next year at the latest. In fact, there were many families that were being sounded out.
‘Want to play a prank?’
Sylvia, giggling on the inside and smiling elegantly on the outside, quickly winked at Lucas.
And when the oblivious Lucas approached, he spoke to him in a friendly manner.
“Lucas, it’s been a while.”
“Yes, Miss Sylvia. It’s been a while.”
“happy birthday.”
“thank you.”
“really?”
“yes?”
“Are you really grateful?”
Lucas tilted his head for a moment at Sylvia’s question, but soon smiled and nodded.
“Yes, thank you very much.”
“Then I should repay you?”
“Is there anything you would like to receive······?”
“How was your first dance?”
At that moment, sparks flew.
It’s not a real firework, but a firework of speculation – or rather, a firework of war.
Scarlett and Kaisa.
Scarlett looked at Lucas quietly, and Kaisha looked at Lucas with her fists clenched.
At this point, even Lucas, no matter how clueless he was, couldn’t help but notice.
Scarlett and Kaisa.
Here comes Sylvia.
‘You must not make a wrong choice.’
If you make the wrong choice, you won’t be able to handle the aftermath.
If you choose Sylvia, Scarlett and Kaisa will explode.
If you choose Scarlett, you get Kaisa, if you choose Kaisa, you get Scarlett.
“Lucas?”
Sylvia called Lucas with a mischievous voice hidden in elegance, and Scarlett’s deep, anxious gaze fell on Lucas’ cheek.
‘Which of the two is it?’
Added to this was the voice of Count Hresvelg that I heard yesterday.
Lucas broke out in a cold sweat.
And as if on cue, the music in the banquet hall changed.
The start of dance time – that is, the moment when you have to choose one person to become either a corpse or a meal.
Lucas was in agony.
I felt extreme pain in a moment that felt like an eternity.
But that was just then.
“Lucas?”
A hand of salvation came down from heaven.
&
“I think Yuder is upset. He’s been staring at me like crazy since a while ago.”
“I will gladly accept it.”
Cordelia chuckled at Lucas’ answer.
“Was it that difficult?”
Enough to tolerate that jealous Yuder’s jealousy?
Lucas answered Cordelia’s question with a bitter smile.
“Anyway, I’m really glad that Miss Cordelia showed up at that time. She was like an angel of salvation to me.”
“What are you talking about, salvation?”
“No, really. Thanks to Miss Cordelia, I was able to get through today… I’m really grateful. Thank you so much.”
If I had chosen Sylvia, Scarlett and Kaisa would have exploded together, but if it had been Cordelia, it would have been different.
And the same was true for Sylvia.
When Lucas thanked him again, Cordelia frowned for a moment, then smiled sadly and said,
“Hey, Lucas, is Lucas an idiot?”
“yes?”
“Who are you going to dance the second dance with?”
“to?”
“What the heck? Did you really think you’d just dance once on your birthday and call it a day?”
And Scarlett and Kaisa came out dressed up so beautifully?
Surely you won’t just send it back?
Then I get angry too?
Lucas swallowed dry saliva and turned his gaze away from the young Cordelia’s gaze, even to the point of questioning her a little.
After firmly rejecting countless dance requests, Scarlett and Kaisa stand side by side, looking this way. And next to them, Sylvia hides her mischief in her elegance, as if she’s having fun.
“Ah, the music is over.”
The first dance is over, now for the second dance.
“I will take you.”
“Wow.”
As soon as the music ended, Uder, who had leaped through space with a speed of not even a single step, but a thousand steps, snatched Cordelia away as if he was going to catch her, and Lucas, who was left alone, swallowed dry saliva again.
He faced Scarlett and Kaisa, who were looking at him.
to be continued
< Ending Maker SS #31 Lucas Hresvelg (1) > End
