Chapter 26

Chapter Six: An Adventurer Caught in the Cross Fire

1

“I ’M SORRY! I’M SO SORRY! THIS IS ALL MY FAULT! Please…please…I beg you, spare my daughter…”

When I raised my right hand, the irritating, sniveling woman at my feet finally stopped crying. In truth, it would have been all too easy for me to give in to my annoyance and simply lop off her head, but I resisted the impulse.

No, I can still make use of her.

“Raise your head.”

…How ugly.

The woman’s grim face was contorted with terror and streaked with tears. She was such an awful sight that I could hardly stand to look at her.

Humans lose so much of their value when they happen to be unattractive, don’t they?

“You’re doing very well. Come now, don’t put yourself down like that.”

“Ah…ahh…”

“Your daughter followed orders and flawlessly guided their entry into the building. The error is mine. There’s no need for you to feel responsible for this.”

“That cannot possibly be true…!”

I stood up and walked closer to the woman. Then, crouching down to draw my eyes level with hers, I gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

I don’t want to be doing this. But it needs to be done. The binds around this woman’s heart must be firm indeed. Ah…what is this unpleasant feeling crawling up my arm? Disgusting. I will have to remember to wash it later.

“The ‘Dark’ will bring disaster to our world. He must be destroyed. Please continue to assist me in this.”

“…Everything in me is yours, my master. My body and soul are devoted entirely to your service.”

The ecstatic look in the woman’s eyes confirmed to me that my decision was the correct one. I was done with the woman and backed away from her.

Their kingdom truly has the worst sort of good luck.

I have been plotting the downfall of that blasted Milestia and their accursed hegemonic regime for years and years now… Yet, at the moment I move to put my plan into action, I hear rumors of the discovery of a Dark element that make me doubt my ears. In the last great war, a single magic user with the Light element overturned the whole course of the fighting and allowed Milestia to claim the spoils it enjoys today. Given the nation’s history, I can hardly ignore this new manifestation of the opposite element, Dark. I know the terrible nature of Dark all too well, of course…

No, this power cannot be allowed to remain in their hands.

That is why I spread my intel to the other nations—­ensuring, of course that nobody would ever discover that I was the source. Anything to extinguish the Dark. Milestia will move to eliminate the countries that despise it, that much is certain. I have made moves too, of course. There are many idiot nobles in this nation, and flattering them was an easy task.

The result of this flattery was the attack on the Aslan Magic Academy. At the very least, I wished to eliminate the Dark before he could develop. Or better yet, to kidnap him if possible. The latter would allow us to utilize him as one of our pawns. I know that I could talk him over.

It was a solid plan, so why did it result in spectacular failure? Where did I go wrong?

I set my mind to thinking.

Did the magic tool not activate? No, the odds of that are low. Hmm…ah, I suppose there was that one bit of intel about the boy being quite the skilled swordsman, for an aristocrat. I didn’t think much of that when I first heard it, but is it possible…? Did he drive them back with his non-magic strength alone? Did he defeat trained assassins? A child, in that magic supremacist nation…?

I cannot believe it could be so. Or rather…I don’t wish to.

…No. Maybe it was another student. This year, they accepted a student into their academy who is an incompetent by their standards, a boy who cannot even use elemental magic. Was it him? Or could it have been some third party that I cannot even imagine?

Hm…ah, I just don’t know.

There’s too little information.

…So what do I do now?

2

“R IGHT THEN, ALFRED. A QUESTION: HOW MUCH did you tell Father about the Sword Saint Festival?”

“Only the basic details. I informed him that the event would be taking place in the empire, that is all.”

“Good, that’s vital,” I replied. “He isn’t aware that people die in the intense fighting every year, then, I take it?”

Alfred said nothing.

“Mwa ha ha…speak of this to no one, Alfred. Worry not, I will leave written record that you are not to be held responsible should anything befall me there.”

With the whole Mia issue finally resolved, my head was full of thoughts of the Sword Saint Festival. The event was to be held in a few months’ time, and I was very much looking forward to it.

“That will not be necessary,” Alfred said.

“What?”

“My apologies, Master Luke. I must admit that I would like to see you compete in person. That is my wish…and so, on the off chance that anything does happen to you at the competition, I will take full responsibility.”

“Mwa ha…how bold you’ve gotten, Alfred. I don’t give a damn what you ‘wish’ to do. I will prioritize my own desires, and what I intend to do is leave a written record absolving you of blame. I will not be swayed.”

“…Yes, Master Luke. Thank you.”

I found out during my research into the Sword Saint Festival that the fights there were conducted using real swords. The competition did not necessarily condone murder, but the killing of competitors was shrugged off as an unfortunate consequence. In other words, the fights were completely genuine.

Mwa ha…I feel my blood boiling. It has been so long.

“First, I will acquire a real blade. I wish to choose for myself. Make preparations now; we leave at once.”

“Understood. I will ready the guards for a tr—”

“No. You will suffice.”

“Yes, Master Luke.”

All I’ve got right now are replicas meant for training, but after the attack at the academy, I really started feeling like I should get my own proper sword. I suppose the knights of our house have weapons, and Alfred gave me that dagger, of course—but I want to choose my own. Besides, I’ll need a real sword if I intend to start operating as an adventurer. As for clothes…I guess my academy uniform will do for the time being. Aslan uniforms are made to withstand intense magic duels, so I don’t figure I could find anything more functional even if I tried.

To be honest, I’m pretty excited. Like, really pumped. It’s probably because of how much trouble I’ve had lately, but getting to do this is a big relief. Almost relaxing, even. There is one massive problem though—if my father were to find out that participating in the Sword Saint Festival would put my life in danger, he’d never let me go.

That’s why I came up with this idea to get myself qualified as an adventurer. That’ll let me visit the empire not as an aristocrat but as a working adventurer, neatly sidestepping all the pomp and circumstance that being a noble would usually involve. The only thing that does concern me is the danger I’d be in if anyone at the event discovered my true identity…but I’d never make such a mistake.

“Mwa ha ha… Ah ha ha ha! It’s perfect!”

Alfred gave me a dubious look as I burst out into laughter, but I cared naught.

My preparations were already in place, and I had faith that everything would proceed smoothly.

Father will surely grant his permission for my participation in the Sword Saint Festival, so now…off to the blacksmith!

***

“Man, sorry about this, Zack. I know y’said we could come along, but still… Hey, Ferris, you thank him too.”

“Thanks.”

“It’s fine, don’t worry ’bout it! I ain’t exactly doin’ much.”

That much is true, at least. And hey, it’s no skin off my back. When you’re an adventurer like me, you really start to realize how important makin’ connections is. These sorta favors always loop back around to help you in the end.

“But I mean, you’re introducing us to other folks ’n’ all…” Canis insisted. “I really don’t know how we could begin to thank you.”

“Seriously, don’t worry about it. More importantly, look…so, er, about the blacksmith we’re off to see today…”

“Hm? What is it?”

“Well, y’see, he’s good…seriously, skilled craftsman and all that…but he can be a bit tough to work with…”

“Oh. No worries. Okay. Good at dealing with people,” said Ferris.

Where does this little one’s confidence come from, eh? She’s usually got a vacant expression on her face and looks pretty unapproachable. Not to mention, she barely talks in the first place…and when she does, it’s all short and choppy.

N-nah, there must be something… I bet she’s got her ways of dealing with people. I’ll be there to step in if anything goes wrong, either way.

Before I knew it, we’d arrived at the blacksmith’s shop. The place was just as I remembered it, an unassuming house turned into a workshop.

“This is the place I was telling you ab—”

“I ain’t bendin’ to your damn authority!!”

There was a booming, angry cry from inside the shop that made those on the street outside stop in their tracks to look and see what was happening.

“Wh-what?!”

I didn’t understand it either but quickly stepped inside.

“Shut up. Don’t scream at me.”

The moment I saw him, all the nightmarish memories of that day came crawling back up from the abyss to ensnare my mind once again. I wanted to scream out at the top of my lungs in disbelief, “What the heck are you doing heeere?!”

But I didn’t. I felt my restraint in that moment was quite admirable, honestly.

***

“Al…and Master Luke?!”

“Eh? Who are you?”

“O-of course you don’t remember…”

Zack wasn’t at all surprised that Luke had no memory whatsoever of their meeting.

I’m just a fallen pebble by the road to him, I guess. Hard to remember that. I get it, but damn if it doesn’t still make me sad to hear it like this…

“Um, Al…? What’s going on?”

Zack met Canis and Ferris at the royal capital, where the three formed a little connection that led to Zack bringing them all the way back to Gilbadia to introduce them to the best blacksmith in town. The introductions would have to wait, however. Zack decided that calming the immediate situation down was his best course of action.

“Oh, it’s you, Zack… You tell him, won’t you? This blasted idiot says he won’t sell us a sword.”

“R-right…”

Ah…Al’s real angry… I already wanna leave…

Alfred’s voice was quiet and calm on the surface, but Zack was sharp enough to sense the clear anger in his tone. He recognized that the situation was much more chaotic than he’d first thought, and his stomach clenched with anxiety.

“Don’t do anything.”

Canis whispered those three words to Ferris, as the two of them stood rooted to the spot at Zack’s side.

“I know.”

That was her only reply. Everyone else in the room was too preoccupied with their own circumstances, and no one heard their brief exchange.

“I don’t give two hoots if he’s the lord’s son!” snarled the blacksmith. “My swords ain’t for no dress-up! You want a ceremonial piece, go bother someone else!”

“It really is unpleasant to find myself interacting with someone so incredibly stupid.” Luke sighed.

“Wh-what did you say, you little—”

“Ah! Wait, please, Master Luke! Please! Just a second! Will you give me just a minute to talk with him?!”

“Second time: Who the heck are you?”

“My name is Zack, I’m an adventurer! We crossed swords once, several years ago!”

Luke gave him an appraising look. He didn’t answer.

“You don’t remember me! It’s okay! I know you don’t recall!”

Zack raised his voice to try and calm the situation down—his desperation coming across in his facial expressions and in every movement of his hands.

Luke saw the flustered new arrival and felt his disgust and repulsion toward him overtake his anger at the blacksmith—but there was also something about Zack that, strangely, he didn’t immediately dislike.

“Master Luke. When you trained under my instruction, do you remember that I sent a bounty to the Adventurers’ Guild?”

“Yes.”

“You fought against a man named Zack at that time—this man.”

“Zack… No. I still don’t remember.”

Alfred’s whispered words brought no memories flooding back to Luke. His mind, it seemed, would completely wipe all memory of those that he considered insignificant. It was, however, a great victory for Zack that he had managed to convince Luke to pause for just a moment.

“…I will not wait long.”

“Thank you very much!”

Zack bowed his head low and walked over to Dalkin the blacksmith, who was at the center of all the chaos. It was then that Luke also noticed the other two people in the room.

“Oh? You don’t see that every day,” he remarked, glancing over the odd pair wearing turbans. “Beastlings, are you?”

“Gah.”

He had easily noticed that the two of them were not purely human. His mana-detection abilities, refined by constant use, told him that neither had any mana within them whatsoever. His words caused Canis’s and Ferris’s faces to stiffen in fear, but only briefly. They quickly recovered, and Canis took action.

“Y-yeah, we actually are, y’know?”

He unwrapped his turban to show the distinctive features of a beastling—floppy, doglike ears. He then took Ferris’ turban off too.

“Urk!”

Ferris’ ears were catlike. She hadn’t exposed them of her own accord, and so quickly made to cover them with her hands.

“We’re siblings. Hard for beastlings to get along in this kingdom, ain’t it? That’s why we hide ourselves with these turbans to stay out of any unwanted trouble.”

Canis forced himself to offer Luke a pleasant smile. Ferris stayed silent.

“Hmph. Why did you come to this nation?” asked Luke.

“Huh?”

Luke’s sharp gaze pierced right through them, as if reaching straight into their chests to wrap his hands tightly around their hearts.

“The empire’s right across the border. Why come here?” he asked again.

“W-well…”

It would have been easy for Canis to make something up on the spot, but both he and Ferris knew that Luke would see through that in an instant. It was just a hunch, but they were instinctively sure he had the ability to expose their lies. As a result, Canis struggled to find his words. Time dragged on, the seconds feeling longer and heavier as the silence began to smother everything beneath it.

“Um, do you mind if I jump in?”

Just then, Zack returned.

“What, you’ve already talked things over with that guy, then?” asked Luke.

“Yes, well…the blacksmith’s name is Dalkin, you see, and it seems he was under a bit of a misunderstanding.”

“Go on, spit it out.”

“Ahem, well, as I’m sure you’re well aware,” Zack began, “it is customary that the great aristocrats of this proud kingdom…that is, in all their uh, great and noble wisdom, of course…it’s customary that—”

“Speak normally.”

“M-my apologies. It seems he thought that a person of your status, Master Luke, wouldn’t be interested in swordplay at all. He was under the impression that you wanted to buy a ceremonial sword. And well…ahem…”

“Just tell me already.”

“Well, I explained to Dalkin that you’re a swordsman, but he’s really stubborn… He says he’ll believe it when he sees it with his own eyes.”

“Huh?”

“Ah!”

Zack winced, sensing the flames of rage that quickly began to rise within Luke.

“You want me to demonstrate my power to him ?” Luke said, emanating a terrible aura of fury. “And who the hell is he? A nobody! A pile of horseshit! And for that matter, who do you think you are?!”

“Aaahh…I’m sorry! Sorry!” Zack wailed and cursed his fate, his stomach twisting itself into knots.

“But,” Luke added suddenly, “heh…I suppose maybe I should, eh?”

“Huh?”

Luke’s expression was pained.

If I’m going to be playing the part of an adventurer, I can’t be getting angry over every little slight…

Luke sighed—an attempt to let out the rage churning inside him.

“Zack, was it? Promise me one thing.”

“Ahem…what can I do for you?”

“I accept. I’ll show you my skills with the sword. But you see…” He hesitated, frowning. “I can’t explain it exactly, but I feel like if I do this, it’ll cause some kind of irritating new problem to manifest.”

“Um…?”

The feeling was only a hunch, really, but it was a well-founded one based on his experiences. He had a bad feeling that he just couldn’t shake; a sense that the action that he was about to take would have unfortunate and unforeseen consequences.

“Look, I’ll demonstrate my sword-fighting abilities…but if that causes some kind of problem, then you’re fixing it. Do you comprehend me, Zack?”

“Y-yes…I understand.”

Zack didn’t understand what Luke was saying at all, in fact, but he agreed regardless.

“You can test your blade in the backyard,” said Dalkin, as he walked off to the rear of his shop, assuming this action alone would be a sign for them to follow.

Luke raged at his insolence, but he endured, reminding himself that he needed to behave like any other adventurer. Alfred let none of his emotions show but felt much the same as Luke did. He was so loyal that he even felt the same rage that his master did when he was slighted. Everyone moved to follow Dalkin, including Canis and Ferris, who tailed them in silence.

“This is the place.”

There were a few bundles of straw in a row in the backyard—a place perfectly set up for testing one’s blade, just as the blacksmith said. Luke quietly walked toward the straw bales and laid his hands on them.

“This should pose no issue…”

With that, he drew his replica sword, the one he always used in training sessions. He had brought it as an example to show the blacksmith for the sword he wished to forge, as he was so accustomed to the feel of it.

“Hey, that thing don’t even have a blade or noth—”

“Shut up and watch.”

“Wh-what did you just say to me?!”

“Come now! Let’s just watch for a moment, Master Dalkin.”

Luke felt the sword in his hands for a moment, then adopted his stance. He dropped his hips just a little lower to the ground and, in the same movement, put his right foot forward while holding the blade on his right side.

Luke focused his mind, and the shift in his demeanor was dramatic and immediate. He radiated an intense, dangerous aura.

This is it.

The sight served as a grim reminder to Zack that the boy before him was a true monster. All Luke had done was take up his sword and get into position, but it was enough for everyone present to sense his power. They all saw it, including Dalkin. He was a blacksmith, but he knew his way around a sword well enough to know what he was seeing.

I’m the one who was prejudiced here. The boy’s an aristocrat, so I looked at him differently…

Luke’s strength was already undeniable, but Dalkin did not stop Luke from going ahead with the ­demonstration. He was overcome by the irrepressible desire to keep watching. He had to see what was going to happen next. Luke’s mind, however, was no longer open to anything but the target before him. His honed senses were focused intently on one thing, and one thing only.

His strike came so swiftly, it was barely perceptible.

Only Alfred, Canis, and Ferris were able to fully witness the technique—Alfred due to his years of training, and Canis and Ferris due to their superior senses as beastlings. Zack saw a flash of something, but it was fuzzy and indistinct. Dalkin couldn’t see a thing, but he did feel something happen.

The top half of the straw bale was severed from the bottom and dropped to the ground with a heavy whump .

“Wha—”

The cry of surprise came from Zack, who had still been watching in confusion as the bale hit the dirt and split into three pieces. To the untrained eye, what appeared to be a single movement had, in fact, been multiple swings of Luke’s sword. The small crowd in the yard remained quiet as the realization set in, and then one man broke the silence.

“Brilliant!”

A cry burst forth from Alfred’s very soul. He dropped suddenly to his knees and, raising his hands to the sky, shouted words of praise and admiration.

“Master Luke! I had no idea— absolutely no idea—that you had become so strong!”

“Huh?”

Luke stood aghast at Alfred’s transformation, and the situation only devolved from there.

“Hey, what do you think you’re —gah!”

Luke was interrupted by an unpleasant sniffle, followed by a choking sob.

For some reason, Dalkin had begun openly weeping. The moment that Luke saw tears glistening in his eyes, he knew at once that his choice had caused him the exact problem he feared it might. He called out for help.

“Hey, Zack! Do something!”

“Ehhh?!”

Entranced by the movements of Luke’s sword, Zack had been in something of a daze. He quickly snapped out of it as the pain in his stomach returned tenfold, thanks to the pandemonium unfolding before his eyes.

3

I KNEW IT. THERE’S THIS STRANGE LIGHT THAT gets focused into my sword, but…what is it? It clearly isn’t mana. It’s definitely something else; some strange power I can’t understand. Man, I feel like I might be missing some important settings option…

Whatever it is, it superpowers my strikes enough to make my bladeless practice sword sharper than any real blade.

I’ve been focusing on this new power recently while I train. I might not understand it fully yet, but I’m sure this’ll be the key to reaching new heights for me. I mean, my sword really is faster and sharper than ever. But it hasn’t reached its limit, and neither have I. No, I can go even higher. Mwa ha…the sword is so much fun.

“Er…Master Luke? Do you have a moment? Master Dalkin has something he’d like to say.”

“I’m sh-shooooooory !” Dalkin wailed as he made a mad dash to press his forehead to the dirt in front of me. “I w-w-waah…was w-wroooong! Just because y-you’re an aristocrat, I…I… w-waaah !”

I stared down at him in disgusted silence.

…Gross.

“Ah…I’m sorry! Master Dalkin’s a blacksmith, and so this sort of comes with the territory…b-but would you at least agree to hear him out? Please, Master Luke!”

I glanced at Zack. He bowed his head quickly, apparently sensing that I was losing patience with the blacksmith.

I don’t quite understand why, but I don’t hate this Zack character… I might actually quite like him, in fact. As a man, he’s of little consequence, but I feel a strange sort of fellowship with him. We only just met…wait, no, we fought once before, I think? Not that I recall.

“So…” Zack began again, but Dalkin interrupted.

“Please…accept this sword! I don’t need payment! Please! I want you to use this sword!!”

Dalkin held a sword out toward me. I drew it from its black sheath and saw my reflection in the silver gleam of the blade. I also felt strong mana in the sword. There was little difference between my beloved replica and this new sword, truthfully. In fact, it felt just as good in my hands.

Hmph. Marvelous.

“Old man, that thing’s mithril, right?” Zack said to the blacksmith. “Like, whoa, that sword’s a work of art, it’s way beyond what I’ve got. Ain’t mithril s’pposed to be real hard to work with, ’cause of how tough the stuff is…?”

“Yeah, it sure is. The sword’s made of mithril with a black dragonbone core. The guard’s made of black dragontooth, and there’s black dragonhide in the sheath. That right there’s my finest work, no two ways about it!!”

“B-black dragon?! How’d you get your hands on that?”

Oho! One of the various-hued dragons, then? I recall learning in a Monster Studies lecture that those are high-level monsters, second only to the elemental dragons and the dragon kings. I liked that class…the instructor told us all kinds of things that weren’t in the book. I’d been looking forward to the monster-hunting practicals that were due to take place this summer, but those blasted attackers took that away from me.

I took the sword from Dalkin’s hand and gave it a few light swings. It had a good weight to it, and it felt good to cut through the air with its blade.

This really is a good sword.

“Dalkin. I misjudged you.”

“O-oh…” he said with a small gasp. “I am ever so pleased to receive those words…”

“‘Ever so pleased’?!” Zack laughed. “Master Dalkin’s speakin’ like a gentleman now?!”

His insolence has been inexcusable, but I do like a man with true talent. I will forgive him. I am quite lenient, after all.

“You will take this money, however,” I informed him. “Alfred.”

“Yes, Master Luke.”

“Wait, please! I couldn’t accept pa—”

“Do not misunderstand me. This is an investment, which you will hereby use to forge me an even greater sword. Is that understood?”

“A-ah…I, er…I will! I promise!”

“He’s starting to irritate me again. Zack. Do something.”

“Why me?!”

I do want him to make me an even better sword, but that’s not the only reason. Honestly? I couldn’t bear being indebted to this man. That’s why I offered payment…but, man, it sure seems like he’s trying to make me regret it, the way he’s blubbering and wailing in the dirt at my feet. Come on, you’re a grown man!

But, hey, I guess I’ll leave that problem up to Zack.

***

“Ahem, ’scuse me…but I just remembered we’ve got somewhere to be. Sorry for leaving so suddenly. Thanks so much for today.”

“…Thanks.”

The moment we stepped out of Dalkin’s blacksmith shop, Canis and Ferris made to leave.

“Oh, right! Don’t worry ’bout it! I’ll take you both somewhere for some proper food next time, you got that?!” said Zack, seeing the two of them off.

“Wait.”

Luke called out to stop the pair from leaving, and Canis and Ferris felt the hand close tightly around their hearts once more.

“There’s something I want to ask you two. Let’s meet again.”

“Of course, Master Luke. Well then, goodbye.”

“Hmph.”

That was all that Luke had to say at this time. Canis and Ferris left.

“Er…I should get going too…”

Zack also tried to take the opportunity to escape. Ever since he’d arrived at the blacksmith’s shop and encountered Luke, he’d felt like he wasn’t breathing properly due to the weight of the immense, panicky fear that pressed down upon him. He was so scared of saying the wrong thing that it hurt his stomach. Luke was a great aristocrat, and while Zack was an accomplished adventurer, he was nonetheless a commoner. He couldn’t help but be mindful of his every word, and it was only natural that he should feel on edge.

Unfortunately, Zack’s fervent wish to leave would not be granted.

“Zack, take me to that guild of yours, or whatever you call it,” Luke cut in. “I am going to become an adventurer.”

“…Eh?”

“Do not make me repeat myself.”

“Ahhh, I’m sorry! I’ll take you there right away!”

He had no choice in the matter, of course. Zack knew that protesting would be futile, but he couldn’t help casting Alfred a pathetic, pleading glance, just in case. Sure enough, his puppy dog eyes were met by a silent, sharp glare.

The look only made Zack’s stomach twist even harder, so he gave up on resisting. He knew quite well that there were times in life when it was important to give up.

No more…I just want to go home to my friends…

He dutifully led Luke toward the Adventurers’ Guild, and the trip passed in fairly awkward silence. Zack was skilled at conversation, and under normal circumstances, he would have filled the lull with some chatter, but he judged that it was better if he said nothing in this situa-tion. He didn’t know what Luke might take offense to and wanted very much to avoid provoking him with an offhand comment. As a result, he went with the safest possible choice: silence.

After they’d been walking a while, they came upon a few horse-drawn carriages riding toward them down the road. They clearly belonged to an aristocrat.

“Huh? Isn’t that…?”

Luke searched his memory, but couldn’t remember his father mentioning anything about visitors. This was clearly somebody , but who?

Unbeknownst to either of them, Luke and Zack were about to experience the exact same thought at the exact same time, in perfect unison:

I have a bad feeling about this.

The two of them desperately wished that the carriages would just keep on rumbling past, but it seemed as if the world itself were making a mockery of their prayers. The carriages came to a halt right in front of them.

“The Godwins, eh?” Luke muttered, eyeing the crest emblazoned on the carriage doors.

The Godwins were one of the leading houses of the noble faction, alongside the Gilberts. The carriage door opened slowly, revealing a woman inside.

“Long time no see, Luke.”

Luke swept an appraising gaze over this person who apparently recognized him.

She was incredibly beautiful, but there was a roughness to the woman that didn’t quite suit an aristocrat. Her long red hair looked like a lion’s mane, and there was an arrogant and quiet pluck that dwelled behind her dark-blue eyes.

Huh. She’s got real big…uh…hair. Among other things, thought Luke.

As he looked at her, he felt the puzzle pieces slowly begin to slide into place within his muddled mind.

“Eleonora?”

“Oh, I sure am happy you remember me!”

Right, I do know her. Or Luke knew her, before I ever came to this world. I can see it in Luke’s memories. I guess she’s my childhood friend.

He now understood the strange feeling he’d gotten when he saw her name in first place on the rankings and when Polpon had mentioned her later.

I…remember everything.

The process had been slow, but relations between the houses of Godwin and Gilbert had worsened significantly when Claude lost his ambition to take the throne. Luke and Eleonora had been friends at the time, but naturally grew apart as their families’ connection frayed. Then came the rumors that Luke was learning swordplay, which finally estranged them for good.

“You too, Alfred. It’s been a while.”

“It has indeed, Lady Eleonora.”

“I’m happy to see the two of you, but—” Her calm and friendly demeanor flipped in an instant.

“What are you doing with that commoner, Luke?”

Zack wanted to run as fast as he could. There were two great aristocrats now—and just one had been enough to stress him to the point of breaking. Not to mention that one of them was clearly upset and staring right at him as if he were lower than dirt, and he just couldn’t take it any longer.

Why is all this happening?! Why meeeee?!

Even if it was all just some misunderstanding, Zack didn’t dare say a word about any of it. He resorted to an anguished internal scream instead.

“That’s got nothing to do with you,” Luke snapped.

“You’re right, I s’ppose,” she replied. “I just don’t want you doing anything else that will lower your standing, Luke.”

“Huh?”

“When I found out you were learning the sword, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.”

Luke’s rage was immediate and obvious, but Eleonora behaved as if she hadn’t noticed it. Perhaps she really didn’t. In any case, she kept on smiling, even wider than before.

Noooooo!! Zack cried out privately. He couldn’t bear to watch the tinderbox be lit, and a cold sweat began pouring down his face.

“Hey, Luke, you remember when we used to play together as kids? You sure were amazing back then. It seemed like you could do anything you put your mind to. I really looked up to you, you know?”

“What are you trying to say?”

“I made it to the top of Aslan Magic Academy in just one year,” Eleonora sneered. “I’m ahead of you—for now, at least. But do you really think you’ll be able to surpass me with mere swordplay?”

“Mwa ha ha…very well, then,” Luke said, laughing quietly to himself. “We can settle this right now if you’d like. I know what the result will be.”

Eleonora let out a loud bark of laughter, which only intensified the dangerous aura about her.

“Heh… Ah ha ha! All right then!” she declared.

The two aristocrats glared each other down like feral beasts, and the air was fraught with tension. It was as if they were circling each other, eager for an opportunity to lunge at the enemy’s throat.

However, that terrible tension was broken in an instant.

“Eleonora, what are you doing out there?” someone called from inside one of the carriages. “Hurry up!”

“Unfortunately, that’ll have to wait for another time,” she said tersely. “Goodbye, Luke.”

“…”

Eleonora turned on her heel and returned to her carriage.

He didn’t even get out! What’s with that? thought Luke as the horses pulled away. Did Eleonora’s father purposely snub him? He had not stepped out of his carriage once, not even for a moment. It was as if he did not deign to offer Luke the bare minimum of a polite greeting.

The thought filled Luke with self-righteous fury.

“Let’s go,” he growled.

“Yes, Master Luke.”

“R-right…sure…”

Luke walked away, and Zack and Alfred followed.

Eleonora…that woman will be my stepping stone.

The whole experience caused a few memories to surface in Luke’s mind, and he remembered a little more about the original story.

She’s so exceptionally talented that she reached the top of the whole academy while still in her first year, but Luke defeats her easily to demonstrate his power as a villain. Yeah, I remember now. Her role in the story was to set me up as the last boss character of the academy arc… Not that it matters at this point. I don’t care about any of that. I’m going to make myself so powerful that nothing in this story will tie me down.

With his memories a little clearer and fresh resolve in his heart to claim happiness, Luke resumed his walk toward the Adventurers’ Guild.

Come to think of it…what was House Godwin doing here anyway?

***

“What’s the matter, Eleonora? Did something happen between you and Claude’s son?”

“Nothing, really.”

Eleonora settled into her seat as the carriage departed once again.

“Are you sure? Why is your face so red…?”

“I am fine, Father.”

“I see…” He paused. “Wh-what exactly are you fidgeting like that for?”

Whoa, like, like…when did Luke get so freakin’ cool?! He’s so much bigger and talks such a big game! Like, he didn’t back down at all! That was so wild! I’ve got so much pent-up energy now, I feel like I’m gonna scream or something! He’ll definitely beat me, right? Ahh, I can’t wait to go all out against him!

Eleonora gazed fiercely off into the distance as she squirmed in her seat. The rift that Luke’s sword fighting had driven between them had caused quite a change to come over her.