Kays Translations

Chapter 5- An abrupt invitation from the Commander

Ulysses is planning to visit the Clausel Mansion sometime early next week.

The next day, during the morning break.

"Wa-wah!"

Ren's shoulder, about to turn the corner of the corridor, nearly collided with the shoulder of Klonoa, the school dean, appearing from around the corner. As she was about to fall backward, a large witch hat floated in mid-air. Ren, holding a drink in a paper container in one hand, quickly reached out his other hand to support Klonoa.

"S-Sorry!"

"Oh, it's... Ah, it's Ren-kun."

Klonoa's hat remained suspended in mid-air as if frozen, and her body, like the hat, remained still even without Ren's support. However, Klonoa seemed pleased that Ren lent her a hand. The fair-haired beauty looked up at Ren.

"Ren-kun, you're still planning to attend the rest of the classes as usual, right?"

"Of course, that's my intention."

Today, due to the convenience of the faculty, there's only a light homeroom in the afternoon. It was a rare day where the academy would finish in the morning, much to the delight of many students. Among the surrounding students, there were quite a few voices expressing excitement and a livelier atmosphere than usual.

"Well then, how about having lunch together with me? Let's have a leisurely chat! If you're okay with it, let's invite Licia-chan and Fiona-chan too!"

"Unfortunately, Licia said she's going to the cafeteria with her girlfriends, and Fiona-sama finished this morning's class and immediately went to work for the Ignat Family."

Fiona had conveyed messages from Ulysses to Ren on that occasion, mentioning future visits to the Clausel family.

"Ugh... It feels like I'm the only one with free time..."

"What are you saying? You always seem busy."

"...Well then, during this rare leisure time, would you be my conversation partner, Ren-kun?"

"Yes, if it's me, I'm completely fine with that."

There was no profound meaning behind the sudden proposal; it was simply Klonoa's usual playful charm that stood out.

After finishing the morning classes, Ren headed empty-handed to the designated location. He stepped into the garden located behind the school building and approached Klonoa, who was waiting in a corner. He sat next to her on the edge of the fountain. She handed him a paper bag the size of his hand.

"The meal is on me."

Inside the paper bag were several sandwiches. Ren, just like Klonoa, sat down on the edge of the fountain and received the paper bag from her. Judging from the label on the bag, it was clear that they were from a popular shop on the main street.

As they began their lunch, Klonoa asked Ren:

"How's your sword training going recently?"

"I'm always thinking that I have to work harder."

Ren's days of wielding a sword at the Lion’s sanctuary hadn't changed, but recently, he hasn't achieved as dramatic growth as before. It might be influenced by the fact that the Sword Saint, Edgar, is busy, and Ren hasn't had many opportunities to cross swords with him.

Ren never considered it as a factor, but indeed, there was an influence.

As Ren stuffed his mouth with the sandwich, he pondered that he had no choice but to continue his efforts while looking up at the sky.

Nevertheless, it was a delicious sandwich.

Although she wasn’t a swordsman, Ren was curious about the strength of Klonoa, a magician, and asked her.

"How did you hone your magic skills, Klonoa-san?"

In search of inspiration on how to approach effort and gain strength, even in different fields.

"Me? I used a lot of magic and studied a lot,"

Klonoa replied.

"Is that all? Did you undergo intense training or something like that?"

Klonoa didn't boast about her past but rather talked about the results of her efforts, emphasizing that there was no arrogance or lies in her words.

"I worked hard to study and practice magic... By repeating that over and over again, I became who I am now."

"As expected of one of the world's greatest magicians."

"Hey now, it's not good to tease your big sister, Ren-kun."

Klonoa said while blushing, holding a sandwich with both hands and bringing it to her mouth, hiding most of her face beneath it.

"By the way, this morning, Estelle was talking about inviting you the others."

"Invite us?"

Ren had no idea what she was talking about. Perhaps it was because Estelle was off duty. Was it about sword training?

"Maybe it's for training or having a meal, something like that?"

"I was also on my way to the academy, so I didn't get to hear much. She mentioned something about taking a light outing and thinking of bringing you and Licia-chan."

"Oh... I see. So you just heard about it this morning?"

"Yeah. It seems Estelle is off duty today and tomorrow. She said she's going to Elendil for now."

From this information, it could be inferred that Estelle went to Elendil to speak to Lessard, their guardian, in order to take Ren and Licia somewhere.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

"You two."

After finishing the short afternoon homeroom and leaving the academy, Ren and Licia were called out by a tall, young, and dignified woman, a knight often seen by Estelle's side.

Since her jet-black armor stood out, she was dressed in civilian clothes now.

The two were approached while on their way to the train station.

"It's rare to see you here. What's the matter?"

"The Chief called for you. Do you have time? If possible, please come to Lord Verlrich's workshop."

The woman said.

Ren exchanged glances with Licia and nodded. He had already informed Licia that Estelle might invite them, so she had no objections.

The woman relayed the message and then left, saying, "Well then."

"Let's go, Ren."

The autumn wind caused Licia's skirt to flutter slightly.

A few dry leaves rolled and made a rustling sound on the surrounding cobblestone.

"What Klonoa-sama mentioned, could it be that she is inviting us to something?"

"I think so. We have been free since the afternoon, so should we ask her directly?"

"Yes, she called us in such an unusual place, it's intriguing."

"By the way, Licia, have you ever been to Verlrich-san's workshop?"

Licia shook her head. When she first started living in Elendil, there was a planned opportunity to visit the workshop. However, due to the incident at the construction site, it vanished, resulting in her reunion with Fiona.

"That's why I'm looking forward to it. I wonder what kind of workshop it is."

"...Well, it's quite an extraordinary workshop."

In terms of the miscellaneous atmosphere that mainly permeates it.

They walked for a while on foot from the area where the academy stood. Estelle was at the entrance of the blacksmith district.

"You came."

She looked at the two and smiled.

"I thought you would be waiting for us at Verlrich-san's workshop."

"Well, Ren was right about that, but I thought it would be better to wait here. I was standing here acting all high and mighty."

She said that and started walking through the blacksmith district, with the two following a step behind.

"After this, are you two free?"

"Technically, we are, but why do you ask?"

Estelle nodded satisfactorily and said with conviction, "Indeed!"

"Then, come along! I want to give you two, who have been more enthusiastic about training lately, a new experience!"

"E-Estelle-sama? Where are Licia and I going?"

"The sky! The wind feels great!"

They were completely clueless.

Ren and Licia simultaneously tilted their heads.

However, Estelle kept walking with big strides, so they followed her.

"I heard from Klonoa-san this afternoon that Estelle-sama might invite us!"

"Oh! That saves me from explaining!"

"Well, well, well! I haven't heard anything other than that!"

"Rest assured. I went to Elendil this morning and obtained direct permission from Viscount Clausel. With me here, there's nothing to fear."

Estelle was doing exactly what Ren had expected at noon. However, that wasn't the main point.

"Both Licia and I aren't really scared or anything."

"Hmm? Then why did you ask earlier in that manner?"

"Well, if we don't know where we're going and your response is just 'okay' or 'empty,' it would confuse both me and Licia."

"Hmm... There may be some truth to that. Perhaps I let my enthusiasm carry me away."

There was not just some truth but a hundred truths to it, but Ren didn't say anything. Licia didn't delve into it either. They were simply overwhelmed by Estelle's boisterousness.

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