It was early September when a letter from the Imperial Academy arrived at the Clausel manor in Erendil.
There were two in total—one addressed to Ren and the other to Licia.
The two of them, having only recently finished their morning training, opened the letters together in the manor's garden.
"It looks like I passed," Licia said.
"Me too. That means we finally move on to the third exam," Ren replied.
"Yes. After that, we just have the final exam left."
Though they exchanged words with a calm, businesslike air, they couldn't quite hide the smiles playing on their lips. Unlike the first exam, they remained composed, likely due to the confidence they had built through their preparation.
As they stood there talking, wiping away the sweat of their morning drill with towels, Weiss approached them.
"It seems the results have arrived, then?"
When Licia shared the news of their success, Weiss’s face crinkled with joy. He hadn't truly doubted that either of them would pass, but hearing it confirmed officially still filled him with pride.
"You should certainly report this to the Head of the Family as well," Weiss suggested.
"Of course. I was planning to go with Ren once we've had our showers," Licia answered.
Ren then spoke up, as if a thought had just occurred to him. "After I report to Lord Lezard, I think I’ll head to the Imperial Capital for a bit."
"Hmm? Do you have business there, lad?"
"I’m going to the Imperial Academy to submit my application documents for the third exam in person."
"In that case, let’s go together part of the way," Licia offered.
"Oh? Did you have a reason to visit the capital as well, Lady Licia?"
Licia nodded. She had plans to meet her friend, Sera. Licia and Sera had not seen each other in person since the Great Clock Tower Incident, and Sera—deeply worried about her friend—had invited her out for a meal.
"I was planning to leave the manor before noon. How about you, Ren? Will that work for your schedule?"
When Ren replied that it would be no problem at all, Licia gave him a bright, happy smile.
At a terrace seat of a chic restaurant in the Imperial Capital, the two young noblewomen reunited for the first time in a while.
"I was really, really, really worried about you!"
Sera leaned across the round table, which was draped in a crisp white cloth, bringing her face uncomfortably close to Licia's. Licia could only let out a small, tired sigh at her friend's characteristic intensity.
"I'm happy you were worried. But I also heard that you almost charged past the knights' blockade because you were so concerned?"
"Ugh... I—I couldn't help it! I was terrified for you!"
"I understand that. But Sera, you are the daughter of a Heroic Archduke. You mustn't be so reckless."
Licia spoke in a gentle, admonishing tone, her smile so radiant that even Sera found herself momentarily captivated. Sera pouted slightly but reluctantly pulled back and sat properly in her chair.
"So, what really happened that night?" Sera asked.
"Who can say?"
"Who can say...? Honestly, Licia, there’s no way you didn't hear anything. The Third Prince was there, along with the knights of the Lion Sanctum. My father even said Marquis Ignat might have been moving behind the scenes."
However, Licia had no intention of elaborating. She felt a genuine pang of guilt for keeping her dear friend in the dark, but the reality was that she simply could not speak of the mission.
Still, wanting to offer Sera some peace of mind, she added, "It isn't as if the Clausel family has joined the Imperial Faction or anything like that. Please don't misunderstand."
"Alright... I get it. I'm an Archduke's daughter, too. I know how tedious noble business can be."
"Thank you. But there’s one more thing I want you to remember—I still consider you my best friend, Sera."
"Yeah, yeah," Sera replied bluntly. She rested her cheek on her hand and looked away, though she took a sip of tea to hide the fact that her face was flushing with embarrassment.
"Oh, by the way," Sera said, suddenly turning back to her. "How did the second exam go for you?"
"I passed without any trouble."
There were only two hurdles left: the third exam in mid-October and the final exam at the start of the new year.
"You didn't use a recommendation letter either, right, Licia? Just like me."
"Just like you? Even though you're a daughter of the Riohalde family, you didn't use one?"
"Nope. I couldn't get a recommendation for Vane, so I figured I’d just take the exam from the start with him."
Licia recalled the name. Vane was the boy who had once saved Sera’s life. "I’m surprised your father allowed that."
"It took some convincing, but if he were the type to fail the early stages, there wouldn't be much point in using a recommendation anyway, right?"
"I suppose so," Licia said with a chuckle. "And did your friend pass as well?"
"Thankfully, yes. What about you? I heard you were taking the exam with a boy who's even stronger than you."
"Both of us passed."
"Well then, it looks like my dream of seeing him in the Special Merit Class might actually come true."
As they chatted, their meals began to arrive. They spent the next several minutes enjoying the food and the lighthearted conversation until Sera brought up a new topic.
"There was something from our talk earlier that’s been bothering me," she said.
"What's that?"
"You mentioned that boy who's stronger than you. Well, I think I might know a boy who’s even stronger than him."
Taking her words at face value, it meant there was another person their age who surpassed Ren. Because the claim came from Sera, Licia couldn't simply dismiss it as a tall tale.
"Are you sure he's our age?"
"Absolutely. I saw him with my own eyes."
(I can't even imagine someone our age stronger than Ren...) Licia thought, but she leaned in to hear the rest.
"I saw him just last month," Sera began. "He arrived on horseback alongside the Third Prince. He was definitely around our age, but he was such a skilled Strong Sword User that he must be the Prince’s hidden trump card."
"...You mean he was with Prince Radius during the Great Clock Tower Incident?"
"Exactly! He showed up with the Prince and wiped out those Demon King Cultists with this incredible sword technique! Honestly, it was more shocking than that time you beat me senseless, Licia!"
"Oh... I see. He was that impressive?"
"Impressive doesn't even cover it! If he were using any other style, I’d bet his skill would be Sword Saint Class!"
In other words, she was saying he was a Master Swordsman in Strong Sword Arts. Licia nodded and pretended to be surprised while her mind raced.
(That is definitely Ren.)
She had received her own briefing on the events of that night. She knew Ren had acted with Radius and ridden to the clock tower. It was harder not to realize it was him. Sera was likely clinging to her impression of Ren from a year ago; while Licia had grown significantly stronger in that time, Ren had improved at a monstrously faster rate.
Licia hesitated. Should she clear up the misunderstanding and tell Sera that the boy’s name was Ren? Given that he had been operating closely with Radius, she felt a bit of hesitation. It would all become public knowledge soon enough anyway; there was no pressing need to reveal it here.
"This is delicious. Do you want to try some, Licia?"
"Yes, thank you. I'll have a bite."
Fortunately, the topic changed, and Licia followed Sera’s lead.
"Still, having to go away for a party right before the third exam in October is going to eat into my study time," Sera grumbled with a sigh.
Licia caught a glimpse of the heavy social burdens placed on an Archduke's household. "What’s this about? You’re a Lady of the Riohalde family; surely you're used to this by now?"
"Normally, yes. I wouldn't mind if the third exam wasn't looming—but aren't you in the same boat, Licia?"
"Me? Why would a party you're attending have anything to do with me?"
Sera blinked in confusion. "What are you talking about? I’m talking about the party the Clausel family is also attending."
"...Excuse me?"
"Wait, you haven't heard?"
Licia shook her head. She had no idea. As it turned out, Lezard hadn't forgotten to tell her; the notice had simply reached the Riohalde family first.
"There’s a party in Gargagia. It sounds like Viscount Gargagia is hosting it."
Gargagia was a town about six hours from the Imperial Capital by magic ship. It was slightly smaller than Erendil. In the age of The Legend of the Seven Heroes, the protagonist Vane might visit it for side quests, but it was largely irrelevant to the main plot.
"Why is the Clausel family involved?"
"My father said Viscount Gargagia led a large-scale business project, and one of his key collaborators was Baron—no, Viscount Clausel."
"My father? I wonder what project she’s talking about..." Licia muttered, then paused. "Wait, could it be that?"
She remembered the party in the Imperial Capital a year ago where she had met Ulysses and Fiona. Ulysses had publicly praised Lezard’s achievements then. That had to be it.
"I see. That’s why you thought I’d be there."
"Exactly. I'm sure the invitation will reach your house any day now."
That same night, Ren and Licia were hard at work studying in the great hall. Lezard entered the room and, after checking on their progress, spoke to Ren.
"Ren, I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's something I need to ask you."
A message had arrived from the capital earlier that evening, sent by Prince Radius.
"He asks if you could spare two or three days of your time at the start of next month. It’s regarding the monster that appeared during the Great Clock Tower Incident."
"The Tyrant of the Corrupt Sky? I heard some fragments of it fell on Erendil."
For some reason, the Sword King who had joined the fray that night had slaughtered the beast with ease. Only charred remnants had reached the town.
"The Prince has been investigating those remains. He thought there was a chance of gathering information, so they were sent to a research facility."
"I see. But why am I involved?"
"He’s invited you to come along and hear the results of the investigation yourself."
"Ah... well, I suppose that’s fine."
Ren didn't see any reason to refuse. He would just have to travel to the designated location. Lezard, who always respected Ren’s autonomy, clearly hoped he would accept given the status of the sender. Ren understood this perfectly and gave his consent.
"Understood. I'll write a reply immediately. It’s best to have someone deliver it tonight."
"You’re a lifesaver, Ren. Truly, I’m in your debt."
"Not at all, Lord Lezard. The Ashton family is the one in your debt."
Licia, sitting across from Ren, spoke up with a look of wonder. "I still find it so strange. To think that Ren has become a friend of the Third Prince."
"I’m constantly surprised myself," Ren said.
"Liar. You haven't looked flustered once since summer."
"That’s only because I did all my panicking before you found out, Lady Licia. I was actually quite startled."
Ren shrugged and scratched his cheek, drawing a wry smile from both Licia and Lezard.
The following morning, another guest arrived. A knight claiming to be a messenger from Viscount Gargagia delivered a formal invitation. The Viscount had decided to send a personal envoy to ensure Lezard received it.
Lezard shared the news with Licia over breakfast.
"It’s an invitation to a party."
"The one Sera told me about," Licia noted.
"It seems so. It’s scheduled for early October."
"Early October... wait, does that mean Ren won't be able to come?"
"Mm... it appears so."
Since Ren had already committed to the Prince, it was impossible to back out now. While the importance of a party versus a royal invitation could be debated depending on the circumstances, the Prince generally took priority. Even if Ren and Radius were friends, Lezard couldn't simply ignore social protocol. More importantly, Lezard hated the idea of going back on his word for his own convenience.
A few days later, Licia and Lezard departed Erendil. They traveled to the Sky Garden, boarded a magic ship, and headed for Gargagia, roughly four hours away.
Gargagia was a bustling city, larger than Clausel by far, though not quite reaching the scale of Erendil. Unlike the floating docks of the capital, the magic ship port here was built on level ground.
"There are so many ships," Licia remarked as they disembarked.
The vast landing zone was paved with cobblestones, with various magic ships scattered across the field. Some hovered just off the ground, while others were moored to massive, mobile steel towers. Carriages lined the perimeter, waiting for the passengers to descend.
"Many of these are privately owned," Lezard noted.
"Is that why there are so many extravagant carriages as well?"
"Yes. Most of them likely belong to the high nobility or wealthy merchants."
"Should we consider owning one ourselves?"
"It would be convenient, certainly... but the maintenance costs are staggering."
The Clausel family was no longer poor. Managing the great city of Erendil brought in significant wealth, which grew every year. However, whether they truly needed a personal magic ship was another matter.
"Since we oversee Erendil, we have a great deal of influence over the Sky Garden's operations. We have plenty of flexibility with public transport, so there’s no need to rush into such an expense."
"I suppose we wouldn't use it very often anyway," Licia agreed.
As the two laughed and shrugged, a familiar voice joined them.
"One day, magic ships will surely stop at Clausel as well. When that happens, it would be a shame not to have one of our own."
Weiss, who had gone ahead, was waiting for them at the bottom of the ramp.
"As Clausel develops, it will become a necessity."
"Good grief. How many decades away is that? For it to grow large enough to need its own dock."
"At the rate we've been growing these past few years? It might not even take ten."
The Clausel family’s growth had been nothing short of meteoric—a fact acknowledged even by Ulysses Ignat. Between Ren's exploits and Lezard’s promotion to Viscount, the family was a rising star that commanded attention from all factions. Their invitation to this party was proof enough of Lezard’s burgeoning influence.
"Now then, shall we proceed?"
With thoughts of their home's future in mind, the group boarded a carriage to head to their inn. The party was set to begin the following evening.
To ensure no guest felt slighted, rooms had been prepared at Gargagia’s most prestigious luxury hotel. While Lezard and Licia had separate quarters, they met in Lezard’s room before heading out for lunch.
"I’m told they’ve reserved a table for us at the rooftop restaurant. Let’s have our meal there."
"I’m looking forward to it," Licia said, her face brightening with excitement.
Lezard smiled back, happy to see her in such good spirits. They left the room and joined Weiss, who was waiting in the hall as their escort. As the three of them reached the elevators, they stumbled into a very unexpected group.
"Licia!?"
It was Sera, waiting for the lift. And beside her...
"Oh? Is this perhaps the rumored Viscount Clausel?"
Sera’s father, the current head of the Riohalde family, was standing right there. Elck Riohalde was a tall, slender, handsome man in his mid-thirties with the same brown hair as his daughter. He was a Sword Saint of the Holy Sword style, holding a top-tier rank within the school.
"An honor to see you again, Heroic Archduke Riohalde. Not since Licia was a small child in the capital, I believe."
"Indeed. It seems we’re heading to the same restaurant. Why don't we go together?"
Under her father's watchful eye, Sera swallowed the invitation she wanted to give Licia to share a table.
"Licia, can I come to your room later?" Sera whispered.
"Um... Father?"
"It’s fine," Lezard said. "I have some work to finish, so please, enjoy Lady Riohalde's company."
"Calling it 'company' is generous," Elck remarked. "It’s usually Sera who’s imposing on your daughter. No, 'imposing' isn't quite right—she’s more of a nuisance, really."
Sera winced at her father's bluntness, looking as though she wanted to bolt before he could say more.
"I apologize, Lady Licia," Elck continued. "If Sera gets too loud, please feel free to tell her off. If that’s too difficult, just send me a letter. I’ll make sure she hears it."
"F—Father! You don't have to be so dramatic!"
"Sigh... I just wish you’d follow Lady Licia’s example. You’re far too tomboyish, Sera. You have a younger brother arriving next year; you really should try to settle down."
Lezard and Licia were both surprised to hear about the new addition to the Riohalde family and offered their heartfelt congratulations. It was a joyful topic that transcended factional politics.
After a few more pleasantries, Lezard turned to Weiss. "Our Licia is also quite the handful when she’s with Ren, though."
"I... couldn't possibly comment," Weiss muttered, staring pointedly at the ceiling.
Licia, realizing exactly what her father was implying, looked just as flustered as Sera had moments before. She found herself unable to argue and simply remained silent.
"I'm so glad," Sera said as they approached the lift. "Since you’re here, tomorrow’s party might actually be fun for once."
"Oh? Are the usual parties not fun for you?"
"They’re just so stiff. You have to keep a fake smile on your face for so long that your cheeks start to ache by the end of the night."
"You did say something like that before," Licia remembered.
"I did. So having you here is a lifesaver."
The lift arrived and the doors slid open, slowly revealing the passengers inside.
"We’re going to have a great time! With you there, I’ll be able to smile for re—"
Sera stopped mid-sentence.
The cheerful expression on her face froze instantly. Her smile didn't disappear, but it became a strained, twitching mask.
"Sera?" Licia tilted her head and looked into the lift, only to realize exactly why her friend had turned to stone.
Standing inside was a man and a girl. Looking at them, Licia realized there was no escape.
"Well, hello there!"
The man inside the lift laughed, seemingly oblivious to the sudden tension he had caused. The girl beside him looked deeply apologetic, clearly sensing the awkwardness of the situation.
"What's this? Are Viscount Clausel and Archduke Riohalde not getting on? I assume you're all heading to the rooftop?"
In this sudden, high-stakes encounter, only that man remained completely unfazed. Lezard was no longer as intimidated by Ulysses as he once was, but a surprise meeting like this still sent a jolt of nerves through him. Even Elck Riohalde, head of one of the Seven Great Archduke Families, stood stiff with tension.
(...This is going to be one very lively party.)
Licia, surprisingly, was the most composed of the lot. Looking at the heads of the three great houses gathered in one small space, she realized it was up to her to salvage the atmosphere before things got truly uncomfortable.