Episode 56

I began the final stage of the work.

…I had already checked it about five times.

The restoration itself was complete, but I kept checking repeatedly in case something had been overlooked.

This time as well, nothing abnormal was observed.

Wiping the sweat from my brow, I left the room with the sword to meet Lord Goral at our appointed time.

When I arrived at Lord Goral’s office, he was waiting—sitting at his desk and looking over the papers as usual.

His face lifted, and he looked toward me.

His eyes were sharp. Yet there was a kind of expectancy in them that felt different from usual.

“Is it finished?”

“Yes. Please check it.”

I held the sword out toward him.

Lord Goral accepted it and drew the sword from its scabbard.

The beautiful blade reflected the light in the room and glittered. Seeing the sword drawn, the look in Lord Goral’s eyes narrowed.

“I’m surprised… It’s the same as when I received it from my father.”

“I’m honored to hear that.”

Lord Goral stared at the sword’s surface for a while, then infused it with mana.

…A bead of sweat slowly formed on his forehead.

He was probably reading the magical information.

After about ten seconds of that, Lord Goral let out a deep breath.

His breathing faltered—it was as if he’d been holding it for a long time.

“…I’ve confirmed it.”

It seems Lord Goral could read the magical information too. But he couldn’t go further than that.

His words trembled. Along with a voice shaking with joy, tears slowly ran down his cheeks.

“Indeed, perfectly… it’s my father’s sword. The same sword as when I received it then…”

“…Is that so. I’m glad.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. Lord Goral wiped his cheek and then sheathed the sword.

Then he smiled gently.

“Faik.”

He spoke my name. When I looked toward Lord Goral, he smiled softly.

“I will acknowledge you as Alicia’s betrothed.”

I was momentarily surprised by words I had not expected.

I had thought it would take much more time before I would be recognized as such.

Filled with deep feeling, I bowed my head slightly to him.

“…Thank you.”

At that moment, I felt a sharp sting in my chest.

The reason was clear: Alicia and I were in a fake engagement.

I felt bad toward Lord Goral, who had cared for Alicia so deeply.

Lord Goral’s smile vanished immediately. He returned to the usual expression of the head of the ducal house and glared at me.

“Do not do anything that will make Alicia unhappy.”

“I understand.”

“Alicia is a lovely girl. Isn’t she?”

“Yes, she is lovely.”

“That doesn’t mean you should let your lust explode.”

“I-I understand.”

“If you force anything sexual on her, I’ll have your head.”

“…Of course.”

“If it’s consensual, I’ll allow it.”

“…Ah, thank you.”

It was the kind of situation that made me want to add a question mark to the end.

I couldn’t bring myself to say it aloud, but I wanted to ask, “Could you stop saying such things with a serious face?”

“Also, continue your blacksmithing from now on. Make sure your skill does not decline.”

“…Yes. I understand.”

“Also, be careful of those around you from now on. Once people know you are the betrothed, there will be those who will target you in various ways.”

They might try to take your life, for instance. And if you were to marry into the ducal family, people would appear trying to exploit that connection.

…I don’t know all the ways to behave as a noble, so various problems may arise, but it can’t be helped.

“Then, you should go and report to Alicia.”

“Thank you. Also, if any further repairs are needed, please let me know.”

“Ah, understood. I’ll be counting on you then.”

I bowed to Lord Goral and left the room, heading straight to Alicia’s chamber.

And I have to have a serious talk with Alicia.

About our fake engagement.