Chapter 22: Welcome to the Family, Son

【Eksu PoV】

Dawn arrived much too quickly.

I stood in the middle of a wide, stone-paved courtyard.

Tall columns and thick walls surrounded us, making me feel like an unwilling gladiator.

Across from me stood Reginald-sama Blackwood.

Elizabeth’s father.

He stretched his arms, flexing with an infectious grin.

“Ah, what a glorious morning for combat!”

His voice echoed throughout the empty arena.

Elizabeth and her mother watched excitedly from the side, smiles bright on their faces.

Siegfried leaned casually against a wall, munching on a snack he’d sneaked in.

Traitor.

I sighed heavily.

This was it.

Reginald-sama raised his sword.

“Are you ready, Eksu?”

I nodded weakly.

“Not really.”

He laughed heartily.

“Excellent! Then let us begin!”

He rushed forward without warning.

His sword whipped toward me with remarkable speed.

My body reacted instinctively.

My 【Absolute Defense】 flickered to life, blocking his blade with ease.

He stepped back, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.

“Marvelous! Truly magnificent!”

He attacked again.

Left swing.

Blocked.

Right swing.

Blocked again.

“Yes! Amazing!” he shouted.

Elizabeth clapped her hands.

“Go, Eksu!”

I wanted to explain that I was doing nothing, but Reginald-sama refused to give me time.

He leapt into the air and brought his sword down in a swift arc.

My blue shield rippled, absorbing his blow.

He laughed, exhilarated.

“You truly live up to the tales, Eksu!”

He charged again, faster this time.

Each strike was stronger than the last, and every blow came with genuine intent to injure.

He wanted to test me, and that intent activated my skill to its fullest.

Because he was actually trying to hurt me, my defense was absolute.

Reginald-sama’s excitement only grew.

Minutes passed.

He showed no sign of stopping.

Sweat dripped down his face, and his breathing became ragged, yet his grin never wavered.

Elizabeth’s mother clapped with pride.

“What endurance, dear!”

Reginald-sama laughed breathlessly.

“I haven’t had this much fun in years!”

I sighed under my breath.

At least someone was enjoying themselves.

He paused briefly, his sword resting on his shoulder.

“Tell me, Eksu! Do you have any offensive skills at all?”

I shook my head.

“None, Reginald-san.”

He beamed.

“Marvelous! An immovable shield is a splendid match for my daughter!”

I managed a tiny, awkward smile at his odd praise.

Then he attacked again.

This time, his blows were more forceful than ever.

Each slash could have shattered stone.

Each thrust could have crushed a normal opponent.

My shield held firm, absorbing all impacts without fail.

Finally, he began to slow down.

His movements faltered.

His breathing grew harsh.

He stepped back, panting.

“Extraordinary… simply extraordinary.”

Elizabeth jumped excitedly.

“Keep going, Father!”

He gave a weary chuckle.

“My dear daughter… I fear I have reached my limit.”

He exhaled heavily, dropping to one knee and setting his sword aside.

Elizabeth’s mother smiled proudly.

Siegfried offered a small clap, a sly grin on his face.

Reginald-sama looked at me, his eyes shining.

“Never in my life have I seen such absolute defense! Truly, Eksu, you amaze me.”

I stood there awkwardly.

He rose to his feet slowly, placing a firm hand on my shoulder.

“You passed the test!”

He spoke with genuine excitement.

“Elizabeth has chosen wisely. You have proven yourself worthy!”

I felt my cheeks warm slightly.

“Ah… thank you, Reginald-san.”

He shook his head, still smiling.

“No more formalities!”

He tightened his grip on my shoulder, sincerity glowing in his gaze.

“Welcome to the family, son.”

My heart pounded.

His words felt surprisingly comforting.

Elizabeth ran over, her eyes alight with joy.

“I knew you could do it, Eksu!”

She threw her arms around me, hugging me tight.

Reginald-sama laughed loudly.

“Truly a splendid future awaits!”

Elizabeth’s mother nodded approvingly.

“What a romantic duel.”

I wasn’t sure I’d ever understand their idea of romance.

Siegfried strolled up, smirking.

“Nice job, Eksu.”

I glared at him.

He backed away with a casual shrug.

Reginald-sama clapped his hands.

“Let’s celebrate our new family member!”

Elizabeth clung to my arm, smiling.

I realized I had no choice in this.

I was part of the Blackwood family now.

Reginald-sama raised his voice cheerfully.

“Today we feast for Eksu’s victory and his upcoming marriage to our precious Elizabeth!”

He paused, then laughed again.

“Especially since he’s invincible! Think of our future grandchildren!”

My face paled at the thought.

Elizabeth giggled.

Siegfried snickered softly.

I mentally vowed to deal with him later.

Elizabeth pulled me closer, beaming.

I let out a long, resigned sigh.

My peaceful life had vanished, but in its place there was a strange sense of warmth.

Reginald-sama waved us forward.

“Come, son! Today, you officially become a Blackwood!”

I followed, heart still racing.

This family was undeniably insane, but somehow I felt oddly touched by the welcome.

Maybe I could learn to live with this madness.

Elizabeth squeezed my arm tighter.

“Welcome to the family, Eksu!”

Yes.

Welcome indeed.

God help me.