Chapter 64

3rd POV

“As long as you promise not to overdo it, of course I don’t mind. I think that would be very good.” – Alexei

Taking Ekaterina’s hand, Alexei smiles. Ekaterina notices again the firmness of his hand as he works out every day.

“Big brother is very busy, but it’s admirable that you work out every day.”

“The magic power wielded by the nobles is supposed to protect people from the dangers of the magical beasts. Yet, even though it is peaceful right now, it is our duty to train so that we can provide an armed force at any time…Oh yeah, there’s also something that I want to show you. If you’re not tired yet, can you please walk with me for a bit.”

Alexei took his sister to a large room that contained a huge amount of armor suits. Armor suits of all kinds lined the walls, with spears and battle-axes stood erected neatly on what appeared to be storage stands. On the walls, swords were hung all around.

Alexei picked up a sword displayed in the center of the room. The hilt was inlaid with precious stones and the scabbard was beautifully crafted.

“This is Lord Sergei’s favorite sword, handed down in our family for generations.”

Ekaterina’s POV

Oooh……The first sword. That is to say. The family’s treasured sword!

In the stories from my previous life, I sometimes heard the phrase “the sword of the family” used as a metaphor for “the treasure of the prime minister” during the general elections. But this one is the real deal, an actual heirloom sword. I’m sure you’ve heard of it.

I’m not sure what to say, but I’m impressed with the dukes that have been around for four hundred years since the founding of the country.

3rd POV

Alexei held out the sword to Ekaterina in its sheath.

“Try holding it.”

“Yes.”

She took it with great enthusiasm…

Ekaterina’s eyes widened.

“My, big brother, isn’t this a little too light!”

What is this? It’s much lighter than the knights’ swords I just held.

It’s light as a bamboo sword, I think?

As if seeing through her doubt, Alexei took the sword from Ekaterina’s hand and pulled the blade out of the scabbard with ease.

After four hundred years, the shining white of the blade was exposed. It looked rather larger and heavier than the swords of the knights.

“It is said that this sword feels lighter when held by those who have the blood of the Yurinova family, and heavier than a normal sword when held by those who are not blood relatives.”

“Amazing! There is such technology⁉︎”

“Actually, I think the weight reduction is activated when it senses someone with more than a certain amount of magic power. There is a rainbow stone inlaid in the hilt, and researchers once concluded that the rainbow stone is a mineral that condenses the magical power of nature attribute.”

Alexei continues.

“In the Astra Empire, there is an old day tradition that it was possible to determine the relationship between parent and child this way, but it is difficult to imagine that it can be done properly just by holding a sword.”

Ekaterina’s POV

“……I’m afraid you’re right.”

Hmm, it was a bit disappointing, but the way brother explained it was logically compelling. It’s amazing that we can make a sword feel so weightless.

By the way, my brother looks great holding the sword! The saber has a beautiful, warped appearance, similar to a Japanese sword. About a third of the blade is double-edged, just like the double-edged tips of older Japanese swords. Yet, unlike Japanese swords, it is basically handled with one hand. I love the way older brother holds up the saber with one hand so effortlessly.