Nadja’s Father

Without stopping us or performing a body check, Wayne let us into the office.

That meant absolute trust in his father.

Count Tristan, called the “Sword Demon” and bearer of the Sword Saint aptitude, was a monster rivaling my father with Great Magus.

Even Nadja had never taken a single bout from him.

“Woody-kun, long time no see.”

“You look well, Count Tristan.”

The count was a man around forty.

His towering physique and pressure could swallow you if you relaxed.

Yet he smiled calmly, though his hand rested ready on his sword.

“I was surprised to hear you both came together.”

“Please forgive the sudden visit.”

“So something urgent has happened. Spare the pleasantries and speak.”

He was calmer than Nadja described.

She had said he became uncontrollable when angry.

I expected rage for taking her away.

“Actually…”

I explained about Gigafauna and forming a joint force.

Tristan knights were famed for swords as Conrad was for magic.

Their aid would be reassuring, and cooperation strengthened ties against Conrad conflict.

“Gigafauna… troublesome.”

“You knew?”

“Our scouts were destroyed. I knew a strong monster existed, but not that strong.”

Gigafauna was worse than Tycoon Wolf.

Huge, fast, and resistant to magic.

“So you propose joint deployment?”

“Yes, we may not defeat it alone.”

The count immediately discussed numbers and schedule.

The conversation advanced smoothly.

“Then I shall personally—”

“Father.”

“Do not interrupt, Nadja.”

“Are you not angry with us…?”

“…Woody-kun, a moment.”

“Of course.”

He stood — and struck Nadja instantly.

“What!?”

She tried to block but was blown away.

She rolled across the floor.

He approached slowly.

“Did you think I wasn’t angry? You ignored your noble duty.”

I stepped between them.

“Please stop.”

“Move aside.”

“Woody, please.”

Nadja stood, eyes blazing.

I trusted her and stepped aside.

Their swords clashed, tearing the office apart.

They cut walls and shattered windows.

Nadja was wounded deeper but fought on.

“As head of Tristan, I cannot forgive you.”

“Mother told me to choose the man I truly believe in!”

The mansion split under the blows.

They ran outside fighting.

We chased them to the garden beneath the World Tree.

Wind swirled from their aura.

They gathered power — and released it.

A deafening flash engulfed everything.

When I stood, they embraced despite wounds.

“Nadja… welcome back.”

“I’m home, Father…”

They reconciled instantly.

Is this normal for this family…?

Afterward I joined them.

“I still think you should marry Ashid.”

“Father!”

“But…”

He looked at the World Tree untouched by the blast.

“It grew beyond the mansion, yet outsiders cannot see it.”

World Trees hid themselves beyond Sanctuary range.

Ours wasn’t detected thanks to that property.

Likely this one hid using leyline mana.

“Seeing it… I understand why Nadja followed you.”

He faced us.

“So Woody-kun — let me judge whether you are worth allying with.”

I grasped his scarred hand.

“Leave it to us. We’ll prove it by defeating Gigafauna.”

“I look forward to it.”

Together we looked up at the World Tree and began planning.