Asel family dinner (2)
Dinner lasted for three hours. It was the first dinner to be held after the reopening of the capital mansion, and even Gideon was visiting, so the splendor of the table that day was incomparable. Kleio had no choice but to be doubtful of the sight before him.
‘Does Mrs. Canton also use magic? Could you read something like this in half a day without using magic?’
Four servants mobilized to serve the food; an eight-course setting with thirteen pieces of cutlery and five glasses per person. When the meal was over, and the cheeseboard was about to be placed, Vasco’s cheeks and ears were beet-red.
“I heard a lot from Dione! You restored the Lira of Terpsicore!”
When the small man laughed, it was hard to believe he was over forty.
“That’s right. I, too, have heard of Lord Grayer’s prestige.”
Kleio, with an effortless business smile, poured more wine into Vasco’s glass on behalf of the servant.
“You know how to flatter me. But that sounds so unfamiliar, so call me Vasco! Heh!”
“Uncle, please refrain a little from the alcohol.”
Dione held back Vasco with a small voice.
“Haha, yes. If we want to talk properly, I shouldn’t be distracted by alcohol.”
“Vasco, I’ve heard that story a hundred times, but you haven’t kept it.”
“Vlad, you always stab in the dagger with a bright smile!”
Vasco and Vlad seemed to have become close while accompanying each other to the continent of Chentrum.
“My eldest son tends to be loose in manners. Thank you for your patience.”
“I understand. Rather, I’ve been greatly helped by the Baronet and Vlad. It’s not easy to visit Chentrum.”
Chentrum was located west of Dernier. It was a land a bit small to be a continent, but a little too large to be an island. It wasn’t an easy place to reach, however, as the tide around Chentrum was strong, and latitude and longitude measurements deviated around it. It was said that it was due to the power of magic cast long ago or some curse. For that reason, the sea between Dernier and Chentrum was often called the end of the world.
“Many merchant ships cannot reach Chentrum and are lost in the sea. But I was lucky to be in the company of Asel.”
It was a place worthy of the risk. Ancient ruins full of rare mana stones were abundant in Chentrum. The Asel Trading Company had but it was said that it initially made its name public by having successive work in Chentrum. Gideon’s secret was surprisingly simple: no labor or safety expenses were spared. Apparently, Vasco also seemed to have taken part in the most recent expedition. Of course, Baronet Asel would’ve benefited greatly from his search and restoration capabilities.
“Vasco, we were more fortunate you have you along. A lot more veins have been excavated as a result. We will accompany you on the next ascent.”
“Yes, Vlad. If Baronet Asel allows it, I’ll gladly welcome it. I’m relieved I can leave the affairs of the capital to Dione here!”
“Uncle…”
Dione trembled, covering her mouth with her fan.
“You’re always welcome here.”
“Thank you, Baronet! That’s right, take a look. I brought a present but forgot to bring it out because the dinner was so delicious!”
Vasco tucked his hand into the subspace bag he had hung on the chair and suddenly produced something like a rusted metal rod about a meter long. nÊw st𝒐ries at n𝒐/vel/b/i/n(.)co𝒎
“It’s for you, Kleio! When I heard about the Lira, I thought I had to give it to you!”
Dione quickly summoned a servant to clear the table in front of Vasco. Everyone’s eyes were caught on what his small hand was holding. Kleio activated the Understanding function of Promise, and a golden string of letters revealed the rod’s identity.
[Beg’s Sword
-Legacy
*Restoration is required.]
Kleio’s chair pushed back a little as he was shocked.
‘This! I was worried that Arthur only uses those practice swords that break all the time, but this!’
Arthur had a royal sword ready for him, but he first had to be the heir to the throne to get it. In the last manuscript, the weapon he used before becoming the heir was the Beg’s Sword from Vasco.
‘It’s a huge weapon if it’s legacy grade. It can withstand Arthur’s ignorant use of power.’
It didn’t seem that Vasco would appear, but his role had been fulfilled anyway.
“I found it on the continent of Chentrum, but if you restore it, it will be of great value! Will you try to restore it?”
“Thank you for the undeserved gift. I will try it.”
Kleio reached for it without hesitation, but Vasco paused.
“Do you know what this is?”
His expression was pleasantly drunk, but Vasco’s eyes were clear as they measured Kleio.
‘Might as well tell him.’
Kleio snapped up the bait.
“I know.”
“Hoh, can you tell me?”
“It is a double-edged longsword.”
“Do you know its name?”
“I presume it is Beg’s Sword, considering the shape and age. Beg was a hero who united the nation and protected the divine sanctuary against the pagan invasions during the time of old Chentrum.”
Kleio responded as it had been written in the manuscript. At a glance, it was clear that the author borrowed the myth from an old hero.
“How did you know as soon as you saw it?”
“I read about it in a book.”
Kleio straightened his shoulders. It wasn’t technically a lie, as he did read about it in the manuscript.
‘Vasco had a hard time searching through ancient documents and traditions to find out about this sword. He had a hell of a time making the right mantra.’
“What the hell sort of book was that…”
“I can’t tell you that. Sorry.”
“Ha, this guy is perfect! Yes, it’s rare for a wizard to share their sources with others. I will be thrilled to have the chance to know the depth of your studies in the future. I also got some clues from old literature, but you’ve studied so deeply it’s hard to believe you’re only seventeen.”
“You compliment me too much.”
“Maybe. Can you try the restoration now? I can’t wait!”
“You mean, right here?”
“Is there anything that can’t be done?! Have a secretary pull the necessary materials from our store!”
Kleio glanced at his father, brother, and tutor, but none seemed to be willing to deny Vasco. Dione shook her head gently, and Vlad seemed excited himself.
‘Ugh… Did I mess up?’
It was too late for regret. Knowing there was no way out, Kleio was forced to step onto the board that Vasco had laid out.
“Vasco, there’s no need for your secretary to do that.”
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.
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While the others moved into the parlor, Kleio went to his bedroom and searched his subspace pockets. In addition to bronze, he still had a piece of cast iron.
‘I didn’t have a chance to use this before, but now I do.’
Next to [Achilles’s Spear], he wanted to work on [The Emperor’s Angel’s Fire]. For that, he had asked Dione to obtain cast iron as well as bronze.
‘I only need cast iron to restore the sword.’
Pocketing the iron, he headed back to the parlor where everyone was chatting while sipping at port wine. The metal rod was atop the table, and each person was remaining loosely around the table with glasses in hand.
“Are you back? Let me see all your hidden tricks!”
“It’s good to be prepared with materials in the house.”
“I didn’t know that it would be like this, but by coincidence, I had some ready.”
“Huh. Is that it, or is the prediction rumors true?”
“Well, Vasco, judge with your own eyes. I don’t know if the restoration will work well… but I’ll do my best.”
Only his words were humble, as Kleio’s attitude was bold.
‘Vasco’s mantra for restoring this sword was written in the last manuscript.’
The eyes of his father, brother, Dione, and Vasco were all on him. It wasn’t a good situation for Kleio, who didn’t like to be noticed, but there was no use crying over spilled milk. At least this would be an excellent opportunity to impress both Vasco and his father. As he approached the table, Kleio looked closely at Beg’s sword. It was just a reddish lump of rust now. As Kleio swept the surface of the blade, he pulled a bundle of cast iron from his pocket. He didn’t know if it was a complex object like the lira, but it shouldn’t be difficult if he only needed to rest the ore on the blade.
‘Only the blade can be restored. The handle and sheath have to be remade with normal techniques.’
“Then… I’ll try.”
Kleio unfolded only the smallest circle to cover the sword. Since his level had risen, the narrower the spread, the more ether aggregated to brighten his surroundings. Dione quickly stepped back, but Gideon, who was seeing it for the first time, had a shocked look. Seeing was believing, after all. No matter how much he had heard the news, he was shocked that his unsociable youngest child could create such an intense circle. Excitedly, Vasco came closer rather than pulling back.
“It’s a great ether…really amazing!”
In the light of the ether, Kleio formed the magic of [Restoration]. Its shape became vivid as gold poured into the frame. Even Dione, who had seen him restore the lira, folded her fan and gasped. Only a few months had passed, but his magic had become unparalleled. Focusing on the spell, Kleio thought of the mantra from the manuscript. The sword was the weapon of a monarch who bravely defended his gods and people. The mantra was made to honor him. With the formula rising, Kleio shouted it out.
“[I will revive the will of the monarch who defended the gods and the people!]”
The light of ether, triggered by his mantra, rose-like molten gold overflowing into the parlor. No one could open their eyes as the world was filled with light. Even though they weren’t in the circle’s range, they all felt the illusion that they were being swept away. The shocking vortex of light subsided after a while, revealing Kleio standing quietly with the cloth-wrapped sword. The boy had a calm expression, one of neither surprise nor pride at what he had done as he looked at the restored sword.
The blade was made of Damascus steel, possessing a unique wavy pattern on the surface. The light in the drawing-room glowed brightly over the delicate patterning. The boy silently cut off the cloth and returned it to the table.
“The blade is sharp. It’s dangerous as it is, so it will need a new handle and sheath.”
Vasco watched the boy blankly.
