𝐈𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭’𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐬
Several days after a battle that engulfed the entire town.
Thanks to Rin and others’ tireless medical efforts, the soldiers have become mobile again, and the town’s reconstruction is underway.
The Elf 『Great Sage』 Ernesta・Yggdrasil had unceremoniously invaded a certain room in the mansion provided by the town mayor, lying in wait for the person who’s been staying in this room to return.
The goal is to provide mental care for that person.
She plans to share some drinks and listen to his complaints.
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In this incident, particularly, three people have been significantly affected emotionally.
ㅤ
One person is Stella.
She is caught between the sorrow of witnessing the death of Rest, whom she cherished like a younger brother, and the atrocities of the Beast King. She is tormented by the inability to seek vengeance.
However, it seems that Allan has done something about her.
While it can’t be said to be perfect, she has managed to recover to some extent and is now listening to Rin’s complaints.
Ernesta was still impressed that that couple seemed to go well if they just stayed together as a set.
At the same time, she couldn’t help but be amazed and exasperated, thinking, “Hurry up and get together.”
ㅤ
Then, there’s Blade.
His situation is probably more severe than Stella’s.
He ran ahead of everyone trying to stop his demon-manipulated brother.
As a result, he was utterly beaten by his brother and subjected to soul-wrenching taunts, and could do nothing but collapse inelegantly on the ground when his brother died.
The emotional damage is immeasurable.
Ernesta had considered the possibility that Blade might break and withdraw from the frontline upon waking up, but contrary to expectations, Blade began to swing his sword recklessly.
Just as he did when defeated by Dragburn in Elf Village.
ㅤ
It’s hard to say whether this is good or bad.
It’s probably better than breaking down, but there’s absolutely no room for calmness in Blade as he continues to swing his sword out of desperation.
The situation has become such that even speaking a word to him is being avoided.
All that can be done is to have either Allan or Stella accompany him in his sword training as he wishes.
If not careful, Blade might keep training until he breaks himself.
It’s not like he’s pushing himself to the limit for the sake of getting stronger, as Allan did during their training journey.
This is just overtraining.
Likely, if he stops moving, his spirit might break entirely.
ㅤ
Rin is doing her best to console him, but the efforts are not really fruitful since Blade isn’t lending an ear, and she’s currently venting to Stella.
Regrettably, Ernesta thinks this is a situation that will take some time to resolve.
That said, they’re currently at war with the Demon King’s Army.
There’s no time to be complacent.
If the situation doesn’t improve by the next battle, and it hampers the group, withdrawal from the front lines will become an unavoidable option.
If possible, it would be better if he could calm down even a little before that happens. . . . . .
ㅤ
In any case, regarding Blade, it’s not a matter that can be addressed right away.
Right now, we can only do what’s possible.
That’s why Ernesta is here right now.
Especially, the three who were emotionally wounded.
In order to care for the last one among them.
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After Ernesta had been in the room for a while, there was a knock on the door.
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“It’s open.”
“Excuse me, though that’s a strange thing to say. After all, I am the one using this room.”
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The one who appeared, opening the door, was an old knight in honest armor.
The aged 『Sword Saint』 Ruberto・Valkyrias.
The last person carrying a significant emotional wound who Ernesta cared about.
Ruberto was a strong man who had fought through the era of the former Demon King, but Ernesta had predicted that even he would find this situation quite taxing.
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“How are things in the town? Is reconstruction possible?”
ㅤ
Starting off with a current topic to warm up the atmosphere.
Without complaining about the unauthorized entry, Ruberto sat down quietly at the opposite side of the table where Ernesta was seated.
She poured the brought-along liquor into a glass and handed it over.
By the way, he had already prepared his own drink a long time ago.
While it might seem criminal for Ernesta, who appeared to be about 12, to be drinking with Ruberto, who was over 70, both knew it was legal, so neither said anything.
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“Reconstruction itself shouldn’t be too difficult.
Only a corner of the town was heavily damaged due to Volf’s rampage. Even that is minor damage when looked at from the whole town’s perspective.
The town can operate as it is without much hindrance. However. . . . . .”
“An outflow of residents is certain to happen.”
“Exactly.”
ㅤ
This incident has scarred more than just the three central figures.
For the commoners who had no training and a low tolerance for fear, the experience of being attacked by people controlled by demons, and potentially being controlled themselves, was too heavy.
Although no deaths occurred outside of the area the Beast King had been in, a considerable number of people would undoubtedly move away from the town due to fear.
And if people leave, the town will decline.
If this frontline town declines, it will also be a significant blow for humanity as a whole.
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“Well, compared to half-destruction or annihilation, it’s much better.
This could have happened anyway, it’s not surprising at all.
It’s thanks to Rest desperately resisting the demons’ control.
And also thanks to you for contacting the Beast King before he could destroy the entire town.”
“It’s not wrong to say it’s thanks to Rest, but it’s wrong to say it’s thanks to me.
He didn’t listen to a word I said.”
ㅤ
Ruberto gulps down his drink.
Seeing this, Ernesta also took small sips of her drink.
ㅤ
“I don’t think that’s true.
I believe he refrained from causing further massive destruction precisely because you confronted him.
He fears you deep down, I think.
You are one of the Hero’s Party that defeated the former Demon King, the legendary Sword Saint Ruberto・Valkyrias.”
“Legendary Sword Saint, you say. . . . . .”
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Ruberto pours more liquor into his emptied glass.
And once again, gulps it down.
ㅤ
“I’m not such a grand existence.
The former Demon King was slain by the former Hero-sama in exchange for his life.
I merely supported that.
Rather, since the former Hero-sama is deceased, I can’t even say I adequately did that.
If you’re talking about a legendary Sword Saint, my son and daughter-in-law are much more deserving.”
“Sievert and Asuka, right? Indeed, they were magnificent. Worthy of utmost respect.”
ㅤ
Ruberto’s son, 『Sword Saint』 Sievert・Valkyrias and his wife 『Sword Saint』 Asuka・Valkyrias.
Both were grand heroes who had achieved feats that would go down in history.
However, they were also tragic heroes.
ㅤ
“I’ll never forget it.
Twelve years ago, sensing the absence of a Hero, the current Demon King led a surprise attack along with one of his Four Heavenly Kings.
The gallant figures of Sievert and Asuka who stopped them are etched in my memory.”
ㅤ
Close your eyes and you can recall it.
Back then, Ernesta had already passed on the role of Elf Chieftain to her son Eltrait and was moving from one frontline fortress to another as a mobile force.
Proud of her ability as a Holy Warrior to quickly arrive at places lacking in military strength, she did her part.
But even Ernesta, considered one of the strongest Holy Warriors, was unable to do anything against the enemy at that time.
ㅤ
The Demon Army led personally by the Demon King himself, and even one of his closest confidants among the Four Heavenly Kings joined the fray.
Two years since the gate to the Demon Realm opened, and still no Hero had appeared. Likely, they attacked as a form of reconnaissance.
If a Hero was present, they’d gauge his strength and retreat.
Without a Hero, they’d continue their advance and eradicate humanity in one fell swoop.
They had amassed enough power to do just that.
It was a strategy that was very much in line with the careful nature of the current Demon King.
They were at a point where humanity could have ended right there.
ㅤ
The ones who risked their lives to stop this were the young Sword Saint couple, Sievert and Asuka.
Although it’s said that the 『Holy Sword』 can only be wielded by a Hero, there’s actually one exception.
In times when no Hero is available, or when there’s absolutely no other choice, the Holy Sword appears before a Sword Saint, recognizing them as a temporary master.
They’re the only ones, apart from Heroes, who can wield the Holy Sword, hence 『Sword Saint』.”
ㅤ
However, wielding the Holy Sword with its full power will ruin anyone who isn’t a Hero.
When a Sword Saint swings the Holy Sword, they are essentially preparing to trade their life for it.
And yet, they swung the Holy Sword without hesitation.
For the sake of their young children.
For the future in which they would live.
They gambled their lives away.
ㅤ
Their desperate resistance succeeded in inflicting a wound upon the Demon King.
A wound made by the true power of the Holy Sword isn’t easily healed.
Even decades might not be sufficient for a serious injury to heal.
Perhaps sensing this threat, the Demon King retreated.
Since then, the Demon King has never personally taken to the field.
Likely, he is waiting for his injury to heal while sending the Four Heavenly Kings to deal with the wielders of the Holy Sword, hoping to defeat them without forcing them to use their full power.
Humanity was saved through the noble sacrifice of the two Sword Saints.
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“But of course, for their families, it was nothing less than devastating.”
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“They were indeed great heroes. But they also left us as unfortunate parents.”
“Exactly. Many times I thought that it should have been me who died, not my son and daughter-in-law.
I often wished that the Demon King had attacked the fortress where I was, not where they were.”
ㅤ
Typically, each frontline fortress is garrisoned by two or three Holy Warriors at most.
Deploying any more would thin out the defenses at other fortresses.
At that time, Ernesta, being a mobile force, and some Holy Warriors from nearby fortresses rushed to the scene, but Ruberto was not within immediate reach.
Although it was unavoidable, for Ruberto, it was something that couldn’t just be brushed aside.
It’s only natural since his family was killed.
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“. . . . . .And yet, I couldn’t even protect the grandchildren that they risked their lives to guard.
What kind of legendary Sword Saint am I? I’m just a failure as a father and a grandfather.”
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Perhaps feeling the effects of the alcohol, Ruberto openly voiced his insecurities.
Ernesta silently refilled his glass.
Drink when times are tough.
That was Ernesta’s philosophy.
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“I was so engrossed in my duties that I couldn’t pay attention to my family.
I can’t even do anything for the last remaining, Blade. I’m utterly pathetic.”
“Times are different now. If you hadn’t devoted yourself to your work, many lives would’ve been lost. Don’t blame yourself.”
“But. . . . . .! During the hardest times when my son and daughter-in-law died, I completely left the family to my wife, and she ultimately died from the stress.
I already put her through a lot because we struggled to have children. I can’t face her like this.”
“No, she lived a normal lifespan. What was her age?”
“She was 70.”
“That’s a full life! Actually, it’s you who’s the odd one, still active beyond 70 without being an Elf or a Dwarf.”
ㅤ
And so, the two seniors continued their drinking session at home until Ruberto was completely smashed.
Speaking of which, it seems Stella and Allan talked until morning and ended up sharing a bed.
Ernesta couldn’t understand why they didn’t get together, but decided to take inspiration from them. She thought of sneaking into the bed where Ruberto passed out to give him a morning surprise.
That would surely blow away any worries.
After consuming a fair amount of alcohol herself, Ernesta, now thoroughly tipsy, believed her trivial idea to be a stroke of genius and excitedly put it into action.
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The next morning,
Ruberto woke up with a hangover to find a young-looking girl sleeping next to him. After she greeted him with “Good morning” and gave him a meaningful smile, he let out an uncharacteristic scream.
After that, for a while, he was haunted by nightmares of Ernesta’s late, lolicon husband appearing in his dreams every night, leaving him no room to think about anything else.
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