On the academy rooftop after school, Sera stood still as her minor bruises were mended. The soft white light enveloping her body was the manifestation of Lithia’s Holy Magic.
"It’s not just your sword skills," Sera remarked, her voice filled not with resentment, but with a newfound determination. "Your Holy Magic is incredible, too."
Lithia looked up, perhaps having missed the comment. "Did you say something?"
"Nothing. Just talking to myself."
Lithia simply muttered, "How strange," before extinguishing the light of her magic.
As she did, her mind drifted back to the Representative Selection for the Martial Arts Tournament that had concluded just a short while ago. Compared to the trials for any other event, the selection matches had drawn the largest and most enthusiastic crowds.
First, Kaito Leonall had secured his spot. Then Vein had claimed his, followed finally by Sera, who had seized her seat just as the rumors predicted. Aside from those three, a young lady from a Heroic Ducal House in the second year had also been selected, though she had departed the academy for family business immediately after the results were finalized.
Lithia offered a silent prayer for Sera’s success in the main tournament before stepping away. She waited until she saw Vein and the others arrive on the rooftop before making her exit.
"I’m going now," Lithia said, turning her back to Sera. Her hair, a shimmering blend of silver and amethyst, fluttered in the evening breeze. "Don’t get so caught up in the excitement of being chosen that you get careless and hurt yourself."
"I know that already!" Sera called out. Then, watching Lithia’s retreating figure, she added, "Hey, Lithia... if you had entered the selection trials, how do you think things would have turned out?"
Lithia stopped in her tracks. She gazed at the horizon for a long moment, watching the night slowly encroach upon the fading sunset. Finally, she turned back with a playful, slightly mischievous smile.
"Don't be silly. There's no point in entertaining hypotheticals."
With that, Lithia departed. This time, Sera watched her go in silence.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
On the way back to the Executive Committee room, Ren struck up a conversation with Radius, who was walking beside him.
"I’m sure those four will do us proud in the main tournament."
"Indeed," Radius agreed. "Kaito Leonall, in particular, is a force to be reckoned with. His offense and defense are both staggering."
Unlike the practitioners of the Holy Sword Arts, House Leonall was a lineage that utilized massive shields. While it was difficult to compare Kaito’s finesse with that of a traditional swordsman, his power and resilience when utilizing his Arts were beyond reproach.
Though the selection trials had settled, Ren and the others still had work to do.
"We’re almost at the final push for our own tasks. Let’s give it our all."
"Regarding that," Radius said, "I’ve decided that Mirei and I will take the remaining paperwork back to the castle. You and the others should rest and recharge for tomorrow."
"Are you sure? It would be faster if we all did it together. You shouldn't have to shoulder the burden alone."
"Consider it a trade-off for a request I have. I apologize for the suddenness of it."
Whenever Radius made a sudden request, it was usually because something significant was afoot. Ren braced himself as Radius placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned in close.
"I’d like to call Ulysses and have dinner together at the Arnea."
"Dinner at the pride of the Arnevelde Merchant Guild?"
"What do you say?"
It was clear this was a discussion meant for a more formal, private setting.
Later that evening, the three of them—Ren, Radius, and Ulysses—gathered in the reserved restaurant on the top floor of the Arnea. They enjoyed a magnificent meal prepared by the guild’s finest chefs, a spread so exquisite it even had Ulysses smacking his lips in delight. Once they had eaten their fill, Radius spoke up.
"I have something to show you," he said, handing several pages of documents to Ren and Ulysses. "But first, allow me to apologize."
He began to explain the secret mission he had entrusted to Estel, the Director of the Lion Holy Chancel. He spoke of what she had discovered on the Martel Continent and apologized for the delay in sharing this intelligence.
"This is information I should have shared much sooner. However, given the gravity of the situation and the fact that it involved Estel’s covert operations, I needed time to prepare."
"I suspected you were up to something in the shadows," Ulysses remarked with a grand, amused smile. "After all, I understand Prince Radius better than anyone!" He then turned to Ren. "You knew too, didn't you?"
"I figured something was happening, but that was the extent of it," Ren replied.
The two of them began to look through the documents. They contained Estel’s report on the Cult Leader of the Demon King Cult and the two Grand Executives serving beneath him.
"The leader is the Vampire Progenitor," Radius explained. "The man the Demon King once entrusted with the Selakia Region—the most treacherous, magic-rich territory on the Demon Continent."
His name was Medario. He carried no family name. While he appeared in numerous legends, his physical appearance remained a mystery. Though there were no records of him directly clashing with the Seven Heroes, history books across the world recorded the sheer devastation his armies had wrought.
"We knew such a man was once an Aide to the Demon King," Ulysses said, "but you’re saying it’s certain he’s still alive?"
"Yes. We must act with that assumption going forward."
Ren looked up from the papers. "If we capture any of these cultists, will they end up like former Bishop Lenidas?"
"It is highly likely they will simply waste away," Radius admitted. "But we cannot afford to sit idle."
Lenidas, who had attacked the Great Clock Tower, had not survived the summer. Despite being given proper nutrition and kept in a decent environment, he had expired like a punctured balloon slowly losing its air. It appeared the Demon King Cult’s mark had been draining his very life force.
"Back to the subject at hand," Radius continued. "The Cult Leader’s name is believed to be Medario. If that is a deception—"
"You think someone might be impersonating him?" Ren asked.
"It’s possible, but I find it hard to believe the leader of a group plotting the Demon King’s resurrection would dare to impersonate one of the King’s own Aides."
"Agreed," Ulysses added. "He is an Aide with no record of death. To claim his name falsely would be the height of folly. Regardless, we lose nothing by assuming our enemy is the Vampire Progenitor himself."
Ren, who possessed deep knowledge of the Legend of the Seven Heroes, realized he was hearing the name Medario for the first time. "Is there much written about him in the archives?"
"Not much," Ulysses answered, looking at Ren. "Do you know why? There’s a very specific reason."
"Beyond the fact that he never fought the Seven Heroes?"
"Exactly. It’s because Medario was so staggeringly powerful that the armies he led wiped entire nations off the map. Virtually no one who saw his face lived to tell the tale. Because of that, there are almost no surviving records."
Radius looked at them both sternly. "I wanted the two of you to have this information before I brief the rest of the nobility. Do not forget the names of the Cult Leader, Medario, and his two Grand Executives."
Ren was told he could keep the documents, which he tucked away. It was also decided that Ren would be the one to brief Lezard, who had been unable to attend.
"I wanted to invite Lezard as well," Radius said, "but he has been even busier than I am lately. I didn't want to summon him away from his duties for my own convenience."
"He’s been in high demand ever since he became a Viscount," Ren noted.
"The merchants in my territory of Eupeheim are clamoring for a connection with him," Ulysses added. "Viscount Clausel is the talk of the realm." He then turned his focus back to Ren. "On that note, Ren, I have something else for you."
The atmosphere between them relaxed into its usual warmth. Ren recalled the message he had received from Ulysses back in early spring.
"This concerns the upcoming Lion King Festival," Ulysses said. "Ren, as I mentioned before, I’m going to need some of your time. Are you aware that we receive many distinguished guests from abroad during the festival?"
Ren knew that royalty and nobility from other nations often attended.
"This year, we expect guests from many lands, including the Sky Continent. With the descendants of the Seven Heroes set to compete, the festival will be busier than ever before. My house is involved in a business venture that a foreign merchant guild is looking to invest in further—a venture centered around Viscount Clausel."
"Then shouldn't you be speaking to Lord Lezard?" Ren asked.
"Ordinarily, yes, but there’s a complication. I’ll be traveling to Erendir soon to discuss the details with the Viscount. We can talk more then."
A few days later, after school, Ren found himself walking through the streets of Erendir with Lithia and Fiona. Ulysses was visiting the city that day and had requested Fiona’s presence as well. When they arrived at the Clausel mansion, Yuno greeted them, with Kukuru fluttering proudly by her side.
"Good evening, Kukuru-chan," Fiona said, stroking the spirit beast as Lithia watched with a smile.
"Marquis Ignat is expected to arrive shortly," Yuno informed them.
Once inside, Yuno addressed the girls. "I will show the two of you to a different room."
Ren assumed the group discussion would happen later, so he didn't think twice when the girls were led away. He headed to the drawing room alone to wait. Shortly after, Lezard arrived, accompanied by Ulysses.
"My apologies for the sudden summons," Ulysses said as he sat down.
Lezard spoke first. "I understand this concerns our current project?"
"It does, and Ren is a key part of it," Ulysses explained. He turned to Ren. "The chairman of a certain merchant guild has expressed a strong desire to meet you. He wants to speak with you before finalizing his next investment."
Ren blinked. "...Me?"
"It goes back to the venture Viscount Clausel is leading. This guild is a partner, and the chairman’s subordinates have spent time in Clausel. They heard of your exploits there and brought word back to their master."
"I see," Ren said. "So they heard about me in the territory."
"The chairman became interested in your deeds, but there's more to it than that." Ulysses reminded him of an escort mission Ren had performed the previous winter, before his enrollment. "The man you protected was one of the chairman’s top subordinates—the Leomel Branch Manager, if I recall correctly."
"I understand that he heard about me, but why the intense interest?"
"It was the story of your flight during the incident with Viscount Given. When the people saw you and Lithia return to Clausel and learned what had happened, word spread like wildfire. The chairman was deeply moved by the tale."
Ulysses leaned back. "He’s a rare sort of merchant—a former knight. He said he simply must meet the hero of those stories. Of course, he doesn't know about Asval’s resurrection in the Baldur Mountains; that information is strictly guarded. But the fact that you rescued Fiona and brought her down the mountain is something we can’t entirely hide."
Ulysses turned to Lezard. "I’d like you to be present for the meeting as well, Viscount, if your schedule allows."
"I would be honored to attend," Lezard replied.
"Excellent. My apologies for keeping this under wraps until now; there were many logistical adjustments to make."
The merchant guild in question was a prominent one from the Sky Continent, known for its high-quality monster materials. Establishing a formal connection with them would be a massive boon for House Clausel.
"Also," Ulysses added, "the chairman sent some gifts as a gesture of friendship."
"Gifts?" Ren asked.
"A few choice items from their guild’s inventory. He wanted to show his goodwill toward the Clausel and Ignat families. There are gifts for you, Ren, as well as for Lithia and Fiona."
The necessary discussion with Ren concluded shortly after, but Ulysses and Lezard still had work to coordinate. They decided to take a short break for tea.
"You certainly seem busy, Viscount," Ulysses remarked. "Managing the extra Magic Ship flights must be quite the task."
"It’s been a challenge," Lezard admitted with a laugh, "but things should settle down soon." He then remembered he hadn't shared those details with Ren yet. He handed a bundle of papers to the boy. "Take your time looking these over, Ren. You may discuss them with Lithia and the others as well."
Ren took the papers and excused himself. As he walked through the hallway, he wondered what the girls were up to. He was soon intercepted by Yuno.
"This way, please," she said, leading him toward a different drawing room.
When Ren stepped inside, he found the room transformed. Several wooden crates stood open on the floor, and a large full-length mirror had been moved near the window. The terrace doors were open to the twilight sky, and standing there were two figures.
They saw Ren’s stunned expression and shared a soft chuckle. They stepped toward him, the fading sunlight catching the vibrant colors of their attire.
"Well?" Lithia asked. "Does it suit me?"
"Do we look alright?" Fiona added shyly.
Ren stared, speechless. They were dressed in clothing he had never seen before—outfits that evoked the spirit of a desert kingdom. Their dresses were a passionate, fiery red, adorned with brilliant jewelry that managed to look elegant rather than gaudy. Standing there, they looked like beautiful, exotic princesses from a far-off land. The room itself felt as though it had been transported into a foreign palace.
When Ren didn't answer immediately, the girls grew flustered.
"Ren?"
"Wh-why are you being so quiet!?"
"It’s just..." Ren struggled to find his voice. The truth was, they were so stunningly lovely that he was at a loss for words. He finally managed to stammer, "You... you both look incredible! It suits you perfectly!"
It was a simple, perhaps even cliché compliment, but the earnestness in his voice brought a faint dusting of red to their cheeks. They beamed at him, clearly delighted by his reaction.
Lithia did a playful little spin, her skirts fluttering. Fiona twisted her hands together, looking slightly embarrassed but happy.
"I’m told this is the ethnic dress of the southern Martel Continent," Lithia explained.
"The merchant guild that sent the gifts also produces dresses like these," Fiona added. "We thought it would be fun to try them on."
The three of them sat down—Ren on one sofa and the girls on the other. Ren found the sight of them incredibly refreshing; the exotic attire and their radiant smiles made for a dazzling display.
"So these were the gifts Ulysses mentioned," Ren said.
"Yes. We were quite surprised when we opened the crates," Lithia replied.
Ren had wondered why a merchant guild from the Sky Continent would send clothing from the Martel Continent, but Fiona’s explanation about the guild’s manufacturing interests made sense. They chatted for a while about the intricate designs of the dresses.
"I was a bit nervous at first," Lithia admitted.
"Me too," Fiona said with a soft smile. "It shows a bit more skin than we’re used to."
The girls shared a knowing glance, both clearly cherishing the honest, stunned reaction Ren had shown them. Once the conversation settled, Ren briefed them on his discussion with Ulysses. Since they already knew Ren might be called away for special duties during the Lion King Festival, they took the news in stride.
"We’ll have to coordinate our schedules for the festival days," Fiona noted.
"I’ll need to get the full itinerary from my father as well," Lithia added.
As they spoke, the Black Priestess and the White Saintess lifted their teacups with practiced grace. In their new attire, every movement they made was the picture of royal elegance. Ren, still in his academy uniform, felt like a knight in the service of two princesses—though the girls' deeper feelings for him remained a mystery to his oblivious heart.
Eventually, their curiosity turned to the papers Ren was holding.
"Is that from your father?" Lithia asked.
"Do you want to see?" Ren offered, laying the papers out on the table so they could all look together. He read the text aloud. "During the Lion King Festival, we expect a massive influx of guests from across the world. Among them will be countless devout followers of the Elfen religion, who will use this opportunity to visit our local sanctuaries and temples..."
The Grand Temple in the Imperial Capital would be teeming with pilgrims, as would Erendir. The city held several ancient temples where the Lion King himself was said to have prayed before heading to battle.
"It says here they're running extra Magic Ship flights," Ren noted. He turned to the second page, which contained a map with a route marked in red. "Let's see... it's about a thirty-minute flight from Erendir... near an ancient sanctuary... wait, is this...?"
Lithia and Fiona leaned in, their eyes widening as they recognized the destination marked on the map.
"Roses Kaitas," Ren whispered.
It was a place from the distant, unknown past. A sanctuary gouged out of the side of a mountain, where giant divine statues stood in a vast plaza. In ancient times, it had been a primary site for Elfen pilgrims, but it had been sealed off long ago following attacks by the Demon King.
In the game Legend of the Seven Heroes, it was a location the player could never visit—a place that existed only in lore and conversations at the Grand Temple.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
In the heart of the Imperial Capital’s castle town stood the Imperial Library, a soaring monument to history. Its interior was a magnificent atrium that rose to the very top floor, with endless rows of bookshelves lining the walls. It was one of the oldest structures in the capital, drawing tourists year-round.
While most of the library was open to the public, the deeper archives were restricted. Among them, the Forbidden Library in the basement was in a category of its own. It was a sanctuary guarded by the most advanced security systems in the empire and protected by knights wielding powerful magic tools and Strong Swords. No one was permitted inside without the highest authority.
The library was closed now, leaving only the staff and the guards. In the Director's office, the young man in charge was preparing to head home for the night when his door was flung open.
"Director!"
A knight, a veteran responsible for the library’s security, stood in the doorway, breathless and pale.
The Director frowned. "Calm down. What’s happened?"
"A guest... a guest has just arrived!"
"At this hour? I have no appointments."
"I told her that! But she said she could only search thoroughly after normal hours had ended!"
The Director sighed, confused. "Again, calm down. Who is it?"
The knight swallowed hard, his throat dry with tension. Before he could answer, the sound of rhythmic, elegant footsteps echoed in the hallway. From the knight’s terror, the Director knew the visitor must be someone of immense status. He peered into the dim light as a silhouette emerged.
"The... the Sword King!?"
Standing before him was a woman of ethereal beauty. It was Lutreche, the White Dragon Princess—Sword King Rank 5. She was one of the strongest beings in the Leomel Empire. Her hair was a pure, untainted silver, and her eyes sparkled like the finest gems. Dressed in white, she possessed a holy, mysterious grace that made her look like a goddess of legend.
She approached, her silken hair swaying with every step. "I apologize for the intrusion," she said. Her voice was like a perfectly tuned instrument, as exquisite as her appearance. "I am here to look for a book."
The Director’s throat went as dry as the knight’s. "Of course... what sort of book are you seeking?"
"My apologies, but I do not know the title," Lutreche replied. "I simply ask that you grant me access to the archives so that I may search."
"I... I see."
Lutreche clearly had a specific purpose in mind, and she was certain the answers lay within these walls.
"Do you require access to the restricted collections?" the Director asked tentatively.
"Yes. I have already secured His Majesty's permission. Here."
Lutreche stepped into the light, handing him a piece of parchment. It was a mandate written in the Emperor’s own hand, authorizing her to search any part of the library, with the sole exception of the Forbidden Library. The Director checked the document with a specialized magic tool; the ink was authentic. It was an absolute command.
"Understood! Please, tell me where you wish to begin!"
"There are several areas of interest. Please, lead the way."
The Director hurriedly led Lutreche deep into the library’s most secure vaults. As they passed through the long, silent corridors, they reached the innermost archives. These were rooms that required special clearance, but the Emperor’s mandate acted as a universal key.
"With this document, I can enter these rooms on my own, correct?" Lutreche asked.
"Yes, my lady! The ink will hold its magical signature for several days, allowing you access."
"Then I shall begin my search. Thank you for your assistance, despite the hour."
Lutreche offered a slight, graceful bow. The Director, overwhelmed by the gesture from such a legendary figure, hurriedly urged her to raise her head. He watched as she unlocked the first archive and disappeared inside.
"What is happening...?" he whispered to himself, standing alone in the dark corridor.
Inside the vault, Lutreche began her search. By the faint light of the moon streaming through the high windows, she moved from room to room, scouring the ancient records for hours.
When dawn finally broke, she was leaning against a window frame, a heavy tome open in her hands. She closed it with a weary sigh, only then noticing the morning sun.
"They’ve been thorough," she whispered to the empty room. "Every trace has been erased."
She looked out at the waking city. "The man named Given was the Assistant Minister of Justice. I assumed that if he held an interest in the name 'Ashton,' he must have found a record here in the Imperial Library. And yet..."
She pressed a finger to her lips, her expression drifting into a melancholic gaze. "Does the truth only remain in the Forbidden Library, then?"
The Emperor had granted her access to the restricted vaults, but the Forbidden Library remained barred to her. The information she sought was nowhere to be found in the general or restricted archives.
She touched the glass of the window, her reflection ghost-like in the morning light.
"Mother... what am I supposed to do?"
She fell silent then, her eyes fixed on the horizon as the morning sun continued its slow, brilliant ascent.