Since the Emperor had ordered it, one might have thought it could be done in a flash, but I heard that issuing identity badges takes time. Apparently, since the identity badge holds the absolute trust of the royal family, various magical measures are necessary.
An unlikely situation, to be sure, but should the identity badge ever be lost and fall into the hands of someone with ill intentions, the resulting damage would not be limited to just a simple loss. After all, this is an identity badge personally guaranteed by the royal family, the Emperor himself. In short, even if someone were to barge into an opulent noble’s mansion and attempt to confiscate all their wealth, considering the Emperor’s current all-encompassing power, the noble would have no choice but to bow their head and obediently hand over everything they own. In fact, this is merely a hypothetical scenario I’ve conjured up. If someone were intent on abusing it, the possibilities would be limitless.
Though our legs will be tied up in the castle for a few days, considering the value of the identity badge for our future schedule, this isn’t a losing deal by any means. Though, the main instigator of this situation, Lilith, upon hearing she would have to stay in the castle for a few more days, started jumping around in excitement.
“Well, I’ll be right back. Don’t cause any trouble while I’m gone.”
Since we’re staying in the castle for a few days anyway, I thought of stepping out briefly to break a sweat and grabbed my sword, leaving the room. I had considered observing Luna’s swordsmanship in the meantime, but Luna, whose nature is that of an assassin, recoiled and slipped away. Even though her movements were obvious, I had no intention of pushing her. Come to think of it, I must have put her through a lot last time.
“Master, Master! Come on, let’s explore the castle together!”
“Meow.”
Meanwhile, Lilith was pestering Freia, who she referred to as “Big Master,” to accompany her on an unauthorized exploration of the castle’s interior. Freia had transformed back into her cat form and was lounging at the foot of the bed. Meanwhile, Lilith was on all fours under the bed, imploring the cat to join her, creating an oddly contrasting scene.
However, Freia seemed annoyed by Lilith’s request and was pushing her forehead away with one hand.
There was no need to worry particularly, so I left the room with peace of mind, inquiring about the way to the training grounds.
Even though it was a time when there should have been soldiers or knights actively training, the training ground was completely empty. With the clearly magnificent banners fluttering, this was undoubtedly a training field used by one of the royal knight squads, so I hesitated to step inside without permission. If even one person had been there, I could have at least asked them, but there was not a single soul in sight in the empty expanse.
Rather than asking about another training ground, which would be bothersome,
After a moment of thought, I ultimately stepped into the training ground. Given that no one was currently using it, I didn’t think anyone would mind if I used it briefly. And even if they did say something, revealing that I was a Hero under the Emperor’s protection would likely make them back off. If they have a problem, they should find their own influential royal patron.
I drew the holy sword. Even after three years of being stained with the blood of countless demons and villains, its edge showed no dullness or scratches, instead shimmering with a most sacred brilliance.
I swung my sword at imagined enemies while closing my eyes. Despite the darkness, the figure of my imagined opponent was crystal clear. Golden hair fluttering as the graceful trajectory of the sword was drawn, and the overwhelming spirit contained within.
The most powerful entity I could envision. Selian stood there.
Objectively speaking, perhaps Eden, or the Four Heavenly Kings we fought together in my past life, could be seen as stronger. But no matter what anyone says, when it comes to me, Selian remains the strongest.
I’ve visualized dueling against Selian countless times. Predicting her sword’s trajectory wasn’t difficult. That said, just because I can read it doesn’t mean it’s easy to counter. As I grew stronger, the imagined Selian grew stronger too.
If I can move this fast, then Selian could move faster.
If I can imbue my sword with this much strength, then Selian would swing even harder.
If I have become this adept at manipulating sword energy, then Selian would have become even more skilled.
It’s a funny notion that an imagined entity can grow stronger.
But I’ve seen her sword up close longer, and more closely, than anyone else could. Although this Selian isn’t quite the real deal, it’s not an impossible feat to achieve.
I swung my sword against this imagined Selian again and again and again. Until my stamina was completely drained.
Since I have no particular schedule ahead, this occasional unrestrained, stress-relieving sword practice proved quite cathartic.
Eventually, exhausted beyond words, I slumped to the ground, yet it felt exhilarating.
Clap, clap, clap.
As I rested peacefully, applause erupted from the corner of the training ground. Turning my head, I saw someone I didn’t expect to see.
“Professor?”
“My goodness, though it’s been a while since I’ve seen you, the growth is simply extraordinary, Miss Alicia.”
Professor Ferent.
My former swordsmanship class 1 instructor from the Academy.
Back then, he was already no spring chicken, but after just three years, wrinkles had creased his face. Not that I couldn’t recognize him.
“How are you…here…?”
But how could a professor from the academy possibly be here in the palace? This is the middle of the academic term, isn’t it…?
“The academy’s on temporary closure, and I’ve returned as an advisor to the former Third Royal Knight Squad.”
Ah yes, they once tried to recruit me into the Royal Knights, too. Although I didn’t think much about Ferent being a former Royal Knight Squad Commander back then, seeing him now clad in the Royal Knight’s armor was strangely surprising.
The emblem carved into his armor matched the banners fluttering around this training ground; this must indeed be the Third Royal Knight Squad’s training area.
“I apologize for using the training ground without permission…”
“Nonsense. Who could ask a Hero for such permission? Should anyone dare, just step on them. It’s perfectly fine if someone of Miss Alicia’s standing does so.”
With that being the case, I couldn’t be more grateful. But more importantly… There was something unsettling about Ferent’s formal tone.
“Professor? Why are you being so polite…”
“Because, Alicia, we are no longer teacher and student. Though your official status may remain as a leave-taker, I’ve definitely retired from the Academy. It seemed like a time for me to pick up the sword instead of the chalk.”
Still, the subtle stiffness of his disposition from back when he was my instructor hadn’t changed at all. But the formality grated against my skin all the same.
“Then, can we return to how things were before? Just treat me like a student, as they say, ‘once a teacher, always a teacher’…”
“Then I accept your offer. Though I may be familiar with social graces, discomfort is discomfort after all.”
Phew, the deep breath he took seemed to suggest that formalities were equally exhausting for him.
“Though it’s overshadowed by your title as the Hero, you certainly do deserve the title of Sword Master. Thanks to you, I’ve had a revelation.”
The titles of Hero and Sword Master — while it’s hard to say which is superior, certainly, the title of the Hero, which is unique across the continent, is more famous than that of a Sword Master, of which there are several across the land.
“By the way, was the person on the other end of your practice just now the one I’m thinking of?”
“Likely the same person you’re referring to, Professor.”
I didn’t elaborate further, but the person Ferent mentioned was surely Selian. She too was among Ferent’s protégés since our Academy days. Though she was already stronger than Ferent when she entered, even a teacher could recognize the individual traits of their students.
“Hmm…”
There must be something on his mind. As I worried whether he might object to my use of the training ground, he finally spoke.
“Miss Alicia, might I have a word? It might sound a bit preachy but…”
“Yes, please go ahead.”
Of course. One must know how to use the lessons learned from one’s teacher. If Ferent starts questioning me now for using the training ground, I’ll just have to override that with the title of Hero.
“I don’t know the details, but wouldn’t it be better if you reconciled with Selian? Clearly, the two of you make an excellent pair in swordsmanship.”
But the advice coming from Ferent was completely unexpected.
“To be clear, I’m not referring solely to swordsmanship. Seeing the two of you drift apart for whatever reason makes me, as your former teacher, deeply regretful.”
“…”
“Ah, forgive me. A retired teacher trying his hand at teaching again… I’ll be taking my leave. Feel free to use this training ground anytime if you wish. I’ll let the squad members know. If you have any other help you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Ferent slapped my shoulder lightly a couple of times before leaving the training ground.
All that remained in the now empty training ground was me and my thoughts.
As the sun set, my heavy thoughts kept me standing there motionless in the empty training ground.
