Ch 120
Pallag had a habit of reflecting on his memories when he hit a wall in his thought process.
This is to identify any missed factors and arrive at a more logical conclusion.
For the same reason, Pallag now began to reflect on his memories.
Where should I start?
Right. Since I can’t even guess, let’s start from the beginning.
Step by step.
‘I arrived at the meeting place, and a hostile atmosphere was directed at Lisir…’
‘When Dray acted friendly towards Lisir, the atmosphere reversed…’
‘A person named Corsia panicked and confessed that a criminal organization called the Third Arm had instructed her to harm Lisir, and Dray and I said we would take care of it…’
‘After that, the meeting went smoothly…’
‘After confirming that Lisir had made acquaintances with the other attendees, we took Lisir and moved locations…’
‘With just the three of us, I was the first to bring up the topic to Lisir–’
‘What do you want as a reward for winning the sparring match I mentioned before…’
‘Lisir’s request was knowledge of Ideation…’
Pallag, neither more nor less, displayed a mana aura containing only the secrets of Ideation.
To make Lisir feel thirst.
To desire more learning and to desire the position that Moria had previously occupied.
However, his magical power suddenly surged.
His magical power, which had remained at Rank 6, suddenly broke through the barrier and reached Rank 7.
Pallag was confused about where to start questioning.
After witnessing the ‘Ideation Mass’, which didn’t even have the form of magic, he immediately became able to skillfully handle the secrets of Ideation?
The Rank 7 barrier, which countless people dedicate their lives to surpassing, a unique magical power surge that seems to deny its very existence?
Or–
“There’s nothing to be surprised about! I merely reproduced the magical power surge phenomenon that occurred to Moria in the sparring match!”
That sentence that makes one refuse to understand?
“Kheuum…!!!”
This is bad.
I reflected on my memories, but instead of resolving my doubts, they deepened even further.
Because of the overwhelming confusion, I felt like I might even experience mana backflow.
Then what should I do?
As someone who explores the principles of magic, how should I accept this—this existence that ruthlessly violates the principles of magic?
“…Right! That could be the case!”
The Archmage arrived at his own conclusion.
To perceive the man before him not as a wizard, but as a separate entity.
He is Lisir.
In other words, he can store a powerful being in his inner world, wield both sword and magic, and arbitrarily move between multiple ranks.
-No. Even so, how is that even possible–…
The Archmage suppressed the reason that was trying to intrude presumptuously.
All the various Lisirs that had been making Pallag’s mind complicated lately were resolved at once.
That sense of fulfillment was comparable to when one obtains a magical realization.
Pallag felt a moment of self-loathing at himself for obtaining a realization like, ‘Aha, so that’s how it is, it’s because he’s Lisir,’ and feeling that sublime sense of fulfillment.
“Duke Pallag, what do you mean! That it could be the case because of you. Please, explain it so that I can understand as well–”
“Explain what? How am I supposed to explain something like that. Just, think of it as it is. Then it’ll be easier.”
“Ah.”
Soon, the Grand Noble also nodded in agreement.
If a certain elder with braided hair from a certain magic tower saw this, it would be a sight that would make them very pleased.
“Huff… Huff…!”
At that moment, a change occurred in Lisir’s body once again.
His magical power, which had stepped into the realm of Rank 7, regressed back to Rank 6.
An ability to temporarily increase one’s rank.
Normally, the eyes of the Talent Scout and the Archmage would have spun wildly.
“Heh heh.”
“Wow.”
However, the two, having gained valuable realizations, were able to comfortably enjoy that rare sight.
Whatever.
What if their eyes did spin?
Would they even try to analyze it? Or imitate it?
How?
“Hoo… Hoo…”
Even in this situation, they noticed that Lisir was using Blue Breath.
Judging solely by the purity of his breath, it would be safe to consider him a pure Rank 6 swordsman.
He was wielding that high-level Blue Breath simultaneously with the secrets of Ideation.
That kind of thing couldn’t be achieved through analysis and imitation.
Soon, Lisir, having gathered his breath.
“Cough!”
He spat blood from every opening in his face.
“Oh dear, look at that.”
“Lisir, are you alright?”
“Ah, yes. I sometimes do this. I thought I was getting better, but I guess I overdid it just now.”
“It’s okay, it’s okay. When will you overexert yourself if not when you’re young? At that age, everyone grows up like that.”
“Oh, did Duke Pallag also frequently experience overload like me?”
“Hahaha, what nonsense. Do you think overload is like a hangover? You’re the only one who treats overload like that. Anyway, you’ve experienced overload so often, and yet your body is still fine.”
“There’s also the matter of training my body by practicing swordsmanship, and sometimes my magical power surges spasmodically, and that also helps a lot.”
“Haha, a spasmodic surge in magical power. That’s quite fortunate. It’s a good thing for you.”
“Hahaha, I agree.”
“Hahaha, a surge in magical power, that is, right? Like when you take an elixir?”
“Yes?”
“Hahaha! Duke Pallag, look at this face! What a face that asks such an obvious question!”
“Hahaha! That’s right, you did ask a foolish question!”
“Then Lisir wouldn’t even look at the elixirs that all wizards covet?”
“Hahaha, of course not. Elixirs are good to have when you have them.”
“Elixirs are good to have when you have them, hahaha, what a funny expression. Isn’t that right? Duke Pallag.”
“Hehehe, that’s right. It’s funny, it’s funny.”
“…”
The bespectacled young woman standing in the corner of the room.
Maisy, Dray’s secretary and escort, watched their otherworldly conversation with a jaded expression.
✦✦✦
“Now then—”
Pallag and Dray, having laughed and chatted heartily（?）, changed the atmosphere.
Before meeting Lisir today, they had vowed to make him their own man, even if it meant using every means at their disposal.
Their minds changed.
They decided to give up on Lisir.
Their interest and curiosity towards him remained, no, it even increased—
‘Can we handle him?’
That thought stubbornly refused to leave their minds.
Dray and Pallag were those who stood at the top.
In dealing with people, they were the type who had to have them completely under their control to be satisfied.
They thought.
Lisir.
Could they completely control him?
The conclusion came before the deliberation even began.
The feeling that their intelligence was decreasing in real-time while talking to him just now was still vivid.
Thus, they changed their policy.
Now their goal was to leave a good impression on that unfathomable being and establish a good relationship.
The Archmage and the Grand Noble, who always made those they dealt with anxious.
They rarely found themselves on opposing sides.
They couldn’t even grasp how to get close to that unfathomable being.
But unexpectedly.
As they cautiously talked, despite his unfathomable abilities, his personality was very ordinary.
In a good way, that is.
He didn’t get overly nervous in front of the Grand Noble and the Archmage, and yet his manners were impeccable.
It was a mature aspect rarely seen in young nobles of his age.
The two quickly developed a liking for Lisir himself.
Natural smiles appeared on the faces of the two as they talked with him.
Maisy, Dray’s secretary, who was still watching their conversation from the side, felt considerable surprise.
Dray and Pallag.
They were beings close to a calamity when encountered from the perspective of others.
They always appraise people like they are appraising objects.
And how demanding their standards were.
They were those who possessed a viewpoint and way of thinking befitting their status.
For those two to genuinely express their liking.
Even if it was something that could only be established because of their abilities, it was extremely rare.
‘Lisir…’
Lisir’s existence was vividly imprinted in their minds in various ways.
Meanwhile, Dangaleon cleared his throat and shouted.
-Like insects are drawn to light, they are captivated by Master’s radiant light and cannot escape!!! I, Dangaleon, who wants to become a great blazing flame like Lisir!!! I can only feel awe!!!
Lisir was also feeling a similar kind of bewildered surprise.
He never imagined that he would gain this much favor from a Grand Noble and an Archmage.
‘Perhaps, the real reward wasn’t the meeting, but what I received in this room.’
That amicable atmosphere lasted until the place was closed.
“Lisir, I plan to stay here at Goose Manor for a while longer. Let’s see each other often. If you need anything, just say so.”
“I, too, it’s a longer stay than planned—I’m suddenly interested in this city of Bondales. If I need more teaching again, I’ll come find you. However, at that time, you should be prepared to make the determination to join our school.”
A satisfied smile was on Lisir’s face as he returned to his room after parting with them.
Not only did he complete his ‘enhancement’ ability, but he was also able to build friendships with big shots who have the title ‘Grand’ before their names.
It was an amazing harvest.
✦✦✦
It was indeed the mansion of the Trading Company Master, where various guests stayed and all sorts of stories were exchanged.
The stories about me and the two big shots spread like wildfire, and now it seems like there’s no one who doesn’t know.
“Sir Lisir, Miss Filana has arranged a gathering for dinner tonight. If you are available, would you grace the occasion with your presence? If you would only do that—”
‘Why “Sir”?’
When I was alone in my room, people kept coming to invite me somewhere—
“Ah, Sir Lisir!”
“If you’re available, would you join us? We were just talking about you.”
‘Why “Sir,” I ask?’
Every time I walked around the mansion, everyone I met recognized me and spoke to me.
-Unexpected.
“Klana?”
-I can feel your excitement. I thought you wouldn’t be interested in this kind of thing.
As Klana said, I was somewhat excited.
“Even though I look like this, I’m an illegitimate child, you see? I had a bit of a fantasy about this kind of noble treatment, shall we say.”
-…You’re an illegitimate child?
“Yes? Didn’t you know?”
-Your appearance and actions. I thought you were definitely from a noble family.
“Ah, my family barely belongs to the noble families. It’s just at the very edge.”
-No, that’s not what I meant—…Well, anyway, unexpected.
-Weaponless woman!!! To express the words noble and elegant so crudely to our Master! That’s your limit!
“Whoa, whoa. Don’t fight. On this good day.”
When I heard from Pien that they were going to grant me a position in Bondales, a certain worry suddenly came to mind.
‘As a baseless illegitimate child, can I maintain the dignity befitting a decent position in the vast city of Bondales?’
That was my worry.
My skills in magic and swordsmanship were rapidly improving, and my connections were also increasing smoothly—
But I was still an illegitimate child without any real power or wealth.
In that sense.
The current situation, where the esteemed guests of the Trading Company Master treat me with respect, calling me ‘Sir,’ was very meaningful.
It felt like my power and influence were finally given substance.
‘Kuh, Lisir. You’ve managed to come this far.’
Back when I was ignored as an illegitimate child and only watched for a chance to escape the mansion.
Back when I was worried about where I would stay in Bondales.
All those moments were as clear as yesterday—
It was a poignant moment.
As I was enjoying that refreshing feeling while strolling through the garden, there was someone approaching me, waving their hand.
“Hey, Sir Lisir.”
“You are—”
It was a woman with an impressive swagger, emphasizing the sword at her waist.
Brien.
According to Pien, she was a famous Rank 7 swordsman from the Central Continent.
‘A Rank 7 swordsman…’
My interest was piqued.
Come to think of it, I had never encountered a Rank 7 swordsman before.
Perhaps it was because I had just witnessed Rank 7 magic yesterday and gained a significant realization.
I couldn’t get the thought of wanting to witness her swordsmanship out of my head.
“Taking a stroll?”
“Please call me Lisir informally. I’ll call you Brien as well.”
“Aha~ Why wouldn’t I? The close friend of Frozen Breath and the Talent Scout.”
Brien said that, but she tapped my forearm with her characteristic laughter.
At that moment, her gaze turned to my waist.
“You usually carry a sword, huh?”
“Yes? Ah, that’s right. I’m a wizard, after all.”
“Aha~ A wizard, you say. This is the first time I’ve seen such a ferocious ‘strike’ in my life.”
“Haha, to receive praise from a renowned swordsman like you. It’s an honor.”
“An honor? Do you really think so?”
“Of course.”
“Oh~ Then how about this? Just wait a moment.”
Brien.
She left for a moment and returned with two swords.
She handed one to me and said.
“A glorious opportunity, what do you say?”
“Yes?”
“Let’s have a sparring match.”
“Oh…”
This is an unexpected stroke of luck.
I was just thinking about how I couldn’t witness a Rank 7 swordsman’s swordsmanship, and now the person themselves is offering a sparring match.
I immediately accepted the sword.
“Aha~ Do you like it because it’s straightforward? That’s why those two fell for you, huh?”
Brien drew her sword with a swaggering laugh.
Thus, a miraculous sparring match, born from a coincidence and a shared understanding, was about to begin.
“Sir Lisir, you’re here.”
A characteristically businesslike voice called out to me.
The bespectacled young woman—Dray’s secretary and escort knight—
Maisy was looking at me from there.
“Miss Maisy? What brings you here?”
“Just call me Maisy.”
“This is more comfortable. It’s like the rhythm feels good when I call you that.”
“…”
“Ah, I’m sorry if I offended you.”
“No. I don’t mind at all, please call me that.”
Maisy adjusted her glasses and continued.
“Sir Lisir, Dray has requested a meeting.”
“Right now?”
“Yes.”
“Oh dear…”
I have to give up the chance to witness a Rank 7 sword.
What a bolt from the blue.
However, I can’t refuse the summons of a Grand Noble.
Moreover, there’s no way he would have called me without any reason.
There’s definitely a big piece of the pie waiting for me there.
I said to Brien with regret.
“Brien, I’m sorry. I think I’ll have to postpone the sparring match.”
Brien raised both hands and shrugged.
Her reaction was playful, but she seemed as disappointed as I was.
“That’s a shame. I really wanted to see that ferocious strike with my own eyes again.”
With a slightly displeased expression, Brien immediately turned and left.
✦✦✦
The private room of the mansion I arrived at, following Maisy.
Dray greeted me, sitting opposite someone.
“Ah! You’re here. Let me introduce you. This is Lisir—my new friend.”
The woman opposite Dray was standing, not sitting.
As if that was more comfortable.
‘Is it because she’s wearing armor?’
Her gaze followed Dray’s hand towards me.
‘Compared to this woman, even Maisy is lively.’
She had such a cold impression.
Dray’s introduction of her continued.
“Lisir, let me introduce you. This is Toua Ye Deviran. The second daughter of the Deviran family and the Captain of the Deviran Knights Special Forces.”
“…”
The name itself signifies that the subject is of the most noble bloodline.
The second daughter of a Grand Noble Family.
In addition, a high-ranking position as a Grand Noble Family Knight Commander.
No wonder her presence was extraordinary; she was another incredible big shot.
“Toua of the Deviran family.”
“Ah, I’m Lisir. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
That was the extent of our conversation.
She, Toua, turned her gaze back to Dray.
“So, what is it? Why are you suddenly introducing this person to me?”
“I told you. I know a friend with extraordinary abilities. Who knows? This friend might be able to help you right now?”
“Help?”
Dray immediately answered my reflexive question.
“Right now, Toua is looking for someone who has infiltrated Bondales—someone who is difficult to find by ordinary means.”
“What kind of person is he?”
“A Hero Killer.”
“…What?”
“The six holy swords of the First Hero. The one who killed the Hero Candidate who possessed five of them.”
Suddenly caught up in a conversation of an enormous scale, I was stunned, but I tried my best to continue the conversation.
“If he committed such a heinous act, his face and name would be all over the world. He’s surprisingly good at hiding.”
“That’s the problem.”
“Yes?”
“His face and name. He can change his face and name at will. Have you heard of the Face Thief?”
“I’ve never heard of it.”
Then, Toua continued the explanation.
“The former Master of the Assassin’s Guild. He has the ability to steal not only the face and voice of his opponent but also their skills. According to information, he perfectly imitated the appearance, voice, and even unique swordsmanship of a Rank 7 swordsman on the spot.”
“He, he perfectly imitated the unique swordsmanship of a Rank 7 swordsman on the spot? Is that even possible?”
“It’s impossible, and it shouldn’t be possible. However, he has the ability to make it possible.”
“Huh…”
I was shocked by Toua’s words.
And, seeing my reaction, Toua nodded slightly and spoke to Dray.
“Dray. As I said, this is a matter related to the Face Thief. We can’t involve such a young wizard.”
“…”
“What’s with that expression? Did I say something wrong?”
“No, it’s not that—”
Dray looked at me with a stern expression.
“Lisir, why are you surprised?”
“?”
“?”
Both I and Toua expressed our doubts at Dray’s actions.
✦✦✦
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