kscans

EPILOGUE : THE ENDLESS JOURNEY – Episode 3 A Parting Gift

1

The gazes of the two Holy Knights, Urbet Martin and Ogisha Terano, were interesting. When they were first brought to meet Bard, their attitude, though not overtly so, betrayed a sense of condescension. They must have been surprised to see such a relatively prosperous and large settlement in this remote backwater, but by the time they met Bard, that surprise had faded, replaced by a look of looking down from above.

One need only to imagine how Bard, a country knight, felt when he first set foot in the royal palace of Parzam. He was truly awestruck by its magnificent and elegant architecture. Although he knew that the value of a building and the people who live in it are separate things, when faced with such an overwhelming structure, one can’t help but feel reverence. The grand and complex palace breathes with accumulated history and culture, suggesting the depth of consciousness and knowledge of those who live there, so such sensibilities should not be taken lightly. The impressions of the two Holy Knights upon visiting Fyuzarion were likely the exact opposite.

“Well, it’s big, but isn’t it built just like a village chief’s house in the countryside?”

If that’s what they thought upon seeing the mansion where Bard and Jurchaga lived, it wouldn’t be a mistake. In fact, in Fyuzarion, even the lord’s mansion is only of this caliber. Even the castle of the Tercia family in Pakula, which Bard was familiar with, with its buildings and furnishings, has a charm created by its beauty and age that cannot fail to move those who see it. There is a sense of stability there, as if it has taken root in the land and breathes with the local plants and trees. Such a sense of unity between building and land is not born in just ten or twenty years.

Moreover, the room they were guided to was on the first floor. Any house worthy of being called a lord’s residence would be forced to have at least two stories. The lower floor is where servants live and work, cooking and doing laundry, while the upper floor is the space for nobility. Although this is common sense in the central plains, it’s not necessarily so in the frontier, but still, the construction of Fyuzarion’s lord’s mansion is excessively modest. This headquarters was also just recently built as if makeshift, and since it’s true that it’s a city without history, there’s no room for argument. Furthermore, documents and weapons are crammed here and there in a disorderly manner, and furniture that was added later was blocking the passages. It’s not unreasonable to be amazed that this is the room to welcome Holy Knights who have traveled all the way from the Mercano Temple Autonomous Region.

However, their attitude changed when they met Bard. When they confronted Bard, a flash of surprise appeared in their eyes. Their greeting to Bard, who stood up to welcome them, was sufficiently polite while maintaining the dignity of high-ranking knights from a great nation. Their greetings exchanged with Bard were humble, and their attitude during conversation included respect.

“Well, well. It’s a bit embarrassing, but it’s good for Fyuzarion. I suppose even an old man like me has some role to play.”

Bard himself thought that they were probably sensing martial virtue from his large build and the old scar on his face. But that’s not it. Bard’s spirit, honed by facing unimaginable enemies, is at a divine level, and any knight who sees him can clearly perceive a glimpse of it. In fact, it took a great deal of mental strength for the two Holy Knights to stand before Bard without kneeling. Of course, the two Holy Knights also had formidable martial prowess, and one would believe if they’re told that they were knights representing their country. If knights of this caliber are common, it can be said that the power of the Mercano Temple is tremendous.

Now, their attitude changed dramatically at dinner time. They seemed bewildered at first. When they were shown to the table, only a knife and fork were placed neatly. Moreover, the fork had four tines, which was strange. At this point, the absence of side plates was odd. And normally, cold dishes would be laid out all over the table, with hot dishes being arranged just before the guests are seated. However, there was no food on the table at all. As soon as they were seated, wine was served. Of course, it was wine produced in Fyuzarion. After a toast led by the host Bard, servers entered and swiftly and smoothly served the first dish. It was Fyuzarion-produced raw ham garnished with spring vegetables. The two knights were speechless at the beauty of the presentation. Yes, the guest cuisine here in Fyuzarion is truly a work of art. The cold dishes were fresh and crisp, yet with a soft, fluffy texture. Timidly bringing it to their mouths, they could only clear their plates, entranced by its vivid and deep flavors. With just the first dish, Kamler had captured the hearts of the guests. There was no deception in the refined deliciousness. The order of the dishes served one after another, the cooking methods, the presentation, the well-trained servers. There was a dizzying concentration of cultural refinement. The two knights from the oldest country in the central plains realized that Fyuzarion too has culture.

However, what ultimately changed the two knights’ gaze towards Fyuzarion into one of respect was likely the knights and the young people aspiring to be knights. They seemed to be strongly impressed by the solidity of Knight Heridan, the extraordinary martial prowess of Knight Banthuren, and the dignity of Knights Kizmertel and Noah. They showed expressions of surprise at the young talents of Knights Taranka and Quinta, and were also impressed by the diligence of those following them.

“Does Fyuzarion have a secret to raising such excellent knights?”

They even joked about it during the meal. But that’s exactly right. The young knights here in Fyuzarion are special knights growing up in a special environment.

Long-established knight families carry an astonishing amount of history. Since time immemorial, they have wielded power and wealth at will. Therefore, knights often have an inescapable arrogance mixed into their blood. This is true in any country or territory, especially in noble houses. Even in territories like Pakula, which have been continually exposed to the danger of demonic beasts, one cannot say that the knights were entirely free of irritating arrogance. But traveling through various countries, he realized that Pakula was a miraculously clean gathering place for knights. In every country, an unbearable musty smell wafts from the depths of knight houses. It dulls and stagnates the heart, skills, ambition, and the readiness to sacrifice one’s life for one’s master and people at any moment.

But the knights raised in Fyuzarion are different. There was no tradition here at all. There are no bad examples to follow anywhere. The one who has been in charge of all the knights here is Knight Heridan, the head knight of the Orgazard family. Knight Heridan was originally praised for his nobility, but it seems he tried to raise ideal knights here. The knights here purely believe in chivalry and try to live according to their beliefs. This is a place where that is possible. And their martial arts instructors are Karz Rowen and Banthuren Daye. They are in awe of their masters’ techniques and physical strength, and believe that they too can reach that level if they train. The power of belief is terrifying, and the young knights of Fyuzarion are showing such growth that they might actually catch up to Karz and Banthuren someday. Doriatessa understands this well, and although she wants to give them responsibilities as soon as possible, she’s patiently nurturing the knights. In another ten years, it’s unimaginable what kind of knightly order will exist here. So it’s no wonder the Holy Knights are impressed.

There is one knight towards whom they direct contemptuous gazes. It’s Karz. They must have come with considerable interest in what kind of knight would be the princess’s companion. However, the person they were introduced to was a skinny man wearing a shabby leather armor, and moreover, they were told he couldn’t speak. They couldn’t sense a shred of martial prowess. Even when spoken to, there was hardly any reaction. The two seemed to have completely lost interest and decided to almost ignore Karz. The eyes with which they occasionally looked at Karz clearly held a color of contempt. Bard was all the more impressed by Karz, who remained completely unfazed by being looked at with such eyes.

2

Around the time when preparations for Adolkarz’s departure and the handover of lordship for the Second and Sixth Districts were progressing hurriedly, a knight came from the Fafarlen family. This was actually a messenger from Duchess Karriem, bringing news that the bride for Temperoid had been decided.

Princess Norafuriza, the youngest daughter of Count Taluscano. Surprisingly, she was said to be Doriatessa’s cousin. Doriatessa was greatly surprised to hear this name. With all due respect, this marriage was completely unbalanced from the Goriora Empire’s perspective, and she was not the kind of princess who should be married off to an unknown knight in such a remote place.

However, upon reading Duchess Karriem’s letter, the reason became clear. This princess was a bit peculiar. Although beautiful in appearance and healthy, she was an unusual girl who loved business, and it seems she had made quite a fortune, taking advantage of the recent surge in trade with Parzam. But she went a bit too far. She ended up snatching away the vested interests of several nobles, and was ordered to self-reflect by her father, the count. She had already reached the age of twenty, and at this rate, she would completely miss her chance for marriage. Or rather, there was no prospect of her getting married. On the other hand, marrying someone of too low status in the imperial capital would damage the family’s reputation. For these reasons, both her father the count and the princess herself were very keen on her marrying the young man who had carved out a new territory under the protection of Grand Marshall Bard Rowen. According to the messenger, they should be heading this way as soon as preparations are complete, and they should have already left the imperial capital. Since it’s a wedding procession to accompany the princess, it will probably be about a three-month journey. In other words, the bride will arrive around early or mid-July.

When Knight Garkus was summoned and informed of this, he was very surprised and also pleased. How could he not be happy that a noble and beautiful princess from the capital of a powerful country in the center of the continent was coming as the bride of his revered lord?

3

The time of preparation passed like a storm, and the day of departure arrived. People gathering to depart and those seeing them off have assembled in the vast square in front of the headquarters in the capital city of Zariya. The two Holy Knights are simply dumbfounded. It’s no wonder.

The carriage in which Adolkarz rides is truly luxuriously constructed. The craftsmen seem to have worked hard, as the decorations are splendid. Following it are carriages containing Adolkarz’s property. The number is forty. Knight Noah, his eldest son Knight Dari, second son Knight Goa, and third son Knight Baru who accompany him are, of course, on horseback. There are eighteen carriages carrying their wives, children, and servants. Furthermore, there are twenty-six carts loaded with the belongings and food of the retainers. Forty soldiers are riding in carriages or on horses. The fact that not a single person is on foot speaks to the wealth of this group.

“Is all this truly Lord Adolkarz’s property and retainers?”

To Knight Urbet, who muttered in astonishment, Knight Kizmertel replied.

“The Rowen family has been appointed by the Orgazard family as the lord of these two towns of Fyuzarion. Sir Urbet. It would be natural for all of the Rowen family’s retainers to accompany Lord Adolkarz, but if that were to happen, Fyuzarion would not be able to function. Therefore, Lord Karz ordered this Kizmertel and his party to remain here. Can you understand with what feelings I am seeing off Lord Adolkarz? Even Knight Noah, while taking his family members, is leaving most of his servants behind. He’s leaving most of his wealth behind so that the town can function after his departure. Not only that. Do you know how many citizens wished to go with him? He’s leaving all those citizens behind as well. You should understand that what is heading to the Mercano Temple Autonomous Region with Lord Adolkarz is only a very small part of the young lord’s property.”

Knight Kizmertel says this, but Bard knows that Kizmertel himself looted the treasures and loaded them onto Adolkarz’s carriage.

3

The main figures are gathered in a circle, seeing off Carla and Adolkarz. Behind them, countless subjects are reluctantly bidding farewell. After exchanging greetings, when Carla was about to say goodbye to Karz for the last time, Karz stopped her and gestured for her to lift up Adolkarz. As Carla lifted Adolkarz and turned towards Karz, Karz stepped back fifteen paces and smoothly drew the magic sword Van Fleur. Then, holding the magic sword high with his right hand, he stepped forward with his right foot in a fluid motion, pulled back his left hand widely, and swung down the sword in his right hand. Although it was a slow movement, it was a perfected motion without any openings. Karz continued the flow of that movement, thrusting his left hand forward, stepping in with his left foot, and raising the sword in his right hand once more.

Ah, ah!

Bard realized what Karz was doing. It was a kata* practice. But what a full-body movement it was. The connection between the movements of hands, feet, torso, and head. Even just looking at the left hand, its swinging and retracting motions were linked to the swing of the sword in the right hand. In actual combat, this would be replaced by elbow movements or blended into the body’s overall movement, making it invisible. However, when shown these fundamental movements in kata practice, the secret of Karz’s swordsmanship becomes clear. How the power is transmitted to the sword through the movement of the entire body. So this is how Karz Rowen’s one-handed sword was wielded. (t/n: kata is practising an arranged motion, ingraining movement to your muscle memory. google karate kata or taekwondo.)

The one-handed sword of an armored knight with a shield is, simply put, swung only with the right hand. Of course, foot and waist movements are also necessary, but the left hand and feet each have different roles. Karz’s sword is different. Every part of the body moves and coordinates for the sword swung by the right hand. Therefore, Karz’s one-handed sword incorporates the weight, speed, and skill of the entire body. His whole body is the sword. This becomes clear when watching this kata practice.

As the first kata ended, he moved on to the next. This time it was a diagonal downward strike. Left and right downward strikes are performed alternately. With such beautiful movements.

Although Bard has known Karz for nearly twenty years, he has never seen Karz practice. Karz never shows his practice to anyone. Now he understands why. This cannot be shown. If shown, the secret of Karz’s technique would be stolen.

This kata was probably created by Karz’s great-uncle Cantor Edda and perfected by Karz. It’s probably something that was never meant to be shown to anyone. Yet now, Karz is performing it in front of people. For what purpose? It’s obvious. To burn it into Adolkarz’s eyes. The image of his father Karz swinging a sword. Of course, Adolkarz at one and a half years old can’t understand anything. But still, Karz is dancing the kata to imprint it on his eyelids. Yes, this is more of a kata dance than a kata practice.

Knight Noah, Knight Dari, Knight Goa, Knight Baru are intently watching Karz’s movements. They must correctly convey this gift from Karz to Adolkarz in the future. The desperation in their gazes indicates that they understand their role.

No. It’s not just for Adolkarz. There are many other knights present besides those of the Noah family. Knight Heridan, Knight Banthuren, Knight Taranka, Knight Quinta, Knight Seto, Knight Apprentice Nuva. Knight Kizmertel, Knight Tsurugatol, Knight Hangatol, Knight Torigatol. Karz’s kata dance is also a parting gift for all these knights.

Karz’s kata dance continues. Watching it, Bard thought. What kind of feelings did this man have as he honed his martial skills? The skills he cultivated in his youth were not enough to protect the country, and Zarban was destroyed. He could not fulfill his duty as the king’s sword. The object of his loyalty vanished from the earth. In the midst of endless loss and emptiness, this man lived by the words left by his master Cantor Edda, “Polish your sword.” Reaching the pinnacle of swordsmanship. Clinging to that alone, he managed to survive. What was the strength this man aimed for? There are no enemies left. There are no enemies to defeat. Since revenge was forbidden, neither the General of Greed nor Shinkai were enemies to Karz. Therefore, the strength Karz aimed for was not the strength to defeat the General of Greed. A power that cannot be defeated by anyone in this world. A power that can fight against the despair that tries to devour oneself. A power that can dispel all the unreasonableness that torments humans. Perhaps this man polished his sword seeking for such power. But the perfected swordsmanship was also a blade that accused himself. With such power, what did you do? What could you do? Such questions must have swirled within this man. That’s why learning of the existence of Zarban’s survivors was a salvation for this man. Learning of the existence of a princess of his bloodline was also a salvation. There are people who need his power. There are people who have been taken away. He can use his honed sword skills for these people. How much joy and salvation must that have been? Therefore, when the battles for these people ended, an even greater emptiness took residence in this man’s heart. At such a time, this man met Bard. The gods brought them together. This man assisted Bard to the best of his abilities. To make Doriatessa win the Frontier Martial Arts Tournament. To help Godon reclaim the castle of Mageia. To protect Julelan’s life and enable his ambitions. To protect the people of the Central Plains from the great army of demonic beasts. To defeat the General of Greed and end the war between nations. Indeed, this man’s honed peerless skills were useful. In the midst of fighting such battles, this man grew even more. He challenged, learned, and honed himself. The skills of this long-lived swordsman can be said to be at the peak of maturity now.

Be proud, Karz Rowen! Burn your skills into the eyes of the assembled knights. Just as a human who has encountered a beauty beyond this world can never forget that momentary memory for the rest of their life, your sword dance will be engraved in the hearts of the knights and will never be forgotten.

In the end, Karz’s kata dance consisted of seven offensive forms, five defensive forms, three special offensive forms, and two combination forms, totaling seventeen. The watching knights had unknowingly dropped to one knee. The two holy knights followed suit. It is the highest courtesy a knight can offer to another knight. Holy knights are equivalent to senior knights in other countries. Senior knights rarely offer this courtesy to anyone other than the ruler of the country. Knight Heridan is also kneeling. Behind the knights, all the crowd is kneeling as well. All the people are looking up at Karz’s kata dance.

After completing all the kata dances, Karz sheathed his sword and walked towards Carla, who was standing in front of the carriage. On the way, when Holy Knight Urbet said with reverence in his voice,

“Lord Karz Rowen. We will certainly take care of your son,”

Karz turned slightly towards Urbet and showed a soft smile. In the carriage, the sword dedicated to Adolkarz by the master swordsmith Zendatta is leaning. Karz took that sword in his hand and instead placed the magic sword Van Fleur in the carriage. Karz has actually handed over the magic sword Van Fleur to Adolkarz. Carla’s eyes widened in silent surprise. Of course, because Carla knows what kind of sword it is.

After that, Bard approached the carriage, took off Yana’s bracelet from his arm, and handed it to Carla. For Adolkarz, who must grow up and establish his own footing in the eerie place of the Mercano Temple, this secret treasure should be a strong ally. Carla’s eyes were opened so wide they seemed about to overflow.

Bard suddenly looked at Karz. Karz seemed to want to say something. He was looking at Bard, and then at Adolkarz.

‘Hmm. Was there something I forgot to say?’

Bard thought for a while. Then, suddenly realizing, he said to Carla and Knight Noah.

-When Adolkarz comes of age and becomes a knight, let him call himself the head of the House of Rowen.

The two nodded with strength in their eyes. Karz was nodding too. Thus, Carla and Adolkarz and their retainers set off on their journey, carrying two secret treasures and many riches.