It was a day in July, only a few days before the party Lezard had mentioned.
To Ren, the Imperial Capital was a place that stirred an instinctive aversion, primarily because it housed the Imperial Military Academy. Nevertheless, he accompanied the group as a guard, remaining ready to respond should Marquis Ignat suddenly summon him.
"We will shortly pass through the Imperial Capital and arrive at Erendil."
The ornate chandelier hanging from the ceiling doubled as a magic tool for broadcasting announcements.
Hearing the voice, Ren peered out the window of the guest room where he had spent the better part of a day. Lithia stood beside him, having just finished her breakfast.
"Ren, did you sleep well last night?"
"Thanks to you, Lady Lithia. I fell asleep almost as soon as you returned to your room."
"Long carriage journeys are so draining. I wish we could have a Magic Ship Landing in Clausel someday."
However, given Clausel’s current scale, the cost of constructing and managing such a facility would be an astronomical hurdle. Aware of this reality, Lithia offered the suggestion with a self-deprecating smile.
"The Imperial Capital really is something else, isn't it?" the Saintess murmured as she leaned toward the glass. "Ren, what was your first impression of it?"
"I—well, of course..."
"Of course?"
"I thought it was incredible. I'm sorry; I can't seem to find any other words for it."
"Fufu, I suppose that’s fair."
Even if the scenery matched what he had seen in the Legend of the Seven Heroes, witnessing it in person was a different experience entirely. The capital of Leomel, the world’s foremost military power, boasted a scale that left all other nations in its wake.
The city was divided into numerous districts, and the capital appeared dozens of times larger than the Town of Clausel. The Noble District was a breathtaking sight, lined with the palatial estates of the Empire's highest-ranking aristocrats. Massive luxury inns, renowned research institutes, and the headquarters of countless guilds stood throughout the city, alongside prestigious institutions like the Imperial Military Academy.
Ren watched the railway tracks fan out across the city to receive incoming Magic Trains. A colossal station sat enthroned at the center of the main thoroughfare, acting as the heart of a vast railway network that traversed the city on elevated viaducts.
It was a seamless fusion of cutting-edge technology and centuries of artistic tradition. Nowhere else in the world was as advanced as the Imperial Capital. And at the center of it all stood the reason for Leomel’s supremacy.
The symbol of the capital—the Imperial Castle.
Its light-gray spires reached for the heavens, connected by arched walkways suspended high above the streets. Despite its intricate design, the structure possessed a serene, orderly composition. The sheer complexity of its architecture transcended human craftsmanship, exuding an ethereal, divine atmosphere. One could easily believe a god resided within its walls.
"Every time I come here, I think the Imperial Castle alone could probably cover the entire Town of Clausel," Lithia said, her voice filled with admiration.
As they spent the next few minutes taking in the view, the magic ship began its descent.
"It’s almost time. My father and the others will be waiting."
Leaving the guest room, they stepped into a corridor that felt remarkably grounded for a vessel suspended in the sky. It was comfortably elegant, rivaling the mansion in Clausel without being overly gaudy.
As they headed toward the exit, Ren’s attention was once again captured by the view outside. The ship had cleared the capital’s airspace and was approaching a nearby town.
"Lady Lithia, I see it."
"Yes! That’s House Clausel’s other territory—the Erendil Magic Ship Landing!"
In the center of a vast paved area stood a massive white stone structure. At a glance, it looked like a fortress or a grand tower, its silhouette dominated by magnificent spires. The Gothic-inspired design was accented with greenery and flowing water, creating a grand spectacle.
Paths extended from the upper floors like long runways reaching into the sky. Several magic ships were moored at regular intervals, flanking these aerial paths on both sides. The vessels varied wildly in design—some were bullet-shaped, others resembled massive watercraft, and one particularly huge ship boasted layers of wings like the fins of a fish.
Ren followed Lezard onto the gangway leading to the main building. High-altitude winds whipped against his face and ruffled his hair. He peered over the railing at the ground far below, where numerous carriages were parked amidst rows of bustling shops. Several railway tracks snaked away from the base of the building, further catching his interest.
"Ren, do you know the name of this landing?"
"I believe it's called the Hanging Garden, isn't it?"
As they cleared the gangway, Lithia turned back to him.
"That’s right! The Hanging Garden is one of the symbols of Erendil!"
Lithia explained that the facility served as both a Magic Ship Landing and a central station for the Magic Trains. From here, a train could reach the Imperial Capital in about an hour. It was a massive, commercially vital complex where nobles and wealthy merchants constantly gathered.
"Did you think the town was too magnificent for a Baron to manage?" she teased.
"N-No, of course not..."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be cruel. I just thought that since you're so sharp, you might have wondered."
To be honest, the thought had crossed his mind. When people heard of a noble managing such a crucial hub, they typically imagined someone of much higher rank. As Ren searched for a vague answer, Lezard stepped in with an explanation.
"The value of the Hanging Garden began to decline once Magic Ship Landings started popping up across the continent. Its importance as a hub near the capital hasn't changed, but the difficulty of its management is staggering. Because the responsibility is so great compared to the diminishing returns, few nobles were interested in taking it over."
"Even so, I thought the prestige of owning Erendil would be worth it," Ren noted.
"It adds prestige, certainly. But the income from the Hanging Garden isn't as high as one might think. The annual maintenance costs are astronomical. Even with the town’s tax revenue, a noble looking for pure profit would find the risk of failure far too high."
"So, there isn't much actual profit, even if it looks impressive."
"Exactly. But someone had to manage it. The previous lord had no children and retired, leaving the seat vacant. That was a few years before you and Lithia met."
Nobles from every faction had been deadlocked over the succession. Eventually, a member of the Neutral Faction suggested Lezard’s name as a compromise. He was capable for his rank, and because he was the father of the Saintess, he was well-regarded. It was also likely that the major factions hoped to eventually sway House Clausel to their side.
"Lately, tax revenue has been increasing slightly. We're finally seeing a steady upward trend," Lezard stated plainly, without a hint of boasting. Ren found the Baron’s quiet competence genuinely impressive.
Next, Ren looked toward the Great Clock Tower on the outskirts of Erendil. Built of ivory-colored brick and supported by surrounding columns, the historic tower was a masterpiece of art. It sat within a natural park, accessible by a single bridge spanning a canal. The clock struck twelve, chiming a mysterious, hymn-like melody that echoed across the plaza.
"We have to move, so sightseeing will have to wait," Lithia urged.
Ren hurried to catch up, but as he moved, he caught sight of something at the edge of the runway. There was an object covered by a heavy cloth, shaped like a bullet-shaped magic ship. It had been in that exact spot during the era of the Legend of the Seven Heroes as well.
Is that a ship under repair? he wondered.
Feeling a strange sense of nostalgia, Ren followed the others into the lower-level station and boarded the Magic Train bound for the Imperial Capital. They weren't stopping at the Erendil mansion yet because Lezard had several meetings scheduled with other nobles before the evening banquet. They would spend the night at a large inn along the capital's main street and head back to Erendil the following day.
Once they settled into the inn, Ren visited Lezard’s room. At the Baron's prompting, he sat on the sofa. Tonight, Ren planned to spend some time exploring on his own rather than accompanying the adults.
"I think I'll head out for some sightseeing."
"Won't you get lost without a guide?" Lezard asked.
Ren had been investigating monsters in the East Forest and fighting in the Baldur Mountains; the Imperial Capital, filled with patrolling knights, was safe enough for noble children to walk alone.
"I'll be fine. I'm sticking to the main thoroughfares."
Ren stood to leave, but as he reached the door, Lithia appeared from the adjacent room. Having heard his plans, she looked at him with clear envy.
"Lucky... I wish I could go too."
"You can't. You have a party to attend, Lady Lithia."
"I know, I know," she pouted.
"If you like, perhaps you could guide me through the city next time?"
"Yes! Leave it to me!"
Lithia started to reach out a hand toward his back but stopped herself, remembering the importance of the evening's event. Bracing herself, she watched him until he was out of sight.
In the garden of a luxurious estate, carriages and elegantly dressed nobles had gathered. The sunset tinged everything in shades of madder red, creating a scene of aristocratic splendor.
After a long series of greetings with nobles from various factions, Lithia finally found a moment to breathe. Her striking appearance drew every eye in the garden; even among the many beautiful noble daughters present, she was exceptional.
Seeing his daughter's fatigue, Lezard smiled over his glass. "My cheeks will likely be sore by tomorrow morning."
"Oh, Father," she giggled.
Just then, another noble approached them. "Good evening, Baron Clausel."
It was Sera Riohard, whom Lithia had seen earlier that spring. As the daughter of a Heroic Ducal House, she was a natural fixture at such events.
"I heard my daughter was quite rude to you recently," Lezard said. "I don't know how to properly apologize."
"U-Ugh... it wasn't rude at all! Please don't worry about it!" Sera stammered.
Lezard was referring to the sparring match at the Erendil station. Though Sera had requested the match herself, Lezard felt obligated by his station to offer a formal apology. Even though he wasn't being ironic, the reminder of her complete defeat was a bit painful for her to hear.
"By the way, where is your father, Lady Riohard?"
"He's over there, speaking with the Hero Faction. I told him quite firmly not to follow me because I wanted to talk in peace. Factional differences being what they are..."
Lithia and Lezard shared a look, thinking that was its own kind of problem. However, they appreciated her consideration and didn't press the matter.
"So, Sera, why did you seek me out?"
"I'm tired, just like you. I figured it would be easier if we stuck together."
The two girls shared a laugh and a toast with fruit water.
"Lithia, what kind of training do you do in Clausel?"
"Nothing special. I just swing a sword in the garden."
"No way. You aren't training with famous knights or adventurers?"
"No? Why would I be?"
Sera, born into a Heroic Ducal House, had received an elite education in swordsmanship since childhood. She had been taught by her father and some of the most renowned knights the capital had to offer. Heroic Dukes were generally treated as being on par with a Marquis, making it easy for them to secure top-tier instructors.
"I just train with a boy my age. Every day."
"Then you've never lost once, have you?"
"Are you kidding? I lose almost every single day."
Sera nearly choked on her drink. "What?" It took her a moment to process the information. "B-But that must mean it's a very close fight... right? There's no way you'd lose to a boy your own age."
"I'm telling you, I lose. Even when he holds back, I lose miserably."
Sera was stunned into silence. Though she was still half-skeptical, she eventually smiled. "I'm really looking forward to the Academy. Between us, Wayne, you, and this boy who's stronger than you... it's going to be very interesting."
"The Academy? What are you talking about?"
"The Imperial Military Academy, of course!" Sera laughed, looking taken aback. "Don't tell me you haven't decided to enroll yet?"
"I understand its value, but that Academy isn't everything."
"Maybe not, but you should aim for it, Lithia," Sera said firmly, leaning in close. Just as she was about to explain why, the crowd erupted in a sudden commotion.
The man known as the "strong arm," Ulysses Ignat, had arrived. He walked slowly through the garden, accompanied by a young girl who was an incarnation of beauty and grace, rivaling even Lithia. Ulysses spotted them immediately and made his way over with a pleasant smile.
"Good evening. It is a pleasure to finally meet the two of you of House Clausel."
The Marquis was wrapped in a masculine, sophisticated aura. "And I see someone from House Riohard is here as well."
"I-I am Sera," she managed, her body stiff with tension.
"Of course! I’ve seen your face at several parties," Ulysses said warmly. He then turned back to the others. "I apologize for the intrusion, but might I speak with the two of you?"
The sheer presence Ulysses projected was overwhelming. Sera felt as if her breath might catch in her throat; she realized that this was the terrifying intensity of the "strong arm" that so many nobles feared.
"Oh dear, I seem to have made her nervous," Ulysses noted, looking away from the frozen Sera toward the girl behind him.
"It’s your fault, Father. Please reflect on your behavior," Fiona said with an adorable smile that made even Sera forget her tension for a moment. "I apologize for the interruption. May we join you?"
Lezard turned to Sera. "Lady Riohard, thank you for speaking with us tonight. I hope you and Lithia will remain close in the future."
"Y-Yes... of course," Sera replied, recognizing the lifeline she'd been thrown. She stepped away, though she would never discover exactly why Ulysses had sought them out.
Ulysses turned back to Lezard. "Shall we move to the terrace?"
"Are you sure? People might think we’re conspiring."
"Haha! Right now, I'm just the villain interrogating Baron Clausel about the trouble in the Baldur Mountains."
They moved to a secluded terrace behind a hedge. No one dared to follow them, likely because Ulysses was present. Once they were alone, Ulysses and Fiona both bowed deeply. When Fiona looked up, her gaze met Lithia’s.
I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful, they both thought simultaneously.
A night breeze drifted through the garden. The Platinum Feather Hair Ornament in Lithia’s hair swayed, just as the Star Agate necklace on Fiona’s chest shifted. Unlike normal Star Agate, hers was tinged with a deep crimson.
"Fiona told me everything, Baron Clausel. She said she was saved in the Baldur Mountains thanks to Ren Ashton, and that she was able to thank him in person."
"I am truly sorry for that incident. I have no excuse for such a disturbance occurring within my territory."
"Please, stop. If you say that, then I am the one who was truly thoughtless. If I had been more careful, Fiona would never have been put in such danger."
"But if even Marquis Ignat didn't foresee it, how could anyone else have?"
"Then I suppose Baron Clausel is not to blame either, is he?" Ulysses countered smoothly.
Lezard fell silent, offering only a wry smile.
"Don't be modest. I've heard much about your competence lately," Ulysses continued.
"I’m not sure what you mean."
"Rumors say you’ve started winning over the merchants in the surrounding territories."
"The number of merchants has increased, certainly, but I haven't done anything special."
"Then what about the road maintenance around the Baldur Mountains? That has been a headache for merchants for years."
"That was simply to make it easier for people from our territory to travel elsewhere."
"Is that all? Once development is finished, travel between the surrounding territories and the former Given Viscounty will be effortless. The merchants and the territories connected by magic ship will all be affected."
"Exactly. That is why so many nobles have reached out to me recently."
"And haven't you made several arrangements with them? Safe passage on the new roads in exchange for trade preferences?"
"I'm afraid I can't say anything yet."
"Good grief, you are a difficult man to pin down. To achieve such things with high-ranking nobles as a mere Baron..."
Lithia listened in shock. She had no idea her father had been doing such high-level work and looked up at him with newfound pride.
The conversation eventually shifted to Asval’s Horn.
"I’m undecided on how to handle the material," Lezard admitted.
Ulysses crossed his arms. "Who officially owns it?"
"I believe ownership lies with Ren. Unless it is decided it must be presented as a gift to the crown..."
"Then there is no problem. The horn belongs to Ren Ashton." As the head of the Imperial Faction, Ulysses’s word was final. "I’ll think about how best to use it. I have quite a few useful acquaintances."
Lezard and Lithia could only offer wry smiles at his casual confidence.
"Please tell Ren Ashton to visit my mansion. I wish to entertain him properly."
"I understand. I will convey your words exactly—"
"Please do. I want to see him, of course, but my daughter is even more eager to meet him again."
The subtext of his words was clear, forcing the two men into a subtle game of political maneuvering. A quiet competitive spirit flared between them.
"Ren is currently very busy with his home village, so he may not be able to come soon," Lezard noted.
"Don't be like that. Tell him I’ll help him with the village in any way I can."
"I am grateful. However, as the one who saved my daughter and House Clausel, I feel it is my responsibility to oversee the village of House Ashton until the end."
"Haha! If you say that, remember that he has saved my daughter twice now."
Though their voices remained pleasant, neither man was willing to yield an inch. Their daughters understood exactly what was happening. They stepped away from their fathers to speak privately.
"You may call me Fiona," the Marquis's daughter said.
"Then please, call me Lithia."
Unlike their fathers, the girls were visibly awkward. They fell silent for a moment, both wanting to speak but struggling to find the words. They were both girls whose lives had been saved by the same boy.
The breeze blew again, rustling Lithia’s hair ornament and Fiona’s necklace.
"Is that... Star Agate?" Lithia asked, breaking the silence.
"Yes. It is my most precious possession. I wear it always, except when I'm bathing. And yours... is that a Platinum Wing?"
"Yes. It is my treasure."
Both items were incredibly valuable, and the way the girls touched them made it clear they cherished them deeply. Looking at each other, the realization struck them both at once.
She loves him too. Just like me, he saved her. A girl this beautiful... loves him.
They didn't need words to understand. Neither girl was shallow enough to start a petty fight over Ren. They both respected him—and each other—far too much for that. If anything, it was fortunate their fathers were already doing the bickering for them. It allowed them to remain calm.
But they couldn't hide their feelings entirely.
"My love is my life," Lithia said, her usual tone returning as she forgot her formalities. "I would do anything for Ren, who risked everything for me." She turned bright red the moment the words left her mouth, embarrassed to have been so blunt with someone she just met.
"I feel the same," Fiona replied, her blush spreading all the way to her ears. "I would give everything I have to the person who gave me back my world."
They stared at each other, hearts racing, as the night air cooled their burning faces.
Just before they returned to the party, Ulysses turned to Lithia. "Lady Clausel, may I ask one more thing? Can I assume you’ll be attending the Imperial Military Academy?"
"I... haven't decided yet."
"Then you should aim for the Special Merit Class. I used to respect House Clausel’s privacy, but things are becoming dangerous. Aside from the incident in the mountains, the factional struggle is going to become much more intense in the coming years."
Lezard frowned. "Did something happen in the capital?"
"A few days ago," Ulysses sighed. "You know how the Hero and Imperial factions have been at each other's throats since the winter?"
"Yes. I’ve heard the infighting is getting worse."
"It’s more than that. I only learned this recently, and very few people know it yet... but several nobles from the Neutral Faction are preparing to defect to the other two sides."
These nobles feared the Neutral Faction was becoming too weak and were jumping ship to ensure their own survival.
"Thank you for the warning," Lezard said gravely.
Ulysses turned back to Lithia. "That’s why you should go to the Academy. Strengthening your connections with other nobles is the only way to give House Clausel more options for the future." Though he wanted to bring the two houses closer for his own reasons, he genuinely cared about their well-being. "I’m glad we could talk, Baron. Fiona, it’s time to go. I’ll take you back to the dorms."
In another part of the Imperial Capital.
"That was amazing," Ren muttered as he left a popular restaurant. It was a place he remembered from the game. Since he was already in the city he’d been avoiding, he figured he might as well enjoy a good meal.
As he headed back toward the main street through a side alley, he heard a commotion.
"Ouch!"
"Watch where you're going, old man!"
Ren saw an old man and a group of young adventurers collide.
"Hah? Right back at you!" the old man barked.
Ren stepped forward, worried about the adventurers' safety. Wait, that man's a dwarf, he realized. The man was about Ren's height but incredibly broad and muscular, with a long, singed beard.
"Please, wait!" Ren intervened.
The young adventurers, perhaps put off by a child stepping in, muttered a few insults and walked away. Ren turned to the old dwarf.
"Impressive! Maybe the capital hasn't gone to the dogs yet," the dwarf grunted.
"I had to stop them," Ren said. "The adventurers would have been seriously hurt."
"Hah? You think they're the ones who would've been injured?" The dwarf smirked. Ren suppressed a smile and answered calmly. "Even an adventurer is at a disadvantage against a dwarf when it comes to raw strength."
"Hoh. You've got eyes in your head, kid."
The dwarf told Ren to crouch down. Confused, Ren complied, and the dwarf hopped onto his back without a second thought. Ren was speechless.
"I sprained my ankle. I'll give you the honor of carrying me."
What is wrong with this guy? Ren wondered, but he let out a sigh and started walking.
"That way. My workshop is in the Blacksmith District."
Ren followed the dwarf's arrogant directions for nearly half an hour.
"Hey, kid," the dwarf said.
"Yes?"
"You've got a physical enhancement skill, don't you?"
Ren was genuinely surprised by the accuracy of the question. "I don't know. I've never checked my skills."
"Hoh... 'never checked,' he says."
"That's a very suspicious way of putting it."
"Sorry. Professional habit."
"You said you had a workshop. Are you a blacksmith?"
"Yeah. Blacksmith and Magic Ship Engineer. I've dealt with enough swordsmen to recognize the signs."
"It's rare to be both."
"I'll make you something as a thank-you, kid. But not a sword."
"Why not a sword?" Ren asked, confused.
"That thing on your hip is a Magic Tool, isn't it?" the dwarf said, pointing to Ren's sword.
"No, it isn't."
"Isn't it? Well, I can't hear the 'voice' of the materials in it. Not the metal, not the monsters. Nothing."
"Swords have voices?"
"To someone like me, they do."
Ren didn't say anything else. The dwarf muttered, "Whatever," as he hopped off Ren's back. He winced as his feet hit the cobblestones, tears pricking his eyes. He was clearly trying to act tough.
"I'll run the rest of the way! See ya!"
The dwarf vanished before Ren could react. He took a deep breath and looked around, realizing he was in a very familiar neighborhood. The area was quiet, filled with antique streetlights and elegant homes built into the slopes.
He looked down toward a massive complex of buildings.
"The Imperial Military Academy."
It was the most prestigious institution in the Empire. He gazed at the vast green gardens, the research facilities, and the deep blue roofs of the school. A wave of complex emotions hit him—the urge to run away to avoid his "destiny" in the game, and a fierce, stubborn determination to resist it.
Suddenly, he heard footsteps behind him.
"Hello, Ren Ashton."
He didn't recognize the voice, but he knew who it was. As Ren started to turn, the man said, "Stay as you are." Ren continued to look out over the Academy.
"Then I suppose I don't need to thank you again," Ren said calmly. "You've said enough in your letters."
"I see. Then have it your way."
It was a strange feeling. Though they were meeting for the first time, there was already a foundation of trust between them.
"What do you think of the school Viscount Given wanted to send you to?"
"I find myself wondering if he could have actually secured a recommendation," Ren admitted.
"Kuku... Hahahaha! Oh, don't worry about that! He could have managed it—at the time!"
"Is that so?"
"Yes. He was the Assistant Minister of Justice, after all. But a recommendation only gets you past the written exams. You still would have faced the same final exam Fiona did."
The two of them finally turned to face each other.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Ren Ashton."
"And you, Marquis Ulysses Ignat."
They had finally achieved their encounter.
"I had a feeling you were in the capital," Ulysses said.
"It was a coincidence that I came here. But how did you know?"
"I spoke with Baron Clausel. He made it sound as if you were quite close. I spotted you here after I dropped Fiona off at the girls' dormitory."
Ulysses’s intuition was as sharp as ever.
"Actually, I was certain I would meet you eventually regardless."
"Why?"
"If House Clausel comes to the capital, there is no way you wouldn't be with them. I didn't send you a personal invitation because I didn't want to be a nuisance." Ulysses reached into his jacket. "But since I'm here, why don't I give it to you directly?"
He handed Ren a black card with gold lettering. Tonight in the capital. Let us speak, just the two of us.
"Will you accept it?"
"Of course. I would be honored."
"Good. Then please, call me Ulysses."
The Marquis was pleased. Ren was even more impressive and dignified in person than he had imagined.
"The world is a funny place. People like you always find themselves dragged onto the main stage sooner or later."
"I just wanted to stay in my village."
"Haha! That’s so like you. But think about it—your existence was a massive miscalculation for the Demon King Cult. They touched something they shouldn't have, and in doing so, they created a hero who was never meant to exist."
"You're overestimating me. I'm just a rural knight's son."
"Maybe you were. But you know better than that now, don't you?"
Ren gave a non-committal answer. Ulysses looked back at the Academy. "Why were you staring at the school?"
"Just coincidence."
"Hmm. I thought perhaps you were finally interested."
"No, not really," Ren said with a wry smile.
Ulysses studied him. "You have a look on your face. I thought you turned Given down because you didn't want to leave home, but it seems there’s more to it than that."
"No, I just didn't want to leave."
"I'm sure that's the core of it. But why didn't you want to leave?"
Ulysses didn't mean family or comfort; Ren could hear that in his voice. But the Marquis didn't push.
"How does the school look to you now? Do you have no desire to attend?"
"It’s far beyond my station."
Ulysses caught the flicker of aversion in Ren’s expression. "Good grief. You really are fascinating." He placed a hand on Ren’s shoulder. "You aren't afraid of Viscount Given, or Asval, or even me—and yet, you’re clearly avoiding this place. What is it that you’re afraid of?"
Ulysses’s words struck home. Ren had spent so much energy avoiding the "plot" of the game, but he had already changed so many destinies. Did the old fears even matter anymore?
"I just think I'd be happier in the countryside than trying to be something I'm not and getting hurt," Ren said.
Ulysses stared at him for a moment and then burst into laughter. "Hahahaha! 'Beyond your station'?" He wiped tears from his eyes. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help it."
Ulysses started walking down the slope, beckoning Ren to follow.
"You changed the fate of your village, and of Clausel. You changed Fiona's fate, which even I couldn't do. That is who you are, Ren Ashton."
"You're overestimating me," Ren repeated.
"Maybe. But luck alone doesn't let someone do more than I can do. Do you know why?"
"Because you are the man who can bring the Empire to its knees."
Ulysses smiled. "Exactly. And yet you think a mere school is beyond you? It’s hilarious! You've changed the fate of the entire nation!"
They reached a jet-black carriage where Edgar was waiting. Ulysses hopped in and gestured for Ren to join him.
"Never forget—you are not 'beyond your station.' You are a man who defeated Asval. You have the power to crush any trouble that comes your way."
"I hear you, Lord Ulysses. I truly do. But..." Ren looked at him. "You seem very eager for me to go to that Academy. It's not just because it's prestigious, is it?"
Ulysses looked slightly embarrassed. "My daughter is there. I’d feel much better knowing you were there too."
"I figured."
"But seriously, it would be good for you. It’s important for your future as a knight. Besides, I think you’re better than you give yourself credit for."
Ulysses reached into his jacket again and pulled out another envelope. "I heard you weren't suited for Holy Sword Arts."
"How did you know that?"
"Lezard told me in a letter. I’ll offer this to Lady Clausel as well, but I wanted you to have it first."
Ren opened the envelope and froze. "Are you serious?"
"Completely. If you can't use Holy Sword Arts, this is the only logical choice, isn't it?"
The letter read: The following individual is permitted entry to the Lion Holy Chancel: Ren Ashton.
The Lion Holy Chancel managed the legacy of the Lion King. It was the headquarters of the Strong Sword Arts—the school that had given Ren so much trouble when he played the game.
The next night, on the magic ship home.
They were leaving earlier than planned because Lezard was worried about the political instability Ulysses had mentioned. Ren sat in Lezard’s room, where Lithia was staring out the window toward the receding capital.
"Father, I think I should attend the Academy," she said quietly.
She knew she needed to improve her martial and political standing to protect the territory and help Ren in the future.
Ren watched her, thinking of both her and Fiona. He had risked his life for them, and he couldn't imagine just leaving them to face the capital alone. The aversion he felt toward the city was finally starting to fade.
Lithia turned back to him, her voice small and trembling. "Ren... what do you think about me living over there?"
She looked as if she were praying. She knew that going to the Academy meant being separated from him.
"I think it’s the right choice for you, Lady Lithia. I’ll be rooting for you."
Lithia’s heart sank. She had hoped for more, but she managed a brave smile. "Right. I understand."
"So even after you leave Clausel, I'll be right there by your side to protect you."
Lithia blinked, her eyes wide. "What do you mean?"
"Exactly what I said. I'm leaving Clausel too, so I can keep protecting you."
Lithia was stunned into silence. She walked over to him and began feebly hitting him in the chest.
"Idiot... dummy... you big idiot!"
When she looked up, she was crying. She looked happy, as if a great weight had been lifted.
"What's wrong?" Ren asked, confused as ever.
"Nothing! I'm not telling you!" she cried, sitting down on the sofa and patting the spot next to her. "Sit here."
Ren hesitated, but eventually sat beside her.
"But Ren, are you sure? You love the village."
"I do. But I realized I can't stay the same forever."
Ren placed Ulysses’s envelope on the table. Both Lezard and Lithia gasped when they saw the name on the front.
"You met the Marquis!?"
Ren explained what had happened in the capital and his new resolve to improve his own skills for the sake of the village and his family.
"I won't deny that learning to manage land is useful," Lezard said. "But you won't be alone. You’ll have help."
"But you can do it all yourself, Lord Lezard. I want to be that capable for my family."
Lezard didn't argue. He looked at Ren. "So, you’re going to the Academy?"
Ren gave a wry smile. He didn't say no. He couldn't ignore the possibility anymore.
"But Ren," Lithia said, her eyes still red, "what does this have to do with the letter from the Marquis?"
In Lithia’s room, later that night.
"I feel bad about going to learn Strong Sword Arts by myself," Ren admitted.
"But the Marquis said I could go too if I wanted, right? So you should go first."
"We were going to find a new style together," Ren reminded her.
"And we will. I've only gotten this far because I train with you, Ren. I want to keep learning from you."
She wasn't going to let him go it alone—and she certainly wasn't going to let him go without her.