Upon returning to the estate, Ren wasn't taken to the Main Building to report to Lezard. Instead, he was led straight to the Old Wing.
He had quite literally been led away.
Licia had told him, "Over here first," and he had simply let himself be guided. Meanwhile, Weiss went to see Lezard, and they went their separate ways.
Once they reached the sofa in the entrance hall, she told him to take a seat and sat down right beside him.
"Good. It doesn't look like you have any major injuries."
She began to cast her Holy Magic as promised, her power gradually mending the scratches on Ren's cheeks and easing his exhaustion.
The light and warmth seeped into Ren's body.
(...Wait, what?)
He had been positive a lecture was coming. However, there wasn't even a hint of anger in her demeanor.
"Honestly, I expected to be scolded."
"Why? You did something amazing. Didn't you think you would be praised instead?"
"...Setting aside whether it was amazing or not, I still chose to fight on my own without permission."
"You don't have to set it aside. Many people were saved because you showed courage, Ren. You should be proud."
Licia understood Ren’s position perfectly. Her father had given him a job to do, and she knew that if he encountered trouble during his task, he would inevitably act exactly as he had today. She had been certain of it.
"I’m honored by your praise—"
"But, considering it was such a dangerous opponent, I did wonder if I might be allowed to be at least a little angry with you."
"—That might be true."
In truth, Ren had set his sights on subjugating the Steel-Eating Gargoyles since his first day visiting the Guild, but he knew he shouldn't have gone through with it without consulting Licia or Lezard. He had intended to discuss it before taking action, but the emergency situation had made that impossible.
"But I really was worried, you know."
Returning to the emotional side of things, Licia was simply letting him know she cared.
"Yes. I’ll keep that in mind."
"Then I won't be angry this time. —Though it is a bit frustrating. You keep getting stronger and leaving me behind, Ren."
Licia puffed out her cheeks in a cute, sulky pout, though her expression remained soft.
"Even so, you really don't have many injuries."
"No. Just some scratches on my cheeks. Other than that, I’m fine."
"...You've really become too strong. Honestly."
As she spoke, Licia continued her Holy Magic. The faintly warm light washed away the fatigue accumulated in Ren's body. The comfort was so great that his eyes nearly slid shut. When she saw his relaxed expression, Licia let out a soft chuckle.
"You haven't had dinner yet, right? Let's eat together at the Main Building tonight."
"No... to impose like that would be..."
"Father was worried, too. He was quite shocked."
Lezard likely wanted to speak with Ren as well. Realizing he had a duty to report his actions, Ren nodded.
"I understand. I’ll make sure to apologize properly to Lord Lezard."
Licia smiled at his apologetic tone and stood up.
"Shall we go?"
"Yes. Thank you for the invitation."
Following Licia's lead, Ren stood up and began walking side-by-side with her. They left the Old Wing and headed down the Connecting Corridor toward the Main Building.
As they walked, Ren spoke up as if suddenly remembering something.
"As an apology for causing you so much worry, is there anything I can do for you?"
"Hmm... in that case, would you accompany me on my next trip?"
The abrupt request made Ren tilt his head in confusion.
"A trip?"
"Yes. I plan to visit several villages, just like when I visited yours."
"I understand. I'll go with you."
Even he thought he had answered a bit too quickly, but spending time with Licia had become second nature by now. Since he had caused her distress today, he wanted to agree to her request without hesitation.
However, Licia laughed and shook her head.
"I was just joking. I don't need an apology. It's true that I was worried, but more than that, I want to honor your courage."
"No, being praised and making an apology are two separate things."
"...I forgot. You can be even more stubborn than I am sometimes, Ren."
Licia regretted bringing up the trip as a joke. While she would be thrilled to have him along, it wasn't her style to drag him into work that didn't involve him.
However, even without the excuse of an apology, Ren was genuinely interested.
"To be honest, I want to go for my own reasons as well. I'm sure it will be a good experience, so I’d very much like to join you."
"Really? You're not just saying that?"
"From your perspective, My Lady, do I look like I'm lying?"
"...No. You don't."
Licia stopped for a moment, searched Ren's eyes, and was immediately convinced.
"But I can't say yes yet. It was my fault for suggesting it as a joke, but I can't decide on my own whether you're allowed to come along."
Ren shrugged his shoulders, accepting her logic.
(I'll ask Lord Lezard later, then.)
Aside from his own interest, he wanted to bolster the protection around Licia. Since it hadn't even been six months since the Spring Incident, Ren felt he couldn't be too careful.
Eventually, the two reached the Main Building and entered the view of the servants.
"My Lady. We have prepared dinner for Master Ren as well."
"Yes, thank you."
The attendant had seemingly predicted this outcome, and everything proceeded smoothly. Shortly after, Ren offered his formal apology to Lezard at the dinner table.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
That night, after dinner had concluded.
Lezard, having accepted Ren's apology, spoke of two things.
First, he praised Ren's magnificent achievement. Then, he echoed Licia’s sentiments, urging Ren not to do anything so reckless again. His expression was one of sincere concern, bearing a striking resemblance to his daughter’s.
Though he had once promised to drag Ren back to the manor if he was ever reckless, he didn't follow through with it this time. This was likely because Ren had returned without any serious injuries.
"It feels a bit presumptuous to call it an apology, but I was hoping to accompany Lady Licia on her upcoming village tour."
Ren brought up the conversation he’d had with Licia. Lezard merely chuckled.
"No apology is necessary. You don't need to indulge my daughter's whims, you know."
"It’s not just that. I’m genuinely interested. If you'll permit it, Lord Lezard, I’d very much like to go."
It wasn't just about making amends for the worry he’d caused. Ren had recently resolved to gain as much experience as possible, and he felt the village tour would be a valuable opportunity.
Lezard recognized the boy's resolve. Though he had made light of it as his daughter's selfishness, he respected Ren's initiative and didn't push back.
"...Well, I suppose it’s certainly safer than facing two Steel-Eating Gargoyles at once."
"L-Lord Lezard!"
"Haha, it's the truth, isn't it?"
Ren was teased, but in the end, Lezard gave him his blessing. "I’m counting on you," he said.
Then, as if he had been waiting for the conversation to reach a lull, Weiss stepped into the room.
"Lord Lezard, excuse me. —Oh? If it isn't the boy."
After praising Ren's conduct once more, Weiss took his place by Lezard's side.
"What is it, Weiss?"
"—This. A report from the villages near the Baldur Mountains."
"Ah, from the knights."
There were several knights, much like Roy Ashton, who managed villages for the family. A group of those stationed near the Baldur Mountains had sent a joint letter. Knowing they were moving on to official business, Ren tried to excuse himself, but Lezard stopped him.
"Stay. These are the same villages Ren will be visiting. You might as well hear this."
"Wait, Lord Lezard? What's this about?"
"It’s about Licia’s tour of the villages."
"Ah, the trip I'll be joining as well."
(So Sir Weiss is going too.)
Ren joined the discussion, mentioning that he had also been granted permission to go. Before long, however, Lezard's brow darkened as he read further.
"...It looks like we'll need to stock up on more firewood and Magic Tools than usual this winter," Lezard said, his voice heavy.
"So the rumors were true?"
"Yes. According to the knights, the area around the Baldur Mountains is significantly colder than in previous years. If that’s the case, we’re in for a harsh winter. It’s followed that pattern in the past."
"Then we'll have to be wary of heavy snow as well."
"Exactly. We must begin preparations immediately. We can't have anyone freezing to death."
Weiss nodded solemnly in agreement with Lezard’s orders.
"By the way, Weiss, what is the latest on those Steel-Eating Gargoyles?"
"The Adventurer Guild staff believes they likely migrated here in search of food. Both specimens were notably emaciated."
Furthermore, there were no signs of external manipulation. They found no traces of Charm magic, nor any indication that they were under the influence of a Monster Tamer’s skills.
"I believe I heard the price of a certain mineral has been plummeting lately."
"Yes... in all likelihood, the adventurers in their original habitat simply exhausted the underground resources."
"I see. —Good grief, it's a nuisance I can't even complain about."
If the adventurers had broken the law, it would be one thing, but no one could be blamed for hunting or gathering within their rights. Lezard let out a long sigh and turned his gaze back to Ren.
"I’ve really caused you a lot of trouble, Ren."
"No, please don't worry about me. I was able to take care of them."
"Good heavens... that’s exactly the problem. You're growing up so incredibly fast. To be honest, your growth is more shocking than the appearance of the gargoyles."
"Indeed," Weiss added. "I’ve been teaching him Imperial Swordsmanship, and I’m eager to see how much further he'll grow."
Lezard let out a final, soft laugh.
"I was shocked when I first heard that Ren had no talent for Holy Sword Arts. But considering his performance today and the speed of his growth, perhaps he possesses a talent for Strong Sword Arts instead."
If he could master that style, it would be a tremendous asset. Ren understood the power of that school all too well—though "personal experience" wasn't quite the right term, he had been made to fear that strength during his time playing the game. The idea of acquiring it for himself was certainly alluring.
However...
(The only problem is: who would even teach me?)
Strong Sword Arts was an extremely rare school with very few practitioners. As far as Ren could remember, every single person who had mastered it in the game’s lore had been an antagonist.
Thinking of that, he couldn't help but feel that mastering it might be a near-impossible challenge.