After that, Ren left his room to finish the tasks Mireille had assigned him.
A short while later, they all gathered to share dinner.
Ordinarily, it was expected that Licia would dine first and everyone else afterward. However, Licia didn’t seem to care for such formalities; she insisted everyone sit together. Occasionally, she cast a gaze Ren's way that was uncomfortably reminiscent of a hunter tracking its prey.
(If I let my guard down, she’s actually going to kidnap me,) Ren thought irreverently. He finished his meal a step ahead of the others and stood up. "I’ll go check on the horses," he said, offering a plausible excuse to make his escape.
The problem was, he had never actually cared for a horse in his life.
Consequently, his "care" consisted of nothing more than watching them. When he offered some hay and the horses ate it happily, he simply basked in a pleasant, quiet mood for a moment.
"What am I supposed to do about this?"
Ren stepped out of the small shack serving as a makeshift stable and sighed at the night sky. He clutched his head again as he remembered the contraband he had accidentally stolen: Licia’s underwear.
"No, there’s no 'doing' anything about it."
Returning it was effectively impossible. Earlier, his sense of ethics had paralyzed him, but now he realized there was no path left but to dispose of the evidence.
...It couldn't be helped. He would go burn it now.
He deeply regretted his reckless use of the Thief's Magic Sword and vowed never to do such a thing again. He just hoped that, for this one mistake, he might be forgiven.
Just as he made that resolution, Licia’s voice drifted through the air.
"So, this is where you were."
Licia was waiting just outside the shack. Ren’s cheek twitched when he noticed she was no longer wearing her dress, but was back in her white training clothes.
"Is this... for some post-dinner exercise?"
"Exactly. It makes things easier when you're so quick on the uptake."
"I think it would be quite a chore if you worked up a sweat at this hour, Lady Licia."
"Don't worry. I can't sleep soundly unless I take a bath right before bed anyway."
Licia gave a carefree smile, looking ethereal as she stood bathed in the moonlight. However, remembering how she had tossed a dagger at his feet earlier that day, he felt a sudden urge to avert his eyes from that lovely expression.
"Wait—that's right! Sir Weiss might be angry with you, so perhaps we shouldn't!?"
"Too bad. I've already gotten permission from Weiss, so there’s no problem. From your parents, too."
"W-What...!?"
That Knight Commander... she’d talked him into it?!
Ren knew by now how persuasive Licia could be. She was a brilliant girl who had managed to convince even her father, Baron Clausel, to let her travel all the way to this remote village. As for his parents, they really didn't have a choice. When the daughter of their patron noble makes a request, "no" isn't an option.
(I made a mistake... I shouldn't have come outside...)
But then, Ren had a flash of inspiration.
(Wait, I can just refuse to pick up the sword.)
If he didn't arm himself, the duel couldn't happen. Just as he felt a wave of relief—
"If you don't take up the sword, I'll just have to stay in this village longer than planned."
Ren desperately wanted to be spared from that. In that case, his answer was decided.
"—Actually, I was just in the mood for some exercise myself."
"How strange. That actually made me a little annoyed. ...Honestly, why are you so intent on rejecting me?"
(I am never, ever telling you why.)
Licia's brow furrowed as she looked at Ren, who could only offer a dry laugh in response. However, she seemed slightly appeased when she saw him finally take up the practice sword.
"Listen. If I win, you have to tell me the reason. And you'd better prepare yourself, because you're coming to Clausel."
"And if I win?"
Licia narrowed her eyes at his question.
"In that case—I'll just have to come visit this village again!"
Light faded from Ren’s eyes as he realized that no matter the outcome, he was headed for a total defeat. Dazed, his grip on the sword was weak and lackluster.
Nevertheless, Licia braced herself and charged. Thinking she had caught him completely off guard, she swung her sword down, only for Ren to block it effortlessly.
"Wh—How can you block that?! You looked so drained of strength!"
"Well, even if you say that..."
Beyond the natural gap in their abilities, Ren was becoming accustomed to Licia’s movements. Even though they had only clashed once before, his movements this time were even more efficient and precise.
(It’s not like it matters if you can't beat me!)
He was well aware that she possessed a rare drive for self-improvement. The real obstacle was that she was a natural-born sore loser. Judging by her skill, she would definitely notice if he threw the match, and that would only make her furious. If that happened, she really might kidnap him.
"Why do you want to beat me so badly!?"
"I told you! I hate losing! And as the 'White Saint,' I don't want to lose to a boy my own age!"
The two exchanged blows repeatedly, their conversation punctuated by the clatter of wood on wood.
"I don't see what being the 'White Saint' has to do with this!"
"My 'White Saint' skill is a blessing that grants me Sword Aptitude and a Physical Ability Boost! Not to mention I can use Holy Magic! To lose despite all that is just so, so incredibly frustrating!"
In short, it was a skill that combined swordsmanship, physical enhancement, and Holy Magic into one package. The Holy Magic was particularly potent, combining the healing powers of White Magic with the anti-undead and purification powers of Sacred Magic. Because she could also use unique buffs for herself and her allies, having Licia in a party usually made any battle significantly easier.
"I'm going all out now! I'm definitely going to defeat you!"
Licia’s movements shifted. She was momentarily enveloped in a radiant light, and her speed surged. Ren felt a physical weight behind her strikes that seemed to belong to a completely different person.
(Holy Magic...!)
This was the Protection of the Main God Elfen. Since it was distinct from her Physical Ability Boost, the effects stacked. Licia’s innate boost was likely still at the (Small) rank due to her age, but it would surely grow to (Medium) and (Large) as she matured.
(At this level, she’s actually a threat.)
Ren’s expression sharpened. "You should have used that from the start!"
"I know! But if I use it without Weiss’s permission, I'll get scolded!"
(Which means—)
It meant she had sought and received permission specifically for this.
(He’s way too soft on her!)
Ren felt a prick of irritation at the fact that this arrangement had been made behind his back. He narrowed his eyes and tightened his grip. "In that case..."
Power surged through his arms, surprising Licia just as she was beginning to reclaim the advantage.
And then—
"......No way."
The final exchange was over in an instant. Before she could process what had happened, Ren was standing right in front of her. Faster than she could bring her sword into a defensive guard, Ren’s blade was pressed firmly against her throat.
"It's my win," he said.
He spoke while staring intently into her eyes. They were so close he could feel her breath on his skin and count every single one of her eyelashes.
"............I haven't lost yet."
Whether from the sudden tension or sheer embarrassment, Licia’s face trembled. She spoke in a faint, wavering voice, her eyes beginning to water.
Ren felt his own cheek twitch. (There’s a limit to being a sore loser...)
Ultimately, he lowered his sword and stepped back. She didn't attempt a follow-up attack, seemingly frozen in shock by how quickly she had been defeated.
Just then, the sound of applause echoed through the garden.
"Your skills have improved again, young man."
Weiss walked toward them, followed by several of his subordinate knights.
"To so completely defeat the young lady while she was empowered by Holy Magic... You are truly the hero who slew a Thief Wolfen single-handedly."
"...It's not really like that."
"Haha, you look quite displeased."
Ren didn't deny it. Knowing they had sanctioned this duel without telling him left him feeling understandably miffed.
"We were also quite surprised!" one of the knights added.
"I once served in the Imperial Capital, but I've never seen a boy with Lord Ren's strength!"
"Indeed! You will surely become a pillar of the Clausel Faction in time!"
As the knights showered him with praise, the knight currently stationed in the village spoke up with a grin. "Didn't I tell you? Lord Ren is the real deal."
Weiss nodded. "My apologies, boy. As these men said, you are strong. I simply wanted the young lady to understand the depth of that strength herself."
The Ashton family served the Clausel family. When told it was for the sake of the young lady, Ren found he couldn't argue.
"Now then, My Lady. I believe you have felt this boy's strength to your very marrow."
"......"
"You are strong, My Lady. However, this boy achieved his strength in an environment far less privileged than yours. This means that if you redouble your efforts, you may yet catch up to him."
(Forget catching up, she'll probably pass me in a heartbeat,) Ren thought.
"If you understand, then you should apply yourself even more diligently once we return to the manor."
"Yes... I know." Licia turned to look at Ren. "I'm sorry for dropping in so suddenly today. But it was a very good experience."
"Ah, well... it was an experience for me, too."
"—If you come to Clausel, we can spar like this every day, you know?"
"I'm afraid that's a separate issue entirely."
Licia let a small smile break through when she saw that Ren still wouldn't budge. She turned and began walking back toward the manor. As she’d mentioned, she likely intended to bathe and rest before the night was over.
"I am truly sorry. Please forgive us," Weiss said, bowing with the grace of a seasoned butler. "I will ensure the Baron hears of the excellent care the Ashton family has provided."
"It really wasn't a big deal."
"I beg to differ. Wouldn't you all agree?" Weiss asked his men.
"Indeed. It was the perfect stimulation for the young lady."
"Yes. She always looks so bored when she trains with us."
"Young man," Weiss continued, "it is exactly as they say. If it were up to me, I would stay for several more days to have you accompany her, but..."
(Please, spare me.)
"However, we must depart tomorrow morning."
The news of their early departure surprised Ren, but it also brought a surge of relief. "You're leaving so soon?"
"Yes. The young lady had to persuade the Baron just to make this trip. Aside from rewarding your family, we have duties to attend to. We must tour the neighboring villages to settle the unrest caused by the recent monster sightings."
It was the duty of the ruling family. Licia had her own goal of meeting Ren, but she had offered her labor to Baron Clausel as the price for the journey.
(She really is a noble and honest girl at heart, even if she is a bit much,) Ren thought, reflecting on the day's events.
"I shall thank you properly in the morning."
Weiss bowed and began to lead his men away—only to return a moment later with Licia in tow.
"Hey, would it be okay if I brought Weiss to your room in a little while?" she asked.
Ren blinked, taken aback. "Is something wrong?"
"I just want to hear about what your daily training is like. Weiss is curious, too. So, would you mind staying up a bit late for a chat?"
Ren maintained his composure. "I don't mind at all."
The contraband was still in his room, but he just needed to destroy it before they arrived. With his mind made up, Ren gave a polite nod and headed back into the manor.
He parted ways with Licia and Weiss in the hallway and, once they were out of sight, bolted for his room. He grabbed the wooden box, flipped the lid open, and stared at the glowing embers in the fireplace. He didn't hesitate. He was going to turn the evidence to ash right now.
"Ren? You’re back, aren't you? I'm coming in!"
Roy’s voice called out from the hallway. He couldn't walk yet, but with help, he could move around in a simple wheelchair. Ren gasped; he hadn't expected his father to be mobile so soon.
But his resolve didn't waver. He couldn't let this drag on a second longer. Ren braced himself and—
(With the box and everything...!)
He hurled the wooden box into the fireplace. It landed with a heavy thud amidst the crackling wood, instantly swallowed by the flames. Ren watched it disappear beneath the embers and felt the rush of victory. By the time he turned to answer his father, he was wearing a triumphant smile.
"I heard you’re going to be talking with Sir Weiss! They invited me too, so I had Mireille wheel me over!"
Ren welcomed his father into the room. A moment later, Mireille spoke up.
"I’m going to go make some tea. Ren, could you give me a hand?"
"Of course. Father, why don't you get Lord Weiss settled?"
"You got it! Leave it to me!"
Ren followed Mireille to the kitchen. They prepared tea and some light snacks for the late-night gathering. When they returned to the room, Mireille suddenly stopped, looking sheepish.
"Oh, goodness. I forgot the knife for the snacks."
"I'll go get it!" Ren said, turning back toward the kitchen.
While Ren was gone, Mireille’s nose wrinkled. She caught a strange scent in the air. She walked over to the fireplace, picked up the tongs, and began poking through the logs.
She pulled out the wooden box Ren had just thrown in.
"Oh dear... I wonder if he was playing and dropped it in by mistake."
Strangely, the box was covered in a dripping, reddish-brown liquid despite being in the fire. As it hit the cool air, the liquid began to harden like wax, sealing the box shut.
"Come on, now," Roy said. "Ren isn't the type to play around with boxes like that."
"I don't know about that. Even you used to toss Little Boar bones around your room when you were a boy."
"Well, when you put it that way... it is satisfying to hit a target."
"Exactly. But we can't let him have this back yet."
"Right. The smoke from that paint is toxic if it actually catches fire, isn't it? Though I heard it’s supposed to make the wood fire-resistant."
Mireille nodded. Still holding the box with the tongs, she headed for the door. "I’ll go put this in the storehouse."
"Yeah. I’ll give Ren a talking-to later—actually, no. Once I’m back on my feet, I’ll teach him how to fix it properly. Just tuck it away in the back of the warehouse for now."
"Good idea. It’ll be a good chance to teach him about different types of wood treatments."
And so, the wooden box Ren thought he had destroyed was carried off to the warehouse by his mother. Ren didn't pass her in the hallway, and when he returned to his room, he found only Roy waiting.
He asked where his mother went, but Roy just gave a vague answer about "errands." Ren didn't think much of it.
(It’s probably already ash,) Ren thought, glancing at the fireplace and feeling a sense of relief that the box was gone.
...He wouldn't realize for quite some time that the fire had failed him.
A few minutes later, Weiss arrived, followed shortly by Licia. As the late-night conversation began, the wooden box was the furthest thing from Ren’s mind.