It was the morning after Ren had finally mastered the art of Enshroud, though his control was still limited to his hands.
One of the primary reasons they had come to Erendil was for Licia's anti-monster training. To conduct their first session, Ren had set out from the city alongside Licia and Weiss.
Their destination lay just beside the lake where they had previously hunted the Berserk Fish. The three of them trudged along a beast path buried under deep snow, their breath visible in pale white puffs against the cold air.
They encountered several beast-type monsters along the way. While far fewer creatures appeared in the winter than in the warmer months, they were still a present threat. Licia handled the training with ease. Given her natural skill, the outcome was a foregone conclusion, but the way she fought—staying vigilant and absorbing every bit of advice from Ren and Weiss—was a testament to her diligent nature. There was no doubt the exercise served as excellent practice.
"Hey," Licia said, bundled in her coat as they walked. With every step they took along the snow-covered path, a rhythmic crunch echoed beneath their feet. "Tell me, what does Enshroud actually feel like?"
Ren had already discussed the breakthrough with her after they returned to the Erendil manor the previous night. It hadn't been long since Licia, Lezard, and Weiss had celebrated his growth upon hearing that he had successfully manifested a partial Enshroud at the Lion Sanctum.
Although the ten days between the end of the year and yesterday seemed like a short span, Ren had been pushing himself since last summer—training with that mysterious vial and refining his basic swordsmanship. To the three who had witnessed his tireless efforts firsthand, this was a moment worth celebrating.
"Hmm... it’s like being wrapped in invisible armor, or suddenly possessing invisible muscles," Ren explained. "It’s a bit difficult to put into words."
"What about your mana? Does it drain you quickly?"
"It wasn't as taxing as I expected. Since you likely have more mana than I do, Licia-sama, you might find it even easier to maintain."
Following Licia, who was listening with rapt curiosity, Weiss spoke up. "It is truly a joyous development. I expected the boy to produce results soon, but seeing those fruits actually manifest is particularly moving."
"Edgar-san mentioned that it was partly thanks to you, Weiss-sama," Ren added.
"Hmm? Thanks to me?"
"Yes. Edgar-san said that through your instruction, I gained the fundamental strength necessary to grow even in the heat of battle."
On the day Ren had first manifested the technique, after he had seared the sensation into his muscle memory, Edgar had offered that praise. The Holy Knight had long admired Weiss’s teaching methods, and he had reiterated that sentiment once again.
"...Good grief. You won't get anything out of me even if you flatter me so," Weiss replied, though he couldn't quite hide his pride.
Despite the older man's humility, Ren was deeply grateful. The Imperial Swordsmanship he had learned alongside Licia had polished his techniques and given him the mental fortitude to think clearly during a fight. His sense of gratitude toward Weiss was boundless. Ren hoped to continue his studies whenever the knight had time to spare. When he conveyed this, Weiss looked slightly embarrassed but replied, "As much as you like, if my skills are still of use to you."
They didn't return to Erendil until nightfall. Perhaps the accumulated exhaustion of the past few days had finally caught up with him, because Ren slept in much later than usual the following morning. When he finally sat up in bed and stretched, a sense of deep satisfaction washed over him. Looking out the window, he saw that the weather was clear and bright.
"Now... what should I do?"
He had absolutely nothing on his schedule for the day. He could head to the Lion Sanctum to train, or he could go back into the field if Licia wished, but he decided he needed the rest. Pushing himself too hard while still fatigued was a recipe for disaster.
As for Licia wanting to head out again, that seemed unlikely. After getting dressed and leaving his room, Ren checked with an attendant and learned that she hadn't woken up yet. Since they had been on their feet from dawn until dusk the previous day, she was likely still recovering.
Ren found himself at a loose end. When he lived in Clausel, he would have spent his downtime cleaning the Old Wing, but there was little for him to do in the Erendil manor. He wanted his rare day off to be fruitful as well as restful.
"Ah... that's right."
There was one task he couldn't afford to forget. Just as Ren remembered it while gazing out a hallway window, Lezard happened to pass by.
"Good morning. Licia was in your care yesterday," the Baron noted.
"Good morning, sir. Not at all—yesterday was a valuable experience for me as well." Ren paused, then added, "Actually, I think I’ll head to the Imperial Capital for a bit today."
Lezard gave a wry smile. "To the Lion Sanctum? You really shouldn't overwork yourself—"
"Oh, no! It’s not that. I just realized I forgot to pick something up. Since the new year has started, I figured I should get it soon."
"Something you need to pick up?" Lezard tilted his head, but his confusion vanished almost instantly. Given Ren’s recent behavior, the answer was obvious. "I see. The Imperial Academy."
Ren's objective was the application form for the entrance exam. Having decided to apply for the Special Merit Class, he knew this was a document that absolutely could not be submitted late.
"There are still a little over two months until the deadline, but I'd rather have it settled early. I believe Licia-sama has already completed her paperwork."
"Yes... that's already seen to. Even so, Ren, you are remarkably well-informed."
"I made sure to study up so I wouldn't make any mistakes."
As usual, his knowledge came from his memories of the game world, but he kept that to himself. After confirming his plans with Lezard, Ren returned to his room to grab his wallet and left the manor. The morning light reflecting off the silvery snow was almost dazzling.
Upon arriving at the Imperial Capital Station, Ren found himself caught in the morning rush. As he navigated the crowd to transfer trains, a boisterous voice cut through the noise.
"Hm? Oh! If it isn't the good ki—no, it's Ren!"
It was Verrich, the blacksmith and magic ship engineer. He was walking with paper bags clutched in both hands, evidently on his way back from a shopping trip. Ren wove through the crowd to reach him and reached out to take one of the bags.
"Are you headed back to the Blacksmith District?"
"I am! My apologies for putting you to work the moment we meet."
"Not at all. I'm sure these aren't heavy for you, Verrich-san, but they must be a nuisance in this crowd."
Since they had crossed paths by chance, Ren decided to help the old dwarf before heading to the Academy. The two walked side-by-side through the station and boarded the magic train bound for the industrial quarter. After a short ride, they disembarked at the Blacksmith District Station and began the walk toward Verrich’s workshop.
"The materials we discussed should be arriving any day now, right?" Ren asked.
"So I'm told. Though the snow has caused a bit of a delay."
"Well, it can't be helped. We can just treat it as a preparation period."
"...I've thought this before, but even though you claim to hate work, Verrich-san, you're quite dedicated to it."
"Gah-hah-hah! Don't get the wrong idea! Yours truly only wants to do the work I want to do!"
Ren laughed at the answer; it was quintessentially Verrich. Eventually, the workshop came into view.
"You've been a big help, Ren."
"Please, don't mention it. You've done so much for us with the armor and the magic ship that this doesn't even count as a proper favor."
"Don't be so stiff. Tell you what—since you're here, why don't you stay for a cup?"
He meant tea, of course, not ale. Ren hesitated for a moment, thinking of his errand at the Imperial Academy.
"If you're interested," Verrich added, "I'll even show you some of the weapons and armor yours truly has forged over the years."
"I'd love to stay."
It was an impossible offer to refuse. Ren accepted the invitation and stepped into the heat of the workshop.
It was past three in the afternoon by the time Ren finally emerged from Verrich’s forge. Though the visit had taken longer than planned, the unexpected enjoyment made it well worth the time. Stepping back into the street, he let out a long breath that turned to mist in the freezing air.
Looking up, he saw a light snow had begun to fall. With the short winter days, the sun was already dipping low, and the edges of the sky were turning a deep lapis lazuli. By the time he reached the Academy and secured the documents, it would likely be dark.
Still, it had been a fine day off. He had seen several fascinating masterworks in the workshop, and picking up his application on the way home was efficient. Feeling refreshed, Ren set off toward the Academy District.