Yesterday and the day before, Ren had hunted a total of twenty Little Boars.
By cross-referencing that with various other data points and doing the math, he was able to calculate exactly how much mastery he had gained from the Thief Wolfen.
The answer was eighty.
Both his Magic Sword Summoning Arts and the magic swords themselves had gained that same amount of mastery.
"I guess the mastery you get from fighting monsters is the same as what you absorb from magic stones."
However, the two wouldn't always stay in sync. If he practiced without a monster to fight or failed to absorb a magic stone’s power, only the Magic Sword Summoning Arts would gain mastery.
After confirming these details, Ren turned his attention to the text that truly mattered.
──── Thief's Magic Sword.
Presumably, it was a sword born from the Thief Wolfen’s magic stone.
Unlocking new varieties of magic swords by fulfilling special conditions... this was a fundamental aspect of Magic Sword Summoning, and it appeared he had succeeded this time.
Will I keep getting new swords from the stones of Special Individuals? Ren wondered. He dismissed the Wooden Magic Sword at his hip and summoned the Thief’s Magic Sword instead.
"It looks more like a piece of gauntlet armor for the fingers than a sword."
The Thief’s Magic Sword manifested as a silver-plated gauntlet.
Ren equipped it onto his index finger and waved his hand toward a Little Boar bone lying nearby.
Nothing happened.
Next, he waved his hand toward a small bird flying overhead. This time, a gust of wind erupted from his palm and struck the bird.
The bird was knocked slightly off course and flew away, but a single feather from its wing was suddenly resting in Ren’s palm.
It doesn't work unless it's targeting a living creature.
That meant he couldn't just use it haphazardly.
Furthermore, he had discovered that the Thief’s Magic Sword consumed a staggering amount of mana with a single activation, making it impossible to use frequently.
The other thing that bothers me is...
Even though the Thief’s Magic Sword required only a tiny amount of mastery to reach the next level, it hadn't gained a single point from the Little Boar's magic stone.
Ren had two theories for this.
Either the Thief’s Magic Sword required magic stones from monsters above a certain strength threshold, or it specifically required magic stones from other Thief Wolfen.
Ren was leaning toward the latter.
Given how little mastery was needed for the next level, it wouldn't be surprising if the requirements were that specific, considering how rare the Thief Wolfen was.
...After pondering these various points, Ren stood up.
The reason he had climbed to the summit of Sword Rock was to retrieve the jewelry the Thief Wolfen had hoarded. He hadn't come here just for an afternoon nap.
Focusing on his task, Ren began stuffing the scattered treasures into the hemp sack he had brought.
Collecting loot like this feels like a novelty.
Back in the game, items were distributed through a system window after a battle. Now that this world was his reality, no such system existed. He had to manually gather the items the monster had hidden away, which felt refreshingly real.
It was a completely different sensation from lugging back the carcasses of Little Boars.
In truth, however, most of what lay here was junk. Among the items a Thief Wolfen could drop, the "jackpots" were special weapons and armor. Jewelry and other trade items were essentially consolation prizes.
Still, there was no cause for pessimism. From this day forward, he could boldly claim that the Magic Sword Summoning Bracelet he had been hiding was actually a jewelry piece he’d found today. Selling the rest of the hoard would also provide a significant boost to his village.
...Unfortunately, he didn't find a single bracelet among the jewelry.
Oh well. I'll just insist that the bracelet I’m already wearing is one of the ones I found here.
Ren convinced himself of the lie.
"Hm?"
Ren suddenly cocked his head.
Among the items he assumed were mere trinkets, he spotted something atypical.
It was a crystal ball about the size of his head, dyed a deep, saturated blue that looked like a sapphire.
Inside, a blue mist writhed alongside flickering streaks of light that resembled azure lightning.
"This is..."
Gazing at the object, which clearly wasn't a common gemstone, Ren considered the possibility that it was an item he recognized.
But just as he was about to think more deeply on it—
"Master Ren!"
a knight's voice called out from a distance.
Startled, Ren hurriedly stuffed the remaining items into his sack.
He used the Wooden Magic Sword to create a vine, climbed down, and navigated across the lake via tree roots. As the sound of hoofbeats grew louder, Ren dispelled the vines. A moment later, a knight appeared.
"Master Ren! I thought we told you to call for us whenever you enter the forest!"
"Ahaha... sorry. I thought it would be fine by now."
"Good grief... it hasn't been long since that night. Please, do not push yourself."
...Right. It’s only been two months.
That night, thanks to the Baron’s reinforcements arriving earlier than expected, Ren had narrowly escaped death.
His injuries had been so severe they reached his internal organs, and he had remained unconscious for days.
But thanks to the medicine brought by the knights and his own natural resilience, he had recovered through rehabilitation to the point where he could move as well as he had before.
That recovery was the reason it had taken him this long to retrieve the jewelry from Sword Rock.
Since the items were valuable, he had considered asking the knights to fetch them, but they had been so busy dealing with the aftermath of the Thief Wolfen incident that he hadn't wanted to burden them.
"So, Master Ren. What brought you all the way to Sword Rock?"
"Actually, I was looking for something."
Ren opened the sack and showed the knight the contents.
"O-Oh! Could that be—!"
"Exactly. It's the hoard the Thief Wolfen was hiding. I'd like to sell most of it to help the village, if that’s okay. With taxes and everything, I mean."
"It shouldn't be a problem. Treasures obtained from a monster subjugation belong to the one who slew it. Normally, since you killed it as part of your duty to protect the village, taxes would apply, but they will be waived this time."
It had already been decided that the village would be exempt from taxes this year as a reward for the beast's defeat.
"The same goes for the Thief Wolfen materials you asked to sell. The Baron himself will purchase them, and I believe he intends to pay a premium above market value."
"Really? That sounds like a lot of money."
"It is. Thief Wolfen parts are useless for gear, but they are prized as medicinal ingredients. The wealth from that alone will likely sustain your family for the next ten or twenty years."
"Wow, that's incredible!"
"Lord Roy won't be able to work for a while, so I’m sure you’ll feel better having that financial cushion, Master Ren."
Indeed, the tax exemption had been granted with that in mind.
"He claims he’s ready to move, but when I gave him a little poke on the shoulder, he nearly fainted from the pain."
"My, you certainly are strict with him."
"It’s for his own good. Otherwise, my father will start insisting he's fully recovered on his own."
The knight laughed at Ren's exasperated tone.
"The heir of House Ashton is quite the reliable young man. Now then, let’s get back to the village. Don’t worry about today’s hunt; we’ve already taken care of it."
"I’m sorry to make you do that... but thank you."
Feeling a bit guilty, Ren accepted the knight’s offer and hopped onto the horse behind him.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Back at the mansion, Ren went to his room and set the heavy sack on his somewhat stiff sofa.
He planned to sell almost everything, but one item was an exception.
He pulled the blue orb out and placed it on the side table.
"I knew it... there's no mistake."
The blue lightning and the shifting mist.
Looking at the sheer presence of the object, Ren was now certain it was the legendary item he remembered.
"──── Selakia's Azure Orb."
This was a story from when the Legend of the Seven Heroes was still just a game to him.
Among the rare drops from a Thief Wolfen, there was one item that players had spent countless hours trying to find a use for.
It was this: Selakia's Azure Orb.
It was the rarest possible drop from the monster, with an incredibly low spawn rate.
In the game, if you maxed out the level of a protagonist with the Beast Tamer skill, you could unlock a cryptic item description:
『It appears to be an egg. Its surface is as hard as a shell that no famous blade can scratch, and it radiates an immense power. If offered a vast amount of mana and the horn of a great dragon, it might just hatch. Once born, it is said to swear absolute loyalty to its master.』
Players who read that description immediately thought of a specific monster from the game's lore.
A creature mentioned in the setting materials as having bared its fangs at the Demon King long before the Seven Heroes appeared.
Legends said that monster had nearly overwhelmed the Demon King with its absolute power over ice and darkness.
The name "Selakia" referred to the land of absolute zero where that beast was said to have dwelt.
"...What do I do with this?"
Should he keep it or sell it?
Selling it would bring a fortune.
But he was already guaranteed plenty of money from the other jewelry.
While more funds would benefit the village, he didn't want such a potentially dangerous creature falling into someone else’s hands.
The lore said the monster would be loyal to its master, and Ren didn't want that power being used for evil.
Discarding it was out of the question, and as the description said, it was so hard that destroying it was likely impossible.
"...For now, I guess I have to keep it."
Still, hatching it seemed like a pipe dream.
The "horn of a great dragon" required for the process was an item whose location and identity were completely unknown.
Because of that, despite its rarity, players in the game had eventually treated it as nothing more than an expensive item to sell.
Ren eventually went to his parents' room.
He intended to tell them about the jewelry, but Roy and Mireille had already heard the news from the knights.
"I heard about the treasure! Great work! And I hear the Baron is waiving our taxes too?"
"So it seems. It'll help us fix up the mansion."
"You're the same as always, Ren... Don't you want something for yourself? Fancy armor? Or maybe you want to go get a Skill Appraisal?"
Ren didn't want any of that.
In fact, he’d be so annoyed if they planned that behind his back that he probably wouldn't talk to them for days.
"I'd rather order a large stock of medicinal herbs. We’re almost out."
"H-Hey now! You risked your life for that treasure. You’re allowed to be a little selfish!"
"He’s right! We appreciate the thought, Ren, but you worked so hard...!"
"Thank you. But I didn't do it alone."
It was a fact that he only won because Roy had dealt the beast a grievous wound first.
Roy and Mireille, however, still felt uneasy about Ren’s selflessness.
Personally, I really do just want to use it for the mansion and the village.
Seeing that his parents were worried about him, Ren decided to pivot. He showed them his arm, where the Magic Sword Summoning Bracelet was visible.
"In that case, can I keep this bracelet? It was part of the Thief Wolfen’s collection, and I’ve really taken a liking to it."
"Of course! But is there anything else?"
"It doesn't have to be just one thing. If there's anything else you like, just say the word."
"Well... oh, how about this—!"
This was a perfect opening.
Ren pretended he didn't know what Selakia’s Azure Orb was and told his parents he wanted it simply because he thought the "pretty stone" was interesting.
The two readily agreed, happy to finally grant him a wish.
"I’m satisfied with just those, so please use the rest for the mansion and the village."
Hearing him say it again, his parents could only smile helplessly.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The following afternoon, Ren was in the yard with a wooden training sword in one hand and the Thief’s Magic Sword equipped on his finger, practicing his movements.
Since the Thief’s Magic Sword only worked on living things, he practiced by aiming at the birds that occasionally flew past.
He was trying to get a feel for how the magic worked.
This is definitely a weakness.
As long as he had the bracelet summoned, he gained the benefit of Physical Ability Up (Small).
However, since he could only summon one magic sword at a time, using the Thief’s Magic Sword meant he had to give up the Wooden Magic Sword. He also lost access to Nature Magic (Small).
Once his Magic Sword Summoning Arts reached a higher level, he’d be able to summon two at once, but that was still a long way off.
...Well, for Little Boars, I don't really need the wooden sword anyway.
The Ashton house had ordinary steel swords as well. He could just carry a small one of those into the forest.
While he was lost in thought────
A clear, beautiful voice reached him, carrying the scent of flowers.
"──── Are you Ren Ashton?"
The voice came from behind him.
It originated near the old, dilapidated fence surrounding the mansion—the part that hadn't been fixed yet.
That girl is...
She was breathtakingly beautiful.
A girl stood there who looked like she’d stepped out of a fairytale, possessing the ethereal air of a fairy or a goddess.
Ren found himself captivated by her for two reasons: no one that beautiful lived in this village, and he felt like he’d seen her somewhere before.
"Yeah... I'm Ren Ashton."
Still trying to process his confusion, Ren managed to answer.
The girl began to walk toward him, her silken hair fluttering in the autumn breeze. Her grace was so profound that the phrase "a lily flower" flashed through Ren’s mind.
Combined with her elegant dress, she was a vision of refinement.
"Good. I wanted to meet you."
"Me...?"
"Yes. Lately, you’re the only thing I’ve been thinking about."
Ren was floored by the passionate statement.
He stood frozen as she approached, unable to look away from her magnetic presence.
"Are your wounds healed?"
"Yeah. They finished healing just recently."
The girl narrowed her eyes and smiled.
Then, reaching behind her back, she suddenly tossed a dagger at Ren’s feet.
Ren looked at her in surprise, only to see her drawing an identical dagger of her own.
"Wait, boy────! Don't──── pick that up────!"
A familiar voice shouted from the distance.
Ren looked over to see Weiss galloping toward them on horseback. He was too far away to hear clearly, and Ren found himself wondering why the man was even in the village.
Wait a second.
Ren crouched down and picked up the dagger.
It was blunted; the blade had been completely filed down.
"How brave. Even after being warned, you took up the blade. Is that confidence, I wonder?"
"...Huh?"
"Do you mind if I give the signal to start?"
"Um──── what?"
Ren’s "what" was meant as a confused question, but the girl interpreted it as "yes."
"──── Then, let us begin."
With a look of pure joy, she raised her dagger and took a combat stance.
Then, she closed the distance in a flash.
Her footwork was refined and incredibly fast, like a sudden gust of wind.
Ren was still bewildered by the sudden fight, but the girl didn't care. She lunged, her dagger aiming for his shoulder.
──── She’s fast, but...
She wasn't as fast as Roy. Her power likely wasn't on that level either.
But her technique was sharper and more fluid than anything Ren had seen before, reminding him of his training sessions with Weiss.
Reading her movements in an instant, Ren acted.
"If this is a mock battle, a wooden sword would be safer────!"
Even though he had been caught off guard, he parried her blade with ease.
The girl retreated a few steps, her beautiful face lit up with astonishment.
"Hehe... amazing! This is the first time I've had this much fun!"
She was clearly outmatched, yet she showed no sign of backing down.
Suddenly, she stepped back and reached for the hem of her dress.
Ren stared in disbelief as she began to cast the dress aside.
"Wait, what—"
But she didn't end up in her underwear. Beneath the dress, she wore a white combat outfit reminiscent of a military uniform, designed for maximum mobility.
That outfit... I definitely recognize it.
Just as he was about to make the connection, she charged again.
Freed from the constraints of her dress, her movements were even faster and sharper than before.
"How about this!"
It was a masterfully executed strike—one that seemed impossible for a girl her age.
"Still not enough!"
But she still wasn't a match for Ren.
Deciding to end the bout, Ren put more strength into his counters. Unlike before, he began to actively drive her back and off-balance.
"No way...!"
Ren used his blade as a lever, shifting her weight until she was forced onto one foot.
She lost her balance and fell backward. Ren’s blade continued to press down on her own until she hit the ground on her backside.
Finally, unable to withstand Ren’s superior strength, she was pinned flat against the earth.
"──── I win."
Ren thrust his dagger into the ground right next to her neck.
He was straddling her, and she could no longer put any power into her arms. Faced with Ren’s intense gaze and undeniable strength, the girl fell silent.
After a few seconds, her cheeks began to flush deep red.
"............ou're too."
"Huh?"
"I... I said you're too close!"
Ren scrambled to his feet and jumped back.
"S-Sorry! It was the heat of the moment, I just wanted to make sure you conceded!"
He had no other motive.
The girl seemed to realize that, but she couldn't hide her embarrassment.
Ren found himself staring at her bright red face.
"Ugh! I'll make you regret embarrassing me like that!"
The girl sprang up, her eyes watery with shame, and swung her blade again.
Her movements were still refined, but there was a frantic, messy edge to them now.
"Wait, you’re still going!?"
"Of course! I haven't admitted defeat yet!"
"──── That makes no sense!"
Ren had no intention of continuing.
He was genuinely afraid of hurting her.
He had wanted to end it quickly for that very reason...
"My Lady, that is enough! Ren, stop!"
Weiss’s voice finally reached them.
Relieved, Ren turned to the knight.
"Master Weiss, what are you doing here?"
"Ah... forgive the sudden intrusion. Actually—"
"Weiss. I will explain."
"...As you wish."
The girl walked over and stopped a few steps in front of Ren.
Then, she performed a curtsy.
Even in her military-style combat gear, her posture radiated an undeniable, high-society elegance.
Her beauty and grace were so pronounced that the air around her seemed to sparkle like a ballroom.
Ren found himself momentarily dazed by her radiant smile.
"I have come to House Ashton as my father’s proxy to deliver a letter."
A cold sweat broke out on the back of Ren’s neck.
A terrible realization was beginning to dawn on him.
"My father wishes to commend House Ashton for the subjugation of the Thief Wolfen. He also expressed great expectations for your future, Ren Ashton."
"Ah, yes... thank you very much..."
Seeing Ren’s awkward, non-committal reaction, the girl puffed out her cheeks.
"What’s with that reaction? Aren't you happy?"
"My Lady. The boy is likely just overwhelmed. Besides, you haven't introduced yourself yet."
"Oh, you’re right."
The girl cleared her throat and straightened her posture.
Then, with an elegant smile, she announced her name.
"I am Licia Clausel──── the 'White Saintess'."
You’ve heard of me, haven't you?
She looked at the stunned Ren, waiting for his reaction.
Ren’s face twitched as he nodded. Once he saw that Licia was satisfied, he looked up at the sky.
His eyes were glazed, staring at a very distant point in space.
"My Lady, your clothes," Weiss said, picking up the dress Licia had discarded.
"I've worked up a sweat. I'll change later."
"Understood. Still, My Lady, I cannot overlook the fact that you slipped away while I was resting in the forest just to come here alone."
"Your breaks are too long, Weiss. That's why I took a horse and came ahead on my own."
Unlike the reeling Ren, the two of them were having a perfectly normal conversation.
Ren stood there, dumbfounded.
This makes no sense... how did it come to this?
He never dreamed Licia would show up so suddenly.
He had been trying so hard to think of ways to avoid meeting her, but her sheer momentum had crushed all his plans.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Ren led Licia and Weiss into the mansion, where Roy and Mireille scrambled to welcome them. Since Roy was still bedridden, he remained in his room to report to Weiss on the village’s status.
Licia, however, didn't stay with them.
She unceremoniously called out to Ren and insisted they speak in the drawing room.
"So, why do you think I came to this village?"
Sitting on the old sofa in the drawing room, Licia stared intently at Ren.
Even sitting on a worn-out piece of furniture, her presence made it look like a masterpiece of craftsmanship.
"You said you brought a letter from the Baron."
Ren adjusted his tone. He was no longer speaking to a strange girl but to the daughter of his family’s liege.
"Wrong. That was just an excuse."
The girl before him gave a defiant smile.
──── The White Saintess, Licia Clausel.
In the Legend of the Seven Heroes, she was a powerful character who assisted the party during specific events. She was so strong that unless the player’s level was high, she was almost impossible to beat in a duel.
...No wonder she’s so striking.
Ren also remembered that Licia was one of the most popular characters in the game, captivating countless players with her looks and personality.
However, it was impossible to romance her in the game; she was famously known as the "Unattainable Heroine."
"If that was an excuse, then you had another motive."
"Yes. Exactly."
Licia nodded, her voice brimming with excitement.
"I had to see for myself. I wanted to see the boy Weiss praised so highly. You’re my age, yet you defeated a Thief Wolfen all by yourself."
"Master Weiss is overestimating me. My father had already wounded the beast. I can't take all the credit."
"...Hehe, how strange."
Licia leaned forward slightly, a provocative glint in her eyes.
"The way you talk... it’s almost as if you don't want me to like you. You sound humble, but I wonder if there’s more to it than that."
...She’s sharp.
Ren didn't say it out loud, but he gave a strained smile.
It was only natural for him to act this way.
Since being reincarnated, Ren had prioritized a peaceful life, doing everything he could to avoid the game’s plot. Avoiding a relationship with Licia was a top priority, so he couldn't afford to let her take a liking to him.
However, the bond between a noble house and its vassals couldn't be easily broken.
The best he could do was try to keep things purely professional.
"Even if you don't like it, it doesn't matter."
"──── What?"
"Don't you want to come to the city of Clausel where I live?"
She stated it plainly, then explained her reasoning.
"Our bout earlier confirmed it. You aren't just strong; you have courage. You didn't hesitate for a second to take up the sword when I challenged you."
Licia was praising not just his strength, but his character.
So that really was a formal challenge...
Apparently, picking up the dagger had been seen as accepting the duel.
"I didn't realize it was a duel. It didn't have anything to do with courage."
"Hehe, there's no need for humility."
"No, really—"
"I understand. You’re nothing like those noble boys who are all talk and no action."
Ren realized his reputation was growing purely through misunderstanding. It seemed anything he said now would only be used against him.
"──── That’s exactly why I want you in Clausel."
In truth, Ren had always been a humble, hard worker.
He knew he was stronger than most his age, and he was confident in his studies as well.
But he hated showing off.
While it was based on a misunderstanding, Licia seemed to have picked up on his genuine nature.
This girl must be a incredibly hard worker herself.
She had come all the way to this remote village on a whim.
Even if she was being pushy, the drive behind her actions was clearly a desire for self-improvement.
"Besides, I'm a sore loser. I can't go home while I’m still down a point to you."
"Wait, I thought you said you didn't admit defeat?"
"It’s a figure of speech."
"I see... so you want me to move to the city just so you can duel me whenever you want."
"Exactly. I’m glad you understand."
"I’m sorry, but I have no intention of leaving this village."
Licia’s eyes widened in shock for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure.
"...Hmph. So you really do hate me that much?"
While he did want to avoid the plot, Ren had more immediate concerns.
"It’s not that. If I leave, my father is the only one left to fight. If another monster like the Thief Wolfen shows up, the village might not survive."
"I see. But what about your own personal feelings?"
"You mean setting aside the village's needs?"
"Yes."
"Even then, I wouldn't leave. I like my life here. I’ve never had any desire to live in a big city."
Licia fell silent.
She crossed her arms and tapped her finger against her lip, lost in thought.
"──── I'm not giving up."
"Um, did you say something?"
"Don't worry about it. Just talking to myself."
"I’m pretty sure you said you weren't giving up..."
"No, you’re imagining things."
Licia flatly denied it, despite Ren being certain of what he’d heard.
She stood up abruptly.
"Actually, I worked up a sweat earlier. I’d like to borrow your bath. I’ll pay for the firewood."
She changed the subject as if nothing had happened.
"Don't worry about the firewood. The water is already hot."
"Oh? Do you always keep it hot? Do you have a magic tool for it?"
Magic tools... right. I forgot those exist in this world.
Magic tools were items that ran on mana to perform various tasks.
They ranged from small portable devices to large stationary installations.
Most were powered by magic stones or the user's own mana. This was why magic stones were so valuable in the game world.
However, they were expensive, as the craftsmen capable of making them were rare.
"We can't afford magic tools. The water is hot because I heat it early after I get back from hunting to wash off the sweat and blood."
Ren led her to the bathroom as they spoke.
The washroom and bath were old, but Mireille kept them meticulously clean, so they were perfectly serviceable.
Ren felt relieved that she didn't seem disappointed, and he turned to leave.
"I’ll bring a nice magic tool from my house next time."
"That would be help──── wait, next time!?"
"..........Um, Ren? It’s a bit awkward to say this after you showed me the way, but I can't exactly undress with you standing there."
Ren realized he should have asked for clarification on her "next time" comment before he got himself into an awkward situation. He beat a hasty retreat.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
That evening, at Licia’s request, they all had dinner together—Licia and the three members of the Ashton family.
As soon as the meal was over, Ren practically fled the room.
He didn't want to be rude, but he used the excuse of tending to the horses Licia and Weiss had brought.
But Licia followed him outside anyway.
"Is this... what you call after-dinner exercise?"
"Sharp as always. That makes things easier."
It was obvious what she wanted.
Licia wasn't in her dress; she was back in her white combat gear.
"I-It’s getting late, I don't think you should be working up another sweat...!"
"Don't worry. I can't sleep unless I take a bath right before bed anyway."
Licia gave a carefree smile, looking almost magical in the moonlight.
But when she tossed a sword his way, the charm vanished, replaced by a sense of impending trouble.
"──── Oh! Won't Master Weiss be mad? You should probably stop!"
"Too bad. I already got permission from Weiss. And from your parents too."
"You did WHAT!?"
That Knight Commander... she totally played him!
As for his parents, Ren knew they had no choice. You didn't say no to the daughter of your liege.
But then, Ren had a brilliant idea.
Wait. I just have to refuse the duel. If I don't pick up the sword, there's no fight.
Just as he was feeling relieved—
"If you don't pick up that sword, I’m staying here longer than planned."
"...Actually, I was just in the mood for a little workout."
His "brilliant" plan was crushed instantly.
"Strange. I felt a little annoyed for a second. ...Seriously, why are you so intent on rejecting me?"
I am never telling you.
Licia’s brow furrowed at Ren’s hollow laugh.
But once he took up the sword, she seemed somewhat satisfied.
"Listen. If I win, you have to tell me why you’re so stubborn. Also, you have to promise to come to Clausel."
"And if I win?"
Licia narrowed her eyes.
"In that case──── I’ll come back to this village again!"
Ren’s eyes went dead as he realized there was no outcome where he actually won.
His grip on the sword went limp as he processed his despair.
Even so, Licia charged with everything she had.
She thought she had caught him off-guard, but Ren effortlessly parried her strike.
"Wh—How!? You looked completely checked out!"
"Don't ask me."
Besides the gap in their natural strength, Ren was already getting used to her style.
Even after just one encounter, he was moving with much more efficiency.
Why do you care so much about winning anyway!?
He knew she was competitive, but her persistence was a problem.
He also knew that with her skill level, she’d notice if he threw the fight. And if he made her angry, she’d probably just have him kidnapped and taken to the city.
"Why do you want to beat me so badly!?"
"I told you! I hate losing! And as the 'White Saintess', I can't let a boy my own age beat me!"
They traded blows, their conversation continuing amidst the clashing of steel.
"What does being a Saintess have to do with it!?"
"My 'White Saintess' skill gives me incredible sword aptitude and physical boosts! And I have Holy Magic too! It’s beyond frustrating to lose with all that!"
Essentially, her skill was a triple threat: swordsmanship, Physical Ability Up, and Holy Magic.
Holy Magic was particularly devastating. It combined White Magic for healing with Sacred Magic for anti-undead, dispelling, and curing poison. It also provided powerful buffs. In the game, having her in an event battle turned "hard" mode into "easy" mode.
"I’m getting serious now! I'm going to win!"
Licia’s movements shifted.
She was momentarily enveloped in a radiant light, and her speed increased drastically. The force behind her blows felt like it was coming from an entirely different person.
Holy Magic...!
It was the blessing of Lord Elfen. Since it was separate from the Physical Ability Up skill, the effects stacked.
Okay, now she’s actually strong.
Ren’s expression sharpened.
"You should have used that from the start!"
"I know! But if I use it without Weiss’s permission, I get in trouble!"
Which meant she had officially cleared it with him this time.
He’s way too indulgent with her!
Ren gritted his teeth and gripped his sword tighter. His eyes locked onto hers, surprising Licia just as she was starting to gain the upper hand.
And then────
"...No way."
The final clash was over in a heartbeat.
Licia blinked, and Ren was suddenly right in front of her. Before she could bring her blade up to defend, Ren’s blunted sword was pressed against her throat.
"I win."
He was so close she could feel his breath. He stared directly into her eyes, so close she could have counted every single eyelash.
"...I haven't lost yet."
Whether from tension or embarrassment, her voice was a mere whisper. Her eyes were beginning to well up.
Ren’s own face twitched.
There’s a limit to how much of a sore loser you can be.
Finally, Ren lowered his sword and stepped back.
She didn't try to attack again, seemingly too stunned by how quickly she’d been defeated.
Suddenly, the sound of clapping filled the yard.
Weiss walked over, followed by a few other knights.
"To completely overwhelm My Lady while she was using Holy Magic... truly, you are a hero, to have slain a Thief Wolfen alone at such a young age."
"We were stunned!"
"Indeed! You’ll be a knight known across all of Leomel one day!"
As the knights praised him, one of them—a knight stationed in the village—laughed.
"See? I told you Master Ren was the real deal."
Weiss nodded.
"My apologies, Ren. As they said, you are strong. I wanted My Lady to understand that strength to her very core."
In the end, House Ashton served House Clausel. Ren couldn't exactly argue with his superior.
"Now then, My Lady. I assume you understand this boy’s strength now?"
"............"
"You are strong, My Lady. But this boy became strong in a much harsher environment. That simply means that with even more effort, you might one day catch up to him."
Forget catching up, she’ll probably blow right past me, Ren thought.
"Now that you understand, I expect you to work even harder when we return home."
"Yes... I know."
Licia looked at Ren.
"I’m sorry for showing up unannounced. But this was a great experience for me."
"Ah... well, me too."
"──── If you come to Clausel, we can do this every single day."
"As I said, that’s a different story."
Seeing Ren still refusing to budge, Licia’s lips quirked into a tiny smile. She turned and headed back toward the mansion.
"My apologies again. I’ll make sure the Baron knows how well you treated us."
"It was nothing."
"Nonsense. It was everything. Right, men?"
Weiss’s subordinates nodded.
"I think this was exactly the stimulus My Lady needed."
"Yes. Training with us was clearly starting to bore her."
"Ren, it’s just as they said. ──── I actually wish we could stay a few more days to have you keep her company, but..."
I would really, really like to decline that.
"We have to leave tomorrow morning."
The news was a surprise. Ren was shocked, but also secretly relieved.
"My Lady had to convince the Baron just to come here. Aside from rewarding House Ashton, she has a job to do. She has to tour the surrounding villages to calm the unrest caused by the Thief Wolfen incident."
Licia had come to see Ren, but she had offered her services as a representative of the Lord’s family to make the trip happen. She hadn't forgotten her duty.
She really is a good, hardworking girl at heart.
"I’ll see you in the morning to say a proper goodbye."
Weiss bowed like a perfect butler and began to lead his men away──── only to turn back when Licia reappeared.
"Hey, Ren! Would it be okay if Weiss and I stopped by your room later?"
"What for?" Ren asked, startled.
"I want to hear about your training routine. Weiss is curious too. Do you mind staying up a bit late with us?"
Ren realized he couldn't say no. "Sure, I don't mind."
Licia’s face lit up with a brilliant smile. "Great!"
In that moment, she looked every bit the pure, radiant Saintess.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The next morning, Licia woke up at sunrise.
She desperately wanted another duel, but her time was up. They had to leave.
She felt a pang of regret as she packed her things──── until she had an idea.
──── That’s it.
Since Ren had refused to move to Clausel, she decided to leave him a letter explaining just how serious she was about him.
She pulled a piece of parchment and an envelope from her bag.
Sitting at the desk in the guest room, she took up her pen.
"Now... what should I say?"
The problem was that Licia had almost no experience writing personal letters.
She had written plenty of official documents and formal greetings, but never anything like this.
Still, she worked the pen across the paper.
Letter-writing is a basic noble skill. I can do this.
She wrote in a flowery, poetic style, using the elegant handwriting expected of a Baron’s daughter. Just as she finished and let out a sigh of satisfaction────
"My Lady. It is Weiss."
A knock came from the door.
Licia gave him permission to enter, and the knight stepped into the room.
He noticed the letter immediately. "A thank-you note for House Ashton?"
"No. I’m about to write that one. This is something else."
Weiss looked curious, so Licia handed it to him.
"Actually, could you look this over? It’s a letter for the boy."
"For Master Ren? I see."
Weiss took the letter and began to read.
Meanwhile, Licia grabbed a fresh piece of parchment to write the formal thank-you note to the Ashtons.
This one went much faster. Unlike the letter to Ren, the words flowed easily.
When she finished, she looked up.
"Well? What do you think?"
She asked for Weiss’s opinion on the first letter.
"...Well. I’m not entirely sure how to put this."
"What? Is there a mistake?"
"N-No... the writing itself is perfect."
"Then what’s the problem?"
Weiss hesitated more than usual, making Licia knit her brows.
Finally, he spoke up, looking slightly pained.
"My Lady... this is a love letter."
Licia stared at him, her mind going blank for several long seconds.
"A love letter?"
"Yes. Reading this... it can only be described as a love letter."
"...Tell me. Which part sounds like a love letter?"
Weiss clearly didn't want to answer, but under Licia’s intense gaze, he had no choice.
Licia tried to look calm, but her heart was racing.
"For example: 'The thumping in my heart whenever I think of you is even stronger now than it was before we met.'"
"T-That’s just the truth! I heard he was amazing, and then I met him and he was even more amazing! That’s all I meant!"
"I understand your intent, My Lady, but it sounds like a woman yearning for her beloved."
"────!?"
"And then there’s this."
"There’s more!?"
Licia’s face was turning beet-red now.
"You wrote: 'Your bravery, your strength, your noble spirit... they call to me, telling me never to give up on you.'"
"It’s a fact! After seeing his sword skills, I’m determined to duel him again! I won't give up until I win!"
"Nevertheless, it reads like a village girl who has been swept off her feet by a hero. I think you’ll see it if you read it again."
Licia snatched the letter back.
She tried to stay composed, but her cheeks were burning.
"...Wow. It really does read like a love letter."
It wasn't just her lack of experience. She had been so desperate to get him to come to the city that she had poured far too much passion into the writing.
She wanted to write a new one, but Weiss reminded her it was time to go.
She considered tearing it up, but she didn't want to leave the scraps in the mansion.
Feeling incredibly embarrassed, she folded the letter up tightly.
She’d just throw it away once they were clear of the village.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Licia and Weiss met the three Ashtons outside and said their goodbyes.
She apologized for the sudden visit, thanked them for their hospitality, and officially confirmed the rewards for the Thief Wolfen. Then, they finally departed.
It happened just as they were crossing the suspension bridge between the village and the forest.
A sudden, sharp gust of wind blew across the bridge. Licia squinted against the wind, which tugged at her clothes.
"Are you all right, My Lady?"
"Yes, don't worry. Just a bit of a surprise."
Licia gave a small smile, and they continued on.
...She hadn't noticed.
She didn't realize that when the wind had caught her clothes, the hidden letter had been snatched away by the breeze.