Justice was the foundation of the Elfen faith.
The Lord willed that all who sided with the Demon King be eliminated. To allow the Demon King Cult free rein was to defy the Chief Deity’s command. This was the unanimous consensus among the clergy who served Lord Elfen.
The Demon King Cult, however, possessed its own grand ambition.
They staked everything on resurrecting the Demon King—the one said to have been defeated by the Seven Heroes—and fulfilling his long-cherished desire. That desire was to kill the Chief Deity. This was the reason the Demon King had once plunged the world into terror, though the underlying motive for seeking the Chief Deity’s life remained a mystery to all.
Now, those enchanted by the Demon King’s overwhelming power worked in the shadows, praying for his return.
In the Imperial Capital, within the solemn district lined with temples, the conflict between the Elfen religion and the Demon King Cult was the talk of the town.
"To believe in a Demon King who lost to the Seven Heroes... they are simply begging for history to repeat itself."
"Indeed. They are fools. With the Hero Faction’s influence growing, what possessed them to think they could challenge Leomel?"
"They lost because of their stupidity. No one stands before holy power for long."
"I hear they’ve been avoiding Leomel lately. Between our military and the Holy Land finally taking a firm stance against the cult, it’s become difficult for them to make a move here."
"The end is already in sight. They talk of a Cult Leader and executives, but they are hardly worth fearing."
Among the clergy, opinions dismissing the cult were numerous. Whether in composed tones or aged, raspy whispers, they praised the glory of the Chief Deity. Some even viewed the current situation as a golden opportunity for the Elfen faith to flourish.
As the clergy talked outside after morning prayers, the White Dragon Princess walked past them.
"If it isn't the Sword King," one called out.
She had been walking alone, appearing composed and indifferent, but she was forced to stop when the clergyman addressed her.
"Is there something?" she asked.
Lutreche.
She was the beautiful Sword King who lent her strength to the Leomel Empire. With hair of purest silver and eyes more radiant than any gemstone, she possessed an elegant, mysterious beauty. Dressed in white, she looked more like a noble princess than a warrior.
Her response wasn't cold, exactly, but it held no warmth. The clergy caught their breath for a moment, momentarily overwhelmed by her beauty and the sternness of her voice.
"From your perspective, Sword King, how do you view the current state of affairs?"
"The current affairs? Are you referring to the skirmishes between the Elfen religion and the Demon King Cult?"
"Naturally."
The Sword Kings were individuals who possessed power far beyond ordinary men, each with a transcendent personality. However, the Demon King was a different matter entirely. They assumed that even she would show interest in the entity that had once brought chaos to the world.
"In that case, it is a battle that does not concern me," she stated plainly.
Her decisive answer left the clergy stunned. She, however, ignored their shock.
"More importantly, what is the status of the Roses Kaitas incident?"
"That was divine proof shown by the Goddess of Time. What about it concerns you, Sword King?"
"I am asking if it was truly only divinity at work. I visited the site myself and sensed the remnants of magical power. It was ancient, evil, and formidable."
"The enemy must have survived until the very moment of purification."
"It seems quite a powerful monster was sealed there."
Listening to the clergy speak so confidently, Lutreche’s expression shifted, though not into a smile of agreement.
"You say the strangest things," the White Dragon Princess said, letting out a small, soft chuckle. But the mirth vanished instantly. "Does the power of the Goddess of Time truly require hundreds of years to purify the remnants of the Demon King’s army? Several centuries... that does not seem like a short time to me."
It was a provocative statement, bordering on blasphemy. Had she been an ordinary citizen, the clergy would have been enraged. But standing before them was the Sword King Lutreche. Their instincts screamed in fear, leaving them unable to find words.
"That is—"
"For us mortals to debate the power of our great Lord..."
"Hehe... To call a power you cannot even debate 'great.' Even though you clearly don't understand it at all?"
To her, these men were like insects crawling on cobblestones, easily crushed. The pious clergy watched in pathetic silence as Lutreche walked away.
The conversation lingered in her mind. Great Lord... the words rang hollow in her heart.
"—I truly, utterly loathe the gods," she spat out in a quiet corner of the district.
The Temple of the War God was silent.
Dawn came later in early autumn than in summer, but the interior was well-lit, the polished stone reflecting the glow of magic tools. The characters etched into the stone slab before Lutreche shimmered, casting a dull light on the surroundings.
Fifth Rank: White Dragon Princess Lutreche.
The Sword King Rankings.
Gazing at the names of the five strongest people in the world—including her own—she felt a rush of complex emotions. Only she knew the true reason for those feelings. The annoyance she had felt toward the clergy earlier was already forgotten.
The sound of her footsteps echoed through the temple as she turned to leave.
"So, you were here."
The voice reached her just as she turned her back to the stone slab.
"...The Third Prince?" she asked, looking toward the wide corridor.
A boy stood there, leaning against one of the pillars. She didn't ask why he was there at such an hour, and Radius didn't mind her casual way of addressing him; he had long since grown used to it.
"I’d like a moment of your time. I wanted to talk."
"I’m afraid I have nothing to say to you."
"Even if it’s about House Ashton?"
Lutreche’s eyebrows twitched—a movement so faint it was almost imperceptible, but Radius didn't miss it. He pressed his advantage.
"The events of this summer have been on my mind. Not just this year, but last summer as well."
"Spare me the preamble. Get to the point."
"Very well." Radius remained leaning against the pillar. "Do you have some particular thought regarding House Ashton?"
This time, she gave nothing away. She remained as still as a statue.
"They are knights in service to House Clausel."
"And?"
"I’m afraid I know little else."
Radius knew he wouldn't get a better answer than that. He also knew he couldn't order her to speak. Lutreche was more like a mercenary who assisted Leomel out of her own goodwill. She was one of the few individuals in the world with the power to defy even the authority of the Imperial Family.
Lutreche began walking again, passing in front of him without a second glance.
"Then why did you help at the Great Clock Tower when you heard the name Ashton?" Radius asked.
Without stopping, she replied, "I was simply curious about the strength behind the rumors. I believe I told you that before."
"...Right. So you did."
With no further words, she vanished from the temple. Radius folded his arms and looked back at the stone slab.
"It is difficult to believe that one of the world's five greatest warriors would harbor an interest in a single boy for such a trivial reason," he murmured to the empty hall.
Roses Kaitas was a sanctuary of the Elfen religion that had been sealed centuries ago, located several hours from the capital by magic ship. This summer, that seal had finally broken.
The event had sent shockwaves through the Elfen world. Since it happened during the Lion King Festival just after a choir had offered its prayers, the faithful believed their voices had reached the heavens.
The truth was far different.
Ren and Licia had been pulled into the Cage of Time, and the seal had only vanished because they had defeated a General of the Demon King’s army. Only a few people knew the truth. Unaware of the reality, clergy members from all over the continent continued to flock to the site well into October.
Ren spent his autumn holidays with the Sword Demon's dying words—Divine Child—and the creature’s obsession with the name Ashton weighing on his mind.
"Hah... hah...!"
Ren scrambled out of the magic train and sprinted toward another platform. His watch read 10:40 AM. He was cutting it dangerously close for his eleven o'clock appointment.
"The train for... will be departing shortly..."
"I have to hurry!"
Hearing the announcement for his transfer, Ren pushed himself harder, weaving through the holiday crowds. He finally collapsed into a seat on the second train, wiping sweat from his forehead.
"...Made it."
The carriage was lively with the chatter of passengers. People were dressed for the cooling weather, and the scenery outside the window had shifted from lush greens to the melancholic, atmospheric hues of autumn.
Ren adjusted his coat—a stylish, lightweight piece favored by city dwellers—and checked his watch again. Only a few minutes had passed. He let out a long sigh of relief and tried to relax.
A short while later, he reached a cafe on the main Imperial thoroughfare.
"Sorry! I’m late!" he panted, reaching a terrace table surrounded by hedges.
His best friend, Radius, was already waiting.
"It’s exactly three minutes before the hour, so don't worry about it. Besides, I was having a fine time on my own."
Ren assumed he was just being polite, but Radius continued as Ren sat down.
"Watching the main street on a holiday isn't so bad."
"Why’s that?"
"It’s nice to enjoy the atmosphere. Lately, I’ve had many reasons to be mindful of the citizens."
"Weren't you always?"
"I was, but things have been... complicated lately."
They spent the morning like any other pair of boys their age, sipping tea and watching the world go by through gaps in the hedge.
"...Yawn."
Radius’s uncharacteristic sleepiness piqued Ren’s curiosity.
"It’s rare to see you looking tired out in public."
"I was up early. I had some business at the Temple of the War God."
"You went there?"
Ren hadn't visited it yet, but as someone aiming for the rank of Sword King, he knew exactly what kind of place it was. It was highly unusual for Radius to go there. When Ren’s inquisitive gaze met his, Radius cut him off.
"It was just a chore."
"Oh... I see." Ren nodded, sensing the conversation was closed.
Ren dug into a piece of cake, his face softening at the sweetness.
"By the way," Radius said, "I looked at the stone slab. I’m looking forward to the day Ren’s name is etched into it."
Ren choked, coughing violently. "Cough... hack!"
"Calm down. Is it really that shocking?"
"Sorry!" Ren sputtered, regaining his composure. "It was just so sudden."
"Haven't you already resolved to become a Sword King?" Radius asked, tilting his head.
"I have, but hearing you say it like that just caught me off guard."
"I see. So you haven't lost your nerve."
"—Of course not."
Determination shone in Ren’s eyes. Radius hadn't truly doubted him; he was just teasing.
"I’ll become one. Definitely."
"I’m holding you to that."
When they finished their tea, they stood to leave. Radius was in a simple disguise, unlikely to be spotted in the dense crowds. He assured Ren his guards were nearby, so Ren walked alongside him without worry. They wandered the main street, browsing the shops.
"About what I asked you before... I’d like to meet that person before the end of the year."
"Regarding Holy Magic and the Divine Child?"
"Yeah. That person in Eupeheim."
Ren couldn't forget what had happened to Licia during the fight with the Sword Demon—the "Angelization," as he thought of it. He remembered the brilliant wings and the sheer scale of the holy power she had unleashed. He hadn't told Radius the specifics, but he had asked to be introduced to an expert in the field.
"I can arrange that," Radius said. "I'll handle the logistics."
"Thanks. What kind of person are they, anyway?"
"My former tutor. The one I told you about who helped me start the Arnevelde Merchant Guild."
Ren felt a wave of relief. The person sounded more than capable.
Radius had other engagements, and when Estel, the commander of the Lion Holy Chancel, arrived to escort him, Ren took his leave. He walked through the capital as dusk began to settle. The days were growing shorter now.
He eventually found himself in front of the Imperial Military Academy.
"Ren! Over here!"
Licia Clausel called out to him from the gate. Known as the White Saintess, she was a vision of grace with hair like silver-spun amethyst and sapphire eyes. The smile on her face seemed to perfectly justify her title.
Sera Riohard stood beside her, smiling as well. Born to one of the Seven Heroic Ducal Houses, Sera’s amber eyes and lustrous brown hair always drew a crowd.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Ren said.
"It's fine. We only just finished ourselves," Licia replied.
Sera looked at him curiously. "Why weren't you at the supplementary lesson, Ren? It’s weird seeing Licia here without you."
"I had an appointment with Radius, so I skipped it today."
"Ah, that makes sense."
Ren had scored perfectly on the last exam anyway, so there was no real need for him to be there.
The three of them took a detour through a district of stalls and back alleys—a safe but interesting area where one could often find odd treasures.
"Where did you go with the Prince?" Licia asked as they walked.
"Just tea and a walk. The usual."
"I assume Lady Estel picked him up?"
"Spot on, Licia. How did you—Ah." Ren stopped in his tracks.
"What is it?" Licia asked, leaning in to look at his face.
Ren was staring at a figure in the distance. A small person, roughly the height of a ten-year-old, was lugging an enormous bag. The bag was easily two meters wide, completely dwarfing its carrier.
The figure set the bag down on the curb and sat on it, resting his chin in his hands. He wore a tattered robe and a mask that hid his face.
"Is that a Dwarf?" Licia whispered.
"I don't know. There's no real information on the Bag Traveler."
"The Bag Traveler?"
"It’s a rumor. People say a small traveler with a giant bag appears around the capital."
The figure was a legendary presence in the Legend of the Seven Heroes, and even now, the rumors persisted among students.
"Have you really not heard of him, Licia?"
"Now that you mention it, I think I’ve heard the name..."
In the legends, the Bag Traveler appeared in Leomel for limited periods. Ren recalled that the capital was his usual haunt around this time. Judging by the voice, he was male. He was a mysterious merchant who sold rare items for exorbitant prices—prices Ren likely couldn't afford even if he emptied his savings.
A group of adventurers approached the traveler.
"Curious about my shop, are you?" the traveler called out. He referred to himself as the Bag Traveler.
"You selling something?" one of the adventurers asked.
"Certainly. My bag is filled with wisdom, hope, and romance. If you have the coin, you can have whatever your heart desires."
The adventurers’ expressions soured.
"Wisdom and hope? Romance?" one muttered. "Is this guy just selling drugs?"
"Really now. Such a lack of imagination is quite offensive," the traveler replied with a shrug.
The adventurers lost interest and walked away. The Bag Traveler simply sighed and waved them off.
"We should probably head back, too," Ren said.
They spent another hour wandering the stalls before finally heading home. Licia walked with a spring in her step, frequently glancing up at Ren with a smile.
Early the next morning, Ren and Licia headed to the Academy Director’s office.
"Morning, you two! Have a seat wherever you like!"
Chronoa Highland greeted them with a cheerful smile. With her beautiful long blonde hair and her signature pointed wizard’s hat, she was a picture of quirkiness. Despite her appearance, she was one of the greatest mages in the world.
Ren and Licia sat on the sofa while Chronoa took the seat opposite them.
"About our previous discussion... research into Holy Magic hasn't progressed much because there are so few users," Chronoa admitted, her voice dropping.
Licia’s wings were an unprecedented phenomenon. Even Chronoa couldn't explain them. Licia hadn't been able to keep the power a secret; she had told her father, Lezard, after the incident. Besides him, only Ren, Chronoa, and Fiona knew the details. They had decided to wait before informing Ulysses or Radius.
"I've been scouring my library, but I haven't found anything substantial," Chronoa said, looking genuinely apologetic.
"Please, don't worry about it!" Licia said quickly. "It’s my fault for using a power I don't even understand."
"But it wasn't your choice!" Chronoa countered.
"Actually," Ren interjected, "the root of the problem was the Cage of Time and the Sword Demon. Neither of you are to blame. We were just caught up in it. Licia didn't do anything wrong."
Ren had thought about the incident many times. Perhaps the power of the Black Priestess within him had marked him as an enemy, or perhaps Licia’s status as the White Saintess had drawn the seal toward her as a means to defeat the Sword Demon.
Or maybe, Ren thought, it was the Magic Sword of Light.
Back when Jelkku had attacked his village, he and Licia had fought for their lives. The sudden appearance of that sword and its overwhelming light might have been what triggered the seal's reaction. It was all guesswork, but the conclusion remained the same.
"Licia, remember what we discussed. Stay away from the Elfen Church for now."
"I know," she murmured.
If the Church had wanted to move against them, they would have been more subtle. Still, Ren felt a lingering sense of unease.
"If the Church tries to contact you about being the Saintess, let me know," Chronoa said, her blonde hair swaying as she nodded firmly. "I'll find an excuse to turn them down. Licia's safety is my top priority."
The shift from Licia-sama to simply Licia had occurred less than two months ago.
The students speculated that something significant had happened during the Lion King Festival, but Licia herself remained tight-legged. The change became public knowledge shortly after the Cage of Time vanished.
Ren had simply called out to her in class one day. "Licia, let's go home."
The lack of an honorific had stunned the Special Merit Class. While the room buzzed with gossip, Ren and Licia had acted as if nothing were out of the ordinary. Sera had been the first to smile, sensing that this was the result of Licia’s hard work.
In time, the students grew used to it. The gossip faded, and the classroom returned to its usual rhythm. Meanwhile, Fiona Ignat continued her own quiet struggle to close the distance between herself and Ren.
At lunch, Nemu Altia grabbed everyone’s attention. "Listen up, listen up!"
Ren, Licia, Sera, and Wayne gathered around her.
"What is it, Lady Altia?" Ren asked.
"Ah! There you go again, Ashton-kun!" Nemu smirked, making an X with her fingers. "I told you to call me Nemu-san, and Sera-chan too!"
Ren was still formal with the other noble girls, even though he had dropped honorifics with Licia. He was more relaxed with them now than in the spring, but calling them by their first names was still a step too far.
"It's just a habit," Ren admitted.
"Mhm. I'll let it slide this time!" Nemu turned to Sera. "And this is your desk, isn't it?"
"Yes... it is," Sera said, tilting her head.
Nemu ignored her and unrolled a large poster onto the desk. "Look at this! I just got it this morning!"
Sera clapped her hands. "I’ve heard of this. The new long-distance railway, right?"
"Exactly! It finally opens this winter!"
The poster depicted a sleek, state-of-the-art magic train called the Gardiknight. In the old tongue of Leomel, the name meant Pure Knight.
"It’s the biggest project in the Empire right now, led by Marquis Ignat!"
Travel by magic ship was common, but this was a terrestrial network. It would depart from the capital, pass through several major cities, and terminate in Eupeheim. It was a massive undertaking, both for commerce and national defense.
In the original game lore, this was the project Ulysses Ignat had failed to complete before his death.
"The Gardiknight stops in Erendir too, right?" Ren asked.
"Yup! Did you not know?"
"I’d heard a few things."
He had heard Ulysses mention it in passing during their small talk. He realized now that the Marquis had a habit of making massive business ventures sound like minor chores.
Ren looked at Licia. "You’d only heard a little too, right?"
"Yes. Probably the same amount as you."
"We should ask Lord Lezard more about it when we get home."
The two of them were sitting close enough that the backs of their hands brushed against each other. Licia didn't pull away. "That sounds like a good idea," she whispered.
"So, Nemu, why the sudden excitement?" Sera asked.
"Because it looks fun!" Nemu replied with a grin.
The bell rang, ending their lunch break.
After classes, Ren headed to the library to ask Fiona for some reference book recommendations. On the way back, they walked through the quiet corridors together, watching the autumn colors in the garden.
"I feel like the number of books I need has doubled since the spring," Ren said with a weary smile.
Fiona chuckled. "Choosing just one can be the hardest part, can't it? I usually end up buying three similar ones just to be safe."
The evening sun caught her face as she smiled. She seemed to be looking up at him more often lately, her heart fluttering every time their eyes met.
"If you need anything else, just ask," she said softly.
Fiona Ignat, the Black Priestess, was a girl of breathtaking beauty. Her obsidian hair shimmered like silk, and her graceful silhouette was enough to charm any onlooker.
As they reached the exit, Ren remembered Nemu’s poster. "Oh, about today at lunch..."
"The Gardiknight?" Fiona smiled. "The information was released empire-wide this morning."
"That explains why Nemu had a poster already."
"She probably snatched it up the moment she saw it just to show you," Fiona said with a nod. "My father is heading to Erendir soon for the completion ceremony. He has a lot of greetings to make before the public opening."
Ren could already feel the excitement for the new railway beginning to sweep through the capital.