Yearning For Familial Love

Chapter Eight: Heroes Clash

[Aeric]

Chapter Eight:
Heroes Clash

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The name is Aeric Aden Alexus. I'm a year older than the commoner now known as my brother. At first, I was going to just avoid him. However, it seems he has stolen my place. I can't let this insult go unpunished. Princess Cleo was supposed to be mine. I was supposed to become the next king. Now I'm reduced to a duke's title. It's utter nonsense.

No, no, I just need to prove I'm the stronger one. After all, I'm of The Heros' blood. Along with 12 other less impressive heroes that held the title made from his name, I know impressive. So obviously, no commoner, even of lesser hero blood, could beat me. It is shameful that the king thinks him more fitting. My poor Princess Cleo would be utterly heartbroken to learn they want him to be her betrothed.

After breakfast, Father called us both to the training hall. And set up for us to train together. No doubt he wishes for me to put this brat Nolan in his place...

His weak blocks and attempts to parry my strikes are laughable. It seems he is struggling to simply keep the tip of his wooden sword in the air. Yet I still can't manage to make contact with his body.

He's not terrible....

His form is not bad for a commoner. But his balance is lacking. And he lacks strength. This spar left me more irritated than satisfied. The brat wouldn't quit dodging my strikes. He more or less kept running away like a coward. After only ten minutes, my father dismissed me. I'll get revenge for this embarrassment. He will eventually have to face me like a man if he plans to steal from me.

Or so that's what I said...

In the last year, he's become very close to my equal. He broke my sword... It was a lucky strike... But still, I lost to him, and what's worse, he spared me from the finishing blow.

Naturally, I had to retaliate for the insult. He confronted me after a harmless prank. And challenged me to a dual. Obviously, as the older brother, I had to at least humor him. If I'd beaten him down with a full show of strength, it would have reflected poorly on me as a future ruler.

Father told me not to soil our relationship out of pride. But as the engagement ceremony approached, I had to make a move. So when Father asked us to sign and write a short message on the book of Yuri for our assigned betrothed, I had to challenge him. For the good of the kingdom.

A duel with real swords was the challenge I made. I wasn't going to lose due to a weak wooden stick. This was the first time I had seen my brother smile. As our swords reverberated in complaint at each clash, it was close to sunset before it became clear to me. He was just toying with me; he hadn't even broken a sweat.

Each time our swords cross, I'm putting my all into each strike, and he is effortlessly deflecting. As I grew frustrated, time seemed to slow; it wasn't long before I saw it. But by the time I realized what he was doing, it was too late. As I tried to step back and avoid the strike, he lunged forward, breaking my Mithrillight Damascus sword. He'd been chipping away at the same spot the whole time.

My mother's sword was ruined, split in half by a standard mithril sword. No, I squealed my voice, broken by the emotions that boiled up seeing it in this state of disrepair. Finding a blacksmith skilled enough to simply sharpen and polish it was a near-impossible task. The methods used to make it are all but a forgotten skill.

Those that remain charge no small fortune for their services. Nolan knew what this sword meant to me. This was no unfortunate mistake. I retrieved what remained of my heirloom. Before retreating to my room following this defeat.

I have accepted that he is stronger for now. But I will not forsake my mother by letting this go. He will pay for what he did today

The following morning, I signed The Book Of Yuri for Princess Nicole. Inscribed with the note, "Today's resolution is a future conflict, but true friends can weather any storm to come."

I know it's tradition to use some overused love quotes. But it just didn't seem right given the situation. Also, I have no intention of marrying her. This is just a hoop I must hop through in my Quest to get back what's mine.

My mother left me with plenty of artifacts. I'm sure I can find something to level the playing field. That smug look on his face as he gave that final strike. That made it clear this was personal, so no matter what, I won't back down.

I hope you enjoyed!

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[End of Chapter]