Chapter 123: New Meetings (3)

Chapter 123: New Meetings (3)

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"Ah... the report card? Reina has it."

"Reina? Why? Bring it here."

"I don't know. She snatched it away, saying she'd show it to Grandfather. How would I know what that witch is thinking? Just give me the sword already. I've wanted it since I was a kid and worked so hard for it."

The sword Rian desperately wanted was a straight sword specialized for the Ogent family's swordsmanship. It was a greatsword, twice as heavy as ordinary longswords, and its blade was so long that it couldn't be wielded properly without a considerable height.

Rian had set his sights on the Ogent family's straight sword since he began learning swordsmanship. The particular sword he had marked as his own was one that Grandfather Klumph Ogent had used personally.

Klumph had always wanted to pass the sword on to Rian. Reina and Rian inherited the Azure Hair among his grandchildren, but since Reina was female, Klumph believed Rian was the only one fit to wield his sword.

"The sword is in Grandfather's room. But why are you looking for a sword all of a sudden if you're going on a trip? Tess might have her reasons for coming from afar, but still."

"I have my reasons. Anyway, I'll go get it now."

Rian sprinted up to his grandfather's room. The sword was more than Rian could handle without mastering Schema, but he was determined to take it on this trip.

Shirone was clearly intent on exploring the ruins. If Shirone were to rush into danger, wouldn't it be Rian's duty to protect him?

'This is the Great Straight Sword of the Ogent family.'

Rian gazed in awe at the greatsword hanging in his grandfather's room. The very essence of the Ogent spirit was contained in this form, said to be too challenging to wield without unlocking Schema.

Of course, Schema was still out of reach for him now. Yet, Rian managed to lift the sword with one hand and brought it in front of him.

'It's heavy, but not so much that I can't swing it.'

Rian felt a sting when he was diagnosed with a so-called "Imaginary Schema." But true to his never-give-up nature, he took it positively.

Whether he had Schema or not, he had passed the physical strength test. He might need to unlock Schema eventually, but for now, he could manage.

The sword was too heavy to carry in a metal scabbard, so Rian used a net-like scabbard made of cowhide and slung it on his back.

This attire would surely attract attention, but carrying a sword wasn't illegal, so it didn't matter.

Except for specific zones designated by the city, anyone could carry a sword as long as they adhered to certain rules: commoners in Sector Level C, nobles in Sector Level B, and royalty in Sector Level A.

Rian proudly descended the stairs with the Great Straight Sword on his back. However, he didn't get the chance to draw attention to himself.

Butler Louis opened the door and announced, "Lord, Master Shirone has arrived."

Shirone, who entered the hall with Amy, first greeted Bischoff.

Despite his stern and reticent exterior, Bischoff was a family man who had even taken leave from work to be home when his son was visiting.

Shirone also respected him as a guardian who had helped him attend the magic academy, ensuring that not only his school life but also his parents' livelihood was well taken care of.

"Hello. I hope you've been well."

"Yes, I've heard you're doing well."

"I've been promoted to Class Four recently. It's all thanks to your help. Thank you."

Bischoff smiled wryly, recalling Rian's past. Class Four, huh? How immense must one's talent be to enter Class Four within half a year of enrolling in the magic academy?

Of course, he wasn't the type of parent to compare his children. He was just concerned that as a knight and a swordsman, Rian might not live up to Shirone's standards.

"It's all because of your hard work. Anyway, it seems worthwhile to have supported you. I heard Rian is going on a trip with a beautiful lady without knowing the first thing about it. Are you going too?"

"Yes, we've decided to go together."

"And the lady beside you, is she your partner?"

Bischoff's gaze shifted to the red-haired girl. She seemed familiar but he couldn't quite place her.

"Ah, Arian, huh? Um... is your family based in Creas?"

Tess asked circumspectly, trying not to offend. Shirone openly shared his background.

"Ah, I don't have a family estate. I'm a commoner."

"A commoner?"

Tess's eyes widened in shock. Initially, she thought he might be joking out of nervousness. Otherwise, why would Rian make a knightly oath to a commoner?

Tess turned to Amy. The lack of reaction indicated she was aware of this, too.

'What's going on? What is Rian thinking? And why Amy? How could someone from the Karmis family accompany a commoner as a partner? Isn't this a couple's trip?'

Unfamiliar with Shirone, Tess was understandably confused. Rian's decision struck her even more strongly.

Even if Shirone possessed great abilities, it's not easy to disregard social status.

Especially not just any friend, but a knightly oath requiring lifelong service to the master.

'In a way... it's very like Rian.'

As Tess struggled to find a response, Shirone spoke up first.

"Sorry. If it's uncomfortable, maybe..."

"No, no, it's my fault for being rude. I was just so surprised I didn't know what to say. But... am I the weird one here? Everyone's so calm, making me feel like the bad one, haha!"

Tess quickly defused the situation. Whether commoner or noble, Shirone was Rian's lord. She felt she couldn't afford to treat him lightly.

'Tess, you're a person of integrity.'

Shirone could sense what kind of person Tess was. It was indeed like someone Rian would choose.

Making others laugh at her own expense required genuine kindness.

"Thanks for saying that. I've heard a lot about you. Rian's girlfriend, they say."

"What, me? Really? Do we look like a couple? Do we match that well? Haha!"

Tess began to like Shirone. Meanwhile, Rian's face flushed red. It was a misunderstanding he had to clear up, but he kept quiet because he liked that Tess was being nice to Shirone.

Amy looked at Rian in surprise. Initially, she wondered what kind of schemer had planned this trip, but he turned out to be more straightforward and considerate than expected.

'The Ogent family, known for establishing themselves solely through swordsmanship. I heard there's a genius among the black-haired ones, but this one has azure hair.'

The nobility rank was second-class, not royal, but that was due to their stubborn and uncompromising nature.

Such families are called 'pure' in political circles.

A term denoting neutrality, it doesn't significantly impact politics in peacetime.

However, in times of national crisis, where the pure's allegiance lies can change the political landscape, making them a force that cannot be underestimated.

As Amy pondered this, Tess observed Shirone and Amy.

Both had charming appearances and a spark of intelligence in their eyes. Even without knowing their real characters, they seemed to share a similar stubbornness.

"So, what's the relationship between you two? You really do seem to match. Are you a couple?"

Tess pointed back and forth between the two, prompting Amy to bristle slightly. It felt as if they were being matched up like small kids of similar stature.

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