He looked to be around fifty.
A solid, bear-like build.
His long beard was carefully groomed.
“Bold” fit him perfectly as a description, and yet—his face was handsome.
A high nose, soft facial contours.
That face felt familiar, and it looked very much like Albert’s.
Which meant… could it be—
“…Father…”
Albert muttered the word with a bitter expression.
So it really was him—
Albert’s father.
The lord of Renogreid, Guld Hildis.
“It seems my foolish son is here as well. What are you doing there?”
“Can’t you tell just by looking?”
“I merely wished to confirm it. Foolish as you may be, you are still my blood. I thought I’d at least grant you a chance to explain yourself.”
“There’s nothing to explain.”
“I see. Then…”
A wave of killing intent suddenly swelled.
“Die.”
For an instant, it felt as though Guld’s body had grown several times larger.
Releasing an overwhelming pressure that made such an illusion possible, he charged straight at us.
Fast.
And heavy.
A charge that looked as though it would mow down everything in its path.
Albert must have thought there was room for some negotiation—caught off guard, he froze in place.
I hurriedly stepped in front of him and raised the Meteor Sword.
“Guh!”
Giiin!!!
Our blades clashed.
I managed to block it somehow—but it was heavy.
It felt as if a lump of iron had been slammed into me.
This wasn’t just the power of the magic sword.
Guld’s raw combat ability was simply that high.
“W-what…!?”
Albert was stunned by the sudden outbreak of battle.
But there was no time to be surprised.
“Draw your sword!”
“No, but—”
“There’s no talking this out. You can tell, can’t you!?”
“…You’re right. Sorry.”
Albert quickly steadied himself and slashed at Guld from the side.
A fast blade.
And precise strikes.
…Which was exactly why it was easy to read.
“You’re naïve.”
“Gah!?”
Without breaking his blade lock with me, Guld lashed out with a kick.
A perfect counter—Albert was sent flying.
“Damn!”
I wanted to rush to help, but I was still locked in a clash with Guld.
If I shifted my attention even a little, I’d be finished in an instant.
“That sword of yours…”
“Hm?”
“Where did you obtain that sword?”
“Oh? Those eyes, that tone—you know about magic swords.”
“It’s an extremely dangerous weapon. Once you wield it, your mind will be corrupted! Let go of it at once—”
“I know.”
Guld grinned, tightening his grip on the magic sword.
“You know, and yet—!?”
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