Published: August 15, 2025
Today, three chapters are released simultaneously.
This is the second chapter.
After Sebas left the inn together with Ryoma, Remily, who stayed behind in the room, asked.
“Reinbach, from your perspective, how strong do you think that child is?”
“To be honest, I don’t really know. I’ve seen him train and use magic several times, but I haven’t seen him in actual combat… However, I heard that since the time we met, he’s already been hunting bandits. Regarding the matter we discussed earlier, I also heard he defeated an assassin sent by the Dark Guild. I think it’s safe to say he’s skilled, but his true limits are unknown. That’s why I wanted to ask Seaver.”
“I see... Speaking of which, Remily.”
“Yes?”
“You were talking about magic earlier, but from the flow of conversation, was he noticed? Or rather, was it that you wanted him to notice?”
At this question, Remily gave a suspicious smile.
“Curious?”
“Of course. You’ve always been the kind to sneak past the castle’s guards as a prank, after all.”
“Oh, I hate the word ‘prank.’ That was an unannounced security drill, wasn’t it? Elias gave the order, too.”
“That’s true, but from the guards’ side, it was a nightmare. The head court mage, the knight commander, the elite knights and guards were all troubled. I admit it led to stronger security, but every time I remember it, I want to complain.”
“Well, well, it’s over now, so let’s move on. But honestly, I didn’t expect to be noticed. I was found as soon as I snuck up, never mind hugging him. After that, the vigilance turned into sheer suspicion… maybe that’s too harsh?”
“At least when he met Sebas or talked with Reinbach, his expression and atmosphere softened. Thinking about that, deep down, at his core, there might be a strong wariness and distrust toward others.”
“As always, your intuition is sharp… I don’t know the details, but it seems clear his past environment was harsh. When I first met him, he was hiding deep in a forest out of sight. His manner and words were often beyond his age, giving the impression of someone worn out by life.
That said, just now, he seemed a bit brighter than before.”
“Hmm… That child must have suffered in his own way. At least, we should consider him not as a child. Alright, I’ll judge the rest during the fight.”
Seaver said that, then quickly returned to his room to prepare for the match.
His equipment consisted of the halberd he used during his active years and a set of heavy armor purchased after retirement. Despite their weight and stiffness, he donned them swiftly as if they were familiar clothes. Grasping the halberd, he checked its feel, then muttered to himself.
“Though I said that… I resent this body’s aging…”
The once-light halberd he wielded like an extension of his body now felt heavier. Over time, to swing it as before, he needed the aid of ki acquired through long training, and his skills gradually dulled.
Those around him repeatedly told him he was “not old,” and “still capable of fulfilling his duties,” urging him to continue, but his own aging was unstoppable. Even supported by others’ expectations and his sense of responsibility, he always felt his limits. That’s why his resolve was strong; he resigned from the knight commander’s post only after confirming a worthy successor had grown.
Since then, he has done his best to oppose his aging, but aging is not something one can fight mentally. He was painfully reminded of this. Just last night, he drank and admitted this.
Hearing this, Remily beside him said,
“Time flows like that. You and I must both accept aging. But, Seaver, I think your mindset makes your aging slower. If you slack off, you’ll age faster.”
Her words were wise, typical of a long-lived Dark Elf. Remembering this, a wry smile appeared on Seaver’s face.
“Remily… though aging is hard to notice in Dark Elves, is it real? I don’t know your exact age, but you could be almost twice mine. Yet when we first met, you looked the same. Your movements don’t seem to deteriorate. Even if you say you’re aging, I can’t accept it.