As Ren stood there, reeling from Licia’s sheer momentum, she let out a heavy sigh.
"I’m sorry. I wish we had more influence..."
She sounded genuinely dejected. It seemed the situation with Viscount Given was weighing on her.
"Was it not possible to file a formal complaint against him?" Ren asked.
"Father said it was out of the question. He told me that even without the factional differences, it’s difficult for a lower noble to lecture a superior."
In this case, it wasn’t that Baron Clausel was incompetent; it was simply the reality of the social hierarchy. That was the fact Licia was lamenting.
"To protest against a high-ranking noble, you have to rely on your patron or other high-ranking nobles you have a friendship with. For the Clausel family, that would mean asking a Count from the Neutral Faction at the very least."
"Then—"
"Of course, we’ve already made the request. But the Neutral Faction is much smaller than the other two."
If a noble complained simply because of their higher rank, the even higher-ranking nobles from the opposing faction might decide to interfere. There were countless aristocrats who preferred to avoid such headaches—especially given the Neutral Faction’s lack of power.
"So, the high-ranking neutrals are just waiting to see which way the wind blows?" Ren surmised.
"Exactly. Ugh, I really hate it... Even though we’re all nobles of the same Empire, we’re forced to deal with this nonsense just because of factions and titles..."
Licia seemed truly incensed, venting her frustrations to Ren without any attempt to hide them.
"I am truly sorry. To think we’ve dragged your village into a pathetic noble dispute... As the lord’s daughter, I offer my sincerest apologies."
She let out a long breath. Her profile, even in distress, possessed a grace that could easily be mistaken for a fairy's. She truly was a picture-perfect beauty, the Saint known as the "Unconquerable Heroine."
However, Ren wasn't paying any attention to her stunning looks. He was simply exhausted by the tedious nature of the nobility.
"Please, My Lady. It’s not as if you or your father are to blame for any of this."
"Even so, it’s a fact that you’re involved. Anyway... why don't you have a seat?"
"Ah, if you'll excuse me, then."
It was his own home, so there was no real reason to be formal, but he hadn't sat down out of respect for her status. Licia nodded with a satisfied look as Ren took the seat opposite her.
"That reminds me, there was something I was curious about," Ren said.
"Oh? What is it?"
"Regardless of ranks or factions, I would have thought that a Saint like yourself would have a significant amount of political influence."
"What a coincidence. I used to think the exact same thing."
But apparently, that wasn't how the world worked. Licia let out another deep sigh.
"There have been many girls called Saints throughout history. But unlike the Seven Heroes, we haven’t actually accomplished anything grand, have we? Even if we’re said to be blessed by the Main God Elfen, no Saint has ever actually slain a Demon King."
"I... suppose I can't argue with that."
"It’s fine. It’s just the truth."
Ren understood her point. Traditionally, a Saint blessed by Elfen was a figure of great reverence. However, within the Leomel Empire, there was a group held in even higher regard: the Seven Heroes, the ultimate bloodlines of the realm.
Because of their overwhelming presence, the political weight of a Saint didn't do much to elevate her faction’s status. Furthermore, even the Imperial Faction could trace its lineage back to the Lion King, the founder of the nation. The ancestor of this invincible empire commanded as much influence as the Seven Heroes themselves.
It wasn't that the Saint was ignored, but as Licia said, she lacked a definitive achievement to back up her title. Consequently, she didn't possess the kind of absolute authority Ren had imagined.
"Now then, it’s my turn to ask you something."
Licia leaned over the table, peering into Ren’s face. Her jewel-like eyes stared intently at him.
"Are you going to accept the Viscount’s invitation? Yes or no?"
Ren answered with a completely straight face.
"I won't. As I told you before, My Lady, I have no intention of leaving this village."
"Truly? Because if you’re lying, I’ll personally haul you off to Clausel, you know?"
Coming from her, it sounded like a very real threat. Ren gave a wry smile and repeated, "I’m not going," finally escaping the pressure she was exerting as she leaned back.
Licia seemed to let out a breath of relief, her resentment somewhat satisfied.
"By the way, how was the bath?" she asked, switching topics as if she were tired of the heavy atmosphere.
"It was exceptional. If I hadn't remembered you were waiting, I think I would have stayed in there for another hour."
"Do you want one, then?"
"It would certainly be convenient, but... they’re quite expensive, aren't they?"
"Don't worry about the cost. The magic tool I brought was just an old one that didn't work anymore. I simply used my allowance to have it repaired, so don't feel bad about it."
"Wow..."
"Hey! What’s that 'wow' for!?"
"I mean... it feels like you’re telling me to come to Clausel in exchange for the favor."
Licia stammered for a moment, clearly caught off guard. She quickly regained her composure.
"I’m not asking for that much. I just want you to be available whenever I visit the village."
"Does that mean you intend to keep visiting?"
"Is that a problem?"
Ren thought to himself, Well, yes.
Deep down, he didn't want to get too close to her, but the problem was that he had no power to stop her.
"I don't think the Baron will give you permission that many times."
"He’s already said yes twice. If he can say yes twice, he can say yes three, four, or ten times. It’s all the same."
Ren was floored by her sheer, brute-force logic. He remained stunned for several seconds before clearing his throat and forcing a smile.
"If the Baron has no objections, then I have nothing to say on the matter."
The reality was that he couldn't refuse anyway.
"Hehe, good."
Licia broke into a friendly, cheerful smile.
Ren figured that as long as he wasn't being kidnapped and dragged to Clausel, it was probably for the best. Still, this was a troublesome development.
Maybe I should just lose on purpose next time, he thought.
It was a sentiment born of desperation.
"You know this already, but losing on purpose is strictly forbidden, okay?"
"Perish the thought. I would never be so disrespectful to you, My Lady."
"Hmm... you say that, but you had a very suspicious look on your face just now."
"No, you’re just imagining things."
A brief silence followed, broken only by the dry crackle of logs in the kitchen fireplace.
As they sat there, Ren wondered if they would be sparring again today. He realized he needed to speak with Weiss about that as well, and as if on cue, the commander’s voice drifted in from outside the manor.
"Weiss went to Granny Rigu’s with your mother," Licia explained. "We brought the herbs the Ashton family ordered, so he went along to help."
That explained why he hadn't seen him. Just then, Mireille entered the kitchen and began chatting familiarly with Licia.
Watching them, Ren clutched his head in his mind. They’re actually becoming friends...
The realization was a heavy blow.
Ren ended up sparring with Licia after sunset. He didn't have much of a choice.
Licia had clearly improved over the last two months, but Ren still won decisively. She seemed to have expected the outcome, but the way she bit her lip and declared, "We’re doing this again tomorrow morning!" showed a lot of spirit.
"My apologies, lad," Weiss said, approaching Ren after Licia had returned to the house.
"It’s fine. Besides, My Lady seemed like a completely different person compared to before."
"That is thanks to you. Since her defeat, she has been training harder than ever—not just with the sword, but in her academic studies as well."
"...I’m glad to hear that."
"The Master is very grateful. As am I. Therefore... is there anything I can do for you in return?"
The offer was sudden. Ren tilted his head.
"The Baron has already given me a reward."
"No, this is a personal gesture from me."
Ren couldn't think of anything. He didn't want to ask for money; it felt wrong to lean too hard into the "poor knight" persona. He considered asking for sword lessons, but then Weiss spoke up.
"How would you like to learn about wilderness survival?"
Ren was taken aback by the unexpected proposal.
"Wilderness survival? I don’t really plan on going anywhere."
"Perhaps not. But it is knowledge that is never wasted. For instance, what would you do if unforeseen circumstances forced you to spend a night in the forest?"
Ren realized the man had a point.
"I imagine Roy would have taught you eventually, but he needs to rest for the time being. I thought I would take his place. What do you say?"
Ren didn't need much more convincing. It sounded like something that would be incredibly useful for his hunting trips as well.
"Please. I would be honored if you would teach me."
Ren bowed deeply, requesting the instruction. Weiss told him to raise his head, insisting that it was he who owed Ren a favor.
Weiss looked up at the snowy sky and crossed his arms.
"Lad, do you have any Little Boar pelts on hand?"
"Yes. I hunt them daily, so I have plenty to spare."
"Good. Then we shall begin tonight."
"Wait... tonight?"
Weiss gave a friendly, toothy grin. Ren was dumbfounded.
"But it’s already late."
"There is more to learn under the cover of night."
"No, I mean... if we leave now, what time will we be back?"
"Tomorrow morning, naturally."
"...So we’re spending the night in the woods."
Weiss nodded firmly.
"I won't force you, of course. I just thought the timing was right. If you would prefer another night when it’s more convenient..."
"N-No! I was just surprised. To be honest, I’m very grateful for the offer!"
It was better than having nothing to do at night, and Ren knew he should jump at the chance to learn. Getting a private lesson from someone like Weiss was a rare opportunity.
Still, there was one thing bothering him.
"Are you sure you shouldn't be guarding the Lady?"
"Don't worry about that. Her personal guards are staying at the manor."
That was why Weiss had been able to leave her side during the day as well.
"Oh, so you aren't her personal guard, Lord Weiss?"
"It’s a common misconception. I am the Baron’s personal guard and the commander of the knights. That’s why I’m usually not with her when she travels."
It seemed the Lady had brought enough of a force that she was safe even without Weiss. The commander had only come along because they felt his presence was needed for this specific visit to Ren’s village.
Knowing that, Ren could focus on his training without guilt.
"Then I’ll take you up on that. I’m ready whenever you are."
Weiss gave a satisfied nod. "Leave it to me."