"Albert-niisan, thank you so much for all the weapons!"
The following day, I paid Albert a visit to express my gratitude.
Sylpha had transported the weapons for me using a handcart. I’d insisted that I could carry them myself, but she wouldn't hear of it, claiming that it was unseemly for a prince to perform such manual labor.
"You're certainly fast, Lloyd. Are you finished already?"
"Yes. It was so much fun that I just kept going."
I had effectively worked through both meals and sleep. I’d also used the project as an excuse to skip my daily swordplay practice with Sylpha. When I told her it was at Albert's request, she had reluctantly backed down, but as I stole a glance at her now, she still seemed to be in a bit of a foul mood.
"I’m sorry, though. I ended up breaking quite a few of them."
Out of the hundred and twenty swords, I had successfully enchanted fifty. To be fair, I still had about eighty left at one point, but I’d grown greedy for better results. I kept stripping the Magic Marrow Fluid and reapplying the spell formula, pushing the blades to their absolute limits.
As a result, I’d snapped an additional thirty. My deepest apologies.
Even so, I hadn't dared mess with the magic sword any further. It had already been at its breaking point.
My heart hammered against my ribs, fearing I’d be scolded for destroying so much property, but Albert simply stared at the swords with a look of profound intensity.
"Fifty successes out of a hundred and twenty? Lloyd... even a first-rate enchanter usually has a success rate of only ten percent. That’s why I had the Royal Guard gather such a massive stockpile. And you even managed to enchant the magic sword I left there by mistake? Enchanting a magic sword requires a completely different level of knowledge and technique. Very few people can even attempt it, yet you pulled it off at your age? I simply cannot believe it. What incredible talent... I’ve always known you were special, but you might be even further beyond my imagination than I thought."
He turned his back to me, muttering to himself. I wondered if I’d actually upset him by breaking so many of the blades.
"Lloyd."
"Y-Yes!"
I reflexively snapped to attention.
Contrary to my fears, Albert was wearing a warm smile when he turned back toward me.
"Thank you. The Royal Guard will be thrilled to have this many weapons. ...By the way, Father has ordered me to lead a subjugation of some magical beasts. If you’d like, Lloyd, would you care to join us?"
"A magical beast hunt?"
Magical beasts were massive creatures possessed of immense mana. They were highly intelligent, and some were even capable of understanding human speech. Generally, they never bonded with humans and lived solitary lives rather than forming packs. They were dangerous pests that ravaged waterways and fields, sometimes even wiping out entire villages.
I had seen one once in my previous life—a giant boar nearly five meters tall. It had smashed through a city wall and leveled several buildings. At the time, it had taken ten guardsmen working together just to drive the thing off.
Since becoming a prince, I’d learned that while these creatures were a nightmare for commoners, certain nobles treated them as prime targets for sport. I’d heard stories of magical beast hunts several times from Charles, Albert, and my other older brothers. I had been wanting to see one for myself for quite some time.
"Yes. Father has given the command. I’ll be taking the Royal Guard to exterminate them the day after tomorrow. What do you say?"
"I’ll go! I’m definitely going!"
I accepted without a moment's hesitation. It was a perfect excuse to leave the castle openly, and seeing the Royal Guard in combat would be an excellent way to observe the actual effects of my enchantment magic. Plus, if I was going to be up against a magical beast, there were a few spells I wanted to test out. I had absolutely no reason to refuse.
"Pardon the interruption, Master Albert. Might I be permitted to accompany you as well?"
Sylpha stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Ah, of course. You are Lloyd’s guard and caretaker, after all. It’s only natural that you come along."
"You have my thanks."
She bowed again and stepped back into line.
"Then it's settled. Both of you come to my room the morning after tomorrow. Understood?"
"Yes!"
I answered energetically and took my leave of Albert’s chambers. As I walked down the corridor in high spirits, Sylpha followed silently behind me.
"By the way, Sylpha, have you ever seen a magical beast before?"
"Yes, I accompanied my father on several magical beast hunts in the past. We would drive them out with members of the Order of Knights. It is quite a thrilling experience; I’m certain you will enjoy it, Master Lloyd."
"Yeah, I can’t wait!"
I turned back with a beaming smile, and Sylpha looked away slightly.
"His first hunt... Master Lloyd's skills have become quite formidable through our daily practice, so perhaps it is time he experienced a real battle. One cannot truly understand the sword without using it in a life-and-death struggle. This is the perfect opportunity for him to gain the mindset of a true swordsman. And perhaps... I might finally get a glimpse of his full power. Fufu, I find myself looking forward to this..."
I wondered what she was muttering about back there.
"Heheh, everyone is quite fascinated by you, Master Lloyd."
"You think so?"
I couldn't imagine why anyone would be that interested in a plain seventh son like me. Oh well. Regardless, I was excited for the day after tomorrow.