“You’ve improved since I last saw you, Ziel-kun.”

“I’m honored… sir.”

“You still have a habit of slipping into formal speech, I see.”

A town in the mountains of the eastern country.

Within it stood a particularly large building—an estate. A room within the dojo.

Ziel and Klaha sat side by side on the tatami-covered floor. Across from them, a middle-aged man with long hair and sharp eyes sat with an amused smirk.

The man’s name was Saminato.

He was the master of this dojo.

“First a dragon slayer, and now the one who re-sealed the Ruin King? Even Valdfried in his younger days was more subdued than you.”

“No, not at all. I’d say I just have… exceptionally good—or bad—timing.”

“And yet, you remain humble and serious. It’s almost as if you inherited only the good traits of your master and ignored all the bad ones.”

Saminato nodded, seemingly impressed.

“Compared to that, mine… well, I’m not even sure he wants to inherit anything. His skill is unquestionable, but at this rate, I won’t be able to retire in peace.”

“Come now, it’s far too soon to be talking about retirement.”

“No, I’ve been feeling it more and more lately—aging is inevitable. It’s one thing to be skilled or unskilled, but strength… eventually, one has to step away. Look, even you wear glasses now. I finally bought a pair myself. My eyes can’t handle reading anymore. Presbyopia.”

From his pocket, Saminato pulled out a case and showed them a pair of round glasses with a cord. Ziel took one look and nodded in understanding.

Night had fully fallen.

This room, enclosed by walls on one side, sliding paper doors on two, and a thin shoji screen on the last, had almost no natural light. The flickering glow of candles was the only thing illuminating the three of them.

Every now and then, the sound of footsteps rushed past on the other side of the shoji.

“Well, putting this old man’s ramblings aside, you came seeking help in case something happens regarding the Ruin King, right? Of course, I’d be happy to assist… However, the timing isn’t great on our end either.”

“The mountain beasts?”

Saminato nodded.

“It’s not just us, apparently. As far as I know, there have been reports of increased magical beast activity in at least three locations across the country. I don’t know if it’s connected to the Ruin King, but for now, I have to prioritize the town’s safety.”

“Of course. This is just a preliminary visit… For formal cooperation, I’ll wait for an official request from the Church, the Mage Federation, or the government.”

“I appreciate your understanding. …Though at times, you sound even older than me.”

“……Ugh. Yes, sir.”

Ziel, looking thoroughly embarrassed, fell silent. Saminato chuckled.

“Well, our two groups have always supported each other. Make yourself at home. …And this one, is he your disciple?”

Ziel gave a small nod, and at his cue, Klaha quickly lowered his head in greeting.

“My name is Klaha. Ziel-san has been teaching me swordsmanship for a few weeks now.”

“…………Hmm.”

For a moment, Saminato’s eyes widened in surprise. But soon, his expression softened.

“I see. Apologies. If you two have only recently become master and student, there must still be some awkwardness. If you need anything, feel free to consult me or anyone else here. …Ah, looks like it’s time for my shift.”

His gaze suddenly shifted away from Ziel and Klaha.

They both immediately understood why—the deep toll of a large bell echoed through the air. A dull, resonant sound, likely signaling the change of the hour.

“Right now, the dojo members are helping out with the town patrols in shifts. I can’t just sit around and do nothing.”

With a grunt, Saminato stood up.

“Your room is the same guest chamber you used before, Ziel-kun. You can use that, and the adjacent room for your disciple. If you need anything, Chikano will be back soon—ask him.”

“Understood. Much obliged,” Ziel said, bowing his head in an oddly archaic manner.

Again, Saminato chuckled.

“Well, at any rate—you’ve been through a lot. And you must be exhausted from your journey. Get some rest, both of you.”

With that, Saminato left the room.

“…Well, that’s the kind of guy he is.”

Ziel turned to Klaha, who had been visibly tense until just moments ago.

Ziel completely understood the feeling.

Saminato wasn’t strict—he was actually quite easygoing. But he was the master of the estate they were about to stay in, and on top of that, a legendary warrior. No one could relax in front of him right away. Ziel had been the same way.

So, to ease the tension, he tried to make small talk—

—Only to suddenly pause.

If Klaha was nervous because Saminato was strong and she was relying on him, then… wasn’t she feeling the same way toward Ziel?

“Um… I’m not sure if this is the right way to put it, but…”

Klaha’s reply came swiftly, cutting off Ziel’s overthinking.

“He seemed incredibly strong. The way he stood, his movements—everything was so refined.”

“Ah, yeah. You noticed, huh? That’s where our school and the dojo’s style differ—actually, this could take a while to explain. Let’s talk while we walk.”

Ziel, of course, had no memory of where the guest chambers were.

But surely, some disciple around here would guide them. That was the plan, at least, as he shifted to stand up—

But then.

“……Klaha?”

“Ah, um, sorry. Ziel-san, go ahead… I’ll catch up.”

Klaha remained seated, hands planted at her sides.

“…Did your legs fall asleep?”

“…Yes. Um, how do I…?”

“Don’t force it. Sorry, I should’ve told you to sit comfortably earlier.”

“No, it was my own—ah!”

“Just go ahead and lie down on your stomach.”

“W-what? Is that really okay?”

“Of course. It happens.”

Ziel helped guide Klaha down until she was lying flat on the tatami, propped up on her elbows.

“Sorry… this is kind of embarrassing.”

“Nah, I did the same thing when I was new. There’s a trick to how you distribute your weight. …By the way,”

He prefaced with, “Though this is a weird position to be talking in,”

“What do you think? Is the magical beast activity related to the Ruin King?”

“…Hard to say. Honestly, I don’t have enough evidence yet. Magical beasts going wild happens from time to time. But their strength, at least…”

“Yeah. That’s what I thought.”

Ziel rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

The bear-like beast had been powerful. And the serpent—if it had been able to conceal its presence and still survived that arrow, it had to be even stronger.

For wild beasts, they were unusually strong.

That was what nagged at him.

“Well, we’ll figure it out in time. How’s your leg?”

“I think I can stand now.”

“Alright, take it slow.”

Ziel reached out a hand.

Klaha took it, murmuring an apology as she stood—

“Oisu!”

At that moment, the shoji slid open.

“Figured you wouldn’t remember where the guest rooms were, so I came to guide you—”

Ikka.

A small boy with a single side ponytail.

He had flung the shoji open wide—

—and found the two of them holding hands.

“…Oh. Did I, uh, interrupt something?”

“No, you didn’t,” Ziel answered.