Episode 41.16-17

Eda asked Lecan to stay at Goncourt Mansion, but he opted to go back to his house.

Goncourt mansion isn't the most comfortable place to be for Lecan.

Besides it's only going to be for two evenings anyway, no need to look for an inn.

Back at home, Arios was inside.

Along with a boy that looks very much like Arios.

"Lecan-dono. This here is Julius. He's my son."

"Wait, you got a son. Rather, you were married."

"Yes. I have. So, here's the thing. My father was originally not blessed with the most healthy body, and his condition has been getting worse as of late, thus I am required to be back at the village."

"Oh really."

"Yes. I likely won't be able to stay out of the village often in the future. Thus, I would like to ask you, Lecan-dono, one thing."

"Hm?"

"Would you be willing to train this Julius here."

"Yea, sure."

"Thank you so much. Julius. Where's your greeting."

"Hello, I'm Julius. I'm pleased to meet you."

His voice and conduct are weirdly cute.

"Yea. Same here. How old are you?"

"I am 13 this year."

"Hmmm."

Felt like someone told Lecan about Longlifers' life span once but he couldn't recall. Say it's twice the normal humans, 13 would mean he's 6 in comparison. Yet he doesn't look like a 6 year old boy. Were someone told you he's 13, you'd think that's about right.

That night, the three held a farewell party. In a restaurant outside. The same restaurant Chaney had brought Lecan to many times before. Might be the first time he paid out of his pocket.

He thought of calling Eda too, but stopped short since Jericho would get lonely then. It's also partly because going to Goncourt would be a pain.

Arios drank a lot that night.

So did Lecan, ate and drank to his heart's content.

"If you're leaving this town tomorrow, drop by Eda's place to say your farewell first."

"Yes. I shall do so. I would like to do the same with Shira-san as well, where would she be now?"

"Beats me. Shira disappeared somewhere. Why'd you think I know where she's at."

"It just felt like you do."

"Even if I do, you won't hear a thing from me. Look for it yourself if you want."

"Then, please give her my thanks and regards the next time you see her."

"Yea. By the way Arios. I'm going to leave this town the day after tomorrow, and won't return for a while. What do you wanna do with Julius? Should I take him?"

"Hmm. Lecan-dono won't go to the capital, will you?"

"I won't go to the capital."

"Then please take him with you."

"Got it."

The three came back home and had a night rest.

The morning after, Arios made their breakfast.

Once they were done, Arios cleaned up and took his luggage before bowing deeply at Lecan.

"Lecan-dono. I'm very grateful for all you have done for me."

"Hold it right there, Arios."

"Eh?"

"How about an outing together in a dungeon somewhere one last time."

"I will have to decline. I have got a bad feeling about that. Well then, see you again."

"Yea. See you."

"Father. Please take care."

"You too."

Then Arios left the house. He went to bid farewell to Eda before leaving the town altogether.

<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka.com >

Lecan spent the next two days buying stuff, then went to see Shira after having a dinner with Julius.

"What do you need this time."

"I get to fight as a proxy in a duel against a noble, Pentaros Fotos."

"Well that's abrupt, same as ever I see. Explain the circumstance first will you."

After a brief explanation by Lecan, Shira got lost in thought for a bit.

"Okay, I understand the situation. So? You must be here to consult something, aren't you?"

"I wanna ask if there's someone out there that can beat me in a one-on-one fight, and what are the things I should be wary of."

"Hmph. I'll go pour us tea, wait a minute."

"Yea."

After enjoying the tea a bit, Shira spoke.

"I can't think of many beings on this entire continent that can beat the you now in a one-on-one fight."

"So there are."

"Not humans. But that is only as far as my knowledge goes. Even you yourself is a so-called irregular existence. There is no telling if there are similar irregular beings like you out there."

"I see."

"But well, if the marquis house is sending their relative or retainer as a proxy, don't think anyone can stand up against you."

"I see."

"But you'd better be prepared for the equipment they bring."

"Fumu."

"To cut things short, say that <Ring of Undying King>. If the other party brings out a Grace Gear on the same level as that one, you might very well lose your life."

"So Grace Gear like this exists out there."

"Sure they do. Those kinds of special Grace Gear can be frighteningly powerful in a one-on-one fight."

"Can't just be in a one-on-one."

"Nope, only in a one-on-one. Try using <Ring of Undying King> against a thousand knights and see how long that'll last you. These Grace Gear are very powerful, but not so much in a war."

"Oh yeah, that makes sense. By the way, so you knew about this ring's effects."

"I do."

"Hmph."

"Well, just watch out. If they come out with a Grace Gear on that ring's level in the duel, that will put both of you on equal ground. And depending on what your opponent brings, even you may find yourself in a pickle. Try to get it done swiftly."

"Got it. Thank you. Ah, also, Arios sent you his thanks."

"Hee?"

"Arios's father health's getting worse, so he's gone back to his village. Guy left his son, Julius, with me. Wants me to train him. Apparently boy's 13 year old."

"Hee. Really now."

Once Lecan left, Shira poured another cupful of tea for herself.

"Fufu. But to think that Norma would. Who could have foreseen that. Well, I guess that's not bad in itself. I too must keep my eyes straight in my fight. I'll pray for your fortune. All of them is doing their best. I gotta follow their steps. Just wait for it, Jericho."

Shira held out her tea cup to a conspiciously big star in the sky.

[Episode 41 Heles and Norma] End/Next [Episode 42 Courtship Duel]