Chapter 63

[Rai, that man. The one with the gray hair. Doesn’t he have a magical item on him, like Ash’s necklace—a transformation-type one?]

[Eh? Hmm… Ah, yes. Look, it’s his earring.]

I knew it!

I swallowed hard.

This could turn into something significant…

Ash didn’t seem to notice, but the man with that sly grin—Rene—was unmistakable.

‘Groris Rene’, the First Prince of the Elan Empire!

The cruel man born to the Empress herself, he was both Ash’s half-brother and rival.

The reason I could confirm he was the First Prince was simple: he had asked Cridit to travel with him to Neikal.

A mid-level fire summoner as rare as her, and the mention of Neikal, along with the name Rene and a transformation-type magical item!

I took a step back.

Should I tell Ash about this?

No, Ash believes I don’t know he’s a prince.

Maybe I should just keep it to myself?

“What’s your problem? Get out of here!”

“You can’t! A human life is precious!”

Hey, you two are brothers. Brothers competing for the throne, no less.

It’s a pity I can’t tell you.

I glanced at the mercenary with his blackened, burned hand.

Undine sat atop his charred arm. Though her presence might offer some soothing relief, I considered casting a spell to cool the burn further. Just as I was about to act—

“Ugh, enough of this! I’ll just burn this man entirely! Salamander, ‘Double Fireball!'”

“Undine, ‘Water Shield!'”

I chanted slower, but my spell activated first.

The two fireballs were effortlessly blocked by the water shield and dissipated like melted snowflakes.

The difference in power was clear.

Both our spirits were low-level, but the gap in quality between hers and mine was vast!

And why on earth did she just attack Ash?

Enough is enough. Does she think she can keep pushing boundaries?

“Geenie, you—”

“I hate fire. And even more, I can’t forgive someone who attacks my people.”

“You… are you crazy? I tried to be friendly, and yet you dare—!”

“Oh, really? I thought the same, but it seems we’re not meant to be friends.”

Friendships between women can change as easily as flipping a hand.

Not that there was ever an inkling of friendship between Cridit and me. The moment I realized she was a guardian of Prince Rene, she was already an enemy.

And I’m excellent at flipping my hand.

“Get out of the way! Or I’ll kill you first! Do you think I’m a joke?”

“Who’s killing whom?”

[Rrrr… How dare you! I’ll rip out your throat!]

Without needing Undine, Rai bared his teeth, growling ferociously.

Loyal to a fault, Rai was furious at Cridit’s threats.

“What’s it going to be? Want to die from a mutt’s bite? Or… just disappear?”

“Do you think you’ll get away with humiliating me like this? I won’t let this go…”

“Get lost already. I could make your hand look like his if you don’t. Or worse—pulverize you entirely.”

“Wh-what kind of… Rene! Did you hear what she just said to me? How could she insult me like this?”

‘Sigh.’ For someone who is a mid-level summoner, why is she relying on that pathetic man?

Cridit annoyed me even more.

The problem with women like her is their tendency to lean on men in critical moments.

Is that just a woman’s instinct? Will I end up like that?

No way. I refuse!

I hated Rene.

Just his mere presence blocking Ash was enough for me to despise him.

A flashy, foolish man who couldn’t even wield his sword properly.

You’re no match for Ash!

“Are you deaf? Get out!”

“How can a woman be so violent?”

“Funny, isn’t your woman the same?”

“My woman is fine. It’s for the sake of maintaining decorum. But someone as lowly as you? No way.”

Lowly? Me?

I’m not that lowly, but even if I were, I have no reason to hear such insults from you!

I gestured to Undine perched on my shoulder, pointing at Rene.

That’s the target.

“Undine! ‘Water Ball!'”

“Eek! Salamander, ‘Fire Shield!’ Hrk!”

“Argh!”

It was a spell similar to the one Cridit had used on Ash earlier.

Hers was a Fireball, and mine was a Water Ball.

Both spells are quick and lightweight.

The same goes for Fire Shield and Water Shield.

But unlike when I blocked Cridit’s Fireball, she couldn’t even shield Rene from my Water Ball. The attack hit him directly before the magic activated.

While the spirits’ abilities differ in speed, such a vast disparity reflects the summoner’s capabilities.

Even if fire spirits are slower in casting, this was excessive.

“Shall I go again? Or should I let Rai handle it?”

“Rrr! Grrrrr…!”

“Rene, are you okay?”

“I added a polite suffix. Now… get lost already!”

I wanted to get rid of them quickly.

That way, I could properly assess their strength.

I didn’t want to face them any longer than necessary.

Rene, soaked and humiliated, looked utterly pathetic.

It probably hurt his pride more than his body!

“Geenie, why are you so angry? This isn’t like you.”

To Ash, it must have seemed like I was furious over the mercenary incident.

But that wasn’t it, Ash.

It’s because these people are your enemies.

Your enemies are my enemies!

At least for the next month, no, maybe even longer.

Rene and Cridit eventually disappeared, whether out of shame or frustration.

Hmm, though there’s a fair chance they might come back.

Or maybe their embarrassment will keep them away.

I stuffed a cookie into my mouth from the table, chewing angrily.

That Cridit—what an infuriating woman!

Friendly? She really thought that?

Hmph, I’ll show her in a month. She keeps calling me lowly, but for all she knows, I grew up quite pampered!

“Geenie?”

‘Munch munch. Swallow.’

“What?”

“Have some water, too.”

Withry clasped his hands together and politely offered me a glass of water.

What’s gotten into him?

He never acted like this before.

I read through your content carefully and have translated it faithfully:

—

Although I accepted the water, Withry’s expression, filled with respect, was somewhat overwhelming.

“Thanks.”

“Ah, Geenie! I’m really so happy to have met you. If it weren’t for you, I’d still be handing out flyers in Mizellan.”

“Huh?”

“By now, Gilki is probably still in the square, searching for someone. Hah! He mocked me for handing out flyers, saying it was embarrassing. Even if he finds someone suitable, Geenie, you’re still the best candidate. I might even become the heir!”

Ah, so that’s what this is about.

Apparently, I’m eccentric.

Now that I think about it, this might be the first time Withry has seen me this fierce. After all, we’ve only known each other for about a month…

Oh, speaking of which, there are just fifteen days left until we reach Neikal, and a month until the competition.

The ‘Scales of Heyos.’ Once that’s over… what will I do next?

Withry asked me to meet his master, Theatrazen, but that’s risky. I promised, but I don’t really want to go.

Wait, maybe not?

If I reveal my identity as Geenie Crowell, they might not connect me to the intruder.

Hmm, I’ll postpone the decision to meet Theatrazen until after the competition.

The only thing left is when to reveal my identity…

It doesn’t matter to me, but the homeland suggested I reveal it during the competition to enhance my reputation.

Honestly, though, being labeled a low-level summoner isn’t enough for me to confidently win the ‘Scales of Heyos.’

As I gulped down the water Withry gave me, I heard Rai’s voice.

[Master.]

[Wait, I’ll come out.]

I had instructed Rai to transform into a flying squirrel and follow Rene and Cridit, spying on their numbers and assessing their skills. To avoid drawing attention, I stepped outside since Rai couldn’t enter the restaurant in his current form.

In the narrow alley beside the restaurant, Rai skittered down a wall.

[Master! Master! I have amazing news!]

[What is it? Speak quickly! Did you find anything special about them?]

[I did! I did!]

[Hurry and tell me. Don’t drag it out!]

Rai climbed up my sleeve and onto my palm, his antics endearing yet frustrating. Your job was to spy, Rai! Now spill what you’ve learned!

[Their party! There are three women!]

“…That’s supposed to be amazing?”

[Huh? Out of seven people, isn’t three women a lot?]

“Not really…”

Well, I suppose in a way it is notable. That guy’s sleazy grin now made sense—he prioritized recruiting women.

If their opponents were women, Gale or Enk might hesitate to attack simply because of their gender.

Still, we have two women in our party too!

[Oh… I see. That’s disappointing. Hmm, anyway, that Rene guy—the mouse-like prince—and the green-haired man who seems to be his attendant don’t seem very strong. Aside from them, there are three women and two men who look like the ‘guardians’ you mentioned.]

“Okay, what are their abilities? What are their professions?”

[There’s one mid-level fire summoner, a female and a male mage, and then a female and a male swordsman.]

“How did he gather so many mages? What kind of magic do they use?”

If Ash is a brute-force type, Rene seems to rely on intelligence. Most of his group seems to use brainpower-intensive roles.

Mages… how did he gather them? Could he have gotten support from the Empress’s family in Baelan?

No, that’s unlikely. The attendants said they were monitoring him.

[The male mage is around 5th class—he seems to use transitional magic. The female mage is 3rd class and uses wind magic. The man is in his 40s, while the woman is in her late 20s.]

“A 5th-class mage in his 40s? How did he recruit someone like that? Is Rene colluding with Baelan?”

[Is that strong? You’re stronger, Master. Also, their male swordsman is even stronger. The red-haired one.]

A chill ran down my spine.

A red-haired swordsman?

Stronger than a 5th-class mage?

Could it be that guy?

I had to ask.

“That… wouldn’t be…”

[Yep. It’s Rovenin-something.]

“Ahhhh!”

The memory hit me hard.

Rovenin Fedri.

The eldest son of Elan’s ducal family and the continent’s most renowned martial artist.

He’s six years older than me.

Ten years ago, I first crossed paths with him at the Winkan Festival and lost to him, marking the beginning of our rivalry.

When I saw him half a year ago, he didn’t even remember me.

Ugh, back then, he was already a sword expert!

[Master, why are you freaking out?]

“Why is ‘he’ with them?!”

[I don’t know. But he doesn’t seem completely aligned with their side. It looked like they’re still trying to recruit him. He’s at the peak of sword expertise—just a step away from becoming a sword master.]

“Damn it, that jerk!”

Standing in the narrow alley, I kicked the inn’s wall in frustration.

That guy!

He’s always been a thorn in my side!

To think he’s advanced this far already?

So annoying! So infuriating!

[But Master, didn’t you contract with a high-level spirit first? Doesn’t that mean you’ve already won?]

“No, you’re wrong! That guy refined his talent through effort, but I had a stroke of luck.”

Due to divine interference, my mental strength had risen to an abnormal level. Whether by divine providence or not, I possess exceptional affinity, surplus mana from Rai, and intense training.

Yes, I worked hard too, but luck played a role.

That’s why I could contract a high-level spirit at 19. It still feels unreal to me, but that’s the nature of summoning.

If you have enough affinity, mental strength, and a minimal amount of mana, you can wield unlimited power.

Ugh, I need to stop thinking negatively.

It’s all part of my abilities, after all.

Think about it—Endairon used to be overwhelming, but now I can summon him with ease. The mermaid’s tears help too, but still.

Luck is part of my strength.

Luck is skill!

I am who I am!

[Master, what’s with the fighting stance?]

“Ugh, never mind. I’m calm now. But about that one remaining swordsman… wait! Hey, you said there was nothing special! If ‘Rovenin’ is nothing special, then what is?! And seriously, is the fact that they have three women really so fascinating to you?”

[Ack, Master, it hurts! Ouch!]

I swear I’ll pluck out your whiskers one day! And Rovenin, you too—just you wait! One day, I’ll defeat you with my own hands!

—

It was just before we left Femmington.

Having confirmed the existence of Prince Rene, I was on edge when Ash suddenly suggested we take a walk.

In the middle of the night, no less.

Grumbling all the way, I followed him out. Since this was sort of like a date, I left Rai in the room. He whined and tried to follow, but I managed to stop him with some half-threatening persuasion.

By the time we reached midnight, it was officially my birthday.

Naturally, I had high expectations for a gift.

For over a month, I’d been dropping hints about wanting rare gems or metals, so I was optimistic.

And it seemed I wasn’t wrong. Not long after we sat down on a bench in the park, Ash, looking a bit shy, stood up and handed me a small, neatly wrapped box.

Kya! Best birthday ever!

“Thank you, Ash!”

“Oh, it’s nothing. It’s not much. Open it, Geenie.”

Excitedly, I nodded and unwrapped the package. Inside was a velvet-covered box that looked like it might hold jewelry.

A rare gem?

When I opened the box, my eyes widened.

I’d expected an uncut gemstone, but instead, there was a finely crafted ring.

Eh? Another ring?

Though it wasn’t what I’d hoped for, I was grateful nonetheless and carefully took out the ring.

The gemstone on the ring was unusual, resembling a cat’s eye.

A round, golden hue with a thin, dark line running vertically through it.

I’d seen something like this before.

“A cat’s eye?”

“It’s called a chrysolite. It’s said to ward off bad luck. The previous ring didn’t seem fitting for me to say I gave you, so… but, uh, not that I’m trying to make up for it with this one, Geenie!”

“Thanks, I love it! This is perfect.”

I shifted the mermaid’s tear ring from my left hand to my right, intending to wear the new ring on my left, but Ash took it from my hand.

Huh?

“Let me put it on for you.”

“O-okay…”

It occurred to me that it might indeed feel strange to put it on myself, so I held out my left hand to Ash.

Smiling slightly, he took my hand and slid the ring onto my ring finger.

It fit perfectly. Feeling embarrassed, I glanced away, only to notice Ash leaning closer.

The atmosphere was unmistakably set for a kiss.

Since I was sitting, avoiding it felt awkward. If I’d been standing, I might have stepped back.

“Thank you, Geenie.”

Ash murmured softly, his nose brushing against mine.

I closed my eyes.

There was no real reason to refuse. Besides, at twenty, a first kiss seemed overdue.

If it’s Ash… I can accept that.

Just as his lips were about to touch mine, something caught my senses.

—

A presence.

It wasn’t aggressive or malicious, but someone was definitely nearby.

Startled, I shoved Ash away, and he, noticing the same thing, straightened up.

Who’s there?

I turned toward the source of the presence.

In the moonlight, I caught a glimpse of crimson hair.

“You, you…”

“That’s… Rovenin Fedri! My god, what’s he doing here?”

Ugh! Of all people, why him?

And worse, Ash recognizes him too. This is awful!

The man had been walking past but stopped when he heard his name.

“…Who?”

Ugh. That casual “Who?” made my teeth clench.

I almost went mad the last time I heard that tone from him!

And seriously, who just walks casually past a couple sharing a moment? At least take a detour or try to hide!

Though I suppose expecting common courtesy from Rovenin Fedri is asking too much.

“N-no, excuse me.”

“You’re strong, aren’t you?”

“Huh? N-no! Not at all! Compared to you, Lord Fedri, I’m nothing…”

“You’re strong. And the woman next to you… she’s stronger.”

Rovenin’s gaze met mine directly, piercing through me.

Feeling exposed, I stood from the bench to position myself next to Ash.

Hmm, despite my efforts to keep my strength hidden, he managed to pick up on it. Impressive.

I considered testing him with a bit of energy release but decided against it since Ash was with me.

“Yes, Geenie is strong.”

“What do you think? Care to fight me, both of you?”

“Eh…”

“No.”

Before Ash could say a word, I refused immediately.

I knew how ruthless Rovenin could be.

Even ten years ago, in our duel, he had used sword energy on me, a child six years younger than him.

He was the type who would kill his opponent if it meant winning.

And I couldn’t bear to see Ash face him.

Rovenin would leave Ash in a bloody heap.

“…Let’s fight.”

“No!”

“Geenie?”

Rovenin alternated his gaze between me and Ash before fixing his eyes on me, as if deciding I held the authority.

His challenging stare was clear, but I wasn’t falling for it.

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t want to! Why are you even picking a fight?”

“You look strong.”

It was true—he had grown significantly since a few months ago.

Back then, he hadn’t shown any interest in me, but now he was initiating a challenge.

It seemed his growth had sharpened his senses as well.

Rai had said it, didn’t he? Rovenin was on the verge of becoming a Sword Master.

As much as I wanted to fight, I knew this wasn’t the time.

“I refuse. Go find someone else to fight!”

“…No. Neither you nor Ash. Look for someone else!”

“You’re a summoner, aren’t you? A spirit summoner, to be exact.”

So he figured that out too?

How infuriating!

Rovenin took a step toward me, but Ash quickly stepped in front of him.

“Wait, Rovenin! We have no intention of fighting you.”

“You’re a summoner, right? You feel similar to the woman I fought earlier, but there’s something different. She was fire. What are you?”

“You fought… Cridit?”

“I don’t know her name. She was the woman brought along by that annoying man.”

So it was Cridit!

He’s already fought her? It seems like this guy has developed a taste for defeating summoners.

And seriously, could you at least bother to remember people’s names?

“I told you, I have no reason to fight you! I’m a pacifist!”

“I won’t kill you. Let’s fight. It’ll be fun!”

He said that, but in reality, I’m a self-serving pacifist. Rovenin, on the other hand, is probably a duel addict—or maybe even a bloodthirsty duelist.

Despite my strong refusal, Rovenin ignored me and continued to approach.

Ash tried to block him, but the disparity in strength was clear.

I didn’t back down, and when he finally stood before me, I gritted my teeth and spat out my words.

“I wouldn’t die by your hand, but… fighting you has no benefit for me!”

Fighting and winning as Geenie Crowell might be one thing, but right now, there was nothing to gain from it.

There would be a time to face Rovenin, but not now.

Right now, I had to focus all my efforts on making Ash the Crown Prince.

“Benefit? That other summoner woman—I fought her in exchange for agreeing to travel with her group. So, why don’t you set some terms too?”

“You agreed… to travel with them?”

“That’s right. But for such a deal, she was a boring opponent. You, on the other hand… you seem worth the challenge.”

“Then… that won’t do! If I fight you, will you travel with us instead? With us, not them!”

There’s no limit to the number of guardians one can have for the ‘Scale of Heios’. At least five are required, but if you gather more, you can choose the best five to participate in the trial.

If it meant preventing Rovenin from siding with Rene, it would be a hundred times better to bring him to Ash’s side.

“…Isn’t there anything else?”

Rovenin raised an eyebrow as if the answer was obvious. It was clear he wasn’t going to back down.

Tch, typical knight. Stubborn as a rock, bound by his word.

This guy is such a hurdle in my life.

No, he’s an entire boulder in the way!

Frustrated, I shouted at him.

“Fine! Go travel with them! And… just you wait!”

“Hey! Let’s fight!”

“Nope. Come on, Ash…”

I grabbed Ash’s hand and pulled him out of the park, leaving Rovenin behind. He followed us for a moment before stopping.

I couldn’t tell if I should be happy or upset about facing him in the ‘Scale of Heios’.

Finally having the chance to fight him was something to look forward to. But if I were to lose—no, even the mere possibility of losing—I’d never be able to face Ash again.

Seriously… what a pest he is!

—

The journey from Femmington to Neikal passed in the blink of an eye.

After traversing rough terrains for months, the well-maintained roads between the two cities felt like a highway. Despite having an entire month to spare, we arrived in just over two weeks, even at a leisurely pace.

I felt proud of how accustomed I’d become to traveling but also uneasy.

The 5th-circle mage was concerning.

But the one who truly unsettled me was Rovenin.

That guy was my biggest hurdle.

“Uh, Geenie? I’m going to step out for a bit.”

I was deep in thought when Ash mentioned heading out.

We had just settled into the inn, and everyone else was busy, so he seemed to be letting me know since I was the most available.

I waved him off absentmindedly and returned to my musings.

—

– Cridit: As a summoner, she’s suited for long-range combat. I’ll leave her to Enk, who’s skilled with a spear.
– The 3rd-circle female mage: Gale, with his swift sword techniques, should match up well against her.
– The female swordsman: Chad can handle her since they’re both sword users.
– Rovenin: He’s the strongest. I’ll take him on myself.

But who will deal with the 5th-circle mage?

Withry is still a low-level summoner, so it would be too much for her. If she were mid-level, she could probably manage somehow.

This might end up being a throwaway match.

Come to think of it, Withry seems like she has the potential to reach mid-level. Why is she still stuck at low-level? Her mana seems fine. With that level of energy, her affinity should be sufficient too.

Is it her mental fortitude?

I might need to have her attempt a mid-level contract soon.