Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 121
A crowd gathered in front of the gates of the Horman estate to welcome them. The family’s vassals also emerged from the walls to grandly greet Count Serley.
Standing at the front of the welcoming party was Serley’s mother, Lady Eliope, who rushed forward after seeing her son.
“Oh, my son. Our Count!”
Lady Eliope, having lost her husband and endured scandals with her father-in-law, shed tears of joy as she recalled her struggles and triumphs in getting her son to the title of Count despite the opposition from her brothers-in-law.
Serley hugged his mother, his face radiant with joy. The earlier signs of annoyance at being swept up in his mother’s affection were nowhere to be seen.
“Mother, Kyden is here too.”
“Is that really you, Kyden?”
Lady Eliope exclaimed in surprise as she looked at Kyden. She was thrilled to see him, almost not recognizing him as he had grown bigger than four years ago. Kyden bowed his head respectfully without speaking.
Serley playfully winked at his mother.
“Still as taciturn and gruff as ever.”
“Serley, you should surround yourself with loyal subordinates like Kyden. Keep away those who flatter you. They are as cunning as snakes and as greedy as pigs, and one day they will covet what’s yours.”
“Yes, yes, I know well. Are you starting with the scolding already?”
“Scolding? It’s all advice for your benefit.”
“Don’t act so self-important.”
“Serley!”
As Kyden followed the bickering mother and son, he surveyed the estate he had returned to after four years. There weren’t many changes, nor did it evoke strong feelings.
The stone walls of the castle stood tall and imposing, while the faces of the passing servants were familiar.
This was the place he had been forced into at the age of thirteen and had spent over a decade in. Although it was a long-awaited return, he didn’t feel particularly sentimental.
Perhaps it was because he had always disliked the servant work. Or maybe it was the grueling training of being a knight that had drained him. He might simply be eager to finish the tedious formalities and go to retrieve Roel, who had been left alone.
The knights who had remained at the estate welcomed Kyden back warmly. While there were some familiar faces, there were also many he had never seen before.
“Kyden! Long time no see.”
“Hope you’ve been well.”
“Do you really think I’ve been well? There have been significant upheavals. Quite a few knights… have died.”
Though Serley was generally unpopular among the knights due to his sensitive and timid personality, Kyden was quite taken aback by the fact that many had participated in the rebellion.
So, Serley immediately expressed his frustration at Kyden’s absence, stating that things would have been easier if he had been there to prevent the knights from leaving.
“So, is your skill still as sharp as ever?”
“I believe so.”
“Hmm, and you’re receiving a fief?”
Some of the knights looked displeased by this news. They seemed to think that after disappearing for four years, Kyden was now receiving land through his father’s influence without any significant achievements or contributions.
“Shall we see if your skills have dulled? I challenge you to a duel!”
One knight boldly called out. With little else to do until the celebration began, Kyden readily accepted.
This duel would also serve as an opportunity to make an impression on the new knights. After all, knights preferred to communicate with swords rather than words. Demonstrating his skill would be much more effective in establishing dominance than merely talking.
As they moved to the open area for the duel, Serley, having heard the news, had already taken a seat.
“Kyden, I’m looking forward to this.”
Serley’s face was filled with anticipation, hoping that Kyden would impress the knights. The knights who had been loyal to him for a long time could be trusted, but he had yet to build trust with the newcomers.
Trust wasn’t something that formed overnight, and Serley wanted Kyden to bridge that gap.
“……”
Kyden sighed lightly after seeing Serley’s expression and adjusted his grip on the sword.
He recognized the expectation in Serley’s face—he needed to demonstrate an overwhelming skill difference to meet those expectations. He knew better than anyone that failing to do so would lead to annoying complications.
Among the spectators was Elden, who had a history of being bested by Kyden. He took a position, eagerly cheering for the opposing knight, hoping that Kyden would lose this duel.
The first knight, an academy graduate, stepped forward.
“You must have had some skill in the Count’s domain, but aren’t you just a frog in a well?”
“Hmm. True.”
This was a typical tactic to provoke and throw off the opponent by scratching their pride and then striking when they were distracted. However, thanks to his experiences with the crude mercenaries who mocked family and g–ital matters, Kyden didn’t even flinch. He wasn’t the type to fall for such shallow tactics.
Kyden swung his sword a bit more violently and imposingly than usual, applying strong pressure on his opponent.
“Ugh!”
He faced off against three knights, achieving victory three times. Some even dropped their swords without a single exchange. The difference in skill was overwhelming.
“Hahaha!”
