9 The secret weapon (1/2)

”Grandfather, can I please have the sword displayed on the grand hall?” Henry asked.

”You want to take Promise? What for?” ”Promise” was the name of the sword.

Henry hesitated for a while then took a deep breath.

”Grandfather.... I found the woman whom I want to spend the rest of my life with and I want to gift her this sword as a sign of my undying love.” He almost convulsed with his despicable lie. Goosebumps crept into his body as he heard himself saying those words.If his grandfather was not in front of him he might have vomited.It took him a month before he can say it.

He wracked his brain out to think of a better way to convince his grandfather. Though reluctant he had to use his ultimate move and that is to lie blatantly in front of him.

”Me fall in love with a girl, NO WAY” he said to himself.

His grandfather was not innocent of the fact that Henry was a gay but he kept silent on the matter. He wanted to deceive himself into thinking that there was still hope and that he might change his preference. If there is none, a forced marriage, or a political one may be an option. Hearing his news made him so elated.

”So, you finally found someone who interests you.” He smiled. [I must get him married immediately before he changes his mind]. Despite having doubts he choose to believe him and have some back up plans just in case.

”That sword is a celestial sword made from a unique material. It would not recognize just anyone.” He added.

Henry heaved a sigh of relief. His grandfather believed him.

”if the sword does not recognize the girl, use this to buy her a sword in Pilamyr City, they make the best sword in the country. Take her with you so that she can select what she wants.” The old man handed him 2 blue taskin stone. For an average family, a single blue taskin stone is enough to buy a land and an average house. For his grandfather to hand it to him easily, his motives were clear. He wanted to put them together in a trip hoping for something to happen.

While the old man was busy discussing his plan, he was also pleased because of Henry's choice of women. Maybe the reason why he was not interested with anyone was because he has such a high standard. He took the sword exerting his full might. Henry could tell how heavy it was with the level zhenqi that his grandfather used just to lift it out of the shelf. The sheath of the sword, was simple and made of wood. Although the wood was one of the highest quality available in the market it was still just a wood. Without seeing the sword itself, he thought that it was a sword of high quality but not that special.

He was stunned upon seeing it's blade. It gave off a grand aura exuding intelligence, power and strength. The sword felt like a sleeping dragon. But there was something about the sword that gave him a sense of longing and sadness.His grandfather then told him about the way he acquired it. Hoping the sword would recognize him as its master he used every technique to gain its approval. He polished it daily, talk to it from time to time, present flowers to it everyday and bring it with him where ever he goes.

To increase its strength, he went to the lengths of bringing it in the house of the rune masters.

Encrypting runes to the sword increases its ability to channel zhenqi and further absorb energy from the surroundings. The attack power of the wielder could be multiplied many times by selecting the most appropriate rune. However, just before the rune master can carve into the sword, it released an overwhelming power causing injury to the rune master.

The rune master who was an expert to this counter attack of weapons was relatively strong and equipped. But against the might of the sword, the barrier which was set up before hand was not useful at all.

”Bring her over so that I can meet her, if the sword recognized her then it will be hers.” His grandfather said.

Henry paused and reluctantly told his grandfather. ”She does not know.”

The old man smiled and gave him a lot of advice. He was not interested in those advices of course.

Henry was unwilling to follow the idea of his grandfather. First, he did not want Madel to know how he schemed to procure his grandfather's sword. He did not want to let her think that he loved her, [as if it will happen]. He said to himself.

When Madel told him that she was also interested to learn the art of swords he felt pity. She wanted to be able to protect herself despite her lack of zhenqi. He knew about her perseverance to learn things that is why he wanted to encourage her. But he knew that she does not have any money to buy one of her own.