A half-month’s journey eastward from Ren’s village brought one to one of the few urban hubs in the region.
The name of that city was Clausel.
The city was built into rising terrain, its streets winding upward in a spiral that gave the architecture a striking, multi-layered look from a distance. The magnificent vista of red-brick houses was renowned even among the citizens of the distant Imperial Capital.
At the very heart of the city, a mansion often described as a small castle towered over the landscape. This estate was the residence of Baron Clausel, the lord who ruled the surrounding territory.
The Baron’s mansion was strikingly prominent, distinguished by both its sheer scale and its ivory-hued facade. From the front gates, one could catch a glimpse of the sprawling gardens that were the Baron’s greatest pride.
With a bit of luck, a passerby might even spot the Baron’s daughter. It was said that any man who received a smile from her would be instantly captivated; some even claimed they had seen an angel or a fairy in the flesh.
However—
"…Sigh."
That young lady was currently standing in a corner of the garden, looking utterly bored.
Her long hair, a blend of polished sterling silver and amethyst, flowed down her back, and her eyes held the depth of fine sapphires. Although her refined features were still youthful, they already possessed a breathtaking beauty, and her flawless, porcelain skin seemed to radiate a light that rivaled the morning sun.
She was a dignified girl whose every movement exuded an undeniable nobility. Her name was Licia Clausel.
"Oh, my lady."
A man called out to her. He was a middle-aged knight clad in armor, possessing the soft-spoken, refined manners of a butler.
"Is something wrong? It would be a shame to ruin such a lovely face with a frown."
"It’s nothing… I just finished my sword training."
"I see. It appears my subordinates are no longer a match for you."
"That’s why I keep telling you. I wish you would be my opponent instead."
"My deepest apologies, but I have duties entrusted to me by the Baron. Furthermore, I must leave the mansion for a while starting today."
Licia blinked in surprise. Her expression shifted from boredom to a look of innocent wonder more appropriate for her age, momentarily masking her regal air.
"Even though you are the Knight Commander, why?"
"By his lordship’s command, I must patrol the territory. I am not certain if I am permitted to explain the details, so please ask his lordship for more information."
With that, the man began walking toward the mansion gates—after bowing deeply to Licia. Outside the gates, his subordinates sat atop their horses, waiting for him.
"Is everyone ready?"
"Yes, sir!"
Hearing the crisp response of his men, the man mounted the horse they had prepared for him.
"Let's go," he signaled, pulling the reins to lead his party forward.
A few minutes after they began moving along the cobblestones, the man spoke with a troubled air.
"What a dilemma."
"Is something the matter, sir?" one of his men asked.
"Ah… it’s about the young lady. She seems a bit conceited lately. It is likely because there is no one her own age who can stand against her."
"It is shameful. It must be due to our own lack of strength, sir."
"Even so… Good grief. I could act as her opponent myself, but I wonder."
He wondered if there were any boys or girls out there who were equal to or better than Licia. Knowing that such a find would be rare, he let out a heavy sigh.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Beginning the day after his skill level rose, Ren was finally granted permission to venture beyond the garden.
Mireille did not object to the idea. She agreed with Roy’s proposal, noting, "You had already started entering the forest by the time you were seven, after all."
In Ren's case, the fact that he was officially a Skill User likely made it easier to obtain their blessing.
Delighted by his new freedom, Ren established a new daily routine. Every morning before breakfast, he began taking walks along the paths through the village fields.
"Yawn…"
Today, he was walking while rubbing his heavy eyelids.
While he wasn't fully awake yet, the dull muscle aches in his joints made their presence known. As he felt that familiar soreness, Ren remembered the moment his skill level had increased. He couldn't forget the sensation of suddenly becoming stronger.
However, although it was undoubtedly a happy development, Ren’s expression remained lackluster.
"I was happy that my skill level went up, but…"
The reason for his gloom was the proficiency required for the next level.
"As I thought, it’s just too much."
Ren summoned his bracelet and looked at the crystal with a sigh. Displayed on the surface were the details of his Magic Sword Summoning Arts:
- Magic Sword Summoning Arts (Level 2: 46/1000)
This was the source of his frustration. The proficiency required to reach the next level had suddenly increased tenfold.
"No matter how many times I look at it, it feels so far away…"
Ren spoke weakly, then shifted to the skill descriptions.
Level 1: Can summon [one] magic sword. Level 2: Gain the effect [Physical Ability Boost (Small)] while a magic sword is summoned. Level 3: Can summon [two] magic swords. Level 4: ***.
Looking at this, he realized it wasn't all bad news. The effect for Level 3 had become visible, which meant he would eventually be able to dual-wield. It was only then that he truly internalized the fact that he was currently limited to a single blade.
Based on his current status, it seemed the system was designed to reveal the effect of one level ahead of his current rank. The problem was the massive jump in required proficiency, but there was nothing he could do about that.
"I guess hard work really is the only shortcut…"
Ren muttered with a look of resignation and dispelled the bracelet.
By now, the fresh air had fully woken him up. Even though it was early summer, the morning breeze was still cool against his cheeks. Taking a deep breath of the crisp air made him feel as though his entire body was being purified.
"I’d like to try out the Nature Magic (Small) from the Wooden Magic Sword soon."
Since he didn't want to risk causing a scene in the mansion's garden, he hadn't tested it yet. He was walking along the field path, thinking he’d like to find a spot to try it soon, when—
"Oh, young master. You’re early again today."
"Good morning, young master."
He was greeted by villagers already hard at work in the fields. Since Ren had been walking almost every day, the villagers had grown comfortable speaking to him casually.
As he returned their greetings, an elderly woman approached from further down the path.
"My, my, you're quite early today as well, young master."
The woman was Granny Rigu, the village’s only midwife. She had been taking morning walks since her youth, and she and Ren crossed paths almost every day.
"Morning, Granny Rigu."
The two exchanged brief greetings and began walking side-by-side.
"Your father was boasting about you again. He said you're going to become an even greater knight than he is."
"Hmm… I wonder about that."
"I’m sure you will. You might even become a famous knight in the Imperial Capital someday."
"Nah, I don't think so."
When Ren replied instantly, Granny Rigu tilted her head.
"Even if I could get that strong, I don't plan on leaving this village. Besides, if I leave, there won't be anyone to take over my father’s duties."
"That won't be an issue."
"Huh?"
"Because you'll surely have a younger brother or sister someday, young master."
I see, Ren thought, nodding.
Certainly, if that happened, it wouldn't be impossible for Ren to leave the village. But the real issue was that Ren had no desire to leave in the first place.
"If that happens, my brother or sister can be the one to go to the Imperial Capital."
As they were talking, Granny Rigu suddenly stopped in her tracks.
"Granny Rigu? What's wrong?"
She looked toward the crest of a small hill at the edge of the village, her mouth opening in surprise.
"Young master, we must return to the mansion at once."
"Why so suddenly… Wait? Are those people on horses…?"
Ren followed her gaze and realized what she had seen. There were several adults on horseback, every single one of them clad in gleaming armor. Even for a boy living on the remote frontier, their identity was unmistakable. They were definitely knights.
"—They are messengers from the Baron."
Granny Rigu’s words confirmed Ren’s suspicion.