Arc 9 - Chapter 27 - "Words of a the Child"

Arc 9: 『Light of the Nameless Star』
Chapter 9-27: 『Words of the Child』

The twin swords swung in a cross, carving a decisive wound into the opponent. Despite the blood flowing from the not-so-shallow wounds covering his body, Wilhelm couldn't hide his frustration with his own swordplay—his unsatisfactory technique.

"Weak..."

The words that escaped from between his clenched teeth were filled with disappointment and anger towards his aged and weakened self. The passage of time had only added to his age, making him want to cover his face in shame at his own inadequacy. If he were a poet or an artist, the years would have translated into knowledge and skill, allowing him to reach heights he couldn't have achieved in his youth with his words or brush.

But for a swordsman, that wasn't the case. The years that made him feel his age were nothing but a relentless blaze, leaving no room for excuses, and his strength, skill, and speed were incomparable to when they were at their peak.

—That was simply frustrating.

He had tasted similar frustration many times before. When he decided to step back from the front lines as the captain of the Kingdom's Royal Guard. When he spent fourteen years seeking revenge for his wife taken by the White Whale, only to realize he could only challenge the crucial enemy with his diminished sword skills. And now, the frustration burning within Wilhelm was, without exaggeration, the greatest he had ever felt in his life—comparable to when he first learned during the 『Demi-Human War』 that Theresia was the 『Sword Saint』 and realized he was far from matching her.

Weak. Far too weak. In a world where strength was the standard, being weak was an unforgivable sin. In this world, excuses held no weight. It was simply a matter of being strong or weak. Talent, laziness, illness, and age held no meaning once one stood on the stage of competing strength.

Naturally. A sword cannot choose its wielder. Therefore, it is only natural that the one who wields the sword cannot be allowed excuses. —No, in this world, there are indeed 'swords' that choose their wielders. And it is the master of such a 'sword' who stands at the pinnacle of this excuse-free world.

—That was precisely the opponent Wilhelm Trias, who could not use age and decline as an excuse, had to surpass with his own hands no matter what.

"——"

Despite Wilhelm's self-assessment, the battle, where he displayed swordsmanship closest to his prime in decades, concluded, and the formidable shinobi fell into the depths. Among the shinobi Wilhelm had faced, she was undoubtedly one of the top practitioners. The extent of training the girl had undergone to reach such heights was unimaginable, but in the world of competition, there is no award for effort. —That is the most cruel aspect of the sword.

Even if one loves the sword above all else, whether the sword responds to that love has nothing to do with the depth or magnitude of affection. Rather, the deeper and greater the love, the more the heart of one who realizes there is nothing to reciprocate that love will crack and irreparably break.

With that sentiment tucked away in a corner of his mind, Wilhelm remained vigilant even in the resolved situation. He noticed the girl falling, caught by a single remaining thread, hanging in midair. Blood flowed down her inverted body, dripping, but her slender torso was not severed. —That was the reason for his caution.

In a life-or-death battle, there was no room for holding back on either side. Wilhelm showed no leniency towards his opponent's youth, gender, or circumstances when wielding his blade. Without a doubt, he swung and struck with the intention of ending her life. Yet, the fact that the girl's body wasn't cleaved in two proved not only Wilhelm's lack of skill but also that the girl had somehow avoided a fatal wound.

Perhaps it was—

"—Threads, huh?"

The girl used all her fingers to manipulate threads that she had previously spread throughout the hole leading to the depths of this place. The crystallization of a technique that would require unparalleled talent and blood-soaked training could become a blade to cut through opponents, chains to bind the enemy's movements, and even serve as armor to protect against sword strikes by wrapping tightly around her body. At the last moment, the girl showed a motion to protect her neck and heart, and Wilhelm slashed at her exposed torso with all his might, but that was her momentary feint.

The girl's instantaneous judgment, leaving a sliver of possibility, was nothing short of commendable. While caution couldn't be relaxed, Wilhelm also wished for the girl to survive. Ideally, capturing the enemy alive was the consensus among his allies.

"—Ugh."

A faint groan escaped from the slender throat of the girl suspended in midair. Wilhelm, positioning himself by thrusting his sword into the wall, was attempting to approach the girl below to retrieve her. Perhaps sensing his presence, the girl's trembling eyelids opened, and her crimson eyes reflected Wilhelm. In response, Wilhelm did not lower his guard. However, he was also certain from the feel of his sword strike that it was impossible for her to counterattack from there.

Having wielded the sword for fifty years, he had fought countless life-or-death battles and taken innumerable lives. The weight of the blood spilled and lives cut down taught Wilhelm, without falsehood, the severity of the opponent's sword wounds.

"——"

Therefore, no matter how much the girl hinted at a trump card with her gaze to keep him in check, Wilhelm saw through it as a desperate bluff and did not stop approaching.

"I do not know all the details of your circumstances, but it would be wise not to resist any further. Soon, Al's whereabouts will also be secured."

Having seen through the bluff, Wilhelm cautioned the girl against further resistance. Wilhelm was aware that the girl was one of those who conspired with Priscilla Barielle's knight—Al. He had also heard of the tragedy in the Vollachia Empire where Priscilla's life was lost, and the speculation that it drove Al to his heinous acts.

Wilhelm understood all too well the feelings of Al, who had lost someone dear. It must feel like being cut to the bone, heart torn apart, and the soul eternally burned by an unfathomable sense of powerlessness. However, he could not allow the world to be destroyed due to such negative passion. Especially not when benefactors could be among the victims of that rampage.

—To thwart all of Al's schemes. That meant obstructing everyone who, for whatever reason, cooperated with Al's plans. —No matter who was involved. This shinobi girl was one of the cogs that needed to be removed from that scheme—

"…Despicable."

In a feeble breath, barely clinging to life, those words were uttered. The girl suspended in midair realized her bluff hadn't worked on Wilhelm and expressed her disappointment in herself without hiding it. It was—

"Instead of being helpful, I ended up being a hindrance."

If it weren't for being suspended in midair, there might have been tears of regret from the depths of the heart. If that regret was only about the outcome of the battle with Wilhelm, he might have finally let down his last piece of caution. However, that wasn't the case. Immediately after the girl's murmur, there was a sound—from above, outside the hole. A heavy thud, as if something had fallen to the floor. Following that—

"—Guh, eh!"

The moment Wilhelm realized the groan he heard was from Felt, left in the room above, he used the sword stuck in the wall as support, kicked the wall, and leaped up. Repeatedly performing a triangle jump, Wilhelm jumped out of the hole and widened his eyes at what he saw.

"～～ッ"

Felt was kicking her legs, desperately scratching at her neck with her fingers while suspended in midair. She was hanging by a thread around her neck. However, the girl who set this up should not have had the strength left to do so. Wilhelm noticed a part of the wall in the corner of the room had collapsed, realizing it was the source of the earlier sound and the mechanism that had suspended Felt. A thread was placed around Felt's neck, and when the wall, pre-cut at an angle, fell over time, it pulled the thread, suspending her in a timed trap. Regardless of how the battle progressed, the mechanism would activate independently of the girl's life or death, hanging Felt.

"Right now—"

To rescue her, Wilhelm rushed towards Felt with his sword in hand. The thread was strong, but without the handler, its strength couldn't surpass a sword strike. Rescuing Felt was easy. Moreover, the girl who set the trap couldn't escape. Originally, she set the timed trap to distract Wilhelm if the battle dragged on, aiming to catch him off guard or make her escape.

However, the battle was decided before the trap activated, and the girl was too severely injured to escape. The trap gave her no chance for a surprise attack or time to flee. In a sense, Felt was an unfortunate victim of the trap. Wilhelm thought so.

Wilhelm's thought process at this moment was natural and beyond reproach. After all, at this point, no one but the culprits behind the Kingdom's looming crisis understood the true meaning of Felt being suspended. However—

"To think I would be a hindrance instead of being helpful."

If there had been time to gauge the true intent behind the words of regret from the suspended girl, it might have been different. Her regret wasn't in the defeat itself but in what lay beyond. Her regret was not in the defeat but in the 'insurance' that followed.

"—e, ro"

Just before Wilhelm's sword cut the thread, Felt, with a desperate expression, was frantically trying to convey something with her raspy breath. It wasn't "Help me." It was "Run."

"――――"

It was right after Wilhelm's eyes clearly caught that. The giant arm of the 『Dragon』 smashed through the wall of the Barielle villa, mercilessly striking Wilhelm from the side.

△▼△▼△▼△

—Infiltrate the royal capital of Lugnica and free the 『Gluttony』 Sin Archbishop imprisoned in the tower.

A plan so absurd it seemed insane, Aldebaran declared it and promptly entered the city alone, leaving Heinkel with mixed feelings.

Aldebaran's objective, at its core, is not shared with Heinkel. It seems that Yae, who follows him, is given a similar amount of information, but unlike Heinkel, who cooperates with Aldebaran seeking a reward, Yae's involvement in the scheme is driven by a distorted obsession with Aldebaran.

"A distorted obsession, huh. ...To say that without a hint of shame."

Yae's feelings for Aldebaran are neither love nor hatred, but an inexplicable emotion. Heinkel bitterly mocks himself for measuring and judging it by his own standards. In the first place, what can be used to measure something as straight or distorted? If Yae's obsession can be called distorted, then what about his own? Heinkel's obsession, driven by the pursuit of a way to awaken his sleeping wife, has ultimately led him to become a national traitor.

"――ッ"

Caught in a self-questioning and self-mocking spiral, Heinkel feels a splitting headache and presses his fingers into his temples, trying to mask the pain. Normally, alcohol is the best remedy for this unsolvable, fog-like pain. It doesn't heal the pain but allows him to temporarily forget and numb it. Even knowing it's unhealthy, Heinkel can only open his eyes to see things properly within the intoxication created by alcohol.

Yet now, he cannot seek the numbing sensation of intoxication to mask the pain by drinking. ――Perhaps the time has finally come. The time he has pursued for nearly twenty years, a cherished wish so deeply desired that his soul cracked.

"――Luanna"

Behind his closed eyelids, the name of the beloved woman his lips uttered conjures her image. The youthful, lovely, and adorable figure of his wife, unchanged since the year she began to sleep. It's not because his memories haven't been updated; her sleeping face truly ignores all the passing years, remaining as it once was.

He wants to see her eyelids open again. To hear her lips form sounds, and to imprint the lively way she was, contrary to her delicate appearance, unable to stay still for even a second. If that wish were granted, Heinkel would no longer need to desire anything more from his life――,

"I am..."

『――Ah~, old man, aren't you getting all negative again? That's the vibe I'm getting, you know?』

Suddenly, a voice from directly below makes Heinkel hold his breath. The one who spoke to Heinkel, who continues pressing his fingers into his temples, is the 『Divine Dragon』 with its wings spread wide. Despite its majestic and overwhelming presence, the 『Divine Dragon』 speaks with extreme frivolity, and though it likely can't see Heinkel's face on its back, it keenly senses his subtleties. Faced with such a question, which may or may not be concern from the 『Divine Dragon』, Heinkel finds himself at a loss for words. Naturally. ――For Heinkel, being left alone with the 『Divine Dragon』 like this is akin to a flying dragon or water dragon having its favorite food dangled before its nose.

To awaken the perpetually sleeping Luanna Astrea, Heinkel has explored every possible means, clinging to magic, sorcery, 『Meteora』, and magical devices. With all those hopes dashed, Heinkel's last hope is the 『Dragon's Blood』. If he possesses this treasure, said to repel all diseases and bring fertility even to barren lands, he can awaken Luanna. ――And now, it pulses and asserts its presence so close that Heinkel could reach it if he drew his sword. However――,

"...Leave me alone. Don't bother with me."

『Don't react so grumpily. I understand your impatience, and I know being with me is tough. That's why I tried to be considerate in my own way to make sure you don't get carried away, alright?』

"Considerate, you say? Surely, you don't mean to say this is what you call consideration?"

『I was going to say that, but does it feel wrong to say it?』

The words of the 『Divine Dragon』, who seemed to be tilting its head innocently, referred to the current location of Heinkel and the others—namely, high above the clouds, far from the ground. Heinkel was riding on the back of the 『Divine Dragon』, high up in the sky. Whether the 『Divine Dragon』 was controlling the wind, they were not exposed to shaking or strong winds, and aside from the hardness of the scales, it was a comfortable environment. However, the consideration mentioned by the 『Divine Dragon』 was likely not about this comfort. It was more about maintaining an altitude from which there would be no chance of survival if Heinkel drew his sword.

『Even if you gouged out my heart and obtained my lifeblood, it would be meaningless if we both fell to our deaths. So, even if it's just the two of us, you can't lay a hand on me here. How's that? Not a bad idea, right?』

"Don't say it yourself. First of all, that can't be called consideration or cunning. There's also the possibility that your plan could fail, and I might draw my sword without thinking..."

『Nah, that's not gonna happen. You're a sensible person.』

"What..."

『Sensible people can properly consider fear. I've seen all sorts of unhinged people, but you can't become like them.』

In response to the 『Divine Dragon』's free-spirited pronouncements, Heinkel was left speechless, unable to come up with a quick retort. However, whether his ears turned red first out of anger or embarrassment was uncertain. If it was the former, then the fact that he couldn't hurl thoughtless insults meant the 『Divine Dragon』's assessment was correct. If it was the latter, then having a sense of being admonished also aligned with the 『Divine Dragon』's assessment. In any case, the moment his ears turned red, Heinkel's defeat was sealed.

"I'm sensible, you say..."

Strengthening the grip on his head, Heinkel's voice strained against the 『Divine Dragon』's evaluation. To call him sensible, considering his current position, was an all too ironic assessment. What is the 『Divine Dragon』 thinking? A sensible person wouldn't become a traitor to their country for self-serving reasons. Heinkel is neither sensible nor righteous. He is not worthy of an evaluation that describes the kind of goodness that many ordinary people can universally achieve.

"That's why, when Priscilla died, I accepted Aldebaran's invitation."

Priscilla Barielle, who intervened in the Vollachia Empire's national crisis and lost her life. Heinkel could never claim to have sworn loyalty to her. Their relationship was merely a partnership of aligned interests—how much Priscilla saw value in Heinkel is now unknown.

However, even though Heinkel did not swear loyalty to Priscilla, he never doubted that she possessed the qualities of a ruler to lead the Kingdom as its new leader. Her exceptional abilities, foresight, and beautiful appearance were all fitting qualities of a queen. Priscilla had the qualifications to become the queen of the Kingdom of Lugnica. —And once that was fulfilled, he was supposed to receive permission to use the 『Dragon's Blood』 as a reward from her.

That hope was scattered along with Priscilla's life in that Empire. It is truly regrettable from the bottom of my heart. — Not being able to obtain the 『Dragon's Blood』, and the realization of Priscilla's rule over the Kingdom of Lugnica.

And as Heinkel lost hope and was crushed, Aldebaran extended a hand to him. He promised that if Heinkel cooperated with him, he could obtain the 『Dragon's Blood』 in exchange for turning the world against him. — It was an offer too sweet for Heinkel to resist.

Losing hope that was so close and within reach is painful. — Especially when the light of hope is extinguished just a step away, this was the second time for Heinkel. The powerlessness he felt the first time, when he missed the opportunity due to his foolish mistake, is hard to forget.

That's why Heinkel clings desperately to the possibility this time. To claim that it is reasonable is the height of irrelevance, as pointed out by the 『Divine Dragon』.

『Have you retreated into your shell in a bad mood again? Not that I should talk, but no one loves a grumpy middle-aged man, you know?』

"…That's old news."

『You're quite twisted. …Well, it's a real boomerang, so I won't say more.』

Even a single shrug of the shoulders is overly exaggerated for the massive form of the 『Divine Dragon』. In its eerily human-like gestures, Heinkel found a definite commonality with Aldebaran, ignoring the headache that intensified with the perplexity.

Being unloved by anyone. That is what Heinkel desires. He isn't foolish enough to utter sulky remarks like never having been loved. Heinkel was born loved, and there were indeed those who loved even such a Heinkel. And yet, instead of reciprocating the affection directed at him, he betrayed and walked through the drizzle.

『――. Speaking of which, there aren't many chances to be alone together, so there's something I wanted to check with you, old man.』

"Can't you just wait quietly?"

『I'm the type who can't stand silence. Maybe it's because I've always had someone to chat with.』

The ecology of the 『Divine Dragon』 is entirely unknown, but the other party didn't speak much, and Heinkel didn't want to hear much either. After all, once things were settled, it was an opponent he would have to kill to obtain the heart's blood. There was no need to add reasons to feel guilty. Besides, whether out of consideration or not, the change in the topic of conversation was welcome. If they talked about something different, perhaps it would distract from the headache a little.

"So, what does the esteemed 『Divine Dragon』 want to ask me?"

『“Ah, nothin’ too deep. It’s just—old man, you’re ridiculously tough, right? I was wonderin’… are you even aware of why you’re so tough?』

"――――"

『Huh? Did I say something wrong?』

At the feigned ignorance of the 『Divine Dragon』, Heinkel gritted his teeth in frustration. The increased pain in his head was proof that his earlier expectation was off. — He had hoped the topic would change, but it hadn't, proving otherwise.

"――――"

Heinkel fell silent, looking down at his open palm and sighed. The question from the 『Divine Dragon』 was about Heinkel's body. Of course, it was about his own body. He was aware of its abnormality and knew the reason well. — Among the many sins Heinkel committed, this was the punishment for one of the gravest.

Luanna Astrea's unending slumber. — The beginning of the Astrea family's division, including Heinkel, was undoubtedly that, but what became more decisive was the event fifteen years ago.

During the battle against the White Whale, Theresia van Astrea went to the front lines. During the battle, the transfer of the 『Sword Saint's Blessing』 led to the change of the 『Sword Saint』, and Theresia's death. This was all triggered by the kidnapping incident of Princess Foldo Lugnica, the King's brother's daughter.

On the night of that incident, Heinkel committed an unforgivable betrayal, followed by a catastrophic failure that rendered that betrayal meaningless. This divine retribution is what Heinkel is now facing.

"I don't see any reason to go out of my way to tell you..."

"Oh, is that what you're saying? Then what if I tell the other me that your dad is being uncooperative and threaten to break our promise?"

"You...!"

"Just kidding, just kidding. There must be fifty or a hundred things you don't want to say. Same for me and your dad."

"...A hundred is a bit much."

Heinkel weakly responded to the 『Divine Dragon』, who was making light of the situation. Though they talked about fifty or a hundred things, what Heinkel carried could be counted on one hand. Even that small number was enough to nearly crush him. Still, he managed to piece together the cracks and drag along the tension, thinking just a little more, just a little longer, until finally――,

"――――"

"――? Oh, what is it?"

Sensing a subtle change in the atmosphere, Heinkel asked the 『Divine Dragon』. For a moment, he hesitated whether to call it Volcanica, but settled on a safer address. Ignoring Heinkel's hesitation, the 『Divine Dragon』 lowered its head towards the royal capital below the clouds. And then――,

"――Hold on tight, old man!"

"Guh!?"

In the next moment, a violent wind pressed down from above, slamming Heinkel onto the back of the 『Divine Dragon』 as if in a prostration. Without even a moment to catch his breath from the sudden impact, the 『Divine Dragon』 dove sharply, piercing through the sky over the royal capital with Heinkel clinging to its back.

During Aldebaran's prison tower assault, they had hidden above the clouds to remain unseen. This meant that they now had to reveal themselves. The 『Divine Dragon』 reached its destination at a speed that didn't allow Heinkel to lift his head. The dragon's forearm swung with a fierce destructive sound, smashing through the building's wall.

The reason for this sudden reckless act was entirely unknown, as was its target. The building, struck by the 『Divine Dragon's』 incredible force, was mercilessly destroyed, and everything inside was crushed by the dragon's claws――,

"――No way!"

The voice that expressed pure astonishment at the destruction came from the 『Divine Dragon』 itself. Its golden eyes sharpened as it surveyed the interior of the building it had struck, expressing surprise at the result of its merciless destruction. And rightly so. The 『Divine Dragon's』 claws, sharper and stronger than most swords in this world, had been severed, peeled away, and turned into particles. And the one who did this was none other than――,

"――Father."

Inside the half-destroyed building, wielding dual swords and having just deflected the 『Divine Dragon's』 claws, stood the 『Sword Demon』 Wilhelm van Astrea.

△▼△▼△▼△

"――Thank you."

Wilhelm, aware of the numbness in his arms from deflecting the dragon's claws, expressed his gratitude to Felt, who had warned him of the impending threat. Felt, who had been strung up by the neck and left hanging. Even in a situation where her life was in danger, she chose not to ask Wilhelm for help but instead ordered him to prepare. Thanks to her warning, he was just in time to take a defensive stance.

『No, even if you make it in time, you can't stop it, normally!』

In response to Wilhelm's sentiment, a voice was raised by the giant figure standing outside the mansion—a being so terrifying yet mysterious that many would prostrate themselves just by seeing it. The majestic presence of the 『Divine Dragon』 Volcanica was peering into the mansion from outside.

"Cough, cough... I agree with that 『Dragon』. I told you to run away. Not to go through with it... cough."

Felt, struggling with a cough, surprisingly agreed with Volcanica's opinion. Amidst the chaos of the dragon's claws, she was freed from being suspended in mid-air—no, Wilhelm's eyes captured the events more accurately. Felt's rescue without Wilhelm's help was no coincidence.

"Could it be that you came to save Lady Felt?"

'It's hard to say yes or no due to my position, but if I say yes here, does that mean Felt-chan officially joins our team of national traitors?'

"We're not comrades. But there's no mistake that you flew here to save me..."

Felt, still rubbing her neck slightly from the suspension, responded as such. There was no denial from Volcanica. It seemed the 『Dragon』 had somehow sensed Felt's predicament and rushed here to save her. In other words, the shinobi girl had aimed for this and placed a thread around Felt's neck. However—

"It seemed like a bitter decision for the person involved. After all, coming here means..."

'I can't assist the other me over there.'

"Indeed. —By the way, your manner of speaking has changed considerably. You seem like a completely different person—or rather, a different dragon—compared to when I glimpsed you about forty years ago."

'There's a saying that if you don't see a man for three days, he changes. Forty years is an unfathomable amount of time. Summer casts a spell on girls, you know, old man.'

"I see."

Though he responded with words, it wasn't a satisfactory answer to the change in Volcanica. However, Wilhelm had no time to pursue the change in attitude here. There was something more pressing. —Volcanica, who had barged in, was not alone. It seemed the dragon was carrying someone else on its back. The reason they hadn't spoken or revealed their presence was not to catch Wilhelm off guard, but—

"—Can't you even show your face before me, Heinkel?"

"—"

Wilhelm's call made the other party flinch, and he could feel it in the air. Even if he bowed his head, silenced his voice, and tried to conceal his presence, Wilhelm already knew that Heinkel was among those aiding Al, who had become a traitor to the Kingdom.

Al's actions posed more than enough of a threat to the Kingdom's survival. In such a critical situation, not wielding a sword was unthinkable for Wilhelm, who was once the captain of the Royal Guard. Beyond those circumstances, the reason Wilhelm had resolved to take up the sword was precisely because of Heinkel's existence.

"Did they promise you that if you cooperated, they would grant you 『Dragon's Blood』? And with that, you plan to awaken your wife... Luanna. If that's the case, you're being too short-sighted."

The 『Dragon's Blood』 stored in the royal castle indeed holds immense power. With that treasured power of the Kingdom, it might be possible to awaken Luanna Astrea, who continues to sleep for unknown reasons. However—,

"Do you really think that Al, or rather the man who became a traitor, will keep his promise? He betrayed what was left by his master, Priscilla Barielle, and is trying to deceive those around him who cared about him. Why would he fulfill only your wish?"

"Well, I get why you'd doubt me, but that's a bit one-sided—"

"O noble Dragon of Lugnica, I am not speaking to you right now."

Wilhelm's words and demeanor left no room for argument, causing Volcanica to fall silent with a 'hmm.' Beyond the silent dragon, Wilhelm continued addressing the person hidden behind its back.

"What's wrong, can't say anything? Did I hit the nail on the head, or did you not even consider it? Yes, that's right. You've always turned away from unpleasant things, covered your ears, and ran away. Even now, you refuse to see anything inconvenient—"

"Shut up, shut up, shut up!"

"――――"

"Say whatever you want...! Whatever I do for Luanna, you have no right to say anything, old man!!"

With a shout that seemed to spill blood, a figure rose from behind Volcanica. Recognizing the familiar face and voice, and the tantrum-like pointing of a trembling finger, Wilhelm let out a deep sigh. It was a sigh of exasperation and disappointment, but also a slight relief. The relief came from various reasons. Perhaps there was still some fighting spirit left to raise his head after being spoken to so harshly, or maybe it was the cowardly act of siding with a national traitor while trying to remain hidden. But overall—

"…Finally, you show your face."

"Ugh…"

"So? Do you have any rebuttal other than shouting noisily? Is the reason you sided with that man as I guessed? If so, why do you think he would fulfill only your wish? Have your eyes been clouded by your worn-out hopes?"

"I, I…"

Wilhelm pressed with questions, and the figure on the dragon's back—Heinkel—looked down. The tantrum he had exploded with earlier was now visibly deflated. And Heinkel shrinking before Wilhelm was nothing new. It had been that way for a long, long time. Even before he swore to become a knight and was entrusted with Wilhelm's beloved sword, 'Astrea.'

"The old man's aim is the 'Dragon's Blood,' and his goal is to wake his sleeping wife, no doubt about it."

In place of the speechless Heinkel, it was Felt who answered Wilhelm's question. Lowering the hand that had been rubbing her neck, Felt straightened her back. Despite being the least powerful presence here, her expression showed none of it.

"The old man told me himself. I didn't hear everything, though."

"――. Thank you for answering in place of my unworthy son. Also, I apologize for involving you in such matters."

"No need for apologies. Like I told the old man, it's just that our methods are different. It's not about right or wrong."

Despite being dragged into this and suffering herself, Felt showed no anger in her response. In her dignified perspective, Wilhelm saw a definite regal quality. Undoubtedly, Felt was also one of the five chosen by the dragon stone, just like Crusch. Yet, here stood the 'Divine Dragon' in opposition.

"Many have already witnessed you descending to the ground and mercilessly wielding your claws. Are you aware of how this shakes the foundation of the Dragon Kingdom?"

『Ah, I do feel bad about it. Truly. But you know, even if the Parent Dragon Kingdom reverts to the Lion Kingdom, it's still much better than the world being destroyed.'

"I believe your treachery is indeed significant enough to warrant the world's destruction."

At the very least, it's certain that a great shock will soon run through the Kingdom of Lugnica. That tremor might crack the kingdom's already fragile foundation, and the resulting fissures could swallow many things. Even if Volcanica's actions were to counter something even greater than that—

"Even if there's a supernatural dragon involved, it's not something that a mere handful of people should decide. Especially when one of those people is an inexperienced fool who only sees what's beneath their own feet—it's intolerable."

'It's a sacred oracle, even involving the noble dragon, you know?'

"If that's the case, then just as before, I would like you to save the many suffering people at this very moment. After that, it would be best to save the world with as many people as possible. If you can't do that—"

'If I can't?'

"—Then I'll have no choice but to consider you, like my foolish son, manipulated by sweet words."

Saying this, Wilhelm readied his dual swords and faced the 『Divine Dragon』 Volcanica. The numbness from deflecting the first strike had left his hands. However, if that was just one exchange, then in just three more, his sword would be snatched away. He must either evade or parry with greater skill.

'Felt, don't move. I don't have the confidence to handle you gently.'

"I might not be able to keep listening to you. Ever since Old Man Rom tried to deceive me, I've been bottling up my frustration."

"In that case, I apologize for the inconvenience for a little while longer."

"Don't just get along with me alone!"

Felt shouted angrily, glaring alternately at Wilhelm and Volcanica, sticking out her tongue. Minimizing the attention he diverted there, Wilhelm focused on Volcanica's every move. The other was also in the position of having rushed to the aid of the shinobi girl. Her presence had already been witnessed, and as time passed, the commotion would grow, making it difficult to move. —Here too, a quick resolution was necessary.

'Even if it's a rotten legend, it's still a legendary dragon, right? Isn't it time to explore options other than fighting?'

"Unfortunately, I was just thinking that I must surpass the legend once more. I apologize for using you conveniently, but I ask for your cooperation."

"—"

When Wilhelm responded to Volcanica's restraint in this way, Heinkel, who had long been unable to say anything, held his breath and hardened his cheeks. Trembling, his eyelids quivered as Heinkel stared at Wilhelm with bewildered blue eyes.

"Father, surely not..."

"——"

Noticing something, Heinkel saw Wilhelm close both his eyelids once. It was reckless and defenseless in front of Volcanica, but there was a shared sense of trust that the opponent wouldn't take advantage of that opening, a feeling shared in their mutual fighting spirit. Entrusting himself to that feeling, behind his closed eyelids, Wilhelm's regrets played out.

A cloudy sky and an empty gravestone with nothing settled. The words of His Majesty the King praising the way of those who died for their mission, and the many mourners in grief. A son who wasn't present where he should be, and his own weak self, lacking the will to bring him out. And then—

'—It's alright, Grandfather. When she passed away, Grandmother was not the 『Sword Saint』. So, the 『Sword Saint』 hasn't lost.'

'Because the 『Sword Saint』 must not lose. That's what Father said.'

'So, even if you don't grieve, the Astrea family is safe, Grandfather.'

"—Just the words of a child."

The words of a child, who had just inherited the right to draw the 『Dragon Sword』 along with its blessing, spoken without malice. Remembering the regret of that day in detail, Wilhelm opened his eyes to see the Dragon. As he had once spoken, the 『Divine Dragon』 that was part of legend and had saved the Kingdom.

In the crisis of the Kingdom's survival, a situation that bewildered many hearts, he was aware of the impropriety. However, just as he had saved the Kingdom and the world, Wilhelm had an important duty that he must fulfill with his sword. A crucial role that could only be fulfilled by the sword.

Wilhelm knew no other way. He did not know how to return the 『Sword Saint』 to a human. Therefore, he sought from this sword the same swordsmanship as before—no, even greater than before—and challenged the Dragon. To surpass the legend that awaited him, rewriting the legend itself.

"――『Sword Demon』 Wilhelm Trias"

"――『Divine Dragon』 Volcanica"

At the same time as the formal declaration, both moved. The sword's light and the dragon's claws left sound behind.