Beyond the night of the ball, the "Dance Competition" was only two days away.

　Last night's ballroom, I learned a lot of things.
　Snow was hard work, but that's not all.

　The more famous you become, the more difficult it becomes to be a "hero", which is slightly different from the image I had in mind. The "Hero" who held the title of "The Strongest" had a severely tired look on his face. I'm not going to be able to get rid of it.

　Snow was more trapped than I had imagined, and he had an undue expectation of my presence.
　Knowing some of his inner workings, I had come to dislike the idea of being a nobleman. To be honest, I don't want to go to a ball again. It was a glittering world, but it also had an unpleasant, odd odor that made my nose turn.

　Everyone who was in that great hall would have had an 'honor' that the average citizen did not have. That's the same "glory" that Rowen wanted to have. The end of "glory" is that great hall, and it makes me question Rowen's wishes just a little bit.

　I walk through the Epic Seeker's headquarters, thinking not only about Snow, but also about Rowen.

　There are two days until the "Dance Tournament".
　I head to the office for now, wondering how I'll spend my last few moments.

　It's early morning now.
　It's early in the morning now, and there's probably no one in the office.
　While waiting for Snow, Rowen, and the Reapers, I'm trying to decide on the guidelines for the two days.

'Kanami, good morning. Let's have a good day.

　Unexpectedly, there was Snow in the office, greeting me with a cheerful voice.
　I'm puzzled by his intensity, as is the time he's here.

'Good morning ....... You sound pretty motivated, what's going on?
What, are you going to do?　As usual?
Yeah, yeah, .......

　For Snow, this seems to be business as usual. Seriously, she herself seems to think so, but from my point of view, it's just uncomfortable.

　I can't believe that Snow, who is synonymous with that smell of things, is waiting half an hour before the appointed time .......

　Snow continues to speak with high tension.

''Hey, are you going to explore the labyrinth today?　Or is it Lauravia's job?
Well, um, I'm a bit confused: ......
"I want to do a quest for my country. Here, I've got a lot of stuff for you. A whole bunch of stuff.

　Snow spreads out various documents on his desk.
　Apparently, they are the materials for the request (quest) that Lauravia has ordered from the guild.

　I look at the documents lightly.
　And I'm amazed at how difficult the requests (quests) are.

　All of these quests are of the highest level of difficulty. All of them are the kind that the country's best explorers would risk their lives for, and they are not something that can be done single-handedly.

''No, no, it's not long until the 'Dancing Tournament' is almost here, so I think it's better to train in the labyrinth--''
This is good. Killing the monsters in the western frontier. It's like having a dragon in the Western Mountains. Worth a shot.

　Snow disregarded my opinion and picked up one of the documents. He handed it to me, along with a line that didn't fit: "Worthwhile.

'Hopefully, I don't want it to be a big deal.'
But if you don't do the important stuff, you won't get the 'honor': ......
"Meh, 'honor' ......?　Not that I have any 'honor' ......

　Until now, Snow has never been obsessed with such things. I was about to refuse, but before I could, she interrupted me.

'The purpose of Rowen Ares is 'glory'. Then 'dragon slayer' is such an 'honor', I think he'd be very pleased. --and, of course, it's for the 'Epic Seeker'.

　Snow smiled.

　It seems to be a proposal that he was convinced that it would really be good for everyone.
　Certainly, this request (quest) is in line with Rowen's intention to relieve her 'unfinished business'.
　But right now, I really want to focus on the 'dance competition'.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. ...... I'm going to go call her for a moment.

　I buy myself some time for now to think of a reason to refuse.

"Right. I'll get Rowen Ares. I'll be here, Kanami, please.

　Snow nods, smiling.
　I deploy Dimension and go to find Rowen.

　Just before I walk out of the office and close the door, Snow's voice reaches my ears.
　It was a very small voice.

''If Kanami does the 'Dragon Slayer' too, I'm sure ....... I'm sure--

　Snow's voice was bouncy.
　It's good that he's showing some motivation for his work, but it feels more than a little dangerous. He can only see what's in front of him, and his vision is getting narrower. That's the impression I got.

　And that 'what's in front of me' is probably - my fame.
　Snow is focused on making my fame.

　Whether it's for 'Epic Seeker', for himself, or for me. ......
　Maybe it's everything.
　It's not a bad thing ......, but I don't think it's a good thing either .......

　I walk with anxiety.
　Rowen was outside of the 'Epic Seeker' headquarters.
　Apparently, she is visiting the children in town again.

　I catch her playing with the children at the orphanage on the outskirts of the town in the early morning in the [Dimension].

　He became friends with them when he was asked to help with the security work in Lauravia. Rowen seems to imitate justice even outside of work, so he is popular with the citizens - especially the children.

　Slowly I make my way through the streets of Lauravia to the orphanage.
　As I greet the people I pass, I think about how to turn down Snow's story.

　However, I arrive at the orphanage without coming up with much of an idea.
　There, Rowen is teaching a child how to use a sword with a wooden stick.

'Oh, you're a pretty good swallower,' he said. All right, keep on swinging your sword!
Yes, Shishou!

　He was making a big show of Aleith's sword skills.
　Even from the eyes of the children, they could see that Rowen's skills were amazing. The children were imitating his sword skills with happy eyes.

''Mm. That's the foundation of the Areis style of 'swordsmanship' dispatch. Repeat it over and over, so that it becomes ingrained in your body.

　Rowen seems to enjoy his position as a master.
　He is happily teaching some of his divine skills to the children.

　The kids seem to enjoy talking to Rowen as well.

''Shishou, please teach us the next trick!
Preferably a cool one!
'Don't you have any secrets?

　In response, Rowen laughed and held up the wooden stick, saying, "I guess I don't have a choice.

Then I'll teach you the inner secrets of the game, although it's a bit early. If you master this, you'll be able to understand the 'reason of the world'. By doing so, you'll be able to understand all of your opponent's moves, which is an amazingly profitable profound technique!　To put it bluntly, you can't lose with this!　I call it the Alais style sword technique profoundness, the 'sensation'!

　No, wait a minute.

'Ka, kankyou ......?'
That's a weird name.
How do you do it, shishou!

　The children's eyes light up with curiosity.

'It's easy. It's easy to lose your mind, to throw away all ties, to contemplate the source of all things, to enjoy the happiness and misery of the world, to kill yourself, to lose your emotions...

　Okay, let's stop.

It's not safe to listen to this!
"--Find out!　What are you doing, Kanami!

　My full-length dropkick is dodged by Rowen with a very close pass.
　As usual, the power of the skill "sensitivity" is amazing. It's great, but it's not something you can teach a child so casually.

　I'm sure there's a price to pay for it.

No, I'm talking to you. What are you doing, Rowen: ......
What? I'm teaching you a sword.　Kanami mastered most of it in one day, so I'm looking for another apprentice.
'Oh, yes. But if you're going to teach a child, just the basics of the sword ....... The skill 'sensitivity' is too early for the little ones. ......
...... But I mastered the skill 'sensitivity' when I was around these kids' age, you know?
That doesn't help.

　Apparently, Rowen mastered skills as a child that killed herself and killed her emotions.
　As usual, it's a sad waste of time: .......

Hm, it can't be helped. If my best apprentice, Kanami, says so, then so be it.
It's really something I wish you'd realize for yourself: ......

　I sigh and am dismayed by Rowen's character.

'So, Kanami. What can I do for you?
Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah, I forgot. Snow wanted to do a big request (quest), so I thought I'd ask Rowen's opinion.
Mmm, a big request: ......
There's a file in my office. Come with me.
I see.

　Immediately, Rowen turns to the children and gives them instructions.

'Sorry, guys!　I've got some errands to run, so that's it for today!　I want you to make sure that you master the basics of the payment I taught you today before the next!
What?

　The kids were not happy.
　This makes me the one who took away their fun. I couldn't stay for a minute.

I'm busy working for peace in Lauravian. So long, boys.

　Rowen forced a goodbye and turned her back.

'I don't blame you for the peace...'
Come again, shishou!
Thank you, shishou.

　But still the children laugh and send Rowen away.

　In the back, they find the Sister of the Orphanage bowing her head. It wouldn't just be a thank you for being the children's playmate.
　Rowen is donating all the money she gets from helping The Epic Seeker. Beyond that, it seems they are all orphanages like this one. The amount of money must be quite a bit, since she seems to be catching high prizes as a hobby.

　The Sister's gratitude is almost like that of a lifesaver.
　The children must have sensed this in a very dim way. That's why they trust Rowen, and when they hear it's a job, they laugh and send her off.

'Alright, Kanami. Let's go.
Yeah, let's go.

　I lead the way, respecting Rowen, who is doing more 'heroics' than I am.

'Oh, would you mind stopping by the workshop before you go to the office?'
In the workshop?
I asked Alibers to give me my sword.
'Heh. ....... Okay.

　Accepting Rowen's request, we headed to Mr. Alibers' workshop.
　Apparently, he has asked for a weapon for himself, and the delivery of the weapon is today.

　We enter the soot-covered building in the corner of the Epic Seeker's headquarters.
　Ever since I ordered my sword, Alibers' workshop has been booming. It's partly because I regularly ask for repairs, but also because of the quality of my swords, and the number of customers seems to have increased.

　I shouted to them in the enthusiastic atmosphere of the workshop, "Hello, Alibers!

Hello, Alibers-san!
Oh, Master and Rowen. Welcome to this filthy place.

　Mr. Alibers, who is dripping with large sweat in the back, welcomes us.
　Immediately, Rowen cuts to the chase.

'Alibers, is my sword ready?'
Yeah, sure. I'll have it ready in a minute.

　He then spread out many of the armor on his usual workbench.
　Among them were the repair items I had asked for.

'Let's see, this is the master's ....... I think this is Rowen's: ......

　I casually 'gaze' at Rowen's sword.


[Magic Iron Sword (Mithril Sword)]
　Attack power 3
　A sword made of mithril ore


　It is not a very special sword.
　It's just that the scabbard is decorated with excessive and unnecessary ornamentation.

'Thank you, Alibers. I couldn't look good as a swordsman if I was always borrowing from Kanami.

　Rowen happily accepts the sword.

'Then I would have given you one of my swords: ......
'No, these things are good because you spend your hard-earned money to buy them yourself. Like this ......, because I feel like it's 'my sword'.
I don't get that feeling. ......

　I shake my head at Rowen's thoughts as I look at the sword I had repaired.
　As a game-oriented person, I'm not very interested in weapons that can be bought with money. The strongest weapons in the game are usually the ones that money can't buy.

I'm sorry about that ...... and I'm sorry, Master. The only thing I can't seem to find a way to repair those two swords over there.

　Mr. Alivers pointed to the two swords that were propped up against the wall.
　These were the swords that had been left in the care of the company to see if they could be repaired somehow. It seems that the materials were too special for Alivers-san's hands after all.

''Those swords--''

　Loewen's eyes and mouth open wide at the sight of the sword.
　He seems surprised to see the "Treasure Sword of the Aleis Family" and the "Ruf Bringer".

　Rowen's surname is 'Alais'.
　Maybe she knows something about it.

''Haha, it's like a 'curse' - no, let's just make it a rotten affair: ......''

　Rowen chuckles and tries to pick up the two swords that are propped up very nostalgically. Mr. Alivers hurries and stops taking the swords.

''Well, wait, Rowen. That black sword over there--''
It's okay. I can override this much with 'sensitivity'.

　It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to find a way to get a good deal more than just a few hundred dollars.
　It's not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you'll be able to see the miasma.

"You're a tattered mess, you ......

　Rowen accepts that mental pollution with a wry smile.
　I get the general idea of the situation and ask.

'Have you ever seen that sword before in your lifetime ......?'
Yeah, that's right. I know both of them. I've missed them and I'm a little stunned.

　He propped up the sword he was looking at and continued talking as if he were talking about the old days.

''--The treasure sword over here has been used in my lifetime. There is absolutely no mistaking it for something else. And this one, I believe, was the 'Ruf Bringer'. I've sliced and diced with this sword a few times ....... It's a fond memory. Kanami, where on earth did you get this?
Well, um, I think it's a labyrinth: ......

　I answer without confidence. The Rufbringer is fresh in my mind, but I have no idea what to make of The Treasure Sword of the House of Alais. At the moment, the only person I know of with the surname Aleiss is Rowen.

I see. I see. I never thought I'd see the time when these swords would come together again: ......
Do you need that sword?

　I could sense the attachment in his narrative and suggested to Rowen.

'Are you sure?'
'Of course. It's just that they can't fix it, so apparently it's less than a namakra. ......
It's all a matter of ingenuity. That's where the blacksmith gets his chance. --Alibers, I'm talking to you.

　Rowen's face lit up and she called out to Mr. Alibers.

'Oh, what is it?'
Don't tell the master, so lend me your ear for a moment.

　Then, he leaves me alone and starts talking in private.
　The fact that he went out of his way to say "secret" means that he doesn't want me to use the 《Dimension》. I respond to my best friend's trust by canceling all of the Dimension.

　Sensing this, Rowen smiles and ears Alibers-san with a smirk.

''-- Eh, what?　Rowen, is that all you've got?

　Mr. Alibers was surprised to hear that.
　It seemed to be an unthinkable suggestion from a blacksmith's standpoint.

''Ah, the 'Treasure Sword of the Aleis Family' should do that. As for the 'Ruf Bringer', I'm sure the scabbard will be special, but good luck with that.
'No, the sheath isn't the problem ....... Well, if that's what Rowen wants to do, I will, .......
Okay, we have a deal. You can come back for your money later.
'This won't take a day, you can come back tomorrow.

　Apparently, the deal is set.
　In a voice that I can hear, we set a date for the handover.

Sorry I'm late, Kanami. Well, let's get back to the office.
What the hell did you suggest ......?
It's a secret. It's just a little surprise.

　Rowen smiled happily. It was a smile that seemed to disappear even now.
　In front of that expression, I can't probe deeply.

I'm not going to be able to get it right. Then I'll be looking forward to it.

　I laugh, too, and respond to that.

　Then we head to the office where Snow is waiting.
　On the way there, I think back to Rowen's smile and my heart buzzes a little.


◆◆◆◆◆ ...


"Lowen Alais, are you interested in 'Dragonslayer'?
I have. Let's do it.
Hmm. Decision. I've already prepared my material, just in case you're wondering.

　Arriving in the Oval Office, Snow asked Rowen at the opening.
　He answered immediately without any hesitation.

　Snow prompts Rowen for the dragon slaying document he has spread out on his desk.
　He skimmed through the document and answered immediately.

''I see, a stray dragon that attacks a remote village. ...... This is unforgivable. We have to go save the village as soon as possible.
'Hmm, decision. I thought you'd say that, but I've finished getting ready to leave. The Walkers' carriage is waiting outside.
'Oh, let's go ....... Dragon slayer ......, not bad!

　As it is, Snow and Rowen try to get out.
　No, no, no.

"Wait, wait, wait. You're early. Were you two in a meeting?

　I freeze the doorway with Di Winter (Di Winter), Last Frost (Frost) and stop their departure.

''Hmm ......?　Nope. But I knew this glorious idiot would do this.
There's no reason to refuse. Isn't 'dragon slayer' the greatest 'honor' of all? It's frustrating, but Snow-kun's suggestion doesn't leave me with an inch to spare.

　The two of them answer my question with a friendly and bad exchange.

　Loewen ......, you're even going to say that there's not a minute's worth of gaps in your explanation now .......
　It's more like a gap. ......

'That might be fine for you two, but not for me. I'd like to do a more benign request (quest) if possible.
But, Kanami. 'Dragonslayer', 'dragonslayer'.
'Yeah, I know you were attracted to that nice word, so settle down and go to ......'
But...

　I ask the question of my fears.
　It's something I've been feeling especially since I saw Rowen's back teaching the kids earlier.

'Rowen, you've been looking very vulnerable lately, haven't you?　Are you okay with a dragon or something?
"Ugh ......, I'm sure I'm weak ....... But when it comes to 'dragon slayers', you'll want to do one or two reckless things .......

　Rowen's life on earth has weakened her, and her magical power is far less than it was when they met on the 30th layer. It has even affected her physical abilities.

　However, it seems that Rowen still wants to 'kill the dragon'. She has been caught in Snow's food more than I can imagine.

　If Rowen seemed to be having this much fun, I was afraid to stop it. My goal is to get rid of Rowen in the first place. However, as a goal, but ...... best friend, I would like to see her come to fruition, hopefully not with the disappearance of defeat, but with satisfaction.

Are you sure you're okay with that?
Yeah, I'll be fine. Let me do this. Alaeis swordsmen are no match for dragons.

　Rowen nodded with a serious face.
　With a face like that, I can't stop.

　Only, behind her, Snow said, "It took you! I didn't like the bad look on his face that he seemed to be thinking in his mind.

'So, Snow ....... Why are you doing this all of a sudden ......?
''Hmm, the only person in Lauravia right now who has the title of 'Dragon Slayer' is Brother Glenn. I thought Kanami needed it too. Killing this dragon will make you a household name.
No, I mean, I'm not making a name for myself...

　--I don't want to be.

　But saying that would be the same as saying that I want to quit as a guildmaster. Besides, I'm afraid that Snow's face in front of me will be clouded, and I stammer.

　With the situation in front of me, I decide to add a new factor to the mix.

'Oh, yeah. I wonder what the Reaper is doing. It's going to be a bit more complicated if he's not one of us, so I'll get him.
Hmm ......, what can I do? ......

　I make sure Snow nods and I look for the Reaper.

　If the Reaper disagrees with me, I can successfully take it in a more conciliatory direction.
　It's Rowen who should get the glory, not me by any means.

　I spread the Dimension across the streets of Lauravia.
　I turn my attention to the shops where the Reapers are likely to be and make sure they aren't walking around eating sweets. The rest is a hangout for kids of the same age. I often see them pretending to be kid overlords, so I expand to open spaces and the river. But they're not there.

　I don't have a choice, but to spread out a strong Dimension Multiple and...

　-- finds a reaper cowering on the roof of a house.

　He was shaking.
　Painfully (・・・・・), he was shaking, holding his own neck and shaking.

'--What?'

　As soon as I confirm this, the Reaper realizes my magic.

　I noticed - even though we were miles apart and across several walls, me and the Reaper looked at each other.
　And then the Reaper smiled at me.

　The Reaper wipes the abnormal sweat dripping on his forehead and uses Dimension Black Bubble (Nightmare). Then, after several warps, he enters this office.

''I'm sorry!

　With a black mist, the Reaper emerges from nothing.
　There is no expression of anguish on his face as he had earlier. It's his usual innocent, innocent smile.

　When the Reaper appears, Rowen speaks to it first.

You're here, Reaper. I'm going to slay the dragon now, do you want to go with me?　It will be a good shoulder to lean on before the 'Dancing Competition'. Maybe there will be a dragon in the 'Battle Event'.
'A dragon?　Ooh, nice!　That's the kind of stuff you see in picture books and stuff!
Yeah, that dragon. Maybe if Kanami and I were here, we wouldn't be in any danger. What do you think?
Let's go!　It's going to be fun!

　As soon as the Reaper answered, he jumped to Snow's back.
　Snow acknowledges the Reaper's participation with a smile.

　But I--

Reaper?　Are you sure you're okay with this?

　Double check.

'Yeah, I'm fine.'

　In response, the Reaper responded with a smile and a reverse flow of magic power.
　The backflowing magic power tells me through the pattern on my neck.

　Warm magic power. It's the kind of magic that says, "Don't worry.

'Ya, you shouldn't do that, shouldn't you ......?　At least I'm not on board: ......

　But I don't feel safe.
　Earlier, the Reaper seemed to be suffering alone and without much pain .......

　I don't know why.
　I don't know, but I can't leave it alone.

"Kanami really isn't into it, ....... Then me, Reaper and Snow-kun can go with you .......

　Rowen senses how serious I am and tries to remove me from the party.　
　It's not. That's not it.

"No. This is a quest for Kanami. I need to know I can trust you to do this. It can only be done by the Kanami, who played an active role in The Epic Seeker.

　Putting aside my impatience, Snow and Rowen discuss it.

'Wouldn't it be easier if you were here, Snow?
Not that I wouldn't, but ......--

　The Reaper watches the two of them with warm eyes.
　Then he turns those eyes on me and smiles.

　I can tell from his eyes that he wants me to forget about what happened earlier.
　Maybe he doesn't want Rowen to worry about him.

　After being terribly confused, I decide to take in the Reaper's wishes.
　However, because I've pumped them out, I can't leave them alone.

I'm going to go too, after all. If everyone else is going to go, it's a good time to go.

　I'll never leave the Reaper's side and ask him why at the first opportunity.
　I have no choice but to accept the request to defeat the dragon.

I'm glad to hear that. Thank you, Kanami.

　It was Snow who was most pleased.
　He shook my hand with a big smile on his face.

'Mm, I'd appreciate it if Kanami would come. I guess that solves the problem.
'A dragon... I wonder if it's big. I wonder if it's edible.

　I carefully watch the Reaper as he talks to Rowen.
　However, even with the Dimension, I don't sense anything unusual.

　I guess I'll have to ask him directly.
　As I focus on the Reaper, Snow tightens her grip on it.

"Kanami, let's go right now then. --Oh, don't forget to put the Connection in this room. I'll be relying on dimensional magic on the way back.
'Oh, yeah. Okay. ......

　I set up the Connection at the back of the office as I'm told.
　As it is, he takes me by the hand and walks out.

　Rowen and the Reaper follow behind me.
　There were several luxurious carriages parked outside the "Epic Seeker". Some of the carriages belonged to the Walker family, as they had gone to the ball.

　This had never happened before.
　Snow hated having his house interfere with his work. No, he had been reluctant to be bothered. But here he is actively trying to use the house's power.

　I'm sure it's .......
　It's to make me a 'hero' .......

　Snow is smiling and motivated, but behind the scenes you can see that he is full of subterfuge.
　That's why I was reluctant to participate in The Dragonslayer.

　When Snow backs off, I don't put all my strength into it, and we head off to slay the dragon.

　Snow's change of heart.
　Rowen's weakening.
　Reaper's anguish.
　Much anxiety. ......