Chapter 21, No Ill Intent (1)

Translator: Hedge

Editor: Lizzz

 

That late afternoon, Kalian matched the Magic Pattern on the safe’s lid and opened its door.

 

The old Kalian had never touched it himself, and could not remember. So, after several failed attempts following what he had observed when Ian opened it before, he finally managed to open it.

 

Inside the safe, which was large enough for someone of Kalian’s size to enter, there were documents and a considerable amount of money – just as he had seen before. After staring at them for a moment, Kalian grabbed handfuls of gold, silver, and copper coins, excluding the checks, and put them in his pocket.

 

“Sorry. I’ll just take a little.”

 

Since Ian, who might have asked how was that ‘just a little’, was outside, there was no response to Kalian’s words.

 

Allan, who was waiting for Kalian with Ian in front of Cermil Palace, was holding a black robe in his hand. Beside him was Raven, standing with one leg slightly bent, as if demonstrating what a dignified horse’s posture should be.

 

“Raven.”

 

When Kalian happily called out, Raven raised his head and made a whooshing sound.

 

Ian, who handed over Raven’s reins, asked in an anxious voice. “Your Highness. Are you sure you’ll be alright without me?”

 

Though it seemed like Ian had forgotten he was going with the world’s strongest Mage, Kalian nodded as if to say, ‘not to worry’ and mounted Raven.

 

*Hop*

 

As he mounted the horse with even lighter movements than before, Allan’s eyes narrowed slightly. Though his face showed deep thoughts, Allan soon masked his contemplation and spoke to Ian.

 

“Don’t worry needlessly. His Highness, the King, has already granted the Third Prince permission. Besides, I’ll be there.”

 

“Yes, don’t worry. I’ll be back by dawn tomorrow.”

 

At that moment, Kalian suddenly spoke, and Raven started moving on his own.

 

Ian exclaimed in a hushed voice with eyes that looked like they might pop out.

 

“Tomorrow!? You said you’d be back before midnight!”

 

Of course, Kalian was already far away by then.

 

Allan patted Ian’s shoulder as if to encourage him and ran after Kalian.

 

Successfully avoiding Ian and using Allan’s company as guarantee to leave the Royal Palace, Kalian quickly put on the black robe he had received from Allan. The deep hood covered his head and eyes.

 

“In the past, I covered my face for a different reason. Yet, for some reason, this feels strange, Master.”

 

Though he said that, his expression was one of thorough excitement.

 

That was natural. After all, this was his first time having ‘free time’ since entering Kalian’s body!

 

“Are you really that excited?”

 

“Yes, how… I’ve been waiting for this for so long.”

 

He barely managed to avoid saying ‘how long has it been since I went out.’ After all, for the old Kalian, this basically was his first outing.

 

Allan nodded with a smile without answering.

 

While playfully messing with Raven’s mane, Kalian asked.

 

“Did His Highness really give permission?”

 

“By now, Rmain would have probably received the report about your outing.”

 

It was a carefree response suggesting indifference.

 

This meant that he had not actually told Rmain.

 

“I thought as much.”

 

Still, Kalian was not worried. Because he knew Allan would take care of it.

 

Just as suspected, even when Rmain received the report that Kalian had left the Royal Palace again, he just nodded. The King simply believes that Allan would properly handle things.

 

“Then I’ll be going, Master.”

 

So, Allan, who had to take responsibility for this outing, raised his eyebrows at Kalian’s sudden words.

 

“Are you saying you’ll leave even me behind?”

 

“Yes.” Kalian nodded without hesitation.

 

Kalian had left the Royal Palace to purchase supplies needed to solve Sillike’s poisoned tea situation. And while he was out, he planned to look for Kyrie as well. Since all of these things needed to be done as Bern rather than as Kalian, Allan’s presence would be difficult.

 

Kalian had even put on an act for this. He had deliberately dropped the tea cup while receiving it, making it look like a mistake to avoid the poisoned tea. After all, he needed enough stamina to run away if something happened while traveling alone. Though it was a method he could not use twice, it did not matter since he planned on properly drink the tea from tomorrow onwards.

 

“I’ll return before sunrise.”

 

After thinking about something for a while, Allan nodded.

 

The permission was so unexpectedly easily granted that even Kalian was surprised.

 

“There is an Arcane Enclave branch on Naeransha Street. I’ll be lingering around there. So, come find me when you are done.”

 

Since the map of Cyriesus was already well transmitted to Secritia through their spies. Bern knew the structure of Cyriesus even better than the old Kalian. Therefore, Kalian confidently nodded.

 

“Yes, Master. Thank you.”

 

Allan did not ask what Kalian plans do, and Kalian did not tell him. Still, they just parted ways after passing the plaza.

 

…

 

Kalian’s first destination was Vanensha Street, located across the Senu River on the east side.

 

*Clop, clop.* Since horses could not run within the capital, Kalian moved Raven at just trotting pace.

 

Hearing the cheerful hoof sounds, Kalian smiled, nodding his head to match Raven’s movements, feeling inexplicably happy.

 

Finding Vanensha Street was not difficult. All he had to do was follow the sound of hammering that did not stop even at sunset.

 

The smell of iron vibrating through the street gave him a peculiar feeling.

 

[Who knew this once-detestable smell would be so welcoming now?]

 

Vanensha was the street of blacksmiths. Over twenty shops lined up along a small road in the middle.

 

Since Secritia’s spies had not reported which shops made the best weapons, Kalian dismounted Raven and walked slowly, holding the reins while examining the goods in each shop.

 

“Nothing quite satisfactory here.”

 

After looking around the shops for a while and muttering this, finally a shop caught Kalian’s attention. Unlike others, it displayed only weapons without shields or armor. Even at a glance, the quality of the products was a level higher than the rest.

 

When Kalian stopped in front of this shop named ‘Roten Smithy’, a child from the shop ran out and greeted him.

 

“Welcome! Are you here to look at swords?”

 

Kalian nodded and handed over Raven’s reins. He proceeded to give the child a coin and cautioned.

 

“Don’t pet him. Just take him aside and tie the reins.”

 

The child gulped, seemingly scared. Finding this cute, Kalian gave another coin and patted the child’s head.

 

“He’s well-behaved as long as you don’t touch him, so don’t worry.”

 

After sending the child away and looking around inside the shop, a middle-aged man who appeared to be the shop owner came out. He must had made these goods himself, as his thick muscular arms were glistening with sweat.

 

“Is there a particular type you’re looking for?”

 

“Do you have a sword suitable for a seventeen-year-old? It can be adult length, but I’d prefer it to be light. The child in question hasn’t held a sword in a long time.”

 

The man looked at Kalian with a slightly strange expression. The voice speaking as though the person was finding a sword for someone much younger than themself sounded too young to be anywhere near seventeen.

 

However, knowing that harboring deep suspicions in places like this was an attitude perfect for shortening one’s lifespan, the man just nodded along and said.

 

“Yes, please wait a moment. I’ll show you what we have shortly.”

 

“Alright.”

 

After the man went to the back of the shop, Kalian began examining the weapons while moving around. During this, his eyes caught a thin knife about a hand’s length. It had no guard, likely intended to be concealed under one’s clothes. The scabbard also had a leather belt that could be attached to the forearm.

 

Kalian reached out and picked it up.

 

Though it was just a knife, he felt it was well-balanced. When he drew the blade, the sharp edge made of Damascus Steel gleamed.

 

A satisfied smile spread across Kalian’s face.

 

“This should be sufficient for me.”

 

What he had just requested from the shop owner was not for himself. It was for Kyrie to use in sword practice. The same Kyrie whom he had encountered on the way to the riding equestrian performance venue.

 

In fact, even if Kalian were to use a sword himself, he could not use ones made of ordinary iron. They would not be able withstand Aura for long.

 

[Well. My current body probably can’t handle Aura.]

 

Suddenly, he remembered the cry of the broken sword from the day Bern died.

 

Though it would certainly be unbroken and intact now, Kalian would never see that sword again. After all, it was a treasured sword passed down through the Secritia Royal Family.

 

Thinking of the sword reminded him of the Mage who broke it. The person who led Bern to his death. A deep smile crossed Kalian’s face as he recalled the one who had covered their face with a white mask.

 

[It had hurt a lot. Just wait until we meet again.] He thought as he broke out a smile.

 

“Here they are.”

 

The shop owner’s voice, who had already found the items, brought Kalian back to reality.

 

What the owner brought out were three longswords.

 

Though they were considered light, Kalian could not even lift one with one hand.

 

[What a mess…]

 

Kalian, mocking himself. He grabbed the sword with both hands. Then he began carefully checking various parts of the sword, even slightly swinging it. He certainly could not be careless in choosing Kyrie’s first sword.

 

[The center of gravity for this one is well-balanced. The flexibility, the sharpness. For an ordinary shop, the craftsmanship here is extraordinary.]

 

Seeing this, the owner’s curiosity only grew.

 

The way this hooded, presumably young customer examined the sword was extraordinary.

 

His attitude, precisely identifying crucial points while checking, was more rigorous than a Senior Knight’s inspection. Yet, he could not properly lift the sword.

 

“I’ll take this one. And this knife as well.”

 

While the owner was confused about what kind of person this might be, Kalian selected one sword. In fact, it was the same one the shop owner would have chosen himself if put in Kalian’s shoes.

 

Soon, Kalian took out 8 silver coins to pay for the longsword and knife, then asked.

 

“Are all the weapons here made by you?”

 

“Yes, that’s right.”

 

Immediately, three gold coins were placed on the counter. Since it was nearly four times the amount just paid, the owner’s eyes widened.

 

“I need a sturdier longsword, and a dagger without a guard. The weight can be what is typically standard.”

 

“Is this for when the person using this sword to become more skilled?”

 

Kalian nodded and added his requirements.

 

“That’s right. He’s very tall and handles swords with a ton of force, but isn’t slow. The swords will be used for a long time, so I’d like them to be well-made, good swords. Can you make them?”

 

Remembering the description of the user, the owner answered readily.

 

“Of course. By the way, is there a name you’d like engraved on those swords?”

 

“No. Nothing like that.”

 

“I understand. Then how long do I need to complete this task by?”

 

“That’s what I should be asking. The timeframe doesn’t matter as long as they’re made properly.”

 

The owner thought for a moment before saying.

 

“In that case, I’ll acquire the best materials possible and make swords you’ll be satisfied with. Could you come back in about a month’s time?”

 

“I will. If more money is needed, I’ll pay it then.”

 

“Yes. Understood.”

 

After the shop owner said as much, he handed the knife to Kalian and tried to take the longsword out to load it on Raven’s saddle.

 

Seeing the whites of Raven’s eyes for an instant, Kalian waved his hands and took the sword.

 

“No, don’t do that. I’ll do it.”

 

Thanks to this horse, who only took kindly to his owner, Kalian had to struggle to attach the sword to the saddle himself. He could not allow the shop owner to touch Raven.

 

After fastening the leather belt connected to the knife sheath inside his sleeve, he mounted Raven.

 

Now, he needed to go to a shop that sold something special.