The Girl’s Dream
 

 
One afternoon, some time after defeating the Hydra that appeared in the Tittis Forest.
 
I was basking in the sun with Suzume in the courtyard. I had practically dragged her out, as she had been tirelessly dedicating herself to studying magic and practicing physical techniques lately.
 
As we sat on a bench near the garden trees, several cats approached, meowing. These were the cats that had taken up residence in the mansion since Suzume and Seal had helped them during a previous request.
 
While watching Suzume smile as she pet the cats, … Read the rest

A Noble Lady’s Gratitude
 

 
“Lord Sora, may I have a moment of your time? There’s something I’d like to discuss.”
 
When Astrid Dragnote made this request, I nodded without hesitation.
 
The eldest daughter of the Dragnote Duke family, known throughout the Kingdom of Canaria, and the vice-commander of the Dragon Knight Order. Considering her lineage and status, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say she was someone far above my station. Yet, her personality was gentle, her manner polite, and she never failed to show courtesy even to those beneath her—who could dislike such a person? No one, surely.
 
So, … Read the rest

 
2
 

 
After returning to Melte Village with Priestess Sarah on Clau-Solas, I brought along a large quantity of antidotes, stamina recovery potions, holy water, and the like, as usual.
 
It was quite troublesome to gather this many pharmaceuticals in Ishka, which still bore the scars of Hydra and the monster rampage, so I hope they’ll be used effectively.
 
My previous largesse when visiting the village was to gain the villagers’ trust, but this time it was more like an apology to the inhabitants of Melte. An apology for taking away their two priests, Sarah and … Read the rest

Side Story: Priestess Sarah
 

 
1
 

 
That day, I received an unusual request from Priestess Sarah. “Would you mind taking me to Melte Village tomorrow, if possible?”
 
Of course, I had no reason to refuse.
 
Hydra had already been defeated, the monster rampage had settled, and improvements to the antidote were progressing.
 
According to Miroslav, thanks to my massive level-up, the effect of dragon blood had significantly increased. He said that now, we could almost certainly eliminate the effects of the deadly poison.
 
The reason for the “almost” was that not much time had passed since we defeated … Read the rest

Side Story: What is Resonance
 

 
Once upon a time, in the Ad Astra Empire, there was a saint — a monk of high virtue.
 
Despite his youth, the monk’s nature, full of compassion and benevolence, was adored by many.
 
The monk was also an excellent sorcerer and skilled in staff techniques, burning with enthusiasm to subdue the evil demons and monsters that infested the earth.
 
One day, the monk left his hometown wearing his priest’s robe. His destination was an island of phantoms steeped in 300 years of grudges.
 
In that land, there was … Read the rest

3
 

 
“Welcome back, Kuraia.”
 
As Kuraia passed through the outer gate with weak, plodding steps and walked towards the mansion, I called out to her. Kuraia’s shoulders jerked dramatically, as if startled.
 
She hurriedly turned around. I, who had been leaning against the wall near the gate waiting for Kuraia’s return, noticeably curled up one corner of my mouth into a grin.
 
“L-Lord Sora…”
 
“My, my, you look quite pale. Are you alright?”
 
As I said this, Kuraia’s already pale face turned even paler. Fear and doubt alternately flickered in her crimson eyes.… Read the rest

Side Story: Kuraia-Beruhi
 

 
1
 

 
Splash…
 
In a bathroom where such a sound might be heard, Kuraia-Beruhi was soaking in the bathtub with her eyes tightly closed.
 
The cypress wood bathtub was surprisingly large, allowing her to stretch her limbs to her heart’s content.
 
For someone who had been forced to live in a cave in a corner of the Tittis forest, the pleasure of immersing herself in an abundance of hot water was incomparable.
 
“Well, that was an interesting experience in its own way, wasn’t it?”
 
Kuraia chuckled, slowly pouring water … Read the rest

Epilogue
 

 
The battle was reaching its climax.
 
Under the rust-colored sky, an army in black armor was defeating the enemy forces in red armor one after another. Their momentum was overwhelming, and it seemed impossible for the red army to turn the tide.
 
However, even in defeat, the red army didn’t flee disgracefully. They stood their ground, desperately forcing the enemy to bleed.
 
If they retreated now, their homeland would be ravaged by the enemy. This fear gave the red soldiers the will to resist.
 
The black army was also suffering significant losses. Realizing … Read the rest

5
 

 
“I see. So that’s how it is.”
 
After reading the letter from the Mitsurugi family, I shrugged slightly.
 
If I wanted them to entrust Suzume to me, I had to go to Onigashima and prove my abilities—in short, they were saying they’d at least listen if I came there.
 
My opponent is my father, who has given up on me. There was a possibility that he might outright reject my proposal and try to kill the hostage without question. Considering that, being summoned to the island was a relatively moderate outcome.
 
The fact … Read the rest

“For me? What’s this about?”
 
Klimt tensed up, wondering if they had come on the Master’s orders to reprimand him for yesterday’s rudeness, but Raguna said casually:
 
“I got permission from Father to mobilize the Fourth Flag to rescue Kuraia. Of course, we can’t leave the island ourselves—but this should calm you down, Klimt.”
 
“What?!”
 
Klimt was stunned into silence. Raguna’s words were completely unexpected for Klimt.
 
As was the case with Jininbo, most of the Blue Forest Flag members operating outside the island belong to the Fourth Flag. Raguna was saying he would mobilize … Read the rest