The bitter winter finally drew to a close.
As the eleventh spring of Ren’s life was about to begin, far away in Clausel, the lord of the territory—Baron Clausel—was staring in wonder at a letter that had just arrived.
Alone in his office, he whispered to himself as he scanned the parchment.
"I can’t believe it. To think such a high-ranking noble would... Is there no mistake?"
The knight who had delivered the letter shared his look of disbelief.
"None, my lord. Since Thief Wolfen materials are precious ingredients for rare medicines, it’s possible the sender is desperate to procure them."
"Ah, yes... indeed. Thief Wolfen parts haven't been on the market lately."
"How shall we proceed, my lord?"
"We cannot ignore this. We must make contact immediately—no, wait. Perhaps this is an opportunity..."
An idea suddenly struck the Baron. He turned to his desk, intent on conveying his thoughts to the sender.
However, just as he dipped his pen in the ink, there was a knock at the door.
"Father."
Lithia’s arrival forced him to stop. When he invited her in, she offered a polite greeting.
"I’ve come to say goodbye before my departure."
"Lithia. You understand, don't you?"
"Yes. I am well aware that this is an official duty. I will patrol the territory and serve the interests of House Clausel, just as I have before."
"See that you do. Your sparring sessions with Ren Ashton are strictly a reward for fulfilling your responsibilities as a member of this house. Keep that firmly in mind. And of course, do not forget to show proper gratitude to the boy."
"I know. I swear it upon my late mother’s name."
After this exchange, Lithia performed a graceful curtsy and left the office.
She walked out of the manor toward the front gate, where Weiss was already waiting with the horses.
"All right... I have to do my best this time, too."
"You have grown significantly over the winter, my lady. I am certain you will display excellent swordsmanship against the boy."
"I hope so. I’ve worked very hard for this."
She approached the female knight who would be sharing a mount with her and nimbly climbed up.
"Let’s go. It’s a long way to the village—"
Suddenly, Lithia’s vision blurred.
The world wobbled, and her senses grew dull. For a fleeting second, all strength drained from her limbs. She couldn't even tell if the air felt hot or cold.
"My lady? Is something the matter?" the female knight asked from behind her.
The lingering discomfort made her hesitate, but she eventually managed a reply.
"...It’s nothing. I think I’m just a little nervous."
"Rest assured, my lady. We have watched your dedication every single day. I’m sure it will be a spectacular match."
"Thanks... I hope so."
As the strange sensation vanished as quickly as it had appeared, Lithia merely tilted her head, wondering if she had imagined it.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The day after Lithia departed the Clausel manor.
Back in Ren’s village, Roy had recently returned to his duties as a hunter.
As I thought, the medicine in this world is something else, Ren thought.
He could tell just by looking at Roy, who was walking beside him with his usual boisterous laugh. Despite suffering a wound that had reached his internal organs, Roy had recovered enough to hunt again in less than a year. It was truly impressive, especially since it was the result of herbalism rather than modern surgery.
As they walked side-by-side along the field path returning from the forest, Ren couldn’t help but marvel at his father’s vitality.
"Hm? What is it, Ren?"
"Nothing. I was just thinking about how healthy you are now."
"Of course I am! After all the Rondo Grass and expensive medicine you kids got for me, it’s more like it took too long!"
Roy’s expression then turned serious, and he let out a heavy sigh. Ren sensed the shift in mood immediately.
"The forest is definitely strange lately. There are far too many Little Boars."
"I noticed that over the winter, too. The knights mentioned it as well."
"I’m sure they did. Spring to summer is their breeding season, so it’s normal for them to be more active, but this is ridiculous."
"Well, our income goes up because there's more to hunt, but I can't say I'm purely happy about the situation."
Roy nodded in agreement. "For now, we just have to keep hunting while keeping a close eye on things."
Roy flashed a refreshing grin. Ren offered a short "Right" and looked up at the darkening sky.
The sun is setting later now.
Winter was truly gone. Spring was in full bloom, and summer was peeking over the horizon.
As Ren enjoyed the changing seasons, a sudden sound interrupted his thoughts.
"—!" "—"
The sound of men arguing reached them from further down the path.
Ren and Roy exchanged a quick nod. They dropped the Little Boars they were carrying right there on the path and sprinted toward the Ashton manor.
They arrived in minutes, finding the House Clausel knights facing off against a group of knights serving Viscount Given.
"What's all this noise? What happened!" Roy barked.
"M-my apologies, Master Roy! These men—"
"Ah, we have been waiting for you! We have brought a letter!" one of the Given knights interrupted, leaning forward.
Ren recognized him. He was the same knight who had asked for directions in the forest months ago. Roy accepted the letter as a matter of etiquette, looking at the seal with a frown.
"I will read this inside. But what business brings you to this village again?"
"Naturally, it is an invitation to House Ashton."
Again? Ren sighed, hiding his face. Again? Roy forced his expression to remain neutral.
"The Viscount still holds your skills in high regard, Master Roy. And the same goes for your son."
"Ren? Ah, you mentioned that before."
"Indeed. Therefore, we have brought a new proposal this time."
Ren had a bad feeling. Usually, when people spoke of "new proposals" in this tone, it was anything but a good deal for the recipient.
"The Viscount has offered to sponsor Ren Ashton's enrollment into the Special Merit Class of the prestigious Imperial Military Academy."
The announcement struck Ren like a physical blow. Roy, equally shocked, stepped forward.
"Wha—!? Even general admission is nearly impossible! There's no way our Ren could get into the Special Merit Class...!"
"The Special Merit Class is indeed exceptional," the knight said triumphantly. "Only the heirs of the Seven Great Ducal Houses and General Families, along with the most elite talents from the Imperial Capital, are admitted."
Ren glared at the knight’s arrogant face.
I absolutely do not want to go.
The Imperial Military Academy was the primary setting of the Legend of the Seven Heroes. Even worse, the Special Merit Class was where the protagonist and his companions would be. Enrolling there was a one-way ticket to the game’s plot.
"The Viscount is a former Assistant Minister of Justice. He has the authority to send a personal letter of recommendation."
"It's not... impossible, but even so, it would be difficult to recommend a commoner's son!"
"True. However, the Viscount sees untapped potential in Ren Ashton."
"Potential? What potential?"
The knight’s smile widened, sensing he had Roy's full attention.
"The Viscount suspects that perhaps House Ashton carries the bloodline of Hero Luin, however thin it may be."
"Ha—haaa!? What kind of nonsense is that!" Roy shouted.
"It is foolish to dismiss it. Look at the legitimate children currently being born to the Seven Great Ducal Houses. They were all born around the same time. It would be stranger not to find hope in a boy like yours, who was born during that same window and has performed such incredible feats."
"That's impossible! Our family has been in this village for generations!"
"No one knows the truth of the distant past. It’s possible House Ashton was a branch that split off long ago. Regardless, the truth of the bloodline matters less than the boy’s bravery. He is a rare talent."
Ren realized what was happening. Viscount Given wanted to turn him into a political pawn for the Hero Faction. It didn't matter if Ren actually had Hero blood; the rumor alone was a powerful weapon.
(If I do well, they'll use me as a symbol. If I fail, they'll just say I was a fraud.)
He was being treated like a convenient tool. Roy clearly thought it was a fairy tale, but in politics, the truth was secondary to the narrative.
"Let’s set aside the details for now," the knight continued. "Graduating from that academy guarantees a high-ranking position. For House Ashton, that is all you need to consider."
"I... I know that, but..." Roy stammered.
The knight turned to Ren. "Young man, don't you wish to see your talents bloom in the Imperial Capital?"
Ren didn't hesitate.
"—No."
"I knew you would say... wait, what?" The knight blinked, his mouth falling open.
"I have no intention of leaving this village."
"W-Why!?"
"I'm sorry. I find fulfillment in my life here, hunting and protecting my home."
"Do you not wish to be a noble? You could become a Baron upon graduation!"
"Again, I apologize, but that is too heavy a burden for me."
The knight faltered, his momentum completely stalled. He turned back to Roy, desperate.
"And what about you? What do you think?"
It would have been easy for Roy to simply agree and force Ren's hand. But Roy answered with the same casual firmness as his son.
"I'm sorry. It's an honor to receive such an offer twice, but I must decline. I take pride in the fact that my family has served House Clausel for generations."
"Do you not want your son to be a noble!?"
"Of course I do. I’d love for him to attend a school in the Capital and learn things I can't teach him. But what’s more important to me is Ren’s own will."
"The boy is just being humble! He's holding back for your sake!"
"No, that's not it. Ren is a considerate kid, but he doesn't lie about what he wants."
The knight’s face turned a deep shade of red, and his fists trembled. He was on the verge of an outburst, but he managed to maintain a shred of dignity.
"I see... That is a pity, Master Roy."
He bowed stiffly, then turned and mounted his horse.
"Wait! I'll write a proper reply!" Roy called out.
"There is no need. We shall convey your refusal to the Viscount ourselves. Farewell."
The group galloped away without another word. Roy scratched his head, watching them go.
"Well, they certainly didn't want to stick around. I wanted to write a letter so I wouldn't seem rude... it'll be a headache if they tell the Viscount something I didn't say."
"I don't think it matters," Ren said. "Refusing twice is pretty clear either way."
Roy shrugged. "I guess you're right."
The House Clausel knights, who had been watching in silence, approached Roy and shook his hand vigorously.
"I will inform the Baron of this! Master Roy, Master Ren... such loyalty from one so young... it’s truly moving!"
"Reassuring indeed!" the other knight added. "The future of House Ashton is in good hands!"
Flushed with the praise, both Ren and Roy scratched their cheeks in embarrassment.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
A few days later.
On a pleasant afternoon with the warm spring sun shining down, Ren had pushed the recent confrontation out of his mind. He was busy spring-cleaning the manor with his mother, Mireille. Roy was away, having taken the knights to the forest for their daily hunt.
"We need to change out the winter bedding, so let’s get to it," Mireille said.
Ren handled his own room first while Mireille took the master bedroom. Then, they met in the guest room. When they stripped the bed, they found a problem.
"Oh dear, this mattress has mold on it."
It was an old bed to begin with, but the mold made it unusable.
"We'll have to open the windows and air the room out," Ren suggested. Mireille nodded.
They carried the heavy winter blankets out to the well behind the house to wash them. As Ren made one of his trips back and forth, he stopped and looked toward the village entrance.
"Hm?"
He saw the House Clausel procession emerging from the forest path. It was their first visit of the spring.
"They're as punctual as ever."
The sight of the knights on the field path was familiar, but something felt different. Weiss, leading the group, looked grimmer than usual, and the horses were moving at a much faster clip.
Concerned, Ren looked toward the back of the group. He saw Lithia slumped over, leaning heavily against the female knight sharing her horse.
(That’s not like her.)
The fact that Lithia—who usually practically jumped off her horse to find him—was so still was a bad sign. Ren hurried to find Mireille.
"Mother, the Saintess is here, but something is wrong. I think she's sick."
"I'll get things ready inside. Ren, go greet them!"
Ren ran to the gate just as Weiss pulled his horse to a stop.
"Master Weiss! Let's get her inside quickly."
"Forgive us... I appreciate the help."
Ren realized the guest room bed was still unusable.
"Please bring her in slowly. I have to speak with my mother."
Ren sprinted back into the house and found Mireille in the hallway. He quickly explained that the guest room was moldy and Lithia was ill.
"The master bedroom still smells like father's medicine. Let her use my room," Ren proposed. "I'll take the guest room later once it's cleaned up."
By the time the knights arrived at the door, the plan was set. Lithia was carried upstairs, her forehead glistening with sweat.
"She’ll need to change. I'll take care of her," Mireille said, shooing the men away.
Ren and Weiss went down to the kitchen. Weiss looked exhausted as he sat at the table.
"The lady fell ill about three days ago," Weiss explained.
Apparently, it was a common ailment for children with high mana capacity. It wasn't contagious, but it was unpredictable. Once a person had it, they usually gained a lifelong immunity.
"We were near another village, but I decided to rush here because of Granny Rigu's reputation. We couldn't make it all the way back to Clausel in her condition."
"I understand. Don't worry about it; she can stay here as long as she needs to."
"You have my deepest thanks. Please, tell me if there is anything we can do to help while we're here. Hunting, repairs, anything."
Ren figured it was better to accept the help so the knights wouldn't feel like they were just imposing.
"Is there no holy magic that can treat her?" Ren asked.
"Perhaps when she is older, but for now, she cannot heal herself."
Ren felt bad for asking such an obvious question. Lithia was still just a child, after all.
To change the subject, Ren mentioned the recent visit from the Hero Faction.
"The knights of Viscount Given were here again recently. They offered to sponsor me for the Imperial Military Academy’s Special Merit Class."
Weiss looked stunned. Then he let out a long, heavy sigh.
"With your talent, it’s a plausible offer. And the Viscount certainly has the influence... I suppose I should congratulate you."
"Eh? Why are you congratulating me? I turned them down."
Bang! Weiss slammed the table as he stood up. "You what!?"
(Careful, the table's old...) Ren thought. He repeated the reasons he had given the Given knights.
Weiss stared at him, speechless, before slowly sinking back into his chair.
"I see... I swear to you," Weiss said with sudden, solemn intensity. "This will be the last time I bring the lady to this village."
"What? Why so suddenly?"
"I wanted her to be inspired by you, but I realize now that I was being selfish. I’ve been taking advantage of House Ashton's kindness. After seeing the loyalty your family has shown... I cannot continue to impose like this."
Weiss clearly respected Ren’s family too much to keep burdening them. He was a man of high honor who wouldn't use his position to force his way.
But Ren felt a pang of something he didn't expect.
(It’s actually a little lonely to hear that.)
He didn't dislike Lithia. In fact, he’d started to enjoy their interactions. The thought of this being the last time felt strangely final.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Weiss sent several knights back to Clausel to report the delay. It was three days later when Lithia’s condition finally stabilized.
"My lady. Master Ren is here to see you." "...Yes. He can come in."
The sun was setting. Lithia had finally felt well enough to sit up and speak. When the door opened, Ren walked in and their eyes met.
(Her cheeks are still bright red...)
"I'll be right outside if you need anything," the female knight said, closing the door.
Ren felt a bit awkward being alone in a room with a noble girl, even if they were still children. He stepped toward the bed.
"—I’m... sorry," Lithia whispered.
Her voice was hoarse and weak. She looked small and fragile, a far cry from the energetic girl who usually challenged him to duels. Tears shimmered in her eyes.
"Don't apologize! Please, don't bow your head."
When she didn't stop, Ren instinctively reached out and placed his hands on her shoulders.
(She’s burning up...)
The heat of her skin surprised him. He quickly pulled his hands back once she looked up.
"I just—"
"It’s fine. My parents aren't bothered at all."
Weiss had told him how guilty she felt. She had insisted on coming here, only to become a burden the moment she arrived. She clearly hated feeling so helpless.
"You look like you're feeling a bit better. I’m glad," Ren said, sitting on the stool by the bed.
After a moment of silence, Lithia began to speak in a quiet, halting voice.
"Weiss probably told you... this trip was supposed to be a political statement against Viscount Given. I was supposed to patrol the villages to show that House Clausel is united."
For a neutral house with no patron, it was a necessary move, however small.
"And instead... I’m just a nuisance. I couldn't beat you even once, and now I'm just a burden."
"A match is a match. If we used real swords, I might have been the one to lose."
"You're just being nice. At this rate, I’m going to ruin my mother’s reputation."
This was the first time Ren had heard that her mother was gone.
"My mother was so happy when she found out I was a Saintess," Lithia said, her eyes distant. "She said I would become someone amazing... even on the day she died."
She looked proud for a moment.
"I only know her face from portraits. But every time I wear those sparring clothes, I feel like she’s cheering for me."
"The clothes you always wear to spar?"
"Yes. They were hers when she was a girl. She came from a family of knights at the Imperial Castle."
They were keepsakes. That was why she was so serious whenever she wore them.
"—But it all just went wrong."
Ren finally felt like he understood her. She wasn't just trying to be strong; she was carrying the weight of her mother’s memory and the expectations of everyone in Clausel.
"Anyway, don't worry. I talked to Weiss. I’m so sorry for everything. This will be the last time we come here."
She was a noble girl through and through, even in her self-pity.
"In that case," Ren said, "next time you come, please bring a magic tool that can start a fire. If you have an extra one, that is."
Lithia looked up, her red-rimmed eyes wide with confusion. "What do you mean?"
"It would be really convenient to have a fire-starter in the kitchen."
"But... I just said I'm not coming back!"
"I'm talking about when you visit next time."
"Listen to me! I'm a burden! I'm not coming!"
Ren smiled. It was a gentle, mature expression that caught her off guard.
"My lady, think about it. If a stranger showed up and immediately demanded a duel, anyone would be a little bewildered."
"I... suppose so."
"I'm glad you agree. So, next time, just give us a little warning. And remember, I'm not leaving this village, so you'll have to come here if you want a rematch."
Ren stood up to leave.
"Wait! Are you... are you serious?"
"Yes. So get well soon, and we can talk more then."
He headed for the door. Lithia reached out a hand but pulled it back, her heart racing.
"Wait... can I borrow a pen and ink? I need to write to my father, but I ran out."
"There's a container on the desk. Feel free to use whatever is in there."
"Thanks..."
Ren gave one last wave and stepped out, closing the door behind him.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Lithia stared at the door long after he was gone.
"Why was I... following him with my eyes?" she whispered, falling back against the pillows. Her headache had finally begun to dull.
She called for her guard and asked for Weiss. When he arrived, she made a request.
"I want the knights to help the village while I'm stuck in bed. Hunt the boars, help with the repairs. Do whatever House Ashton needs."
Weiss was moved by her selflessness. "On your behalf, my lady, we shall do everything in our power."
He left to organize the men. Alone again, Lithia found she couldn't sleep. Her eyes drifted back to the desk.
I should write that letter.
She stood up slowly. She felt surprisingly steady. She grabbed some parchment from her bag and walked to the desk. She looked for the pen container Ren had mentioned.
There were two boxes on the desk. One was an ornate wood-carved container. The other was a plain, flat box.
"Which one...?"
She reached for the wood-carved box first. She opened the lid, but there was no pen inside.
Instead, she saw a piece of roughly folded parchment.
Curiosity got the better of her. Her fingers trembled as she picked it up. Please don't be what I think it is.
She opened it.
"~~~!?"
Lithia instantly slammed the paper against her chest, her face turning a shade of red that put her fever to shame.
"W-W-W-Why is this in his room!?"
It was the letter she thought she had lost. The "love letter" she had written in a state of high emotion.
"He found it... and he definitely read it!"
She peeked at the paper again, hoping she was wrong. But it was unmistakable. And the fact that it was kept in a special, carved box meant he hadn't just found it—he was keeping it.
"I thought he didn't want anything to do with me! Why didn't he just throw it away? Why put it in a box like this!?"
She writhed in embarrassment on the bed, her mind a whirlwind of excuses. It’s not a love letter! I was just being passionate! I don’t even like him!
But as she made the excuses, his gentle smile from a few minutes ago floated through her mind.
"Idiot..."
She hugged the letter to her chest. She looked back at the door, just as she had when he left.
"It’s not like I like him or anything..."
She trailed off. Eventually, she placed the letter back in the carved box exactly as she found it. She crawled back into bed and buried her face in the pillow.
"Why would you keep it? You dummy."
She wouldn't ask him about it. But she couldn't help but wonder.
What did you think when you read it?
The more she thought about his possible answer, the hotter her face became. She told herself it was just the fever.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The next morning.
Ren stood in the yard with his hunting gear, waiting for Roy.
"The knights are going to handle the boars and help with the repairs today," Roy explained. "So we're taking a break from hunting."
"That's a relief."
"I'm going to the storage shed by the bridge with Weiss to get the timber we've been saving. Ren, you stay here and help with the carpentry."
Mireille came out of the house, dressed for a walk.
"I’m going to see Granny Rigu to pick up more medicine for the Saintess. I should be back by early afternoon."
Weiss bowed to her. "Forgive us for the trouble, Mireille-dono."
"Think nothing of it! The knights need to be here to guard the lady. I’ll handle the errands."
She waved and started down the path. Soon after, Roy, Weiss, and the rest of the knights set off.
(It’s awfully cloudy today...)
Ren looked up at the grey sky, offering a quick prayer that the rain would hold off.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The prayer went unanswered.
Within two hours, the sky opened up. A thick, heavy fog rolled in, reducing visibility to a few feet.
"Master Ren! We should head back for now!" a knight called out.
"Right! The weather's too bad for this!"
Ren had been moving supplies between the manor and the village. As he started back toward the house, he caught a scent on the wind.
(What is that?)
It wasn't the smell of wet earth. It was something sharp and acrid.
Smoke.
He’d smelled it before when the villagers did controlled burns, but this was much stronger. He looked toward the manor.
(It's coming from the house!)
Ren didn't wait. He sprinted toward the manor, his heart hammering against his ribs.
"Master Ren! Wait!"
He ignored the shouts behind him. He reached the manor in record time, only to skid to a halt in horror.
The Ashton manor was an inferno.
Deep red flames licked at the sky, visible even through the thick fog. Despite the torrential rain, the fire was raging with unnatural intensity.
As he got closer, the smell of smoke was joined by the metallic tang of blood.
(Faster...!)
He saw the front gate. In the yard, several knights lay motionless. Ren checked one as he ran past—the man was dead, his throat torn open by something with massive fangs. The body was still warm.
(They used the fog and rain to mask the sound... they did this in seconds!)
Ren didn't hesitate. He kicked open the front door and summoned his Iron Magic Sword.
He knew he should wait for backup, but he couldn't. Lithia was still inside. If he waited even a minute, she might be gone.
Ren slapped his cheeks to steel his nerves and charged into the burning house.
"Why... why is this happening!"
The interior was a nightmare of red and orange. The heat was blistering, but he forced himself up the half-collapsed stairs toward his room.
He saw more dead knights in the hallway. He didn't stop. He threw open his bedroom door.
"My lady!"
He saw the bed. And then he saw the intruders.
A man in a grey robe stood by the bed, flanked by two monstrous creatures. The man was surrounded by a shimmering blue veil that repelled the flames.
"So... you are Ren Ashton," the man said. His voice was cold and detached.
Ren gripped his sword, his eyes darting to the monsters.
(Mana Eaters...)
They looked like giant black lizards with bat wings and no noses—just massive, toothy maws. They were D-rank summoned beasts, but having two of them in a confined, burning room was a death sentence.
"Did you do this, Beast Tamer?" Ren spat.
"Oh? You're well-informed. Yes, these Mana Eaters are mine. I’m impressed you recognize them."
Ren’s mind raced. He had to buy time. His father and Weiss would be here any moment.
Suddenly, the house groaned. The support beams, weakened by the fire, began to give way. The ceiling above the bed started to buckle.
"No!"
Ren summoned his Wooden Magic Sword, sending out a spray of vines to catch the falling debris.
One of the Mana Eaters roared and spat a gout of flame, incinerating the vines instantly. The ceiling continued to collapse.
Ren lunged forward, swinging his sword to clear a path through the fire. He reached the bed just as the debris fell, shielding Lithia with his own body and his blade.
But in that moment, he had left himself open.
"Go to sleep."
The Beast Tamer’s voice was the last thing he heard. A sweet, minty scent filled his nose.
His limbs turned to lead. His vision blurred. Ren collapsed onto the bed beside Lithia.
"What... did you..."
"Sleeping incense," the man said. "Strong enough to drop a dragon for days."
Ren tried to pull Lithia closer, to protect her even as he fell, but his strength was gone. He slipped into the darkness.