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An unexpected event unfolded.

“He was overwhelming.”

“Did Young Master Ethan really win?”

“Yes, it’s definitely Young Master Ethan. And he’s just like the old him.”

During the time when Ethan was hailed as a swordsmanship genius, the Whiskers’ Knights trained with him every day.

It was a time when Ethan grew day by day, and the Knights were greatly inspired by witnessing his progress.

Back then, Ethan exuded a fierce and sharp aura, as if he could easily cut or pierce anyone who provoked him, unlike the frail young man he appears to be now.

The current Ethan reminded them of his past self.

“The winner is Ethan Whiskers!”

As the steward raised his hand, the duel came to an end.

Letra Huntar couldn’t grasp what had just happened.

“Wa-Wait! What was that last move?”

In a hurry, Letra asked Ethan, who was about to leave the training ground.

“Whiskers Swordsmanship the 6 form.”

So it was the 6th form? Not the 7th or 8th form, but the 6th form was invisible?

Letra Huntar wasn’t the only one surprised.

Count Huntar’s expression stiffened, and even the vassals were astonished by the unexpected outcome.

“Did Young Master… give such a one-sided fight?”

“What on earth was Young Master Ethan doing? We heard that he couldn’t even move properly due to worsening illness.”

That wasn’t a lie.

In fact, the economy of Whiskers County was struggling due to Ethan’s illness.

Moreover, there were many who had personally witnessed it.

Even in this very place, many remembered Ethan diligently tending to his illness.

His body still appeared frail even now.

Although his stride was certainly impressive, it was not enough to completely cure his illness.

Despite being in such a state, he had lost.

“…….”

Letra Huntar lowered his head.

Ethan observed Letra in that state.

“This is a turning point.”

Ethan had planned to cut off the support of Count Huntar’s support and become self-reliant.

However, it would be foolish to provoke Count Huntar, who held significant power among the neighboring Counts.

‘He mentioned not forgetting the festival duel earlier.’

Of course, Ethan was unaware of the specifics.

But it was clear that the incident had sparked a sense of rivalry in Letra.

‘It’s hard to see it as just a sense of rivalry, isn’t it?’

If that were the case, the emotion Letra felt was likely disappointment.

‘I understand that feeling. I’ve been disappointed before when the player I targeted quit.’

“You’ve improved quite a bit, Letra.”

Speaking with a slightly teasing tone, hinting at remembering the festival duel, Ethan watched Letra with surprise in his eyes.

“That day, I remember the others being pathetic, except for you.”

At those words, Letra’s eyes lit up for a moment.

He had gained recognition from Ethan.

That fact alone made Letra happy.

-Survival probability increases.

‘Huh?’

And that raised Ethan’s chances of survival.

Letra looked at Ethan and smiled.

“You were indeed strong, Ethan Whiskers. I will strive harder with you as my goal.”

Letra nodded his head, then descended with a relieved expression.

“I should train harder, Father. It’s not the time to relax after achieving success in Huntar Swordsmanship.”

Noticing the relieved expression on Letra’s face, Count Huntar, who had been wearing an unfavorable expression, realized that his son had broken through a wall.

“Well done, Young Master Ethan. I roughly understand the meaning behind the withdrawal you spoke about.”

Count Huntar approached Ethan.

“Separate from the withdrawal issue, I’d like to make an investment in Whiskers County. Would that be acceptable?”

“Of course. Let’s do it with an 8:2 ratio.”

Although the words were firm, Count Huntar nodded decisively.

“Let it be so.”

After Count Huntar and his group left, Count Whiskers blinked his eyes repeatedly, trying to comprehend if this was truly real.

It had been a long-cherished wish.

For his eldest son’s illness to be completely cured.

No, even if it wasn’t fully cured, for him to live a normal life, at least.

But what he saw surpassed that reality.

“You don’t have to worry anymore.”

Although he would always face the threat of death, at least there would be no more senseless deaths.

“Thanks for your concerns so far.”

With Ethan’s words, it felt as if all the hardships the count had endured were being washed away.

“Now, you won’t have to suffer anymore.”

* * *

“This is Yerica. She’s a business partner I met during the outing.”

“Hello, Count. My name is Yerica.”

Yerica smiled and greeted the count.

Although she had lived as a fugitive during her childhood, she had received proper etiquette education through her mother.

Coupled with her beautiful appearance, Count Whiskers felt proud as he received her greeting.

“Thank you for accompanying Ethan. He may appear frail and unreliable due to his delicate appearance, but that’s just his outward appearance. In reality, he is a reliable and strong child.”

“I’m well aware of that, Count. He possesses truly remarkable swordsmanship skills. And he proved to be even stronger than I expected. Even that incredible beast…”

Ethan glanced at Yerica, silently signaling her to stop talking.

Yerica quickly caught on and closed her mouth with a slight cough.

“I plan to work on a business venture with Yerica. Originally, I was considering borrowing some funds from you, Father, but Count Huntar generously offered significant financial support, so I don’t think we’ll need to take any money from you.”

“I see. What kind of business do you plan to pursue? If you start a business, you’ll likely need to stay in the territory for a while. I assume you’re not becoming a merchant?”

While Count Whiskers would support Ethan regardless of his chosen path, he couldn’t imagine Ethan becoming a merchant.

“I plan to go to the Ivecar Academy.”

“The academy? But considering your age…”

“I don’t plan to go as a student. I intend to go as a teacher.”

“…!”

Count Whiskers’ face filled with admiration upon hearing Ethan’s words.

“If it’s the Ivecar Academy, it’s not an easy place to get into. Are you planning to use the business as a stepping stone for admission through donations?”

Donation-based admissions were not limited to students alone.

Teachers who wanted to be employed at the academy also had the opportunity to be hired through donation-based admissions.

Of course, it wasn’t a guaranteed path to securing a teaching position.

But having the tag of being an Ivecar Academy teacher was valuable in itself.

With just that tag, one could easily go places. Even when applying to places like the Royal Knights, it would earn them extra points.

“Many people who are in need of the academy’s reputation often seek honorary teaching positions. Well, not a bad idea. If you have the tag of being an Ivecar Academy teacher, there will be opportunities available almost anywhere.”

“No, I’m not interested in an honorary teaching position. I want to become a real teacher.”

“Hmm?”

Count Whiskers was momentarily taken aback.

“You really want to become a teacher?”

“Yes.”

‘The Ivecar Academy is on the verge of collapse. There are numerous events surrounding it.’

In other words, it meant that one could build a significant reputation there.

‘That’s also the place I know best.’

Ethan was well aware of the state of the Ivecar Academy after its collapse.

When the game started, it was already in ruins, and rebuilding the fallen Ivecar Academy was one of the scenarios.

Regardless of the play style, it would eventually connect to the main scenario, allowing for various playthroughs. Therefore, an academy playthrough was considered a classic choice.

That was why Ethan intended to raise his reputation significantly there.

As his reputation grew, he would naturally have the opportunity to meet the saintess.

‘If she is the saintess, she will surely be able to lift this curse.’

That would bring about a turning point.

Living with a curse in this harsh world was like moving with a few chains attached.

“But not just anyone can become a teacher, Ethan. If you enter through a donation, the honorary teaching position has its limits. To secure a teaching position, you need the skills to match.”

Ethan was a prodigy in swordsmanship. However, that was limited to the surrounding territory of Count Whiskers.

The continent was vast.

Count Whiskers’ influence was far from the outskirts of the central region, and if Ethan were to go to the central region, no one would consider him a swordsmanship prodigy.

Even Nathan Whiskers, who was hailed as a magical genius in this vicinity, struggled greatly at the academy.

No one recognized his abilities.

“I know your skills better than anyone, Ethan. But the world is vast. The central region is highly developed. Ivecar Academy is an academy located in the central region. You understand what that means, right?”

“It means it attracts formidable and famous individuals in the academy. Both students and teachers.”

“Nathan’s Freya Academy is also located in the central region. How about aiming for Freya instead? Since Nathan already has good grades, you can benefit from his influence as well.”

However, Ethan shook his head.

Freya Academy was a remarkable academy that rivaled Ivecar Academy.

But unfortunately, the headmaster of Freya Academy was the spear king.

‘The spear king is a lunatic.’

If we were to judge between good and evil, he was closer to the evil side. The reason he inherited Freya Academy was simple.

‘He wants to fight stronger opponents. That’s why he leads the academy.’

Someone whose sole purpose was to fight against stronger opponents. In that case, there was no way he wouldn’t pay attention to Ethan.

‘It’s too dangerous.’

Getting close to Spear King was too risky.

So it would be better to go to Ivecar, even if it was a bit more difficult.

The headmaster of Ivecar Academy was known as the Ghost Sword, and at least they were more modest compared to Spear King.

“Well, then you should choose a different subject. There are so many skilled people in swordsmanship. The competition rate will be extremely high.”

Ivecar Academy was renowned as the top academy, so there were a tremendous number of applicants.

From nameless experts to the second generation of noble families in the central region, many people wanted to secure a teaching position.

“If it doesn’t work out, I’ll focus on the business and join the Knights.”

Ethan reassured his worried father.

“Don’t worry. If it doesn’t work out, that’s what I’ll do.”

He said with a smile, and finally, Count Whiskres’ expression brightened.

Of course, Ethan had no intention of giving up, even though he said so.

* * *

“Will that really work as a business?”

Count Whiskers, after hearing about Ethan’s serious business plans, once again had doubts.

To Count Whiskers, it seemed like his son was venturing into risky endeavors.

“Do you have any thoughts on territory development?”

“Territory development?”

It had been a long time since he had heard those words.

Count Whiskers had already entered a period of stagnation, and development had long ceased.

However, that didn’t mean the count had no thoughts on the matter.

“There are many things I want to accomplish. I want to expand the market a bit more and increase welfare for the people in the territory. Lately, there have been complaints about the noisy back alleys. To maintain law and order, I also want to expand the Knights, but we need resources for that, as you know.”

The count was already aware of what was needed to fulfill his role as the count of Whiskers County.

“You just need to prepare for it.”

Ethan said.

“It will be too late once we start the business, Father.”