Not many people actually know that Kevin is not Cu Chulainn's biological brother.
The few who are aware of this truth include the powerful king, the wise druids, and the gods who are quietly observing Kevin.
However, based on the title "Kevin, the Son of Light" bestowed upon him by the bards, it's evident that Lugh has long regarded Kevin as his own son. After all, even Scathach herself once questioned whether Kevin or Cu Chulainn was truly Lugh's biological child.
On the continent of Erin, becoming a bard is no small feat. Most bards are skilled magicians or powerful warriors, some even capable of holding their own against the gods.
Historically, bards have played pivotal roles, sometimes even scheming to end the lives of legendary heroes like Cu Chulainn. Thus, the heroes they praise are typically individuals recognized by the powerful and undeniably remarkable.
Whether or not Kevin is Lugh's biological child no longer matters. Kevin is unquestionably Ruger's son and Cu Chulainn's brother. That is enough.
In the camp of the Red Branch Knights, Kevin spent nearly an hour dueling a dozen strong warriors, each of whom fell to him.
Throughout this time, Kevin wielded a simple broadsword he had picked up from the camp and refrained from using a spear.
Almost all who faced him accepted their defeats graciously, with some even developing an admiration for Kevin. His calm demeanor and clean fighting style stood in stark contrast to Cu Chulainn's earlier ferocity, where several opponents had come dangerously close to losing their lives.
Though this was an era of violence and chaos, people gravitated toward those who combined strength with humility. Warriors, despite their brutal nature, were often straightforward individuals, and Kevin's approachability won him favor.
From a young age, Kevin's politeness and composure had made him a favorite of figures like King Conchieber and Kasba. While Kevin's strength had once been unremarkable, his warmth made others comfortable around him.
"Anyone else?" Kevin asked, his voice calm and confident, as he smiled at his latest opponent, who raised his hands in surrender.
Watching Kevin's radiant demeanor, Bruel tugged thoughtfully at his thick black beard. "If this kid were a woman," he muttered, "he'd be the kind of beauty a king would go to war to claim."
Connor and Cu Chulainn, hearing this, coughed in unison. They exchanged knowing glances before quickly averting their gazes.
"What's wrong with you two?" Bruel asked, puzzled by their reactions. However, before he could get an answer, the Red Branch Knights around him began raising their weapons, clapping them rhythmically against their hands.
"Oh!" Bruel exclaimed, catching on. He grinned, stood up, and joined the others, clapping his giant axe rhythmically.
Connor and Cu Chulainn exchanged smiles, stood up, and added their voices to the welcoming chorus.
Kevin blinked in surprise as he looked around at the encircling knights. The sound of clapping weapons and cheers filled the air.
"This way of welcoming…" Kevin murmured, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's quite something!"
With that, Kevin officially became a member of the Red Branch Knights. When Connor sent word to King Conchieber and Kesba, they couldn't help but smile at the news, feeling a wave of nostalgia.
Seven years ago, the young boy who struggled to keep up with Cu Chulainn had grown into a warrior worthy of standing beside him.
Not just the gods and bards, but even ordinary citizens now looked forward to Kevin's future. They eagerly wondered how far this remarkable young man could go.
….
A Few Days Later
Back at home, Kevin was in his room, examining some tea that King Conchieber had sent him. Though unfamiliar with the type, Kevin brewed a cup and found it to be quite good.
"This is decent," he muttered, packing some of the tea to send as a tribute to Lugh through the beautiful bird servant.
The rest, Kevin set aside as gifts for Scathach.
I hope she likes tea... Maybe she'll be less harsh after receiving this.
In addition to the tea, Kevin had gathered various strange items during his travels, intending to offer them as gifts to Scathach when he saw her in person.
Kevin didn't expect these gestures to win her favor; he merely hoped they might soften her relentless training regimen.
To this day, Kevin vividly remembered Scathach's parting words: "If you don't return to the Shadow Kingdom, I promise I won't hunt you down."
She had said it with a smile, but Kevin knew better.
The thought of returning to Scathach's grueling training was enough to send shivers down his spine. Her expressionless face and the relentless strikes of her magic spear had haunted his nightmares for years.
"Kevin, are you ready?!"
Cu Chulainn's voice shattered Kevin's reverie as the door slammed open. Cu Chulainn stood there, impatience written all over his face.
"Okay, okay," Kevin replied, rolling his eyes. He slung his pack of gifts over his shoulder and asked, "Did you prepare your offerings?"
"Heh, of course!" Cu Chulainn boasted. "I bought all kinds of treasures—and even went diving for pearls!"
"Are we going alone?" Kevin asked.
"No way!" Cu Chulainn laughed. "The king assigned Connor and a few dozen Red Branch Knights to accompany us. You said it yourself—it should be a grand affair!"
Kevin nodded, satisfied, and walked past Cu Chulainn toward the door.
As they headed out, Cu Chulainn glanced at Kevin curiously. "By the way, Kevin, do you have a woman you like?"
Kevin raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask?"
Cu Chulainn grinned. "Well, I heard there are several unmarried daughters in that kingdom we're visiting. Supposedly, they're all beauties. If none of them catch your eye, you could just pick one to bring back!"
"Forget it," Kevin replied, shaking his head. "I'm not interested."
Cu Chulainn tilted his head in confusion. "Why not? They say some of them are stunning..."
Kevin sighed, unwilling to elaborate. His thoughts drifted to Scathach. He suspected this marriage proposal was just a pretext for Cu Chulainn to gain access to the Shadow Kingdom for training.
Kevin had his own reasons for accompanying Cu Chulainn. Despite his reluctance to see Scathach again, he knew that avoiding her was impossible.
Still, he couldn't help but hope that Cu Chulainn's presence would shift Scathach's focus.
Maybe this time, I won't be her primary target...
Glancing at Cu Chulainn, Kevin felt a rare surge of gratitude for his brother's enthusiasm.
For once, you're actually useful, brother.
With lighter steps, Kevin followed Cu Chulainn toward their shared destiny.
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