March 2023 Event: The Dream of the Sun in the Radiant Sword

[centralgoldstar]

Many thanks to twitter user makiharawataru for helping me with parsing the original Japanese. Other mistakes are mine.

 

Chapter 1:

It happened in the afternoon of a peaceful day, when Cain and I were paying a visit to the Granvelle Castle.

Cain: Thank you, Master Sage. Drummond certainly appreciated it that you went to deliver your report immediately after the mission.

Akira: What happened during the mission was rather complicated, so I thought it’d be better to explain everything in person. We have some treats to be sent to Arthur too.

Akira: It was reassuring to have you with me. Thank you, Cain!

Cain: No need to thank me. I was only there as your support in the back.

Leaving Mister Drummond’s office, I took a walk in the courtyard with Cain. Suddenly, a bright voice called out from behind us.

???: Captain Cain! Ah no, Sir Cain! Whoa, it’s been forever since I last saw you!

As we turned back, a youth wearing a sword on his waist made a beeline to us. One could see from his agile and slender frame as well as his amicable smiling face that still had traces of childhood that he was around the age of Mitile and Riquet.

Cain’s mismatched eyes squinted as if to jog his memory. Because of his Affliction from the Great Calamity, he couldn’t see other people unless he touched them. However, it didn’t take more than a second for him to remember.

Cain: Hi, Hector! Long time no see!

Cain held out his hand as if it was the most natural thing in the world. The youth called Hector took his hand with a wide smile.

Cain: I haven’t met you in a while and you’ve grown so big.

Hector: Ehehe, looks like I’ve finally had my growth spurt! I’ve had to change my uniform five times since we last met.

Hector: Captain Cain, I mean, Sir Cain, nothing makes me happier than seeing that you’re well!

Cain: Look, you’ve made that mistake twice already. It’s been two years since I left the Knights, you know.

Cain gave Hector a wry smile then turned to me.

Cain: This is the first time you meet Hector, right Akira? He is a squire of the Knights stationed at the Castle.

Hector: How do you do! Excuse me, do you happen to be…

Akira: I am Akira, the current Sage. Nice to meet you, Hector.

Hector: Whoa, so you’re really the Sage! My apologies for not greeting you earlier. I’ve heard stories about you. Bearing the great burden of saving the world, you admirably fulfill your duty to the best of your ability. I’ve thought that I would meet you one day, but I certainly didn’t expect that to happen today!

Hector’s face flushed red from the excitement. I was flustered from the excessive praise. However, when I looked at his puppy-like eyes that were shining excitedly, I couldn’t help but smile.

Akira: I don’t deserve such a praise, but thank you! You’re a squire of the Knights stationed here. Does that mean you are a knight too?

Cain: Oh right, there is no knight in your world, right? Broadly speaking, a squire is like an apprentice of the Knights in question. Generally, a squire’s job is to help members of the chilvalric order with their daily activities and to do odd jobs.

Hector: At the same time, I also learn swordplay and horse riding as well as what to do during battles from the knights around me to become one myself.

Akira: I see. So you’re like their disciple.

Hector: I suppose it’s something like that. Sir Cain has taught me a lot of things about how to be a knight.

As he said that, Hector straightened his back. His straightforward eyes looked up at Cain with radiating sincerity.

Hector: Perhaps it’s impudent for me to ask but please indulge me. Sir Cain, will you return to the Knights?

Cain’s eyes widened a little. Then he smiled softly. He was probably asked that question a lot since he had been expelled from the Knights.

Cain: Well, you know, wizards can’t become knights in this country.

Hector: …That’s…right…

That must have been a shock to Hector. His shoulders drooped dejected at Cain’s words. He mumbled helplessly like a puppy that was crying because he was separated from his owner.

Hector: But… you didn’t use magic at all when you were with the Knights.

Cain: Well, but I have no evidence to prove that. It’s only natural that no one can trust me if I can’t give any proo, and without trust, there’s no way I’d be allowed to hold a position where my decisions have consequences.

Hector: That’s right, but everyone recognizes your courage and achievements. It’s too cruel to expel you after what you’ve done. And we would have died if you hadn’t used magic to fight when that Northern wizard attacked. And yet..

Akira: Northern wizard? So you were present when Owen attacked Cain?

Hector: Yes, but I immediately passed out. When Owen appeared, his spell blew us away like leaves in the wind. I couldn’t draw my sword at all.

Hector’s face tensed up. He hanged his head and clenched his fist.

Hector: When I came to again, the knights around me were buzzing around, yelling ‘Sir Cain is a wizard’. Even so, for Sir Cain to be expelled in return for him doing what a knight should do and sacrificing himself to save us, it’s just…

Cain’s face softened as he looked at Hector, who was clenching his fist. He reached out to touch Hector’s dejected face. However, before Cain’s hand met Hector’s face, there was the sound of bell from afar. Hector looked up, his eyes widened.

Hector: I have to return to the barrack. Sir Athos will yell at me if I’m late…. But, I don’t mind being yelled at because I have the chance to meet you, Sir Cain.

Cain: Come now, you should go back. Captain Athos is your commander now, right? Thank you for your sentiment, but please follow the rule.

Hector: Uhm, yes sir. Oh, I’d like to tell you something. It’s decided that I will be permitted to take the next swordplay examination!

Cain patted the back of an excited Hector vigorously with the hand he was about to touch him.

Cain: Wow, that’s awesome, Hector! You’ll definite pass, so have faith in yourself.

Hector: Yessir, I’ll… Sir Cain, please stop! You’re hurting me a bit!

Akira: What is the swordplay examination like?

Hector: It’s a tournament between candidates as a test to decide which knight apprentices or squires may graduate and become full-fledged knights. Anyone who wishes to wear the mantle of a knight in Central country has to pass this exam.

Cain: It’s an occasion of pomp and circumstances too. The event is opened to the public, so the examination ground is like a festival.

Akira: Wow, that sounds really fun!

Hector: So, Sir Cain, please come to watch my examination if it isn’t too much to ask. It’s all thanks to you that I’ve come this far.

Cain smiled cheerfully and nodded to Hector, who was looking at him expectantly.

Cain: Sure! I’ll come to cheer for you. It’d be great to see how much you’ve grown.

Hector: Yay! Thank you, Sir Cain. I’ll give it my all, so I hope you’ll enjoy the event!

Akira: Good luck, Hector! I’ll cheer for you from the Magic Manor.

Hector: That’s very generous of you, Master Sage! But if you don’t mind, why don’t you join Sir Cain?

Akira: May I? If it’s fine with you, I’ll go cheer for you in person then!

Hector: That’d be great! It’s my honor if you come watch me take the exam. The more support I have, the better I’ll perform!

Cain: Ahaha, that makes sense! In that case, we’ll invite other Sage’s wizards to come too.

Akira: Yeah, I think they’ll love it!

In response to us, Hector’s face became all serious.

Hector: Master Sage, Sir Cain, I’ll definite win with you and the other Sage’s wizards in the audience!

Hector made a quick bow to us and crossed the court yard with agile steps as he kept looking back at us. Cain waved and smiled at him each time he turned around, then let his hand down with a sigh.

Cain: So Hector is going to take the swordplay exam. I’ve been wondering how he is doing, since I couldn’t take care of him all the way. The circumstances around me leaving the Knights were hectic, so I couldn’t say goodbye to other people in my team properly.

Cain looked down at his feet and pressed his lips together as if mulling over his own words. However, just a second later, he raised his head and looked in the direction Hector ran to with bright eyes.

Cain: Well, they have been doing their work as knights properly even without me around. And Hector has progressed enough to take the swordplay exam. I wished to raise him into a knight myself, but since that didn’t work out, I’ll give him as much support as I can.

Akira: …I see. In that case, I’ll do my best to cheer for him with you!

Cain: That’s heartening to know, Master Sage. Let’s ask everyone who may interest in seeing the event to join us when we’re back at the Manor!

[The Magic Manor’s lounge]

As soon as we returned to the Magic Manor, we talked to the wizards who were around in the lounge.

Chloe: An apprentice who used to be under Cain’s wings? If that Hector doesn’t mind, I’ll go cheer for him!

Mitile: I’d like to go too!

Murr: Me! Me!

Cain: It’s decided then! Let’s all go to support Hector together.

Mitile: Yay, I can’t wait! A tournament between knights must be really cool.

Chloe: Hey, may I invite Rustica too? Oh, but won’t it be bad if we show up in a big group? That’s still an exam and all.

Cain: Oh, it’s nothing so formal. Of course the candidates take the event seriously, but it’s like a festival for the audience. There’re all kinds of food stalls too. When I was a kid, dad took me to watch the exam. He even bought me a treat but I was so engrossed in the duels that I ended up dropping it.

Chloe: Ahaha, little Cain sounds so cute! In that case, let’s ask other wizards who have free time to join us.

Mitile: I’ll go tell Riquet and my brother!

As we were chatting excitedly…

???: You guys seem to be talking about something fun.

Suddenly, a smiling voice whispered into my ear, which caused gooseflesh to appear all over my neck. When I hastily looked back, Owen was standing behind me. None of us noticed he had showed up.

Chapter 2:

Akira: Owen, you started me! I assume you’ve been there for a while?

Owen: I’ll join your group. I want to see the swordplay examination too.

His mismatched eyes were crooked from smiling, and his well-formed lips curled into a crescent moon-like curve.

I was flustered. The tense face of a dejected Hector as well as his clenched fist flashed in front of my eyes.

Akira: (Hector was attacked by Owen. I wonder if he can concentrate on his match if his assailant appears at the examination ground)

Murr: What are you planning to do at the exam place? Are you going to swap eyes with another knight? This time will be the right eye, am I correct?

Chloe: M- Murr! That joke is a bit inappropriate at the moment!

Owen: Haha, he can talk as he likes. That’s a pretty lucid joke for the fool who got too close to the moon and became broken for that. I don’t care about eyes of knights or whatever, but I like festivals. You two should have no problem with me in your group, right, Mister Knight, Master Sage?

Cain: ……

For a moment, Cain looked intently at Owen with a complicated expression. Then he cautiously but resolutely spoke.

Cain: Owen, please refrain from going.

Owen: Heh. Why?

Cain: You should know the reason yourself. In the past, you attacked the Knights and robbed me of an eye. Hector was among the people you assaulted. He won’t be able to stay calm if you show up at the exam. Our purpose of going to the swordplay exam is to support him. I want to avoid everything that makes him anxious or depressed.

Owen: Heh, in other words, Mister Knight doesn’t trust me.

Owen leaned towards Cain. Though his words seemed sad, he said them with a sing-song voice and a cold smile.

Owen: I would be happy with just a stroll around the festivities, but you think I’m out to scare your precious little underling so he’ll fail the exam?

Cain: That’s not what I mean. I’d like to say, please think of the timing and the place.

Owen: Aah, I’m heartbroken. So all the talk about ‘trust’ is just talk, I see.

Mitile: But you did something terrible to the Knights, didn’t you Mister Owen? In that case, it’d be better not to make everyone anxious…

Owen: Who cares about them? Well, since I’m being spurned by my own team, I don’t want to go to that exam anymore. Bye.

Cain: Owen! I haven’t finished talking yet…

Ignoring Cain’s call, Owen disappeared without even casting a spell. Cain made a long sigh and shrugged.

Cain: Geez. What an impossible guy. He knew how I would answer from the beginning.

Mitile: Even so, Mister Owen is a Northern wizard. He has helped us a lot, but his temperament is unpredictable too. I myself wouldn’t want to meet someone who did something terrible to me right before an important tournament. I wouldn’t want to get hurt again.

Chloe: Uhm, well, people from the Knights will show up to cheer for the candidates too, right?

Akira: You’ve a point. It isn’t nice to Owen but he shouldn’t go. I guess I’ll look for some sweet treats to make up for him.

Murr: I wonder if he really won’t show up though.

Akira: Eh?

Murr somersaulted in the air and looked at me while being upside down. Cain frowned and let out a small sigh.

Cain: He seemed to be in a good mood so I think he’ll go to the tournament. He’s made up his mind from the beginning. Our response doesn’t matter.

Akira: In that case, he’ll run into Hector.

Cain: That’s right. I’ll have to come up with a way to deal with that.

Cain glanced at the spot Owen was at earlier. He shook his head and smiled at us as if to change the mood.

Cain: Well, let’s not dwell too much on that. Perhaps he really just wants to enjoy the festivities. Anyway, our priority is still to support Hector. If you know someone who has the time to come to the exam, please ask them to join us!

[The hallway]

A few days later, on the day of the swordplay examination, everyone who would go to the examination ground gathered at the great hall of the Magic Manor.

Cain: Thank you for coming! We have a pretty big group here. Hector will be very happy.

Mitile: I’ll do my best to cheer for him!

Chloe – Murr: S-ame here!

Mitile: Mister Lennox, please make an effort too! It won’t be good if you stand quietly like you usually do.

Lennox: Haha, I’ll try. Let’s give it our best, Lord Faust, Lord Oz.

Faust: Well, I’ll cheer in moderation.

Oz: ……Same for me.

Akira: (I know that Rustica, Riquet, and Rutile all have plans already, so other wizards were invited, but I certainly didn’t expect that our group would have such unusual members)

Mitile: I’m glad you come, Mister Faust. You said you had no interest in something like that when I invited you together with Mister Lennox.

Lennox: Really? Ah, that’s right. You only know the Lord Faust of recent times.

Mitile: Eh? So Mister Faust used to love swordplay in the past?

Faust: Not really. It was a time of unrest, when everyone wielded a sword and fought each other. Well, I guess watching the competition will bring back some memories.

Lennox: I think so too. Let’s enjoy today, Lord Faust.

Murr: Since even the most powerful wizard in the world that is Oz shows up, let’s spice up our show of support for Hector with some thunder! Bang! Boom! Boom!

Faust: It doesn’t seem that Oz is interested in something like swordplay. Will there be trouble?

Oz: …..Cain came to me to ask me for advice about Owen potentially coming to the examination.

Akira: Oh, so you consulted the issue with Oz after we parted that day.

Cain: Yeah, since that isn’t a simple problem, you see.

Cain: Actually, I didn’t ask Oz to go with us because it’d be best to handle the problem with my own ability. Even so…

Oz: ……Owen may kill all humans present in one second if he’s in the mood for that, the same way a wolf may finish off an entire warren of rabbits for sport. Even if I give them a ward or a charm infused with my power, neither Cain nor the Sage has the power to stop him.

Akira: So you join us in person as a protector. Thank you so much, Oz.

Chloe: But Owen isn’t here now. Maybe he won’t show up at the exam after all?

Just as Chloe said, Owen was nowhere to be seen around us.

Akira: (Maybe Cain’s guess is wrong? Owen said pretty emphatically that he wouldn’t come.)

Lennox: It’s time we should go. If we don’t leave early, you won’t have the time to meet the boy Hector, Cain.

Cain: Yeah, this will be a good chance to have a chat with him. Besides cheering for Hector, I’d like to introduce him to all of you too.

Cain: Sorry to be a bother, Oz, but can you take us to the exam ground?

Oz: Vox nox.

[Inside the military building]

The place where the swordplay examination would be held was a training ground of the Knights. It was a sturdy stone building complex by the river not far from the City of Glory. In the hallway of the training building, the knight apprentices who would take the exam, the people who came to cheer for them, as well as the festive spectators turned around and looked at us in confusion.

Mitile: So the swordplay examination will happen here! There’re so many people around!

Lennox: The youths in livery are the candidates, I suppose. Looks like the tenured knights come here to support their junior colleagues like Cain too.

Chloe: Wow, there’s a long line in front of the waffle stall over there! It’s so exciting like a festival just like Cain said.

Murr: I’m all excited already! There’s a strange aura here!

Akira: A strange aura?

Hearing those unsettling worlds, I couldn’t help but ask. It was Faust who answered me instead of Murr.

Faust: There’s magic somewhere in this training ground. It’s still faint though.

Cain: Really? There’re so many people here so I didn’t notice it right away. Can it be that there’re other wizards here besides us?

Murr: That isn’t the aura of a wizard. It’s like an object infused with magic that is mixed up among us!

Akira: An object with magical power? Do you sense that it may cause something dangerous?

Oz: It’s an unusual aura, but it’s still very weak now, not enough to cause damage.

Faust: Even so, we’d better keep an eye on it just in case.

Cain: Thank you. That’s reassuring to hear. I should try my best to watch out for troubles too.

Hector: Lord Cain! Master Sage!

In that moment, a lively voice called out to us from across the sea of people. Hector made a beeline in our direction like a huge dog that found his owner as he made his way through the crowd.

Hector: Both of you really came! Thank you so much.

Full of excitement, Hector seized the hand Cain casually held out to him with both hands and squeezed it, while Cain clapped his back energetically with the free hand.

Cain: Hector! You look much calmer than I thought. You used to be so nervous to the point of shaking back then.

Hector: How can I be shaking when you and Master Sage come all the way there!

Cain: Haha, you seem A okay then! My friends here come to cheer for you, so show us your coolest performance, will you?

 

Chapter 3:

Cain introduced each of the wizards, and Hector bowed to them courteously as etiquette would demand.

Hector: I’m Hector, a squire of the Chivalric Order unit stationed at the Royal Castle. What an honor that the Sage’s Wizards come here to support me today!

Chloe: Whoa, no need to be on ceremony! Best of luck with your exam today!

Mitile: You seem to be my age, and yet you’re already taking an exam held in public. That’s amazing!

Hector: No, no, I’m nothing so grand. I’ll definitely pass the exam today and become a splendid knight like Sir Cain though!

Whisperings began to stir around us, presumably because people had heard our chatter and Hector’s grand declaration.

Knight: Cain? That Cain? He’s really here?

Knight: He’s really here! Look, the Sage’s wizards are with him. You were at his initiation ceremony, right?

Knight apprentice: I can’t believe it. Sir Cain Knightley the hero is really here!

Murr: Wow, they’re all staring at us! It’s like we’re on a stage!

Mitile: Mister Cain is really popular, isn’t he? It’s really cool how everyone looks up to him.

Cain: Haha, thanks. It’s all because a knight captain has to show up in public a lot.

Hector: It isn’t just that! Sir Cain has many exceptional qualities as a knight and is a wonderful person to boot!

Hector’s cheeks flushed red when he looked at Cain with shining eyes, as he passionately explained to us with his hand clenched tightly on his chest.

Hector: Besides being promoted to Knight Captain at a young age, Sir Cain always took the time between missions to care for us young squires. When our team was sent to subjugate the bandits, he fought with more than twelve bandits all alone and defeated them without getting a single scratch!

Mitile: Awesome! He’s just like a knight from the legends!

Hector: I know, right! I’ve been working hard all this time to be like him. When I or the other squires trained until late at night, he would discreetly bring us food and cheer us up.

Cain: Ahaha, you’re laying it too thick with your praises! You’re embarrassing me.

Cain clapped Hector’s back loudly as he spoke up with a smile.

Lennox: Are you hiding your embarrassment, Cain?

Murr: It’s Hector who is getting embarrassed, right? His face is all red!

Hector: Ahaha, pardon me. Oh, that’s right.

Hector, who was smiling awkwardly as he blushed, clapped his hands together as if remembering something.

Hector: My dear guests, would you like to try on the sword and training outfit of a knight apprentice? Today is the examination day, so they make an exception and loan out the equipment.

Chloe: Whoa, really? I’d like to try!

Mitile: I want to see what it’s like wielding a sword too!

Cain: In that case, let’s all put on the uniform. Hector, mind showing us the way to where they lend out the equipment?

Hector: Sure! Please follow me!

[A while later]

Akira: So this is the outfit of a knight apprentice! The material is so light it’s easy to move around in this.

Chloe: It certainly feels very different putting the outfit on compared to seeing it in a book. There’re things I can learn from this for when I design clothes!

Lennox: I’m not used to a form-fitting outfit like this.

Akira: You look very dashing, Lennox. You’re tall, so a sharp-looking design really suits you.

Mitile: You look so strong, Mister Leno! It’d be nice if you wear clothes in this style more often. I love seeing you in this outfit!

Lennox: Haha, since you say so, I’ll give it a thought then.

Murr: Look! Vroom Vroom!

Faust: Hey, that’s still a sword even if its blade has been ruined. It’s dangerous to wave it around like that.

Murr: Hmm, whom should I fight first? Oz is the strongest when it comes to magic, but how do you think he’ll fare in a physical fight?

Oz: I’ve been learning physical combat recently. Do you want me to fight you?

Murr: Suu-re!

Faust: No, you don’t. Oz too, please take your hand off the hilt of your sword.

Cain: This outfit brings back so many memories! I didn’t have much chance to wear it so this is fun! I used to wish with all my heart that I would get to put this outfit on someday.

Cain’s eyes crinkled wistfully as he carefully fixed his collar. Hector nodded heartily.

Hector: I know what you mean! I was overjoyed to don the training outfit of a squire for the first time when I joined the Order. When I went to watch the swordplay examination as a child, I decided that I wanted to become a knight. My wish hasn’t changed since that moment.

Chloe: So you became a squire to make your wish come true, and soon you’ll take the exam to become full-fledged knight. You must have longed for this day all this time.

Hector: That’s right! Though to tell the truth, I wanted to become a knight when Sir Cain was appointed Captain.

Hector clenched the hand that was touching his lapel and tugged at his collar as if wishing to squeeze his own neck.

Hector: Perhaps as a proper knight, perhaps I’ll be able to do something in a crisis, like when Owen attacked the Order.

My heart ached to hear the helplessness, guilt, and regret overflowing from Hector’s voice. Even though I didn’t hold the same feelings as him, Cain was someone I treasured too, who had protected both my life and my heart countless times. If I watched him rush into danger and get hurt while being unable to do anything, I would probably want to shake myself like Hector, asking why I couldn’t do anything, why I was so useless.

Cain wrapped his arm around Hector’s shoulder and looked at his face.

Cain: Hector, I…

In that moment, both Faust and Oz became alert and took out their magic focuses without a word. At the same time, the scenery around us wavered a little.

Owen: Well, that’s impossible for you anyway. You’re weak, you know.

Mitile: Mister Owen?!

Murr: Ahaha, he really comes! Cain’s instinct was on the mark!

Faust: This is no laughing matter. He shows up all of a sudden in such a conspicuous place like this.

Anxious whispers spread around the room to the point of drowning out Faust’s words. The people around us talked under their breath to each other.

Knight: He must be a wizard to appear out of the blue like that!

Knight apprentice: Odd eyes of red and gold… He must be Northern wizard Owen! The one who attacked Sir Cain!

Knight apprentice: Don’t point at him, you fool! Eek, he’s looking at us.

Knight: Does he come here to mess with the exam?! He thinks he can do whatever he wants?!

Owen: Haha, no need to look so afraid. I’m a Sage’s Wizard. I’m on the side of justice and heroes who save humans like you.

Facing people who were in a state of fear and panic, Owen’s face was full of a cruel cheer. Hector’s breathing became fast and shallow.

Hector: O- Owen, what are you doing here?! You want to attack knights again?!

Owen: That’s right.

Hector: …..!

Owen: If I say that, will you be able to stop me? You couldn’t do anything the last time, and you weren’t a knight either.

Hector: Tsk!

Hector bit his lip so tightly to the point of bleeding. He stared fixedly at Owen with anger, frustration, and fear mixing together in his eyes.

Cain: Calm down, Hector. He’s poking at you to make you angry. I’ve taught you not to fall for your opponent’s obvious taunts, right?

Hector: Sir Cain…

Cain: Anyway, Owen, you said you wouldn’t come though?

Owen: Indeed. You told me you couldn’t trust me.

Cain: I didn’t say anything like that. What I said was, if you show up at the exam ground….

Owen: Then what? Only I get to decide the time and the place I go to.

Owen forcefully cut Cain off and theatrically touched the lid of his own left eye.

Owen: Poor, poor Mister Knight. It seems that you are still unable to forget your past glory after all this time. At the moment, you certainly have neither authority nor position to give order anyone, am I wrong?

Cain: ….Tsk.

For a second, Cain gritted his teeth when being told that to his face by the very person who caused him to lose his position.

However, that reaction really last only one second. Cain took a deep breath, exhaled, and raised his head. Then he shrugged with his customary cheerful casualness.

Cain: Ah well, you’re indeed correct.

Owen: What?

Cain: Besides that, even if I still had my position or any authority, you aren’t my subordinate. So this is a request for you, not an order. Please stop trying to provoke Hector and the kids who will be in the tournament.

Chapter 4:

Owen: ……

Cain: The way you are now, I do believe what you say. Even so, I can’t act like what you did in the past never happened.

Having said that, Cain turned to Hector and met his eyes. Leaning in just a little, Cain tapped Hector’s shoulder heartily.

Cain: Hector, I know you’re bothered by Owen, but you should focus on your duel for the time being.

Hector: Yes, sir. My apologies. You have to protect me again, Sir Cain.

Cain: Don’t worry about that. I only do what I want to do. That’s all. That’s right? How about a little spar with me? I want to have a look at how far you’ve progressed now.

Hector: Y- Yes, sir! I’ll be glad to.

Cain: You guys come watch us too. Let’s call it practice before we get to the real match.

Lennox: Let’s go, Master Sage. The longer we stay here like this, the fouler the atmosphere will become.

Akira: You’re right. Shall we go watch Cain and Hector spar?

Chloe: Sure! But Owen, don’t you want to try on this outfit first?

Darting a glance at the tense expressions of the people around us, Chloe asked in just a bit too fast pace.

Chloe: We’ll look like a team if we all dress the same way. Bright colors suit you too, Owen.

Owen: I see. So we have to put on this outfit when we are here?

Chloe: Uhm, that isn’t mandatory or something. I just think it’ll be more fun for both you and everyone else.

Owen: In that case, nope. I don’t want to wear your so-called bright colors. It’s just your habit of flattering people without thinking that prompted you to say those suit me.

Chloe: Eh, I really think so though.

In that moment, Murr winked at a confused Chloe then spinned around and peered at Owen’s face.

Murr: Wow, Owen is showing some remarkable restraint. The people here would be terrified to see the wizard who once attacked the Chivalric Order donning the uniform of a knight.

Owen: Restraint? That isn’t…

Akira: O- Oh, it’s just like Murr said! You’re so kind, Owen! You’re so terrifying already. If you put on the knight uniform, everyone would run away. That’s why you decided not to wear it, am I right?!

Chloe: Oh… I see! It’d be too scary, so it’s indeed better if Owen doesn’t try the outfit.

Suspicion was all over Owen’s face as we talked, however, eventually, he smirked.

Owen: Hrmph, I’ll wear that. I’ll show everyone present in this place the depth of despair.

Akira: Oh no---, please don’t do that, Owen!

Owen: Get moving and show me the way already, won’t you? I should change into the uniform, you know.

Chloe: S- sure, this way! Let’s all go together!

Cain: In that case, please reserve a spot at the training ground for us, Hector. I’ll join you right away.

Hector: Roger that!

Hector sprang forth on his way as the wizards headed towards the booth to borrow outfits. I moved away from the rest of the group a little and approached Cain.

Akira: Sorry for asking, but is it really okay like this? The knights especially, will they mind?

Cain: Frankly it’d be a lie if I claim that everyone is fine and dandy. Of course they’re all pretty angry, resentful, and afraid of Owen. Even so, they’re knights.

Cain’s face was grim but he spoke in a tone that brokered no argument. I glanced around the hallway, the atmosphere of which had calmed down a little.

Cain: They can all keep their anger or resentment in check and focus on what they should do. That’s what knights are like. It’s true that they’re bothered by Owen, but now their attention is on their duties, and so they move on.

Placing a hand on his sword and straightening his back, Cain smiled at me.

Cain: Let’s focus on what we are here for too. I’ll go with Hector. Please join us after Owen is done.

[At the training ground]

Chloe: The outfit really suits you, Owen! Bright colors really look good on you!

Murr: Sca-ry!

Owen: *Chuckles* I surely am.

The training ground was overflowing with excitement and nerves. The knight apprentices were making the final corrections before their duels all around us. When Owen was done with changing, we went to watch Cain ad Hector at one corner of the place where the exam would be held.

Oz: They have started.

Hector drew his sword. With nervousness all over his expression, he faced Cain with sword in hand. On the other side, Cain was casual like always, virtually untouched by nerves or excitement. From the outside, it looked like he was simply standing there with his sword out of the scabbard.

Mitile: You’re both so dashing! But why has neither of you moved yet?

Lennox: Cain is waiting for Hector to start, I think. But since Cain is leaving no opening, Hector probably can’t make a move yet.

Cain: Since you aren’t coming to me, I’ll go first then. Hah!

As if to prove Lennox’s comment was accurate, Cain made a big stride forward and charged at Hector with all his might.

Hector: Aaaaah!

However, Hector was no less impressive. He blocked Cain’s attack with his own sword and directed it to a side.

Cain: Oh, that’s a pretty nice move just now!

Hector: R- really?! I practiced that a lot!

Cain: Yeah, you’ve really improved! However….

Chloe: Oh!

Just as Chloe let out a small cry, Cain raised his sword again. Hector was a bit too late and thus was pried open. His sword fell on to the ground with a clang.

Cain: You’re focusing too much force in your hand. When you face a powerful attack like just now, you won’t be able to divert it effectively.

Cain picked up the sword that flew off from Hector’s hand and handed it to him, then gave him a smile that was like a pleasant breeze.

Cain: Don’t be so tense. You’ll definitely win with your ability, so calm down and let go of the force a bit, will you?

Hector: Y-yes sir! Still, I can’t help but feel nervous when I remember that my future hangs on this duel.

Cain: Indeed. I used to get nervous a lot too so I understand how you feel. But in actual battle, that may cost a life. When you’re so nervous you can’t even think, be conscious of that and take a walk around to fix it. Otherwise you’d be so occupied with winning that you lose sight of yourself.

Hector: Thank you! I’ll be careful!

We waited until Hector put his sword back to the scabbard then approached him and Cain.

Chloe: Well done! You were really cool there! Is your hand alright though?

Faust: You seem hurt. I can heal you with magic.

Hector: Sir Cain has patted me down properly already so I’m fine! Thank you for your concern.

Mitile: Excuse me, I’d like to try a short spar with the sword! May I?

Lennox: You’ll get injured if you don’t handle weapons properly. Please learn how to wield a sword from Cain first.

Murr: Eh, that sounds like a pain! Proper way to handle the sword and what’s not, we should be able to defeat Cain if we gang up on him in large number anyway, right?

Owen: That won’t work obviously. Didn’t you hear that he won fighting against twelve bandits at once?

Mitile: Eh, you heard that too, Mister Owen?

Akira: (Wow so he was around us for a while apparently? He hid his aura so well.)

In that moment, Chloe’s gaze paused on the cuff of Hector’s sleeve.

Chloe: Huh? Hector, there’s a tear on the sleeve of your coat.

Hector: Oh, that’s true! It was probably from the spar earlier. Oh man… I suppose I can hide it if I shove the sleeve up my arm?

Chloe: Uh, I don’t think you can hide that. I can fix it for you if you don’t mind? I’m on my way to becoming a tailor.

Hector: Really? Please!

Chloe: Leave it to me! This will only take a second.

Taking the coat from Hector, Chloe summoned the sewing box that he used as his magic focus. Just as he had said, he mended the tear in the blink of an eye.

Chloe: I’m done! Here, it’s good as new now.

Hector: Wow, thank you! You fixed this so quickly…. Uhm, did you cast magic on the coat just now?

Chloe stiffened under Hector’s straightforward question. Hesitating a little, he replied with a nervous smile.

Chloe: Oh, uhm, just a bit of magic so that the stiches stayed even, but nothing else! I didn’t put a curse in your coat or something!

Hector: Oh, no, that’s not what I meant! You fixed the tear so fast it was like a miracle, so I wondered if you used clothes-fixing magic or something. But you still sewed mostly by hand, didn’t you? That’s amazing, Chloe. I can’t do any sewing at all.

Chloe: E- Ehehe! You flattered me too much, calling it a miracle and such!

Akira: Chloe regularly makes outfits for wizards and many other people. He has a good reputation for fashionable and comfortable designs.

Cain: Hector, you were at our investiture ceremony, right? It was Chloe who made what we wore for that occasion.

Hector: Those awesome outfits? I thought they were done by the palace tailors.

Hector: Chloe, when I become a great knight in the future, will you make some outfits for me?

Chloe widened his eyes for a second then smiled happily like a blooming flower, as he nodded enthusiastically under the clear blue sky.

Chloe: Sure! It’s my dream to become a tailor in Western Country someday. Though I’m not a full fledged tailor yet, I’ll work hard to become an amazing tailor who can make clothes fit for the great knight that you’ll be.

Hector: Nice! I’ll be come a knight who can match the great outfits that you make too.

Owen: ….Haha, how adorable.

Owen looked at Chloe and Hector, who were chatting excitedly about their dreams, and curled his lips in mock gentleness.

Owen: You two forget that you’re weak and prattle on about achieve dreams that are way beyond your abilities. Are you having fun?

Hector: What’s that? That tone is uncalled for, you know.

 

 

Chapter 5:

Hector opened frowned in response to Owen’s words, which were like a bucket of cold water splashed on his enthusiasm. Owen’s smile became wider.

Owen: Did you say something?

Hector: I- I mean, why would you say things like that when other people were having fun talking?

Owen: And? You want me to tell you that your dream will come true? You seem to love lies for someone who aspires to be a knight.

Cain: Stop that, Owen. And you, Hector, don’t pay attention to him. Focus on your important duel only.

Hector: B- But….

Owen’s eyes crinkled as he peered at Hector’s face and laughed like purring.

Owen: Haha. You couldn’t even draw your sword that day when I attacked but now you’re mouthing off to me? Ooh, I know. Your Sir Cain is here today so you’re feeling bold, perhaps? Sir Cain will protect you should something happen and such. I’ll let you know, your Sir Cain is not a match for me though.

Hector: Tsk, you bastard!

Cain: Owen, I asked to stop, didn’t I?! Hector, calm down!

Oz: Owen.

Under the light of the sun from high above, Oz called out in a low voice, his magic focus already in his hand again.

Glancing from Hector, whose hand was on the hilt of his sword, to Cain, who was keeping him in check, Owen lightly stepped back.

Owen: Haha, sorry, sorry. I’m only telling him the truth but it looks like I’m spoiling the mood here.

Hector: Try insult Sir Cain again! I’ll…

Cain: Hector! That’s just a common trick. If you take it to heart, you’ll be right where your opponent wants you to be.

Hector: But!!

Hector heaved his chest. Looking at Cain, who was restraining him, he asked as his cheeks flushed red from anger.

Hector: Sir Cain, why do you keep company with someone like that? I know he’s your fellow Sage’s Wizard, but even so!

Cain: It’s because he’s a Sage’s wizard like me. He and I, we both have the same duty of saving the world.

Cain stressed every word as he looked at the flame-colored eyes of Hector.

Cain: The Great Calamity will definitely attack again. My sentiments are irrelevant. Until that day, I must become stronger.

Cain: The enemy we fought against yesterday may become our ally today when political situation or military objective change. It’s the same with Owen.

Hector: …..

Hector didn’t nod. Perhaps that was impossible for him because he was an honest person. However, that didn’t mean he didn’t understand or accept what Cain told him. Even if the person in question seemed fine with the situation, it must be hard to nod and go along with someone you loved being in the same team as an enemy you loathed.

Lennox gently clapped the back of a dejected Hector.

Lennox: It’s the proof of your courage that you have the heart to be angry for someone’s sake. You acted like a trustworthy ally, Hector.

Hector: Uhm, not at all…..

Lennox: By the way, the tournament will probably start soon. Before that, can you show Mitile your sword?

Hector: My sword?

Mitile: Huh… Oh, yes! Mister Cain showed his sword to me before. It was really cool.

Murr: I want to see it too!

Akira: Same here! Please, Hector!

Understanding that the wizards were trying to get Hector out of his foul mood by changing the topic, I joined in with a cheerful voice.

Perhaps Hector understood our intention because he breathed deeply in and out several times, until he regained his cheer and smiled again.

Hector: Sure! But the sword I use for the actual duel is different from the one I used for sparring.

Hector took a sword wrapped in its scabbard from his belongings that were nearby.

Hector: This is the sword I will use in the actual duel. It looks like Sir Cain’s sword, doesn’t it?

The moment they saw the sword, Faust and Oz widened their eyes a little, while Murr blinked. Even Owen looked at the sword as if something attracted his attention.

Akira: (What’s the problem? It doesn’t seem to be that unusual a sword)

Mitile: It really looks like Mister Cain’s sword. The scabbard especially is identical.

Hector: I know, right! After Sir Cain was discharged from the Chivalric Order, I found this sword in a shop in the Capital and bought it on impulse.

Cain: Oh, you must have used this sword a lot since you bought it. One can tell the sword has seen a lot of practice.

Hector: Ehehe, that’s right! The last time I touched this sword was the recent attack of the Great Calamity though. The town was in chaos as the moon seemed about to fall down. And you were fighting to save the world. Yet I couldn’t do anything even though I had the same sword as you. I wanted to be like you, but I did nothing. After that, I stopped using this sword and started praying to it instead.

Akira: You, pray to it?

Hector: Yes! I pray that I will win in the duel to pass the swordplay examination and become a strong, brave knight like Sir Cain. Today is the first time I use this sword in a while. If my dream of becoming a knight comes true with this sword, I will make it my personal sword permanently.

Chloe: So you wish with all your heart and work accordingly. Your dream will definitely come true!

Lennox: Yeah, you have our support.

Owen: *chuckles* I too will pray for your success.

Owen’s blood-red eyes glinted as he looked at Hector’s sword and smiled. Then he vanished into thin air, leaving behind a foreboding feeling despite his supportive words..

Hector: W- What’s with that guy? What does he mean with ‘praying for my success’?

Faust: Hector, one minute. I know you’re going to use this sword for your official duel, but may we have a look? I want to check it with magic.

Hector: This sword? You want to check it?

Faust: Yeah, earlier we sensed a strange presence. This sword is probably the source of that.

Akira: Eh?!

Oz: It’s quite faint but I sense the aura of the Great Calamity in this sword. Perhaps it has been influenced by the Calamity.

Hector: That can’t be…

It was understandable that Hector would be shaken to be told that his favorite sword had a strange aura. He hugged the sword to his chest as if to protect it.

Cain placed his hand on Hector’s back in a gesture of reassurance.

Cain: Hector, let us have a look. If your favorite sword that you’ll use in the exam gets messed up by the Calamity, I’ll be mad too. The aura it carries isn’t very strong, so we can purify in no time before the exam starts. Give me the sword, pl-

Hector: Piss off!

As Cain reached for the sword, Hector cried out in a shrill voice. A stunned silence fell over us, as a cold, damp wind carried dark clouds that blocked out the blue sky above us.

Akira: H- Hector? What’s wrong?

As I cautiously talked to him, Hector blinked as if waking up from a dream. He immediately paled.

Hector: Pardon my insolence, Sir Cain! I was…

As Hector deeply bowed his head, the bell rang three times. He startled and raised his head.

Hector: Crap, that’s the bell summoning the candidates…. My apologies, I have to leave now! I deeply regret what I did earlier!

Mitile: Mister Hector, wait….! Oh, he’s gone.

Akira: What should we do about him now? He obviously acted strange just now.

Lennox: Perhaps that’s the influence of the sword. Shall we follow him?

Faust: No, as things are it’s better to monitor the situation from a distance. We can get the sword from him by force, but his heart seems to be under its influence.

Cain: That’s trouble. If his heart is in disarray, his sword skill will become a mess too. I don’t want to disturb his mental state more than what has happened so far right before an important duel.

Cain: Just to be sure, the sword as it is now isn’t a big influence, right?

Murr: Seems like it! Everything seemed normal until you tried to touch the sword.

Akira: In that case, I’d like to wait until Hector’s duel is over. Will that be okay?

Chloe: That’s fair. Hector has been working hard for today. Let’s go ask him to let us look at his sword right after his duel!

We nodded in agreement of what Chloe said.

From the spire high above, the trumpets of the military played a bright and bold melody. The swordplay examination had begun in a spectacular manner.

Young knight apprentice: Haaa!

Young knight apprentice: Whoa?!

Judge: Stop!

Judge: Good match, you two!

Audience: You did your best!

Both the winner and the loser received cheers and applause from the audience. At the same time, there was the sound of swords fiercely clashing against each other from a nearby duel area. There were many candidates, so the examination ground was divided into multiple blocks like in the selection round of a big sport competition. That way, several matches could be held at once.

We watched other candidates undertake their exam in the block where Hector was scheduled to have his match.

Chloe: The blond winner was so quick!

Lennox: The tall candidate who lost had some nice moves though. He still has much room to grow, I think.

Mitile: The match was amazing! Mister Cain, could you watch it?

Cain: Yeah! They appeared to be among those who have hi-fived me. I was startled when Murr said loudly “I heard touching Cain’s hand will bring luck for the duel”, but that was very helpful.

Murr: You’re welcome! I’ve never seen a queue that long, I’ll have to say!

Akira: Even people who didn’t seem to be exam candidates were in the queue, like tenured knights and even some grandmas.

As we were exchanging what we thought about the matches, Faust looked at the schedule of the examination.

Faust: Hector will be in the next match, apparently.

Oz: …..

Akira: What’s the matter, Oz?

Oz: It’s not much, but the aura of that magically warped sword has become stronger.

Akira: Eh, does that mean…

Murr: Hector is there!

 

Chapter 6:

Just as I was about to ask Oz to elaborate, Hector appeared on the duel ground with the youth who would be his opponent. Besides the obvious nervousness on his face, there was nothing unusual about Hector. In his flame-colored eyes burnt the determination to step forward and face his challenge.

Cain didn’t say anything. His mismatched eyes looked intently as if to pray or to ascertain something.

Facing his opponent for this duel, Hector drew the sword that was so like Cain’s from its scabbard.

Judge: Start!

Hector: Haaa!

With Hector’s fiery charge, the match started.

Chloe: Go, Hector, go!

Mitile: W- Wow, that’s an amazing back and forth just now! Mister Leno, who is winning?

Lennox: It’s still a draw. The two sides are evenly matched.

The swords clashed against each other more ferociously here than in the previous matches. As I was on the edge of my seat as I watched, strange things began to happen.

Akira: Is it just me, or Hector’s sword has been flashing several times just now?

Chloe: I saw that too! Look, it happens again.

At that time, the flash was very faint. Every time Hector’s face contorted in apparently frustration as his opponent pressed him, his sword lit up only a little. None of the judges and the audience noticed that, but the expressions of the senior wizards became grave.

Murr: Hey, the magic in that sword has been getting stronger, don’t you think?

Faust: Yeah, I have a bad feeling about this.

Akira: You have a bad feeling? What will happen because of that sword?

Oz: The sword’s character has been changing in response to Hector’s heart. If the situation continues-

Mitile: Oh! Watching out, Hector!

As Oz was about to say something, Mitile called out in a panicked voice. As I turned my attention to the match, Hector’s opponent made an aggressive charge with all his might, presumably because he got impatient as the tie couldn’t be broken. Hector seemed to stave off the attack somehow. However, his legs stumbled backward a step.

Chloe – Mitile: Oh!

Hector: Damn! I can’t lose here!

In that moment.

The youth who was Hector’s opponent: W- What?! What’s that light just now?

The sword in Hector’s hand began to give off an ominous light with an intensity unrecognizable from before.

Akira: W- What’s that?

Oz: That’s the Calamity’s influence. That sword has become a monster.

Hector raised the shining sword against his opponent, who had retreated deeply from surprise. There was no expression on his face. It was like he had become a puppet.

Hector: Haaaa!

The youth who was Hector’s opponent: …Urgh!

The youth tried to stop Hector’s attack but he was blasted backward.

Hector: *gasps* I won’t lose. I can’t lose! I don’t want to be protected and sheltered only. I will certainly, definitely become a brave and strong knight!

The other youth had no time to recover his posture. Hector breathed heavily and swinged the unusually shining sword.

Cain: Stop, Hector!

Holding the sword that he used as his magic focus in hand, Cain charged forward. In that moment, Owen appeared next to Hector like a mirage.

Owen: Cuore memini.

Hector: Whoa?!

Immediately after Owen cast his spell, Hector collapsed on the spot. The sword fell from his limp hand.

Owen: *chuckles* Just as I thought. You certainly fought very energetically.

Akira: Owen! Hector!

We rushed to Hector’s side. Lennox quickly checked his pulse.

Lennox: It appears that he simply passed out. He’ll probably wake up again soon.

Akira: That’s a relief. Owen, thank-…

Faust: This is no time to be relieved yet. Look around you.

Akira: Eh?

Hearing Faust say that, I lifted my head and was struck by the anxious and suspicious gazes around us. The audience murmured in a low voice to each other.

Audience: What just happened? I thought the sword flashed strangely, then that guy blasted him with magic.

Audience: Did the wizard cast magic on the sword? Then blew the boy away himself?

Akira: (That’s right. People who are watching don’t know that the sword is acting strange because it’s under the influence of the Calamity. So from the outside looking it, Owen appears to be sabotaging the exam.)

Just as a chill went through me, in the audience, a young man who appeared to be a knight looked at us with wide eyes and went pale with fear. He pointed at Owen.

Young knight: H- He! He has changed his clothes but that’s the Northern wizard Owen! He must have sabotaged the match with magic. It was him who attacked the Knights of the Royal Castle!

A wave of anxious murmurs immediately swelled up among the crowd. Their worries and suspicion turning to fear and hostility, the knights stepped forward with their hands on the hilts of their swords.

Chloe: No, you’re mistaken! Owen actually stopped the strange incident….

Oz: Stay back.

Faust: Yeah, a crowd in confusion and panic can sometimes be even more cruel than a Northern wizard.

Lennox: Master Sage, Mitile, stay close to me.

Murr: Ahaha! Total chaos! Exactly what Owen loves!

Surrounded by a crowd that had gone pale with fear, Owen was completely silent for a moment. Then he smiled poisonously like an evil spirit.

Owen: *Sneers* That’s right. It’s me….

Cain: No.

A voice that brokered no argument stopped Owen in his track. Cain, who was taking care of Hector, stood him. Unwavering in the face of the dagger-like stares, he resolutely looked at the terrified people in the crowd.

Cain: He didn’t cause the disturbance. That was because of the Great Calamity and he actually stopped it. Well, I understand that his method was on the rough side though.

Cain: The cause of the incident is the sword of Hector’s, I mean, the knight apprentice that blasted away. It went out of control due to the influence of the Great Calamity. Because of his sword, Hector lost himself and was about to kill his opponent for real. That’s why Owen caused him to pass out.

Owen: What? That’s not it. It was me who sabotaged the match. Even a fool can tell that.

Audience: H- He said that himself?

Cain: Well, he’s just being his contrarian self. He’s a Northern wizard, you see. Besides that, he’s a Sage’s Wizards. Like Master Sage here and me, he has the duty of resolving strange incidents caused by the Calamity, which he has always fulfilled satisfactorily. Since I’m his fellow Sage’s Wizard, could you please trust me about that?

In reaction to Cain’s confident speech, the audience looked at each other. The knights slowly took their hands from the hilts of their swords.

Young knight: I see. Since Sir Cain has said so, I will trust that guy… since he’s a Sage’s Wizard.

Audience: Yeah, I’ve heard about how the Sage’s Wizards investigate and deal with strange occurrences.

We breathed out in relief as the tension dissipated. Chloe and Mitile too relaxed.

However, Owen’s gaze was stormy. He stared daggers at Cain, such that if I had been on the receiving end I would have cowered and apologized right way.

Owen: Hey. You…

In that moment, Hector woke up. He immediately reached for his sword again and sprang on this feet like a marionette on taunt strings.

Hector: I cannot lose! I must win!

Chloe: Whoa?!

[White flash]

Hector’s sword shined ominously again. It’s light was so bright it made my vision go white. I instinctively closed my eyes. When the light faded and I could finally opened my eyes again, the examination ground was in a scramble.

[Swords clashing effect]

Chloe: Eh? The swords are moving by themselves!

Akira: (What’s going on? The swords are flying out from their sheaths and fighting each other in the air!)

It was a bizarre sight. Unsheathing themselves, the swords soared into the air and began to fight with fellow floating swords.

Knight apprentice: Wait, my sword! What?!

A knight apprentice caught his sword, which was flying up. Right away, he got into the stance for duel as if being possessed. Then, under apparently influence of his sword, he began to charge at another knight apprentice who similarly touched a sword.

Knight apprentice: What’s going on?! Why is my body moving by itself?!

Knight apprentice: How should I know?! Fuck, stop that!

The startled audience began to run away from the examination ground. Here and there came someone’s scream in fear or frustration. On top of that was the noise of the panicking knights and the swords clashing with each other.

Mitile: This place has become total chaos! Hector has disappeared too!

Murr: Cha-os! Cha-os!

Akira: W- What is going on? Is this all because of Hector’s sword?

Oz: Yes. Under the influence of the Calamity, the wish placed in the sword was warped into an obsession, which reacted to that knight’s apprentice fervent desire for a once-in-a-lifetime duel.

Oz: At the moment, that sword is a monster. A child-like and innocent one though.

Akira: Eh?

Knight: Sir Cain!

The knights and knight apprentices, whose scabbards were all empty, hastily rushed in our direction. They surrounded us like drowning people looking for a place to hold on to.

Knight: Sir Cain, what should we do know?!

Knight apprentice: Lords Sage’s Wizards, please help us!

 

Chapter 7:

Owen: Haha. How disgraceful.

Owen looked at the panicking knights and muttered in a tone that I couldn’t tell whether it was mockery or disappointment. His lips curling in a twist, he said something I couldn’t hear.

Cain: ……

However, right in front of us, Cain closed his eyes shut and took deep, calming breaths. His hair with the color of a warm fire fluttered in the wind like the flame of a lamp that guided people through a brutal blizzard in which they couldn’t even see their own hands.

Cain: You should do your duties, of course. The usual work of a knight. Helping people in need and protecting our allies.

Owen: ……

Cain: The priority should be the safety of the spectators! Lead everyone to the hallway before they get injured from panic. Until this is over, follow our instructions. Are you fine with that?

Knight: Y- Yes, sir! Let’s go, guys! Let’s split up and show people the way!

Knight apprentice: Roger!

With Cain’s clear order, the knights’ fear seemed to disappear. They quickly spread around the examination ground, which was engulfed in panic.

Cain: Chloe, Mitile. Sorry to be a bother, but do you mind giving them a hand? The rest of us will do something about Hector.

Chloe: Sure! Let’s go, Mitile!

Mitile: B- But I can go help Hector too!

Lennox: Your medicine will be needed if there’re injured people, Mitile. You and I, let’s take up the work we can do.

Mitile: …I will do it! I’ll be on my way then!

Akira: Be careful, you two!

Faust: Let’s do our part then. First thing first, the situation seems to have calmed down.

Akira: D- Does it really? The swords are still flying everywhere, and people are still being controlled by them.

Murr: Take a deep breath and watch closely, Master Sage! The swords don’t attack anyone, and the people under their influence aren’t killing each other. See?

Following what Murr said, I took a deep breath. Then I looked again at the swords that were flying around in the air and the people moving like puppets. It was true that upon closer observation, the bare blades floating at a height that Lennox would reach if he jumped were only dueling with each other without attacking anyone.

The people under the influence were moving like robots. However, they seemed to be more afraid of the fact that their bodies acted on their own accord than the fighting itself.

Oz: What the monster sword is seeking isn’t the scream of people or blood but a victory. Just like the heart of the young, innocent knight apprentice.

Akira: Hector…

Cain: Indeed. Because he’s such a person, he can focus on his dream of becoming a knight at all times.

Cain said thoughtfully then looked directly at Oz.

Cain: Oz, is there a way to calm Hector’s sword down?

Oz: Yes, by teaching him defeat. The boy’s desire for a victory and his fear of defeat has turned his sword into a monster. Accordingly, once he tastes defeat and has his wish denied, the delusion will disappear.

Cain: So the solution is to defeat him in duel of swordplay. I’ll do that.

Cain held the sword that he used as his magic focus in his hand. In the midst of the chaos, his sword was the only one that was the same as ever.

Cain: Hector has been pursuing that dream for a decade odd now. No way it’ll be broken by some disturbance from the Calamity that only went out of hand this year.

Murr: Ahaha, ‘only went out of hand this year’ is an amazing turn of phrase! Pretty apt though!

Faust: It’s hard to track Hector’s aura at the moment because of the monster sword and messy situation of the examination ground. Let’s look for him while suppressing the disturbance.

Oz: Stick to me, Sage.

Akira: Got it!

Cain: Owen, I know it’s a bother but please help….

Owen: What? You know I’ll say no.

Owen, who had been quiet throughout our discussion, was standing with his back against us. He looked at Cain through his shoulder. Then, uncharacteristic for him, he smiled as if to nail his open annoyance at Cain.

Owen: I love disorder and unrest. Even a fool like you should be aware of that already. Goodbye.

Lennox: He’s disappeared.

Cain: Well, no harm in trying. We’ll do what we can then. Let’s go!

Akira: Yes!

Knight under influence: Why is my body grabbing the sword by itself?! Please stop it!

Cain: Lennox, take care of that!

Lennox: Sure. Forsetao meiuva.

Knight under influence: Thank-… Oh no, the sword is flying back here!

[Slashing effect]

Faust: Satillquinart mulcreed.

Lennox: Thank you, Lord Faust.

Faust: No need to thank me. So you aren’t using your martial arts today.

Lennox: That’s….

Knight under influence: Fuck, I can’t get the sword away from me! You there, run!

Faust: Satill-

Lennox: Haaa!

[Shaking effect]

Lennox: Phew. Excuse me, Lord Faust, but I think I should use martial arts after all.

Faust: *chuckles* The same as always, I see.

Murr: Eanul rambul

Knight under influence: O- Oh, that sword leaves me alone finally! Thank goodness!

Akira: Thank you, Murr!

Murr: It’s no big deal! It’s fun when there’s trouble!

Murr: What about you, Oz? Do you like troubles too? Like what’s happening now?

Akira: Eh?

Murr pointed at the air above Oz’s head. I looked in that direction. Several swords that were fighting each other in the air nearby all flew at Oz.

Akira: What?!

Oz: Vox nox.

Without a slightest ruffle in his expression, Oz raised the staff that he used as his magic focus and cast his spell. The swords that were aiming at him all froze in the air. Then they quietly fell on to a ground like a silver shower.

Akira: Wow, you deal with them so quickly. You’re amazing as always, Oz.

Murr: Oooh, so that was no trouble for you at all?

Oz: I’m used to others being enticed by my power and picking fights with me. Same for commotions like this.

Oz looked at Cain, who was knocking a sword off a youth who seemed to be a knight apprentice. His gaze dwelled on the scene for an imperceptible moment.

Oz: Even so, it is important to Cain that he resolves this incident with his own ability.

Knight: Sir Cain!

The knights poured out from the direction of the hallway to where Cain was.

Knight: We have evacuated all spectators! We’ll help out here too!

Cain: Thank you! Use your sheath or anything you like to knock the swords away from the guys being controlled by them.

Faust: Don’t touch the swords. Humans will immediately fall under their influence.

Knight apprentice: Roger!

Lennox: Are the spectators alright? What about Mitile and Chloe? I mean the wizards with brown hair and red hair who went with them.

Knight apprentice: Everyone is safe and sound, sir! Some people got injured during the panic, but nothing serious. Those who have some medical skills and that smart wizard boy are caring them for them.

[In the hallway]

Mitile: I’m going to apply the salve that will stop the pain for you. How do you feel? Does it still hurt?

Injured woman: I’m feeling much better now. Thanks.

Mitile: I’m glad to hear that! I wish you a quick recovery.

Injured youth: *sniffs*

Chloe: Mitile, can you have a look at the boy here too? It seems that he tripped when evacuating and hurt his knee.

Mitile: I’m coming!

Injured youth: It hurts…

Mitile: Don’t worry. I’m applying this salve for you.

Injured youth: *sniffs* Thank you, Mister Wizard.

Knight of the training ground: Thanks for helping us caring for injured people, Mister Wizard. Thanks to you, everyone seems to have calmed down.

Mitile: Ehehe, my teacher has taught me some medical skills. I’m glad I bring lots of medicines with me.

Chloe: Thanks, Mitile. It’s Rustica who usually does the healing with magic, so I don’t have much experience with injuries.

Mitile: Don’t worry, Chloe. You and I, we will all find something that we can do. To be honest, I wanted to fight alongside Mister Leno and everyone, but now I’m glad I came here instead.

Chloe: Something that I can do, huh.

Knight of the training ground: Is there someone who can go have a look around the examination ground? We need to make sure no one is left behind!

Chloe: I can do this.

Chloe: Mister, I’ll go! I can use my magic to protect people who are still out there and take them here.

Knight of the training ground: You will? That’d be great! Thank you, Sage’s Wizard.

Mitile: Mister Chloe, be careful out there!

Chloe: I will! See you later!

[The examination ground]

Knight under influence: Aaah no! I don’t want to fight! !

Other knights: Wait there! We’ll go help you!

Owen: Haha, what a scene. Wailing and gnashing of teeth with chaos everywhere. It’s like the deepest layer of Hell.

Handsome knight: Stop there! No way you can win against me with just a scabbard!

Young knight: I’m not running way from you!! Shit, this fucking sword!!

Handsome knight: Don’t swear!

Young knight: Now isn’t the time for that though?!

Owen: …..

Young knight: Shit, it’s really hard with fight with a scabbard…. Oow!!

Handsome knight: That won’t work! This sword can’t be…

Owen: Cuore morito.

Handsome knight: Aaaa?!

Young knight: Sir Marshall?! Hey, you wizard over there! Why did you blow Sir Marshall away like that?!

Owen: Because it’d be funny. You see, your commanding officer was being yanked around by that sword, panicking, ineffectually yelling. How pathetic.

Young knight: You!

Handsome knight: Ow… Stop that. He blew the sword off for me. I wasn’t hurt that much either.

Handsome knight: Pardon my subordinate. He’s an ignorant provincial kid so he didn’t realize you’re a Sage’s Wizard. You have my gratitude for saving me.


Chapter 8:

Owen: What? Who’s helping you? I’m only here to laugh at your sorry excuse of a face.

Handsome knight: If we look at the result then you did help me regardless. I’m all good now, time to go. There’s a guy over there who is being controlled by a sword…

Owen: Are you that dumb? Stop fooling around and run away. What a beaten dog should do is to slink off with tail between its legs. What happened just now should make it plenty clear that you lot don’t have the ability to resolve this incident. Whether it’s your chivalric ideals, willingness to sacrifice, love, or team spirit, it’s worth less than dog food here.

Handsome knight: Even so, to be a knight is to do all we can to protect people, like how Sir Cain fought to the very end to protect his subordinates even though he was overwhelmed by the Northern wizard Owen.

Owen: ….

[Shaking effect]

Young knight: Oh no! Sir Marshall, Lord Wizard! The roof is falling down! Run!

Chloe: Looks like everyone has evacuated safely. I’m glad. How are Cain and Master Sage doing though? I’m worried about Hector too.

[Shaking effect]

Young knight: Sir Marshall, Lord Wizard! The roof is falling down! Run!

Owen: Tsk…

Chloe: Suispicibo Voitengok!

Young knight: Wh- the roof is suspended in the air!

Chloe: I made it! Are you al-….

[Shaking effect]

Chloe: What?! Part of the roof….

Owen: Cuore memini

[Whirlwind effect]

Chloe: *coughs* All of the roof has turned to dust! Thank you, Owen!

Owen: What do you think you’re doing?

Chloe: Eh? I’m going around to check if someone was left behind during the evacuation. Mitile is handling the medical care already, so I find something else I can help with.

Owen: That’s not what I mean. I’m asking you, why did you play savior to that lot? You don’t even know them. You nearly turned to stone just now. Being crushed by a falling roof is such an unsightly way to die, you know.

Chloe: That’s…

Owen: Oh, I get it. If you sacrificed yourself and turned to stone, the humans would love you. Is that it? Do you think by helping them humans and turning to stone, you would be loved by all as the kind Lord Wizard Chloe?

Owen: Haha, too bad for you though. You’re weak and a nobody, so no one will pay attention even if you sacrifice your life. There’ll be nothing left of you. Neither honor nor admiration.

Chloe: That’s not what I want though. I can’t really explain it but, I want to love myself.

Owen: What?

Chloe: Like how Cain’s group are looking for Hector to calm him down, or Mitile taking care of the injured people, everyone is doing what they can do. I can’t do much but I want to try my best so that the me of tomorrow will have no regret.

Owen: Heh, so you’re a fool, in other words. Both you and those knights are weak, so there’s no guarantee that you’ll live to tomorrow. Even if you manage to stay alive, you’ll probably be too shaken to simply hold a needle. And you said you did it so that you could love yourself? Enough with your goody-two-shoes act and your vanity. Or you want to end up unable to thread your needle after all?

Chloe: But I’m still alive. And my hands are A-okay. I’ve my needle with me too. I don’t know much about knights, but I suppose the knights and their apprentices here are the same. They’re all pursuing the dream of being a knight with all their might. They definitely wish to take pride in their dream and love themselves.

Owen: …..

Owen: Tsk.

Chloe: Wait, Owen! Where’re you going?

Owen: Where the other weaklings are. I’ll find proof if what you said is just a vain pantomime of a good person. We’ll see whether your rambling about loving oneself and taking pride in one’s dream no matter if they are a waste of space compared to a wizard who attacked the Chivalric Order is just nonsense sprouted by a fool during sleep.

Owen: Those knights just now don’t know me. So I’ll look for the ones who do.

Chloe: Oh! Mind if I go with you? I’ll try not to be a deadweight again!

Owen: ….

Owen: Do whatever you like? Remember, I’ll just leave you behind if you turn to stone though.

Chloe: Got it! Thanks, Owen!

[Change of scene]

Cain: Gladius procella!

Murr: Eanul rambul!

Lennox: Master Sage.

Faust: We have collected all the swords from the group of knight apprentices that were running amok by the entry of the examination ground.

Akira: Thank you, Faust, Lennox! There are much fewer knights who lost control of themselves now.

[Sound of footstep]

Mitile: Master Sage! Everyone! I’m here to help you!

Akira: Oh Mitile! Everything goes well with the spectators?

Mitile: I’ve taken care of everyone! I’ve given the knights who were with me the medicines in case someone got worse too!

Lennox: Thank you, Mitile. You’ve been working hard.

Mitile: Yes! I gave it my all!

Cain: How about Chloe? Is he still in the hallway?

Mitile: Mister Chloe has returned to the examination ground. He isn’t with you?

Akira: Eh?

Oz: Over there. He’s heading here with Owen.

Following Oz’s gaze, I saw Owen raising his hand in the direction of the knights who were still crossing swords with each other.

Owen: Cuore morito.

Chloe: Suispicibo Voitengok!

Right after Owen’s spell was Chloe’s. A giant cushion stopped the fall of the knights who were blown off.

Chloe: Phew, I made it! That was some good coordination from us just now, don’t you think so?

Owen: You sure are easy to get carried away.

Akira: Chloe! Owen!

Chloe’s face lit up as he saw us.

Chloe: Master Sage! Guys!

Cain: You two have been hard at work stopping the knights too, I see. Thank you.

Chloe: Ehehe, you’re welcome! I’ve only been Owen’s assistant though.

Suddenly, Faust and Oz both looked at the same direction. Like a discordant note, Murr clapped his hand in amusement.

Murr: The aura from Hector’s sword is approaching us. The hero of the play is about to get on stage!

I spotted Hector myself before Murr finished talking. There was no trace of the cheerful boy who told us about his dream of becoming a knight. The figure that was staggering about was like a ghost that haunted the battleground.

Cain: Stay behind, everyone. I’ll settle this.

Cain announced that in a low voice then gravely held up his sword. He took in a deep breath.

Cain: Hector!

Perhaps Hector had heard his name being called aloud, because he turned to Cain with jerky, inhuman movement. Right in the next second, as if detecting an enemy, Hector zoomed in on Cain and made a merciless strike without hesitation.

[Swords clashing effect]

Cain: Ugh! Hector, come back to yourself!

Hector: I must not lose in the examination. I must win at all cost. I pray that I will become a strong, reliable knight. That night when the Great Calamity… No, that day of the attack!

Chloe: Oh no, it’s too bright!

[Flashing effect]

As Hector yelled out, the sword gave off that strange light again as if being startled. Seemingly in response to that, the swords that were fighting in the air dropped onto the ground below in an unsettling manner. Some of the knights reached for the swords that had fallen from the air with surprise and fear on their faces.

Knight apprentice: What are you doing, you fools?! If you touch those swords, you’ll be controlled!

Knight apprentice: It’s not me! My hand is being drawn to the sword like a magnet! Aaaaah, I touched it!

Faust: Satillquinart mulcreed.

Murr: Eanul rambul!

The wizards cast their spell. However, they couldn’t fully prevent what had been going on all over the examination ground.

Mitile: The knights are being controlled en masse! Everything will end up being like before!

Lennox: We’ll be back to square one, or something worse will happen, I suppose.

Murr: The magic in the sword has gotten stronger. If we don’t stop the original sword, it’ll be impossible to put the chaos under control! Looks like that sword has taken over Hector’s heart and turned him into its puppet.

Akira: That’s terrible!

Cain: I won’t let that happen!

It seemed Cain had heard our conversation. From the moment he made an urgent charge, even someone who didn’t know about swordplay could tell his fighting stance had changed. From trying to calm Hector down, he had moved to defeat him.

Cain: Haaaa!

His sword that Cain wielded with only victory as the goal was fierce and ruthless like a storm in high summer. He relentlessly pressed his opponent without any mercy and punished every mistake or hesitation. Soon enough, Hector was at a disadvantage.

Because of Cain’s friendly and easy-going attitude as well as his habit of saying ‘I still have much to learn as a wizard’, I usually didn’t register one thing: he was a genius when it came to the sword.

Hector: Urgh!

Under Cain’s great sword, Hector stumbled. His face that was drenched with sweats contorted with frustration. Not letting a mistake from his opponent pass, Cain charged forward.

Chloe: Yay! Cain w-

Owen: No, not yet.

When I thought Hector would be hit by Cain’s attack, the sword lit up bizarrely.

Cain: What?!

Hector: I… can’t, lose!

[Sword slashing effect]

I couldn’t really tell what had happened, but Hector, whom I thought would certainly lose, was pressing Cain for some reason.

Mitile: Why? Mister Cain was winning though!

Owen: That’s because of the influence from the Great Calamity. That sword was drenched with the wish of ‘I don’t want to lose’ from that kid. Whenever that kid thinks ‘I’ll lose’, the situation will be reversed by some strange power.

Akira: In that case, there’s no way to win against him.

Oz: Cain, both that monster sword and the boy are too much for you.

Oz quietly declared. There was pity on his expressionless face as he raised the staff he used as his magic focus.

Oz: Step aside. I’ll put an end to this.

Cain: ….!

Cain frowned deeply. However, no argument or protest came from him. Because he had the cool head to grasp the situation around him, he knew he should do as Oz said, because that was the optimal solution.

Akira: (I understand that. However…)


Chapter 9:

I recalled Cain’s face when he told me about his parting with other members of the Knights in the courtyard, as well as his lips that seemed to hold many regrets and lingering feelings. He was the kind of person who kept on fighting against Owen despite having no chance of winning for the sake of his teammates. No one else had as strong a sense of knightly duty as him. As such, I couldn’t imagine how frustrating it must have been for him if he couldn’t fulfill his responsibility toward a fellow member of the Knights.

Akira: (Cain really wishes to handle at least this incident by himself, as a knight and a captain)

Owen: What a disgrace.

In that moment, there was the thumping sound of footsteps in the middle of the relentless duel, as Owen approached Cain and Hector. He casually waved his hand at Hector, who immediately became restrained by an object that looked like a dog’s collar and chain.

Hector: Argh?! Piss off!

Cain: Hector?! Owen, what are you….

Owen: I’m here to tell you that you, Mister Knight, are a disgrace.

Not sparing a glance at Hector, Owen grabbed the chin of Cain’s, who was breathing heavily, and forcefully made Cain’s eyes meet his.

Owen: I’ll say this only once. Miss it and I'll kill you.

Owen: He’s only under that sword’s control. He can’t do what you can.

Cain: What I can?

Owen: I’m killing you for real.

Cain: No, I want you to clarify. What can I do that he can’t?

Owen: So far, he hasn’t cast magic while wielding his sword. Therefore, he can’t combine the magic of the sword with his attacks. But you’re different. Use your magic to fight, Mister Knight.

Cain: …!

Cain’s eyes widened as if he had found the light. The wizard who had lived for more than a millennia in the Northern Country where only the strong survived shrugged.

Owen: This incident isn’t worth Oz getting involved in. You want to get your eye back from me, don’t you? If you can’t even win against a little brat manipulated by a warped sword, how do you think you will defeat me?

Cain: That’s true. If I need rescue from my friends for a small incident like this, the dream of winning against you will just stay a dream.

Cain raised his sword again. Owen gracefully moved aside and snapped his fingers. The collar and chain that were restraining Hector disappeared like smoke. Cain lowered his body.

Cain: Hector!

Hector: ….!!

The sound of swords dueling reverberated throughout the duel ground again. Under Cain’s attack, Hector gritted his teeth.

Hector: Ugh! N- no way I can lose! I’ll become a knight like Sir Cain!

As before, Hector’s sword lit up. Hector swung the sword from below in a forceful attempt to counter attack. Right away, Cain took a deep breath and cast his spell as he looked directly at Hector.

Cain: Gladius procella!

Cain’s sword immediately shined brightly with a golden light, which was radiant enough to drown out the light from Hector’s sword and lit up the surrounding area. It was like the sword carried the light of the sun.

Cain: Haaaa!

The moment the two swords clashed against each other, a flash broke out. A light as bright as the dawn filled the examination ground.

Hector: Aaaaaa?!

The monster sword fell from Hector’s hand. The ominous light faded away like an evil spirit that had been expelled. In a strangely quiet atmosphere, the swords fell down and rolled on the ground with a dry clang as if nothing happened.

Mitile: Yaay! Mister Cain has won!

Lennox: Both the sword and its owner have returned to normal. The knights under the influence have stopped moving too.

Hector fell onto the ground like a doll the strings of which had been cut. Cain sheathed his sword and hastened to Hector’s side.

Cain: Hey, Hector! Hold on!!

Hector hazily looked at Cain by his side and smiled like a wish had been granted.

Hector: A.. haha. I lost.

Hector: You’re really amazing, Sir Cain.

Having whispered that, Hector passed out.

[In the hallway]

Thus the incident caused by the strange sword was resolved. Miraculously none of the knights or the spectators was seriously injured. Thanks to Oz’s magic, the damages to the examination ground were immediately repaired.

Hector: Eh, my sword caused so much trouble like that?

As Mitile applied medicine for him, Hector asked with his eyes so wide it seemed about to fall out. After waking up in the hallway, he didn’t remember anything about the incident. He only recalled that the thought of ‘I’m probably going to lose’ flashed through during the exam and everything went dark. With confusion on his face, he hugged his sword that had returned to normal.

Hector: But nothing happened when I used this sword before. It is just a normal sword I bought from a normal shop.

Faust: Your sword wasn’t a monster in the beginning, but it was warped by the influence of the Great Calamity.

Oz: The Great Calamity may twist the thoughts and feelings imbued in the sword, increase their intensity, and cause disturbances. Your desire for victory that you shared with your sword became a delusion under the Calamity’s influence.

Hector: So all the trouble was because of me?

Hector gradually turned pale as he began to grasp the situation. Chloe vehemently shook his head.

Chloe: You didn’t do anything wrong! It wasn’t like you wanted for that to happen when you prayed to the sword.

Hector: That’s true, but everyone was in danger because of my sword, right? A knight should protect people. I… don’t deserve to be a knight.

An upset Hector sighed shakily at the beautiful sword that was so like Cain’s magic focus.

Cain: That’s not true.

Cain placed a hand on Hector’s shoulder. The clear light that flowed through the stained glass window illuminated them both.

Cain: It’s normal for a knight to want to wish. Without the desire for victory, you won’t have the will to improve. Besides, I have a share in the blame for disturbance too.

Hector: Eh?

Cain: Owen’s attack and me being expelled from the Knights afterwards have been bothering you all this time, right? Thank you. And I’m sorry to make you worried like that.

Cain: I have to say though. Everything that happened wasn’t all bad for me.

Hector stared at Cain in surprise. Cain responded with a smile and turned around to look at us.

Cain: I’ve been blessed with good comrades at the Magic Manor too. You should understand that from meeting them today, right? It’s been a joy to polish my magic by learning from them and competing with them. I’m happy where I am now.

Cain: Even though I was expelled from the Chivalric Order, I have no intention of changing my way of being as a knight.

Then Cain looked at Owen, who was leaning against the wall and looking away like he didn’t care about what was going on.

Cain: There’re hundreds of things I want to say to him. And I do want to return to the Knights. But I will fulfill my current role with pride. It’s a fine job to have, I think.

Owen seemed to sense the conversation was about him because he turned to our direction. His eyes and Cain’s met each other from a distance.

Perhaps they had looked at each other from afar like this when they first met, as one side laughed derisively and one side was full of hostility. However, as time passed and the wheels of fortune turned, there was neither derision or hostility from either of them, if only for a short while.

That was a wonderful transformation, one could say.

Cain: What do you think? I’m way cooler now compared to when I was Captain, right?

Hector: N- no. Please don’t joke like that! You’re always a wonderful knight and my role model.

Hector: Someday, I’ll be… the second best knight in this country!

Lennox: The second best? Not the best?

Hector: The best is Sir Cain, you know!

Owen: Heh, he does know his place.

Murr: In that case, you should hurry up and become a full-fledged knight first. Quick, quick, rise and shine if you’re all fine and dandy. Your match is starting soon!

Hector: Eh? But the examination has been suspended because of all the trouble though.

Murr: Nope. Oz has fixed the examination ground like swooosh, so the duel will resume!

Murr floated in the air and smiled like everything was good fun to him.


Chapter 10:

Murr: The swordplay examination is the jewel on the country’s crown, you know. If it gets cancelled, our illustrious royal uncle will lose face! On top of that, the person who rallied the knights and resolved the incident was the hero whom those old men drove away Cain. No way they would let that stay in the public records!

Mitile: Did the organizers actually say that?

Faust: Their action speaks louder than word. They have been all meek and most amendable like they don’t want us to get angry.

Akira: The earlier match of Hector won’t be recorded either so he’ll be granted another try. The candidate who’s his opponent for the match said he was fine with that if Hector recovered. But…

Hector: Oh, I’ll do it! Please let me take the match! Ouch…

Hector sprung up energetically, but he wobbled and had to sit down on the chair again. Even so, he bowed his head to us in perfect form.

Hector: Sir Cain, everyone, you have my gratitude. This time, I will win with my own ability!

Chloe: I know! We’re all cheering for you! You shouldn’t push yourself too hard though. Let’s wait until you got well again first.

Mitile: Please have some of my sugar before you take the re-match! It’ll help you feel well again!

Hector: Thank you so much!

Taking the sugar from Mitile, Hector gingerly turned to Owen.

Hector: You too, Owen… Thank you.

Owen, who was leaning against the wall, only scowled annoyedly in response. However, he didn’t disappear somewhere else.

Akira: (Since the temperamental Owen is still here, he’s definitely in a pretty good mood, I think)

Cain: Do your best, Hector! Show us the moment you become a knight this time!

Hector: Yessir! I will definitely become a great knight with everyone here as my witnesses.

[The examination ground]

Cain: That was good, Hector! Keep it up!

Akira – Mitile: Go, Hector, go!

The re-match was indeed put on right away. Hector dueled with the same opponent as before.

Lennox: They are really evenly-matched. The opponent has a little bit advantage thanks to his height.

Chloe: Yeah, he’s putting on pressure. Don’t lose, Hector!

Under a powerful charge, Hector slowly retreated. Impatience began to show on his expression.

Cain: Hector, calm down! You’ll lose sight of yourself if you’re impatient!

Hector was startled. Then he gritted his teeth and endured the attacks of his opponent. Finally….

Hector: Haaaa!

As soon as he found an opening of his opponent, Hector made a clever attack. Blade met blade, and a sharp sound rang throughout the place.

The youth who was Hector’s opponent: Ah?!

The sword of Hector’s opponent flew off into the air. It made a graceful curve against the blue sky before landing on the ground with a clang. The judge raised his hand.

Judge: Stop! Winner: Hector!

Hector: Oh…. H- Hurray! I won!

Chloe: Wow, that was impressive!

Cain: Congrats, Hector! Well done!

Owen: Hmph. Well, his spirit doesn’t feel knight-like at all yet though.

Hector bowed and returned to us amidst the applause. We immediately surrounded him.

Mitile: Congratulations, Hector! This will be the first step to become the knight you’d like to be!

Lennox: You showed some great skill with the sword there. The part when you rallied and counterattacked was impressive.

Oz: There was no need to pray or make a wish at all.

Hector: Thank you so much. I don’t know how to express how grateful I am.

Cain: Saying ‘thank you’ normally is enough. In the end, you made your dream come true with your own ability.

As encouragement, Cain gave Hector a sunny smile, which was no less radiant than the light from his sword earlier.

Cain: Now that we’re equal as knights, let’s work hard together, Hector!

Hector: Oh… Yes, sir! I will fulfill my duties as a knight!

Hector nodded energetically. His gallant figure that was standing proudly looked really like Cain’s.

[Examination ground, in the evening]

Chloe: I’m glad the examination finished without incident! From now on, Hector will be a knight of the Castle too!

Akira: He didn’t seem to be in good spirit when the organizer called him to the hallway to finish the procedure. Will he be okay?

Cain: He’s terrible when it comes to formalities or reports. Did he take after me?

Oz: He isn’t like you at all. He’s pretty smart for one.

Cain: Hey, it’s me who has been writing the mission reports on your behalf all this time. The teachers of other countries all do that themselves. You should take a leaf from them from time to time.

Mitile: So Hector will work as an official knight. I’d like to see him in his post!

Lennox: Let’s visit him when we have errands at the Castle then.

Faust: Members of the Chivalric Order have to patrol the City too. You can have a chat with him if you see him in town.

Perhaps the wizards were all relieved to see the important examination concluded successfully, because they chattered happily with a smile.

Akira: (I’m glad that everything ended well. However…)

I looked at Owen, who was looking on as the other wizards talked to each other without saying a word.

Akira: (Normally Owen would make a couple of sarcastic jabs by now. What’s the matter with him, I wonder?)

Apparently Cain noticed that about Owen too, because he approached the latter.

Cain: Owen, thanks for your advice back there. You worked hard with Chloe to help the guys under the sword’s influence too. I really appreciate that.

Owen immediately scowled. He kicked Cain’s calf with his long leg without holding back.

Cain: Ouch! Why did you kick me?!

Owen: You’re babbling nonsense like a sleepwalker so I wake you up.

Cain: Saying thank you is sleep-talking? I really, really don’t get you.

Though Owen’s face was scrunching up in displeasure while Cain’s was frowning from pain, the atmosphere between them wasn’t actually hostile or unpleasant.

Akira: (If someone had told me that these two would somehow be in the same place when I first arrived in this world, I wouldn’t have believed it. They are like natural nemesis to each other.)

Owen: See you, sleepwalking Mister Knight.

Cain: Wait a sec, where are you going? Everyone’s returning to the Magic Manor together.

Owen: That shop over there has the pie that is stuffed with cream so much that it swells up like the corpse of the drowned. I want to have some before going back.

Cain: Cream in a pie… You mean sfogliatelle? Then I think the ones at Uncle Conques’ shop will be more to your taste. He has not only cream but chocolate and jam fillings too. His stuffs are famous for being really tasty.

Owen: …Where’s that shop?

Cain: Uhm, the uncle always set up his shop in the weirdest place. You go into the hallway through the entry over there, then make a spin to the left at the barrack like this and walk…

Murr: You’re looking so serious over there, Cain! What are you talking about? Are you tell Owen someone’s weakness?

Cain: No, I’m telling him the way to a confectionary. They sell tasty flaky pastries with cream filling called sfogliatelle over there.

Mitile: Wow, that sounds great! I’d like to buy some for Riquet. Oh, but will the pastries get cold before we arrive at the Magic Manor though?

Oz: There’s still time before the sun sets. We should buy the pastries right away then return to the Manor with my magic.

Mitile: Thank you so much, Lord Oz!

Lennox: Good idea, Mitile. Let’s get Doctor Figaro and Rutile’s shares too. How about you, Lord Faust? Would you like to buy some as a treat for the Eastern wizards?

Faust: Well, Heath and Nero won’t mind, but Shino will definitely ask for his share if he sees Rutile and Riquet eat that.

Chloe: I’d like to buy those pastries for Shylock and Rustica too!

Cain: Arthur should have a share. And I think the Norther wizards will definitely want to try it. Well, let’s all go to the shop then.

Akira: That’s a great idea. Let’s eat the pastries together when we’re back at the Manor!

Cain: It’s decided then! Let me take you there. Owen, you go with us too. It’s faster to show you the way directly instead of explaining.

Owen: I guess.

Cain and Owen went together with the rest of us. Although one couldn’t say that they walked in tandem with each other, they were certainly heading in the same direction. Maybe that could happen at all now because Cain never lost sight of the light and kept moving toward it.

Cain: They should have flavors you'd like too, Akira. The previous Sage said he was partial to the taste of ‘a lot of cream on top’.

Akira: A lot of cream on top? Probably it’s the dango with sugar glazing and cream topping! I’ll get that!

Cain: In that case, I think I’ll pick the same type. I’d like to know what food in your world tastes like.

Under the gentle evening sunlight, Cain’s golden eye that was looking at me sparkled.

The path Cain chose was probably not as he imagined. However, since he decided to follow that path as a knight and as a wizard, one could sense that he was content and happy from the bottom of his heart.