"So, the real problem is how I'm going to explain this to Lady Lithia..."
It all boiled down to how he would justify his actions to her.
"Is something the matter with me?"
For some reason, Ren heard Lithia’s voice answer his thought.
He turned slowly toward the source. There stood Lithia on the shoulder of the road, accompanied by Yuno. A few female knights from the guard stood nearby.
Ah... come to think of it, he was already quite close to the estate.
His cheek twitched as he instinctively took a step back from her.
"Well? What about me?"
"No, well..."
Lithia closed the distance as he retreated. Behind her, Yuno gave a helpless smile and silently mouthed the words, Just give up.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Upon returning to the estate, Ren wasn't taken to see Lezard at the main manor. Instead, Lithia practically dragged him to the old wing by his hand.
She sat him down on a sofa in the entrance hall and immediately took a seat right beside him.
"I’m just glad you aren't seriously hurt."
Using her Holy Magic, Lithia began to soothe his exhaustion and heal the minor scratches on his cheeks. A gentle warmth permeated Ren's body.
"I was sure I’d be in trouble," Ren admitted.
"Why? You did something incredible. Didn't you think you’d be praised instead?"
"Whether it was 'incredible' or not, I still went off and fought on my own."
"True. But several people were saved thanks to your courage, Ren. You should be proud of that."
Lithia understood his position; her father had given him the job, after all.
"Still, considering how dangerous that thing was, I did wonder if I should scold you just a little bit," she added with a soft chuckle.
"You’re absolutely right," Ren agreed.
"I really was worried about you."
Lithia pouted. Her expression was more of a cute sulk than actual anger, her cheeks softening as she looked at him.
"You probably haven't eaten yet. Let's have dinner together at the main manor tonight."
Lezard undoubtedly wanted to speak with him as well. Ren stood as she did, and they began walking shoulder-to-shoulder. As they transitioned from the old wing to the covered walkway leading to the main manor, Ren spoke up.
"Is there anything I can do to make it up to you? As an apology for causing you so much worry?"
"In that case, would you come with me on my next trip?"
Ren tilted his head, surprised by the sudden request.
"I’m planning to visit several villages, similar to when I went to yours."
"Of course. I'll go with you."
He realized his answer was a bit too fast, but he was already used to spending time with her. He wanted to be sincere since he had caused her trouble.
However, Lithia, the one who had proposed it, laughed. "I'm only joking."
"I don't need an apology. I was worried, yes, but your bravery deserves praise above all else."
"No, being praised and an apology are two different things."
"I forgot. You’re even more stubborn than I am sometimes, Ren."
Lithia regretted bringing up the excursion as a joke. While she would be happy to go together, she didn't want to drag Ren into work that didn't involve him.
"I'm actually curious about the trip myself. I think it would be a great experience, so I'd really like to go."
"Really? You aren't just saying that?"
"Do I look like I'm lying to you?"
Lithia stopped to peer into his eyes and reached a conviction immediately.
"No. You don't. But I can't say yes. It was my fault for joking, but I can't decide who comes along on my own authority."
Ren shrugged his shoulders. I'll just ask Lord Lezard later, then.
Aside from his own curiosity, he wanted to ensure Lithia had enough protection. It hadn't even been half a year since the incident in the spring, so he felt he needed to stay alert.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Meanwhile, in the main manor...
"This is from the villages near the Baldur Mountains."
"Ah, from the knights?"
Weiss visited Lezard in his office and handed him a letter. Several knights managed villages in the Clausel territory, much like Roy Ashton. The knights near the Baldur Mountains had sent a joint report.
Lezard read it and spoke in a low voice. "We'd better stock up on more firewood and magic tools than usual this winter. The knights report it's already significantly colder than previous years. That usually means a brutal winter is ahead."
"We'll have to watch out for the snow as well," Weiss added.
"Indeed. We must begin preparations now so no one freezes to death."
Weiss nodded in agreement.
"By the way, Weiss—your thoughts on the Steel-Eating Gargoyle incident?"
"The guild staff believe they flew here searching for food. Both specimens were quite thin. There were no signs of outside influence. No traces of Charm or any skills like monster taming."
"I believe the price of a certain mineral dropped recently," Lezard mused.
"Yes... in the region where those gargoyles usually live, the local adventurers likely over-mined the underground resources without a plan."
"Good grief. It’s a difficult thing to complain about, even if we wanted to."
As long as the adventurers weren't breaking the law, there was no ground to object to hunting or mining.
"That aside..."
Lezard thought of Ren, who was currently on his way to the manor.
"I was stunned to hear he had no talent for Holy Sword Arts, but given his performance today and his rate of growth... perhaps he has a talent for Strong Sword Arts instead."
If he could master that style, it would be ideal.
Ren himself knew—or rather, his knowledge of the game had taught him—just how overwhelming that strength could be. He would undoubtedly be drawn to the idea of mastering it. However, the talent for Strong Sword Arts was exceptionally rare, making it a difficult path to follow.