Published: September 9, 2025
Lord Torel is one of the Shiga Eight Swords who appeared riding a wyvern in the interlude of Chapter 10.
“Lord Torel, have you reconsidered?”
“Lord Zeph, it pains me to leave behind a comrade of the same rank, but I cannot believe a Wyvern Rider who has lost his beloved mount can be of any use to His Majesty.”
Faced with Lord Torel’s firm resolve, Lord Juleburg had no choice but to relent.
“If the Demon King appears in the Royal Capital, I shall spur on my old bones and rush to the scene.”
“Is there somewhere you intend to go?”
“There is a town called Puta to the east of the Duke’s Capital, home to the Demon Hunters. Southeast of there lies a hidden village where wyvern eggs are collected. I intend to bring promising young men who aspire to become Wyvern Riders there and cultivate the next generation of the Shiga Eight Swords.”
Lord Juleburg had no recollection of a town named Puta, but he vaguely pictured it to the east-southeast of the Duke’s Capital and nodded in agreement with Lord Torel’s words.
The Count Seryu’s Domain is famous as a territory where wyverns live, but the wyverns nest near the border with Dragon Valley. Since that area has been designated off-limits since the era of King Ancestor Yamato, Lord Juleburg hadn’t considered it as a possible location.
For several years, Lord Juleburg himself had been privately providing expensive Magic Swords to a few promising young men as part of their education to cultivate the next generation of the Shiga Eight Swords.
“Lord Torel, a parting gift.”
“Is this a magical weapon?”
“Yes, it was bestowed by His Majesty. Despite its delicate appearance, it boasts magical power transmission capabilities comparable to a divinely bestowed Holy Sword. It is a renowned spear.”
Lord Torel picked up an exceptionally long lance from among several similar magical weapons carelessly arranged on the weapon rack in the corner of the room.
He channeled magic power and formed a magical blade.
“Wow, it’s so light.”
Usually, he would have to exert himself to the point of bursting blood vessels, but now he could perform that operation with only a slight effort, and Lord Torel let out a voice of admiration.
Seeing Lord Torel share the same impression, Lord Juleburg nodded.
“Take whichever you like. You may also take enough for those you will teach as disciples.”
“Are you sure? Such magnificent swords and spears?”
“Yes. It is an investment for those who will protect the Shiga Kingdom in the future.”
Even though this would normally be considered embezzlement in the Shiga Kingdom, the chief quartermaster of the Paladins managed the records and reports as loans, so the matter never came to light.
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“Master, there’s no road to that mountain, you know?”
The one-armed boy answered with confusion.
“Then, is there a noble with an airship or a beast tamer who commands flying beasts?”
“Probably only His Grace the Duke or his military personnel.”
A middle-aged female demon hunter standing next to the boy replied casually to Lord Torel’s naïve question.
In such a small, rural town inhabited only by demon hunters, there was no means of aerial transport.
An indescribable atmosphere began to hang over the countryside town, tension rising.
—It was a black shadow.
“I see you are not ordinary. Identify yourself. State your name.”
Lord Torel called out, standing in for the frozen townsfolk who could not move.
However, the black figure scoffed.
“You humans are so arrogant. I only desire tomatoes. I have no name to give to the likes of you, mere scum.”
“What did you say...?”
Lord Torel drew his sword.
The blade shimmered with a red glow.
The three squires accompanying him also drew their swords in response to their master’s provocation.
“Hmph, you show some skill, but since you have drawn your sword, are you prepared to be cut down?”
“As one who lives off the Shiga Kingdom’s stipend, I cannot let suspicious fellows like you roam free. I shall take no life, so come at me with confidence.”