Aisha Dragnov (1)

A few days later, at the entrance of the Kelloy Mountain Range.

In the village at the foot of the mountain range, Vera observed Renee as she healed the beastkins.

Renee was swathed in pure white divinity as she healed the wounded. At that moment, her appearance was irrefutably that of a Saint.

Since they left the Great Woodlands, she had become particularly radiant.

Did she gain confidence in herself by saving Aidrin?

It must not have been easy to sit in the same posture and continue to examine patients, but Renee treated them with a smile all throughout the procedure. As Vera stared dazedly at the sight, the final patient had left before he even realized.

Vera?

Yes.

Vera quickly wiped the blank expression off his face when he heard Renee calling out to him and then approached her.

Thank you for your hard work.

No. Im doing this because I enjoy it.

Youre amazing.

What? I just did the bare minimum.

An embarrassed expression flashed across Renees face. Vera continued in response to Renee downplaying her own efforts.

It wasnt just the bare minimum. The Saint being able to laugh while taking action for the sake of others is praiseworthy.

Please stop.

Yes.

Renee held her breath as she drooped because of the words that stabbed her weakness. She heaved a brief sigh in response to Veras supportive attitude.

It was a sigh regarding the lack of progress in her love life. It had been over a month since they departed from the Holy Kingdom. Yet, despite the dramatic event, they have not become closer at all.

Why are you so devoted? Such a thought flashed through Renees mind, If I were to say I would ascend to heaven, right here, right now, wouldnt Vera kneel reverently in an instant? but carefully shook her body, and instead inquired.

What about Sir Norn and Hela?

They went to investigate Dovan. I sent them because someone might know this person around the entrance of the mountain range.

Ah

Come to think of it, I should find that person as well.

Renee belatedly recalled their plan to find a blacksmith who could process Froden before entering the kingdom, and spoke with a troubled expression.

I should have asked Sir Friede for more details. Itll be difficult to find someone with only the name Dovan.

Isnt there a reason only a name was given? He must be well-known.

But still, Sir Norn and Hela will have a difficult time.

You are considerate

Dont do that.

Yes.

Renee sighed again as worry settled on Veras face.

Is she tired?

Renees mind was distressed due to a matter that Vera was completely clueless about.

****

Dovan is said to have established a blacksmiths workshop on the summit that can be seen after crossing two mountain passes.

Norn informed.

Vera nodded his head, loaded the carriage with baggage, then turned to Renee and spoke.

We should arrive by nightfall.

Thats fortunate. Are we departing right away?

Yes, it seems that we have no choice if we would like to arrive before sunset.

Yes, then everyone, please endure just a little longer.

Renee said that with a subtle smile. The words that she would always say, telling them that she was sorry they always had to go through such hardships for her sake.

Its what we have to do.

The same blunt reply came back as usual.

The preparations for the departure were complete. After some time passed, the carriage departed with a thud-! vibration.

Renee fiddled with her fingers while rolling her head due to Veras presence beside her.

In her mind, it was necessary to determine a topic of interest to converse with Vera about.

They were unable to make progress in their relationship due to the unfavorable situation in the Great Woodlands. Wouldnt it be for the best if they were to become a bit closer during this time when they could just sit back and relax?

A long worry ensued.

What should I bring up? What topic should we talk about?

Topics related to the Holy Kingdom or the people she healed werent allowed.

If she brought up such a conversation, that jerks praise would make her head throb again.

Tales about the past?

This wont do either. Vera hates talking about his past, so the atmosphere would just become awkward for no reason.

While she was worrying for a long time.

Ah.

Renees face brightened as she came up with a conversation topic that seemed excellent.

Vera.

Yes.

Vera, are you going to use Froden to forge a sword?

Renee asked because she recalled his sword broke in the battle with Gillie.

She overheard that he was using a spare sword, but vividly remembered the roughness in Veras voice.

Yes. If Dovan is accepting commissions, then Id like to request a sword.

That would be great! Ah, I heard that owning a named sword is a knights romance.

Vera contemplated for a moment and then responded to Renees words.

Im not sure if I could call it romance. However, wielding it is satisfying because it feels different in the hands.

Oh, have you wielded one before?

Yes, for just a moment.

Vera answered, as he reminisced about his previous life.

That person was obsessed with amassing a fortune, and they had only one hobby they spent their wealth on. That hobby was collecting armaments of war.

Vera knew the worth of a good weapon better than anyone else on the continent.

Therefore, he pondered whether he should obtain the armaments he used in his previous life if he were to visit the Empire. The concern vanished, however, with the acquisition of Froden.

The joy Vera felt made him speak with a less reserved tone than usual.

Personally, I have high expectations for Froden. Its not a mineral that can be obtained simply out of desire.

Is it that precious?

Yes, the mineral itself is near impossible to obtain because it is only formed during the mystery of the ice wall at the northern ends condensation cycle every few centuries. As a result, when it does appear in an auction, it is often traded at a price comparable to that of a mansion located in the heart of the Imperial Capital.

Oh my goodness.

A startled expression appeared on Renees face. It was shocking that a single gemstone, small enough to be loaded onto this carriage, had such value.

There are very few blacksmiths in general who can handle Froden. You could say that were quite lucky Friede knows one such blacksmith.

We were truly fortunate then.

Yes, if you live in the Kelloy Mountain Range, youre most likely a beastkin Im curious, because none of the beastkin blacksmiths I know are particularly skilled.

They were uncharacteristically long sentences.

Renee giggled at the liveliness flowing through his words.

I wonder if hes blinded by love?

Veras excited expression made him seem like a young boy, causing Renee to inadvertently think cute. However, her face suddenly reddened at the thought that crossed her mind.

Ahem

It seems Vera loves to talk about swords.

Renee tilted her ear towards Veras everflowing words as she firmly engraved that fact into a corner of her mind.

****

After entering the Kelloy Mountain Range and traveling through two mountain passes, they finally arrived at a small thatched house.

Clang-! Clang-!

The cheerful sound that resonated throughout the area caught Renees attention, and she inquired.

Is it this place?

Yes, judging by the metallic objects lying around the yard, this seems to be the correct place.

From farming equipment to tools likely to be used for hunting, and even the occasional sword. All kinds of ironware were scattered around the yard of the thatched house.

Vera carefully described the appearance of the thatched dwelling to Renee before loudly shouting inside.

Is anyone there!

Clang-!

Despite speaking rather loudly, his voice was quickly drowned out by a metallic sound coming from the inside.

Just as Vera was about to shout again.

Who is it?

The question came from someone whose head was peeking out from the backyard, rather than the door of the thatched house.

Vera turned to the direction of the voice and narrowed his eyes upon noticing the figure in front of him.

A kid?

She was a short beastkin girl, who barely reached his belly. She had blonde hair, blue eyes, and triangular cat ears protruding out of her head. She had a timid air about her.

Is it a cat beastkin?

While he was engrossed in such thoughts, the girl asked another question with a wary expression.

I asked, who are you? You guys cant even talk? Are you all mute?

Veras expression gradually distorted because of her aggressive tone.

Oh, is this the Master Dovans forge? We came to request a commission.

Renee quickly said that as she felt his mood worsen.

The beastkin girl carefully examined Renee and Vera, as well as Norn and Hela who were behind them, and then followed up in a curt tone.

Wait a minute. Ill call Master.

Claang-! A fairly nimble movement as she entered the thatched house.

A cat beastkin. Based on the way she speaks

She must be Mr. Dovans apprentice.

Yes.

Veras eyes turned to the entrance of the thatched house once again. The beastkin girls curt face, who had just vanished from his sight, was now resurfacing in his head.

Somewhere

It was a rather familiar face, as if hed seen her before.

****

After some time had passed, Dovan emerged from the house.

Swooosh-!

The sound of something being dragged. As Renee tilted her head in that direction, Vera carefully relayed the source of the noise.

Its a wheelchair.

Vera provided more information after observing the elderly beastkin emerge while rolling the wheelchair.

Hes a bear beastkin. From the looks of it It seems he cant walk.

Startle. Renee shook restlessly as she nodded weakly.

The beastkin opened his mouth shortly after.

I heard someone was looking for me. Who are you?

A dignified voice. Renee replied with a faint smile.

Mr. Dovan?

Thats right.

Hello. We came here to request a commission Would that trouble you by any chance?

Oh, you were guests. Please come in. Im sorry to keep you standing outside.

Squeak-. Dovan moved aside from the entrance. Renee held Veras hand and slowly entered.

The first thing Renee felt as she entered the forge was the scorching heat, as if the entire space was burning.

It was most likely this hot because he had just finished working.

Will you follow me? This isnt a suitable place to talk. Let me guide you inside.

Oh, yes.

The room was about 10 steps away from the entrance.

After Renee entered the room, the heat she felt from before dissipated. As her expression began to relax, Dovans words followed.

It seems my apprentice has misbehaved a little. Please allow me to apologize on her behalf. She has become rather sensitive because of the situation as of late.

No, its fine. Um, it must be because humans came to the place where beastkins live.

Thank you for your understanding. Please have a seat.

Renee faintly chuckled at Dovans formal words. She thought to herself that he wasnt quite like what she had imagined a blacksmith would be like.

Isnt that usually the case? If one thinks of a blacksmith, they would picture a stubborn and short-tempered individual.

Renee quietly apologized to Dovan in her head. She had assumed that he was also the kind of individual she had imagined. She then sat down at the seat she was guided to.

So, what sort of commission do you have for me?

Wed like to request one sword. This man is going to use it.

In response to Renees words, Vera bowed to Dovan and spoke.

Ive heard youre capable of handling Froden.

Hm?

I came here on Friedes recommendation.

Oh, that guy with long ears.

Pfft!

Laughter erupted from Renees mouth. The laugh lasted for a brief moment when she heard him refer to Friede as that guy with long ears.

Oh, sorry

What are you apologizing for? There is no one here who will be offended by that word.

Renee blushed because of the rising shame and lowered her head. Dovan responded to Renee casually, then turned his head to Vera and continued speaking.

Yes, Im capable of handling Froden. If Im given a deposit, I will do it for you. However, it may take some time, so I ask for your understanding on that part.

It was a clear and relieving response.

The fact that things were progressing so quickly caused Vera to nod in satisfaction.

As much time as you need.

Do you have a particular type in mind?

For now, it would be nice if its a straight sword. The length

It will be better to make it in a familiar form.

As Vera was explaining his idea to Dovan.

Creak-!

The door of the closed room opened.

The cat beastkin girl he had seen earlier entered.

Vera thought the girl was familiar for some reason. She hesitatingly came in with a pale expression and checked Dovans face.

Dovan looked at the girls face with a stern expression and spoke to her.

Aisha, shouldnt you apologize for your rudeness to our customers?

Flinch-. The words he heard caused Veras body to shudder. Immediately, his head shot up, turning to face the girl.

Aisha.

It was because he belatedly recognized the identity of his dj vu after hearing the girls name.

Veras gaze swept across the girls face.

Blonde hair. Blue eyes. A sharp-eyed cat beastkin.

She appeared to be slightly younger than he remembered, but there was no doubt in his mind. It was impossible for him not to recognize because he fought against her before.

Vera glanced at the girl and sighed at his own foolishness as he finally realized the girls identity.

Aisha Dragnov.

The Hero with the title Quicksword Master.

That girl was Aisha Dragnov, the owner of the Demon Sword.