Their next departure was scheduled for December, a little over a month after Ren had returned to Clausel.
"I’m going to be lonely, but it’s not like I’m leaving forever."
On the morning they were to move from Clausel to Erendir, Licia stood before the manor where she had spent her entire life. It was impossible not to feel a pang of sorrow; she stood there for a long while, simply gazing at the estate.
Finally, she composed herself with her usual dignified expression. She gave her cheeks a sharp slap with both hands.
"Let’s go! I have to work even harder from now on!"
With a bright, refreshed face, she finally departed from her home.
Several days later...
Having arrived at the Hanging Garden—the massive station that was the pride of Erendir—the members of House Clausel, including Ren, began confirming their luggage. Yuno, the maid, had already taken Kukuru and headed for the Erendir manor with the rest of the staff.
Lezard turned to speak to Licia.
"Licia, I must go to the Imperial Capital tomorrow."
"Father? I didn't think we had anything scheduled."
"I have business to discuss with a certain merchant guild. We’ll stop by the tailor on the way back. Your usual outfit is getting small; it’s time to have it remade with new fabric."
By "usual outfit," he meant the clothes Licia had inherited from her late mother. That attire, reminiscent of a white military uniform, perfectly highlighted Licia’s loveliness and her sharp, dignified beauty.
"Hey, Ren, why don't you come with us?"
"Uh... I think I'll stay and scout the surrounding area. I want to get a feel for the terrain so I’m prepared when I go hunting with you, Saintess Licia."
The group moved into the interior of the Hanging Garden, descended to the ground floor, and boarded a carriage.
The streetscape was a blend of historical charm and brand-new construction, possessing a city-like atmosphere while maintaining a comfortable quietude. The destination, the Erendir manor of Baron Clausel, stood at the heart of the town.
Unlike their estate in Clausel, the Erendir manor faced a main thoroughfare. It was a standalone white structure, its entire grounds enclosed by a high wall. As the carriage passed through the gates, a garden blanketed in white snow greeted them.
Ren watched the scenery pass, murmuring a soft "Amazing" in admiration. Once inside, he was shown to a spacious guest room that would serve as his living quarters from then on.
The next morning, shortly after sunrise, the household shared breakfast together. Ren then saw Licia, Lezard, and Weiss off at the front gates. As the carriage pulled away and vanished from sight, Ren returned to his room to prepare for his excursion.
It had been a while since he’d geared up like this. His fingers felt naturally strong as he laced his boots. Stealing a moment to center himself, Ren stepped back outside.
When he exhaled, his breath came out as a thick, white cloud.
"I need to find a good spot for efficient hunting."
On his way out of Erendir, Ren looked up at the clock tower that soared over the edge of the town.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Three figures walked through the snow-dusted Imperial Capital.
"...The crystal ball is the same as ever," Licia muttered.
She was looking at a small bottle—the same kind Ren possessed—provided by Edgar for her Strong Sword Arts training.
"Licia, what is that bottle you’ve been carrying every day lately?" Lezard asked.
"Ren gave it to me. He said it was for Strong Sword Arts training, and Lord Edgar prepared one for me as well... but I still can't seem to put a single scratch on it."
"So that was the bottle you mentioned. Is Ren having the same trouble?"
"Yes. But Edgar said Ren has talent, so it’s likely only a matter of time. I wish I had a talent for Strong Sword Arts, too."
"My lady, I do not believe you should worry so," Weiss interjected. "As a Saintess, you are already mastering the delicate control of Holy Magic. That art requires even more meticulous mana manipulation than most. Given your expertise with the sword, it would be more surprising if you didn't have the talent for Strong Sword Arts."
"I hope you're right..." Licia whispered, still looking unconvinced.
Lezard offered her a reassuring smile as they continued walking. "It’s been a while since I visited this shop," he noted as they reached their destination.
The tailor was a place Lezard had frequented often; in fact, it was where he had first met his late wife. The clothes Licia inherited had been crafted there.
"Since you’ve grown, Licia, let’s pick out a few more things. I’m sure there are outfits you’d like to show Ren, so choose whatever catches your eye."
"F-Father!" Licia squeaked, her face turning red as Lezard laughed.
Their time at the tailor passed in a flash. After selecting several outfits for Licia, they stepped back out into the street. It was just around lunchtime, so the three of them stopped at a restaurant along the main boulevard.
"Licia, we’re heading to the Blacksmith District after this," Lezard said over their meal.
"The Blacksmith District?"
"Weiss and I have been discussing your sword for some time. He commissioned an acquaintance of his to forge a new blade for you. I’d like to go and pay our respects."
It wasn't that Licia lacked a sword, but as she grew, the blade she carried had become too short for her evolving fighting style.
A cold winter gust blew through the streets. Licia held her hair in place, feeling the chill on her fingertips as a sudden thought occurred to her.
"What kind of person is this blacksmith friend of Weiss’s?"
"A stubborn, eccentric dwarf who hates working," Weiss answered bluntly.
"...That doesn't exactly fill me with confidence that he’ll actually finish the sword."
They walked for another ten minutes before Licia suddenly stopped in her tracks. They had turned off the main road onto a busy side street, and something at the edge of her vision felt wrong.
"Licia? What is it?"
"I’m just... a little concerned."
Licia turned her gaze toward the source of her unease: an old general store in the middle of being demolished. Wooden scaffolding surrounded the structure, and several children were walking directly beneath it.
Suddenly, the scaffolding groaned. It swayed once, then began to tip directly toward the unsuspecting children.
"Weiss, stay with my father!" Licia screamed.
Before Weiss or Lezard could move, she surged forward, her body enhanced by Holy Magic.
"Please, make it in time!"
Licia drew her self-defense sword mid-sprint. The children looked up in terror, paralyzed as the heavy wood fell toward them, but Licia was faster. She slashed through the falling timber, shielding the children from the impact.
As dust swirled around her, a sudden, intense chill raced across the ground. The cold air solidified, giving birth to massive pillars of ice that surged upward to catch the remaining scaffolding. The scene transformed into something resembling a frozen temple, the ice pillars reflecting the sunlight as they effortlessly braced the structure.
It was a masterful display of magic.
A girl’s voice called out as she approached at a run. "I’m so glad I made it in time!"
The voice was light and clear, like a bird’s song—a voice Licia recognized. Licia, covered in dust, turned around in shock.
"F-Fiona!?"
"Eh—Licia!?"
It was Fiona Ignat, whom she hadn't seen since the party.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
It was impossible to visit a blacksmith while covered in dust, so Licia accepted Fiona’s hospitality. She now found herself in Fiona’s room within the girls' dormitory of the Imperial Military Academy.
"Thank you... for the shower," Licia said through the frosted glass door of the bathroom.
"It’s no trouble at all," Fiona replied from the other side, her voice warm. "Take your time and warm up. I’ll leave a towel and a change of clothes right here for you!"
"T-Thank you so much! And please, thank Master Edgar for looking after my father and Weiss while we’re here!"
"Hehe, don't give it a second thought."
Fiona had been out shopping when she happened upon the scene of Licia saving the children. Currently, Lezard and Weiss were being entertained in a salon located between the boys' and girls' dorms—a common meeting place for parents and visiting merchants.
Licia eventually stepped out, wrapped in a towel. Her own clothes were being laundered, so she was borrowing an outfit from Fiona. Noticing that the chest area of Fiona's dress was quite a bit roomier than her own, Licia felt a pang of defeat.
"It’s fine... I’ll catch up soon enough," she muttered to herself as she sat before the vanity.
Fiona knocked softly and entered, sensing Licia was ready. "Oh, I forgot to explain the comb!"
On the vanity sat post-bath cosmetics, a hair-drying magic tool, and a comb. The comb was crafted from untarnished silver with a design Licia had never seen before.
"That’s a magic tool, isn't it?"
"It’s a bit special... if you don't mind, would you let me brush your hair?"
"Um... excuse me?"
"I have long hair too, so I know how much work it is to do it yourself. Please, let me help."
Fiona worried she might be overstepping, while Licia wondered if it was appropriate given their status. However, both girls—bound by their shared affection for the same boy—let the atmosphere of the room carry them.
Fiona dried Licia’s hair with the magic tool first. After sharing a shy laugh through the mirror, Fiona began to slide the comb through Licia’s locks. The soft sound of the comb seemed unusually loud in the quiet room.
"Is this more than a normal comb?" Licia asked.
"It seems so. It’s supposed to make hair glossier," Fiona replied, her voice slightly unsure. "My father gave it to me for my birthday last year, but I honestly can't tell the difference. What do you think, Licia? Does it feel different?"
To be honest, Licia couldn't tell the difference either. Her hair felt silky and smooth as always, catching the light with a healthy sheen.
"I think... it might be even prettier than usual," she said politely.
"Oh, you’re too kind."
They shared another smile—this time, a genuine one.
"I was so surprised today," Fiona said. "I thought you were still in Clausel, but I’m glad you’re in Erendir."
After finishing in the dressing room, they moved to the living room, and Licia sat on the sofa at Fiona’s invitation. Just like at the party, both girls were struck by the other’s beauty. Finding normal conversation difficult, they both stared out the window at the large, fluffy snowflakes beginning to fall.
"Oh," Licia noted, her eyes drifting to a bookshelf against the wall. "Do you like reading, Fiona?"
Fiona gave a self-deprecating smile. "Because my body was weak, I spent most of my childhood in bed. Reading and talking to my father were my only real hobbies."
Licia felt a sharp pang of sympathy. Knowing that Fiona would have died if not for Ren created a strange sense of kinship; Licia, too, had been saved by him. This shared connection became the spark their conversation needed.
They stood by the bookshelf, looking over the titles. "Some of these look very difficult," Licia noted.
"I can't actually read most of them yet. I try, but I have to keep a dictionary by my side. Would you like to look at one?"
Licia agreed, hoping to dissolve the lingering formality between them. The shelf held academic texts, thick novels, and reference books filled with bookmarks. One book in particular caught Licia’s eye.
"Is this for the Imperial Military Academy?"
"That’s the reference book I used for the entrance exams," Fiona said, sounding a bit embarrassed. She pulled it down to show Licia. "Actually, it’s a little humiliating to show someone."
Licia soon realized why. The book was bristling with bookmarks, and almost every page was covered in Fiona’s handwritten notes.
"This section here... I couldn't understand it even after looking at other books."
"Hmm? Oh, this part! Well, you see..."
The two launched into an impromptu study session. Fiona was a surprisingly good teacher; she explained the difficult passage so clearly that Licia understood it immediately.
"Do you have experience teaching others?" Licia asked.
"This is my first time. I suppose I just worked harder because it was you," Fiona said with a gentle tilt of her head.
Both girls felt relieved that the ice had finally broken. They returned to the sofa.
"Your exams are next spring, aren't they? Will you be using a recommendation letter?" Fiona asked.
A recommendation would waive several of the Special Merit Class exams. House Clausel could have asked Ulysses for one, but the political factions made that complicated. Besides, Licia didn't find the initial exams particularly daunting; she wanted to experience the full testing process to get used to the atmosphere.
"In the spring after next, we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other," Fiona noted.
"Yes. Assuming I pass."
After the talk of exams, a brief silence fell. There was one topic they couldn't avoid forever.
"Fiona..."
"Licia..."
They spoke at the same time and laughed again. Licia took the lead.
"I’ve been thinking about this for a while," she said. "We are both nobles. Even if our families are in different factions, we are the daughters of houses with a friendly bond."
"And it’s a bond that shouldn't be broken," Fiona added.
"Exactly. My father and yours clearly feel the same way."
They both understood that maintaining a sincere relationship was in everyone's best interest. Neither of them wanted to be enemies.
My love is a matter of life and death. For Ren, who risked everything to protect me, I would do anything.
I would give everything to the boy who gave me this world.
The words they had exchanged at the party echoed in their minds. They couldn't ignore each other, and they certainly couldn't start a war. Moreover, as girls who loved Ren with all their hearts, neither wanted to belittle the other's feelings. To insult the other’s love would be to insult their own. Having just seen each other act to save children, they also found they couldn't dislike each other’s character.
But a problem remained. To Ren, they might just be ordinary girls, but they still had to decide how to act toward one another.
"What is the relationship between us?" Licia asked. "Are we just love rivals? It feels more complicated than that."
"Friends?" they said in unison.
They looked at each other and shook their heads. "Noble friends" didn't quite cover it. Rivals? That didn't feel right either.
"I’ve heard that when two girls like the same boy, they usually end up hating each other," Fiona said softly.
"Where did you hear that?"
"Um... romance novels."
"What a coincidence. I have several similar sources." Licia cleared her throat. "But I don't think that applies here."
There was no benefit to fighting. But they couldn't ignore their emotions for the boy they loved.
"There are feelings I can't give up," Licia said firmly.
"Then... we are love rivals?"
"Yes, but more than that. We are also the daughters of allied houses."
They couldn't find a single word to define it.
"Perhaps we are all of those things at once," Fiona suggested.
"So, because there isn't a word for it, we’re just... us?"
"Yes. I think that’s better."
A relationship without a label, rooted in the desire to be the most important person to Ren, but layered with political and personal ties. They decided to stop worrying about the name of their bond and just let things be.
"I’m not going to lose. Absolutely not," Licia declared, the Platinum Wing in her hair swaying.
"I can't lie to my feelings either," Fiona countered, her Star Agate necklace catching the light.
They looked at each other with newfound sincerity. In this moment, they weren't noble ladies; they were just Licia and Fiona.
"Ren found this hair ornament specifically for me! He went out and searched for it for my birthday!" Licia blurted out.
"W-Well, Ren-kun saved my life from Asval, and he gave me this so I would have a good memory to take home!"
Neither intended to insult the other’s gift, but they both felt the need to make a stand. Facing a powerful rival for the first time, they had to declare their positions.
As they poured out their hearts, their faces turned crimson, from their necks to their ears. Their eyes grew misty with the sheer embarrassment of it. They were girls experiencing their first love; there was no way to make such declarations without being mortified.
The only sounds in the room were the ticking of the clock and their own breathing.
"You’re bright red, Fiona."
"I know! But you’re just as red, Licia!"
"I-I’m just flushed from the bath!"
Neither wanted to go back to the salon looking like that. They sat in silence until the redness finally faded.
It was only two in the afternoon, but the trip to the blacksmith was postponed. When Licia and Fiona finally went to the salon, they found Lezard and the others waiting. The room was opulent, with deep red carpets that rivaled a luxury hotel.
"Could I see that bottle for a moment?" Edgar asked Licia.
"The one for Strong Sword Arts?"
"Yes. I’d like to see how you’re progressing."
"Sure, but nothing has changed with the crystal inside yet."
Licia reached into the pocket of the borrowed dress and pulled out the bottle she had been carrying all day. But the moment she touched it, a clear crack echoed through the room.
Right then and there, the crystal ball inside the bottle had split perfectly in half.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Ren was deep in the wilderness, about three hours away from Erendir. He had followed the highroad before venturing deep into the forest until he reached a lake. The water was surrounded by low hills and frozen over with a thick layer of ice.
Ren summoned his Iron Magic Sword and walked out to the center of the lake. He spent ten minutes hacking a large hole in the ice.
As he caught his breath, a sharp cry reached his ears. "Kyu!"
"Oh, Kukuru?"
He went to set his bag down, but the flap popped open and Kukuru poked her head out. She put her paws on the edge and looked up at him.
"When did you sneak in there?"
"Kyu kyu!"
He must have missed her when he stopped by the washroom before leaving the manor. Ren laughed at himself. Kukuru hopped out and began floating around him fluffily.
"Well, you’re here now. Can you stay quiet for a bit?"
Kukuru nodded enthusiastically. Ren turned back to the task at hand. It had been months since he’d learned about Magic Sword Evolution, but because of all the traveling, he hadn't been able to hunt much.
Magic Sword Summoning Arts (Level 4: 3481/3500)
He was close to the next level. Since he gained mastery just by summoning and training with the blades, he had been making steady, if slow, progress.
Ren tossed some raw meat from the butcher into the hole. Seconds later, a school of fish appeared beneath the surface. They were huge—each one would require both arms to carry. Their bodies were covered in thick blue scales, and their mouths were filled with fangs like a predator's.
These were Berserk Fish. They were terrifying in schools. Ren’s cheek twitched as he threw in another piece of meat.
The fish ground their fangs together with a rhythmic ka-ka-ka sound. Several of them launched themselves out of the water like living bullets.
Ren swung his Iron Magic Sword. He swung again and again, every time a fish leapt. One, two... ten... fifteen. A pile of Berserk Fish grew on the ice in seconds. By the time he hit nineteen, the school finally retreated.
"Kyu...!" Kukuru watched with wide, admiring eyes.
"I wonder if it’s okay for it to be this easy," Ren mused.
Berserk Fish bred in the winter, right after the ice formed. The juveniles were notoriously cannibalistic and aggressive, which was how they earned their name. As adults, they were actually quite calm and rarely attacked people unless provoked.
"It really did evolve."
The next level was still a long way off, but he was excited about the prospect of Physical Ability Up (Large). More importantly, his Wooden Magic Sword had changed.
Its name was now the Great Tree Magic Sword. Along with the evolution, his Nature Magic (Small) had been upgraded to Nature Magic (Medium).
Ren dispelled his Iron Magic Sword and summoned the new blade. It was far more ornate than before, covered in beautiful carvings that made it look like a ceremonial weapon. After checking to make sure he was alone, he swung it, intending to sprout a few roots.
"Oh?"
As the tip of the Great Tree Magic Sword pointed toward the hole in the ice, the ground began to tremble.
"Wha—!?"
"Kyūūū!?"
Enormous roots erupted through the ice all over the lake, each one thick enough to bind a massive Mana Eater. Kukuru shrieked in surprise and clung to the back of Ren’s neck as the thick ice shattered into drifting floes. Ren grinned; the power jump was incredible.
He dispelled the roots and the sword. "Now, just one left."
The Flame Magic Sword. He had tried to summon it multiple times since spring, but it always resulted in a splitting headache and mana exhaustion.
Maybe it’s just that powerful even without being the Flame Sword Asval, he thought. He tried again, and while he still couldn't summon it, the strain felt slightly less than before. He decided not to push it for now.
Ren stuffed the fish into a large hemp sack and shouldered it. "Let's go home."
"Kyu!"
He knew he couldn't hunt like this too often. This was a real world, not a game; over-hunting would ruin the ecosystem.
"Still, it's quiet out here."
Most adventurers didn't bother with winter hunting, especially not for Berserk Fish on thin ice. As he walked, Ren idly reached into his pocket and pulled out the bottle Edgar had given him. He gripped it in his palm, focusing his mana.
Suddenly, a small shatter sounded from his hand.
Ren stopped and looked down. "Oh. It broke."
The crystal inside hadn't just cracked—it had been pulverized into fine powder.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
That evening, Licia visited Ren’s room after her bath.
"A lot happened in the Capital today," she said.
"Like what?"
"It’s a secret. I’m a little frustrated, so I’m going to be a spoiled child tonight."
"A spoiled child?"
Licia sat on his bed and patted the spot next to her. Ren, confused by her sudden assertiveness, sat down beside her.
"This is from Lord Edgar." She handed him an envelope.
Ren opened it and read the parchment. "I’m meeting Lord Ulysses in the Capital next week."
"With the Marquis? For dinner?"
"No. We talked about Asval's horn before. He’s introducing me to a blacksmith."
Ren’s face lit up at the thought of new armor. Licia laughed. "You really are a boy, aren't you?"
Then, she remembered something. She pulled the bottle from her pocket, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Look! It turns out I have a talent for Strong Sword Arts, too!"
The crystal ball was split perfectly in half.
"Hey, how is yours doing, Ren?"
"Oh, nothing special..."
"What’s with that reaction? Wait—did you already scratch it?"
"Something like that."
"Then show me! Please?"
Ren sighed, stood up, and took his bottle from the desk drawer.
"It’s not just a scratch... it’s dust!" Licia gasped.
"It happened right after my hunt today."
Licia was shocked, but also happy. She was used to Ren being ahead of her, and deep down, she didn't mind it at all.
"I thought I at least had more mana than you, but looking at this, maybe I was wrong about that, too."
"I don't think this exercise is about the amount of mana," Ren explained. "It’s about how you handle it. I actually think you have more raw mana than I do."
Licia looked at him, surprised. "You really think so?"
"I do. So don't worry about it."
"By the way, Ren, did you visit the Adventurer Guild?"
"I stopped by this morning. The city guild is a lot different from what I’m used to."
"I bet. What’s your rank now?"
"E-rank. I haven't really done anything to raise it yet."
Guild ranks didn't always reflect strength. There were specific conditions and quotas to meet to climb the ladder. High-ranking adventurers got priority on jobs and discounts at inns, and could even gain political influence.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The Blacksmith District was a maze of steam and clashing metal, frequented by adventurers, knights, and even chefs looking for the perfect blade. Because of the narrow alleys and steep slopes, carriages were useless. Ren, Ulysses, and Edgar were walking to their destination.
"I knew you’d manage it, Lord Ren, but to pulverize the crystal... you might master the Shroud sooner than we thought," Edgar noted.
"You’ll be a Swordmaster before we know it," Ulysses added with a grin.
Ren smiled. "I’ll do my best to live up to that."
"So, what kind of person is this blacksmith?" Ren asked.
"A master," Ulysses said, shrugging. "The only problem is he’s a stubborn hermit who hates work."
"He sounds like a true craftsman."
"That’s putting it nicely. He uses 'craftsman's spirit' as an excuse to nap."
"Will he really work with Asval's horn?"
"Who knows? He ignores my letters, and I’m a Marquis! Haha!"
Ulysses seemed to find the situation hilarious. As they walked, Ren looked out over the Academy District. The Imperial Military Academy loomed large in the distance.
"So, have you changed your mind about enrolling?" Ulysses asked, noticing Ren’s gaze.
Since their meeting in the summer, Ren had thought about it constantly.
"I’m much more open to it now," Ren admitted.
"Oh? That’s a change from our last talk."
"When I looked at the pros and cons, the benefits are hard to ignore."
"Like the benefits I can provide?"
"You’re going to help me, Lord Ulysses?"
Ulysses let out a tired sigh. "If you’re there, I can stop worrying about Fiona’s safety. Didn't you think I’d make things easier for you because of that?"
"I wasn't thinking about an ulterior motive regarding Fiona. But I appreciate the help."
"No wonder those two fell for you," Ulysses muttered, though only Edgar heard him. "Let's get back to the point. You’re a devoted person, Ren. You care more about others than yourself."
Ren didn't deny it.
"I value that devotion," Ulysses continued. "It’s what gave you the courage to change your mind. I knew that once you found people worth protecting, you’d aim for the academy."
Ren’s priorities had shifted. His parents, the village, Licia, and Fiona were all more important to him than his own comfort. With the Demon King Cult moving faster than he’d anticipated, he couldn't afford to be passive. He had to stay close to Licia.
"Are you going for the General class or Special Merit?"
"I was thinking Special Merit. It offers more freedom."
"Good choice. General is fine, but Special Merit is on another level. You’ll pass easily."
"You’re very confident. Don't you think I might fail?"
"Not a chance. My hunches are never wrong. I won a trade war with a rival nation based on a hunch once."
"I had a question for you, actually," Ren said. "Why did you let Fiona enroll in the first place? Isn't it dangerous for her to be away from you?"
"Because she needs to learn to protect herself," Ulysses said, his voice turning serious. "I won't be around forever. As much as I dote on her, I won't be the kind of parent who leaves his child helpless. Besides... she’s lovely, isn't she?"
Ren didn't hesitate. "She is a beautiful and very kind person."
"Can I tell her you said that?"
"What?"
"Nothing, just talking to myself."
They eventually reached an old stone house in a corner of the district. It was a crumbling mess reinforced with wooden boards—hardly a place for a Marquis.
"Edgar, cover the back door," Ulysses ordered.
"As you wish."
"Are you worried he’ll run?" Ren asked.
"He’s done it before. He’s a slippery one."
They pushed open the door.
"Don't come in! Nobody's home!" a voice roared.
"Hahaha! I know you’re in there, Werlich! It’s me, Ulysses!"
"Gah! Go home! I don't want to talk to any shitty brats!"
Ulysses stepped inside, laughing loudly. "You can't escape! Edgar is at the back door!"
The sound of breaking dishes and metal clashing echoed from the back room. Finally, the dwarf Ren had helped earlier emerged from a pile of junk.
"Fine, I’ll just—wait! It’s the good kid!"
"A 'good kid'?" Ulysses asked.
"Yeah! This kid helped me home when I was plastered. Unlike you, who used to draw on my walls when you were a brat!"
"That was years ago!"
"I still haven't forgiven you!"
Ulysses turned to Ren. "Ren, which of us do you think is in the wrong?"
"You, Lord Ulysses."
Ulysses just laughed. "I agree. I was a bit of a terror."
"So, why are you here with Ren?" Werlich asked, setting down a massive hammer.
"Business. This is Ren Ashton. I want you to make him some armor."
"Work? Give me a break. I don't even want to go buy groceries..."
"Don't be like that. You forged the sword for the Sword Queen. Ren is my benefactor; I can only trust his gear to the best."
"You made the Sword Queen's blade?" Ren asked in awe.
"Yeah, that was me," Werlich said nonchalantly.
"He’s a master, Ren, even if he avoids the spotlight," Ulysses explained.
"I still don't want to do it," Werlich grumbled. "Unless you have a material that actually interests me, no amount of money will work."
"I brought the material," Ren said.
Werlich’s interest was piqued. Ulysses signaled Edgar, who closed the door and confirmed no one was eavesdropping.
"We have the horn of the Red Dragon Asval," Ren said.
Werlich’s jaw dropped. "Now that is a different story."
He led them to the back of the workshop. "Tell me everything. A legendary material deserves a legendary blacksmith."
"How much do you have?" the dwarf asked. "A fragment?"
"Almost the entire horn," Ulysses said.
"Hah! Now that’s a dream! Now we just have to see if the material will accept Ren."
"Accept me?"
"Legendary monsters leave a trace of their will in their remains. Sometimes the material resists the user. But if Ren was the one who killed it, it should be fine."
Werlich looked at Ulysses. "Wait, you’re saying Asval came back?"
"It’s a long story. Let's just say Ren won."
Werlich nodded. "Fine. But even if I make him full armor, you’ll have a mountain of material left over."
"I’d like to use it all if possible," Ulysses said.
"I wouldn't recommend giving it to others," Werlich warned. "Dragon materials are loyal. If Ren didn't give it to them, it won't work as well for them. It’s better to use it on something Ren owns."
"I don't really own anything else," Ren said.
"What about a magic ship? Dragon horns are light and incredibly strong. They’re perfect for reinforcing a hull."
"I don't have a magic ship."
"Ren," Ulysses said, "the Clausels were given the Lemuria by the Emperor years ago. It should still be in the Hanging Garden."
"But... if we had a ship, why wouldn't we use it?"
"Because it’s broken. Baron Lezard has been keeping it there for years." Ulysses turned to Werlich. "What do you think? Can we use the rest of the horn to fix the Lemuria?"
Werlich stroked his beard. "The Lemuria... yeah. I can do that."
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Late that night, five figures stood on a secluded pier in the Hanging Garden: Ren, Ulysses, Werlich, Edgar, and Lezard. The area was closed to the public, and the winter wind whistled through the empty slips.
"So, you still have the Lemuria, Lezard?" Ulysses asked.
"Yes. It was a gift from the Emperor; I couldn't bring myself to scrap it."
They walked to a long, covered structure. Knights pulled back a heavy tarp to reveal a bullet-shaped vessel. It was smaller than a passenger ship, with translucent wings and ornate decorations.
"The engineers said it was best to keep it in the wind," Lezard explained.
"That’s right," Werlich noted. "It’s made of materials that thrive on wind mana. I built this ship for the previous Emperor, but it was pushed too hard. The furnace melted down, and they didn't have the materials to fix it."
Werlich looked at the ship with a hint of nostalgia. "I’ll fix it for you. No charge for the labor—call it a favor for a friend."
Lezard looked hesitant. "I can't ask you to work for free."
"Then buy me a good dinner and some decent ale when I’m done."
Werlich turned to Lezard. "And tell that Saintess daughter of yours that her sword is ready. I’ll bring it by soon."
Ren was surprised, but Lezard seemed to expect it. "Thank you. I apologize for not introducing myself sooner."
"Bah! I hate formal introductions. That’s why I stayed in the back when you visited."
Werlich looked at Weiss, who was standing nearby. "Weiss saved my life in a blizzard years ago. I promised him a sword, but he always refused because he had his Imperial blade. I’m glad he finally let me make one for the girl."
Ren realized then that Licia’s new sword, Byakuen, was a masterpiece from the same man who was making his armor.
"I’ll use the docks here to fix the ship," Werlich said. "But first, I’m making Ren’s armor. Give me a month."
Everything was moving fast. As they finalized the plans, Ren looked up at the stars. He knew he had to tell Licia and her father his decision. He couldn't run away anymore.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
A few days later, Werlich visited the Clausel manor. He spoke briefly with Weiss and left a white wooden box before vanishing back to his workshop.
"Lord Werlich hasn't changed a bit," Weiss said, handing a sheathed straight sword to Licia.
Licia drew the blade. It was a beautiful, untarnished white. "It’s stunning..."
"Its name is Byakuen," Weiss said.
Ren recognized the name immediately. In the Legend of the Seven Heroes, Byakuen was a legendary weapon, an Orichalcum blade polished with holy water. It was incredibly powerful but famously difficult to master. It was the perfect sword for the Saintess.
That night, during dinner, Ren decided the time was right.
"Licia, Lord Lezard," he said, putting down his fork. "There’s something I need to tell you both."
They both looked at him. Ren took a deep breath, his voice steady and resolute.
"I’ve decided to enroll in the Imperial Military Academy with Licia. I’m going to aim for the Special Merit Class."
A heavy silence fell over the room. Licia stared at him, her eyes wide.
"Does that mean... we can go together?"
"If I pass the exam, yes."
"Of course you’ll pass! And so will I!"
Licia was so happy she almost threw her arms around him, only to catch herself at the last second, her face turning bright red as she looked away.