Chapter 77

The sword-wearing ceremony was over, and I returned to my inn alone to prepare for my departure. I am alone now because Anne has to make the rounds, and Kuna is visiting everyone in Elsie.

We are leaving for the sealed city of Erin first thing tomorrow morning, so I want to finish packing today. I bought a lot of things that can't be found in Erin, so it takes more time and luggage than Kuna and Anne. Maybe it was a good idea to come back alone first. I focus on packing.

"Finally, I can take a break."

Just as I heave a sigh of relief, there is a knock on the door. It seems someone has come to visit. The moment I open the door, I brace myself.

"Why, it's you?"

The person who peeks out from behind the door is Cyril.

"I just wanted to have a little chat. There's also something I need to give you."

He has a sword hanging from his waist and a large bundle wrapped in cloth in his hand.

"Alright. We shouldn't talk in the hallway. Please come in, Father-in-law."

"Then, I won't hesitate. Future son-in-law."

Cyril lightly brushes off my joke and enters my room.

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"Then, let's get straight to it. This is the promised item. I'm sorry it took longer than expected."

Cyril hands me the large bundle wrapped in cloth. It's heavy.

"Can I open it, Cyril?"

"Are you not going to call me Father-in-law anymore?"

"That was a joke. I don't deserve to call you that yet. When we officially become a couple, I'll ask you then."

"Even though you're engaged?"

"Kuna hasn't accepted it yet. I want to respect her feelings."

"You're stubborn in the wrong way. I understand. I look forward to that day. As for the package, it's best to check it properly here."

I follow his advice and unwrap the cloth. Inside is a lump of orichalcum, about ten kilograms.

"Channel your magic power through it. I've prepared the highest quality, but I want to see how it reacts with Soji's magic power. I can make some adjustments if needed."

Following Cyril's advice, I channel my magic power. I can't help but smile. This is excellent. The circulation of magic power and the reaction to changes in properties are top-notch. Orichalcum is an excellent medium for magic, but not just any orichalcum. This is undoubtedly the best. It also matches me perfectly.

"Truly, the 'Platinum' orichalcum. It's the best. There's no better material in this world. Thank you, Cyril. I'll take good care of it."

With this, my weapon problem is solved. Kuna's sword can also be made using part of this orichalcum. Using the core of the dragon's reverse scale, which we fought to the death to defeat, and this orichalcum, we can create a sword that can withstand Kuna's flames.

"That would make me very happy. I went through a lot of trouble to arrange it. And this is a bonus."

Cyril throws the sword hanging from his waist to me. I catch it and draw it from the sheath.

"This... what kind of sword is this? It rivals even Kval Besta. There were other swords like this?"

The blade is black, absorbing all light. Magical runes are engraved on the blade, and it exudes a magical aura. It undoubtedly has some kind of ability.

"I entrust this to Soji. It's one of the twelve special magic swords enshrined in Elsie, forged by me in a distant past."

"Why are you giving this to me?"

"I said I would teach you my techniques, right? I honed my skills to create this magic sword. So, it can serve as a model for you. Of course, if you come to Elsie with Kuna, I can teach you directly, but I want you to use this as a preliminary study."

I couldn't fully understand what Cyril was saying. He used the sword he forged to study? It made no sense. But that's Cyril for you. It's pointless to measure a man who lives outside the norm by my standards.

Still... I swallow hard. Just one look is enough to tell. A sword forged with completely unfamiliar techniques. How much new knowledge and skills could I gain by seriously studying this sword? I can't wait.

"I gratefully accept it."

"I'm glad you like it. My business is done. I'll be on my way. ...By the way, Kuna is visiting the inn on the Elsie side. I want to talk to her a bit more before she leaves."

Cyril turns to leave.

"...Can I ask you one thing? Why did you use the engagement as a means? There must have been other ways."

The engagement at that time was no light matter. Especially since Kuna is a princess, even if it's a small country.

"There are two reasons. The first is that the girl is very popular. Every time she sings at such events, she receives over a hundred marriage proposals. Even this time, despite the engagement announcement, dozens of marriage proposals have come in. I used Soji as a repellent. You shouldn't be too complacent either. No matter how many times they are rejected, the proposers are infatuated with Kuna and won't give up. Elsie even has a royal guard."

With that beauty, that voice, and the overwhelmingly advanced magic and technology of Elsie, it's no wonder she has many suitors.

"The second reason is parental affection. Soji is the first man Kuna has ever seriously liked. She has turned down countless proposals. It's only natural to want to support her. The engagement will give her the courage to take the first step."

I almost burst out laughing. Those are the reasons?

"I understand the situation."

"...I also have a question for Soji. Do you remember why the girl had to die in the game world? Why I, as Kuna's father, had to cooperate with the forces targeting her?"

That's a given... it's...

"Can't you remember?"

No matter how much I dig through my memories, I can't recall anything. All I can remember is challenging the strongest Cyril in the game for Kuna's sake and losing.

It's strange. Why did I have to challenge Cyril in the first place?

I recall the last line the capital's knight said to me in the game.

"Did you hide here!! You traitor! For just one woman, you would do this to the world!!"

And I replied:

"To me, the world is Kuna."

In other words, Kuna was in a position where she was targeted by the knights for the sake of the world, and I was opposing them to protect her. Why did it come to this?

"Can't you remember? ...Soji, please, don't take your eyes off Kuna. I want to give you more specific advice, but I can't because of a 'contract.' If you think something is wrong, come to Elsie. I'll do my best to help."

"I'll do that... But we'll be fine. Kuna and Anne are with me. There's no obstacle we can't overcome with the 'Tail of the Magic Sword.'"

I'm different from back then. I have friends I can trust with my life. With those two, we can do anything.

"I see, I'm relieved. Good luck."

With those meaningful words, Cyril left. For some reason, I remembered that Kuna has been feeling a bit unwell recently.