The magic stone search ultimately turned into a mission that required seven full days.
The city of Porto was bustling with energy today, as always.
Laborers were carrying large jars, and from the street stalls wafted the smoke and scent of grilled mutton.
Having finally returned from the monster-infested mine to the ordinary world, Abel felt a deep sense of joy.
After all, that sunless world was no place anyone should ever go…
Casalos was in high spirits after obtaining the magic stone he had been after.
He also shared some of the other magic stones they had acquired with Abel.
Abel should have been happy, but he couldn’t help feeling dissatisfied. After all, the first-grade magic stone he’d risked his life for belonged to Casalos.
They parted ways with Casalos at the outer gate of the castle.
During their journey, Abel had come to understand Casalos’s personality fairly well.
His interests included machinery, flying magic tools, sky movements, physics, and magical theory.
Apparently, those things had come together in his mind into a kind of beautiful ideal.
Abel and his group returned to Ise’s room to drop off their belongings for the time being.
There, they found a letter pinned to the door.
Two letters, actually.
One was from Walter in Tenana Village.
Overjoyed, Abel quickly opened it.
***
To Abel,
How is life as a squire treating you?
Even if he doesn’t recognize you as blood, I can’t imagine the Count would be cruel to you.
Surely, he’ll treat you with reason.
Still, I worry.
Knowing you, I believe you’ll be able to overcome whatever problems arise.
But if things aren’t going well, don’t hesitate to come back.
There’s a saying that pride isn’t even fit to feed a dog.
There’s nothing to be ashamed of.
There are always other paths.
Things in Tenana haven’t changed.
It’s peaceful as ever.
No sign of magical beasts. Just the occasional bear or monkey.
By the way, Ayla is actually pregnant.
There were signs of it even before you left, but now it’s certain, so I’m letting you know.
That’s about all I have to tell you.
Also… how is Rick doing?
The village chief is concerned as well.
Has he found an opportunity?
Write back.
To my son, Abel.
***
“Uwoooooooh!”
Abel let out an involuntary roar.
Ayla was pregnant.
Well, of course. She was still young enough to conceive.
She’ll need to bear at least one or two more.
More than that would be even better.
If the child is a girl, she’ll no doubt be an exceptional beauty.
A younger brother would be welcome too.
Surely, he wouldn’t have the same dark eyes as the eldest son.
Abel was genuinely overjoyed.
He thought he must write a reply immediately.
As for Rick, he’d need to find him a job at the castle somehow.
But he’d come to realize. Even if someone becomes a squire, it all depends on the knight they serve.
He couldn’t introduce Rick to someone incompetent.
This was going to be tricky.
Maybe it would be better to ask Head Cook Pierre and have Rick start out as a cook’s apprentice or something.
Abel resolved to get in touch with Rick soon.
Then, he looked at the other letter.
The seal bore the crest of House Highwand.
At first he thought it was addressed to Ise, but it was written clearly to Abel Ray.
Abel immediately broke the seal and opened it.
The writing was graceful and elegant, conveying a sense of refined education.
***
To Abel Ray,
Kashe Highwand commands your immediate appearance.
Your refusal to accompany me was an unforgivable slight, and my pride was dragged through the mud.
And yet, Abe…you still haven’t returned.
You won’t even give me the chance to wash away this humiliation.
Unforgivable, Abel.
However, my mercy is higher than the heavens, and I will allow forgiveness this one time only.
If you have returned, then cast everything aside and come to me at once.
This is an order.
—Kashe Highwand, Heir to the Count of Highwand
***
Abel let out a sigh and rubbed his forehead.
What the heck is this letter…?
He had just begun to enjoy the peaceful return to daily life, and now this….an unexpected summons from Kashe.
—I was planning to take it easy today.
Haven’t had any rest at all.
I even almost got eaten by a giant toad…
And yet, he was already back on duty.
The dizziness was starting to set in.
“At this point, they might as well rename the place to Pub Highwand or something…”
He explained the situation to Ise.
Reporting to Baron Gatu would be left to Ise, while Abel headed straight for the main castle.
He left Walt in front of the room to stand guard.
Though honestly, he’d probably just sleep the whole time anyway.
Abel crossed the vast courtyard inside the walls at a brisk pace, heading for the main keep.
Just imagining Kashe, irritated with those purple eyes of hers, made his feet move faster.
Naturally, the gate to the main castle was tightly shut.
It wasn’t designed to be large, in consideration of defense.
Just wide and tall enough for a single horse to pass through.
Four guards were stationed there.
To have the inner latch removed, he’d have to request it through the peephole so the gatekeeper inside could open it.
Abel decided to try showing the medal he had received from the Count.
He held it up so the roughly forty-year-old guard could clearly see the family crest on it.
“Excuse me. I’m Squire Abel. Could you take a look at this?”
“Hmm? This is… Alright.”
At the guard’s signal, the gate opened slightly.
“Hurry up and get in.”
Prompted by the guard, Abel slipped through the gap in the gate.
He was surprised, inwardly.
The Count had said he wouldn’t be treated as part of the household, yet with just this medal, he could come and go freely?
He didn’t really get it…
Entering the main castle was all well and good, but Abel had no idea where Kashe’s room was.
He found himself thinking, “You could’ve at least written that in the letter”.
Wondering who he could ask, Abel remembered someone he knew.
He visited Casalos’s room on the top floor and found him already deeply absorbed in his work.
He was holding a saw or something.
Apparently, the man didn’t believe in taking breaks.
Yep, definitely has a few screws loose…
But maybe that’s the kind of person you have to be to achieve something great.
Fortunately, Casalos knew where Kashe’s room was.
“If you’re looking for Lady Kashe’s room, it’s on the second floor of the castle. Corner room on the east side. But what’s your business with her?”
“Um, I’d like to know that myself.”
“You don’t get summoned without a reason. By the way, what’s your relationship with Lady Kashe?”
“Well…”
It was hard to explain the truth.
Technically, they were cousins, but Kashe didn’t treat him as part of the family.
“It’s kind of like… we sometimes practice sword fighting together… maybe?”
“Sword fighting, huh? I see… that’s another approach, I suppose.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“Oh, nothing. I sometimes tutor Lady Kashe in arithmetic. She’s got a real knack for it, but she gets bored easily… Still, that’s part of her charm, isn’t it? Those sharp eyes full of fire, that commanding tone… completely addictive.”
Casalos spoke with a dreamy look on his face.
A pale, eggplant-shaped man in his twenties, fawning over a girl in her early teens…
Abel broke into a slight sweat.
Well… Kashe does act strangely mature for her age.
“I should’ve taken up sword fighting too. No, maybe it’s not too late…”
“No, Professor Casalos. You’re a man who shines brightest when working with magical tools. If you wander into a path not meant for you, you’ll only end up regretting it.”
“Ugh… Y-You’re right. That’s true. You’ve got a surprisingly convincing way of giving advice for someone so young…”
He’d gotten the information he came for, but also learned some things about Casalos he would’ve rather not.
Without saying another word, Abel quietly excused himself.
He descended the narrow spiral staircase to the second floor.
Wandering a bit, he came upon a door with a wooden nameplate that read “Kashe’s Room”.
A bunch of red roses decorated her name.
Surprisingly tasteful.
An unexpected side of the otherwise rough and aggressive Kashe.
Abel knocked.
After a moment, a voice called out, asking who it was.
It was Kashe’s voice. It was clear and ringing like a bell.
“It’s Abel. I’ve arrived.”
The door burst open with incredible force.
Kashe’s purple eyes lit up as she stared at Abel.
She really was an astonishingly beautiful girl.
There were plenty of beauties in the world, but she stood out by far.
Still… a bit scary.
“You’re late! Just how many days were you planning to keep me waiting?!”
“Ah—I’m sooo sorry. I came as fast as I could. Please forgive me.”
“To begin with, obeying the orders of a count’s family…”
Kashe’s expression shifted to one of suspicion.
Then, she gave Abel a long, scrutinizing look from head to toe.
Having gotten soaked in the mine and covered in monster frog fluids, he looked quite the mess.
“Abel. You’re filthy. And you stink.”
“Hey, it’s not like I wanted to get dirty! It was a nightmare down there. Honestly, no human should be going into a place like that. It was a disgusting hellhole, I swear.”
“What happened?”
Kashe asked, brimming with curiosity.
Abel, having been allowed into the room for now, eagerly began acting out his horrifying experience in the mine with gestures.
“You went off on such an exciting adventure without me?!”
Kashe leaned forward, excited.
“…Um. Were you even listening to my explanation?”
“Killing a camouflaged monster frog and getting a magic stone. That kind of adventure… I’m so jealous!!”
—No good. They say people only see what they want to see… and I guess this is one of those times.
“So then… what’s today’s business?”
“After that, I wrote a letter to Grandfather. I told him that Brother Lopez ordered you to a duel. Apparently, a scolding letter arrived for Brother Lopez.”
—Wait, seriously?
That… might have made things worse.
Abel began to worry there might be some thorough revenge coming later.
Kashe who was oblivious to his concern continued.
“And so, in exchange for studying etiquette, I was given permission to accompany you.”
“Wha…?”
“Now we can train with swords and magic every day. I’ll hone my skills and one day fight Hardia, the legendary warrior princess I’ve heard so much about!”
Apparently, she had some grand dream in mind.
And now he was the one who’d be dragged along for the ride.
“Excuse me, Lady Kashe. Could you tell me exactly what kind of permission Count Highwand gave you? I mean… surely he wouldn’t grant you unlimited freedom, right?”
“W-Well, yes. There are a few conditions. I have to be accompanied by guards whenever I leave the castle. I must consult closely with the ceremonial knight, Sir Stalfon. Outings must be day trips only. I’m not allowed to do anything dangerous. And I must study etiquette and all other subjects every day… If I don’t follow these rules, the permission to train will be revoked.”
Abel nodded. That all sounded perfectly reasonable.
It was probably meant as a form of stress relief for Kashe.
Taking this opportunity, Abel decided to ask a bit more about her personal circumstances.
“Um, Lady Kashe, this might be a bit personal, but… how often do you talk or spend time with Commander Berle?”
Kashe’s expression changed in an instant.
Children wear their hearts on their sleeves…it was easy to read.
She hadn’t yet learned how to hide her emotions.
“Father is very busy… so he can’t really spend time with me. But I do go hunting with my brothers sometimes. I’m not allowed to actually hunt, though. They say it’s because I’m still a child…and a girl. But if someone just taught me, I know I could do it…”
So basically, she was being mostly left on her own.
“What about your mother?”
“Mother… lives in the imperial capital. She… says she has work to do…”
“When was the last time you saw her?”
“Umm… umm…”
Kashe’s face grew darker with every second.
“It was two years ago. At the New Year’s banquet.”
—So that’s how it is. Her parents have left her alone.
A lonely child.
Suddenly, Abel felt a wave of sympathy for her.
“I understand. In that case, I’ll be your sparring partner for sword training. As often as I can, every day.”
Kashe beamed like a flower in full bloom.
She looked absolutely delighted.
“But Lady Kashe, I must apologize. I serve as a squire to Lady Ise Ark. That duty takes priority. I hope you understand that.”
“I do. But I have something I want to ask, too. Abel, are you a distant relative or something? What exactly is your connection to the Highwand family? And also, who is this Walter Ray you mentioned in conversation?”
—Sharp questions. This is tricky.
Should I just tell her everything?
She’ll find out eventually anyway…
When Abel was deep in thought, there was a knock at the door.
It was the butler Keifard who entered.
He wore a black outfit reminiscent of a tuxedo and carried an air of composed tension.
He gave off the impression of a man with serious responsibilities.
If this were a company, he would seem like a highly competent department head.
“Lady Kashe, pardon the interruption. I heard that Squire Abel came to visit. I also have business with him. It won’t take long. May I borrow him for a moment?”
Abel thought this was what people meant by a lucky break.
“Sir Keifard. I’ll come with you now.”
Abel quickly stood up and walked over to Keifard.
Keifard led him out of the room for a private talk.
“Abel. Your wages need to be paid. Normally, you’d collect them from the head accounting knight at the start of the month. But in your case, I’ve been instructed to hand them over directly.”
“Oh, yes. Thank you.”
“Also…this must never be spoken of to anyone. The Count has taken a personal interest in you. As a result, your payment has been generously increased. Ten silver coins.”
“It’s usually five, isn’t it?”
“That’s right. So, double.”
Keifard nodded deeply.
Abel decided to take the chance and ask something.
“Um, about the family crest seal… Does that mean I’m receiving special treatment?”
“That’s correct. Sir Berle was present at the time and didn’t show it in his demeanor, but the Count most likely regrets the matter concerning Sir Walter. He believes he should have mediated between Sir Berle and Sir Walter. Since this involves your father, you must proceed with caution.”
“My father and the Count didn’t seem to get along.”
“Time changes how people think and feel. However, Lord Barth is not one to reveal his feelings easily. You’ll have to read between the lines.”
Keifard spoke with conviction, but the man at Abel’s core couldn’t quite agree.
He had no regrets about killing that little man. Neither in his previous life nor in this one.
People don’t change that easily.
In his previous life, his personality hadn’t changed after his thirties.
And he didn’t think that was unique to him.
A man’s character solidifies around the age of thirty and hardly changes after that.
Unless, perhaps, he experiences something truly life-altering. Something like a life-or-death situation.
Abel tried to recall the face of the Count, whom he had met only once.
That face had shown not even a trace of warmth.
It had been cold and stern, with a will so strong it bordered on arrogance.
The very image of a high-ranking noble.
Or maybe, after nearly sixty years of navigating the deceptive world of aristocracy, the face and the heart had simply become two different things.
“…Sir Keifard. I have one more thing I’d like to ask.”
“What is it?”
“Right now, Lady Kashe is asking me about my father and me. Should I just be honest and tell her that my father is the Count’s illegitimate son?”
“Oh my. Hmm… Well, first of all, there’s no point in hiding it. There are plenty of people who know of Lord Walter’s origins. Sooner or later, she’ll find out. And Lady Kashe particularly dislikes lies. You should explain the truth to her.”
“I understand. Is that all you needed from me, Sir Keifard?”
“Listen, Abel. Lady Kashe has very few friends her own age. On top of that, she’s not especially interested in girlish pastimes. Keep that in mind and try to get along with her.”
Keifard sent Abel on his way.
Abel took his seat once more.
Kashe was waiting for his answer.
She hates lies… Perhaps it was because some adult in her life once broke a promise.
There’s no other choice but to be honest…
“Um. You know what a cousin is, right? That means a relative of yours, Lady Kashe.”
“Let’s see… that would mean you’re the child of one of my father’s siblings. But my father doesn’t have any siblings.”
“Yes, that’s true. But actually, it’s a bit different. Count Barth Highwand has two sons. One is, of course, Sir Berle. The other is Walter Ray, my father. But the one who gave birth to him wasn’t the Countess; it was a maid from the castle.”
Kashe was at a loss for words.
Her thin eyebrows sharpened, and her purple eyes grew even more piercing.
“I’m your cousin, Lady Kashe.”
“…Ah, I see. So that makes you my little brother, Abel.”
Kashe was smiling.
But it wasn’t a gentle smile.
It was a smile with a certain intensity.
“Brother? No, I mean, from my perspective, you’re my older cousin, Lady Kashe. Like the Count said, we’re only distantly related. So please don’t treat me like part of the family.”
“That’s fine. Then you’re my little brother in spirit. It’s decided! I knew something was off. It all felt strange. Like everyone was lying. I can tell when people are hiding things. You can’t fool me. Now that you say it, Abel, you do have the Highwand look. Though your eyes are a bit gloomy.”
Kashe nodded several times, looking as if something had finally made sense to her.
“My guess is that Sir Berle dislikes my father, Walter, and that’s why he probably dislikes me too. Please don’t get involved in this, Lady Kashe. This is my issue to deal with.”
—What I mean is, if you stick your nose in, it’ll only make things worse.
He added that thought silently to himself.
“Hmph. Fine, I understand. In that case, let’s begin sword practice right away. All right? Father told the castle’s sword instructor not to teach me, you know. So I haven’t had anyone to train with. But now I have you, Abel!”
Kashe, clearly in high spirits, immediately began getting ready.
They went on to train together, but it seemed Kashe had been holding in a lot of stress; it turned into an unusually intense session.
She swung her wooden sword sharply and even kicked Abel’s shield.
The impact was pretty strong.
On top of that, she clearly hadn’t forgotten her previous loss, and she kept her cool as she attacked Abel, who had adopted the defensive stance of the swidt defense style.
Her learning ability was impressive.
So Abel suddenly switched from swift defense style to the aggressive forms of offensive sword style.
He used one of the tricky techniques he’d learned from Ayla.
Charging with full force, Abel quickly closed the distance and brought his wooden sword down from above Kashe’s head.
Naturally, Kashe stepped back to defend, but she countered with a sweeping strike of her own.
Just as planned…she had taken the bait.
Abel struck Kashe’s outstretched arm with his wooden sword.
Match over.
“What was that move just now?! Abel, teach me!”
She was such an enthusiastic student; it was almost overwhelming.
From then on, whenever time allowed, they would train together from late morning into the afternoon.
They didn’t have Ise’s permission, but in company terms, it was like getting a direct order from the chairman. It was Count Barth Highwand himself, so it wasn’t exactly wrong.
That’s what Abel told himself, at least.
Kashe was bold, headstrong, and to be honest, not really the kind of person he was comfortable with…
Still, he had to admit… this might end up being fun in its own way.
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