Guld collapsed.
He was completely unconscious, showing no sign of getting back up.
“...Phew.”
I never expected him to be carrying a magic sword, so that caught me off guard for a moment.
Still, just having it didn’t mean much—Guld’s swordsmanship itself wasn’t all that impressive.
That’s why I was able to deal with him on my own.
Before, I couldn’t have done it without Sofia, but…
Maybe I’ve grown a little?
“Are you okay?”
I rushed over to Albert and held out my hand.
Guld wouldn’t be waking up anytime soon, so I didn’t think there was any problem leaving him as he was.
More than that, I was worried whether Albert had been hurt.
“Yeah… I’m fine.”
Taking my hand, Albert stood up.
“I’ve probably got some bruises, but I don’t think anything’s broken.”
“That’s a relief.”
“Still…”
Albert looked at Guld lying on the ground.
“I’m shocked that my father possessed such power, but I’m even more surprised that you defeated him all by yourself… You’re an amazing swordsman.”
“N-no, not at all… It was mostly just luck.”
“Even so, that too is part of your ability. I respect you.”
“Th-thank you.”
Albert is my rival in love.
Normally, being told something like that by him should have made me feel conflicted…
But strangely enough, I didn’t.
I could accept it honestly and feel happy.
“By the way, is the sword my father had something special?”
“Um… explaining the details would take a long time, so I’ll skip that for now, but yes, it’s special. It’s not just a powerful sword—it also twists the mind of its wielder.”
“I see.”
“Maybe that’s why he ruled so tyrannically…”
“No. Even if that’s true, the responsibility is still my father’s. It’s too late to overturn that now.”
With a stern expression, Albert picked up the broken magic sword.
“Since it’s broken, it should no longer have that corrupting power, right?”
“I think it’s safe.”
“Good. Then I’ll take this and publicly announce that I defeated my father. That should calm the riot. I’ll send reinforcements right away—can I leave this place in your hands until then?”
“Understood. Leave it to me.”
“Thank you.”
With a small smile, Albert took the broken magic sword and ran toward the center of the city.
That smile looked somehow lonely, and sad…
Maybe he was thinking about Guld…
After that, Albert’s plan worked, and the riot was safely put down.
There was significant damage caused by the uprising, but…
Fortunately, there were no deaths, and the worst possible outcome was avoided.
Albert confessed to his father Guld’s crimes… and condemned him.
He then declared that he would become the new lord.
The people of Lenoglade, who had suffered under oppression, were probably yearning for a new hero.
They welcomed Albert warmly.
Whether they would continue to support him from now on, I couldn’t say…
That would depend on his efforts.
Whether he could successfully rebuild the city rested entirely on his shoulders.
It would be a difficult road ahead.
The tyrant had been driven out, but the city had been left in ruins by Guld.
Rebuilding it would be hard—starting from scratch might actually be faster in some ways.
That was how deep the scars ran.
But…
I think he’ll manage somehow.
The people of this city are strong and resilient.
And their new leader is wise.
If it’s Albert, I’m sure he’ll guide them well.
And then…
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