The condition my father set for me was to "persuade the Senate."
My father took a step back by shifting the decision regarding this matter onto the Senate.
Thus, it was not my father but the Senate that took the lead in this incident.
There was another hidden meaning behind my father's decision to handle things this way.
And now, it was time to reveal that meaning.
"I am fully qualified to embark on the Martial Expedition. Although I still have my third-year cadet training left, my current level is sufficient for early graduation, so that shouldn't be a major issue."
"There is no need to repeat yourself. I have personally confirmed the level you have attained."
I nodded and continued speaking.
"I have completed the journey to Cheonwisan and passed the Bloodless Dream. The training process usually concludes in the first year, so I have received all the necessary education."
I deliberately reiterated facts that everyone already knew.
The Senate President, who had slightly furrowed his brows, soon widened his eyes in realization of what I was getting at.
"In other words, I have proven everything, and I have met all the conditions. Yet the Senate still distrusts me and subjected me to a test for no reason."
I slightly spread my arms, emphasizing my tattered appearance.
"As a result, my sixth sister was seriously injured for no reason, and as you can see, I am barely able to stand and speak right now. I feel somewhat resentful. From my perspective, it seems as though the esteemed members of the Senate have been oppressing me."
I deliberately twisted my expression, acting as if I was filled with frustration.
Fifteen years old, the age of rebellion.
At this age, I could get away with speaking a little aggressively and rudely under the excuse of "youthful impulsiveness."
'If I don't take advantage of this chance to speak my mind now, when will I ever get another opportunity?'
And sometimes, such blatant expressions were a very useful tool in steering the situation.
"Senate President, the youngest one is speaking this way. Would you care to respond?"
Lee Taeshin subtly turned his gaze toward the Senate President.
Lee Cheoljung, the Senate President, still wore a mysterious smile as he opened his mouth.
"It seems you are misunderstanding something. The decision regarding the Martial Expedition has always been the Senate's to make. The family regulations clearly state that there is no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, so would the Senate, of all places, break those regulations?"
A clever choice of words.
I had never once brought up my status, yet he deliberately mentioned the term "illegitimate child" to end his statement.
"Of course not. Not from the Senate."
At my response, Lee Cheoljung's enigmatic smile deepened.
"That is why I say it is a misunderstanding. If you were a bit older, it would be a different matter, but since the Senate does not know enough about you, we had no choice but to test you. After all, embarking on the Martial Expedition at such a young age could lead to unforeseen dangers."
"A test… I do understand that part."
The Senate President nodded in agreement.
But I wasn't finished.
"Then, Senate President. Why, of all people, was it my sixth sister?"
"That is…"
"Isn't it clear to anyone that my sixth sister is a far stronger martial artist than I am? There's also a significant age gap between us."
Lee Cheoljung firmly shut his mouth.
"…Hah."
The one who inadvertently let out a breath was Lee Taehong.
'You sly brat. After setting up the board yourself, you're now cornering the Senate President with it?'
Magnificent! This clever little devil!
He could barely contain his laughter.
There was no better strategic move than this.
'Did he seriously consider all this when he chose the sixth sister?'
In front of this many people, Lee Cheol was feigning adolescent indignation while expressing his grievances.
And yet, he was listing facts in a logical manner.
From the way it looked, it truly seemed as though the Senate was oppressing nothing more than a mere child.
Lee Taehong struggled to suppress his amusement as he alternated his gaze between Lee Cheoljung and Lee Cheol.
"I read the official document. It stated that the most recent Martial Expedition returnee should personally conduct the test. But if that were the case, shouldn't my seventh brother have been the one to step forward? If not him, then there are plenty of other warriors available!"
"We simply thought she would be the most suitable candidate."
"If that were truly your reasoning, and if it was merely for the sake of a test, shouldn't the duel have been conducted in private rather than in front of the entire family? As a result of this event, my sixth sister was humiliated, and she suffered all possible disadvantages in a fight where she had nothing to gain, ultimately being cut down by her much younger brother."
Now, for the final move.
I took a brief breath, pretending to suppress my anger, and spoke boldly.
"That is why… I would like to hear it. Senate President, why exactly did the Senate conduct this test?"
Checkmate.
This clever maneuver put everything on the line.
Lee Cheoljung was at a loss for words.
"That's enough."
At that moment, my father's quiet voice resounded.
"The Senate President is a great elder of our family. I understand that you are still emotional after the duel, but you are being rude."
"My apologies."
I bowed my head to my father and took a deep breath.
"This test was necessary. I do not fail to understand that you may have found certain aspects somewhat unreasonable, but it is not right to complain to the Senate just because the test was a little difficult."
"Yes, I apologize, Father."
I gave a short bow, and my father nodded in response.
"However, letting this pass as it is would not make for a good conclusion. What do you think?"
Lee Taeshin's gaze turned to Lee Cheoljung.
Lee Cheoljung understood the meaning behind that look.
Yet, he could not ignore the unpleasant feeling that suddenly welled up from deep inside his chest.
'To be outdone by a mere concubine's son… Ha, I've been completely caught off guard.'
Lee Cheoljung suddenly felt like laughing.
He had no choice but to admit that he had been too careless.
He could not tell exactly how much of this had been the concubine's son's scheme, but in the end, he was the one who had lost today.
"I acknowledge that there were aspects of this test that may have been difficult for you to understand. Since you successfully passed such a difficult test, the Senate should reward you accordingly. If you have something in mind, speak."
I smiled at the Senate Chairman's words.
'This is it.'
Since this was an affair led by the Senate, it was only right that the reward also came from the Senate.
From the moment my father placed the condition that I must convince the Senate, I had already planned for this.
"I also apologize for my rudeness. I hope you understand that I was not doubting the Senate, but was truly curious."
"…Very well."
"And since I only did what had to be done, I won't ask for an unreasonable reward. I simply wish to receive what I am due."
What he is due?
Lee Taeshin's eyes gleamed, and Lee Cheoljung wore a puzzled expression.
I told them the reward I had in mind.
***
Though I was granted permission to leave after the duel, I had to rest for several days instead of departing immediately.
It was the aftermath of my match with my sixth sister.
I had sustained significant internal and external injuries, though not as severe as hers.
Because of that, I postponed all my usual training and focused entirely on recovery.
'To think I would actually miss Cheonwisan.'
Had I been able to enter the healing pool and use recovery techniques, I would have healed in less than half a day.
Still, this unexpected rest was not entirely unpleasant.
"Young master!"
"It's been so long! Really!"
I was able to see the familiar faces of my fellow cadets from the past 5th class.
"To be honest, we wanted to visit you right after you returned to the family, but we heard you were really busy, so we agreed not to disturb you."
Kim Han grabbed my hand and shook it vigorously.
That must have been when my eldest brother was teaching me the foundation techniques.
"No matter how busy I was, I would have made time to see you all. But more importantly, how have you been?"
"Of course, we've been well!"
The cadets noisily began sharing their stories.
From what I heard, it was hard to say they had been doing well.
Back in our first year, we had all been together under the name of the 5th class, and since I was among them, they had faced fewer instances of harassment.
"But it wasn't entirely a bad experience. Rather, the fact that they were wary of us and felt the need to keep us in check meant that we were worth being concerned about."
Choi Inha spoke calmly.
Then Kim Han cut into the conversation again.
"Enough about us! Young master, you should tell us—just what kind of training did you undergo this past year to become so strong?"
"Hm?"
"The duel! We all saw it! Everyone must have seen it!"
I frowned slightly.
"If you're about to become third-years, shouldn't you be busy preparing? You seem to have a lot of free time."
"Ah, young master, that's too much! How could we possibly miss such a significant event in your life? Not just me—everyone saw it! We're comrades!"
Kim Han, looking aggrieved, nudged Choi Inha and Kim Boseong beside him.
"Ahem."
"Well, um…"
Choi In-ha and Kim Bo-sung awkwardly averted their gazes, clearing their throats.
"Huh? Wait, you two… don't tell me…"
I narrowed my eyes.
"But if that were the case, neither of you would be here, right?"
"…Apologies, Young Master. I intended to come right after morning training, but before I knew it, it was already too late."
That was Kim Bo-sung.
"I was sparring with Bo-sung, and before I realized it… the same happened to me."
That was Choi In-ha.
"No need to apologize. I'm not blaming you two."
I turned to glare at Kim Han.
"Kim Han, don't tell me you slacked off just because I wasn't around for a while?"
"Wow, Young Master, that's harsh. Really… But still, how could these two not come cheer for you when you were going to spar?"
Everyone chuckled.
I looked around at the cadets and smiled in satisfaction.
'They've grown so much.'
One year had passed for me and the cadets of Class 5.
They had improved so much that I had to take a second look to recognize them.
Just as I had put in relentless effort, they too had fought hard in their own ways.
'And some of them were even scouted… Incredible.'
For third-year cadets at the academy, the usual paths were to serve as apprentice warriors or join the Six Gates.
Typically, those promoted to third year would submit applications to their preferred warrior corps, and if accepted, they would begin their careers.
However, exceptionally talented cadets were sometimes directly scouted by a corps.
Only about the top 1% of each class received such offers, but in Class 5, nearly half had been scouted.
"So, you two were scouted by the Four Divine Corps?"
"Yes, I was recruited by the Blood Tiger Corps."
"And I was chosen by the Celestial Bow Corps."
Choi In-ha and Kim Bo-sung answered in turn, scratching the backs of their heads in embarrassment.
The Sungmuiga Academy had countless warrior corps, each ranked by prestige.
Among them, the Four Divine Corps stood at the very top—four elite groups renowned for their accomplishments.
Though they weren't officially part of a single organization, and their missions differed, their excellence was such that they were collectively recognized as the best.
"The Blood Tiger Corps and the Celestial Bow Corps… That's impressive. It's rare for the Four Divine Corps to recruit directly."
"I'm still lacking. After witnessing Young Master's sparring the other day, I know I have a long way to go."
Choi In-ha clenched his fist, his fighting spirit burning.
It was a stark contrast to our first meeting when he had casually laughed and spoken nonsense.
"By the way, Kim Han, why are you so quiet? Don't tell me you failed?"
"No way. I… chose to enter the Six Gates. I'll be studying both swordsmanship at the Sword Gate and ranged weapons at the Archery Gate."
The Six Gates was Sungmuiga's specialized training institution, divided into six categories based on weaponry.
The Sword Gate focused on swords and their variations, while the Archery Gate trained students in all kinds of ranged weapons.
'Taking courses in both isn't easy.'
If his skills were mediocre, the Six Gates wouldn't have allowed it.
The fact that he had been accepted into both was proof of Kim Han's growth.
'They're all doing well on their own.'
Despite being only in their teens, they had firm, determined gazes.
Each of them had carved out their own path.
"Work hard. I'll be counting on you all in the future."
"Leave it to us. We'll grow strong enough to stand beside you without shame."
Kim Han's eyes gleamed with determination.
I needed to push myself too.
They had shed their former selves, no longer seen as failures but as talents anyone would envy.
If I wanted to lead them, I had to be someone they wouldn't be ashamed to follow.
"Well then, I'll be heading off now."
"Alright. It was good seeing you."
After chatting a little longer, the cadets got up, exchanging farewells.
As I stepped outside to see them off, Kim Han glanced back at me.
"By the way, Young Master. It's today, isn't it?"
He looked excited.
"I'm the one going to get it. Why are you so thrilled?"
"I don't know. It's just fascinating. I don't know if I'll ever get to enter. You've been inside before, right?"
"It's nothing special. Just an ordinary place."
"No way. Have you decided what you'll take?"
"Of course."
I smiled.
The reward I had secured from the Elders for my recent duel.
With it, I would enter Bigo today.
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