The day before the final day of the long holiday, Lithia departed for Erendir via magic ship.
True to his routine, Ren had spent the day practicing new techniques and training at the Lion Holy Chancel. He had only just finished his evening bath after returning home when he heard Lithia's voice coming from outside his window.
Ren headed to the entrance hall, where he found her just as she arrived. Seeing him, she hurried over at a light trot.
"I'm home. I brought back a souvenir, so make sure to eat some later."
"Welcome back. Thank you for handling that sudden business, Lithia-sama."
"It was nothing. So, how did you spend your time?"
"The same as always—hunting and training."
Lithia laughed. "That sounds just like you."
"Hey, Ren," she added, her voice bouncy. "Why don't we go into town tomorrow? It’s been a while, and Father said I could do whatever I like for the day."
"That sounds fine. Come to think of it, we haven't had much time to stroll through Erendir lately."
"Right! It looks like a lot of new shops have opened, so let's go relax together!"
With a beaming smile, she said, "I can't wait!" before hurrying off.
Lezard appeared just as she left, with Weiss following shortly behind.
"I received a report during the return trip. It's about the current state of Ashton Village."
Lezard pulled a letter from his jacket and handed it to Ren. Sensing it was fine to read it immediately, Ren broke the seal in front of him. Inside was a drawing, likely commissioned from a professional artist. It showed the progress of the village, including new facilities built to serve as merchant hubs. Road maintenance was also moving along, and the entire area was reportedly becoming quite lively.
The next morning, Ren and Lithia met in the entrance hall shortly after nine o'clock. They had no guards with them. Ren was by her side, and Lithia herself was now a formidable Strong Sword User—specifically, one at the Sword Expert-class.
"Ready to go?" Lithia asked.
She was dressed in civilian clothes. The clean elegance of her white blouse highlighted her natural charm, and a platinum feather hair ornament rested in her lustrous hair. With every step, the hem of her skirt swayed gracefully.
"Actually, I'm eager to get moving," Ren replied.
"Oh, Ren. You're just hungry, aren't you?"
"Did you catch that?"
"Of course I did. Well then, shall we?"
As they were about to leave the mansion, Lezard happened to pass by.
"Be careful. Ren, I hate to burden you, but I'm counting on you to look after her."
Ren couldn't quite bring himself to say "Leave it to me," so he simply offered a wry smile. Lithia made a dissatisfied sound—"Muu..."—but she immediately grabbed Ren's hand and pulled him out of the mansion.
The mid-June sun was dazzling. Once they were clear of the gates, Lithia released his hand. She couldn't help but think how happy she would be if they could keep holding hands, but she knew that was still a difficult step to take.
Even in her civilian clothes, she carried a sword at her waist—the famous Byakuen, her personal symbol. Ren likewise carried his Iron Magic Sword. Its scabbard was a custom piece Werlich had made for him. Since the magic sword's size shifted to match Ren’s physical growth, it was only recently that they had been able to finalize the dimensions for a permanent scabbard.
"Hmm?" Lithia noticed Ren’s gaze. "Are you interested in my sword?"
"I was just thinking that even in private clothes, you look like a masterpiece when you're carrying a sword, Lithia-sama."
"What's this? Flattery, all of a sudden?"
"No, no! I meant it!"
They both laughed as they turned onto the main street. Unlike the mansion in Clausel, this residence sat right along the main road, making it quite prominent. Since they walked this path almost every day to attend the Academy, the sight of them together was common to the people of Erendir.
They stopped at a cafe along the street, sitting at a white round table backed by a hedge. After browsing the menu for a few minutes, they ordered their meals.
While waiting for the food to arrive, Ren spoke up.
"I'd like to ask, just in case."
"What is it?"
"You would draw that sword if the situation demanded it, wouldn't you?"
"That’s why I brought it. You’re doing the same, aren’t you, Ren? You’re wearing yours even though we’re just out for fun."
"In my case, it’s because I’m acting as your guard."
They enjoyed a pleasant meal together, chatting about inconsequential things.
"Things have really changed around here," Lithia noted as they rested after eating.
"I heard the inn reservations are almost entirely full because of the Lion King Festival."
Preparations for the grand festival were visible throughout Erendir. Being so close to the Imperial Capital, the city was teeming with travelers, including those who had arrived via magic ship. There were even many early arrivals from foreign lands. Ren saw various demi-humans among the crowds—some with beast-like features, some reminiscent of reptiles, and even Harpies.
Lithia took a sip from her teacup. "Shall we head to the bookstore next? You mentioned there was a book you were looking for."
"Are you sure? I'm fine with going where you wanted to go first, Lithia-sama."
"Fufu, that’s fine with me." Lithia didn't hesitate. "As long as I'm with you, it doesn't matter where we go first."
Ren laughed at her typical straightforwardness. "If that's the case, it certainly makes things convenient."
"Doesn't it?"
Lithia laughed too, resting her elbows on the table and tilting her head happily.
"It's settled. We'll head to the bookstore after a short break."
As they enjoyed their holiday, watching the bustling streets, Ren suddenly paused.
"Oh."
"What is it?"
"I just spotted a classmate I don't see very often."
"An unusual classmate?"
Lithia followed his gaze and realized who it was. Lady Altia, the daughter of one of the Seven Great Ducal Houses, was walking down the main street of Erendir alongside several adults in work clothes. Nemu noticed them as well and came running over.
"Hiya! Morning, you two!"
While Ren had only briefly spoken to Nemu for the first time recently, Lithia had known her since enrollment and was much closer to her.
"This is the first time I've run into you in Erendir, Nemu."
"Yup, yup! Nemu is on her way to the Great Clock Tower right now. Are you two out shopping?"
The Great Clock Tower, located in the Nature Park on the edge of town, was a place Ren had previously visited with Radius. Nemu explained that she had been checking on it periodically since the incident last year. Previously, House Altia had sent servants and technicians, but Nemu was handling the task herself this time.
When Ren and Lithia bowed their heads in thanks for her work, Nemu laughed dismissively.
"It's fine, really! My ancestor built the thing, so we have to manage it properly."
"...You really are impressive, Nemu," Lithia said.
"Hmm? What was that?"
"I mean, you're already capable of managing such a massive facility and Magic Tool."
"Ahaha! Nemu's been tinkering with Magic Tools since she was a year old! My goal is to invent something that surpasses even my ancestor's work, so you can count on me!"
Ren watched them talk for a moment, then noticed a knight stationed on the roadside and stepped away from the girls.
"I have a message I need to deliver for Lezard-sama. I'll be right back."
He moved about ten meils away. At that distance, he could return to their side in an instant if needed. Once Ren was out of earshot, Nemu leaned in toward Lithia.
"There's something I'm super curious about. Can I ask?"
"What is it?"
"So," Nemu said, her tone casual. "Is this a date?"
The question, phrased with a lightness one would never expect from a high-ranking noble lady, caught Lithia off guard. A date? Since Nemu was asking her, the partner in question could only be the person who had been standing right next to her a moment ago.
It took Lithia a full ten seconds to process the implication. Once she reached the obvious conclusion, she froze.
"~~~!?"
Her face, her ears, and even her neck flushed a deep crimson in an instant. She blinked rapidly, her heart racing. Taking half a step back, Lithia crossed her arms and looked off toward the horizon, desperately trying to regain her composure. She brushed a lock of her silk-like hair behind her ear and tried to sound tough.
"Please don't ask such nonsensical things."
Her obvious bravado was immediately seen through.
"Oops. So I was wrong?"
Technically, she was wrong, but hearing it said so clearly with such disappointment made Lithia's true feelings bubble up. Her cool facade crumbled.
"I-Is it a crime to be wrong?! And what's with that 'oops'?! Do you have a problem with us, Nemu?!"
"Not at all. It's just that seeing you two having such a good time on your day off... and given how close you two seem, it just felt like that. Ren-kun is also close to Lady Ignat, right? So I was curious what the situation was."
"Uuu...!"
"I-I'm sorry! Don't glare at me with such a cute face!"
Lithia was glaring at Nemu with a beet-red face and tears of embarrassment pricking her eyes. She was so flustered she looked ready to reach out and pinch Nemu's cheeks.
"Tell you what, I'll give you some romance advice to make up for it. So... stop glaring?"
Lithia regained some of her calm at that, but then she remembered something and poked at Nemu’s weak spot.
"This is coming from the Nemu who said she has zero romantic experience and treats the opposite sex like they're just friends?"
"Ack! You said it! You said the one thing you should never say to a girl our age!"
"Yes. Well, reflect on your own behavior first."
"That’s one thing, this is another! But just listen; this might be useful information for you, Lithia-chan!"
Nemu began to flaunt knowledge from some unknown source. While she was usually a fountain of wisdom regarding Magic Tools, the advice she offered now was surprisingly relatable.
"Listen up! First, it’s about how you speak!"
"How we speak? You mean me and Ren?"
"Exactly! The sense of distance between you is important, but the two of you should be able to be much more casual! You should have Ren-kun stop using formal speech and change how he addresses you!"
"...I've brought up the formal speech before. He told me he couldn't stop because he's a knight's son. And he already calls me by my name."
"But he calls you 'Lithia-sama,' right?"
"Wait... so you mean I should have him call me just 'Lithia'?"
"Exactly! Like Wayne-kun and Sera-chan!" Nemu gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
Ren calling her just "Lithia"...
Just the thought of it made Lithia cover her face with both hands and squirm with delight. A whirlwind of emotions spun through her mind, all of them rooted in sheer happiness.
"But, you know, it’s a total mystery which one is harder—getting him to drop the honorifics or the formal speech," Nemu mused.
"I know! Both sound impossible!"
Lithia paused. "Wait, Nemu, where did you get all this from anyway?"
"I'm not going to lie; romance novels."
"Haa... I thought as much."
"But it was a good tip, right?"
Lithia couldn't deny it. She gave a bashful nod. "Yeah."
The real problem was that Ren was highly unlikely to agree to either, but Lithia began to rack her brain for a way to make it happen. Nemu checked her watch and announced she had to go.
Ren, who had been waiting for the right moment, returned to them. He tilted his head in confusion at Lithia’s flushed face, but she didn't say a word. Nemu didn't explain either, choosing only to laugh.
"See you two later! See you at the Academy!"
As Nemu hurried away, Ren realized he had lost his chance to find out what they had been discussing.
"You don't have a fever, do you?"
"............"
"Lithia-sama?"
"...Dense."
She said it with a slight pout, but it was partially her own lack of assertiveness that kept her feelings from reaching him. After a brief moment of dissatisfaction, she broke into a lovely, bashful smile.