It was drizzling in the sky on the day of our departure.

　But the wind was not strong.

　The wind seemed to be more important to the airship than the rain, so we took off safely into the sky.

(Nice view, as always...)

　The military base below and the city of Derant become smaller and smaller.

　In contrast, my vision widens, and I can see the vastness of the Arun God's Empire.

　As I cling to the glass of my room's window, I keep my eyes firmly fixed on the scene.

'They say we'll be at the border in about a month and a half,'

　Illtimina-san, who was by my side, tells me that this airship will take us to the nearest city of Shumuria in a month and a half.

　This airship will bring us to the nearest city to the Kingdom of Shumuria in a month and a half," she said. After dropping us off there, they will return to Astirio, the capital of Arun's divine empire.

　It's a bit of a long way for Frederica and the others.

　We are so grateful for their help.

　And Solstice...

Well, I'm going to Recto Alice's.

　He left the guest room with his writing materials.

　Patan.

　The door closes.

　Apparently she's going to be immersed in study during her air travel.

(Really, I respect that...)

　The three of us remaining couldn't help but look at each other and chuckle.

　Soon, the airship was gaining altitude and plunging into the rain clouds.

　Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

　Outside the window was nothing but milky white.

　Eventually, it broke through the clouds.

Wha...?

　The sunlight, which I hadn't seen in a long time, burned my eyes.
　Well, it was dazzling.

　But the sea of white clouds, the blue sky, and the sun shining there was truly beautiful.

(............)

　I feel like I'm going to cry.

　The journey in the sky has just begun.

　I squinted my blue eyes as I gazed at the view of the sky forever.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇.


　-- about a week into our air journey.

　Me and Mr. Quilts were now standing alone in a passage on the outer edge of the airship. On the other side of the railing, it was completely outside.

　The wind that blew through was very cold.

　But the sun, tilted to the west, had turned the sea of clouds and the sky red, and it was beautiful.

　It's dusk now.

　We were just on our way to the dining room to eat dinner.

　Ms. Illtimina had gone to call for her sister in Recto Alice's room, and we were waiting here, at the fork in the hallway.

　And.

Are you sure you're okay?

　Quilt-san asked me as I was looking at the Akaneiro landscape.

　The state of the wound.

　That would be the bruise that was inflicted during my training with Garun-san the other day.

''Yeah.''

　I nodded.

　There was still a spot of blue, but there was no swelling and the pain was gone.

　Mr. Quilts.

Okay.

　He smiled reassuringly.

　I smile back too.

　I look out at the sunset again.

..........

　But I suddenly remembered Garun-san's sword and Kirto-san's words at that time and asked Kirto-san.

'Hey, Kirt-san?'
Hmm?
'Am I really sure I don't have to learn a sword like Mr. Garun?

　As I say this, I turn around.

　I stare at Mr. Quilt, gazing at him in the sunset.

　She had a surprised look on her face.

　Then.

No need to remember.

　I assured him with a serious expression.

(...why?)

Although he called it 'deceiving', Garun-san's sword was a feint backed by advanced technology.

　The more you learn, the stronger you become - it seemed to me.

　Maybe he could sense it in my gaze and expression.

　Mr. Kilts raised his body from leaning against the railing and turned straight to me.

'That's not the sword Marle is after.

　I said.

　The sword I'm aiming for........

　Mr. Kilt, with his beautiful master's face.

Garun's sword is indeed an advanced technique. When you learn it, you will be strong. But your strength will soon be at a standstill. Garun's sword points in another direction than the one you want to teach yourself.

　I say.

　Somehow, I don't know if I know what it means or not.

　I thought about it for a minute.

What kind of sword would you like to teach Mr. Kilt?

　I ask.

　Mr. Kilt was silent for a few seconds.

　Her beautiful silver hair fluttered long in the wind, glistening in the setting sun.

　And then.

Unleashed, bound to hit and destroy everything in its path - such an absolute sword.

　He announced with a voice full of heavy determination.

　...An absolute sword?

　Ruminating on the meaning of Kilt-san's words, I asked, hesitantly.

'Is that like Garun-san's sword back then?

　In that practice, every sword Garun fired at me hit me.

　I knew that, but I couldn't avoid them.

　So it seemed to me that I was echoing Mr. Kilt's words.

　But.

No.

　Mr. Kilt moved his head to the side and assured her.

　Her beautiful silver hair swayed, too.

'It's not that kind of petty technique. It's more of an absolute sword I'm talking about.'

　A white hand came up.

　ton (of money)

　Its shapely fingertips were pressed against my forehead.

The moment your will decides to 'release the sword,' the sword is guaranteed to reach you, and regardless of what your opponent does, it will no longer be a winner - such a sword!

　.............

(What's that?)

That's impossible.

　It was so unrealistic, I said.

　Mr. Kilt laughed.

'I suppose so,'

　He readily admitted it.

　Huh?

This is a realm that not even the demon princess can reach. It's impossible to reach.
..........
But even now, Warauwa is pursuing that 'Absolute Sword'. And for that, he continues to swing his sword.

　It was a voice with an iron will.

　It was unwavering.

　Even if it's impossible now, I was determined to make sure that one day I would be able to reach it.

　I was stuck in that far-reaching thought.

　The beautiful master said.

''Demigod Sword, Zekijan.
..........
That's just one of the imperfect swordsmanship techniques that came out of the pursuit of the Absolute Sword.

(!)

　The sword that defeated that Kirt Amandes' profound technique like that Kirt Amandes' profound technique, the sword that defeated even the 'Demon Piece', is incomplete!

　I am no longer at a loss for words.

　What kind of heights does Mr. Kilt aim for........

Do you understand, Merle?
..........
That is the kind of sword I am seeking and teaching you. It is no time for you to get caught up in your immediate strength and remember another sword. It is more than that that they are after.

　My sword master says.

　The sword that Kirto-san and my master and disciple are aiming for is really far away.

　So high, in fact, that we couldn't even see the top.

　But he's telling me to aim for it and for me to walk with him.

　My heart heats up in my chest as I realize what that means.

'Yes, Mr. Quilt.'

　He answered in a shaky but clear voice.

　Mr. Kilt nodded in satisfaction.

　Then he stroked my head a little roughly with a crumple.

''Your talent with the sword is even greater than this demon princess Kilt.
..........
Therefore, I believe you can reach the heights that are beyond the reach of the straw. Can't you, Marl?

　Ki, Kilt-san.........

　

　Geez.

　I clench my little fists.

(I'll trust Mr. Quilt.)

　Walk the path of the sword with her and someday we'll both reach the point we're trying to reach!

　I was ready to make up my mind.

..........

　Kilt-san didn't say anything, just looked at me with a really gentle gaze.

　-- In the sky reddened by the setting sun, the two of us, master and apprentice, made a pledge to each other to walk the path of the sword in this way.