Translator: Kenar    Editor: Kira, Nara, Sage

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48　Swordsman

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Mira who parted ways with Solomon confirmed the distance to her next destination on the map. As she walked there was a single maid who seemed to peep at her from the pillar’s shade. That maid was Lily. She who wanted to hear Mira’s impression on the set of Magic Robes found the time to wait at that spot by finishing her usual work at twice the speed and estimated the time needed for Mira’s discussion with Solomon to end.

 

(Ahh, the way the coat flutters is working smoothly The occasional glimpse of her gorgeous thighs is wonderful. The push up skirt which is neither too long nor too short lightly flutters without pause. It’s all according to the plan)

 

Lily observed the manner in which Mira’s Magic robe fluttered whenever she moved;Every nook and cranny. However that didn’t  last long. Lily who exuded an uncommon feeling was noticed by the surroundings and got found out by Mira who followed the said surrounding gaze.

 

“What the hell are you doing..?” [Mira]

 

“…Ehh…a follow-up, maybe?” [Lily]

 

Lily who appeared from the pillar’s shade, stared at Mira who wore a doubtful expression gave an incomprehensible answer after a mysterious pause in an attempt to gloss over her action.

 

“What do you mean by that??..” [Mira]

 

“R-rather than that! It’s already lunchtime right? Would you mind eating together with me, please? I would like to hear your impression regarding the clothes on this occasion”

 

“Which reminds me, I did say such a thing. I got it, let’s go” [Mira]

 

Mira confirmed the time when she closed the map. It was just a bit past midday. Lily, to avoid being further questioned, guided Mira to the Maid Quarters in a hurry when Mira agreed to accompany her.

 

(Why do all of you gather here…) [Mira]

 

Mira was surrounded by more than ten maids in the cafeteria of Maid Quarters.

 

“Is there any problem regarding the mobility?”

 

“Is there any inconvenience with the size?”

 

“The back cloth is made with an emphasis on the texture, but how is it?”

 

Mira was in a situation where she had to wait before trying the fruity-colourful sweet scented french toast because she was showered incessantly by questions. As a result of answering each question, her lunch ended around a little after an hour since she came to the cafeteria  because she couldn’t flatly reject them. After the meal, Mira let out a sigh of relief as she started drinking her cafe au lait. Most of the maids had return to their designated works except Lily who already finished most of her assigned work at this time. It was a chance for Mira to get to know Lily by exchanging stories with her, such as how Lily’s sister attended Alkite Academy and how their father died in the Three Heavenly Kingdom Defensive Battle.

 

“Ah, by the way, I met Amaratte the Acting Wiseman and she seemed interested in these clothes”

 

“Ara, Amaratte-sama really likes these!?”

 

Mira who seemed to remember of Amaratte said those words while putting the cup of cafe au lait on the table. For the blockhead Mira to have changed completely, Lily, as if she was surprised, drew further closer to Mira delightfully..

 

“Right…. By all means, if she were to place an order for a set of these clothes.. would you consider it? ” [Mira]

 

“Naturally. For a long time Amaratte-sama… uh, that’s right. If that’s alright with you, we will certainly receive the order!” [Lily]

 

For a moment, Lily’s eyes suddenly glinted suspiciously, however she immediately returned to her serious expression and accepted Mira’s request in high spirits. It became a situation where Lily and co hesitated to take a single step because  Amaritta was originally an expressionless person. But right now, definitive information was brought by Mira. Because of that, there was nothing from stopping Lily and co from gaining official approval.

 

“Hmm, is that so? Well then, I will convey that to her” [Mira]

 

“Will it be fine? Then, I want to know her exact measurements but…. Please pass on the message to her to decide the appropriate time to get accurately measured.” [Lily]

 

“Got it.” [Mira]

 

Mira stood up as  she said her thanks and left the cafeteria. Lily ran up to each of the people concerned to hold a meeting regarding Amaratte’s clothing order.

 

(I feel a bit reluctant after the experience of riding that wagon…)[Mira]

 

In the Plaza before the Alkite’s castle gate there is a little forest and a towering wall behind the plaza which separated the upper district with the castle. Mira looked up to the clear sky while she took out her fur coat and recalled the pleasant flight within the garuda wagon.

 

“I have to be patient until my own wagon is completed huh..” [Mira]

 

Mira set forward the summoning designated coordinates as she murmured those words as if to convince herself.

 

　【Summoning Magic : Pegasus】

 

The bluish magic circle which appeared in front of her ascended towards the sky, streaks of lightning rained below, revealing a snow white figure together with repeated flashing lights. Ashe wings was formed by the last remaining magic circle fragment that came crashing down, the heavenly horse and the bearer of lightning; Pegasus descended and stood on the ground. Pegasus folded its wings and let out a soft neigh, but abruptly turned the other way the moment it met Mira’s eyes.

 

“Un…?” [Mira]

 

There are some exceptions but basically a summoned being which wasn’t summoned with a  Rosary summoning formation in the summoning circle couldn’t speak. If that summon wanted to convey something, it would be expressed first by their gestures. This was applicable to the summons which were able to speak too like the previous summon.

 

“It’s been a while. How are you?” [Mira]

 

Mira addressed Pegasus while peering at its face as she approached it but the Pegasus in question turned away its head to the opposite side. Mira who was speechless was aware of Pegasus’ behavior. It somehow resembled her little sister when she got angry.

 

“..Are you angry?” [Mira]

 

She asked that question because she thought that might be the case. Thereupon Pegasus scowled at Mira with a sullen expression. In its eyes, the feeling of loneliness from not being able to meet with her and the pent up frustration from a long time ago surfaced. Even though Mira couldn’t completely understand, she sensed that Pegasus was undeniably angry from it’s appearance.

 

(Its because Pegasus is such a spoiled child, eh…. Well, it’s anger is justified since I was never in contact with him for thirty years….) [Mira]

 

“I’m sorry. Although it may sound like an excuse, but I have not been in this world for the past thirty years. I’m really sorry I couldn’t contact you”

 

Mira expressed her sincere apology. Thereupon a shock assailed her small body at the next moment. Pegasus rammed into her without hesitation. Pegasus who pushed down Mira as it is rubbed it’s head at her chest while letting out a cry from the depth of it’s throat. Sunk in sadness, it narrowed its eyes and Mira’s chest slowly got wet from overflowed with large drop of tears. Although it was so sudden to Mira, she wrapped her arm around Pegasus neck and dearly stroke his mane while feeling slightly embarrassed and thought that Pegasus was also lonely.

 

Mira who judged that it was time for Pegasus to calm down, raised her body and faced Pegasus.

 

“This is a request from me- your master, will you let me ride on you and fly together?”

 

As Mira said those words, Pegasus fiery eyes opened wide and proceed to kneel before Mira. Then it pushed Mira’s waist from the side with it’s mouth as if hurrying Mira to ride it.

 

“Ooh, are you letting me ride on you? You are such a good girl” [Mira]

 

Mira who was meekly let ride upon it by the Pegasus itself gently stroke it’s head and mount Pegasus back while wearing fur coat as haori. Pegasus slowly stood up and spread its wing when it felt Mira’s warmth at its back. Then it turned its head as if saying it is ready and asking for the destination.

 

“Well then, Pegasus. Let’s fly!” [Mira]

 

Mira pointed west-southwest at the direction of Forest of the Fayth while caressing the soft mane. Pegasus which grandly neighed as if to acknowledge the order flapped its wings and gradually accelerated. When the sound of light hooves and the blown wind reach the peak, Mira flew to the sky in one go while feeling the heavy gravity. Unlike the time with Eisenphard, Mira could see well the plaza before the castle gate directly below her as the result of nothing to obstruct her view.

 

“Excellent! This is a pleasant ride” [Mira]

 

The coldness which concerned Mira wasn’t a problem because of the fur coat. She was especially able to fully enjoy the scenery below her which was great. Mira couldn’t see below her when she rode Eisenphard because he has a big body. Pegasus seemed in a really high spirits as it galloped through the sky. The trail left by Pegasus was lighted by miniscule electric particles as if expressing such feeling and created a river of light regardless of the midday time. As Mira wrapped her hands around Pegasus’s neck, she got a whole view of Lunatic Lake which getting smaller by the second. Reflected in her eyes, there were five great phases (wu xing) other than the Academy, and the next field trip was planned to visit one of those sites.

 

Mira traveled through the sky for several hours already while sometimes slightly altering the direction by checking the map after crossing the big mountain ranges. Mira whose thighs were sore because of the unfamiliar ride got down near the village she found from the skies and had a rest in a small diner.

 

(Hmm. We will reach our destination by the middle of the night at this rate) [Mira]

 

Mira who tried to blend in with the sparse customers ended up standing out because of her proper appearance. However there was no man brave enough to talk to her because they saw her bracelet which was the proof of a veteran adventurer. Their actions stayed at a level of admiring from afar. It was really rare for a veteran adventurer to stop at this village because of it not having any famous dungeons or hunting grounds and it was located far from major cities. Mira was calculating a simple calculation of the needed travelling time while comparing the remaining distance from this place to the destination in the map. The result of her calculation was that the estimated time that she would reach her destination was around 10 P.M. Her visibility would be surely obstructed by the darkness of the night forest. She would overlook any traces if she were to search in the darkness. In the first place, there was also no reason for her to work until that late. Mira searched for a suitable place to stay near the forest on the map while sometimes sipping her mixed berry au lait.

 

(Ah, If I  find just the right place to stay, i’ll be gone from this village soon enough) [Mira]

 

It was two hours of riding Pegasus from the current point. There was a village located near Forest of the Fayth. Forest of the Fayth, which was a very vast area, was the final destination and there was a sacred tree that lay in the deepest area of the forest. The sun would certainly sinks(?). Mira left behind the village after paying the diner and finished her need for a restroom while at that after taking a thirty minute break. Mira was reminded of a underground place in a graveyard for a bit because of the vault toilet from the small village in the way it would open in an instant when you pressed the bottom valve.

 

Mira who went back to the sky, while watching as the sun goes down, leaked out a sigh of admiration when the sea of stars gradually shone. Then, she found countless shining man-made lights before the jet black forest where the wind blew and wriggled around like a living organism. Mira found and decided on staying at “Village’s Bonfire” as today’s inn. Pegasus descended by using the light as a landmark. The said place, which was too big to be called a village and too small to be called a city, was registered with “Hunters Village” as its name. Mira opened the door of a certain house, which was used as an inn in this village and heard the sound of pleasantly rung bell together with a man cheerfully saying “Welcome”. That inn, which also served as a tavern, seemed to be thriving as it was crowded with people inside. The clientele, which judging from their clothes, were mostly adventurers. Eventually, several people stopped eating in an instant and looked back at the new guest. Mira headed to the counter while being showered upon with curious gazes. The innkeeper gave Mira the impression of a slender homely house-husband contrary to his greeting.

 

“We have a rare guest today, eh? How many people in your company? Are you only going to eat or planning on staying?”

 

Mira sat down in a  less crowded area.

 

“I’m going to stay the night. And I’ll have a meal too. Its for one person” [Mira]

 

“Oh, you are alone? Oh, my lady reached this remote place by herself. So that means… my lady is a Magus, right? Magus are truly interesting, eh” [innkeeper]

 

The young man sitting next to Mira turned towards her, he was deeply interested in her words and let out a sigh of admiration towards her. And that very young man carried a greatsword on his back. What was more, his body, which has the strength to wield that sword, was covered in a black leather coat. A pleasant smile plastered on his well-featured face.

 

“Ah, I’m sorry for being so sudden. The name is Albel. I’m a swordsman as you can see but I nevertheless admire Magus” [Albel]

 

Albel truly stared enviously at Mira while introducing himself. He called out to every Magus whenever he met them in the middle of adventuring.

 

“That’s right, what kind of Magus are you?” [Albel]

 

Albel, who deepened his smile further, asked Mira a question. Mira slightly stuck her chest out proudly while carrying a good impression of the young man who wasoverly friendly and wore a carefree expression.

 

“I’m a Magus of Summoning!” [Mira]

 

The surrounding adventurers noise came to a halt at her answer. And then, they sent a pitying gaze and grim expression at her. Mira dropped her shoulders dejectedly at the surrounding response and breathed out a sigh because she felt that there was still a ways to go for the revival of summoning magic. However, there was only a single person that a showed different response at her in this situation.

 

“Summoning Magic must be amazing if you were able to come to this place all alone” [Albel]

 

Albel further praised Mira with his deepened admiring gaze. As his words suggested, this Hunter Village, which was adjacent to the Forest of the Fayth, isn’t a place that a novice adventurer can come alone. The surrounding adventurers who came to realize how big of a deal Mira was from Albel’s words let out an amazed sigh.

 

“Albel-kun, more than that, let me hear what this young ladys’ request is, okay? She must be hungry, right?” [Innkeeper]

 

“Ahh, now that you say it. I’m sorry” [Albel]

 

In the midst of the excited surroundings, the innkeeper who realized that there would be no end to their talk assumed that it was the right timing to give Mira the menu. Mira received it while saying her thanks and ordered herb-flavored grilled chicken meat and honey au lait.

 

Albel seemed to be truly fond of Magus. He began to explain about how popular intangible magic was because of its usefulness in daily lives and how happy he would be by owning magic tools in large numbers just to get a sense of how being a magus felt, even by a small amount.

 

Magic tools which contained every kind of magic, were mainly called Active Magic Tools. Although it had a limited number of uses, it was treated as priceless treasure for adventurers because people who have no mana were able to use it. Even though using advanced class magic was impossible, most Active Magic Tools were developed to be able to use lower class magic. However he greatly lamented the fact that there was no magic tools containing lower class magic of summoning magic, necromancy magic, and shikigami magic of onmyodo magic system. After Mira’s ordered dishes were readied, Albel shifted his interest to summoning magic which have a few users and no magic tools. Certainly, the way powerful a person wielded summoning magic would be worth a look. The young man lowered his head and begged “Please show it to me!!” over and over again to a lady younger than himself. The adventures who were watching showed a wry smiles at his appearance. But the people who halfway saw the sight of him begging a young lady to see something, and didn’t hear their conversation; frowned at what could possibly be considered a perverts’ shameful behavior.

 

Mira who finished her evening meal came together with Albel to a place that can be called the training field in Hunter Village. The bright light of a magic tool that was brought by Albel, illuminated the darkness of the gloomy night. Albel explained that this place was prepared for adventurers and hunters to do self-training, and that it was possible to use summoning magic to one’s heart’s content.

 

“Well, I’ll show it to you if you are that interested” [Mira]

 

Despite her reply sounding arrogant, Mira was in a good mood because someone appreciated summoning magic. Without letting her true feelings show, Mira extremely calmly used summoning magic and the figure of the usual unchanging intimidating Black Knight rose from the magic circle in front of her.

 

“Ooooh! So this is a summoning, huh? It looks sinister and strong!” [Albel]

 

Albel felt jubilant at witnessing summoning magic for the first time and was roused by the Black Knight’s figure. Thereupon he immediately looked back at Mira,

 

“Can I have a bout with him!?” [Albel]

 

As he said so, he stared at Mira with eyes full of expectation. His sparkling expression was similar to a dog with a snack placed before him and anyone knew full well that he would be depressed if declined.

 

“Well, that’s fine by me” [Mira]

 

Albel was jumping up and down with excitement at her answer. Mira watched intently at the frolicking young man while checking his true strength. From what she could read, Albel ability as a swordsman was first-rate but his magical power was less than ordinary people. His resistance to magic was quite worrisome at this rate. She wondered whether there was a skill were he could fully utilize his abilities as a swordsman. Albel pulled out his sword after taking ten  steps away from the black knight. It was a brilliant silver sword and it carried a faint cold air. Mira could see that the power of a spirit dwelled in that sword.

 

(Heeh… Is that an ice spirit in his sword?) [Mira]

 

Albel assumed a light stance using the sword and was clad in a tense atmosphere that was clearly different from his conduct up till now. His transition to a battle-ready mood was also transmitted to Mira. There was a gap between them but the intimidating aura let out by Albel indicated that his true strength was beyond his confirmed ability score.

 

“A wise man keeps some of his talents in reserve, huh~” [Mira]

 

“That is you young lady, you aren’t even raising an eyebrow after taking in this much. It’s all the more unacceptable for me to not be able to measure up to young lady’s true strength” [Albel]

 

Both of them showed a thin smile. Mira left the immediate area and leaned her back on a suitable wall. Albel inhaled deeply several times and tightly grasped his sword with both hands.

 

“Well then, you may start!” [Mira]

 

With Mira’s words as a cue, the Black Knight threw his greatsword high into the sky. However, a new greatsword materialized from a floating small magic circle, the Black Knight took and pointed it toward Albel. The greatsword dancing mid-air reached its peak and began to fall down. The greatsword produced a sharp sound as if cutting the wind from it’s rotation; gradually lowering its altitude. The greatsword revealed its shape in the lightless sky, being illuminated only by the light of a magic tool, the large sword left a black trajectory and deeply pierced the ground. As if using that as a cue, Albel lowered his stance and dashed toward the Black Knight. He held the glittering silver edge by his side, filling in the distance in a flash, and raised the ice blade and lunged at the Black Knight’s waist. This was a preemptive strike right off the bat. There was no doubt that his speed was a first class. Therefore the Black Knight completely lost the initiative but Albel’s sword was obstructed by black sword and didn’t manage to reach the Black Knight’s body.

 

(His true strength is solid … Certainly, he’s better than Emera. More than anything, he’s fast. He may even be better than Dark Knight.)

 

Mira objectively measured Albel’s true strength from her position. She was looking forward to seeing how far the Dark Knight could show his power.

As Black knight defended against Albel’s sword, he forcibly swung his greatsword. Its intense strength broke Albel’s stance and blew him into the air.

 

“Strong.. It’s so strong!”

 

Albel shouted as he couldn’t hold his excitement. He stepped firmly into the ground and stopped his momentum; his expression seemed dreadfully happy.

Once more, the sound of the swords clashing roared. Immediately after Albel fixed his posture, Black knight swung down his greatsword. The impact was not something that Albel rarely experienced but he still let out an anguished voice nonetheless. But, at that moment, his lips were smiling.

In just a slight moment. Right before he stopped all the kinetic energy from the greatsword, Albel slid his sword along its edge and guided it down towards the now defenseless Black knight’s torso.

A flash was produced by his unwavering move as it deeply cut into the Black Knight, the speed of the sword swing released from both of his hand built up a strong momentum that the damage on the Black Knight’s body was great.

 

“Young lady! I know that he is stronger than this! I beg you! Let’s go all out!!”

 

As if being possessed by a devil, Albel stood still and raised his voice while still turning back to Mira. The Dark Knight wasn’t exerting its full strength just as he said. Now that the game has became the reality, real life death situations were a serious matter. Mira couldn’t exert its full strength in a situation where she couldn’t accurately measure her opponent’s true strength.

 

“Did you get defeated while exerting your full strength just recently? [Mira]

 

Mira asked that question for her final decision. Albel answered her question by shaking his head.

 

“There was no such thing recently. I’ve only tasted defeat about five years ago” [Albel]

 

While staring at Albel’s back, Mira understood one thing. She understood that that man has a hunger for strong opponents. Albel often seemed to be challenging for a fight, conveyed by his speech and conduct.. but he triumphed over it each time. Yet, still not content with his own strength, he searched for strong people. Mira felt a little nostalgia towards his insatiable desire for improving himself.

That man, purely kept looking and trying to reach the summit.

 

“I apologize for doing something like testing you out. To make up for it, I’ll let you have a taste of an experience you haven’t had in five years” [Mira]

 

“I… look forward to it!” [Albel]

 

Albel raised the corners of his mouth at Mira’s words. An icy fog began to wrap around his sword, seemingly responding to his battle spirit.

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Author note : Happy new year!