Chapter 28: I want to become a Sword Saint and also desire a new magic sword

It was already winter. Estelle’s magic airship was flying through the sky. Snow was blowing on the deck.

Everyone was exchanging words while looking outside through the window of the pilot room that overlooked the deck. The pilot room was made entirely of metal, sturdy and austere.

Verlich was in charge of piloting the magic airship, and he looked happy as he gripped the steering wheel.

“Then, Licia, you’re going back to Clausel next week?”

“That’s the plan. I haven’t been able to go back for a while, so there are things to do over there.”

“It’s good to have someone capable filling in. Will Ren be going with you?”

“No, I’ll stay in Elendil. Lessard-sama’s work extends to both Elendil and the Imperial Capital, and I’ve been asked to assist him.”

He had taken on the role of representing Lessard and acting as the liaison just like he did during managing the Grand Clock Tower.

Ren’s efforts so far had been recognized by Lessard, and he was given more opportunities for work compared to before.

“Since you’re going there, Licia, why don’t you take my subordinates with you?”

“Um… Estelle-sama’s subordinates to Clausel?”

“That’s right. You remember the ones who are always at my beck and call, right?”

There was one person, if asked directly by Estelle, Ren felt it couldn’t be refused, though he wouldn’t have any say in the matter. She was a female knight who was always by Estelle’s side, serving as her assistant.

Licia couldn’t give a definite answer, so she smiled wryly and asked. 

“Why take her to Clausel?”

“I remembered that she said she wanted to see Clausel before. She’s a workaholic who rarely takes a vacation, so I thought you’d take her along while we’re at it.”

It was not only for the subordinate’s vacation, but also as an escort for Licia and the others.

That female knight was a capable individual as well, proficient in the use of the powerful hard Sword technique. She was at the level of a master swordsman. She also served as Estelle’s assistant, which was quite commendable.

Neither Licia nor Ren had any reason to refuse. It was likely the same for Lessard, who wasn’t present.

The issue was how the female knight felt about it, but if she expressed interest in visiting Clausel, then it shouldn’t be a problem.

If it were anyone other than Estelle telling them to rest, they might refuse, but they wouldn’t likely do so if it was Estelle.

“I heard it from His Highness. I’m also working too much, so he told me to take a break and that’s why we have this time. There’s no point in giving the subordinates time off if I don’t take a break myself.”

The knights of the Lion Sanctuary were already very busy. If there was an opportunity to rest, it would be best to take it without overexerting themselves.

Third Prince Radius seemed extremely busy, but that was a separate issue.

“In about thirty more minutes, we’ll reach the hunting ground we’re aiming for. As usual, we’ll hunt while searching for the designated monsters.”

“Yes. Then, Licia.”

“Yes. Shall we go get ready?”

Descending the stairs inside the pilot room, they entered one of the living spaces set up in the lower part of the magic airship.

The room was about half the size of the rooms in the mansion, made mainly of wood, creating a warm atmosphere in contrast to the snowstorm outside the window.

The view reminded Ren of his life back in the village.

“Are you only taking out the Mithril Magic Sword?”

Licia asked Ren while checking her luggage.

“If I’m going to practice sword skills, it’s best to use the Mithril Magic Sword. As for the other magic swords… I’ll use them if I need to.”

It wasn’t that practicing with the Flame Magic Sword was pointless; it was just that, to improve his sword skills, the Mithril Magic Sword was the best choice.

From the time it was an iron magic sword, Ren was already familiar with it and even now in its evolved state, it felt comfortable to use.

Ren and Licia prepared for their winter march and left the room side by side.

“We’ll be spending the night on the magic airship today.”

“Yes. I’m looking forward to it since it’s my first time experiencing something like this.”

Licia smiled happily.

Since the Drake family’s magic airship had special construction, it was capable of anchoring itself even without a magic airship dock. Apparently, there were tools inside to easily anchor it, and the construction resembled that of a military magic airship.

Today, they were planning to anchor the ship in mid-air by embedding stakes into the target mountain.

As Estelle said, in about thirty minutes, the magic airship was anchored on the winter mountain.

The mountain face was somewhat sharp, making walking difficult. Coupled with the snow piled up deeply, Ren and Licia were wondering how they would hammer in the stakes.

On the deck, the snowstorm was still strong, though not as intense as when they were flying in the air brushed past his cheeks.

“Wait a moment.”

Estelle’s cloak fluttered in the snowstorm. The Lion sanctuary’s director, bearing the grandiose alias, was now lifting one of the stakes that had been placed on the deck.

The length was about three times the size of an adult, with a thickness equivalent to that of a small log. Made of a special metal, she effortlessly hoisted one end of the stake onto her shoulder.

“What are you going to do with that?”

“Hmm? Just going to stab it into the mountain face.”

Estelle lifted the stake and swung her arm.

“Remember this! It’ll make it easier this way!”

With all her strength, she threw the stake.

For a moment, the blizzard seemed to stop, but a strong headwind blew, and the stake that Estelle threw pierced into the mountain face. The terrain changed slightly.

Beside themselves in amazement, Ren and Licia looked at Estelle, who seemed satisfied, and the magic chains extending from the stake.

The magic chains, radiating a noticeable red light even in the blizzard, connected to a fixture at the front of the magic airship they were on.

“Huh?”

Licia felt it was beyond her abilities.

Considering the growth Ren had shown after the summer battle, he might be able to do it.

They watched Estelle’s spirited performance and laughed. Melted snowflakes faintly traced their cheeks.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

In a medium-sized city not far from the Imperial Capital called Gargazia, Radius was present.

It was due to the matter he mentioned about meeting his family before leaving the academy yesterday. After working in another territory, he returned here.

The member of the royal family he was planning to meet did not usually reside in Gargazia; they were here as a convenient intermediary place for conversations.

As Ren and Licia were about to depart on their magic airship, Radius rested in a room at an inn.

“Welcome back, Nya.”

“Yeah. I’m tired, but it went smoothly.”

“I feel the same, Nya. So, how about a drink to cheer up?”

Radius thought Mirei had prepared a potion for him to recover from fatigue, but his expectations were proven wrong.

She handed him a glass containing a sweet-smelling drink.

“It’s a drink that makes you feel better, Nya.”

Though it lacked some explanation, Radius understood and brought the glass to his lips. He could smell honey and some fruit juice.

It was a drink he had tasted countless times since he was young.

Whenever he felt tired, Mirei would prepare this for him.

Though it didn’t heal the body as quickly as a potion, if he were asked whether he wanted this or a potion after work, he would undoubtedly choose this drink.

By the way, it was almost evening.

He needed to prepare for the next task while having dinner in his room.

Later on, they would be in the air again, so it would be another busy day.

“It looks like the meal I ordered has arrived, Nyah.”

Mirei heard a knock, and she left to receive the food, but—

“Nyah—Nya-Nya-Nya!?”

“What’s wrong, Mirei!”

She suddenly exclaimed in a panic, and Radius rushed to her side to see—

“What a coincidence, Radius.”

Standing outside the room was Ragna, who should have been in Eupheim.

Radius couldn’t figure out why he was here, but he couldn’t ignore someone like him, so he invited him into the room.

Ragna, in his traveler’s garb, placed his bag outside the door since it hit the door when he tried to enter.

Room service arrived shortly after. Since Mirei had left, the two sat around the table.

“I feel sorry for her.”

“I’ll relay that to her… so what brings you here, Ragna?”

“It’s an investigation. I’m going around various places and researching interesting things.”

 Radius sighed. 

“I heard about it from Ulysses and Ren himself. Ren opened the sealed door, right? And then you left it open for further investigation. It seems you’re researching something quite unusual.”

“Do you find it intriguing?” 

“If I said I wasn’t curious, it would be a lie. However, I don’t think you’ll be straightforward in telling me about it.”

Seeing Ragna laugh, Radius held a sandwich in one hand and ate it slowly. While filling his stomach, he was surprised by the unexpected encounter.

“Well, I might as well ask. What are you investigating?”

“It’s about the adventurer Ashton, but why do you ask?”

Due to Ragna’s nonchalant response, Radius was dumbfounded. In an instant, he forgot all the fatigue he had experienced.

“Don’t jump to conclusions. I heard it from Ren myself. It’s not like I read your mind, so there’s no need to be disappointed.”

“Then, Ragna, have you found out something already?”

“I haven’t wasted my time. Let’s just say it’s not bad progress.”

With that said, Ragna promptly got up and headed outside the room.

“I was just passing by, but I heard you were here. I’m about to leave. If I find out a little more, I’ll tell you, so be a good boy.”

With those parting words, Ragna left the room after their short meeting.

It seemed it really was just a coincidence. The fact that he left so quickly was proof of that.

Mirei entered the room as Ragna departed and saw Radius’s tired expression.

“Should I massage your shoulders a little, Nyah?”

She expressed concern for him.

“Starting next year, dealing with you might become a bit troublesome.”

“Nyah? But I’ll be by your side, why would it be troublesome?”

“It’s about the academy. By next spring, Mirei, you’ll be graduating.”

She was in her final year, and in three more months, she would be leaving the prestigious Imperial Military Academy.

Mirei swayed slightly with a somewhat nostalgic expression.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

What could be the trigger to become a Sword Saint?

At night, on the floating magic airship, Ren lay down on the bed, contemplating.

“I don’t understand.”

He thought today’s hunting had been good training.

There were many powerful magic creatures they encountered compared to around Elendil or Eupheim, and the harsh environment of the battle felt different from usual.

While lying down, Ren extended his arm to look at his bracelet.

Ren Ashton

[Job] Ashton Family – Eldest Son

[Skills]

– Magic Sword Summoning (Level 1: 0/0)

– Magic Sword Summoning Art (Level 6: 2676/6500)

  Level 1: Can summon one magic sword.

  Level 2: Gains the effect of [Physical Enhancement (Small)] while summoning the bracelet.

  Level 3: Can summon two magic swords.

  Level 4: Gains the effect of [Physical Enhancement (Medium)] while summoning the wristband.

  Level 5: Unlocks the evolution of the magic swords.

  Level 6: Gains the effect of [Physical Enhancement (Large)] while summoning the wristband.

  Level 7: Can summon three magic swords.

  Level 8: **************

[Acquired Magic Swords]

– Magic Sword of the Great Tree (Level 4: 3411/3500)

  Enables attacks of medium-level natural magic.

  The attack range expands as the level increases.

– Mithril Magic Sword (Level 4: 3836/6500)

  The sharpness increases as the level increases.

– Thief’s Magic Sword (Level 1: 0/3)

  Randomly steals items from the target with a certain probability.

– Shield Magic Sword (Level 2: 0/5)

  Forms a magical barrier. The effectiveness increases as the level rises, and the range can be expanded.

– Flame Magic Sword (Level 1: 1/1)

  Its flames represent the wrath of dragons, the embodiment of power.

—

Lately, the amount of skill proficiency he gains is incomparable to before. Before heading to Eupheim, he fought a flock of Lesser Griffons, and today, he gained most of his skill proficiency from fighting a considerable number of magic creatures.

Ren believes that the level of the Magic Sword of the Great Tree will probably go up tomorrow, but…

“…So where is the trigger?”

His strong desire to become a Sword Saint had been monopolizing his thoughts. Now, sitting up on his bed, Ren averted his attention from the wristband. Even though he thought he had to find the necessary trigger naturally at the end of battles, he summoned the Mithril Magic Sword and held it in his hand.

When he set up before him, he was captivated by its beautiful blade.

If he closed his eyes while standing, he could still recall the battle with the Sword Demon.

He also remembered the special technique he acquired after defeating the Sword Demon. He hasn’t used it much in recent battles. Although there are several reasons for that, Ren tries not to dwell on them and takes a deep breath.

“Time to sleep.”

Glancing at the clock, it was already past 11 p.m.

The next morning, during the hunting, the level of the Magic Sword of the Great Tree went up.

Although it was just a level-up and not an evolution, Ren’s cheeks softened with a smile. The blizzard wasn’t as fierce as yesterday, and the hunting was enjoyable with good visibility.

At noon, they started their journey back to Elendil, and they arrived at the hanging garden before evening.

Looking at the setting sun, Estelle chuckled.

“We’ll go on another hunting trip that will last overnight!”

With those words, she returned to the Imperial Capital.

After seeing her off, Ren and Licia walked through the winter Elendil, talking to each other.

“I wonder what kind of person Estelle-sama’s husband is.”

“Oh, I’ve been curious about that too!”

The two of them shared the desire to meet Estelle’s husband someday.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

Sometimes they dedicated themselves to their studies, spending a busy yet fulfilling winter vacation together with Fiona as they worked on their holiday assignments in the academy library.

The Heroic Faction’s party was about to take place, and the day for Licia to return to Clausel was drawing near.

On that day, the three of them were in the library.

“I’m also heading back to Eupheim in three days.”

In contrast to the others, Ren had plans to stay in Elendil.

“I have a training camp with Estelle-sama.”

Though not as heartwarming as the word “camp” would imply, it was what it was. In a few days, he would once again board the magic airship with Estelle and set off on a hunting trip.

While he could practice his sword skills in the Lion Sanctum anytime, he devoted himself to training that could only be done during long vacations.

“Will you be going with Licia-sama that day?”

“No, I’ll be going on a separate trip. You see, I have to return to Clausel the day after you leave Elendil.”

“Oh, it’s that day, I see! Is this your first time going back home in a while?”

“Yes, that’s right. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Fiona understood and clasped her hands together, her face relaxed.

Fiona occasionally wore glasses only when she studied or read books. Even now, she was wearing glasses as she worked on her assignments. With her glasses, she exuded an elegant charm.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

On the early morning before Licia’s return to Clausel…

“It’s been a while since I’ve been away from Ren for three weeks.”

Licia said as she saw Ren off in front of the mansion.

It had been many years since the two of them spent such a long time apart, dating back to when Ren returned to his village. Licia felt lonely about it.

Ren, too, felt a little more lonely than before, due to a slight change in his feelings.

He really wanted to return to Clausel and visit his village, but it would take too much time. Unless it was a warm season when traveling along the roads was easier, the winter vacation would be spent solely on the journey.

So instead, he entrusted the knights with a handwritten letter to deliver for him.

“Licia, make sure you don’t do anything reckless while I’m gone.”

“Oh, really… But you’re the same, Ren. You’re always worried about me, but I worry about you too.”

“Huh? Do you mean to say I’m accident-prone?”

“Yeah, you’re more… Hey! You didn’t just call me accident-prone, did you…!?”

“…Well, it’s just a figure of speech.”

Though Licia tried to pout cutely, she ended up smiling in the end.

The loneliness still remained, but…

“I’ll do my best too, so you take care!”

The farewell in front of the Clausel estate was over.

Ren headed alone to the hanging garden.

He joined Verlich and Estelle, and they boarded the magic airship.

He had become quite accustomed to traveling on the Drake family’s airship.

“Hey.”

Before noon, Ren asked a question in the familiar steering room.

Verlich, who was preparing for departure, and Estelle, who was checking the day’s schedule, turned to face Ren when they heard his voice.

“Why is it always Verlich-san who drives the airship?”

“Cause it’s sis’ request, that’s why. Well, I’m not going to take requests from anyone else, you know.”

It was rather late for him to ask, but Verlich was very skilled at piloting the magic airship. According to Estelle, he was on par with the military pilots in terms of skill.

Though a specific qualification was required to pilot a magic airship, Verlich, a blacksmith and a magic airship engineer, naturally held those certifications.

At that moment, the hanging garden staff signaled for departure outside the airship.

As the Drake family’s airship set off, the conversation continued.

“How was Licia?”

“I saw her off. Now that I think about it, it’s been quite a while since we spent so much time apart. I’ve been feeling that way for some time.”

“Then, the day of your reunion will be something to look forward to.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because by then, you might have become a Sword Saint.”

“Ah… I hope so.”

Ren smiled wryly at Estelle’s words and gazed out the window at the sky, which seemed like it would snow again today.

Ren was up early, yawning softly.

While watching the two as they began to confirm the day’s schedule again, Ren looked at the crystal on his bracelet.

“Recently, I haven’t acquired any new magic swords, huh…” 

He murmured.

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