Published: September 9, 2025
※Corrected typos on 9/15.
※This chapter is not from Satou’s perspective.
◇Baron’s Castle – Baron’s Private Chamber◇
“Baron, Lord Zotol and Lord Hout have arrived.”
“Ah, send them in.”
“Excuse us.”
The two men invited into the baron's study exchanged looks of bewilderment. Though their lord was friendly, he seemed uninterested in military affairs. Usually, orders were relayed to them through Regent Nina.
Adding to their surprise were the two swords placed atop the baron's desk. Wrapped in simple sheaths, Zotol sensed an indescribable power emanating from them.
“Lord Zotol, would you try drawing one of those swords?”
“Yes, sir.”
With a brief acknowledgment, Lord Zotol drew a sword. Lord Hout, summoned along, remained silent and stood behind Zotol. Even though Hout was the father of Zotol’s lover, the social gap between them in an official capacity was immense—so this behavior was natural. Yet, his eyes betrayed an unhidden curiosity.
“Is this... a Demonic Sword?”
Zotol assessed the blade in his hand. It reminded him of the Demonic Sword once flaunted by a noble superior he knew long ago. Although that sword was made of Mithril, this one appeared to be forged from an iron alloy.
Resolving his doubts, he let his magic power seep into the Demonic Sword. While his usual iron sword was powerless to channel magic, when wielding a sword crafted from monster parts like this, it was essential.
“Amazing...”
Magic power flowed through the Demonic Sword with a smoothness beyond his experience.
After a few practice swings in this state, Zotol sheathed the sword and placed it back on the desk. He then drew the second sword, similar in make, as if forged from the same mold. This uniformity was unheard of—usually, Demonic Swords varied greatly in nature and performance.
“These are magnificent swords. They must be worth over a hundred gold coins—are you going to sell them to a merchant?”
Zotol asked, a twinge of reluctance in his voice. Under the current economic conditions of the Barony, such expensive swords could not be distributed to their knights. He suspected the Baron had called them to inquire about the swords' market value.
“Do you like them?”
“Yes. Opportunities to wield such swords are rare, so I am deeply grateful for this chance.”
“I see. I’m glad they please you. Take them—they are yours.”
The unexpected offer caused more confusion than joy. But after fully processing the Baron's words, his confusion gave way to renewed delight.
“Y-you mean you’re lending us such famous swords?”
“No.”
The Baron's simple denial returned his hopes to disappointment.
“I’m giving them to you. Express your gratitude to Baron Pendragon. He requested these swords be handed over to you.”
Baron Pendragon—the only three nobles holding a titled rank in this Barony. His eccentric reputation was well-known. If these were truly gifts from him, they were genuinely being bestowed. Zotol held the swords reverently in both hands, thankful for the decision made by the Baron and the noble who had become his lord.
◇Baron’s Castle – Courtyard◇
“Beautiful…”
“Oh? A newcomer, and it looks like you have your eyes on Hout?”
“Eek, Elina! Since when have you been here?”
“I’ve been here a while~ So, are you aiming for Hout? Planning a coup d’état?”
The ladies’ gazes were fixed on the Barony’s military captain and vice-captain swinging their newly acquired Demonic Swords. The captain’s sword glowed with magic power, but the vice-captain’s showed no such light. Beyond them, in the shade of the trees, stood Baroness Solna, attended by her maid.
“I was watching Lord Zotol wielding his sword. I’ve never seen such a beautiful blade.”
Under Elina’s insistent gaze, the speaker offered a reluctant explanation.
“That’s not true. It’s impossible to have unrequited feelings for someone so lovingly watched over like that. Besides, my heart belongs elsewhere.”
“Oh, right. You mentioned a young merchant who saved you from being run over by a carriage, generously giving you precious magic potions?”