Chapter 48

The Sword Saint saw it.

The girl swordsman, who, as usual, had begun her practice swings, was now moving her blade in a rhythm noticeably slower and more fluid than before.

“……”

It wasn’t a movement one could call fast. She swung her blade smoothly, covering only the minimum necessary distance at a speed appropriate for a girl who’d trained just a little.

—No. What she was doing couldn’t even be called slashing. It looked far more like the movements of a conductor waving a baton.

“……”

Without distraction or thought, the girl swordsman moved her short sword. It shimmered up and down, side to side, gliding gracefully like a dance.

“…You’ve gotta be kidding me.”

From the outside, her motions didn’t resemble swordsmanship at all. Flache had always moved with textbook precision, the very image of orthodoxy. But now, she flowed freely, breaking all form, her swordplay constantly shifting.

The Sword Saint looked beyond her movements and saw—

“Aaaaah!!”

—a vision of himself, fully healthy, swinging his greatsword over and over with everything he had, and still never managing to land a single blow on her.

Yes. Even hypothetically, she was overwhelming the version of him in peak condition.

“…She’s surpassed her master.”

The Sword Saint felt a chill of unease. He didn’t know what had happened, but she had clearly broken through her limits in the last battle and grown tremendously—so much so that she was now closing in on his level.

“When I’m back in top shape, she’s definitely gonna challenge me to a duel… Dammit.”

Rex was a sore loser. Even as a child, a single loss to Kazenagi would keep him up all night in frustration.

—Why did Rex desire strength so badly? Perhaps the reason was something surprisingly childish.

To regain his edge, he dedicated himself fully to practice swings. The Sword Saint wanted to be the strongest.

For the sake of his best friend, for the promise he made to that boy—and to show off a little to the woman who'd caught his eye.

---

“An award ceremony?”

“That’s right. I’ll have a formal outfit ready, so would you let me take your measurements, Miss Flatche?”

The next morning, bright and early.

I had been summoned first thing by Mino. Karin, worried about me, had come along as well—but it didn’t seem like this was some kind of political scheme or manipulation.

“…An award ceremony? In the middle of a war? Are they planning a parade or something?”

“Of course not. That’d just be a waste of time and money, wouldn’t it? It’ll be a quick ceremony in front of the king—shouldn’t take more than an hour.”

“Oh, that’s actually pretty low-key.”

“For now, yes. But once the war ends, Miss Flatche, you’d better brace yourself. We’re planning to celebrate you on the same level as Rex.”

“Wha—wha…?”

Wait, I’m going to be a public figure like Rex? I mean, I guess that’s nice, but it makes me feel kind of squirmy. What does it even mean to have fame that doesn’t suit you?

“Is it possible to, like… refuse the award?”

“Do you think I’d let you? Feel free to check the lawbooks if you’d like, but attendance at a royal event is mandatory. Refusal is a crime.”

“Yikes…”

So, no veto option, huh? I was seriously thinking of declining since the idea of standing next to Rex felt way too embarrassing.

“It’s scheduled for two days from now, at noon. We’ll send someone to fetch you from your lodging, so don’t go wandering off that day.”

“Got it.”

Mino didn’t even give me room to object, and I ended up nodding. Karin gave me a resigned look, like she’d already given up.

“Congratulations, Miss Flatche.”

Hero, huh… Please, spare me.

---

"Well, I figured as much... Did Mino say anything else shady?"

"Nah, it was mostly just formal business."

After the summons from Mino was done, I headed straight to the training grounds where Rex was. Finally, I could swing a sword again.

As for Rex, apparently he was still feeling off about his newly regrown arm and had holed himself up in the training grounds since first thing in the morning.

I thought he was already mostly back to normal yesterday... but from a Sword Saint’s perspective, I guess it’s still not enough.

“I can’t afford to lose again.”

That’s what Rex said.

He really doesn’t need to worry, though. As long as he doesn’t let his guard down, there’s no one who can beat him. He even crushed that fake version of me.

Actually, even with the dice thing—it’s always Rex’s carelessness that trips him up. I think fixing his airheadedness should be his top priority.

“A decoration ceremony, huh? What’s that like?”

“In my case, the king slapped a hastily made medal on me in the middle of a battlefield. Never saw any victory parade or royal reception—had to leave the capital right after due to... certain circumstances.”

“…Right.”

Oh yeah, now that I think about it, he parted ways with Mino and left the national army right after the war ended. No wonder he doesn’t know.

“Flatche, just don’t do anything rude, alright? Basically, keep your head down and stay quiet.”

“Yeah, that’s probably best. If the king asks you something, just reply briefly and politely. He might ask if you want a reward—just turn it down.”

“You won’t be expected to follow full noble etiquette, Ms. Flatche, so there’s no need to be that nervous. They’re not gonna behead an adventurer for a little bit of impudence.”

“…So if I flip that around, they will behead me if I screw up really bad, huh.”

So I’m going to be speaking directly with this country’s king, huh... I’ve got no idea what counts as rude or not.

“Well, if it comes to that, I’ll step in and back you up. Don’t worry—there’s no way the current army has the luxury to execute someone like you. I’m pretty sure Mino would definitely intervene too. Don’t stress about it.”

“Yeah, that woman’s not the type to kill a useful swordsman.”

Ugh, what a pain…

Stiff, formal stuff like that is just not for me. I swear I’ll break out in hives.

“Alright, guess it’s time for me to finally swing a sword again. Rex, want to spar?”

“Ah… sorry, let me just get a bit more practice in. Once this weird feeling’s gone, I’ll fight you properly.”

“I see…”

Hmph. Rex won’t spar with me—what a cold-hearted guy. I wanted to see how long I could hold out against him with my new fighting style.

“Well then, I’ll go back to my research.”

“Oh, you’re still digging into Mino’s movements?”

“Yeah, sorta… But don’t get your hopes up. I was sure she had something shady going on, but it’s lookin’ like a dead end.”

Karin placed her hand on her cheek and let out a sigh. Right—she was using her contacts in the church to gather intel on Mino.

If she digs too carelessly, she might walk right into a trap. That general gives off serious mastermind energy just from talking to her.

“Well, you know the day the capital was attacked? I found out the unit in charge of security that night was under Mino’s command. Honestly, I was starting to suspect she might’ve been in cahoots with the demons.”

“Mino? Why would she do that?”

Mino working with demons? She didn’t show a single ounce of mercy to them. Could that really be possible?

“I mean, the attack happened in the middle of the night, but we didn’t get word of it until dawn. That’s way too slow. I thought maybe she let the demons into the city on purpose to scare the nobles and civilians into realizing how serious the threat was.”

“…Wasn’t she the one who personally nurtured and developed the capital in the first place?”

“Exactly. Turns out that’s actually true. She was super thorough about mentoring merchants, pushing for legal reforms, even lobbying to lower taxes. No wonder the merchants love her. Plus, there’s no sign she let the demons in or that her soldiers were slacking off.”

“…Then that’s a dead end.”

“Strange… I was pretty confident in my ability to read shady people’s minds…”

“Well, it happens. She’s probably got some other insane scheme going on. You’ll sniff it out, Karin.”

“You got it.”

Still, I doubt it. That woman seriously cares about the people of this country. There’s no way she’d let demons into the city—if anything, she’d be the one convincing demons to sell out their own kind.

Mino would literally lay down her life for the national interest.

“Alright then, I’ll stay here and get some sword practice in. What about you, Mei?”

“I’m off to visit my sister. Though she’s pretty much recovered by now.”

“Yeah, it’s wild that someone who got their head cut off is up and about already. She’ll be back on the front lines soon, huh?”

And with that, Karin headed to the church, and Mei went off to Clarise’s mansion.

As for me, since Rex wouldn’t spar with me, I spent yet another lonely day training with General Penny’s troops and imaginary Rex simulations.

Man, I’m seriously starved for attention. Rex, come fight me already.

---

───Night.

“Hey. Back from training?”

“…General Mino.”

Rex showed no sign of stopping, swinging his sword with single-minded focus. So I left the training grounds ahead of him. Last time I got chewed out for pulling an all-nighter with my sword. I do learn from my mistakes.

On the way back, just like that time before, we ran into each other. The Grand General, wearing her square bureaucrat’s cap, was walking by with documents piled in both arms.

“The ceremonial uniform should be ready by tomorrow. If you’ve got time, come by to try it on.”

“Got it. Still as busy as ever, huh, Mino?”

“…A lot happened this time. Clarise’s injury was the biggest miscalculation. With no commander to hold the fortress, I ended up having to give that old man the underwear.”

“…Underwear?”

“Ah, don’t worry about it. Just talking to myself.”

Mino muttered something odd. Underwear? What the hell?

“…Ah, you’re wearing a lily hair ornament.”

“Almost got killed before, remember? Imagine having to fear assassination even in your own castle… sigh.”

“Yeah… that’s right.”

“It was Fltache who saved me back then, wasn’t it? That’s how we met. I never properly thanked you, so… thanks again. If you ever need anything, just say the word. I’ll help however I can, within reason.”

“No need. I didn’t do anything worth mentioning.”

“Heh. Same answer as back then, huh.”

Mino let out a quiet breath, then continued as she gazed up at the night sky.

“Fltache saved me again this time. And because of you, it didn’t turn into a complete loss.”

“…All I did was buy time running around like a headless chicken. Nothing to be proud of.”

“No, you did something incredible. You should take pride in that. …But yeah, sorry. I’m going to use your accomplishments this time.”

“Use?”

“The soldiers need morale to fight. If we publicly honor what you did, it’ll raise motivation—‘If I perform well, I can become famous like Fltache.’ That kind of thing.”

“…So, propaganda?”

“Exactly. You’ll be the star on the festival float. I’m sorry to use you after you saved me, but this is what benefits the country most.”

“That’s just like you.”

Yeah, she’s easy to read. In a way, she is the embodiment of the country of Pedia.

To her, national interest always comes first. She throws everything else aside in pursuit of it. At this point, it’s probably just a part of who she is.

“Well then, be ready.”

“I am.”

With that, Mino hurried off. No doubt heading back to her room to deal with that mountain of paperwork.

───That woman… how many lives is she carrying on her shoulders, all by herself? I wonder if she’ll ever break under the weight.

No… that’s not something for me to worry about. My role is propaganda. The best way I can help her is to be put on that pedestal, just like she said.

Alright, time to get some sleep. I’ve got more sword practice tomorrow.

---

“…Ah, Flatche. There you are.”

The voice came out like a whisper from the grave.

Startled, I glanced around, half expecting some kind of apparition—only to find a familiar nun lurking in the shadows, staring straight at me. She scared the hell out of me.

“W-What is it, Karin?”

“I’ve been looking for you. I need a favor. A really, really important one. Will you hear me out?”

It happened while I was wandering the castle, trying to find the gate back to the inn after parting ways with Mino. Just as I turned a dim corridor corner, Karin appeared out of nowhere, practically radiating an eerie intensity.

Apparently, she’d been searching for me.

“…”

But something was clearly off about her. Her eyes were just slightly out of focus, and her expression was blank—unnaturally flat.

She’d been at the church all this time, gathering intel. Now, her eyes dull and clouded, she kept speaking.

“Right, yeah… Okay. What’s going on?”

“Well, it’s about that thing…”

There was no mistaking it. Whatever was going on, Karin was not in her right mind. But her voice, her face—everything else—was unmistakably hers.

Our dependable companion. The one who handled the cooking and healing. Sharp as they come. That Karin.

“…About the ‘reward’ for your success in the last mission. Would you… let me have it?”

When she said it, I froze. My eyes widened as I stared back at her.

“…What do you mean by that?”

“Please. I’m begging you.”

And then—I heard what she wanted.

I tried to talk her out of it. Told her it was a bad idea. But Karin didn’t budge an inch.

“Well then, I’m counting on you.”

“…R-Right.”

I was too shaken to argue. Her expression left no room for negotiation. In the end, I caved under the pressure.

…What’s going to happen tomorrow?

---

"The new hero. Young prodigy of the sword, Flatche of the 'Divine Blade'. You have fought for my people, bled for my lands, and crushed my enemies for the sake of this kingdom. You are, without question, a benefactor of my realm."

"Y-Yes, Your Majesty! I am honored beyond words!"

"You need not be so stiff. In recognition of your loyalty and valor, I have prepared a sword for you. Let it serve you as you continue to walk the path of the blade."

"Y-Yes, sir!"

The day of the conferment ceremony.
I knelt before the king, dressed in something that looked more like a black formal gown than armor, my whole body trembling and stiff as a board.

After all...

"……"

...this was a conferment being witnessed by what had to be several hundred soldiers, all staring straight at me. Of course I was going to be nervous—this was too much.

"And to Sword Saint Rex—once again, we are in your party’s debt. You have my gratitude."

"…You honor me, Your Majesty."

"The seat of Grand Marshal remains open for you. Should you ever change your mind, you need only say the word."

"I am deeply honored."

"Good. …Your accomplishments this time are truly exemplary. If there is a reward you wish, speak it now."

There it is—the reward.

Normally, those receiving honors are expected to turn down any reward. But according to Karin, there have been rare occasions where someone made a "small request" of the king.

"────Then, if I may be so bold. I would like to request just a bit of time."

"...!?"

I kept my gaze lowered and asked the king for "time."
The king narrowed his eyes in surprise, and a sharp tension ran through the air.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Mino’s startled face. I heard Rex, standing beside me, suck in a breath. So he hadn’t heard anything from Karin, huh?

Seriously, Karin says the craziest things. I'm sure she has some plan, knowing her, but why do I have to be the one standing here, shaking in my boots?

『At the ceremony the day after tomorrow. Doesn’t matter what it is, just get me a moment to speak. I’ll take it from there.』

In front of this crowd? And she wants me to hand her the mic? Where the hell does she get that kind of nerve?

What are you thinking?

"…Hmm. It seems you have something to say?"

"Yes. One of our companions, Karin, wishes to make a statement to Your Majesty."

"Very well. If that's all, I shall hear her."

I was so nervous I felt like throwing up, but somehow managed to get the words out. The king, smiling, granted my request without hesitation.

Th-Thank god. My job’s done.

All eyes now turned to Karin. The king, the soldiers, the generals attending the ceremony—all of them were looking at the saint.

"────If I may. I am Karin, a nun of the Macro faith. I humbly ask for this time to accuse a criminal standing among us."

Karin kept her eyes lowered, speaking in a calm, composed voice.

"A criminal?"

"Yes. A grave offender who terrorized the townspeople under the guise of authority, stole their wealth, and lined her own pockets with it."

"…And who is this person?"

"Mino."

That single word struck like lightning. Karin raised her head—and fixed a piercing glare on Mino.

"...Huh? Me?"

"Your Majesty, I carried out my own investigation. Ten days ago, the town beneath the castle was attacked. I found it suspicious how sluggish the army’s response was, so I looked into it."

"Go on."

"Sluggish, of course it was. There were no demons there. …The attack on the town was carried out by humans."

────What the hell is she saying?

"What do you mean, Sister Karin?"

"Humans, disguised as demons, destroyed the town. And the wealth and supplies they plundered were hoarded by none other than her."

"Wait, what? This has to be a misunderstanding, Miss Karin!"

"Oh really? The timing was a little too perfect, wasn’t it? Right before the Demon King’s army launched a surprise attack on our fortress, the town just happens to get hit—like some kind of warning? What are the odds?"

"…Hmm. And your evidence that Mino was the one behind this?"

"Only she could've pulled it off. Arranging the merchant stalls to make them easier to raid from the castle side. Every single lookout just happened to be blind that day. Funding the entire operation without batting an eye!"

Mino? Mino’s forces were the ones who attacked the town?

No way. That can’t be true. She worked so hard to build up that town…

And more than anything, Mino cherishes human lives. There’s no way she’d ever do something this insane—

"This is a mistake!! Your Majesty, please grant me the chance to clear my name! I cannot remain silent while such baseless accusations are hurled at me in front of this entire assembly!!"

"I have the evidence, you idiot!! You think I’d say all this without a shred of proof, on this stage!?"

"Hmm… Mino, you may speak in your defense. I, too, find such accusations hard to believe."

Mino rose instantly, glaring daggers at Karin. Karin, for her part, didn’t budge an inch, her gaze cold and unwavering.

Wait. Did… did I just pull the trigger on something huge?

────"That nun Karin is either horribly mistaken, or deliberately trying to drag my name through the mud!"

────"That official over there is a heartless devil in human form!!"

The two of them stood their ground, not giving an inch.
Sparks practically flew from their eyes as they locked stares.