That night, a letter from Ulysses Ignat arrived at the Clausel estate.
Yuno, the maid who had moved to Erendir with Ren and the others, received several envelopes from an Ignat family messenger. Since one was addressed specifically to Ren, she made her way toward his room to deliver it.
"Kyu?"
Kukuru, who had been floating playfully in the hallway, eyed the envelope with interest. She was a spirit beast that had hatched from a Selakia Blue Pearl following the incident in the Baldur Mountains, born from a fragment of Asval’s horn offered as a tribute. Roughly the size of an adult cat and covered in soft, white fur, she had become the household’s beloved mascot.
According to the knowledge of the Legend of the Seven Heroes that only Ren possessed, her race held power enough to trouble even a Demon King. But for now, she was simply a cuddly companion.
"Good evening, Kukuru. Have you already eaten?" Yuno asked.
"Kyu! Kyu-kyu!"
"That’s good to hear. Well then, I’m off to Ren-sama’s room."
"Kyuu~!"
Satisfied, Kukuru drifted away in high spirits. Yuno continued to Ren’s door and handed him the letter when he answered her knock.
"This arrived from Marquis Ignat, Ren-sama."
"Thank you... I wonder what Ulysses-sama wants."
After scanning the contents, Ren immediately headed for Lezard’s office.
Inside, he found both Lezard and Licia. Given what he needed to discuss, their presence was perfect.
"Ren? What brings you here?" Lezard asked.
"I wanted to talk to you about a letter I just received from Ulysses-sama."
The letter was brief: I’d like a bit of your time during the Lion King Festival. However, if you are participating in the tournaments, feel free to prioritize those.
"Did he mention why?"
"He said he’d explain once the details were finalized, but that was all."
"I see. And what are your thoughts, Ren?"
"I’d like to prioritize Ulysses-sama’s request. It’s not as if I had any particular desire to compete in the festival anyway."
Licia smiled, her own decision mirroring his. "Then we’re in the same boat. I’m not participating either."
"Wait, you aren't, Licia-sama?"
"No," she explained. "Since Father became a Viscount, we’ve received so many invitations. With all the guests expected during the festival, I thought I should stay by his side to help with the greetings."
Lezard let out a soft huff. "I told her not to worry about it, but she wouldn't listen."
"I can't just sit idly by, Father. This is a vital time for solidifying the Clausel family's foundation."
Under the circumstances, Ren likely wouldn't have competed even without Ulysses’s invitation. Acting as a guard for Lezard and Licia was a far higher priority.
"Are you sure?" Ren asked. "It’s the Lion King Festival. Don't you want to enjoy it?"
Licia shook her head, her expression clear and content. "The festival lasts a week, right? If I can just walk around and see the sights with you when we have a spare moment, that’s more than enough for me."
"I understand. In that case, I’d be honored to accompany you."
"But what about you, Ren?" she teased. "Don't you feel like showing off the skills you’ve been polishing so hard?"
"Not really. I didn't polish them just to show them off."
Besides, Ulysses had been a great benefactor to him. To prioritize a request from such a powerful ally over a school tournament felt like the only logical choice.
The following day during lunch break, Ren found himself in a different office altogether.
"And that’s why I’m asking!" Chronoa declared, puffing out her chest and crossing her arms.
Licia, who had accompanied Ren to the Academy Director’s office, shared a troubled, dry laugh with him.
"Chronoa-san, what exactly do you mean by 'that’s why'?" Ren asked.
"I’ll explain everything! Come on, you two—sit down over there and let’s talk comfortably!"
They sat on the sofa as prompted.
"Have you two settled into the Academy yet?" Chronoa asked, her tone warming.
Ren glanced at Licia, who answered first. "We’re getting used to things, bit by bit."
"Me too," Ren added.
"Glad to hear it! Now, to the point. I actually have a favor to ask of you both."
"Oh boy..." Ren muttered.
"Hey! Ren-kun, don't make that 'this sounds like a hassle' face!"
"My apologies. It’s just that when a world-class mage asks for a 'favor,' I can't help but assume it’s going to be something impossible."
"Don't worry! I’m the Academy Director! I would never push an impossible task on my adorable students!"
Chronoa reached into the inner pocket of her robe and pulled out a document. She handed it over so both Ren and Licia could read it.
"This is about the Lion King Festival," Ren noted.
The paper detailed the schedule and participant slots for the various competitions. Since there were limits on how many students could enter certain events, the Academy would soon hold trials to select its representatives.
"Since we’re a prestigious school, almost all of my students want to compete," Chronoa explained. "I’m never short on participants, which is great, but..."
"I see. Though Licia-sama and I were planning on sitting this one out."
"Really?! You weren't going to enter?!" Chronoa’s face lit up, and she nearly lunged over the table in excitement.
"Yes... Is that a problem?"
"No! It’s perfect! Participation is voluntary, after all, and I’d never force a student to do something they wouldn't enjoy. I want you to have fun! But—" Her expression suddenly shifted, turning weary and heavy with the weight of her daily administrative struggles. "——That’s exactly why I need to talk to you."
Ren and Licia waited, unable to look away from her uncharacteristically gloomy face.
"Every single year, I can't find anyone who wants to serve on the Executive Committee..."
She pulled out a second document: Regarding the Preparation and Executive Committee for the Lion King Festival.
"So you want us to be on the committee?" Ren asked.
"Exactly!"
In the original game, this was a role the player could never take. The committee didn't run the entire festival—that was the Empire's job—but they handled all the logistics, negotiations, and scheduling for the Imperial Military Academy. It involved a lot of paperwork and coordination with the staff. While there would be some work on the actual days of the festival, it shouldn't be busy enough to ruin their private plans.
"Don't you get any volunteers?" Licia asked.
"We try! The recruitment starts tomorrow, but I have almost zero hope," Chronoa admitted with a bitter smile.
Ren didn't quite understand the lack of interest at first, but the answer became clear a few days later. Despite the large student body, the number of volunteers remained at zero.
"You see, everyone at this Academy is obsessed with competing. And because the committee involves so much clerical work, it’s just not popular," Chronoa lamented during their follow-up meeting.
"But surely serving in such a role would look good on a graduate's record?" Ren pointed out.
"That’s what I thought!" Chronoa shouted, though her face remained dark. "But for our students, just graduating from here is prestige enough. They’d much rather leave a mark by winning a tournament."
"So even if they can't be a representative for their best event, they’d rather enter a less popular competition than join the committee?"
"Precisely..." Chronoa slumped.
The Lion King Festival was a prime opportunity to network with the high-ranking Knights and the nobility. For commoners and nobles alike, showing off their martial or magical prowess was the fastest way to elevate their status. For the elite students of the Special Merit Class, clerical work was beneath them—or rather, they were too busy training for the spotlight to spare a moment for the shadows.
Ren and Licia exchanged a knowing look and a wry smile. They understood now. Licia nodded to Ren, signaling her agreement.
"How many people do you usually need for the committee?" Ren asked.
Chronoa rose slowly, her movements stiff like a rusted machine. She stood by the window as a warm spring breeze carried the sweet scent of flowers from her hair.
"...About ten," she whispered.
Ren and Licia’s cheeks twitched.
"But it’s fine!" Chronoa spun around, sensing their hesitation. "The committee mostly just handles the student-side coordination! All the actual scheduling and heavy lifting will be done by the staff!"
"But with just the two of us, you're still short eight people," Ren noted.
"And Chronoa-sama," Licia added, "this year is going to be exceptionally busy with all the domestic and international guests."
"I know... Last time was student-only because of the Baldur Mountains incident."
Ren blinked. "Wait, the last festival was different?"
He remembered the festival as a massive, bustling event in the game.
"The unrest in the mountains forced the other academies to pull back for safety. It was a private affair back then," Licia explained. "That’s why Father never mentioned it. People are calling this the first real Lion King Festival in four years."
Four years ago, Lezard had just taken over Erendir and had been too overwhelmed to participate. The Imperial officials and other nobles had handled the logistics back then.
"Because it’s been so long, the students are more fired up than ever to compete," Chronoa said. "I was prepared for a lack of interest, but... zero volunteers? It’s heartbreaking."
Ren understood the students' drive. They had all fought hard to get into this Academy to achieve their dreams. But he also knew how much pressure was on Lezard this year. If serving on the committee meant he could help smooth things over for the Clausel family from within the Academy, he was more than willing.
"I’ll do it," Ren said. "But I have a few conditions."
He explained his commitment to Ulysses and the Clausel family's social obligations.
"Oh! Then don't push yourselves!" Chronoa waved her hands frantically.
"No, it’s fine," Ren assured her. "As long as we can have some flexibility on the actual festival days, we’d like to help."
"Ren is right," Licia agreed. "Being involved in the festival from this angle will be good for our futures too. It’s a great way to build connections."
"Besides," Ren added with a small smile, "I think I’ll enjoy the behind-the-scenes work. The preparation is usually the best part of any event."
Chronoa beamed, bowing her head deeply in gratitude. But with only two members, they still needed more help. And since no one was stepping forward, they would have to recruit people themselves.
A short while later, Ren headed to the rooftop garden to find Radius.
"And that’s the situation. Do you know anyone who might be interested?"
Radius looked out at the crimson sunset, a dry smile on his face. "I don't follow. Why haven't you asked me?"
"Wait, you? Is that okay? You’re the Third Prince. Isn't it a bit weird to ask royalty to do clerical work?"
"It makes no difference to me."
"But aren't you entering the public speaking or debate competitions?"
"I’d be lying if I said I wasn't interested, but I have my own duties during the festival. I have to host foreign dignitaries and show them around. I didn't volunteer because of that, but if you’re asking me personally, that’s another matter."
Ren hesitated. "But with your royal duties, will you have enough time?"
"Don't worry. I’m not working twenty-four hours a day. I can handle both."
Ren knew that when Radius set his mind to something, he was terrifyingly efficient. "Then, I’d be honored to have you on the team."
"Consider it done. That makes three of us, then. Still short of ten, but we’re a formidable trio."
"True," Ren admitted. But he didn't want to dump all the work on Radius just because he was capable. "We need to gather more allies. The deadline is tomorrow at noon."
"I agree. You’re planning on asking Fiona Ignat, aren't you?"
"I was, but she already went back to the dorms for the day."
"She’ll say yes," Radius said with absolute certainty.
"How can you be so sure?"
"——...Good grief, you really are something." Radius let out a long, dramatic sigh.
"What was that for?"
"Never mind. Just a monologue meant for your ears."
"That makes no sense!"
Radius chuckled, the evening wind ruffling his hair. "If the Sword King herself took an interest in you, I’m sure a simple request for help won't be rejected by anyone else."
"I still don't understand what’s going on with the Sword King," Ren grumbled. Ever since she helped during the clock tower incident, her only excuse was that she was 'curious.'
"I’ll reach out to one more person myself," Radius added, leaning back against the railing.
"A friend?"
"A childhood friend. She’s a fourth-year student who has served my family for a long time. She’s the daughter of House Archeise."
Ren searched his memories. Since he had been in this world for fourteen years, his meta-knowledge from his previous life was starting to get fuzzy, especially regarding characters who didn't play a massive role in the first game. Since Radius dies early in the original Legend of the Seven Heroes I, his social circle wasn't well-documented.
"House Archeise?"
"They’re a prestigious family of Civil Officials. The current head is my father’s top aide. That’s why she’s by my side."
"She sounds incredibly competent," Ren noted.
"Competent doesn't even begin to cover it. She handled last year’s clock tower incident flawlessly, and she was the one coordinating things while you were taking down that cultist hideout. She was the student council president last year, so she’ll be an asset. ——Provided you can handle her personality."
Ren blinked. "What does that mean?"
"She’s unique. Let’s leave it at that."
Ren didn't press further. If Radius vouched for her, her skill was a given.
"With only the five of us, it’ll be a tight-knit group," Radius said. "But given the students' lack of interest, I doubt anyone else will step forward by noon tomorrow."
Ren nodded. It would basically be a committee of the Neutral and Imperial Factions.
"Won't the Hero Faction complain?"
"Let them. Serving on this committee has no prestige in their eyes. They’d much rather be out there swinging swords." Radius looked down toward the schoolyard. "Speaking of which, there’s a Heroic Duke’s heir right now."
Ren stood and followed Radius’s gaze. In the corner of the yard, Wayne was talking to an older student.
"That’s Kaito Leonard," Radius said.
Kaito was a tall, muscular second-year with a rough-and-tumble look, wearing a T-shirt under his open Academy blazer.
Ren remembered this from the game. This was the encounter between the protagonist and the heir of the Leonard family. Kaito was a refreshing guy who laughed off his own academic failures. In the game, he becomes the party’s primary tank after a loss-event in the tournament finals. His family’s legacy was the Great Shield—the ultimate defense that protected the other Seven Heroes.
"We can leave the Academy's glory to them," Radius said indifferently. "They’ll certainly put on a good show in the martial arts events."
"You don't care about the faction rivalry?"
"I didn't say that. But the Imperial Faction dominates the academic and debate fields. We have no need to get defensive over the physical ones. Besides, the person I’m inviting won the debate tournament last year." Radius sighed. "At the end of the day, those who let politics ruin a student festival are the ones in the wrong. ——Though I know that sounds like a platitude."
"I should get going," Ren said.
"Wait," Radius stopped him. "About that Forest-Devourer incident. I’ve looked into it using every resource at my disposal. It seems there was no connection to the Demon King Cult."
"So it was just a coincidence?"
"Most likely. Just a stray monster that lost a territorial dispute and crossed the sea. Nothing more."
Ren let out a breath of relief. "Good to hear. Let me know if anything else pops up."
"I will."
Ren left the rooftop and found Licia waiting for him near the exit. She gave him a bright smile.
"How did it go?"
"Radius is in. He’s going to help us."
"The Third Prince is helping with the committee?" Licia laughed. "Are you sure that’s allowed?"
"He told me not to worry about it, so I’m taking him at his word."
In the schoolyard, Wayne and Kaito were still talking when Sera joined them.
"I’m telling you, Kaito! He’s the real deal!" Sera shouted. "You saw him at the ceremony, right? Ren Ashton! He’s the one who wiped out those cultists in seconds!"
Kaito let out a booming laugh. "Hah-hah-hah! Sera, have you lost your mind? A first-year Strong Sword User who’s that powerful? No way. Just because I fail all my written exams doesn't mean I’m an idiot."
"Wait, you fail all of them? How did you even pass your first year?"
"I make up for it in the practicals," Kaito said, grinning. "My old man blows a fuse every time my report card comes home, though."
"I bet," Sera sighed. The heirs of the Seven Great Ducal Houses all knew each other well enough to be on a first-name basis. "Look, forget the grades. I’m serious about Ren. He’s ridiculously fast."
"I’d believe it if you were talking about the Clausel Saintess. But some random kid? It sounds like an urban legend."
"Fine! Believe whatever you want. Let’s go, Wayne." Sera turned on her heel, fed up.
"Wait, Sera! Is it okay to just leave Kaito-senpai like that?" Wayne asked.
"He’s a muscle-head. He won't believe anything until it’s staring him in the face."
"Hey now," Kaito called after them. "Even if I see it, I doubt it’ll change my mind."
"Of course not," Sera shot back. "You Leonards are all the same—obsessed with your 'invincible shield.'" She stopped and looked back at him, her voice turning cold and sharp. "No one has ever shattered a Leonard Great Shield in history. That’s your pride, and both my family and I respect that."
Kaito’s grin faltered slightly.
"Except," Sera continued, "it was shattered once. By the Demon King’s blade. You had to have it reforged, didn't you?"
"That’s a low blow, Sera..."
"I’m not mocking you. The Leonard shield protected the Hero, and that’s why the Hero won. I’m just saying—lightning can strike twice. If you underestimate Ren Ashton, he might just be the first Strong Sword User in history to break your pride."
"What, so you're saying he's the Demon King now?"
Wayne almost burst out laughing at the sheer absurdity of the response. Sera was momentarily speechless.
"No, you idiot! I’m saying he’s strong! Why can't you compare him to someone like the Lion King?"
"Because my ancestors didn't fight the Lion King, and we definitely didn't lose our shield to a human swordsman."
"That’s why I’m telling you to watch out!"
"Sera, calm down... deep breaths," Wayne interjected.
Sera looked at the sky, exhaling slowly. "Right. Thanks, Wayne. I’m better now." She looked back at Kaito one last time. "Just remember what I said. Ren Ashton might be the first person in a thousand years to make you realize your shield isn't as invincible as you think."
Kaito let out a long yawn as they walked away. "I’ll believe it when I see it," he muttered to himself before heading off.
A few days later, the morning air was crisp, carrying only a hint of the winter that had passed. Summer was just around the corner.
Ren arrived at school early. After parting with Licia in the classroom, he went to the library to borrow a book. On his way out, he felt a strange ripple in the atmosphere coming from the Magic Training Ground.
Unable to ignore the sensation, he headed toward the cylindrical, white porcelain building. When he opened the heavy doors, he was met with a wave of intense, biting cold.
The entire interior had been transformed. Thousands of jagged ice pillars, as blue as the deep ocean, rose from the floor like a frozen forest. It was a masterpiece of ice magic.
Fiona stood in the center of the crystalline world, looking exhausted.
"——I have to work harder," she whispered to herself, her breath frosting as she prepared another spell.
Fiona’s role as the 'Black Priestess' gave her immense magical potential, but that same power had once threatened to consume her young body. She had been through so much, including the ordeal with Asval. But the fact that she could now manifest magic of this caliber was a testament to her unwavering discipline.
She jumped when she realized she wasn't alone. "Eh?"
When she saw Ren, her surprise was instantly replaced by a bright, happy smile. The ice pillars began to melt away, returning the room to its stone floor.
"Good morning! How long have you been there?"
"Just got here. I felt your magic and followed the trail."
Fiona’s voice was tired, but she sounded delighted to see him. "I didn't want to be someone who just needs protection anymore," she said softly, referring to the battle in the Baldur Mountains.
"You weren't just being protected back then," Ren said with a smile. It was true—her support had been the key to his victory.
"By the way," Fiona asked, looking at him curiously. "You said you 'felt' my magic?"
"Yeah. I don't really know anyone else's magic that well, but yours is easy to spot."
"Oh? Why is that?"
"It’s the quality, I think. Your mana is... how do I put it? It’s very clear and beautiful."
As Ren’s mastery of the sword grew, so did his sensitivity to magical energy. He didn't think much of the compliment, but Fiona was utterly struck by his words. She stood there, stunned, her face turning a deep shade of crimson as she turned away and pressed her hands to her chest.
"Fiona-sama?"
"I-It’s nothing! Don't worry about it!" She peeked back at him, her eyes wide. "But... I think that was a low blow, Ren-kun."
She didn't explain what she meant.
As they walked toward the main building, Ren brought up the Executive Committee. Since it was still early, the halls were mostly empty.
"And that’s the situation. I was hoping you’d join us."
"If you’ll have me, I’d be delighted!" Fiona agreed instantly.
"Are you sure? If you wanted to compete, you should prioritize that."
"It’s fine. My teacher wanted me to enter a tournament, but I’m not really interested in that sort of thing."
"Not even for the Ignat family's prestige?"
"No. We don't really need that right now."
Ren smiled. "Thank you. That’s a huge help."
"Of course. I’m just happy to be on the committee with you and Licia-sama." She looked at him out of the corner of her eye, her cheeks still slightly flushed. "I... I’m looking forward to working with you, Ren-kun."
"Me too. Oh, and Radius is bringing in one more person. The Lady Archeise."
"Oh! You invited her? That’s incredible!" Fiona knew exactly who she was. "She’s a genius. She took the entrance exams just to test herself and got a perfect score on every single part. She’s never gotten less than a hundred percent on any test, and the teachers have been begging her to return as student council president."
"She sounds even more intense than I thought," Ren muttered.
"She is. She also works at the Imperial Castle. She’s always by Prince Radius’s side, though she’s very quiet and always puts him first."
Ren let out a tired yawn.
"Are you okay?" Fiona asked.
"Yeah. I was training at the Lion Holy Chancel since dawn. Licia-sama used her Holy Magic to fix me up, but I’m still a bit sleepy."
Fiona giggled. "You work so hard, Ren-kun."
They reached the stairs and parted ways. Ren soon ran into Licia and Sera.
"You two are as thick as thieves," Sera teased, watching Licia practically skip toward Ren.
"Oh, hush," Licia said, though her happiness was plain to see.
"Anyway, I’m heading out," Sera said. "I can't wait for the swordplay classes to start. You two are entering the selection trials for the festival, right?"
"No," Licia replied. "We’re on the Executive Committee this year."
"What?! But I wanted to spar with you two!" Sera looked genuinely disappointed, but once she heard the reasons, she nodded in understanding. "Well, if you're helping with the logistics, I guess I should thank you. But you better not slack off in swordplay class!"
That afternoon, the Executive Committee for the Imperial Military Academy was officially finalized. Just as Radius predicted, it consisted of five members: Ren, Licia, Radius, Fiona, and the Lady Archeise.
After classes ended, Licia went shopping with Sera. Ren headed to the Blacksmith District to visit Werlich’s workshop.
"I’m going to start on your next set of armor soon. I need to account for your growth spurts," the Dwarf blacksmith said. Werlich was a rare talent—a blacksmith and a magic ship engineer.
"Sorry for the wait, Ren. I’ve been busy with the Lemuria."
"Don't worry about it. I was the one who asked you to prioritize the ship repairs anyway. Besides, aren't you still waiting on the materials?"
"Yeah. That brat Ulysses finally came through, though. I’ll be starting as soon as they arrive. It’ll be the best work I’ve ever done, so stay tuned! Now, I’m off to the Hanging Garden to work on the ship."
Werlich flexed a bicep the size of a melon and laughed.
"It’s sunset already," Ren noted.
"A blacksmith’s work never stops! New materials just arrived, and I want to see them."
Ren walked with Werlich for a bit.
"How’s school?" Werlich asked.
"Normal. Just classes and training."
"No exciting stories? What about the swordplay classes?"
"They haven't really started yet."
"Hmph. Honestly, with the way you train at the Holy Chancel, those classes are probably a waste of your time. You should be the one teaching them."
"I don't know about that. Teaching is a whole different skill set."
"Gah-hah-hah! True enough. I’d be a terrible teacher myself!" Werlich looked up at the darkening sky. "By the way, have you heard about the army returning from the Martel Continent?"
Ren shook his head. "No. I didn't even know they were there."
"Leomel sent a platoon to help the Holy Land during a local conflict. It’s been about two years. They’re finally coming home."
"A whole platoon? That seems small for a continental conflict."
"Every single one of them was a veteran from the Lion Holy Chancel. And they were led by the Director herself. With her there, a platoon is more than enough to keep an entire continent in check."
Ren’s heart skipped a beat. The Director.
"She was away for two years?"
"Yeah. The Boss is finally back."
Ren knew the name: Estelle Oslos Drake. Known as the 'Death Eater,' she was the strongest knight in the Empire. In the original game, she appeared as a mysterious, high-level figure who only became active in the sequel.
"If you ever get the chance, give her a proper greeting," Werlich said. "She’s a regular client of mine."
"I’ll keep that in mind."
High above the clouds, a military magic ship cut through the night.
A tall woman stood on the deck, her long, scarlet hair fluttering like a banner in the wind. She wore an ankle-length black military uniform with a sharp, commanding presence.
This was Estelle Oslos Drake.
"Excellency! We have entered Leomel airspace!" a knight shouted.
Estelle looked over her troops. "Is the Holy Chancel in good order? I hope no one has grown soft in my absence."
"Of course not, Excellency! If anything, the arrival of new talent has pushed us all to work harder."
Estelle’s eyes sharpened. "New talent? Did someone make a fool of themselves in front of the Imperial Family?"
"No, nothing like that," the knight hurried to explain. "It’s a young man named Ren Ashton. He’s already a Swordmaster-class, and he was instrumental in stopping the clock tower incident last summer. People are saying he’ll be a Sword Saint before he turns twenty."
"The friend of Prince Radius? I’ve heard the rumors." Estelle looked toward the lights of the capital. "I look forward to seeing if he lives up to the hype."
The next evening, Estelle arrived at the Imperial Castle. After a brief audience with the Emperor, she found Radius waiting for her in the hallway.
"Prince Radius! It has been too long."
Radius smiled, stepping away from the wall. "Welcome home, Estelle. I trust the expedition was fruitful?"
"Beyond my expectations. I have already reported to His Majesty, but I wanted to speak with you as well."
They walked through the corridors, bathed in the orange light of the setting sun.
"It was two years ago that you gave me this mission," Estelle said. "To investigate the Demon King Cult’s movements across the sea."
"And?"
"They were active in the Martel conflict zones as well. I encountered them several times." She pulled a document from her uniform and handed it to him. "I’ve spent two years following every lead, interrogating every cultist I could catch. I’ve reached a conclusion regarding their leader."
Radius scanned the paper, his expression darkening. "This name... according to the legends, he was an aide to the Demon King."
"There is no record of his death. Only that he vanished when the Demon King fell."
Radius gripped the parchment. "I see."
"There’s more. I spoke with adventurers who survived an attack on a Holy Land temple. They saw the Cult Leader, and he was accompanied by two high-ranking aides. All three wore robes and masks."
Radius nodded slowly. "We need to get this information to Ren and Ulysses. Things are about to get very busy."
As Estelle left the prince, she was summoned back to the Audience Chamber by an Imperial Guard. There, the Emperor gave her one final, secret command—a mission so sensitive that not even Radius or the Empress could be told.
"I understand, Your Majesty," Estelle said, bowing low.
As she walked out into the starlit night, she looked up at the sky. "A rare mission indeed," she whispered to herself before heading home.