Chapter 675: Meeting the Spencer Kingdom’s Holy Sword

Everyone turned towards me when I introduced myself. None of the gazes felt unpleasant, so no one seemed to look down upon me for being a child.

“My name is Ivankov. I have heard many rumours about you, Lord Julius. They say you restored the Raven Kingdom’s holy sword.”

“Yes. With the cooperation of the researchers there, we somehow returned it to its original form.”

I smiled as I answered. That should prevent them from assuming I had accomplished everything alone. The Raven Kingdom’s researchers had genuinely helped, so it was not a lie—although my own contribution had admittedly been considerable.

“We do not believe our kingdom’s holy sword is damaged. However, as you know, no one can currently use it. We would like you to examine it as a precaution.”

“Of course. I can’t promise what I’ll be able to do, but since I’ve accepted the task, I’ll devote my full effort to it.”

The researchers nodded. Ivankov guided us towards the rear wall. Ah, I see. Like the place where I found Mira, a hidden door opened with a password. Sister-in-law Daniela, who did not know that, tilted her head.

Ivankov muttered something, and the wall began moving with a series of mechanical clatters. Sister-in-law Daniela’s eyes widened. Apparently, only a few members of the royal family knew about this place. That demonstrated how precious the holy sword was.

Beyond the hidden entrance, the holy sword rested upon a table inside a glass case. It appeared Ijidol’s story had been correct.

Personally, I had wanted to draw a holy sword from a stone pedestal while going, “Da-da-da-daa!”

The researchers removed the glass case with no difficulty. Apparently, the legends about only the chosen one being able to reach the blade were false. Well, of course.

Holy Sword Excalibur was beautiful, with a bluish-silver blade covered in intricate golden ornamentation. It looked exactly as it had in the game.

“So this is the holy sword… This is my first time seeing it so closely.”

Sister-in-law Daniela released a quiet sigh. It was beautiful. While admiring it, I used Appraisal. Hmm. There seemed to be no problem. It merely lacked a wielder.

“Everything appears normal. For reference, how do you select its wielder?”

Ivankov’s eyes widened slightly at my words. Was he surprised to learn that the holy sword was undamaged? Sister-in-law Daniela looked relieved.

“The legends state that the entire holy sword will glow when its chosen wielder holds it. The previous wielder reportedly caused the same phenomenon.”

Now that they knew the sword was undamaged, the researchers appeared ready to conduct a detailed examination. They gathered to discuss something. It would have been difficult to touch the blade while they believed it might be broken, since any information obtained from it could have been false.

Still, the sword glowed? Perhaps the previous wielder had simply possessed an aptitude for light-attribute magic.

Holy Sword Excalibur had excellent compatibility with light-attribute magic. The previous wielder’s body might have reacted unconsciously.

Only a handful of swordsmen would ever be permitted to touch Excalibur. How many among that group possessed an affinity for the relatively rare light attribute? The probability seemed extremely low.

In truth, someone without a strong affinity for light magic could still use it. They needed to allow all qualified people in the kingdom to try.

“Is something bothering you, Julius?”

Sister-in-law Daniela noticed me thinking and frowned anxiously.

I hesitated, but I should probably speak.

“I was wondering whether candidates might swing the sword once regardless of whether it glows. If someone can use the holy sword, I think it will show some sort of reaction.”

The room fell silent. Everyone seemed to realise that I had a point. In my opinion, they depended too heavily upon legend.

Legends were important, but strange details could have been added over the centuries, distorting the original account.

“You may be right.”

Ivankov appeared convinced. They would surely incorporate my suggestion into future attempts to select the wielder.

If so, they should find one soon. My role was finished. The holy sword was undamaged. It needed neither repair nor modification.

I relaxed, relieved that one concern had disappeared. Apparently, I was alone in feeling that way. Sister-in-law Daniela gave me a meaningful look. What was it? I had a bad feeling.

“Julius, I have a request.”

“What is it?”

“Would you touch the holy sword?”

I knew it. I had suspected this might happen. What should I do? I wanted to refuse, but despite being my sister-in-law, she was also this kingdom’s princess. Rejecting her request might be unwise. In that case…

“I don’t mind, but I want you to promise me one thing.”

“What?”

“If the holy sword happens to react, please pretend you saw nothing.”

How about that? This should prevent them from making me take it home. If I did, Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka would be delighted, but I would not.

After thinking briefly, Sister-in-law Daniela answered clearly.

“Very well. I promise.”

I had her word.