Volume 4 Chapter 16 I Recently Forgot That This Was An Otome Game World
After finishing their meeting and duel, the two came to greet Aaron. Aaron had also shown up at the arena, but he only came to hand over a simplified ancient language chart, which was basically a Japanese syllabary.
Aaron smiled wryly, thinking it was quite diligent of him, but despite his words, he quickly accepted the syllabary, and Randy returned the smile.
(He's really looking forward to this, isn't he?) While Randy thought that, Aaron, still looking down at the syllabary, opened his mouth.
"How was the serious S-rank?"
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Randy recalled the earlier battle. Was it the curse of the magic sword? That strange unique trait and his well-practiced sword skills were definitely among the top he had seen in people so far.
He hadn't seen Cedric or Miranda go all out, but he felt they were probably stronger than them. He didn't understand the simple sword techniques, but that magic sword's ability was definitely cheating.
The mental strength to wield the magic sword, along with the stamina and skill to match it. As for his personality, well, that was another story, but in terms of strength, he was certainly among the top tier.
That said, this was outside of Victor. If Randy were to give his honest opinion including Victor, it would be that,
"Harrison was stronger."
Harrison, the vice-captain of the Victor Knight Brigade, would have had no problem facing the fully awakened Cain. However, upon hearing this, Alan buried his head in his hands, while Aaron chuckled softly.
"Cain definitely had a side that relied on his weapons and abilities, but he was undeniably a talent with the skill and mental strength to match an S-rank."
Aaron let out a big sigh and continued with a wry smile,
"Due to the influence of the country, the recent S-ranks are often mocked as just a name. Still, there's no doubt that Cain was among the better ones in the S-rank category. He wouldn't fall short compared to our younger days."
On their way out, Randy heard that Aaron was once a skilled adventurer known as the [Sword Demon]. He's around the same age as Keith, and although Keith is from the Empire and Aaron from the Dukedom, they had some interactions as adventurers active on the continent. It seems that he was strong enough to be recognized.
Aaron continues, laughing that the stories about them might be exaggerated.
"In the dungeon near Rivernant, he (Cain) had the skills to reach the deeper levels. He was strong enough to hold his own even in the Beast Forest. That's why──."
The government thought there wouldn't be any issues in a fight against Victor. Randy could only shrug at the look that seemed to say he wanted to say more.
Sure, Ian and the others are managing in the Beast Forest, so Cain could probably do well in the deeper parts too.
But honestly, from what Randy knows about Victor, Cain is just above average in the Knight Brigade. Against someone like Harrison, who is at the top of the top, he wouldn't stand a chance.
Seeing Randy's uncertain expression, Aaron seemed to understand what he wanted to say and chuckled softly.
"I can't believe Victor has become a monster in the meantime."
Laughing, Aaron was met with Alan, who ruffled Randy's hair and said, "It's because of this guy."
Randy, being bigger than Alan, looked awkward in that position and pouted in dissatisfaction.
"It's because this guy us getting stronger that everyone else is being pulled along. Even that Keith──."
Alan sighed, and Aaron nodded with a wry smile,
"I was surprised by that too. I thought, how could Keith be even stronger than in his prime? But it makes sense that if his disciple gets stronger, he can't just sit back as a master."
Because Randy is getting stronger, Keith, as the teacher, has to keep improving himself. That's the result we see in Keith now.
"What about you, Mr. Aaron?"
With a mischievous grin, Alan asked, and Aaron shrugged, saying,
"Don't be ridiculous. I was surpassed a long time ago. I can't pretend to be a master now."
Aaron chuckled to himself, but Randy was still looking at the calloused hand of Aaron, which had just picked up the hiragana chart. Although he was saying such things, Aaron, like Keith, had an air of strength about him.
Both he and Keith were probably great men who continued to grow without limits.
Of course, Alan must have noticed that too, but no one spoke it out loud. They just silently smiled and said, "I see."
"By the way, if that S-rank guy falls, won't the Guild's profits decrease?"
"It will, but unfortunately, the mainstream these days is still mid-tier beasts. And..."
Aaron gave a meaningful smile.
"Is that why you asked us to build a road?"
Alan sighed, and Aaron nodded, saying, "Exactly."
They were probably looking to fill the gap left by a pillar named Cain with Victor's Beast Forest.
"You're still as unpredictable as ever."
"Same goes for you."
The two laughed together, but time was limited. Alan glanced at the clock and frowned slightly, looking disappointed.
"I'm sorry for the rushed greeting, but I should be on my way."
"That's a good idea. You need to get back by tomorrow night."
After saying goodbye to the smiling Aaron, Randy and Alan jumped into the carriage and hurried towards the port of Rivernant. Just as Aaron said, tomorrow was the Saint's birthday festival.
To be precise, tomorrow was still the eve of the Saint's birthday, but the festival itself was mostly celebrated on the eve.
It was like how Christmas Eve is more lively than Christmas Day.
In other words, they needed to return to the mansion by tomorrow night. It was quite a tight schedule, but if they took a speedboat from Rivernant, they could make it back to Victor's Port City by around noon tomorrow.
From there, if they dashed back, they calculated they could just make it in time for the evening festivities.
"I hope we can make it in time."
Alan said, looking out the window, and Randy nodded, saying, "Yeah."
It was a rented carriage, but the smooth ride showed how popular Lucian's carriages had become.
Other manufacturers are also trying to copy, but for now, Lucian is a few steps ahead in terms of durability and the skills of the engineers.
"In the end, it looks like we'll have to rely on His Excellency for the heating equipment..."
Randy sighed, but Alan laughed and said,
"That's just a way of saying it. The government is saying, 'Even rely on the nobles of the kingdom,' and I'm just responding, 'Sure, I'll do that'."
"...So that means we can rely on anyone in the kingdom?"
Randy said with a wry smile, and Alan leaned back with a serious face, "But it didn't say where, did it?"
"That said, we don't have any connections like that, so it'll probably go through Lord Lucian. After all, Lord Lucian has connections to other continents too."
Research on the application of runes. It's a high hurdle to simplify that, but Randy is interested. Working with the dwarves from the other continent sounds more fun than the battle earlier.
"Just don't do any stupid experiments at the academy."
Alan said with a glare, and Randy pouted, "I know, I know." Even Randy isn't that foolish. If he were to do something like that at the academy, it would be a huge problem.
"Speaking of which, the academy... I totally forgot about it."
"...Please don't say anything that gives me a headache."
Alan said, slumping his shoulders, but it's true Randy had forgotten. Still, he has been having fun lately, so he probably doesn't dislike academy life that much.
"If it weren't for the tests and the dance, it would be a great place."
Randy said with a laugh. The dance he mentioned is the dance party that takes place at the end of the term. Today is supposed to be the last day of the term.
After the end-of-term ceremony tonight, there will be a dance party, and then students who are going home will leave. By the way, Randy didn't go home last year.
The road back north is steep and takes a long time, plus the winter vacation itself is short, so because of this, Randy didn't go home during last year's winter vacation. That's why Victor couldn't gather his family for last year's birthday festival.
Randy, on the other hand, was spending the end-of-term dance party and the birthday celebration the next day all alone.
Compared to that, this year's birthday party would definitely be livelier. It had been a while since he had spent time with family, and Liz and Ellie would be there too. Luke and the others would be absent since they would drop him (leave?) off tomorrow night, but it was sure to be a lively event.
Back then, enjoying the atmosphere of the town alone wasn't so bad, but when it comes to a festival, he wanted it to be flashy.
"It's been 2 years since the whole family got together for the birthday celebration."
"Speaking of the birthday celebration... Lady Annabelle mentioned something about being in charge of it."
Randy remembered his little friend in the royal capital. The birthday celebration was an important event for the Church too. Many believers from all over would gather at the Cathedral in the royal capital for the day after tomorrow, which was said to be the day the second Saint, who laid the foundation for the Church, was born.
He recalled last year's daytime events like the 'Saint's Procession' and the 'Saint's Blessing Market.' At night, the city was buzzing with various events like 'Lights of Prayer' and 'Songs of Prayer.'
He thought it was impressive for the headquarters of the Holy Church. He particularly remembered the 'Lights of Prayer' being quite magical. As the sun began to set, people lit their candles with wishes and feelings of gratitude.
Holding their lights, they offered their thanks for this year and prayers for the next to the sky. For that moment of prayer, the lights held by the people softly illuminated the twilight royal capital. He remembered that scene being very enchanting.
As Randy gazed blankly out the window, a different, more vibrant town reflected in his eyes compared to the 'Lights of Prayer.'
Leading up to tomorrow's birthday celebration, Rivernant, the largest city in the Dukedom, was showing more excitement than earlier during the duel.
Although the birthday celebration in Victor wasn't very lively, seeing it like this made it seem like a grand festival on a continental scale.
He had just passed by a decorated 'Wishing Holy Tree' in the middle of the main street. It looked like a Christmas tree from any angle, but the wishes tied to that tree were in the style of Tanabata, representing everyone's hopes.
Other than that, there are small lights made with magic lamps. The shops facing the street have already transformed into a festive setup for the birthday celebration.
It's a bit of a strange festival, but seeing everyone having fun makes his heart feel light.
It's still daytime, and the atmosphere is already so lively. By night, it will surely be even more vibrant.
"Lady Annabelle must be having a tough time."
Randy remembers well how lively it was in the capital last year. But this year, the Church upper-ups just did something crazy. For Annabelle and the other regular believers, it must be quite challenging.
"I wish I could help somehow."
Randy, who had turned his gaze away from the window, felt a bit regretful for not being able to repay the favor from the Harvest Festival.
Annabelle and Cory are important friends who actively helped with the festival preparations and contributed to the excitement. He wanted to repay them if possible, but there was no way he could make it to the capital in time now.
Randy let out a big sigh, but before he could dwell on it, Alan spoke up.
"It might not be impossible."
Alan, smiling, pointed ahead...
"Liz? Even Luke is here──."
It was familiar faces waiting at the port of Rivernant.
"What are you guys doing here?"
Randy jumped off the carriage without waiting for it to stop, and Liz stuck out her tongue, saying, "We came!"
"Tomorrow is the birthday festival, and as a person from Victor, I thought I'd return the favor for the Harvest Festival preparations."
Randy nodded at Liz's smile. It was a secret that his heart warmed a little when she referred herself as "a person from Victor."
"Seriously, you're late. I thought you'd finish in 5 minutes."
"The meeting dragged on."
Randy snorted, but he happily bumped fists with Luke.
"Old man..."
"Go ahead. I'll take my time returning with the carriage and Harrison."
"Got it. I'll be back tomorrow night."
Alan smiled as Randy raised his hand and disappeared into the hustle and bustle of the town with Liz and the others. They were planning to teleport to the capital from a less crowded spot.
Watching their cheerful backs, Alan let out a happy sigh.
"Being young is great, huh?"
"You're still young too, master."
Shrugging, Alan returned to the carriage, and the two of them slowly made their way toward the ship they were aiming for.
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