Reincarnated as the third son of the Duke-Chapter 45 - The Path to the Sword Saint
45 The Path to the Sword Saint
"...I don’t believe you."
William pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Of course you don’t."
"What else am I supposed to think?" she snapped. "You separated me from the rest, locked me away—why, if not for my body? I’m just a worthless maid—what other reason could you possibly have?"
William’s response was immediate.
"Swordsmanship."
Felicia blinked.
"...What?"
"I separated you because of your talent with the sword. I’m offering you the chance to hone it," William said plainly. "I want you to fight at my side. To wield your blade to its full potential."
Felicia’s face twisted, caught between disbelief and suspicion.
It wasn’t that she trusted his words. No, she was wary—wondering if this was just another ploy to keep her close.
William reached into his coat and pulled out the ace up his sleeve.
"I’m offering you a recommendation to become a disciple of Swordmaster Aizen."
Felicia’s breath hitched.
Her grip on the metal shard wavered.
"My father has already approved it. Aizen has been notified. If you wish, you can meet him right now."
Felicia stared at him, completely frozen.
It was an absurd offer.
No mere maid, no matter how skilled, would ever be given such an opportunity.
And yet… it was a bait too tempting to ignore.
For someone who had trained in swordsmanship alone, the desire for a true master was insatiable.
And a chance to be trained by a swordmaster, one who had reached the pinnacle of the blade?
Felicia hesitated for a long moment before finally locking eyes with William.
"...Are you serious?"
William met Felicia’s gaze steadily.
"Do you really think I’m lying?"
"Given the circumstances, the chances of this being a deception are far higher than the chances of it being true," Felicia countered. "For all I know, you’re just making an appealing offer to stop me from harming myself."
William tilted his head slightly.
"You really think I’d go as far as mentioning Sir Aizen just to manipulate a mere maid? Why would I bother? If I just wanted you alive, I could’ve promised to let you go. That would’ve been enough."
Felicia bit her lip.
Death was preferable to being defiled, but that didn’t mean she had no attachment to life.
He was right. If he had simply promised her freedom, she would have been tempted. But instead, before anything else, he had spoken of Aizen, the Sword Saint. That alone was proof that his words weren’t just empty talk.
Still…
"Wait a moment," she said suddenly, a frown forming. "When did I ever say I wanted to learn the sword?"
Felicia’s voice was sharp, suspicious.
Thinking back, she had never once voiced such a desire.
Yet this entire conversation had been built around swordsmanship.
If someone were trying to persuade a maid, wouldn’t they offer money first? That would have been the obvious bargaining chip.
"You didn’t need to say it," William replied smoothly. "A swordsman doesn’t have to speak their desire. It’s something I can see."
Felicia stared at him, stunned.
"Swordsman?" she echoed, her voice unsteady. "You’re calling me a swordsman?"
"Aren’t you?"
The question stopped her cold.
For the first time in her life, someone had acknowledged her—not as an impudent maid who dared to wield a sword, but as an actual swordsman.
"Are you really going to introduce me to the Sword Saint?" she asked, voice trembling.
William didn’t hesitate.
"I swear it on the name of William Hern."
Felicia sucked in a sharp breath.
A noble declaring their name in full wasn’t just a personal promise—it was a vow tied to their family’s honor.
Her fists clenched.
It was insane. It was impossible.
And yet, she wanted to believe it.
Felicia closed her eyes, inhaled deeply, and then—she stood.
Even if it was a lie, even if it was an illusion, this was the one lie she was willing to take a chance on.
William wasted no time.
A messenger was sent to Aizen immediately. The request was simple:
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I have found a potential disciple. Please meet her.
Aizen’s response was swift.
"The Third Prince is not one to speak lightly. I will meet her."
And so, the Sword Saint himself would be arriving at the training grounds.
William gathered Hugo and Hans, bringing them along as he made his way there.
Hugo, having been abruptly summoned, looked utterly bewildered.
"Is there a reason I need to be here?" he grumbled. "I don’t see how my presence makes any difference."
William smirked.
"Why not? Might as well take the chance to meet Sir Aizen."
"That’s exactly why I don’t want to go," Hugo muttered. "A former lowlife like me? What would a Sword Saint even think of someone like me?"
"You’ve turned over a new leaf," William said easily. "And Aizen doesn’t care about people’s pasts. Relax."
Despite William’s reassurances, Hugo looked anything but relaxed.
But William had a reason for bringing him.
Felicia’s acceptance as Aizen’s disciple meant Hugo had lost his chance at the reward.
If she didn’t prove herself here—if she didn’t demonstrate overwhelming, undeniable talent—then Hugo would rightfully feel cheated. Even if he never voiced it aloud, resentment would fester.
This wasn’t just about Felicia’s future. It was also about ensuring Hugo saw her worth for himself.
They arrived at the training grounds—only for William to halt in surprise.
Standing there, arms crossed, was the Grand Duke.
"...Father?"
The older man’s eyes narrowed.
"You insolent brat," the Grand Duke grumbled. "Keeping Aizen waiting until the exact time of the meeting? At least pretend to have some respect and arrive early."
William blinked.
"Why are you here?"
"Why?" The Grand Duke scoffed. "I heard you were recommending someone to the Sword Saint. Did you think I wouldn’t be present for something this important?"
William had no rebuttal.
Aizen wasn’t just a renowned master—he was one of the most influential figures in the Empire, even within House Hern itself.
For the heir to personally recommend a disciple to such a man? Of course the Grand Duke would take an interest.
