Sousetsuka

 7





Lecan forcefully twisted his wrist to change his sword's trajectory toward Sariel's sword.

But moments before their swords clashed, Sariel slightly shifted his sword's direction. A sharp sound of a sword sliding against another sword resounded. The shifted Sariel's sword went for Lecan's left leg.

(That's his true aim!)

It's an unforeseeable chain of attack. But even without foresight, Lecan's instinct, honed over countless battles, naturally ordered his body to make an evasive maneuver.

Lecan changed his center of gravity to his right leg as he pulled his left leg back.

Sariel stretched forward in an attempt to chase Lecan's leg but he couldn't make it. Lecan swung down his sword at Sariel's defenseless torso.

Sariel twisted his body as he bent forward, and directed the thick part of his leather armor to block Lecan's sword. Even so, it should have been enough to end the match in normal circumstances, but the Great Flame Dragon's leather mighty defense protected Sariel.

And yet, there was an extraordinary weight behind Lecan's strike, Sariel lost his footings as he tried to regain his balance.

Lecan mercilessly kept up his barrage at Sariel.

Sariel then crouched even further down and made a horizontal slash in an attempt to mow down Lecan's legs.

Lecan greatly leaped backward to dodge this attack.

Sariel powerfully kicked the ground and dashed toward Lecan's landing point.

Lecan was about to use <Gust> when he recalled that he couldn't use magic here.

Sariel's sword went for Lecan's right leg as he landed.

However, Lecan put his sword over that leg and blocked Sariel's.

Lecan swung his sword outward, flinging Sariel's sword away.

Sariel's sword drew a parabola in the air.

Sariel frantically ran out toward his sword's falling point and grabbed it.

Such actions not only depend on one's reaction speed but also sheer luck.

Sariel possesses enough earnests to bring out such luck.

The audience seat made a stir.

With both his hands holding his sword in a center stance toward Lecan, Sariel took a deep breath.

(Well damn.)

(I don't mind losing.)

(But I'm coming up empty handed on how.)

(I laughed at Zoltan.)

(When he talked about that time he failed losing on purpose.)

(Never in my wildest dream I'd find myself in the same situation.)

There's no way he could just stand still and let his opponent hit him.

He must either defend or counter.

But since Sariel's offense proved awfully sharp, he was forced to defend himself right and his counter always came out strong.

(Hell if I've ever practiced losing.)

(Guess I just gotta keep at it for now.)

(I'm sure to find a way out eventually.)

After regulating his breathing, Sariel resumed his offense.

With his sword in both hands, he unleashed a rapid chain of attack without a breather inbetween.

From upper right.
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Upper left.

Right side.

Left side.

He would sometimes twist his sword or reverse it during the barrage.

Lecan knocked down every single attack Sariel unleashed while barely moving from his spot, only lightly stepping in and out, here and there.

He's not making any large moves. Hence he won't create a huge opening. He's simply neatly responding to all of Sariel attack.

From Sariel's point of view, it might have felt like he's striking futilely at a huge boulder.

He eventually stopped attacking and leaped backward.

Catching up to his breathing with trembling shoulders.

Lecan thought he could see a grimness in his eyes.

(His only chance of winning was during that first swift strike.)

(I've got you read now.)

(He's got no chance anymore.)

(He's surely aware of it himself.)

But an moment later, a fiery flame of fighting spirit blazed up in Sariel's eyes.

His fighting spirit gradually gets condensed every time his shoulders tremble with every breaths.

(Hou.)

(Intriguing.)

(What kind of move will you show me next.)

Lecan has already forgotten about winning and losing, he's purely enjoying this duel now.

And once his energy hit its peak, Sariel charged out.

(This guy knows how to breathe well.)

(Yet the timing on his move is so easy to read.)

(But hold it.)

(That move.)

(Don't tell me, he's gonna.)

That's precisely it. The charging Sariel leaped forward toward Lecan.

As he's using the momentum behind his charge, putting all his weight behind, it makes for a powerful strike. However, you cannot change your stance mid-air. Lecan has plenty of time to slightly move out of the way and attack once Sariel lands. And that would be the end of this duel.

However, Lecan decided to risk himself and receive this attack. He firmly gripped his sword with both his hands and held it straight ahead to clash with Sariel's sword.

Lecan's sword should have flicked away Sariel sword.

However, even if they have iron cores inside, these swords don't have the hardness of metal swords.

Loaded with his desperate spirit, Sariel's sword shaved Lecan's sword down, sliding through it.

The tip of his sword made a clean hit on Lecan's forehead.

Feeling the pain, Lecan reflexively pulled his sword back before swinging it horizontally at full strength.

Like a storm, Lecan's sword drove into Sariel's defenseless torso and sent him flying.

Sariel rebounded and rolled on the ground, yet he mustered the last of his willpower and tried to get up.

But he couldn't get himself to.

(Oh, glad he survived.)

(Thought I killed him there, slipped up and put too much strength into that attack.)

(But huh, he could still move around after eating that, no visible injury either.)

(Great Flame Dragon, pretty sturdy stuff.)

(This armor I'm wearing is quite light and doesn't get in the way either.)

(Dungeon Yufu was it.)

Just as the referee raised his hand to call the match, Lecan spoke.

"Referee. I would have long been dead had that been a real sword."

Blood seeps out of Lecan's forehead.

The referee exchanged meaningful glances with Lecan for a bit before raising his arms high and declared.

"Match end! Winner, Lord Sariel!"

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 6





"Hou."

"During my visit at the royal palace to see princess Eltoria, I came across her guardian knight, Lady Heles and fell for her. However, I realized one thing as I exchanged words with her ladyship. Her heart lies on another man. You."

"What?"

"Her ladyship sounded the happiest whenever she narrated the battle she fought together with you at Dungeon Ninae. Afterward, her ladyship further tempered her swordsmanship, but she discovered how you reached an even higher height after her bout with you at Tsubolt."

"Heles's sword at Tsubolt was quite a sight to behold. It's the sword of someone who never fell behind in bettering themselves."

"Were a miracle happened at Tsubolt and she prevailed against you in that fight, what do you think Lady Heles would say to you?"

"What? No clue. She'd be satisfied for sure, but what else did she want?"

"Pardon me for asking, but has anyone told you for being a blockhead?"

"Feels like some did yeah."

"I shall be the one who dispels Lady Heles's regrets."

"Regrets?"

"By triumphing over you."

"Aren't you missing a few steps there?"

"If I managed to land just a hit on you, I shall take that accomplishment on me and propose to Lady Heles."

"Really. Well, good luck."

The referee spoke here.

"I believe you two are done now. We shall now start this duel."

The two got into the arena center.

"Thrusting attacks are prohibited. Murdering your opponent is prohibited. The duel is over when I judged either of you as incapable of fighting anymore or you surrendered. I take it there is no objection?"

Lecan nodded.

Sariel also gave his affirmation.

"Well then, both of you take ten step back."

The two stepped back.

"Begin!"

Lecan leaped backward with the signal.

Sariel gripped his sword with both hands.

(Hou?)

(I thought knights are trained in one hand sword handling.)

(Still, this guy's stance.)

(Feels like I've seen it somewhere before.)

Lecan had his sword hanging loosely in his right hand as he took a slow stride forward.

(Hmph.)
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
(The fighting spirit's there despite his calm stance.)

(It's like I'm up against an old veteran warrior.)

Just as Lecan made another small step forward, Sariel took a sharp breath and rushed out.

A ten step distance vanished in an instant, a slash almost as sharp as Argent Flame Wolf's claw assaulted Lecan. It's a horizontal slash from right to left.

Lecan is familiar with this swordsmanship. Otherwise he wouldn't have been able to dodge it unharmed.

Lecan took a half step backward to dodge the attack, and lifted his sword overhead before swinging it down at Sariel.

Sariel didn't attempt to evade this attack, surprisingly. Instead he charged on ahead toward Lecan's bosom as he made a return swing with his sword aimed at Lecan's abdomen.

Lecan could have killed Sariel here had he wanted. He could have swung down his sword faster and fatally struck Sariel's head.

However, Lecan refrained to. He swiftly bent over and struck Sariel's sword grip with his left elbow. Sariel's slash stopped as his hand got hit. Just as Sariel attempted to tighten his grip, Lecan strongly pushed Sariel's right shoulder using the sword in his right hand.

Sariel also reacted wonderfully here. He leaped backward. He would have lost his balance had he tried to push back against Lecan, but by yielding to the force, he managed to keep his body in control.

He even managed to unleash a left to right slash with the sword in his left hand as he jumped backward.

Lecan stopped his pursuit and blocked Sariel's attack.

The two stopped moving and squared off.

The reason Lecan didn't kill Sariel was partly due to the referee forbidding it, but most importantly, he didn't want to.

Lecan has taken a liking on this young man.

Straightforward and pure. And despite sporting a face so gentle you'd think he'd be against killing insects, he possesses such sharp fangs.

(This guy's sword school is the same as Arios's.)

(That move earlier was similar to the moves Arios showed in Tsubolt Depths.)

It's not as perfectly honed as Arios's, but the sharpness behind those moves is very well done.

One must have a strong heart in order to wield such techniques.

This young noble possesses the spirit of a martial artist.

And moved by his longing for Heles, he chose to go up against a monstrously powerful adventurer on his own volition.

The thought of being okay with losing to this young man even crossed Lecan's mind.

Their square off only lasted for a moment.

Sariel regulated his breathing, raised his sword overhead and swung it down.

As there is a height gap between them, Sariel raising his sword to attack Lecan is only natural.

Yet Lecan found it unnatural.

Sure enough, as Lecan dodged the downswing by taking a half step back, the sword did a reversal as it reached the bottom, turning it into an upward slash. This must be the true attack.

Lecan thrust his sword forward to stop the attack and pushed it down from above employing his height and mass.

Sariel feigned trying to push it back for an instance as he swiftly pulled his sword back, twisted his body and slashed with his sword aiming at Lecan's wrist.

(Well done!)

The masterfulness of its execution was enough to warrant a commendation from Lecan.

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 5





"You have the look of a mighty warrior. And I can sense the quiet presence of a master of his craft drifting about you. Lecan."

"Sir."

"The story of you fighting and triumphing over Dungeon Tsubolt final floor boss alone, is that the truth?"

They continued their conversation for a while as Lecan narrated the story of how he conquered two grand dungeons. Additionally, responding to the king's inquiries, Lecan also spoke on how he conquered Dungeon Golbul, Ninae, Kozuin, Rakash, Rotor, Kapadoa as well as several other small dungeons.

Afterward, the king spoke to Norma and Eda, extolling their meritorious deeds.

"I am told that the crucial outline of Skalabel's conversation with his master has made its way to many lords and temples already, but the complete record is nearing completion soon, prime minister."

"My liege. Norma-dono?"

"Your excellency. Previously priest Amamir-sama had contacted me about a revision request, so now I am planning to use this opportunity of me being in the capital to complete the manuscript."

"Truly the most auspicious news. Prime minister, I simply cannot wait to hold that book in my hand."

The king asked a few questions about Shira's character and her wisdom, but nothing further. He also praised Norma's father, Sasfrey Wazrof for being an accomplished researcher. Norma's shoulders trembled as she bowed deeply when she heard that.

During the whole conversation, the other nobles stood by while staying out of the way. Lecan took a glance at Marquis Smarc, he had a ghastly pale expression as he stood idly.

They were eventually done with the exchange, the king gave Norma and Eda different colored bracelets as gifts for their marriage.

"Lecan."

"Sir."

"You are free to enter Dungeon Finkel from here on. That shall be my gift to celebrate your marriage."

"Sir."

(Permission to enter a dungeon?)

(Aren't you free to enter any and all dungeon?)

(Or is Dungeon Finkel a special case?)

Not sure what's what, but being able to get in a Grand Dungeon is good news.

Lecan gratefully accepted it.

"Speaking of which, Lecan."

"Sir."

"I have heard from marquis of Palcimo how Guide Jiza Morfes marveled your offensive magic. On the other hand, marquis of Tsubolt spoke highly of your skill as an unparalleled swordsman. Sword and magic. Which one are you truly best at."

"I'm a swordsman."

"Hou. A prompt answer. Very well then Lecan, will you show me your skill in swords?"

"With pleasure."

"Umu. Sariel."

"Your majesty."

"Be Lecan's opponent."

"By your will."

"Prime minister."

"My liege. To all of you present here. By his majesty's will, we shall now hold a duel between Lecan-dono and viscount Sariel Gossen at the arena. Those who wish to watch this duel are to proceed to the arena. Those who do not may stay here."

Led by a chamberlain, Lecan left the audience chamber to a waiting room. They have armor and wooden sword prepared there.

The armor has adjustable parts on the joints. The official in the room helped put it on Lecan.

(This must be dragon leather.)

(It's even better than the dragon leather I got from Dungeon Rotor.)

"This is a dragon leather armor huh."

"That is correct, sir."

"Seems pretty solid. Do you know which dragon is this leather from?"

"Sir, it comes from the Great Flame Dragon (Ulbanzam) found in Dungeon Yufu."

"Really huh. News to me. Thanks."

"My pleasure, sir."

The official offered him a leather helm as well but Lecan declined.

There's ten wooden swords in the room. He tried to lift one, surprisingly heavy.

(Is there an iron core fitted inside?)

(A serious hit from this could kill people.)

He chose one that's about as long as Sword of Rusk.

He tried to swing it at empty air.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
(Nicely made.)

(Feels good in hand.)

Lecan opted not to put a shield. It's a one-on-one fight without the use of magic. Speed is everything here. A shield will only slow him down.

"Alright. I'm done preparing."

"Then if you could please proceed through this passage, sir."

He was led into the arena.

The audience seat is constructed up high around the arena, with the king, his close aides, the nobles and knights there.

Most of the nobles in the audience chamber earlier are present, but not Marquis of Smarc. Wazrof people including Manfrey and the knights are present.

Besides them, a huge number of knights are also here to watch. Very skilled, every single one of them.

There was someone who waved at Lecan among the knights.

(Who's that?)

(Feels like I've seen him before.)

His opponent, viscount something also entered the arena. The viscount brings no shield either, surprisingly. His sword is about the same length as Lecan's with a slightly thinner blade. He's got a helmet on. The type that only exposes his eyes and mouth.

He walked past the referee standing in the center, toward Lecan.

He's young. Shouldn't be much older than 20. Quite skilled.

"Lecan-dono. It's truly an honor to have this chance of exchanging swords with you."

"Yea."

"To tell you the truth, this duel was something I implored his majesty to do."

"Hou?"

"Do you know me?"

"Nah. First I heard your name was at the chamber. Already escaped my mind now."

"I'm Sariel Gossen. The heir to Marquis of Sopdemoa. I have been adopted as a son to the royal family. I am in fact a cousin of his majesty the king."

"What? Aren't you a bit too high on the pecking order to be selected in this match."

"That is because I wished for it. For the sake of proposing to lady Heles Rainzats."

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 4





"Lord Ortaros."

One among the nobles present spoke out. The voice sounded familiar to Lecan.

"Wazrof Household has recognized Lecan-dono as noble from another world. It is not other household's place to question that."

Lecan moved his line of sight while still facing down to see the voice's owner.

It's Marquis of Tsubolt, Giluent Notz.

"Lord Giluent. That may be true under normal circumstances. However, I cannot possibly overlook this transgression. Lecan must prove his birthright. If he can that is. Lecan! What say you!"

"Lord Ortaros. Lecan-dono is a <Descender>. There is no method to prove his birth in another world. And there is no way to verify whether Lecan-dono speaks the truth or not. Besides, if the problem lies in his standing as a noble, Notz Household shall hereby recommend Lecan-dono to a court rank. A noble rank in this world. Lecan-dono has amassed more than enough meritorious deeds to warrant that."

"Lord Giluent. I am taking issue with the fact that Lecan lied. Trying to marry two women through lies he fashioned himself is simply unforgivable. And further. We have ways to prove it. With the use of <Bell of Truth>."

Lecan knows that magic tool.

It was deployed at Town of Rotor to expose some evil merchants' crime. Every temple in various locations is granted one of these bells whose use is under the townlord's discretion, the capital itself has these bells in every temples present here as well as multiple bells in the palace. Lecan never imagined he would be on the receiving end someday.

"Your majesty. Under the right granted to me, Marquis Ortaros Fotos, I beseech the royal family to deploy <Bell of Truth> in pursuit to ascertain adventurer Lecan's origin here and now."

The hall fell into silence.

"Marquis of Mashajain."

"Your majesty."

"As you have heard Marquis of Smarc himself. I do not have any reason to deny him."

"By your will."

Manfrey's voice sounded awfully rigid.

"Prime Minister."

"My liege."

"Make the preparations."

Just as the PM was about leave as decreed by the king, someone spoke out.

"Your Majesty."

"Marquis of Palcimo. You may speak."

"I shan't question the use of <Bell of Truth>. Nevertheless, I must express my dissatisfaction on its use invoked under Marquis of Smarc name."

"Your majesty."

"Marquis of Transhe, do you have something to say."

"I am also in the same opinion as Lord Elmo Ciel. Henceforth, I would like to bear witness to the course of events that will transpire."

"Marquis of Smarc. Thus Marquis Rainzats, Marquis Ciel, and Marquis Notz have spoken. Are you still unwilling to take your word back?"

"With all due respects, your majesty. I am firm on my position which my liege has assented. However."

"However, what."

"Were my liege to grant our household the same kindness royal family bestowed only upon Rainzats Household and Wazrof Household, we promise to repay in utmost gratitude without fail."

(Kindness?)

(Not sure what's that about, some kind of privileges?)

The king looked at the prime minister. The PM slightly shook his head.

"Prime Minister. Bring <Bell of Truth> here."

"Yes, my liege."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
The PM left the room.

He came back after a while with two men behind him.

One is carrying a long legged bookrest-like object.

The other man wearing a priest outfit is carrying what must be the <Bell of Truth>.

The bookrest was put before Lecan, then the bell on the bookrest.

"Lecan-dono."

The PM called out, so Lecan raised his face and looked straight at him.

"We shall now judge your birth and standing by way of <Bell of Truth>. Wazrof Household has claimed that you are a noble in another world, however Marquis of Smarc, Ortaros Fotos has insisted that you are an orphan and by no mean a noble. We will now ascertain the truth. The bell shall be the judge on the veracity of your words. You mustn't speak words not pertaining to your birth and standing. The bell will toll were you speak falsehood or lies. Bear in mind."

The priest muttered something then he touched the top part of the bell, producing a clink sound as the bell got wrapped in mana.

(The bell has just been activated huh.)

Lecan looked at the PM who nodded back at him. Telling him to start speaking.

"I'm Lecan. An adventurer hailing from another world. I was born as an orphan, but I gained strength as an adventurer to the point that I could speak with high ranking individuals on equal grounds. One time, I was adopted by the King of Narum Kingdom and lived in the royal palace as a prince for a period of two months. This was done for my job as a bodyguard in locations only royalties could enter. I was sure my adoption would be rescinded when it was the time to leave the palace, but the king said to leave it be. Afterward, I never heard news of him rescinding my adoption either. Hence, as far as I'm aware of, I'm still a prince of Narum Kingdom even now."

All the nobles present stared fixedly at the bell.

The bell never tolled.

Eventually, the priest stopped the bell and spoke.

"The Bell of Truth is functioning as intended. This man's words carry no lies."

'Oooh', a quiet cheer erupted.

The servant and the priest took the <Bell of Truth> away with them.

"Marquis of Smarc."

"...Milord."

"The accusation you directed at Wazrof Household has been proven false."

"...Milord."

"We shall pursue this matter at a later date. Adventurer Lecan."

"Sir."

Lecan bowed once again in Narum-style.

(Ah crap.)

(You're forbidden from talking directly, was it.)

Lecan must not exchange words directly with the king as he's not a high ranking noble of the kingdom. Each side must talk through the PM or a proxy, so they're not actually conversing. Thus how it was drilled to him, but Lecan made a gaffe.

"Let alone a noble, you're in fact a royalty of another world. You are permitted to talk with me directly."

"Sir."

"Will you lift your face. I would like to see it."

"Sir."

Lecan raised his face and straightened his back. Though his line of sight stayed below the king's neck.

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 3





The royal palace occupied a huge plot of land, surrounded by a gigantic magic barrier.

Which is further wrapped by multiple types of barriers.

The amount of mana contained within these barriers is unfathomable. Lecan can't even imagine just how many magic stones they'd need to expend in order to maintain these.

Not sure how it works, but neither Lecan's <Life Detection> nor <Mana Detection> could detect things beyond those barriers.

And what's more shocking is how his <Mana Detection> couldn't work inside the barrier either. <Life Detection> is usable, but it can't pinpoint stuff, in a spot with people in close proximity, it can't distinguish the how many there are. Fortunately <3D Perception> works as usual. Though a bit hazy.

(Guess this comes with the territory.)

(What an unbelievably powerful barrier formation.)

His body feels oddly heavy. Uncomfortable.

"This is the <Wings of Heaven (Kaires)>"

"Hm? Eda. What's this about?"

"The royal palace is guarded by a magic tool known as <Wings of Heaven>. They repel magic attack from outside and forbid the use of magic inside the wings. Thus, it's said that mages usually feel a sense of discomfort when they first step foot in here."

"Hou."

Meaning, <3D Perception> doesn't work at 100% and he can't use magic while he's inside this mysterious barrier. Placing a huge limiter on Lecan's prowess.

"I don't feel anything different in particular. I've heard the discomfort is very slight to the point that average mages don't notice it. I'm sure that's not the case with Lecan and Eda-dono because you both possesses tremendous amount of mana. You might want to tell them if it's too much on you."

"No, Norma. I'm fine. It's nothing I can't bear. What about you Eda."

"Oh, I'm all right too."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"Hmph. Hm? Wait. Then how's Skalabel gonna cast <Purification> here?"

"There is a room called <Room of Healing> inside the main building where magic can be used."

"I see. Guess they've got that figured out."

The group got down their wagon and walked toward a conspicuously majestic-looking building. Some weird magic tools were pointed at them at the entrance. It scanned their body with mana.

(Guessing these are <Box> detecting magic tools huh?)

(So magic tools are usable inside the barrier but magic are not.)

They were led to a room in the back by a chamberlain.

The chamberlain informed of Wazrof group's arrival from outside the door, then a voice from inside urged them to enter. With Manfrey leading the way, Lecan and the others walked in. Rigan and other knights are standing by outside.

The man sitting on the chair in front of them must be the king. There's several high-ranking nobles next to him and several servants behind them.

Once the door was closed, Manfrey bowed at the king sitting ahead of them. Lecan and the other stopped behind Manfrey and bowed as well.

"Marquis of Mashajain, Manfrey Wazrof. Here to bring your majesty adventurer Lecan as well as his two fiancees as per your summon."

"You have endeavored well, Marquis of Mashajain. It is to my joy to hear about the engagement of a lady of Wazrof. And for her partner to be an otherworld noble as well as an extraordinary adventurer who has conquered both Grand Dungeon of Tsubolt and Palcimo. And for him to also get engaged to the <Purification> wielder who healed Skalabel. Thus I called you here for me to personally congratulate you."

"It is an honor."

"Prime Minister."

"Your majesty."

"I would like to talk to Lecan directly."

"By your will. Lecan-dono. You may proceed forward."

Manfrey moved to the side, Lecan moved forward while still facing down and greeted the king with his world's etiquette.

"Hou. That gesture is unfamiliar to me, but it does carry a deep grace. I see, you are indeed an otherworld noble."

"Your majesty. If I may have a few words."

"Hm? Marquis Smarc. What's the matter."

"There is someone whose origin must be made clear in this Wazrof marriage."

"What?"

"Smarc, that's."

"Worry not, Prime Minister-dono. This is not about the princess's lineage. I am referring to a man who calls himself an otherworld noble."

(Maquis Smarc?)

Lecan recalled that name. Marquis Smarc's son was the noble who proposed to Norma and ended up having to duel with Lecan at Tsubolt. No well, the one who fought was his proxy, Visca Kouen though.

Winning that duel netted Lecan a Genesiac Grace Gear, <Talisman of Darkness Demon>.

"Wazrof Household has guaranteed Adventurer Lecan-dono's origin. You must cease your accusation before the presence of his majesty the king, Marquis of Smarc."

"This is no accusation. I am in the know."

"Fumu. Seeing as you are willing to claim as such, I shall at least hear you out. What is it that you know."

"Yes, your majesty. That adventurer Lecan was not of a noble birth. He may well truly be a <Descender>, but noble he is not, that's a bare faced lie, he is an orphan who knows not his parents' names. As such, he cannot be allowed to marry two women."

Lecan slightly raised his face to look at the talking man.

The guy's wearing a luxurious-looking attire. Hatred could be felt on his eyes glaring at Lecan.

He does look similar to that son of his, what's his name again. Especially the glares.

"Marquis of Mashajain has been tricked. So what do you have to say to this, Lecan. Go ahead and state your objections if you have any."

(He found out I'm an orphan huh.)

(Who the heck told him?)

No one in this world knows how Lecan lived in his original world. And if there's one.

(Boudo. Is it you?)

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 2





"That was quite the news. To think you were the one who defeated Earth Dragon Toron."

"Yea."

"All by yourself at that."

"Yea."

"Our house dispatched our knights in that tale of Founder King slaying Toron. It is said that the casualties we suffered were no joke."

"I could see that, yeah."

"And yet you accomplished that alone. Unbelievable. But it surely is the truth. Could you deign me with a detailed tale on your Toron-slaying feat?"

"No. Sorry but I'm not gonna show my cards."

"Is that right. That is fair indeed. It is what it is. Either way, we cannot publicly announce Toron's defeat. Seeing as Chaney Company and Zaidmhal Household are aware of the fact that the swords and spears are made of Toron thorns, this fact will eventually leak out, however there's only a few souls privy of Toron's death. I'm sorry but I have to ask you to keep it confidential."

"Got it."

"Speaking of which, you divulged me your reason for avoiding the capital, yet here I am asking you to go per the royal family summon. This matter did not have to end with an unnecessary dispute between them and our household since you agreed. You have my gratitude."

"It's me who turned this stuff into an issue. My apologies."

Manfrey blinked for a while, seemingly taken by surprise by Lecan's response.

"Hearing that puts me at ease. I shall personally accompany you in this audience."

"What. Aren't you the marquis himself?"

"All lords are to visit the palace every year for new year greetings. I'm only delaying that for a bit. I take it you don't mind if we head to the capital tomorrow."

"Yea. Much obliged."

The group departed Mashajain the day after and arrived at the capital on the third day.

The capital was an incredibly vast city.

However, it's not the buildings or the number of populace that shocked Lecan.

(Powerful guys!)

(So many folks with stupid amounts of mana lying about.)

(So this is the capital.)

As the wagon ran down the street, a sound of bell echoed.

"Oh, this must be the Bell of Time. Four tolls should mean, err, Hour of Water Buffalo (Shutlan), is it."

Manfrey took some kind of tool out of his pocket as he said that.

"Fumu. Correct."

"So the number of bell tolls signify times?"

"Yeah. It is a new initiate started this year. That PM sure could think up quite a clever thing every once in a while. The bell just now must be Elex Temple's. The tolling from afar should be of Raikos Temple I believe."

Their wagon eventually arrived at Wazrof Mansion. A bulky wall surrounding a vast plot of land where thick groves of trees are growing with a mansion in the center.

The wagon passed through the opened gate inside. A huge number of servants were standing in rows in front of the mansion to welcome the family head.

They went up the stairs into the mansion, a lone woman stood in the center of the reception hall inside.

An exquisitely dressed red haired lady exuding her youthful vigor.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
She greeted at the group with an elegant mannerism.

"Manfrey-sama. And everybody. It is truly to my delight to see you arrive here safely."

"Hello there, Eda-dono. Thank you for welcoming us."

(Did he say Eda?)

Lecan's <Life Detection> also agrees that the one there is Eda. Yet, Lecan didn't realize that lady was Eda until Manfrey called her name.

Eda looked up. Her eyes full of joy at their reunion gazed straight at Lecan. Her face adorned with make-up is breathtakingly beautiful. The swaying glittering earrings on both her ears seem to sync with her beating heart. But what's up with this overflowing grace anyway.

(Is this girl perhaps.)

(Of a noble lineage?)

"Eda."

"Lecan. Welcome to the capital."

"Yea. Glad to see you safe."

"Fujisur-san and everybody else really helped a lot. Real sorry about this. You even went all the way the capital you dislike so much for me."

"Nevermind that. That speech paired with your attire feel so off."

"Fufu. Allow me to lead you to your room. Over here if you would."

"Yea."

Lecan settled down in his assigned room and after a while, someone came to tell him it was dinner time. Lecan changed into clothes prepared by Wazrof, he was surprised at how form fitting they were.

At the table seat, Lecan sat down on the guest of honor seat, with Norma to the right and Eda to the left. Of course, Manfrey is taking the main seat as the host.

"Now then, Lecan. We had informed the palace the rough date of your arrival and sent another messenger to adjust the date for the audience when you arrived at Mashajain. Fortunately enough, we managed to schedule the audience tomorrow. On the third period of Halfbeak (Cici). We should take early breakfast and leave ahead of that period, on the first."

"Got it."

"We will prepare your clothes for the audience. <Boxes> cannot be brought into the royal palace. There is an inspection at the entrance which will detect your <Boxes>. As such, leave your <Boxes> in this mansion."

"Yea."

Will his <Storage> get detected. Not like he could take it off though. No choice but to go and see what happens.

"Also, it will be an informal audience, but it would be best if you learn a bit about the etiquette. I shall send someone knowledgeable in the subject to your room later."

"Yea, that'll help."

The day after, they had early breakfast and Lecan changed into the prepared outfit.

It's a predominantly white suit with a refreshing look to it, complete with a decorative thin sword on the waist.

Norma wore a lilac-colored dress, Eda had a light pink one.

Protected by six knights led by Rigan, Manfrey, Lecan, Norma, Eda, Fujisur and Findin rode their wagon to the palace. Jinga was to be here as well originally. Yet he suffered a case of bad back. Even with Eda's <Purification>, the pain came back after a day. He voluntarily stayed behind this time. Norma looked anxious somewhat. Lecan drew closer to her.

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 1





Since Norma wanted some times to prepare, their departure would be after three days. Looks like she's going to take some manuscripts and copies to the capital.

Lecan went out to gather Tago Grass in the meantime. He's still got a lot of Mana Restoratives on him, but there's no telling when he's going to run out. He should get the raw materials while he could.

On the 40th of month ten, the group left Vouka. As the next day was new year, there would be guests coming. Hence they had to depart that day.

Knight Rigan Notz took the lead. He wasn't actually departing to Wazrof when he left the room back then, he was leaving to send his subordinate away with the message. That subordinate boasted the capability to mobilize even at the dead of night and arrive at Mashajain in short order while keeping themselves and the message safe.

There are two wagons. Both supplied by Wazrof. The first wagon had Lecan, Norma and Goncourt apprentice butler, Findin on board. The second wagon had maids and subordinates. Knight Rigan and two squires are on horseback.

The entourage moved on a relaxed schedule as a consideration for Norma. Vouka to Vantaroy would take ten days, Vantaroy to Mashajain would take another ten days.

They took a lot of breaks along the way. During which Lecan had Knight Rigan to accompany him testing the Earth Dragon Toron's Thorn-made sword.

Knight Rigan was familiar with the sword. As well as spears made from the same materials. Chaney brought them to Wazrof already. Marquis of Mashajain marveled their performances and agreed to buy up a huge stock.

A spear is worth one big gold coin while a sword is eight gold coins. According to Rigan, these swords could easily fetch two platinum coins or more each, but since it was a bulk buy, they managed to get the price down. Manfrey is secretly in contact with Rainzats to get them buy the swords as well.

Only a few top-level Wazrof members are aware of these circumstances. As Rigan himself wanted to check out the sword's ability, he gladly offered his cooperation.

The sword's performance exceeded Lecan's expectations.

He had Rigan hold the sword as he shot out all kinds of magic such as <Fire Arrow>, <Flame Spear> and <Lightning>.

Magic attacks with a small amount of mana put must directly touch the blade for them to get erased, but big magic attacks gets erased a step away from the blade.

However, big magic attacks with lots of mana poured don't completely get erased, a part of it would remain.

Meaning this sword is useless in the hand of amateurs. Only warriors with decent equipment capable of tanking magic attacks to a degree can make full use of it. At any rate the swords have the ability to decrease powerful magic attacks to a fraction of their power. Equipping a group of knights with these swords would make them very hardy even against several mages.

The sword does not absorb magic, but disperse them. It turns magic spells back into free floating mana before erasing them.

Interestingly, it has a dulled response on healing magic despite its dramatic effect on offensive magic.

Stabbing an anti-magic <Barrier> with it erases the part where the blade touches, but the rest of the barrier remains intact.

Anti-physical <Barrier> stops the sword, but letting the sword touch the barrier for a while will eventually creates a hole.

<Necklace of Intuador> doesn't invoke its barrier when the sword is used to attack its user.

<Recovery> doesn't get erased as expected. Stabbing the light sphere part with the sword will erase it after a while.

By the way, Lecan's Appraisal couldn't get through the sword. He couldn't even read its name. After a consultation with Chaney, Wazrof Household has decided to call the swords <Magic Breaking Sword (Gwadboascylla)>, and the spears <Magic Breaking Spears (Gwadboawitt)>. To obfuscate the fact that they're made of Toron's materials.

"Those with impure motives might come in droves if rumors about the discovery of a huge amount of Earth Dragon Toron's thorns became known."

"Hmph?"
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
Lecan himself refers to the sword as <Toron Sword> inwardly.

"Wazrof Household plans to dispatch an investigation team soon."

"Investigation team?"

"Yes. Through Chaney's mediation, we have acquired the permission from Zaidmahl Household."

"Are they going to look for more Toron's thorns?"

"No. Zaidmahl appears to have wiped the thorns clean and we cannot exactly rough up another house's territory. We are doing it in an effort to confirm the existence of Earth Dragon Toron."

It seems Knight Rigan, or rather Wazrof Household still thinks Earth Dragon Toron is still alive out there. Which means, Chaney too probably.

"What're you gonna do if you do find Toron. Beat it?"

"No. We have no plan to make any move that would agitate Toron. We simply wish to verify its location. Lecan-dono, please keep this confidential if you would."

"Hm? Why?"

Norma explained here.

"Lecan. Earth Dragon Toron is also known as <Dragon of Good Harvest>, those who defeat it as well as the land where it's slain are said to receive its blessings. The Royal Capital Finkel was founded by Founder King after he slayed Toron, Marl Kingdom also came into existence under Toron's blessing. Were it known that Wazrof Household is looking for Toron, there would be some unsavory rumors floating about. Of people speculating them aiming for the throne."

"Ah, I see. But, y'know, knight Rigan."

"Yes."

"I don't think that investigation team is gonna find Toron anywhere."

Knight Rigan and Norma looked at Lecan with curious eyes.

"Lecan. You know something about it, don't you. Come to think of it, you mentioned how you were under Zaidmahl Household's care for a while when you first fell into this world."

As there was no point of hiding it, Lecan confessed that he defeated Earth Dragon Toron.

Lecan went to gather Nichia Grass during this journey. Another raw material for Mana Restoratives.

On the 20th of month one, the entourage arrived at Mashajain.

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