The Genius Mage Was Reincarnated Into A Swordsman Family - Chapter 251

Chapter 251: Preparations and Whispers

The Patriarch’s response arrived in precisely the timeframe Yenova had predicted—three days after messengers departed the Lionhart Estate. The sealed scroll bore the imperial insignia embossed in ice-blue wax, its immaculate presentation conveying significance before its contents were even revealed.

Alex received the missive in Yenova’s office, standing at parade rest while she broke the seal with practiced precision. The morning sunlight streamed through tall windows, illuminating dust motes that danced in the still air. Outside, Éclair’s training yards echoed with the rhythmic clash of steel as officers maintained relentless drilling schedules despite recent disruption to their hierarchy.

“As anticipated,” Yenova stated after scanning the contents. “The Patriarch acknowledges your achievement with full imperial recognition. A formal ball will be held one month hence, with appropriate ceremony befitting swordmaster status.”

She extended the scroll toward Alex, who accepted it with measured respect. His eyes moved over Roman’s precise handwriting, absorbing both official acknowledgment and subtle undertones that flowed beneath formal protocol. The Patriarch’s pride manifested in carefully selected phrases—recognition of extraordinary capability, acknowledgment of honor brought to family and empire, appreciation for disciplined advancement through established hierarchy.

Most notably, Roman directly referenced the founder’s identical achievement: swordmaster at fourteen, following traditional path to extraordinary destination.

“Your request to remain stationed with Éclair during preparations has been granted,” Yenova continued, something unreadable passing behind her composed features. “Though the Patriarch expects your presence at the main estate three days before the ceremony for final protocols.”

“Thank you, Captain.” Alex rolled the scroll closed with practiced efficiency. “I appreciate your support in this matter.”

Yenova studied him with uncharacteristic intensity, professional assessment battling familial concern. “This achievement changes your position within both Éclair and the imperial hierarchy. Additional responsibilities accompany your elevated status.”

“I understand completely,” Alex replied, holding her gaze with perfect confidence. “The advancement was precisely calculated to serve greater purpose.”

The statement—technically referencing his systematic progression through Éclair’s ranks but carrying deeper implications—caused Yenova’s eyes to narrow slightly. “Greater purpose beyond personal advancement, I trust.”

“Of course, Captain.” Alex’s smile remained carefully measured. “The Lionhart family’s interests remain my primary consideration.”

The answer, while perfectly appropriate on its surface, contained deliberate ambiguity. Pride’s influence had taught Alex the value of statements that satisfied immediate scrutiny while preserving freedom for future action. Yenova clearly perceived this careful balance, though professional discipline prevented her from pressing further without concrete evidence of impropriety.

“Your new duties begin tomorrow,” she stated, returning to safer professional territory. “As Swordmaster and now Senior Commander, you’ll oversee advanced training protocols for elite squads as you assume your new role within the First Division’s command structure.”

Alex inclined his head in acknowledgment. “I look forward to contributing at this elevated capacity.”

As he departed Yenova’s office, the scroll secure within his formal uniform, Alex maintained perfect composure despite the satisfaction radiating through his enhanced frame. Pride’s presence expanded within their shared consciousness, golden energy flowing through pathways once reserved solely for human thought.

~The Patriarch’s response exceeds even our calculations,~ Pride observed as Alex traversed corridors toward his private quarters. ~His acknowledgment of your connection to the founder’s achievement carries particular significance.~

“He recognizes patterns,” Alex replied silently, nodding to officers who offered congratulatory salutes as he passed. “The founder achieved swordmaster status at fourteen through systematic mastery of traditional techniques. My path mirrors this approach rather than Klaus’s unconventional methodology.”

~Creating natural comparison between divergent approaches to similar achievement,~ Pride agreed with satisfaction. ~The recognition ball will emphasize this contrast before assembled witnesses.~

Within his private quarters, Alex closed his eyes, focusing inward as Pride’s presence expanded through their shared consciousness. Golden energy flowed through his veins, tendrils spreading through neural pathways as their connection deepened to its fullest extent.

The transformation they had achieved at Blackthorn Temple continued advancing with each passing day—not the chaotic consumption that characterized Gluttony’s influence over Klaus, but controlled enhancement that preserved essential identity while transcending human limitation. Alex’s physical capabilities had improved beyond conventional parameters, his mental processes accelerated beyond normal cognition, his perception extended beyond standard sensory boundaries.

Yet unlike Klaus’s dramatic external transformation, Alex’s changes remained carefully concealed beneath normal appearance—the golden ring around his irises being the only visible manifestation of supernatural enhancement. This controlled development represented fundamental difference in their approaches to transcendence: Klaus’s chaotic consumption versus Alex’s disciplined partnership.

~News of the recognition ball spreads throughout the capital,~ Pride informed him, consciousness extending beyond their physical location to monitor distant conversations. ~Diplomatic preparations have already begun, invitations being drafted for allied territories and noble houses.~

“Including the Beast Emperor?” Alex inquired, the question particularly significant given the recently established bloodline connection between Elisabeth and the enigmatic ruler.

~Indeed,~ Pride confirmed. ~The Beast Emperor receives invitation through formal channels, though whether he attends personally or sends representative remains undetermined.~

Alex moved to the window overlooking Éclair’s primary training yard, where officers conducted drills with mechanical precision. His enhanced vision detected subtle disruptions in their usual patterns—glances toward his quarters, whispered exchanges during brief pauses, verification of his position before resuming normal activities. His recent achievement had altered their perception fundamentally, transforming him from exceptional talent to verified swordmaster in their collective understanding.

Similar adjustments would eventually spread throughout imperial society, particularly during the recognition ball where assembled nobility would witness his formal acknowledgment alongside Klaus’s previously confirmed status. Two extremely young yet talented swordmasters in the direct line, achieved through fundamentally different methodologies, would establish new reality for those observing from positions of influence.

~The Beast Emperor’s researchers report increasing stabilization in Klaus’s condition,~ Pride revealed, drawing from intercepted communications beyond normal access. ~His control over the paralyzing aura improves incrementally, though fundamental transformation remains permanent.~

Alex absorbed this intelligence with measured interest. Reports about Klaus’s condition remained frustratingly incomplete despite Pride’s extended awareness. The white hair, crystalline eyes, and otherworldly presence mentioned in whispered accounts suggested transformation far beyond what Alex had initially anticipated. Whatever had occurred within the Temple of Eternal Twilight had altered Klaus fundamentally rather than merely awakening him from unconsciousness.

“Has he resumed normal activities?” Alex asked, seeking practical assessment of his cousin’s functional capabilities.

~Limited engagement only,~ Pride reported. ~Primarily interaction with immediate family and essential estate personnel. The Beast Emperor maintains significant influence through specialized researchers assisting with stabilization efforts.~

This matched the fragmented reports Alex had gathered through conventional channels—Klaus remaining primarily within the Eastern Tower, interaction restricted to those capable of withstanding his paralyzing presence, daily protocols focused on controlling rather than utilizing whatever power he had obtained through chaotic transformation.

A sharp contrast to Alex’s controlled enhancement and maintained functionality.

A knock interrupted these reflections. Alex composed himself, the golden energy receding beneath his skin as he returned to outward normalcy. “Enter.”

Lieutenant Commander Valens stepped inside, offering formal salute despite being technically superior in rank until Alex’s official elevation ceremony. “Swordmaster Lionhart, the training division requests your presence for preliminary protocol assessment.”

“Of course, Commander.” Alex returned the salute with precise respect, maintaining hierarchical proprieties despite his recent achievement. The immediate acceptance of his elevated status by Éclair’s officer corps represented significant validation—recognition achieved through demonstrated capability rather than mere hereditary privilege.

As he accompanied Valens toward the training division, whispers followed their passage through Éclair’s corridors. Officers and soldiers alike observed with poorly concealed interest, their expressions ranging from admiration to calculation as they assessed implications of his unprecedented advancement.

~They recalculate their understanding of possibilities,~ Pride observed with satisfaction. ~Your achievement forces adjustment to their conceptual limitations.~

Alex nodded almost imperceptibly, maintaining outward focus on Valens’s briefing while Pride’s observations flowed through their shared consciousness. The Commander elaborated on upcoming training modifications, scheduling adjustments necessary to incorporate Alex’s swordmaster expertise, administrative protocols requiring his input given elevated status.

Throughout this procedural discussion, Alex detected underlying current beneath Valens’s professional demeanor—genuine curiosity regarding his seemingly impossible advancement, carefully concealed assessment of capabilities that had overcome five progressively stronger opponents without exhibiting normal fatigue patterns.

~He suspects enhancement beyond conventional parameters,~ Pride noted with mild amusement. ~Yet lacks framework to comprehend its nature.~

“These protocols appear sufficient,” Alex stated, redirecting attention to immediate practical matters rather than unspoken questions. “Though I would suggest modifications to advanced form sequences—emphasizing tactical integration over individual technique.”

The suggestion—perfectly reasonable from pedagogical perspective while revealing nothing of supernatural influences—provided Valens with acceptable professional interaction to replace unanswerable curiosities. The commander seized this opportunity gratefully, engaging in detailed discussion of training methodology that carried them through Éclair’s administrative complex toward the strategic planning chamber.

Inside, senior officers had gathered around tactical display table, their conversation pausing as Alex entered alongside Valens. Their expressions betrayed complex reactions to his arrival—professional acknowledgment mingled with personal reassessment, respect for demonstrated capability tempered by uncertainty regarding its implications.

“Swordmaster Lionhart,” Colonel Tarius greeted, using the title without hesitation despite its recent acquisition. “We were just discussing potential modifications to elite squad training protocols. Your insight would be particularly valuable given recent demonstration of advanced techniques.”

Alex approached the table with measured confidence, analyzing displayed formations with precise tactical assessment. “The current sequences over-emphasize individual capability rather than coordinated response. Against superior forces, synchronized adaptation provides greater advantage than exceptional individual technique.”

The observation—drawn from conventional military doctrine rather than Pride’s supernatural influence—provided comfortable foundation for professional discussion. The senior officers engaged willingly, tension gradually diminishing as familiar tactical debates replaced unspoken questions about Alex’s remarkable advancement.

~They accept the extraordinary by contextualizing it within familiar frameworks,~ Pride observed as discussion continued. ~A natural defense against that which exceeds comprehension.~

Throughout the meeting, Alex maintained perfect balance between demonstrating swordmaster-level insight and preserving hierarchical protocols. His suggestions revealed advanced understanding without overwhelming established leadership structures. His questions demonstrated appropriate deference while subtly directing conversation toward his preferred outcomes.

As proceedings concluded, Colonel Tarius approached with informal demeanor that contrasted his earlier formality. “The recognition ball represents significant opportunity beyond mere ceremonial acknowledgment,” he observed quietly. “The assembled dignitaries will include representatives from all seven monarchies and allied territories.”

“Indeed,” Alex acknowledged, instantly recognizing the implied significance. “The gathering extends beyond simple recognition of individual achievement.”

“Precisely.” Tarius studied him with veteran’s calculating assessment. The Lionhart family now presents two of the youngest Swordmasters on the continent from its direct line—an unprecedented concentration of talent within a single generation.

The statement, while technically focusing on martial achievement, carried obvious political implications. With two of the youngest Swordmasters in Runiya emerging from the direct Lionhart line, the traditional balance of power among territorial authorities was unmistakably shifted. The recognition ball would transform from ceremonial acknowledgment to diplomatic showcase, with assembled dignitaries reassessing their understanding of continental power distribution.

“An opportunity to strengthen existing alliances,” Alex observed neutrally, the careful phrasing revealing nothing of his actual perspective.

“Among other possibilities,” Tarius agreed, equally noncommittal. “Your cousin’s condition adds particular significance to this calculation.”

The reference to Klaus—oblique yet unmistakable—represented first official acknowledgment of the transformed swordmaster that Alex had encountered from Éclair’s leadership. The whispered rumors had clearly reached senior officers, though filtering through multiple retellings had left them with incomplete understanding of actual developments.

“Indeed,” Alex replied, the single word conveying neither confirmation nor denial while allowing discussion to continue.

“Those who encountered him since his awakening describe… significant changes,” Tarius continued carefully, testing boundaries of acceptable inquiry. “Beyond those expected from extended unconsciousness.”

“Recovery often follows unexpected trajectories,” Alex stated, the diplomatic non-answer maintaining perfect ambiguity while appearing superficially responsive.

Tarius studied him a moment longer, veteran’s intuition clearly sensing deliberate evasion. “The recognition ball will provide first public appearance since these reported changes occurred. Continental authorities will naturally form their own assessments.”

“As is their prerogative,” Alex agreed smoothly. “Though imperial security will maintain appropriate protocols throughout the proceedings.”

This subtle reminder of the Lionhart family’s ultimate authority within their territorial boundaries concluded the conversation naturally. Tarius nodded with professional acceptance, recognizing the deftly established limitation on further inquiry.

As Alex departed the strategic planning chamber, Pride’s consciousness expanded once more through their shared existence. ~The officers perceive incomplete fragments of actual developments,~ he observed with satisfaction. ~Their understanding impaired by conventional frameworks and filtered information.~

“The recognition ball will crystallize collective assessment,” Alex replied silently as he navigated corridors toward training yards. “Establishing new foundation for future developments.”

Indeed, the upcoming ceremony had evolved beyond mere acknowledgment of individual achievement into diplomatic inflection point—first public presentation of transformed cousins before assembled authorities who would inevitably adjust continental calculations based on their observations.

Outside, afternoon sunlight illuminated the primary training yard where elite squads executed formation drills with mechanical precision. Their movements reflected continuous refinement through centuries of practical application—systematically developed techniques producing predictable advantages through reliable patterns.

Alex observed their exercises with enhanced perception that detected subtle inefficiencies invisible to conventional assessment. Pride’s influence had expanded his understanding beyond human parameters, revealing fundamental principles beneath surface techniques. This transcended knowledge represented the true advantage of their partnership—not merely increased strength or speed, but comprehension that exceeded conventional limitations.

~The recognition ball approaches with increasing significance,~ Pride noted as Alex continued observing the training exercises. ~Not merely acknowledgment of your achievement, but confrontation between fundamentally different approaches to transcendence.~

Alex nodded slightly, anticipation building within his enhanced frame. One month until the recognition ball. One month until he stood face-to-face with Klaus before assembled witnesses from across the continent. One month until the cousins revealed their transformed states to those capable of comprehending their significance.

Behind carefully controlled features, satisfaction radiated through pathways once reserved solely for human emotion. The systematic advancement he had calculated so precisely had produced exactly the outcome required—recognition equivalent to Klaus’s previous acknowledgment, position from which direct comparison would inevitably occur, foundation for whatever confrontation might eventually follow.

Different paths to similar destinations. Each extraordinary in his own way.

The recognition ball would establish new reality before those positioned to comprehend its implications—two swordmasters of exceptional capability following divergent trajectories toward heights no conventional observer could possibly anticipate.

The preparation had begun, the pathway established, the destination increasingly clear.

One month until everything changed.