The shrill metallic sound of swords clashing fills the air.
In the courtyard of Princess Lily’s mansion, Princess Lily herself is facing Taula.
There is a man-made pond here, almost like a water fountain, and in front of it, the two furiously cross swords. The murmuring sound of the water is completely drowned out every time the swords clash.
It’s the day after I modified Princess Lily’s sword to emit what looks like a purifying light. I handed the sword back to her first thing in the morning, and then she said she wanted to try it out.
I’d rather go to where the ‘Third Seat of Immorality’ is first, and leave that sort of thing for later, but I’ve been told we can’t leave until all the documents are in order.
Apparently Princess Lily had to come to this country and issue a request to the appropriate department in Sototo’s capital to be able to distribute aid resources to various territories.
She said she issued it last night, so we should be cleared to leave later today.
From what I understand, bureaucratic routine works faster here than in our country, but still, it’s annoying when we’re dealing with an emergency.
But in the end, there’s nothing we can do. That means I’m free until the documents are sent via communications device.
Princess Lily figured the time was now to have a mock battle with Taula like she wanted, and I was brought here too to explain the new feature of her sword.
Well… I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t at all interested. What will happen when the two swords enveloped in purifying light clash?
First, as a preliminary test, Princess Lily and Taula are crossing swords with their swords as they are.
I didn’t mess with the sword’s center of gravity or anything like that, but they seem curious about little changes, and sometimes exchange looks, and stop to check her movements.
Ah… Are they checking if the belt I made that is around her waist is also having an effect on her movements?
As I watch them and relax, I notice that every time she moves to swing her sword, Princess Lily’s belt with the magic crystal holder attached shifts a little.
I have no knowledge of military arts, so I wouldn’t have noticed that before, but now I do.
But Princess Lily doesn’t seem to have noticed, so I call out to them to stop them, and ask her to give me the belt so I can adjust it.
“Oh dear. Such kind after care from you, Master Rust! I’m so happy.”
I respond with an awkward smile. Even I ask myself why I care so much, but I guess that’s just my nature when it comes to things related to alchemy.
I finish the adjustments quickly, and hand the belt back to Princess Lily.
“Oh! Incredible. It fits perfectly, almost as though you measured me!”
For some reason, I feel Taula’s eyes get colder after that comment.
Maybe it’s because there is so much water in Sototo, or maybe it’s because of the pond here in the courtyard, but it’s very humid. I can feel sweat dripping.
I hurry to say something.
“Well then, how about you activate the purifying light?
“Purifying light?”
“Yes. You just have to say your sword’s name, Taula. And Princess Lily, touch the magic crystal… Yes, like that. You touch it and it activates.”
I tell both ladies.
Princess Lily and Taula approach each other, and hold up their swords.
“Poppy.”
Whispers Taula.
Princess Lily then touches her belt with one hand.
Both swords are now covered with a pale light.
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