Chapter 34

About a month ago, it seemed an extraordinary weapon had been crafted in Fall Crown.

According to reports, it had supposedly sliced through the very sky of this continent.

It sounded like a joke of a report, but so many people had witnessed the rain stopping because the rain clouds were literally cut—or rather, blown away—that it had to be accepted as truth.

Due to the massive uproar, my country decided to purchase this weapon.

They claimed it was a forward investment so that I could exterminate even more powerful monsters and eventually destroy the Demon King.

It was certainly a generous offer, but am I being naive for wishing they would spend that money on improving the lives of the citizens instead?

No, surely that isn’t the case.

No matter the nation, it cannot exist without its people.

That is a fact; there is no doubt about it.

“Thea, lost in thought again?”

Taiga pulled his horse up beside mine and asked.

“…I just can’t settle down, feeling like I’m the only one being given special treatment.”

“Is that what’s on your mind? Thea, as the Hero, you’re fighting in the most dangerous places. I don’t think many people would complain about you getting a slightly better weapon. Even I had a staff made from spirit-tree wood bought for me, after all.”

“But are the people really living in prosperity? Are they living in peace?”

“You worry too much, Thea. It’s okay, everyone is living in peace.”

Taiga spoke as if to reassure me.

I really do think I’m mentally weak.

I become anxious and timid so easily.

And the one who always saves me is Taiga.

Honestly, it makes me happy.

But, if I were asked who the person I feel most at ease with is, I would answer “Ryu.”

I wonder why? Even though Taiga is always nearby protecting me, I still find myself choosing Ryu.

“Thea. We’re almost there.”

When I looked up at Taiga’s word, the gates of Fall Crown were visible in the distance.

Immediately after arriving in Fall Crown, we were scheduled to meet with King Dowal.

Since this was officially a meeting between nations, I attended the audience wearing ceremonial armor that I rarely ever put on.

Rumor had it that King Dowal was a very stern man; even if you managed to meet him, if he didn’t take a liking to you, you would never see him again.

The fact that my country sent me to handle business negotiations with such a King made me suspect they might be fools.

“Lady Hero and companions, King Dowal is expecting you.”

“Let’s go, everyone.”

The King had made time for us; we couldn’t let it go to waste.

As we reached the gates of the audience chamber, everyone’s expressions grew tense. Most of the people here were warriors who swung swords on the front lines, so we had to be careful not to be disrespectful.

Then, the gates opened.

As we glanced at the soldiers guarding the King, we saw they were all clad in high-grade armor.

As expected of a nation of blacksmiths.

They were wearing equipment far superior to the armor in our own country.

We knelt before the throne and waited in silence.

After a short while, I heard footsteps approaching.

“Raise your heads.”

I lifted my face as the voice commanded.

Standing there were King Dowal and his younger brother, the next King, Dolf.

“I heard you desire a sword crafted by my hand. Which blade do you seek?”

King Dowal asked solemnly.

“King Dowal, we—”

“I am asking the Hero.”

The Mage Corps Commander of our party tried to answer but was cut off.

Since he had addressed me specifically, I had no choice but to respond.

“We seek the blade that was said to have cut the sky the other day.”

“Hoh, that sword? Why do you desire it? I have heard the Hero’s current blade is quite the masterpiece as well.”

“Indeed. However, the situation is always shifting. If we challenge our foes with better equipment, we can further reduce the number of casualties and bring peace to the world.”

King Dowal looked at me as if weighing my words.

“Then I shall set one—no, two conditions. If you can fulfill them, I shall craft it for you.”

“Craft it? Will you not sell it to us?”

“I will not. However, if you obtain the materials, I will craft the same weapon for you.”

In other words, we had to provide the materials ourselves.

“And those materials are…?”

“Nothing much, from a Hero’s perspective. If you provide a Fenrir’s fang and a Garuda’s flame, it can be done.”

“What—?!”

A Fenrir and a Garuda? How were we supposed to defeat things like that?!

To even find two legendary magical beasts would be an ordeal, let alone fighting them!

“King Dowal, do you mean the Hero must do this alone?!”

“Taiga!”

“You are being disrespectful. My brother and the Hero are speaking.”

“Wait, Dolf. This man’s question is an important one for the Hero as well; turn a blind eye to it. As for the answer—of course, you may head out with your party. However, as a word of advice, you had best take only your elites. Ordinary soldiers won’t even serve as a meat wall. Also, regarding the Garuda, as long as you obtain its flame, it doesn’t matter; you don’t necessarily have to kill it.”

So, the only one we had to kill was a Fenrir. But where were they? We didn’t even know that much.

“Do you know the habitats of these two species?”

“Unfortunately, I do not.”

“…I see.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes. Thank you for making time for us.”

And just like that, King Dowal had saddled us with an impossible task.