Kays Translations

Chapter 2: Listen to your Family.

In the nameless village in the Clausel territory, a frontier land entrusted to Roy Ashton, things had changed. While it was once considered remote, recent developments in the surrounding areas had made that term a relic of the past.

The roads in the vicinity were now well-maintained, and this place, which had been like a hidden refuge, was gradually becoming known as a relay point for various destinations, including the former Viscount Givens territory.

There were even suggestions that the village should be given a name soon. Requests from travelers, merchants, and villagers had been pouring in.

Amidst the thriving atmosphere, even during winter. 

“Haa…haa!”

A young knight rode into the village in haste along the road.

He had come riding swiftly from the center of the territory, Clausel.

As the young man rode through the village's central street and people saw him, many seemed concerned, as if something had happened. The knights stationed in the village rushed over to him upon seeing him stop his horse in front of the Ashton family mansion.

"What's going on?"

The knights stationed in the village rushed over and called out.

"Is there some kind of incident?"

"It looks like you’re in quite a hurry."

A smile appeared on the face of the knight who had hurried here.

"Yes! But, it's not an incident, so there's no need to worry!"

With these words, he took the bag he had left on his horse and handed it to another knight, leaving the horse to them as he entered the estate.

In the garden, Roy, who had gone hunting before sunrise, was checking his catch.

Recently, Roy had been busy with the management of the thriving village, but he still made it a daily habit to check on the state of the forest with his own eyes.

"You seem quite busy."

Roy asked in a composed tone.

His appearance was different from before.

As someone entrusted with the growth of this village, which had continued to develop day by day and was about to be called a town, Roy Ashton was undergoing changes.

It was as if he resembled his son, who lived far away in the city.

"Sorry. There's something I wanted to tell you urgently."

The knight stood before Roy and opened his bag, taking out a newspaper from a day's issue.

Usually, newspapers that were circulated in Clausel were sold only in large cities like the capital and Elendil. 

“Newspapers? I’ve been seeing them occasionally too…”

Just a few years ago, there was no chance to read a newspaper in this village. Only recently, as the village developed, had merchants started bringing them in.

However, the information in these newspapers was generally unrelated to this village.

"Why did you bring a newspaper?"

"I want you to see a particular article."

The knight opened a page and showed it to Roy, who began reading with a nod. He was startled shortly after.

After getting the knight's permission, he took the newspaper with him and said, "I'll be right back!" before heading inside the mansion.

Seeing her husband return looking excited yet rushed, Roy's wife, Mireille Ashton, asked.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh, look at this!"

Spread out on the table in the still-new entrance hall was a newspaper. One article had caught the attention of the Ashton couple.

The more they read, the more it seemed to be related to their son, Ren.

『Monsters that appeared in the Ignat and Leonardo territories are confirmed to be the work of the Demon king’s Cult. All of them have already been exterminated,' declares the army. In this recent disturbance, the Lion Holy Sanctuary’s Chief was dispatched and personally exterminated the monsters, but many witnesses claim to have seen a boy accompanying her. Rumors suggest that he regularly visits the Lion Holy Sanctuary, but... 』

A mixture of joy over the well-being of her only son and a wry smile at his apparent mischief. The knight, who was working inside the mansion, watched this with a happy smile.

However, Roy and Mireille exchanged glances, their arms folded, looking troubled.

"Is there something the matter with both of you?"

"Well, you see..."

"Yes, it's about..."

It was difficult to say, but Roy finally spoke.

"Look, it's written here."

A knight who served the Clausel family, known as a Sword Saint. These words were lined up, but...

"How strong is a Sword Saint in reality?"

Beside him, Mireille nodded enthusiastically in agreement with the sudden and unexpected question. The knight, taken aback by the abrupt and unexpected inquiry, couldn't remain silent either.

"W-Well, didn't you know!?"

"Of course... Mireille, you didn't know either, right?"

"That's right. We've been living in this village for so long, so we don't really know much about city matters."

"But he must be really amazing, right?"

"Yes, of course! Especially when it comes to the Sword Saint level of the Hard Sword Technique, even if all of us were to gather, we wouldn't even injure Ren-dono in anyway... Oh, no, that doesn't convey how amazing he is..."

In the end, the knight explained, "He's one of the handful of powerful individuals within the great nation of Leomel."

"Incredible! He’s climbed the ranks so high!"

"Yes, undoubtedly..."

The knight wasn't so much exasperated as relieved that the Ashtons had finally been informed.

However, the knight himself didn't fully grasp just how strong Ren was, and some parts of his explanation were based on imagination.

Still, that formidable sword skill...

It was beyond the knight's imagination, a power that went without saying.

Roy proudly added.

"Well, that's Ren for you."

He summarized everything with those words and rejoiced once again.

As the clouds in the winter sky cleared, the light shining through illuminated the village.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

At the same time...

A girl walked, dressed in a white coat.

Her name was Fiona Ignat.

Her beauty and charm, filled with elegance and loveliness, charmed those of the opposite sex who saw her. However, she was an heiress who, in front of a certain boy, showed a youthful smile that didn't betray these noble qualities.

Her black hair, gleaming like silk, swayed in the cold wind as she had just emerged from the Imperial Military Academy's library with the aforementioned boy, Ren Ashton.

During the winter break, fluffy snowflakes gently fell onto the quiet academy from the sky.

"It's good that you found the book you were looking for."

Fiona happily commented.

"I heard about this book from Leonardo-senpai just before the winter break, and he said it was interesting."

"Fufu, that's why you came looking for it."

"That's the idea. Since Leonardo-senpai recommended it, I thought I'd read it before the winter break ends."

Kaito Leonardo was reading a book. Hearing this alone might make some people feel uneasy, but it was indeed a fact. Perhaps it was because the book was a collection of anecdotes about several great individuals that Kaito, who was usually averse to reading, was able to enjoy it. Some of the stories in this book had even been adapted into plays.

As the two of them walked side by side towards the academy's exit.

"This year's winter has been lively, hasn't it?"

With a soothing smile Ren agreed. 

"Certainly, but it wasn't as shocking as the incident in the Baldor Mountains."

It was obviously a joke, and both of them laughed, including Fiona.

"But... the Messenger of the Giant God, Wadatsumi, was an incredibly powerful creature, wasn't it?"

"Hmm," Ren pondered for a moment before responding, 

"Even if it was, you know..."

"Even if it was?"

"Yeah, even if it was. After all, Asval was much stronger, even though it was imperfect."

The memory of the Messenger of the Giant God, Wadatsumi, appearing in the Ignat territory was still fresh. It had been enhanced compared to regular individuals of its kind, and while the reason remained unknown, Ren was convinced that it was related to the followers of the Demon king’s cult.

After that battle, Ren left that place on the magic airship of Estelle, the head of the Lion Holy Sanctuary. In a certain sea area, Ren and Estelle had fought another Messenger of the Giant God, Wadatsumi.

“The one that appeared in Eupheim was stronger… what’s happening?”

On the deck of the Drake family's magic ship, which had lowered its altitude close to the sea surface.

In the midst of battle, Estelle Osroes Drake, the chief of the Lion Holy Sanctuary and known as the strongest knight in Leomel, yawned and said with a hint of boredom.

It was a big yawn, as if she were about to take a nap at any moment. Despite the powerful monster being nearby, she wasn't just relaxed; she behaved as she always did. Earlier, when she had mentioned those words, Ren responded as if to continue the conversation.

Earlier, in response to the words she had spoken, Ren let out a voice as if to answer.

"I wonder why that is!?" 

Ren wielded the Mithril magic sword and focused on the battle with the rampaging  sea creature, the Messenger of the Giant God, Wadatsumi. He turned to face the great Chief knight.

"Come on, Estelle-sama, join the battle too!"

"What's wrong, Ren? Are you afraid unless I fight alongside you?"

"W-Well, it's not like that!"

"In that case, it's fine. Now, don't get distracted."

Ren wasn't pretending to be tough, but as someone who had reached the level of Sword Saint, he had a strong desire to test his own strength. He didn't feel a faint sensation of his power slipping away through his fingers, but rather, he wanted to firmly remember that feeling as much as possible.

The battle under Estelle's watchful eye held no fear for him. Of course, Estelle hadn't simply taken a carefree attitude without considering the situation. She, too, had a desire to assimilate the feeling of the power that had blossomed in Ren and kept a close eye on him despite her seemingly nonchalant demeanor.

Ren, with no need to consider the worst-case scenario, wielded his sword as he wished.

"Haaah!"

He defeated the remaining Messenger of the Giant God, Wadatsumi...

After the battle.

"It seems like a monster of this caliber is no longer a match for you Ren."

 Estelle, who had praised Ren, was smiling.

And so, this winter memory flashed through Ren's mind. After that, Licia hurriedly visited Eupheim, and spent days assisting with the aftermath.

Fortunately, the winter break wasn't over yet. Ren was determined to spend at least the remaining days of his extended vacation as true holidays.

"I'll walk you to the dormitory."

When Ren suggested this, Fiona responded, "I'd be delighted."

During their walk, Fiona asked,

"What was the atmosphere like during the medal presentation ceremony?"

It had only happened a few days ago.

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