It’s unusual to see the queen outside the palace. Governing Alain Kingdom requires constant attention to administrative duties, keeping her mostly within the royal office. Additionally, leaving the palace decreases her security, prompting the Royal Guard Captain to advise against such actions. Therefore, her presence here must have a significant reason.
“That looks like the Silver Phantom… and is that the Royal Guard Captain behind her?”
Zion instantly recognized the people around Brandish. While he didn’t recognize the woman’s face, her aura and presence were unmistakable. Zion had often encountered Gloné upon entering the palace, knowing he performed his duties alone as the Royal Guard Captain.
“Zion, what should we do?”
“…We should stay quiet for now.”
Zion met Brandish's gaze and quickly understood her intent. The queen was enjoying a rare moment outside, hoping not to be disturbed. Wearing a suit and hat, she blended in well enough not to attract attention.
“We should leave?”
“Yes, let’s finish our business and go.”
Zion exchanged a look with Hanette, then moved swiftly. Even while aware of Brandish, they arrived at the counter simultaneously.
“We’re here to pick up an order.”
“May I have your name?”
“Zion Laird.”
“…Ah, please wait a moment.”
Recognizing the name, the clerk quickly searched through the files. Typically, orders were delivered to the customer's residence upon completion, but today the customer had come personally. Moreover, the customer was none other than a member of the prestigious Marquis Laird family and a current Setinos Quasar, making the clerk even more nervous.
“Ahem… Your order was completed yesterday and scheduled for delivery today. Would you like to take it now?”
“Yes.”
“Ah… understood. I’ll prepare it immediately.”
The clerk hurried away. Although the forge was famous and frequented by knights and nobles, this customer required exceptional treatment. When Zion first visited, the owner personally attended to him, noting the order details and seeing him off. Given the connections with the royal family and Duke Adelaira’s family, extreme caution was necessary.
‘So, the person with him is his fiancée?’
The clerk, now certain, felt an overwhelming sense of fear. Handling Zion Laird was daunting enough, but with his fiancée present, the stakes were even higher. She was once known as the Crazy Young Lady, further adding to the tension.
‘…Right, he said this order was a gift for his fiancée.’
Upon receiving Zion’s order, the owner immediately gathered the blacksmiths. It was rare to craft women’s armor, and with the expensive materials involved, they aimed for the highest quality. The blacksmiths worked with exceptional care, and only after the owner’s meticulous inspection was the armor finally completed.
‘If it’s a gift, extra care is needed.’
People often overlook minor flaws in their own items, but gifts must be flawless, reflecting the giver’s sincerity and prestige.
“Master.”
“…What is it?”
At the clerk's call, the blacksmith master, who had been meticulously inspecting the armor, responded slowly. Usually, he didn't engage directly in forging, but for this armor, he made an exception due to its significance.
“The customer is here.”
“Who is it this time?”
“The Black Knight.”
“…He’s here again?”
The master blacksmith looked away from the armor in surprise. There was no need to come here personally when the armor could be delivered within half a day.
“He seems to have brought his fiancée.”
“His fiancée? You mean the Duke’s daughter?”
“Yes.”
“Whew…”
The blacksmith master sighed deeply. Handling Setinos Quasar was already a burden, and now Duke Adelaira’s daughter had come. It seemed they were here to inspect both the gift armor and the forge itself.
‘Why did they have to come all the way here…’
The master dusted off his clothes and headed to the counter with the clerk. While many high-ranking nobles occasionally visited the forge, it was rare for those above the count’s rank to come, as they typically had their own blacksmiths.
‘Next, the queen might show up.’
“How coincidental.”
Brandish slightly raised the brim of her hat and looked at the two people. They were standing by the counter, seemingly aware of the situation. They probably realized the queen wanted to remain incognito and were keeping their distance.
“They seem to be here for a prearranged order. If not, they must be here to pick up something reserved.”
Caden replied leisurely, his purple eyes gleaming. He should have been monitoring the outskirts for monster threats but couldn’t ignore the queen’s summons and thus returned to the capital, knowing there were contingency plans.
‘…They shouldn’t need weapons.’
Brandish sensed the aura of a Magic Sword and found it puzzling. Zion wielded the powerful Magic Sword Exceed Rain, which was superior to any other weapon. It seemed more likely they were here for other equipment.
“Perhaps they’re buying armor.”
“…May I ask, who do you think the armor is for?”
Caden asked with a meaningful smile. Brandish, perplexed, responded immediately.
“What do you mean? Obviously, it’s for himself.”
“My thoughts differ. I believe he’s purchasing it for someone else.”
“For someone else?”
Brandish sought to identify this other person, then shifted her gaze. Beside the young Setinos Quasar was his betrothed. She always sought to be by his side and wasn’t afraid to join him in battle. What must the young Setinos Quasar think of her?
“…He’s buying it for his fiancée.”
“Yes, that’s what I believe too.”
“What a thoughtful gift. It’s more valuable than any other.”
Brandish smiled and fully turned her head. Noblewomen typically valued jewelry, perfume, or dresses, yet he chose to buy her new armor, prioritizing her safety.
“They make a good pair. If the Black Knight had perished, I would have blamed myself.”
“You mean the battle with the Abyssal King?”
“I was too late to act. My poor decision nearly cost the Black Knight his life. As you said, I erred because I was trapped in the past.”
Caden was still haunted by past memories. He might never fully rid himself of them, but he needed to overcome them to move forward. Remaining stuck in the past would only make him weak, leading to repeated mistakes.
“…You’re not alone. Many are haunted by their past. I am among them.”
Brandish calmly replied, looking at the weapons on display. Over time, Alain Kingdom and the world had changed. The once overwhelming monster threat had diminished, and skilled knights now defended the kingdom. While many things evolved, one couldn’t dwell solely in the past.
“That’s why I gave you this opportunity. You’re making an effort, aren’t you?”
“Even if it’s not me, someone else will…”
“Did you misunderstand me? I gave this opportunity to you alone. Why do you think that is?”
“……”
Gloné listened quietly, gripping his sword's scabbard. Typically, a royal departure would involve the entire Royal Guard, but this time, only the captain accompanied the queen by royal command. However, with a Setinos Quasar present, part of the Royal Guard’s duties could be handled.
“You forged Brandish. Even though I find the title shameful, I can accept it somewhat. You changed, so why can’t I?”
Gloné, hearing this, fully acknowledged Caden Asthlor. Initially thought to have become Setinos Quasar through luck, Caden had now even shaken Brandish’s heart. Admiring Caden for his dedication to Brandish, Gloné realized the depth of his commitment.
“But… without those two, none of this would have changed. Isn’t that true for you as well?”
“You are correct.”
“Therefore, I must witness their wedding with my own eyes. If anyone tries to interfere, I will not forgive them.”
“……”
Caden and Gloné fell silent, cautiously watching the couple. If their relationship soured or led to a broken engagement, what would happen?
‘Should I secretly advise them?’
‘They must marry for things to go smoothly.’
The mountainous region of the Karonbelaz continent.
Bone Dragon Beldazs made his home in the high mountains, periodically moving to other peaks. While this exposed him to potential threats, no one dared to challenge a Bone Dragon. Even the Three Demon Kings viewed his skeletal form as formidable, and the Four Calamities only occasionally glanced back.
However, Bone Dragon failed to realize that his habits could be his downfall.
“Kraa… Haa…”
Slime Dragon Monzlure absorbed the bones, dissolving them within his body. As expected, Bone Dragon was a challenging opponent, but a precise ambush dealt a fatal blow. Had Bone Dragon not exposed his location, he might have held out longer or escaped quickly.
“This isn’t enough…”
Slime Dragon, drunk on newfound power, felt an insatiable hunger. His body had turned red, and the once gelatinous form was now solidified. He felt he was becoming a true dragon, yet couldn’t reach the ultimate form.
“If only Glossran were here! Kyaa!”
“…Indeed. With Shadow Dragon gone, there’s no going back.”
“Who’s there?”
Slime Dragon exuded a grotesque aura, searching for the source. Through the dark fog, a figure began to emerge.
“Shall we negotiate?”