The Great Sage Who Did not Remain in Legend - 26.1

“It’s pretty late.”

As soon as Rose arrived at the lodgings, her older brother came to her room. Had he been waiting for her to return? His timing is too perfect.

“We still have plenty of time before midnight.”

“Well, that’s true.”

Her brother, usually so dignified and imposing, seemed restless. What’s going on?

“You met with the person who gave you the sword, right? Did they acknowledge it as a magic sword?”

“No, they said it’s a sword made from a material with good magical conductivity. They mentioned that if someone who can use magic wields it, it might appear to be a magic sword.”

“What?”

“They said that a true magic sword chooses its wielder. If someone who can master the magic sword uses it, its power increases, but for someone without strength, it’s just a regular sword. Some swords might even drain the wielder’s strength.”

“Why does that person know such things?”

“It seems they knew a true magic sword user from the past. They were said to be extraordinary. The sword could cut through armor like paper. I saw a part of it with my own eyes. The person who gave me the sword also had a true magic sword and demonstrated cutting down a distant large tree with just a light swing.”

Despite Rose’s explanation, her brother thought deeply without surprise. This is still…

“And that person said they could easily destroy the royal capital if they wanted to. They told me to let you know that if they’re motivated, they don’t even need to look at a map; they just want to see the shape of the continent.”

“What?”

“Did you, perhaps, have us monitored?”

“Th-that’s…”

“Brother, Mergin knew from the start that you were monitoring us. That’s why he deliberately showed the power of the magic sword.”

“Did he notice from that distance…”

“Mergin runs a suspicious magic bookstore in such a place, but he’s no ordinary person. He probably serves some country. He mentioned he was done with national missions.”

“If that’s true, does that rule out the possibility of him being a spy?”

“Not likely. If he had the intention to invade our country, he would have the power to do so without needing to spy.”

“I see… I can’t report this to higher-ups.”

“That would be pointless. Rather, I think it’s better to let him stay in our country as he is now.”

“Is he really worth that much trust?”

“Yes. I have come to like Mergin.”

“What?”

“I understand even without being told everything. I’m aware of my position. However, Mergin acknowledged me and also illuminated the path forward. That’s why I’ll use that sword with confidence. Even if the battalion leader asks, I will say I can’t disclose it due to a promise.”

“Understood.”

With Rose declaring this with a serious look, her brother had no choice but to agree.

And on December 30th.

“Wow, Mergin, you look like a noble.”

“Stop it. This is about all the noble clothes I have.”

Mergin was wearing the outfit prepared for the demon king subjugation ceremony.

It was a black cloak with dark red lining and silver embroidery on the outside, and the inner garment was a black-based outfit with silver buttons. The design was that of a court magician.

Maverick wore a white hero’s outfit, and Sophia wore a pure white dress with gold embroidery. These two had the most flashy and eye-catching attire, with Mergin’s being the supporting outfit. Nevertheless, it was undoubtedly luxurious.

Today, with his hair slicked back, he looked like a different person.

While Iris was teasing him, the Baum family’s carriage arrived.

“Mergin, sorry to keep you waiting.”

Rose emerged from inside, dressed more like a noble than usual.

“No, it’s actually earlier than expected.”

“Mergin, that outfit…”

Rose froze when she saw Mergin.

“Ah, is the design old-fashioned? Also, this outfit doesn’t suit me, right?”

“N-No, it looks very good on you.”

“R-Really?”

Mergin, blushing, scratched his head awkwardly.

“I brought a maid, what should we do?”

“Oh, thank you. That’s a great help.”

“Nice to meet you, Mergin-sama. I’m Adel, the maid from the Baum family.”

“Thank you for your polite introduction. I’ve drawn up a sketch of the kind of clothes, so could you measure this person’s size for now?”

So, they measured Iris’s size.

“Then, I’ll explain what kind of clothes inside the carriage.”

“Understood.”

Iris stayed behind, and Mergin, Rose, and the maid took the carriage toward the noble district.

“This is the type of clothing.”

“Yes, I can easily make something like this.”

“And, insert this here and then gently rub.”