Chapter 12

"Do you grasp the magnitude of invoking the Lionhart name?" Roman Lionhart's penetrating gaze bore into Klaus, its weight pressing down like a mountain upon the young boy.

"Kuh!"

Klaus bit down hard on his trembling lip, the metallic taste of blood hinting at the fierce struggle within.

'It feels as though my very flesh is being squeezed dry.'

Roman's presence, though restrained, was a deluge of authority that threatened to drown Klaus. The intensity of it sent shivers down his spine, causing a profusion of cold sweat that clung to his clothes, turning them into a second skin. If not for his mastery of the Ten Eyes Mantra, he might have crumpled under the immense pressure.

'Is this the legendary warrior, the Ice Monarch of the North…?'

In the mere intensity of his gaze, Klaus could discern that Roman's might surpassed even that of Damien Zagerfield, a figure of great renown. It rendered Klaus incapable of meeting that formidable stare.

"Speak once more. Are you prepared to bear the consequences of your words?"

"My... My lord! Klaus is but a child, unaware of the gravity of his speech."

"Indeed! Klaus has spent the majority of his life within the annex, shielded from the weight of the Lionhart name."

Elisabeth and Ludovic rushed to Klaus's side, dropping to their knees in an attempt to protect him from the overwhelming aura that emanated from Roman.

"My lord, he is but a child, ignorant of the ramifications of his words. I beseech you to release him from this relentless pressure."

Raphael Lionhart, rising to his feet, stepped forward to defend them against the oppressive presence.

"Sir Raphael!"

"As expected of Sir Raphael, ever vigilant even in the face of insolent children."

"The breadth of his compassion rivals the strength of his valor."

The collateral relatives praised Raphael's benevolent intervention.

"I am speaking at this moment."

"Ugh!"

"Kuh..."

Raphael and Ludovic both recoiled in unison, driven back by Roman's formidable voice alone.

"I apologize."

Raphael lowered his head, but Ludovic displayed a different response.

"Father..."

Approaching Roman, His now broken body quivered beneath the weight of his overwhelming aura, despite not having a mana core anymore he held down to Roman pressure.

"Klaus is not yet ready for training."

Ludovic's eyes bore an expression of pure concern for his son.

It tugged at Klaus's heartstrings.

'I don't understand.'

He was overwhelmed by a tumultuous blend of emotions, unable to distinguish between compassion, anxiety, and other sentiments.

'I was just like him in my past life, a gifted mage solely focused on my craft, to the point of shattering my mana circuits just to meet my clan's expectations.'

'But I am no longer that person.'

'I will no longer endure existence as the shattered doll I once was.'

As Klaus Lionhart, not as Klaus Zagerfield, he resolved to prove his own worth.

Crash!

In that moment, the sound of breaking chains resonated in his mind.

Summoning his resolve, Klaus forced himself to meet Roman's unrelenting gaze head-on. Suppressing the urge to avert his eyes, he continued.

"I have been raised in the annex, far removed from the main estate. I remain unaware of the grandeur associated with the Lionhart name."

  "Klaus!"

Elisabeth's desperate plea echoed in the chamber, but Klaus did not turn away.

"That is why I wish to experience Lionhart for myself, through active participation in the training."

As Klaus finished speaking, a heavy silence hung in the air, and all eyes remained fixed on Roman.

"…"

A faint quirk of Roman's eyebrow revealed a hint of intrigue.

"Are you suggesting that you will judge Lionhart solely based on basic training?"

"At this moment, it appears to be the only means by which I can gain insight into Lionhart."

"Very well. I shall ensure that the instructor is well-prepared so as not to disappoint you."

The audience chamber fell silent, the air thick with anticipation as Roman's blue eyes shone ice with intensity.

"Kuh…"

Unable to withstand the pressure any longer, Klaus finally bowed his head. He was a mere twelve-year-old child, utterly incapable of enduring even a fraction of Roman's overwhelming presence.

Yet, he refused to yield.

With unwavering determination, he clenched his teeth, resolved to prove his worth through actions, not words.

'one day.'

***

Once the last of the onlookers had departed, only Roman and his trusted right-hand, Melo, remained in the hushed expanse of the audience chamber.

"Did you witness that, Melo?"

"Yes, my lord, I observed it clearly."

Melo nodded with unwavering resolve in response to Roman's inquiry.

"That young boy possesses an extraordinary spirit."

A subtle smile tugged at the corners of Roman's lips.

"A mere twelve-year-old, confidently challenging me and withstanding my pressure. I must admit, I've never seen the like."

"It's my first encounter with such a display as well."

Melo offered a warm smile while adjusting his impeccably tailored attire, complete with a striking mask that concealed his features, leaving only his enigmatic eyes exposed.

"Not only does he bear a striking resemblance to you in appearance, but his spirit also mirrors your own during your youth."

"Enough with your fanciful notions."

Roman snorted dismissively, as if urging Melo to cease with his whimsical musings. However, the corners of Roman's mouth curved upward even more, akin to a leaf dancing in the breeze.

"Do you intend to intensify the rigors of the basic training?"

"I shall, especially since many have borne witness to this."

"Can young master Klaus truly surmount these challenges?"

Roman shook his head resolutely.

"Participation alone will prove arduous."

He spoke without a hint of hesitation.

"While the elixir has improved his condition, his constitution and health still fall short. Perhaps, with time and further recovery, he may possess the capability. Yet, as of now, it remains beyond reach."

"Then, my lord..."

"I've reiterated this. There are no exceptions, even for those inheriting the Lionhart name."

"Hmm."

Melo moistened his lips, a subtle indication of his lingering unease.

'He remains enigmatic.'

Melo had served Roman for countless years, affording him the ability to discern the true intentions behind his actions. Roman's summons of Klaus was not to exert undue pressure but to shield him, thereby showcasing to others that he harbored no bias against the young boy despite him being Ludovic's son.

Melo suspected that, should Klaus falter in his training, Roman would offer him an elixir, feigning a gentle approach to spare the child from undue hardship.

Although Roman could not have expected Klaus to willingly step forward in the first place.

"I admire young master Klaus's character, but I am burdened by one concern."

"Concerning the collateral and direct lineage's progeny?"

"Yes. While their reactions may remain subdued, he will undoubtedly attract a new level of scrutiny. He has already demonstrated the ability to withstand your pressure, albeit a minor portion. Precautions should be..."

"No need to instigate matters. Merely keep a vigilant watch over him."

"Understood."

Melo nodded with unwavering loyalty, despite harboring differing views, as Roman held a god-like status in his eyes.

"My lord, may I inquire about something?"

"Hmm?"

"If, by some unforeseen twist of fate, young master Klaus should indeed succeed in his basic training... What course of action do you intend to take?"

"Succeed?"

Roman rested his chin upon his hand, reminiscing about the Sword Selection Ceremony from seven years prior.

'one thousand swords.'

He couldn't be certain whether it was a mere coincidence or a deliberate act, but Klaus had managed to levitate one thousand swords and had even selected the sword of the first head of the Lionhart clan.

"While it may be deemed impossible if there exists even a one-in-ten-thousand chance..."

A sly grin curved on Roman's lips as he rose from his imposing throne.

"I shall have no choice but to reward him accordingly."