Erendil, the Town of Prayer.
It was a peaceful town, located roughly an hour away from the Imperial Capital by Magic Train.
The Lion King, founder of the Leomel Empire, never failed to offer his prayers here before marching to war. It was because of this tradition that Erendil became known as the Town of Prayer.
While not exactly a sprawling metropolis, the town was enclosed by high stone walls and looked out over lush, verdant plains. Gray cobblestones lined the streets, which were punctuated by grand fountains, a clock tower, and a natural park. Major facilities like the Guild stood along the main thoroughfare, giving the town a much more urban atmosphere than Clausel.
It was common knowledge that Baron Clausel, who had been entrusted with this land by the Emperor several years ago, had no intention of leaving his primary residence until his daughter, the Saintess, came of age. In the meantime, he employed a Local Governor to oversee the town’s affairs.
—One day, in this very town of Erendil.
Two boys stood at a corner in a quiet back alley, exchanging words.
"I’ll have the documents sent to the Clausel Manor eventually. Just sign them and send them back to the Guild."
"Is that all?"
"Yeah. Once you’ve received the various payments for the request, we’ll be square."
The two continued their conversation without looking directly at one another.
They spent over ten minutes in idle chatter, discussing nothing in particular—topics as mundane as how they usually spent their days.
Finally, one of the boys glanced at his wristwatch. "It’s time," he said.
"I have to be going. This was a very productive talk. You have my thanks."
"Likewise. Well, I’m off too."
They pushed themselves off the walls they had been leaning against and began walking in opposite directions.
Suddenly, a girl appeared as if from thin air.
The boy who had checked his watch earlier addressed her.
"Mirei, I’ve found a fascinating man."
"Nya? Is he a poet who recites pleasant verses, then-nya?"
"Don't be a fool. You were watching us, weren't you?"
The girl dropped her act.
"Your Highness, did you really take that much of a liking to that boy-nya?"
"I might even say I’ve fallen for him. The intelligence and wit he showed in conversation... the fierce swordplay that surpassed them both—but above all, it was his courage. It sparked a heat in my heart unlike anything I’ve ever felt."
"Nya-nya-nyah?! Your Highness?! What are you saying-nya?!"
"Peace, Mirei. It isn't romantic; it's a respect for the man’s character. Besides, it’s a first for me. Until now, not a single person has ever treated me with such a casual, unreserved attitude."
His voice, fading into the quiet of the alley, carried a distinct note of joy.
"You say that-nya, but didn't you tell him a casual attitude was fine-nya?"
"True, but no one has ever actually listened to me before, even when I asked."
"That’s probably because they didn't know Your Highness was Your Highness-nya. Still, if you feel that strongly about him, why did you talk without even looking at his face-nya?"
"It was better that way. We’ll be seeing each other face-to-face soon enough anyway. I simply wanted to see today’s chance encounter through to the end."
"...Good grief, I’ll never understand the hearts of men-nya."
"And I don't understand the hearts of women, so we're even."
Radius spoke while picturing Ren in his mind.
"That man... he was a splendid Strong Sword User."
He muttered the words as he looked back toward the direction where Ren had disappeared.
Meanwhile, Ren walked through the alleyway alone.
He let out a long breath and looked up at the sliver of sky visible between the rooftops.
A wry smile touched his lips as he sensed the approach of a new storm.
Perhaps because he had already been swept up in so many incidents, he wasn't particularly rattled. He looked as calm as ever, but...
"Looks like things are going to get lively again."
With those words, he stepped forward toward his new life.