Blue Island.
In the parlor of a certain mansion, Lena sat comfortably.
Clad in casual attire, she reclined on a large sofa, holding a glass in one hand and gulping down amber-colored liquor.
"Haah..."
Lena let out a heavy sigh. Her slouched shoulders made her dejection obvious.
The reason for her mood...
"I finally had a fateful reunion with Fate, and yet I couldn't take our relationship to the next level. Ugh, it's the blunder of a lifetime. For me, of all people, to make such a mistake..."
Her melancholy stemmed from her feelings for Fate. If her companion Riken had been present, he would undoubtedly have scolded her for losing sight of their mission.
"Maybe I should just abandon my mission and head straight to Fate? I hear that in places like this, men turn into beasts... Maybe he'd pounce on me or something♪"
Lena smiled mischievously as she spoke. It was clear that she wasn't joking—she was entirely serious.
"But if I do that, Riken would never stop nagging me... Ugh, fine. I guess I'll just focus on my mission."
As she resolved to pull herself together, a knock came at the door.
The maid working at the mansion opened it, revealing a man dressed in luxurious attire.
A nobleman, based on Blue Island.
"Apologies for keeping you waiting," the nobleman said.
"No, there’s no need to apologize for such a thing," Lena replied.
Her earlier attitude vanished without a trace. Standing gracefully, she offered a polite bow, her tone and even the pitch of her voice transformed.
It wasn’t magic but a sleight of hand, a practiced trick. In simpler terms, she was just putting on a facade.
"If anyone deserves reproach, it’s me for arriving unannounced. You have no need to apologize in the slightest," Lena continued.
"Your understanding eases my conscience. I had some urgent work that needed addressing today," the nobleman said.
"I’m grateful you’ve made time for me despite your busy schedule."
Lena smiled warmly.
Although her true personality left much to be desired, in moments like this, Lena exuded the aura of an enchanting young lady.
The nobleman, who was approaching forty, couldn’t help but be captivated by her charm. His gaze lingered on her, unable to look away.
She wasn’t dressed in a fancy gown, just practical, easy-to-move-in clothes. Yet somehow, this simplicity only amplified her allure, making her shine all the brighter.
Sensing the nobleman's attraction, Lena smirked inwardly. This could make negotiations much easier.
"Is something the matter?" she asked quietly, betraying nothing of her inner thoughts.
"Ah... no, it’s nothing."
He realized now wasn’t the time to be enamored. If he wanted to seriously court her, there would be other opportunities. For now, he needed to focus on their business.
Clearing his throat to regain composure, the nobleman spoke again.
"Now then, about the item in question?"
"Yes, it’s right here," Lena replied, gesturing toward a wooden case placed on the table.
"May I open it?"
"Of course."
The nobleman carefully opened the wooden case.
Inside lay a sword.
Its blade was jet black, adorned with a jewel stained red like blood.
Magic Swords.
It wasn’t just one sword.
Though each sword was slightly different in design, a total of five magic swords were housed within the case.
“Oh... these are magnificent,” the nobleman said, his tone rising slightly with excitement.
Though he was not trained in swordsmanship and knew little about the martial arts, even his untrained eye could sense the exceptional craftsmanship of these weapons.
He recognized their quality as extraordinary but was unaware of their true nature as magic swords.
For someone without the proper aptitude, wielding these weapons would lead only to ruin. They were swords of ill omen, steeped in malevolent enchantments.
“I was told by an acquaintance about a merchant with fine swords. At first, I was skeptical, but... my goodness, these are truly marvelous. Lena, forgive me for ever doubting you.”
“Think nothing of it,” Lena replied smoothly.
“With these swords, my household will prosper further. We’ll be able to protect even more of our people.”
The nobleman was, in essence, a good person.
He sought weapons not for conquest but for the safety of his subordinates and to enable broader activities for the benefit of his people. He believed wholeheartedly in these ideals and worked tirelessly every day to realize them.
Yet Lena was attempting to sell these magic swords to him, fully aware of the destruction they could bring.
“Do they meet your satisfaction?” Lena inquired.
“Yes, very much so. I’d like to test them a bit, if that’s all right?”
“Of course, feel free,” Lena replied.
After all, they wouldn’t drive him mad immediately. She added this thought silently in her mind.
“Are these five swords all that you have? If possible, I’d like to acquire more,” the nobleman said.
“Well… there are a few more,” Lena said, her tone measured, “but I do not wish for any one individual to monopolize them.”
“I see... That makes sense. To monopolize such exceptional weapons could lead to trouble. Envy would be the least of it; if these weapons fell into the wrong hands, it could spell disaster.”
“My apologies,” Lena said.
“No, no, it’s I who should apologize for asking too much. If releasing so many of these weapons at once would cause problems for you, then I should have considered that.”
“It’s no trouble at all.”
“Very well. After conducting some test swings, I’ll buy all five swords. Shall we finalize the deal soon?”
“Yes, gladly,” Lena responded with a bright smile.
This time, her smile wasn’t an act but genuine.
To secure funding for the activities of the Dawn Alliance, Lena sold magic swords wherever she could. This nobleman wasn’t her only client. Whether they were good or evil, she peddled these magic blades indiscriminately across many places.
Her primary goal was to raise money.
But there was another purpose, one she held close to her chest...
(Well, that part will take more time. I’ll just keep at it patiently, Lena mused to herself.)
TL Note: Magic or cured which one do you guys prefer?
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