On the morning before the Lion King Grand Festival began, the academy was on break.
"I think I’m finally starting to get the feel for this, just a little."
Ren was alone once more, having ventured into the forest to train in his new techniques.
He finished his training with the Flame Magic Sword for the day. Standing beside the carcasses of the monsters that had ambushed him, he checked his bracelet. Since he had been fending off attackers while practicing his new skills, he had accumulated a significant amount of proficiency.
As for his Iron Magic Sword:
Iron Magic Sword (Level 3: 4400/4500)
It was a satisfyingly round number away from the next level.
Unlike the Wooden Magic Sword—also known as the Great Tree Magic Sword—the Iron Magic Sword had required a massive amount of proficiency to level up from the very beginning. Ren remembered how much effort he had poured in just to reach this point. Thinking that a level-up was finally within reach, he felt his expression soften into a natural smile.
(I wonder if the Iron Magic Sword will evolve soon.)
What kind of name would it take if it did? Just imagining it made his heart race with excitement.
However, that was enough for today. He had been away from the city for quite some time, and it would be a disaster if he got injured right before the festival.
After making a calm assessment of the situation, Ren returned to Io’s side.
"Io, shall we head back?"
The horse let out a spirited whinny.
Nearly two hours had passed since sunrise. Ren tied the hunted monsters together with rope, shouldered them, and mounted Io. The horse began to walk as usual, completely unfazed by the extra weight.
They left the forest and followed the highway. Ren had just returned to Elendil and was planning to stop by the Guild before heading home to the manor when a voice called out to him.
"Hey there, Ren."
He looked up to find Estelle standing in the middle of the crowded main boulevard, which was already bustling with morning activity.
"Good morning. What brings you to Elendil today?"
"I’m off-duty, so I figured I’d step out for some air. The Imperial Capital is swamped, so I came to Elendil hoping for a bit more breathing room."
Elendil was also significantly more crowded than usual, though it was likely still much better than the capital.
"What about you, Ren? From the looks of it, you’ve been out swinging your sword?"
"Yes. Something like that," Ren replied, giving a vague but polite answer. He then asked her a question, remembering they had run into each other in Elendil like this before. "Lady Estelle, what do you usually do for work?"
"Me? I review the requests that come into the Lion Sanctum and manage the knights. For someone with the title of Chief, I spend an annoying amount of time on the front lines."
"I see. So that’s why you always seem so busy."
Estelle let out a weary sigh. "Even though I’ve finally returned to the country, it’s nothing but work. I can’t even find time to spend with my husband."
Even a Chief needed a break. Ren understood why she felt the urge to wander the streets alone.
(I wonder if her husband isn't in the capital?)
Ren could tell they were a close couple from her tone. Since she was walking through the city alone on her day off, his guess might not be far off. Or perhaps her husband was also busy and their schedules simply didn't align.
"Yaaawn..." Estelle let out a deep yawn. "I say I’m off-duty, but I still have to head to the Lion Sanctum this afternoon. Anyway, Ren—how has your sword been lately?"
"It’s been so-so."
"...Hmm. You seem to have had a change of heart."
"Eh? How could you tell?"
"Unlike the last time we spoke, your expression is much brighter. Your answer was immediate, too."
Ren gave a wry smile and scratched his cheek. It was true; after everything that had happened, he felt better than he had in a long time.
Seemingly satisfied with his reaction, Estelle checked her watch and began walking toward the Sky Garden to catch a transport back to the capital.
With her back turned to him, she called out, "I’m off. Keep at it, kid."
"Understood. Have a safe trip back to the capital."
"Hmph. Who do you think you’re talking to? Honestly," Estelle muttered over her shoulder, waving a hand casually. After a few more steps, without stopping, she added, "The essence of the Strong Sword is exactly what the Lion King proclaimed on the battlefield: 'Star-Cleaver, Looking Up at the Black.' If you want to become a Sword Saint, see that you never forget it."
She disappeared into the crowd, leaving him behind. Ren stood still for a moment, ruminating on her words as he watched her go.
Meanwhile, as Estelle walked alone through the lively streets of Elendil, a playful smile touched her lips.
"What a strange boy," she whispered to herself. "He grows so much between every meeting, it’s like he’s a different person."
The start of a new week arrived.
Standing before the students gathered in the Great Auditorium, Chronoa addressed the crowd.
"Everyone, remember to enjoy yourselves with the dignity expected of students of this academy! And do not forget to show your gratitude to those who worked so hard to make this festival possible!"
She finished her speech and snapped her fingers.
The doors leading out of the Great Auditorium swung open all at once, and the students stood up with high spirits.
"Off you go! Good luck, everyone!"
Voices that were almost cheers echoed through the hall.
Starting today, the venues for the Lion King Grand Festival set up throughout the Imperial Capital would be teeming with life. In particular, the Imperial Capital Grand Coliseum, the stage for the Martial Arts Tournament, was expected to be packed to the rafters.
"Alright! Let’s do this!" Kaito Leonard shouted from the second-year seating area.
"Let’s go, Vane!" Sera Riohalde called out.
"Right!" Vane replied.
The two of them stood near Ren and Licia. The students participating in the tournament drew the most attention as they filed out of the auditorium, but those in other competitions were equally weighed down by the expectations of their peers. They headed to their respective venues with their heads held high as representatives of the academy.
On this particular morning, there wasn't a single student who stayed behind to loiter or chat.
The scene shifted to a plaza located right next to the district where the various educational institutions were concentrated.
This plaza usually hosted stalls for students, but it was transformed for the duration of the Lion King Grand Festival. The festival's management had set up a row of headquarters for each school there.
"This will be our headquarters," Radius announced.
Though the building was temporary, it was sturdy. Once inside, the soundproofing was effective enough to muffle the noise of the crowds outside. It was equipped with furniture for work and a small kitchen, making it quite functional. At a glance, it felt more like a small private residence.
Once everyone was seated, Radius continued.
"Our work will be based here. That said, the workload shouldn't be any heavier than it was during the preparation period. We should have a fair amount of free time."
From today, they would stay at this headquarters and focus on their roles as behind-the-scenes support.
"Students in the competitions might come by with questions, or faculty might contact us with updates. However, supplies have already been delivered to each venue and teachers are stationed there, so there isn't much for us to do on-site."
It wasn't zero work, but it was minimal. The Executive Committee Members were there primarily to be available.
"I’ll be stepping out for a while. I’ve decided to assign Ren to the Martial Arts Tournament venue. I want the three of you, excluding myself and Ren, to handle things here."
Radius assured them that security in the plaza was airtight. Between his presence and the fact that knights from the Lion Sanctum were stationed nearby, they were safe. Plus, members of the Ignat family were undoubtedly lurking nearby as well.
"Radius, should I escort you part of the way?" Ren asked.
"Don't worry about it. I have several things to consider, so I’ve asked Estelle to accompany me this time. She should be waiting near the plaza."
"Oh... okay."
In that case, I'm definitely not needed, Ren thought with a wry smile.
"Ren, I believe you were planning to speak with Ulysses and the others later. It will be easier for you if you're already working over there."
"Sorry. Thanks for being so thoughtful."
"It’s fine. Given my position, I’m usually the one everyone has to be thoughtful around. Anyway, Ren, I want you to head to the Imperial Capital Grand Coliseum. Our academy has a preparation room there as well. I’ve left a memo on-site detailing what needs to be done."
With that, Radius quickly departed.
Ren watched him leave and then turned to Mirei. She immediately guessed what was on his mind.
"You can leave things here to me, nya. Working the coliseum by yourself shouldn't be a problem for you, so don't worry about us, nya."
"Understood. I'll leave the headquarters in your hands."
"Leave it to me, nya."
"Well then, Lady Licia, Lady Fiona—I’m heading to the coliseum."
The two girls smiled at him.
"Have a good time. Be careful."
"We’ll be right here, so call us if you need anything at all!"
Ren exchanged a few more words with them and placed his unnecessary gear on a shelf.
After saying "I’m off" one more time, he stepped out into the bright sunlight. As he walked through the plaza, he felt a light sweat break out on his skin.
"It’s already summer, huh..."
It felt like it had been spring just a few days ago. He laughed softly, his steps toward the coliseum lighter than usual.
The Imperial Capital Grand Coliseum was already roaring.
With the opening match set to begin shortly, the spectators were electrified. The heat of the crowd was every bit as intense as the summer sun.
Ren was in the connecting passage on the first floor that led to the arena floor. Nearby were preparation rooms for the faculty and committee members.
Having just stepped out of one, Ren observed the representatives from the various schools.
(Everyone’s so nervous.)
His gaze fixed on a single male student sitting on a bench. Even for a boy as brave as Vane, representing a prestigious academy in a massive event like this was clearly nerve-wracking. After all, he was fighting in the opening match of the entire festival.
Sera, who was usually by his side, was busy with her own preparations and was nowhere to be found.
"It’s okay... I just have to do what I can. I’ve worked so hard ever since I left the village. I need to show them the results... Vane," the boy muttered to himself.
Ren watched him for a moment before slipping back into the preparation room. He opened a wooden box containing a magic tool that kept the drinks inside chilled. Delivering refreshments wasn't technically his job—it was usually handled by the combat instructors—but Ren took a bottle and headed back out.
He walked over to Vane and sat down beside him.
"You should have a drink before you head out."
"R-Ren!? What are you doing here!?"
"Just part of my committee duties."
"Oh... I see..."
Vane took a sip of the drink Ren handed him. Then, he opened his mouth wide and downed the rest of the bottle in one go.
"Haha... man, that’s cold!"
Vane’s throat had been parched with anxiety, but the brief interaction seemed to have broken the tension. Ren remained seated beside him, quietly considering what he should say next to support his friend.