Chapter 127

Friedrich awakening as a Sword Master was not, in truth, surprising.

In the original story, he had reached that threshold on his own—without any formal instruction—through sheer talent alone.

He had also trained for a time under Sir Hans. That alone would have shortened the path considerably.

"Do you like it?"

Friedrich opened his mouth with a faintly shy smile.

"You're the first person I've told. No one else knows yet."

"This is extraordinary. You've only been formally training for—how long? You must be a genius."

I was so moved that I reached up and ruffled his hair without thinking—then caught myself, wondering if it was too much like treating him like a child.

But Friedrich subtly nudged my paused hand back into motion, asking for more.

"Is this worth celebrating?"

"You're asking me sincerely? You've become Stade's only Sword Master! This is genuinely incredible, Fritz."

And beyond Stade—Sword Masters…