Cu Chulainn was silent for a moment, then broke into a grin and said, "No, no, Master, what are you talking about? Why would I want to beat you up?"
But in truth, Cu Chulainn stood at the precipice of his greatest desire to fight Scathach, more than any other time in his life.
Still…he chickened out.
He wasn't a saint. It was impossible for Cu Chulainn to have no resentment towards Scathach. After all, Kevin himself harbored his own fair share of grudges!
When Kevin first arrived at the Shadow Kingdom, Scathach's merciless training had pushed Cu Chulainn to dance on the edge of death. It wasn't a metaphor; it was a calculated reality.
That was how Cu Chulainn managed to shorten his apprenticeship from two years to one.
Scathach merely smiled at Cu Chulainn's denial, her gaze sharp yet amused, but she said nothing.
She didn't need to.
After all, there were countless people who wanted to defeat her. Even Kevin had likely entertained detailed plans for beating her up.
Of course, there was another unspoken reason— she would let them try, but they wouldn't win.
"Coward," Kevin muttered under his breath, casting a side glance at Cu Chulainn.
Had Cu Chulainn dared to make a move, Kevin…was entirely ready to join in!
Being moved by Scathach's guidance was one thing, but admiration didn't erase years of suffering.
When it came to grievances, Kevin believed in settling the score. But if Cu Chulainn didn't take the first step and attract Scathach's wrath, Kevin had no intention of testing the waters alone.
If she exploded into an uncontrollable force, he wasn't confident he could handle the fallout.
Cu Chulainn snorted in reply, his smirk smug.
Haha, you want me to be your scapegoat? Not happening!
The silent exchange drew a soft laugh from Scathach. These moments were reminiscent of their time in the Shadow Kingdom. Watching her disciples bicker never grew old.
Kevin prepared dinner that evening.
As they ate, Cu Chulainn kept sneaking glances at Scathach, who seemed to be genuinely enjoying the meal. An idea began to form in his mind.
Could it be…she followed Kevin simply because she couldn't resist his cooking?
Over the years, Scathach had grown entirely accustomed to Kevin's dishes. Perhaps she'd been thoroughly spoiled by the flavors.
When night fell, Cu Chulainn made a hasty retreat.
"There's not enough room here," he claimed, heading to the castle with a suspiciously cheerful tone.
Kevin watched him leave with narrowed eyes, realizing he'd been abandoned.
He let Scathach stay in his room. After all, there was no way he would let her sleep in Cu Chulainn's quarters.
Scathach, however, brushed the gesture aside. "I'll return to my true body during the night. There's no need for unnecessary fuss."
Kevin, resigned, mumbled to himself, "Still, nothing happened…"
…
The next day, Kevin introduced Scathach to Connor, King Conchieber, and the court.
Connor and the king didn't raise any objections. To them, Kevin was a grown man, and it was natural for him to have a female companion.
However, the kingdom's druid, Kaisba, wore a peculiar expression.
Years ago, during Kevin's initial training, Kaisba had briefly encountered Scathach's clone. Now, despite her veil and subtle concealment, he recognized her immediately.
Her appearance hadn't changed, and her long, dark red hair was unmistakable.
Though Kaisba noticed, he kept his realization to himself, later pulling Cu Chulainn aside to confirm the situation privately.
His final conclusion?
If there's a headache here, it belongs to the Sun God, Ruger, not me.
King Conchieber had originally planned for Kevin and Cu Chulainn to help with banquet preparations, but the two quickly vanished as soon as they heard the request.
Scathach followed them through the streets, her eyes wide with curiosity as she took in the sights.
For someone who had lived for countless centuries, the novelty of mundane city life was a rare treat.
"After the banquet, you're heading to the Kingdom of Lask to marry Emer?"
Kevin broke the silence as the three walked down a bustling street.
"Of course!" Cu Chulainn's tone was firm and resolute. "If not for the banquet, I'd already be on my way."
Kevin hesitated. "That guy Fergal won't make it easy. Even if he's sworn an oath, he might still cause trouble."
"It's fine," Cu Chulainn replied with a grin, slapping Kevin on the back. "You'll be there, right?"
Kevin's expression softened, and he smiled in return.
"Yes, I'll be there."
The two wandered beyond the city gates, Scathach trailing behind as they neared the Red Branch Knights' base.
Kevin suddenly stopped, turning to glance back at the Kingdom of Ulster.
"What's wrong?" Cu Chulainn asked, pausing mid-step.
Kevin didn't answer immediately. His gaze lingered on the horizon before he finally spoke.
"There's a boy," Kevin said softly. "One day, he'll pick up a weapon, become a great warrior, and his name will live forever across the continent of Irene."
Cu Chulainn's brow furrowed in confusion.
Scathach, meanwhile, stepped aside, leaning silently against a tree.
She recognized the weight in Kevin's tone—this was not a conversation for her to join.
"But that same boy," Kevin continued, his voice steady but somber, "will also die young."
"Why bring this up now?" Cu Chulainn asked, his frown deepening.
Kevin tilted his head, his expression unreadable. "When you go to the Kingdom of Lask and bring Emer back, you'll reach a point where there's no turning back."
"You're not trying to convince me otherwise, are you?"
Kevin shook his head, surprising both Cu Chulainn and Scathach.
"I wouldn't dream of it. I know you too well," Kevin replied with a faint smile. "But I'll ask you one more time—do you understand why our father treated me the way he did?"
Cu Chulainn stared at Kevin for a long moment, realization dawning.
"Yes," Cu Chulainn said, his voice quiet but firm. "I understand."
"Do you believe in fate?" Kevin asked.
Cu Chulainn's lips curled into a bittersweet smile. "I believe in what I've been told—by my father, by Kaisba, by you, and by our master."
"And what about you?" Cu Chulainn pressed.
Kevin hesitated, his gaze shifting toward the sky.
"I believe in changing it."
That evening, as the three walked together under the setting sun, Kevin glanced at his brother and master, a quiet resolve burning in his chest.
Destiny was a cruel and unyielding force, but for Cu Chulainn's sake—for all their sakes—he would fight it with everything he had.
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