Namgung Se-ga, the warrior, was reincarnated in Romance

My uncle, Oscar Valentia, had a son and a daughter. The son was now twenty-two, and the daughter had just turned twenty.

Both children had adored me since I was very young. However, as they entered the academy, they became busier and gradually neglected our interactions.

It was no surprise that the kids, whom I hadn’t seen in years, had grown so much.

Both of them had inherited their father’s handsome features, and it was easy to recognize them at a glance. As is often the case when friends’ children grow up, I felt a sense of warmth.

The son reached out and ruffled my hair, smiling brightly.

“You’ve really grown, Mika. You were so tiny the last time I saw you.”

“You’ve also grown quite handsome, brother.”

“Ah… That tone hasn’t changed, huh? It’s good to see you. I missed you.”

The daughter, who was standing beside him, chuckled softly.

The son’s name was Aizen Valentia, and the daughter’s name was Hendel Valentia.

The first time I couldn’t quite remember their names and kept mixing them up, they kindly told me that since we were family, I could call them “brother” and “sister” comfortably.

At first, it felt awkward treating younger kids like older siblings, and I often found myself unable to look them in the eye. However, upon thinking it over, it didn’t make sense for me to be treating people younger than me like parents.

Eventually, I became more comfortable using “brother” and “sister” naturally.

Hearing from my cousins that it had been a long time since the whole family gathered together because we were all now adults with busy lives, I suddenly felt curious.

“So, do you two work at the Imperial Palace?”

“Oh no. I’m helping my father with the Valentia Duchy since I’ll inherit it. And Hendel…”

“Right now, I’m learning about maritime trade. We’re even building ships… If I had a little more time, I’d be able to show you the new ships we’ve made.”

“Ships?”

“Yes. If we travel ten days south from here, there’s a good harbor called Demon Harbor. If we connect to the Eastern Sea, it’ll lead to the Grimsbane Duchy, and if we go around to the Southern Sea, we’ll reach the Indus Bay, so I think we might be able to trade with Yullan. We’re still figuring out the best route.”

Though I also had an interest in opening up trade routes through the desert, Hendel explained that beyond the Indus Bay, the sea was rough, with vast mudflats that made it impossible to determine what lay beyond.

Having seen maps of the continent at the Siren Academy and knowing the locations of each family and the main goods they traded, I understood her explanation well.

However, Siren Empire wasn’t one to engage much in maritime trade.

The Sarus River, which runs from the northeast to the southwest, was abundant in water and wide, and it reached the southernmost part of the Yullan Kingdom, making it ideal for transportation.

For a moment, I found it puzzling, but my cousins had more expertise in such matters, so I didn’t worry too much and nodded.

We continued to sit at the plentiful table, exchanging even more abundant stories.

It was so nice to have everyone gathered, my grandmother said.

The Valentia family was generally reserved, but my aunt and cousin Aizen were skilled talkers, making sure there was never a dull moment.

I had heard that after graduating from the academy, my cousins were often dragged to social events and couldn’t attend family gatherings. I knew that I would likely be the same.

Aizen mentioned he would give me some jewels for my debutante, and I gratefully accepted.

I also heard that they were preparing a huge chocolate cake for the New Year’s celebration for me and the kids.

Since there were younger children around, it made sense, but I felt a little embarrassed when my family gave me expectant looks.

Had I really eaten that many sweets?

I didn’t refuse the offering, but I had never gone out of my way to seek them out.

However, it felt odd to decline their generosity, so I responded happily and gratefully, which pleased everyone, though I had to suppress my embarrassment.

The New Year’s celebration was a feast to mark the last day of the year and the arrival of the new year.

It was typical for families with children to celebrate among themselves, while those without would attend the New Year’s events of the higher aristocracy, if they could.

I had always spent the New Year’s Eve at the Ernhardt estate with a large cake and soda mixed with grape juice, watching the sunrise together with my siblings and sharing wishes for happiness in the new year.

I thought it would be similar at the Valentia estate.

However, I later learned that because the Valentia family was a ducal house, they were required to hold a grand New Year’s celebration at their estate.

It was said that nearby nobles, who couldn’t afford to travel to the capital, would gather for a grand banquet.

Since I had come expecting a family gathering, I felt a little disappointed. But seeing my mother, who had never attended such large events since my birth, clapping her hands excitedly, I realized I had been mistaken.

I decided to enjoy the celebration with a joyful heart.

While we were talking, I occasionally exchanged glances with my uncle.

My uncle, Oscar Valentia, was still combing his short purple hair neatly, with his cold, sharp eyes and attire giving him a composed and somewhat distant look.

Oscar Valentia, my uncle, wasn’t a grandmaster, but he was a martial artist who had reached an exceptional level.

He had been disappointed that none of his children had shown an interest in swords, so he was very pleased when I started practicing.

Though he was often busy and didn’t visit the Ernhardt estate frequently, I knew he always kept a careful eye on me whenever we did meet, which happened every few years.

The shield and iron sword I had received as a gift from my grandparents for my fifth birthday had also been specially ordered and delivered by my uncle.

I came to understand this later, which only made me admire and respect him even more.

Although I had become somewhat distant after entering the academy and meeting sword masters, he was still one of the highest-level experts among those close to me.

I noticed my uncle, who seemed like he was about to speak to me, turn his gaze away.

I realized he was giving space for my grandparents to talk to me and felt a warm smile form on my face.

* * *

The next morning, at the training grounds, my uncle had already arrived before me.

It was also my uncle who had stationed a guard at my door to guide me to the training grounds. Though he never spoke kindly, I could feel his deep and thoughtful nature.

“Good morning.”

“Mm.”

Without a word, my uncle drew his sword and pointed it at me. I also drew mine.

The fact that he allowed me the first strike was a sign of his experience and composure as an elder and master.

It had already been three years since I had crossed swords with my uncle. In that time, I had grown stronger, with my bones and muscles filling out a bit more.

The sharp sound of our blades clashing rang out. A slight smile flickered in my uncle’s eyes as he stepped back half a pace.

He was a skilled warrior, using a precise and controlled style of swordsmanship. His blade was straight, closest to the original form of Siren Empire sword techniques. With his strong arms, he was adept at using even the most predictable movements to make it nearly impossible to block.

However, I was also a skilled warrior. Though my arms and legs were shorter and my strength weaker, I compensated with faster and more unpredictable movements when facing his blade.

Moreover, after studying various sword styles at the academy, I was now fully aware of the unique characteristics of my uncle’s swordsmanship.

Unlike before, we no longer stepped back when our blades clashed. My uncle, recognizing this, allowed a smile to creep onto his lips.

Knowing he was testing me by showing his sword energy, I responded in kind, releasing my own sword energy.

Though my energy was weak, faint, and lacking compared to his, it was enough to prevent my blade from breaking.

Without blinking an eye or taking a breath, we exchanged a series of rapid strikes.

Perhaps a moment passed.

Suddenly, my uncle withdrew his sword and swiftly sidestepped. I, too, slowly withdrew my sword, stopping in my tracks as I had aimed for his exposed arm.

Seeing his face break into a gentle smile, I realized he was fully satisfied with our exchange.

I could now easily gauge the level he had reached, and I, too, was pleased with my progress and smiled back.

“You’ve improved a lot.”

“Yes. I’ve had a great teacher.”

“If you’re not too busy, would you like to take a walk?”

My uncle secured his sword at his waist, and I gladly walked beside him.

In truth, I felt closer to my uncle, Oscar Valentia, than to my father, William Ernhardt, and I treated him more comfortably.

It was because I was a martial artist. Having spent my childhood with my uncle and aunt, who were both experts in the sword, I came to see them as family.

He understood my sword and could see inside my heart. He was someone who shared a bloodline with me. The respect and kindness I felt from the head of the Namgung family or a direct descendant were reflected in my uncle’s strong, square shoulders.

The cold morning air chilled my lungs.

With every step, there was no sound. I walked quietly alongside my uncle, who said nothing.

It was hard to believe that this man, who looked so solid and cool, had once been mischievous with my parents.

After all, Saern had once described her brother as a quiet, gentle man who was good at playful teasing.

I believed that as people grew older, they ripened like rice. My uncle, too, must have gone through his younger, fiery days and come to possess the quiet wisdom he had now. Thinking of it that way, I could understand it.

As I was lost in thought, my uncle suddenly spoke.

“Do you know why I stopped Hendel from working at the Imperial Palace?”

…It was news to me. I straightened my back, suddenly tense.