Of course, whether Zion Laird would become an ally even if he obtained the Magic Sword was uncertain.
There must be a reason for coming to the frontier, and his fiancée was by his side.
Moreover, he had established the knight order in the name of his family, so he couldn't easily abandon his position as its leader.
'Forming an alliance might be better than trying to recruit him into the knight order.'
To cooperate between knight orders, an alliance must be established.
However, alliances could be broken at any time, and they had to act according to the treaty, which wasn't always beneficial.
Moreover, since Seran wasn't the knight commander, he couldn't arbitrarily negotiate an alliance.
'Even without the Magic Sword, he's still valuable.'
Zion Laird was a swordsman who awakened his sword aura at 19.
He also harbored something fateful within him and was bound to grow stronger.
If he joined forces with Seran Sylase, they could not only fight beasts but also take on the three Great Demon Kings and the four Great Calamities.
'He might obtain it later anyway...'
To commune with the Magic Sword, one must elevate their level of magic and achieve mental growth.
However, there was no clear standard, and the criteria varied depending on the Magic Sword.
Of course, that particular Magic Sword would forcibly attempt to commune regardless of those standards.
'Zion Laird won't be able to use Exceed Rain.'
Many had tried to wield Exceed Rain, but only one person had endured its mind control and magic erosion abilities.
That person had once wielded him, bringing destruction to demons and dragons with two Magic Swords.
'I should at least talk to him.'
Enrite slowly stepped toward Seran.
Noticing Enrite's presence, Seran turned around.
"You've heard the rumor, haven't you?"
"Uh... which rumor?"
"About Zion Laird."
"Oh, coming to the frontier? They say his fiancée is coming too."
"His fiancée holds the title of a mage. He didn't bring her just because she's his partner. He acknowledged her as a skilled comrade."
"Even though there are only two of them, their skills are impressive. But why are you bringing this up?"
"...What do you think about forming an alliance with Zion Laird?"
"What?"
Seran was too surprised to speak.
The white apostle had never shown interest in other knight orders or mercenary groups.
She had only ever spoken favorably of the Purple Shrine Archers, the Silver Phantom, or a few knight commanders.
This was the first time she suggested forming an alliance with another knight order.
"I'm not forcing you. As the knight commander, it's up to you, but I'm asking as a member of the order."
"Do you have a reason for suggesting this?"
"Because there's value in forming an alliance. Having Zion Laird as an ally will be greatly beneficial to you."
"You hold him in high regard."
"I don't hold anyone in high regard. I'm just stating the facts."
Seran had thought about meeting Zion Laird.
A young swordsman who awakened his sword aura and seemed to have greater skills than himself.
But he hadn't considered an alliance, worried if he could even have a conversation with a noble.
Most nobles looked down on commoners, believing any achievements were lies and showing only jealousy.
"Do you think Zion Laird will listen to me?"
"...I'll go with you. He won't ignore me if I'm there."
"Have you met Zion Laird before?"
"Before joining your knight order. He's a thoughtful person. Even without me, he wouldn't be disrespectful... but it's better for persuasion if I go."
Enrite didn't want to lose Zion Laird.
They would eventually meet as knight orders, but it would be too late by then.
Establishing the relationship now would allow them to act together when needed.
'Destiny is gathering. Destiny must erase traces.'
Only those bearing destiny could eradicate the three Great Demon Kings and the four Great Calamities.
Seran Sylase was one, and Zion Laird gave off a similar aura.
To destroy the immortality of the three Great Demon Kings and the four Great Calamities, the owners of the seven Magic Swords had to unite.
'Exceed Rain is problematic. Who can handle Exceed Rain...'
Near a supply base in the eastern region of Alain Kingdom.
Zion and Hanette were riding away from the supply base on horseback.
Supply bases typically stored and transported equipment and food for troops, but they also provided lodging for certain individuals.
Usually, one needed connections to the royal palace, but Zion and Hanette received official support from the Duke and Marquis families, granting them appropriate treatment.
"Is it more uncomfortable than staying in the mansion?"
"It's not comfortable, but it's not too bad. I can bear it."
"The food must not suit your taste."
"It's not delicious, but it's edible. It’s actually better because it's simple."
"Hmm... Not being able to wash properly must be uncomfortable too."
"You're the same, right? I was prepared for this."
Hanette smiled softly, looking at Zion.
Naturally, their living standards were lower than in the mansion.
But they had set their goals, so they accepted these conditions without complaint.
"The frontier will be harsher than the supply base. People die regularly, and there’s constant fighting with beasts. We won't be directly involved in battles, but we can't avoid the situation."
"I know. I've heard enough to be sick of it. We just need to help a bit, right?"
"Just don't get hurt. There are holy knights, but they don't only look after us."
"You're in more danger than I am. You have to fight up close."
"I'll usually finish it with sword aura. There's no benefit in going outside the fortress."
"Hmm... does it work that way?"
Hanette knew well what they had gotten into.
Staying in the frontier meant a risk of getting caught in battles.
Sure, Zion would protect her, but it didn't guarantee absolute safety.
A half-hearted mindset would only endanger both herself and Zion.
"Everything is fine, but... that bothers me a bit."
"What bothers you?"
"You cut your hair."
"Why? If I leave it long, it’ll just fly around or get stuck in armor."
"I'm not saying it’s wrong. It just doesn't look good."
"...Do you prefer long hair?"
"I don’t know if I prefer it, it just feels... off."
Zion frowned, looking at Hanette's hair.
Her once shoulder-length orange hair was now cut more than halfway.
Moreover, it was tied back, making it even more noticeable.
"Don't get me wrong. It's not that you're less attractive, it's just... different."
"You should have told me earlier. I could have tied it differently."
"I don't want to be picky about such things."
"Hmm..."
Hanette touched her hair, feeling self-conscious.
Hair would grow back eventually, but she had to keep this style for now.
Had she known Zion's preference, she might have adjusted.
"Now that I think about it, you've never told me your ideal type."
"Does it matter since we’re engaged?"
"Never mind that, just tell me what comes to mind."
"...What do you want me to say?"
"Just explain like you did earlier. You said you like long hair."
"That's all there is."
"Is that really it? Just long hair?"
"You're my partner, so you have to be my ideal type. What more can I explain?"
"...?"
Hanette hesitated, then burst out laughing.
It didn't seem like he was trying to impress her.
Even if he seemed resigned to reality, it meant he wouldn't look at other women.
"You speak well. Do you think I'll like you more for saying that?"
"Think of it the other way. Now, I'm your ideal type too."
"I guess I can count you as my ideal type."
"Why are you saying it like a favor?"
"Because you're younger than me."
"Isn't that better than being too good for me?"
"You're too capable, so it's not easy. Other than age and appearance, I have nothing to boast about."
"Are you saying you'll boast with just those two?"
"How is that boasting? I'm just stating facts."
Zion chuckled and shook his head.
Many things had changed, but her confidence and stubbornness remained.
If those were Hanette's charms, he could accept it.
"Seems I have no choice. I'll have to match your ideal type."
"I was serious. Are you making fun of me?"
"You shouldn't have lied. You said it to please me."
"...You’re my ideal type because you're pretty. Including your personality and hobbies?"
"...Did you just call me pretty?"
Hanette was slightly surprised.
She had heard similar comments from others, but Zion had never mentioned it.
Why was he talking about her appearance now?
"Should I say you're not?"
"No, it's just... it's the first time you've said that."
"I never had the chance."
"I didn’t expect to hear 'pretty' from you."
"What did you think of me?"
"Just... you’re different from what I thought. Why are you saying this?"
"......"
Zion was at a loss for words, meeting Hanette's gaze.
Hanette, showing a blank expression, then burst out laughing.
"Haha! Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I'm just dumbfounded."
"Why are you dumbfounded? You’re always so stoic. Saying 'pretty' doesn't suit you."
"Phew... If I were truly stoic, I wouldn’t even talk to you."
"That's true, but you're still stoic. You make weird jokes too."
"Stop being unreasonable. Ugh..."
"How is this unreasonable?"
"If this isn’t unreasonable, what is?"
"Do you think we’re the same?"
"There you go again. Aren't you tired of it?"
"You really..."
They glared at each
other, gradually raising their voices.
The knights following them silently watched.
'Is that what a lovers' quarrel looks like?'
'Always the same.'
'Are they already married?'
'They sure have fun.'
The frontier of Alain Kingdom, Fort Alieard.
Fort Alieard was a fortress located at the center of the front line.
Surrounded by imposing and grandiose walls, it frequently witnessed battles with beasts nearby.
As a result, it often dispatched support troops and had to maintain balance while deploying strategies from the center.
Thus, a large number of troops were gathered at Fort Alieard, ready to respond to beast invasions immediately.
'It's quiet. Are they planning a big attack?'
A knight looked out of the fort, trying to spot the beasts.
He wore a quiver and arrows at his waist, and his armor, marked with scars, gleamed in the sunlight.
His left hand always rested on his quiver, and purple magic glowed in his eyes.
The soldiers remained vigilant, aware of the knight’s presence.
'The Silver won't be taken down...'
Valtz Cavadrion, known as the Purple Shrine Archer, turned away and descended from the wall.
The beasts had disappeared, and there was no contact from the Silver Phantom.
It was unusually peaceful, but he couldn't let his guard down.
'He said he was saving his apprentice.'
Valtz remembered the name and slowly stopped.
He had heard that person was coming to the frontier.
Moreover, hearing he had awakened his sword aura at 19 piqued his interest.
'Zion Laird... I should meet him at least once.'