Like Ren, Licia had been focusing on her upcoming exams, so she had also refrained from visiting the Lion Sanctum for a while.
Though "a while" only amounted to a little over a week, it felt like ages considering they had previously gone there almost every day. It would be an understatement to say they hadn't felt stifled by the endless days of studying.
Back at the Sanctum for the first time in days, both of them felt refreshed. By the time their training concluded, their smiles were bright and clear.
"I haven't seen you handle a blade in some time, Ren, but you haven't lost a step. You look just as sharp as you did before the break."
It was six in the evening. Estelle was waiting for Ren as he emerged from the showers.
Her long hair, more vibrant than a roaring fire, possessed a refined luster. She stood with an elegant poise that betrayed her high status, yet she was cloaked in a fierce, intense aura that was uniquely hers.
The Director of the Lion Sanctum—and the strongest knight the Leomel Empire had to offer—Estelle Osroes Drake walked over to Ren’s side.
"If anything, your intensity seems to have increased after your battle with the Priest. Regardless, you’re heading home quite early today."
"Since it's exam season, I thought I'd better hold back a bit."
"Come to think of it, His Highness mentioned something similar. How are your studies progressing? Given that you've come here to swing a sword, I assume they aren't going poorly."
"I have enough of a lead that I'm not worried. The same goes for Licia."
"I see. Well, that is good to hear."
It was a question typical of Estelle, who never approved of mindless training at the expense of other duties. Their conversation continued for a few moments while they waited for Licia to finish changing and join them.
"We’ve managed to trade brief updates, but we haven't had a chance to sit down and talk properly for some time."
"You’ve been busy since the incident in Windea, Lady Estelle. If I recall... you were investigating the Great Sea of Trees?"
"Yes. It was a tedious affair, but I surveyed the area several times to be certain. Things have finally settled down there, which is why I've been able to join the training sessions here again recently."
The Great Sea of Trees was a mysterious, uncharted region within the territory of the Rofelia family, one of the Seven Great Archduke Families. Deep within its heart lay the lair of a supreme monster known as the Black Emperor Horn Behemoth. Estelle had been monitoring the beast ever since it showed unusual activity during the chaos caused by Orphide.
"It’s been quiet. Since that initial disturbance, the creature hasn't shown any signs of rampaging or leaving its nest."
"So, the situation is under control now?"
"It would seem so. My days of traveling back and forth to the Imperial Capital are over. From now on, the military will maintain a permanent presence around the Sea of Trees. My role in the matter is finished."
Estelle let out a sigh and gave a wry smile.
"It’s always better to avoid a fight with a monster of that caliber if you can help it."
"Didn't you tell Lady Chronoa that you weren't worried about it?"
"I did. But your interpretation is a bit off, Ren."
"How so?"
"I have every confidence that I could defeat a monster like that. There's no doubt or overconfidence in that assessment; it's simply that I trust my own strength. However, that doesn't mean I think for a second that it would be an easy fight."
It was a glimpse into Estelle's pride as a warrior. She wasn't underestimating the monster; she was simply acknowledging her own limits and capabilities.
"You said once that you have no intention of losing to anyone, didn't you, Ren? It’s the same principle."
"Ah... put that way, it makes sense."
"That conviction is why you went to Windea, after all. You performed a great service... though it seems you've paid a price for it."
The Director glanced briefly at Ren’s arm. It was the arm cursed by the Priest, a subject of much concern lately.
"The curse itself seems mostly gone, but the corrosion that reached deep into your body is stubborn. Even holy magic and expensive potions struggle to mend that kind of damage. Take this opportunity to rest properly."
"I will... that's the plan."
Just as Ren finished his reply, footsteps approached, followed by a voice calling his name.
"Ren!"
He turned to see Licia, fully dressed and ready to head home.
"Your swordsmanship is improving by the day, Licia," Estelle said, greeting the White Saint with a proud smile.
Licia gave a soft chuckle, a look of genuine pleasure on her face.
"I have to keep working hard. Otherwise, Ren will just leave me in his dust again."
"No doubt. Even so, make sure you hone your skills in your own way. Use this time to catch up while Ren is resting."
In her own way, Estelle was subtly warning Ren not to overexert himself. Licia, however, looked troubled.
"What is it? Is something bothering you?"
"Yes... even though I use holy magic on him every day, I'm worried that Ren’s arm still doesn't feel quite right."
"You consulted Chronoa, didn't you?"
"I did," Licia nodded immediately.
"And what was her verdict?"
"Holy magic is powerful against curses, but... the curse itself was exceptionally potent, and—"
Licia looked up at Ren hesitantly, her eyes meeting his. Ren finished the thought for her.
"Because I pushed myself so hard to stand against it, the curse seeped deep into the core of my body."
"Listen to you," Estelle remarked. "One might call it a self-inflicted medal of honor. While I'm proud of my student's courage, I'd prefer if you took better care of yourself."
"But it’s not enough!" Licia protested. "I’ve been working so hard all this time just so I could help in situations like this!"
Estelle understood Licia’s frustration. Yet, it was an undeniable fact that Ren had only recovered this much because of her magic.
"That curse was crafted by a Priest of the Demon King Cult using a holy relic and his very life. The fact that Ren has recovered to the point where he can move so naturally is, in my opinion, nothing short of a miracle."
That was the heart of the matter. Ren couldn't mention that Fiona had also been using the power of the Black Priestess to help him. Regardless, his recovery was beyond anything anyone could have expected.
"I told her the same thing," Ren said.
"Don't mind me, Ren. I'm just frustrated with myself."
"Well, being a sore loser is a virtue in its own way. I'll take it as a good sign," Estelle laughed.
With a yawn, Estelle steered the conversation in a new direction.
"Has your path to becoming a Sword Saint become any clearer, Licia?"
"No, I'm still feeling my way through the dark." Licia gave a strained smile and glanced at the boy beside her. "I have a boy who became a Sword Saint before me right here, so I'm trying my best to catch up."
"I figured as much. But as I said, don't forget to polish your own style. Don't lose sight of yourself."
"What do you mean by that...?"
Estelle reached out and lightly ruffled Licia’s hair. She spoke with a tone that was both encouraging and instructional.
"There's nothing wrong with chasing someone's back, but don't let it become your only focus. That's all."
"...I understand. I'll try to take a closer look at myself."
"That's the spirit. You need to discover what truly makes your own heart resonate. Though I suppose that's a bit abstract, isn't it?"
"N-no! It's very helpful!"
"Hahaha! If it were me, I wouldn't have given such a humble answer!"
"Oh, honestly! Lady Estelle!"
Estelle laughed heartily, satisfied with Licia’s reaction, and turned to leave. She began walking away, her coat tucked under her arm.
"—'The Sword Saint Sings.' I look forward to the day you experience it, Licia."
When a Strong Sword User ascends to the rank of Sword Saint, their Enshroud produces a distinct sound. As the body adapts to a new level of power, the external film of mana resonates with the mana within, creating a unique vibration. It was a phenomenon Ren had experienced himself when he reached that rank last winter.
"I’d love to stay and chat, but I have work. Tomorrow is my first day off in a long time, so I'm going to make the most of it."
The legendary warrior waved over her shoulder as she departed. Ren and Licia called out their goodbyes before leaving the Lion Sanctum themselves.
Since they had left earlier than usual, they were able to get back to the manor sooner. However, the Magic Train was packed with commuters returning home, and they felt a wave of exhaustion by the time they reached Erendil. After passing through the manor gates, they went straight to their respective rooms to drop off their things.
Ren finished studying for the next day's exams well after midnight. As was usual during finals week, he felt a lingering drowsiness when he woke up, but he didn't let it show as he headed to the dining hall, determined to give his all for another day of testing.
While there, he happened to overhear a conversation.
"Weiss, I'll be in the Imperial Capital from this afternoon until late tonight."
"Understood, my lord."
Lezard Clausel was speaking with his knight, Weiss. Seeing her father, who seemed as busy as ever, stand up to leave, Licia spoke up.
"Another meeting today?"
"Several, actually. I've received so many invitations that I doubt I'll have a spare moment until autumn." The Baron gave a faint smile. "This is turning into one of the busiest summers I've seen in years. I've received invitations to numerous summer parties, but it's simply impossible to attend them all."
"I heard there are an unusual number of parties in the Capital this year."
"That’s part of it, but the ones I'm forced to decline are the ones further afield." For example, he continued, "Count Crushera’s invitation is one such case. I’d love to go, but the dates clash with a major gathering of high-ranking nobles in the Capital."
Ren and Licia looked at each other, remembering their conversation from the day before. Since Crushera had just been the topic of their discussion, Lezard's words caught their attention.
"I heard this year marks a significant anniversary for the Night of Prayers," Ren noted.
"Indeed, exactly as you say..."
As he spoke, an idea seemed to strike Lezard. He looked at Ren and spoke again.
"This might serve as a perfect vacation for you, Ren. Perhaps Licia could go as my official representative to greet the Count, and then the two of you could stay and enjoy the summer break there."
It was a perfect tie-in to what Mirei had mentioned yesterday. The land of Crushera was said to possess ancient healing properties, a remnant of the spirits that had once dwelled there in the age of legends. Even now, the land's influence was often used in the creation of potent potions. While the effects faded once one left the region, there was no substitute for experiencing them firsthand.
Ren’s curse was mostly gone, but if even a trace of unease remained, a trip to Crushera would be more than worth the journey.
"Sounds like a great idea."
Radius spoke casually during their break after the morning exams. When Ren mentioned he was debating whether to go to Crushera, Radius immediately voiced his support.
"What are you doing for lodging?"
"I was going to look for a place as soon as I decided for sure."
"That might be difficult. This is a major anniversary for the Night of Prayers; I doubt there’s a single vacancy left in the entire city."
"Ah... I figured as much."
That made things complicated. Ren had been considering staying on a Magic Ship as a last resort, but his friend offered an alternative. In reality, the host usually provided lodging for official representatives, but Ren had momentarily forgotten his status.
"The Arnevelde Company has an inn in Crushera as well. I'll arrange a stay for you there."
"Wait, wouldn't it be even harder to get a room there?"
"Not at all."
When Radius was younger, he had co-founded the Arnevelde Company with Ragna. The company had grown into a prestigious merchant house with a reputation for excellence. Their inn in the Imperial Capital was legendary for being nearly impossible to book, and Ren's group had stayed there on several occasions.
"We always keep a few suites vacant for emergencies," Radius explained.
Whether for a sudden royal visit or for high-ranking foreign dignitaries, the company kept rooms ready in important cities like Crushera.
"Are you sure it's okay for me to use one of those?"
"Of course. In fact, it's quite convenient for me."
"How so?"
"Regarding what happened in Windea. I’ve already thanked the Ignats and the Clausels, but I want to show my personal gratitude to you, Ren, for your part in the fight."
Radius continued before Ren could object.
"If the thanks come from the palace, it's called a 'reward.' I'd much rather offer my thanks as a friend."
"So, the room is a thank-you gift?"
"Exactly. So don't hold back." The Third Prince insisted. "I’ve been in your debt since last winter, Ren. I’d be genuinely happy if you'd accept."
"...All right. I appreciate it."
Ren realized it would be rude to keep refusing his friend's kindness. He accepted the offer and thanked him.
"By the way, Radius, why don't you come with us?"
Ren was the only person who would invite the Third Prince so casually. And Ren was likely the only person Radius felt such genuine joy being invited by. It pained him to give his answer.
"There's something I'm looking into—no." Radius paused, choosing his words carefully. "I'm sorry. I have official duties that I can't walk away from."
"I see. Well, another time, then."
Seeing Ren’s disappointed smile made Radius feel guilty. He truly wanted to spend the summer with his friend, but his responsibilities wouldn't allow it.
"The three of you should go and enjoy yourselves. During the Night of Prayers, the sky over Crushera is supposed to be unlike anything else in the world." Radius added, knowing exactly how to put Ren at ease. "Besides, with those two along, you'll actually feel like taking a proper rest, won't you?"
"By those two, do you mean Licia and Lady Fiona?"
"Yes. Both of their families have likely been invited this year. Their fathers are tied up with business in the Capital, but if the daughters go as representatives, it fulfills their noble obligations while letting you all enjoy a vacation."
"We were actually just talking about that."
"Then it's perfect. You won't just be idle; you'll have a job to do. That should let you enjoy yourself without any lingering guilt, Ren."
The young Magic Sword User chatted with the Prince, his mind already drifting toward the summer break that awaited them after exams. Looking out the window, he could see the brilliant sun shining down over the Imperial Capital.