The third princess, Yuter Setve Endroden, walked in with Barhen. They were there to celebrate the founding anniversary of the Duke Adelaira family on behalf of the king. Additionally, she now carried the aura of a Magic Sword, making her presence immediately recognizable.
‘…All the Magic Swords have gathered in one place.’
Originally, only four Magic Swords were used until the story’s conclusion, but now all seven Magic Swords were present. While the Earth Magic Sword, Gerganver, was still being kept after the Abyssal King's defeat, it would soon find its rightful owner.
‘I’m a bit torn about this.’
Zion had been contemplating this for a while but still couldn’t decide. If the Magic Sword users joined forces, they could stand against the Three Demon Kings and the Four Calamities. Should he then invite the third princess to join the Lychness Knights?
‘Being a royal, she can’t move freely.’
Direct royals, being children of the current king, were primarily protected by the Royal Knights. They could be heirs to the throne and were often used to maintain or expand power. This is why the third princess was in an arranged marriage with Barhen, and why the first and second princes were also making alliances with other nobles.
‘Getting the king’s permission is necessary, but it’s a lot to handle…’
Whenever a direct royal left the palace, the Royal Knights and maids accompanied them. If they left the capital, additional troops were deployed, and all checkpoints and destinations had to be thoroughly inspected. Thus, if the third princess joined the Lychness Knights, it would bring many complications and a lot of interactions with various people.
‘A benefit would be having Barhen join as well.’
Barhen Laird, the third princess’s fiancé, was a swordsman skilled in swordsmanship. He was known as a strong knight in the Royal Knights and had recently been training under the captain. Even if he couldn’t use a Magic Sword, he would be a powerful ally and ensure the third princess’s safety as a Royal Knight.
‘And the Royal Knights might assist when needed…’
The knights in the Royal Knights were all exceptionally skilled, as they were responsible for protecting the king and direct royals. Even if only a few followed the third princess, it would significantly boost the strength of the Lychness Knights.
‘With the third princess, Barhen, and the Royal Knights, it wouldn’t be a bad deal.’
However, the third princess outranked him, making it uncomfortable to issue orders. A relationship based on mutual goals rather than hierarchy might be more suitable.
‘If only I could form an alliance like with the Sylase Knights…’
Before taking his seat at the head table, Zion met with the distinguished guests. One of them smiled lightly and spoke first.
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
“Yes, Your Highness, have you been well?”
“Staying in the palace means I’ve been well. You both must have had a tough time.”
“It’s nothing. It’s for the kingdom and His Majesty, so we must work hard.”
“That’s unfortunate. I wish Barhen and I could have joined you.”
“Thank you for your consideration. Your words alone are a great support.”
“Words can’t be enough. What do you think, Barhen?”
“…Her Highness is right. If I could have gone, it would have been better to help directly.”
Barhen met Hanette’s gaze and answered calmly. Normally, he would have given various reasons to oppose Yuter's words. But this time, he felt compelled to show his resolve, having been unable to help Zion and Hanette because of his duties to Yuter.
“What a surprise. Are you agreeing with me today?”
“Yes, today I wish to follow Your Highness’s wishes.”
“…Ah, you were worried about them?”
Yuter pierced through Barhen's thoughts with curiosity. Barhen had always shown interest in Zion and Hanette. When he heard they were fighting the Three Demon Kings, he had masked his concern with indifference and discomfort. Had it not been for his arranged marriage, he might have led troops to aid them.
“I wasn’t worried. I believed they would manage well.”
“If you truly thought so, shouldn’t you have opposed my words?”
“Even if they manage well, the outcome can’t be predicted. Having help would lead to better results.”
“And that someone is you?”
“I serve Your Highness, so I cannot go.”
“Then you’ll go with me?”
“If Your Highness commands, I will follow.”
“But we need His Majesty’s permission, right?”
“Of course. We must follow His Majesty’s orders.”
“To persuade His Majesty… we need to prepare well.”
Yuter then turned her gaze to Zion and Hanette. Zion quickly understood and cautiously asked.
“Are you considering joining the Lychness Knights…”
“Let’s discuss that later. There are many guests today.”
Yuter cut off the conversation, mindful of the surroundings. Despite their private talk, anyone could overhear. She didn’t want to be plagued by rumors before they even began.
“If you can spare some time, we can arrange a place now.”
Zion didn’t hesitate to agree. He didn’t know when he might get another chance to meet Yuter. Visiting the palace without an appointment was out of the question, and Yuter probably had a tight schedule. Making even rough plans now seemed prudent.
“Here?”
“You can speak comfortably in the drawing room.”
“…You seem prepared?”
“Yes, I believe Your Highness knows something.”
Zion hinted at the presence of the Magic Sword, displaying a sharp gaze. Yuter must have sensed the Magic Sword’s aura from Hanette, just as Hanette had sensed it from her. Their mutual recognition led to an inevitable curiosity.
“Alright, I’ll make time.”
“Your Highness, don’t you have another engagement?”
“An urgent matter came up. I’ll have to postpone it.”
Barhen hesitated but then swallowed his concerns. If Yuter deemed it urgent, it meant she was determined to see it through. She was likely preparing thoroughly to persuade the king with reasons and conditions.
‘Hanette Adelaira has a Magic Sword.’
Yuter had recognized this even before entering the Duke Adelaira mansion. As she walked further in, the aura grew stronger, and she identified the Flame Magic Sword in the banquet hall.
How long had Hanette been using the Magic Sword?
‘…Does Zion Laird also know about the Magic Sword?’
Yuter pondered while reflecting on her own Magic Sword. She had made many excuses to leave the capital to acquire the Freezing Magic Sword. As she neared her goal, the sword had found her first.
‘She’s always with Hanette Adelaira…’
She couldn’t sense a Magic Sword from Zion Laird but noticed a slight change in his magic. Perhaps his magic had transformed upon acquiring a Magic Sword.
‘She must have sensed my Magic Sword too.’
Just as Yuter sensed the Magic Sword from Hanette, Hanette would have sensed it from her. Naturally, Hanette would have informed Zion about it. Thus, Zion, aware of the Freezing Magic Sword, sought to discuss it with her.
‘There must be more Magic Sword users…’
Yuter had started sensing the faint aura of Magic Swords, coinciding with the return of the Lychness and Sylase Knights to the capital. Both knight orders were likely connected to the Magic Swords.
‘I’m looking forward to it.’
Yuter’s eyes sparkled, anticipating the day she would meet the other Magic Swords. When she first held the Freezing Magic Sword, she was enveloped in a mystical, noble atmosphere. Other Magic Swords would surely possess unique feelings and powers.
‘I must persuade His Majesty. I need to see the other Magic Swords myself.’
Kinesien Sacred Sect Cathedral, Second Cardinal's Office.
Enrite returned to her empty office after changing into her cardinal robes. She was supposed to be alone, but this time she was accompanied by two people. One was a knight leading the Sylase Knights, and the other was a person she didn’t want to see—a human and a Magic Sword.
Since entering the cathedral, explaining her companions to the holy knights took up quite a bit of time.
“…Am I really your sister?”
Lesia Serenine glanced around the office before speaking. Enrite had referred to herself as Lesia’s sister to every holy knight she encountered. She wanted to confront her immediately but held back due to the circumstances.
“Be thankful I even consider you a sister.”
Enrite replied curtly while organizing her desk. She had used the sister excuse out of necessity. No one would believe such a resemblance without a familial explanation.
“Oh, right. Because you hate me so much.”
“Then be quiet. I don’t want to cause a scene here.”
“I don’t want to fight with you either.”
Lesia sat in a chair, sneaking glances at Enrite. Originally, Zion was supposed to take her in, but Enrite had volunteered. Consequently, Lesia had to stay with Enrite for the time being, unable to stray far from her sight.
‘Two White Apostles…’
Seran looked between Enrite and Lesia, eventually giving up on understanding. Knowing Lesia was the consciousness of Exceed Rain was one thing; accepting it was another. It seemed more plausible that Enrite had a secret sibling.
“…Huh?”
Enrite sensed a change in magic and stood up. She extended her hand, revealing a long, light brown greatsword. The sword vibrated slightly, emitting a faint light.
‘It shouldn’t be usable yet…’
The Earth Magic Sword Gerganver was seeking its rightful owner, attempting to bond. It had been damaged when the Abyssal King forcefully infused it with magic. Though it was self-repairing, its sudden reaction was unexpected.
‘Could the owner be in the capital?’