𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐞’𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦

Alma, with her mouth wide open, jumps out in front of the old man.

ㅤ

“Excuse me, but aren’t you Cyphos Sparsa?”

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“Young lady, you know such an old name even though you’re still young.”

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The old man, called by his name by Alma, lowers the corners of his wrinkled eyes nostalgically.

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Hearing that name, Luke was as astonished as Alma.

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Cyphos Sparsa, the name of the swordsman known as the strongest in the continent with the nickname of the Sword God.

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His achievements, such as becoming a force equivalent to a battalion by himself, cutting off the head of a dragon with a single sword, and defeating a demon with just a sword, have reached the realm of fables.

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Why is such an old man on this island. . .?

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Alma continues to talk to Cyphos, tense as a drum.

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“I met you once at the Magic Knight Training Academy. The sword technique of Sparsa-sama that I saw at that time is still burned into my head!”

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“Oh, you’re a magic knight too, young lady! You can’t judge a book by its cover.”

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He talks with a smile. From the outside, it might look like an old man and his granddaughter who have met after a long time and are enjoying a conversation.

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But Luke knew very well that it was just an impression.

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Although Cyphos seems to be enjoying a conversation with Alma, he doesn’t have a moment’s gap.

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He feels a pressure as if his body would be cut in half if he took his eyes off for a moment.

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Without realizing it, Luke’s back was covered in sweat.

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“Um. . .”

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Finally, Luke managed to squeeze out his voice.

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“I, I’m Luke Surberry. I’ve heard a lot about Sir Sparsa’s achievements. It’s an honor to meet you.”

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“Ho ho ho, don’t call me a Sir. I’ve long since given up the title of knight. Now I’m just an old man whose life is fishing.”

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Cyphos laughs and shows off his fishing rod.

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A big fish was hooked on the end of the line.

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“It seems that the tide is good here.”

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“So, Sir. . .Sparsa-san, why is someone like you on this island? What is your relationship with Gale. . . Kidd-san here. . .?”

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“The winter on the continent is hard on my old body, so I’m living a retired life on a southern island. I was planning to end my life quietly fishing, but about half a year ago, this boy came barging in from somewhere. It’s really annoying to have my quiet life disturbed. Well, it’s a good way to kill time.”

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“Hmph, who would want to come to a place like this with a grumpy old man like you? As soon as I get your technique, I’ll get out of here.”

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Gale spits out in a sullen manner.

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“If you could do that, it would be a relief to me. At this rate, I might die of old age first.”

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“Don’t mess with me! Are you saying I don’t have as much talent as you?!”

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“Oh, is that how you heard it? I was just saying that I don’t have much time left. Cough, cough.”

“You. . . damn old man.”

ㅤ

ㅤ

Cyphos, who is grinding his teeth, is coolly ignoring Gale.

 ㅤ

 ㅤ

“Hey. . . doesn’t Prince Gale feel different from before?”

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Alma whispered to Luke.

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Luke had also noticed it.

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Before, Gale had a dangerous aura, like a drawn sword hanging by a thread, but now that edge has disappeared.

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Of course, his arrogance remains, but his expressions and demeanor seem to have some sort of ease.

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Is it because he escaped from the pressure of being a prince?

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Or maybe. . .

ㅤ

ㅤ

“Gramps, can’t you say something too!”

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Suddenly, Gaston barged in.

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“You’re Kidd-san’s master, right? Then please help us. If the Kranken clan takes control of the island, it’s over. You’ll be in trouble too, Gramps.”

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“How dare you. If you guys take control of the island, that’s the end of it.”

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Kiel sighed at Gaston, who was openly stating his own convenience.

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ㅤ

“Hmm. . . seems like you’re in trouble.”

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Cyphos frowned as he stroked his beard.

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“But I refuse. I have no intention of getting involved in such power struggles. I’m sorry, but could you do that somewhere else?”

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“Wha. . . what. . .”

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“Don’t make that face. I promise I won’t take sides.”

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Cyphos stepped forward, placing his hand on the stunned Gaston’s shoulder.

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“The problems of this island are the problems of those who live on this island. We outsiders shouldn’t interfere. Well, we’ve caught some fish, so let’s go home.”

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Gale followed Cyphos’s words.

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“Don’t tell Flora I’m here.”

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Gale spoke as he passed by.

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(I think Flora-sama probably knows that Prince Gale is here)

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Luke managed to swallow the words that were about to come out of his mouth.

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Flora didn’t mention that Gale was here when they came.

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But on the other hand, that means Gale wasn’t at the castle from that time, and the fact that she didn’t bring it up suggests that she was probably aware of the situation.

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“I’m not going back yet. There’s something I need to get from that old man. More importantly, you, I’m sure you’re sticking your neck out because of your sense of justice, but if you’re going to half-ass it, don’t start. If you don’t, the people who reached out to you will turn their blades on you.”

ㅤ

Gale said that and followed Cyphos.