Just before the Ashton family typically sat down for breakfast, the knights serving as the Baron’s messengers arrived in their garden.
Naturally, Roy, as head of the household, was taken aback by the unannounced visit.
Seeing his bewilderment, the elderly knight leading the group took a step forward. Ren, who had rushed home to greet them, clenched his fists, his heart racing with nerves.
"Forgive us for the sudden intrusion," the knight said.
The man who offered the apology was a dignified veteran, a man of such refinement he seemed more suited to a tailcoat than a suit of armor.
"N-not at all...! But what brings you to my—to this village?"
"I shall explain, of course. But first, please take this."
The elderly knight reached inside his armor and produced a single sheet of parchment.
"A rather troublesome monster has been causing damage in a village to the south. The details are as written there."
Roy scanned the parchment. Before long, his expression hardened into a grim mask.
"A D-rank monster in these parts? Are you certain?"
"It is only natural to doubt. Usually, only monsters up to F-rank appear in this region, if I recall correctly. However, there is no mistake. We have surveyed the surrounding areas ourselves to confirm the extent of the damage."
"Tsk... No way..."
"But please, rest easy. By the Baron’s decree, knights are being dispatched to the neighboring villages. Plans are already in motion for a squad to arrive here, so I must ask that you remain vigilant until then."
"That would be a great help! B-but, how long is 'until then'?"
"The dispatches have already begun, but even so, it will take twenty days from today. The Baron is doing his utmost, but with so many regions to cover and the careful selection of personnel required, it is taking longer than usual. This village is particularly far from the Baron’s estate, so I cannot promise an immediate arrival."
The elderly knight spoke with a heavy, apologetic tone.
Despite his grim expression, Roy seemed to find a glimmer of hope in the fact that help was coming at all.
"I understand. Starting today, I will patrol the forest more thoroughly than usual for the next twenty days."
"My apologies for the burden. But please, do not overextend yourself. I am told there is no one else in this village capable of fighting besides you, Lord Roy. If you were to fall, all would be lost."
"No. If it comes down to it, my son can fight as well."
With a proud look, Roy beckoned to Ren, who had been listening nearby. Mireille, who had been holding Ren’s hand, gave him a gentle nudge toward his father.
"Hmm... That child can fight?"
"Yes. Come now, Ren. Greet the Knight Commander."
(So this man is the Knight Commander...?)
That meant he was the highest-ranking knight in the Baron’s service. Unaware that he was facing such a prominent figure, Ren cleared his throat and straightened his posture.
"My name is Ren Ashton. We are deeply grateful that you are dispatching knights for the sake of our village."
Ren didn’t know how to speak like a noble, so he simply spoke as politely as he could and gave the Knight Commander a deep bow.
Weiss let out a soft gasp of admiration.
"I am touched by such a polite greeting. I am Weiss."
As he spoke, Weiss knelt down to match Ren’s eye level.
"How old are you, young man?"
"I turned seven this spring."
"Oho. You are remarkably poised for your age."
Roy and Mireille were practically beaming. They watched their son with visible pride.
"However..." Weiss turned a skeptical gaze back toward Roy. "I understand that he is your pride and joy, but it seems a bit much to expect a seven-year-old to slay monsters."
"It’s fine! Ren is already stronger and more skilled with a blade than I was at ten! Even if something were to happen to me, I know Ren would protect this village!"
"Is that so? High praise indeed."
"It’s true! Moreover, he’s a Skill User!"
"What? A Skill User as well? Truly, you surprise me."
(Now I’m just getting embarrassed...)
While the praise was nice, Ren found it awkward when it went on this long. He prayed for the conversation to move on.
As if his prayer had been heard, Weiss stood back up and addressed Roy.
"It is heartening to know your successor is so dependable. Now, on a different note, might I ask if we could rest here for the day? We have been touring the villages for many days now, and my men and horses are exhausted."
"Of course. It’s a humble home, but you are more than welcome."
"A 'humble home' is far from the truth. We shall be in your care for the night, then."
Weiss began issuing instructions to his subordinates. Since the village lacked a proper stable, the knights tied their horses to the trees in a corner of the garden.
For a while after that, the three members of the Ashton family were a whirlwind of activity, frantically cleaning guest rooms and preparing breakfast. Though the Knight Commander insisted it wasn't necessary, Roy and Mireille were determined to provide proper hospitality.
Once the initial chaos settled, Roy shouldered his sword as he always did. Seeing him head for the door, Ren followed him outside to see him off.
"Are you heading to the forest, Dad?"
"Yeah. If I don't leave now, I'll be behind schedule. I know I don't need to tell you this, Ren, but make sure you stay polite to our guests."
"I know. You be careful too, Dad. Oh, wait!"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"I heard the people with Sir Weiss are also knights. Why were they using polite language when they talked to you?"
"Even though we’re all knights, the Ashton family is entrusted with this village. In terms of local standing, we technically outrank them."
"Oh... I see."
"Right, I’m really off this time!"
Despite the hectic morning, Roy looked exactly as he always did as he vanished into the trees.
Shortly after Roy was out of sight, the mansion door opened. Weiss stepped out and spotted Ren.
"Oh? Where has your father gone?"
"To the forest. He goes every morning to hunt monsters and keep the perimeter safe."
"I see... In that case, perhaps my men should—"
"No, my father said that wouldn't be necessary. He knows you've been traveling between villages for days, and he truly wants you all to rest."
Ren repeated the words he had heard Roy muttering while they were cleaning.
"Then we shall graciously accept his kindness. Still, you really are an exceptionally well-spoken child."
The Knight Commander walked over and stood beside Ren, looking down at him with interest. He knelt again to meet the boy's eyes. His expression was soft and fatherly.
"I have met many children of knights, but never one quite like you. It’s almost like I’m speaking with the Young Lady."
"The Young Lady? Do you mean the Baron’s daughter?"
"Indeed. She was born in August, so she will be seven soon—the same age as you."
Ren humored the man's conversation, but in truth, he wasn't particularly interested. She was a high-born lady he would likely never meet.
But his indifference was short-lived.
"The Young Lady was born with a Skill called the 'White Saint.' One day, her name will be known across the entire Empire."
(Wait... what?)
Ren's mind stuttered. He had heard that correctly. She possessed the "White Saint" skill.
(Hold on, hold on! What is happening...?!)
That was, without question, the power of the Saint whom the character "Ren Ashton" was destined to murder in The Legend of the Seven Heroes II.
The Saint’s name was—
"Li... Licia... Clausel...?"
The name slipped from his lips before he could stop it.
Weiss's eyebrows shot up, and he gave a small, puzzled smile.