Living Again as a Man of Faith in Another World from Zero - Season 1

[ Arc 3 - 5 ] A lesson

Viu and Meili joined Felt to begin with, Rom in costume, as well as- 

- Rein, my friend! 

Viu cuddled her tenderly. Normally, Viu was modest except with Rein, because according to him, he deserved it. Meili and Rom met again and Felt remained the same, although much better educated and mature.

Reinhard, his usual polite smile in place, patted Viu's back affectionately.

- Always good to see you, Viu, he greeted warmly. Felt, standing nearby, rolled her eyes at the show of affection between the two men, but her expression was more amused than annoyed.

- Yeah. On the other hand, we bet that the Wisemen are not happy with my double intervention?

- That's an understatement, Felt chimed in. I swear, I saw one of their veins bulge out the whole time.

Reinhard chuckled softly.

- You certainly gave them something to think about, my friend.

- At the same time, I would have been an asshole if I hadn't defended my sister, nor Emilia. 

Felt shook her head, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth.

- You've always been protective of your family and friends, Viu. That's admirable.

Reinhard nodded, his expression serious.

- And it was necessary. The Wisemen were clearly prejudiced against Emilia, and they used the resemblance as a weapon.

- Weapon that I broke as you taught me.

Reinhard smiled warmly.

- Indeed. And you used that knowledge well.

Felt, ever the blunt one, jabbed a finger at Viu.

- And it was satisfying to see those old farts shut up.

Viu smiles after that. However, he noticed that Julius and Felix came towards them. Viu couldn't help but whisper "Blue catboy" to the person concerned. As for Julius, he remained more serious. 

Julius and Felix stopped in front of Viu, Felt and Reinhard. Felix instantly shot a glare in Viu's direction upon hearing the nickname 'blue catboy'.

- What did you call me, mongrel ?! he hissed, his voice dripping with disdain.

Julius rolled his eyes, clearly used to Felix's reactions by now.

- You should repeat your tongue, fallen noble. 

He highlighted their clear difference in status. 

- So using this term doesn't suit you, number 1 Crusch fanboy. 

Felix's face turned red with anger.

- Why you-

Before he could unleash a string of profanities, Julius cut him off with a firm hand on his shoulder.

- Felix.

The healer shot another glare at Viu but held his tongue this time.

Julius gave Viu a small bow.

- Please pardon Felix. He... tends to get riled up easily.

- Thank you so much. You, on the other hand, are more measured. But it looks like you'd like to talk to me one on one.

Julius nodded, his expression serious but not unfriendly.

- Yes, if you don't mind.

He glanced at Felt, Reinhard, and Felix before adding,

- I have something I'd like to discuss with you in private.

- Of course. 

He followed followed, entrusting Meili to the Felt camp. On the road, Viu asked:

- Where are we going ?

Julius led Viu down a quieter path, away from the main activity of the capital.

- There's a small training area nearby, he explained. It's secluded, and there's a place where we can talk without being overheard.

- Perfect. 

He put his hands in his pockets. The atmosphere became darker until he arrived at the said place. There was a crowd of people, especially knights. However, Viu remained calm.

As they neared the training ground, Viu noticed the crowd of knights gathered there. He continued to follow Julius, his expression calm and collected.

Once they reached a quieter spot, Julius turned to face him.

- Viu, he began, his voice quiet but firm. I need to ask you something.

- Considering where we are, I imagine that you challenge me to a sword duel. 

Julius blinked, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He hadn't expected Viu to guess so accurately.

- You're correct, he confirmed. I would like to have a friendly sparring match with you.

- It's okay with me. Also, I wonder if it will be with a wooden saber or with real ones

- In this case.

He made his own appear

- Here is mine

Julius nodded and manifested his own wooden saber. He took a fighting stance, his expression serious once more.

- Very well then. Are you ready?

- Yes. 

He took a step back, getting into a basic fighting stance.

Julius observed Viu's stance and nodded approvingly. Without wasting a moment, he lunged forward, his wooden saber aiming for Viu's chest.
Except that he dodged to the right and aimed precisely at Julius' left forearm. Julius tried to adjust his defense to block Viu's blow but was just a fraction too slow. The tip of Viu's saber hit his right forearm, causing the sword to slip from his grip and clatter to the ground.
He pointed the tip of his blade at her throat.

- Hop. 

At the same time he heard the crowd.

The crowd that had gathered to watch the sparring match held their breath, watching with anticipation. Some even let out a gasp when Viu pointed his saber at Julius's throat.

Julius himself, to his credit, remained calm and composed. He raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, his expression stoic.

- Looks like you got me, he admitted.

He made the wooden sword disappear, and said:

- At least it will calm the anger of the knights and elders. After all, words followed by actions are all the more respected.

Julius watched as Viu made his wooden saber disappear, a small, rueful smile playing at the corner of his lips.

- You have a point, he agreed. The knights and elders demand respect, and a demonstration of skill often carries more weight than words alone.

- And then, that means that not only will they not try to kill me, nor attempt a trafficking attack for the moment.

He stretched. 

-Thank you for this plan. And yes, you did your best given your current responsibility. See you, Julius!

He left with these words. Indeed, the one that Viu wanted to bring down was this corrupt system. For the man with two elements in one, he instantly understood the precarious situation of this country.

Julius watched as Viu prepared to leave, a mixture of respect and caution in his gaze. He nodded in acknowledgment.

- Until next time, Viu, he replied, his voice measured.

As Viu turned to leave, Julius's expression turned thoughtful. He had a feeling that Viu's presence would ruffle more feathers than he had expected.