The following morning.
Licia stood on the balcony, letting the morning breeze wash over her before showering and attending to her morning preparations. Returning to her room, her gaze fell upon Byakuen, the blade she never left behind.
"...I should at least use Enshroud," she murmured.
It was the absolute basic of basics for a Strong Sword User. Since she had missed her sword practice the previous night, she shrouded her body in a thin, shimmering layer of mana instead. She did this as she always did, determined to keep her senses sharp.
She gently closed her eyes and focused, bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun, but then—
"Wait... what?"
Immediately after manifesting the technique, Licia tilted her head, struck by a subtle dissonance. The sensation was off. Somehow, she felt as if she had pushed the Enshroud slightly further than she had intended.
Licia let out a long sigh, staring at her reflection in the window as if doubting her own body.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The trio walked through the garden in formal attire, a sharp contrast to their casual appearance the day before. Along the way, Licia adjusted her dress and let out a weary sigh.
"...As I thought, training really is essential."
"What’s this all of a sudden?" Ren asked.
Licia exhaled again, sounding frustrated. "I didn't swing my sword once yesterday. I figured I should at least use Enshroud so I wouldn't get rusty, but I felt off."
"Lady Licia, in what way did it feel off?" Fiona inquired.
"I manifested it much more strongly than I meant to. I wonder if it’s a sign that my control is slipping..."
"Ahaha... if it makes you feel any better, I’ve had similar things happen with my magic before," Fiona replied.
They eventually agreed that whether it was swordsmanship or magic, daily discipline was what mattered most. Having reaffirmed this, the three of them turned their attention back to their surroundings.
After finishing breakfast and resting for a short while, they had taken a carriage to the Count's manor in the city center. On this day, the grounds of Count Crushera's Manor were hosting a buffet party as well as a large-scale auction held in the garden as a charitable event.
"They say all the proceeds will be donated to conflict-ravaged regions," Licia noted as they passed through the manor gates.
Numerous carriages were lined up outside, a testament to the number of distinguished guests attending. Among the crowd, they spotted several high-ranking nobles they recognized from the Imperial Capital.
"It’s very much in character for Crushera. And the manor itself is quite beautiful—"
Before she could finish, Licia came to an abrupt halt. Ren and Fiona turned to her just in time to see her body sway unsteadily. She quickly snapped out of it, blinking at them.
"I-It’s nothing! The heat must have just caught me off guard!"
"Are you all right?" Ren asked, his brow furrowed with concern. "If you're feeling unwell, you don't have to force yourself to stay."
"I’m fine! And Ren, you say I shouldn't force myself, but remember—I am here as my father’s proxy."
"I know that. But I’m telling you that if your health is at risk, I’ll take you back to the inn even if I have to drag you."
"My... Ren, since when did you become so pushy?"
Fiona stepped in, her voice gentle but firm. "You really mustn't overdo it."
"……I understand. I'll tell you if anything feels wrong," Licia promised.
By the time she gave in, the Count’s butler had spotted them. By then, Licia appeared to have returned to her usual self. The mature butler, who possessed a professional air similar to Edgar, stepped forward.
"The young ladies of the Ignat and Clausel families, I presume? Welcome."
Guided by the butler, the three of them crossed the garden and entered the manor’s grand entrance hall. In a corner of the hall, which had been transformed into a buffet venue, the Count was greeting guests.
"Master. Lady Fiona of the Ignat family and Lady Licia of the Clausel family have arrived."
Following the introduction, Licia and Fiona stepped toward the Count. Their movements were lovely, elegant, and perfectly refined—so much so that the Count himself seemed to grow slightly nervous in their presence.
"It is an honor. To meet the daughters of the two most illustrious houses in Leomel today..."
As the Count spoke, Fiona replied first, followed by Licia.
"We are unworthy of such praise, Count. My father asked me to convey his apologies for not being able to greet you in person. He hopes to see you in the Imperial Capital soon."
"Mine as well. I have come with a message apologizing for his absence during the Night of Prayers."
"Please, think nothing of it. I have been indebted to both your fathers many times over. In fact, regarding the magic ships heading toward the nearby city of Clausel in the near future—"
The conversation eventually shifted to the day's events.
"I trust you had a chance to see the festivities outside?"
"Yes. Lady Fiona and I were impressed by the scale of the charity auction," Licia said.
"It was remarkably crowded," Fiona added.
"Since we began several years ago, we have been able to prepare significant relief supplies for the Martel Continent and other regions, thanks in no part to the assistance of the Elfen Church."
Licia’s eyebrows twitched for a split second at the mention of the Elfen Church, but she said nothing. The topic changed quickly enough that the moment passed without notice.
Eventually, the Count excused himself to greet other guests. "Well then. I hope you thoroughly enjoy the Night of Prayers this evening."
Even after the Count departed, they had to spend time greeting several other adults as representatives of their fathers. Fortunately, the three of them were experienced enough that maintaining a polite party smile was second nature.
However...
"Licia?"
Just as they finished another greeting, Licia stumbled, her shoulder brushing against Ren's. When their skin touched, Ren immediately realized her temperature was normal. It wasn't a fever. Her complexion seemed fine, yet she looked strangely drained.
"I’m sorry. I just felt a sudden loss of strength."
Ren checked his watch. Fiona caught his eye, sharing his concern. Licia didn't look like she was about to collapse, but they couldn't ignore the lapse.
"Let’s head back to the inn. We’ve finished all the essential greetings anyway."
"But we only just got here—"
"It doesn't matter. People leave parties early all the time," Fiona insisted. "Look, Ren-kun is about to say the same thing."
"Exactly," Ren added. "Lady Fiona took the words right out of my mouth."
Licia was still capable of standing, but Ren ignored her protests and escorted her by the arm with more firm intent than usual.
"B-Both of you! You’re being dramatic!"
"Maybe, but I can see you're exhausted," Ren countered.
"He’s right. You’ve been looking forward to the Night of Prayers, haven't you? You need to rest now so you can enjoy the evening later."
"……Fine. I suppose I’m outnumbered."
Licia walked with them, looking somewhat apologetic. "But... I wonder what’s wrong with me..."
She found it genuinely baffling. She felt no pain or sickness, which only made her sudden weakness more confusing.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Back at the inn, they immediately changed into more comfortable clothes. It was already lunchtime, so they decided to order room service. The three of them gathered in Ren's room.
Licia, sitting on the sofa, manifested a small glow in her hand and cast Holy Magic on herself.
"See? No change at all. It really was just my imagination," she said with a rueful smile.
Fiona was not convinced. "Absolutely not. You might just be having a good moment right now. You’re staying put."
"……Lady Fiona, you’re surprisingly bossy today."
"That’s because I spent my childhood being sickly. I’d wake up feeling wonderful, only for the pain to return by noon until my tears ran dry. I know how deceptive health can be."
"Ugh... that’s..."
"Fufu. I suppose I have a bit too much experience in this field to be argued with."
Licia had no comeback for that. She knew Fiona was genuinely worried, and she wasn't foolish enough to keep protesting. She had only been trying to reassure them that she was okay.
"So, no letting your guard down, understood?" Fiona turned her gaze to Ren. "Shall we pick something from the menu?"
"Right. I think there was one on the desk."
Ren looked, but couldn't find it. Rather than waste time searching every corner of the room, he stood up.
"I’ll go grab a fresh one from the lobby."
"I-It’s fine! You don't have to go all that way!" Licia called out.
"It’s no trouble. I wanted a cold drink anyway, so I’ll kill two birds with one stone."
Ren pivoted the conversation before Licia could object further. There was something he needed to confirm—a thought that had been nagging at him.
"—Just to be sure, the Mana Stone is fine, right?"
The stone that resided in the chest of a White Saint.
Normally, only monsters housed Mana Stones in their bodies. However, among the lineage of the White Saints, the most powerful individuals were known to possess one. Only a handful of people, including family members, knew the truth. Fiona, of course, was one of the few who shared the secret.
"It’s perfectly fine... though I don't like that look in your eyes. You’re doubting me, aren't you? If you’re that concerned, I guess I have no choice but to let you check for yourself."
Licia let out a huff, watching Ren with a playful but defiant glint in her eyes.
"……Obviously, I’m not going to do that."
"Wait, where exactly is your Mana Stone, Lady Licia?" Fiona asked curiously.
"It’s a bit embarrassing to say... but, um, it’s around here."
Licia hesitantly indicated a spot near her collarbone over her clothes. To Fiona, who hadn't known the specifics, the suggestion seemed quite bold, even as a joke.
"Honestly! Lady Licia!"
"I told you I didn't want to say it!"
Licia ended the conversation by burying her face in a cushion, her face flushed with embarrassment.
Ren decided it was the perfect time to make his exit. "Lady Fiona, keep an eye on her. She’ll probably try to say something weird because she doesn't want us to worry."
"You can count on me."
"I’m right here! And Lady Fiona, don't you dare nod so obediently!"
Seeing Licia's spirited reaction, Ren felt reassured. She really did seem to have just been affected by the heat.
When Ren reached the lobby, the staff provided several menus. As he turned to go back upstairs, he saw the Count's butler entering the inn. The man spotted Ren and approached quickly.
"Master Ren Ashton, I believe?"
"Yes. I’m sorry for our abrupt departure earlier. But how did you know my name?"
"Please, Master Ashton. Your reputation is beginning to rival even that of the young ladies."
It was a typical Ren response—he rarely paid attention to his own growing fame.
"My staff reported Lady Licia’s condition, and the Count sent me to check on her. How is she faring?"
"It seems she was just overwhelmed by the heat. She’s resting in her room now."
The butler let out a relieved breath. "I am glad to hear it. Should you require anything at all, please do not hesitate to ask."
"No, you've done quite enough already. I'll pass your well-wishes along to the young lady."
"You are most kind. However, you are all honored guests, so please, use our resources freely."
Ren noted the Count's diligence. Even though the Count outranked the Clausel family, he was being remarkably attentive.
As the butler turned to leave, he added, "By the way, did you happen to see the magic ship in the sky last night?"
"The massive one? Yes, I saw it."
"That vessel traveled here from the Holy Land. It is a rare sight even in Leomel. If you are interested, it is currently docked at the magic ship docks."
"From the Holy Land...?"
"So I am told. As the Count mentioned, the proceeds from the festival are donated to conflict zones. This year, with the Elfen Church's support, we have been able to coordinate supplies for the Martel Continent much more effectively."
Ren's interest sharpened. He couldn't ignore any mention of the Church.
"A high-ranking official from the Holy Land arrived on that ship to discuss the Demon King Cult with the Count. The Crushera territory has not been entirely spared from their influence, after all."
"I see... so that’s why they’re here."
The butler continued, describing the dignitary's background. Ren listened intently, his mind immediately jumping to Eve—the Cult Leader's sister.
Eve had hinted at a connection between the tragedy in the Legend of the Seven Heroes and the Ashton bloodline. Information about her was what he needed most.
"A buffet party will be held shortly at a restaurant near the bridge. The Count cannot attend due to his obligations at the manor, but nobles and Church officials will be there to exchange information."
The butler leaned in slightly. "If you are interested, Master Ashton, perhaps you would care to attend?"
"But I don't have an invitation."
"The invitation to the manor covers this event as well. You are listed as a member of the ladies' party, so there will be no issue. I am heading there myself and can assist you at the entrance."
"……In that case, I'd like to go."
He had to try, even if there was no guarantee of a lead.
"I also hear the descendant of Hero Ruin will be in attendance."
"Ah, so Vane will be there too."
The butler gave Ren the restaurant's name and location, then bowed deeply before departing.
As Ren headed for the elevator, he stood with his arms crossed, his thoughts consumed by Eve. The Elfen Church had fought the Demon King Cult far longer than the Leomel Empire. They were the ones who had faced the Cult Leader directly in the past.
I hope they have something on Eve. And more importantly, I hope they're willing to tell me.
He knew it was optimistic, but he couldn't just sit around.
Radius had told him years ago that the Cult Leader and two aides had attacked a temple to steal the Tears of Elfen. Estelle’s reports had mentioned they wore robes and masks. If that was all the Church knew, his trip might be for nothing. But if they had uncovered something new...
"Anything... even the smallest detail would help," Ren whispered to himself as he stepped out of the elevator.
He decided that if he went to the party, he would go alone, leaving Licia to rest.