ocean-life Chapter 5: Right Under Your Nose
Chapter 5: Right Under Your Nose
Chapter 5: Right Under Your Nose
[I am Narh Di Maug.]
A sword lay fallen on the ground, and Narh Di Maug extended his hand toward Karyl, who was sitting dejectedly. That was Karyl’s first encounter with him—the first dragon ever to exist.
Karyl was only fifteen when the Oracle War broke out. More shocking than the dragon's presence was the realization that they had already met once before—just once.
Narh Di Maug had visited the MacGovern residence, yet his true identity remained unknown to all. Not even Kuwell MacGovern, who had crossed swords with him, knew who he was.
[I was just a little curious,] Narh Di Maug reflected. [Among those hailed as the three strongest on the continent, including your father, I wondered who was truly the strongest. They would never face each other directly; they hid behind talks of politics and other things like that... So, I sought them out myself,]
The term “three strongest of the continent” was an honor bestowed upon the three individuals who had reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship, magic, and martial arts. One of them was Kuwell MacGovern, the epitome of swordsmanship. for new novels
“So?” Karyl prompted.
[Frankly, it was disappointing. He was said to be at the apex among the existing five Sword Masters.] Narh Di Maug critiqued sharply.
“Was it that much of a letdown?” Karyl responded to his assessment.
[It was a pity, but he was far too old. He seemed perfect, but in fact, his swordsmanship was not yet perfect. Had he been younger, his achievements would have been different,] Narh Di Maug mused.
“What about me?” Karyl asked Narh Di Maug. Their first meeting had been none other than a sword fight.
[Impressive. Frankly, I did not think a human could wield a sword with such skill. Considering your age... soon you'll surpass your father,] admitted Narh Di Maug. Dragons, though greedy, never lied. [But it truly is a pity, you are also far too old.]
“What do you mean?” Karyl inquired.
[If you had been a little younger... no, if your father had introduced you to me when you were young. It would have been laughable to even compare you to the other three strongest,] Narh Di Maug said, shrugging slightly. [Well, it was foolish of me to hide my identity in the first place.]
“Why would that matter?” Karyl pressed.
[Magical power,] Narh Di Maug said.
“Stop teasing me. I'm a barbarian from a northern tribe. Coveting something I can't ever have is pointless. I've overcome opponents with magical power using my own strength,” Karyl said, making a bitter face at those words.
[That's not what I meant.]
“Then?” Karyl prodded.
[If you, a child of the MacGovern family... could have had a chance at metamorphosis...]
Karyl opened his eyes, wondering if the commotion he had caused was keeping him awake. Unable to sleep, he rose from his bed and gazed out the window.
By tomorrow, Mother will hear about Martte's defeat.
She would likely summon him, if only to confront the rude barbarian in person. It was all part of the plan; he needed to meet her.
Our first encounter won't be pleasant.
***
The meal was quiet.
It was the first time everyone had gathered for a meal since Karyl's arrival. In the hall, only the light clinks of spoons against bowls echoed, underlining the unusually solemn atmosphere.
"Who taught you to use cutlery like that, Karyl? You handle it quite well," Isabelle broke the silence, her shining green eyes scrutinizing him.
"I learned just a little...from books," Karyl mumbled, his head bowed. As he spoke with his spoon upside down, the remaining soup dripped down his hand. She smiled at his clumsy attempt and nodded. That was enough; being too perfect might have drawn her ire.
There's still something I want to obtain, he thought, seeing no need to provoke her displeasure prematurely.
"You’re quite skilled for someone who never had proper instruction. I heard from the count that you want to study magic?" Isabelle inquired.
Her words caused the brothers at the table to look at Karyl in shock.
What? Magic?
Can a barbarian even learn magic?
He's completely lost it...
What's he plotting now?
Anger and suspicion filled their gazes.
"I don't want to learn it; I just want to know about it," Karyl responded, maintaining his composure amidst their reactions.
"Why would you want that?" Isabelle pressed, her expression remaining unchanged.
But Karyl knew her intentions better than anyone. It was a test. His answers would dictate how he was treated, but it wasn’t Isabelle who judged that answer.
The decision is up to Father.
Karyl knew the answer he wanted. Ironically, he had heard it directly from him in his previous life.
[Do you remember? When I first saw you, you were like a wild beast,] Narh Di Maug said.
“Was I really like a beast?” Karyl asked.
[Of course, you fought with your brothers every day until you turned fifteen. If the Oracle War hadn't happened and you hadn’t been called to the battlefield... you would have continued.]
“I'm sorry,” Karyl responded.
[No, don’t be. You were rude and rough, but you were truly Karliak's son then. I would have been disappointed if you had given up that spirit. And now you're also a son of MacGovern.]
Karyl was eighteen years old when he first surpassed Kuwell. He remembered that moment distinctly.
I know why Father acknowledged me.