A Quiet Place

...A treasure hunt?

Yes! I found a really interesting treasure!

It's something that will make your eyes sparkle too!

Something that will make our eyes sparkle...

Could it be... another Holy Sword has been found?

So the Holy Sword wasn't the only one after all!

Ethan... I think that's a bit of a stretch...

Aren't you getting way too excited just because we're at the beach?

This vacation is for Elizabeth, not you!

Sorry, I was just joking.

But seriously, there's no way something that terrifying would happen.

So, what exactly is this treasure?

The identity of the treasure is...

A cookbook left behind by Queen Luna Pendragon!

Whaaat?!

If it's Pendragon... wait...

Yes, Ethan. She is the founder of our Pendragon family.

She was also the first Empress of the Kingdom of Britannia.

I can't believe a lost heritage of the Royal Family was hidden in a place like this...

Heheh, I told you it was something that would make your eyes sparkle!

I never miss the scent of money!

So the first person to find it gets to keep the cookbook?

That's right! But it won't be easy!

Since it's a summer festival... we've prepared a special event!

Follow me! I'll guide you to the venue!

Is th-this really the place...?

It looks... a bit too scary to be a festival venue...

Heheh, that's exactly why I chose this location!

Have you ever heard of courage training?

Courage training...

...Wait, is it like going through an abandoned mansion or some dark place?

Exactly! Warriors of the Eastern Empire regularly do this training to overcome their fears!

And when I went to the Eastern Empire... I discovered something super interesting!

What was it?

A man and a woman participating in courage training together started sharing this romantic vibe...

And they ended up falling right into each other's arms!

......!

Seeing that... I had a sudden revelation!

The special atmosphere created by absolute fear...

And the love and friendship blooming within it!

I knew right away that this would be a goldmine!

To think you'd calculate it down to that...

You really are... a brilliant merchant.

...Is that a compliment?

S-So in the end... we have to participate in this courage training to get the Royal Family's heritage back...

Wh-What should we do, Ethan...?

......

Bedi, you don't have to push yourself.

Finding the Royal Family's heritage is important, but...

Right now... you are much more precious to me.

Princess...!

...Why are you already giving up?

We can just go in and grab the book.

But Morgana...! There might be ghosts in there...!

Hmph, have you already forgotten who the fairy standing in front of you is?

Whether the opponent is a ghost or a monster...

Nothing can stop me, the Fairy Queen.

So just go enjoy playing in the water.

Surely you weren't thinking of tagging along with that cough-prone body of yours?

Morgana...

Oh, what's gotten into you?

You're actually acting a bit cool today.

Of course, since today is a vacation for Elizabeth.

It's not like I'm helping just because I'm curious about the desserts in that cookbook or anything.

...I take back what I just said.

Heheh, so you've decided to participate, right?

Everyone follow me!

The rules are simple!

If you make a loud noise, you're disqualified!

Battles are allowed, but if you damage the old castle, you'll be kicked out immediately!

It's actually a tourist attraction, so we have to treat it with care.

...So.

What on earth do these outfits have to do with those rules...?

I'm sorry, Morgana... since there weren't any swimsuits in your size...

Because what we prepared is a summer festival, not some gloomy courage training!

Those dark robes don't match a festival at all!

Or are you going to give up right now?

Now that you've agreed to participate, the entry fee is non-refundable!

Ugh...!

...Is there really any point in being embarrassed at this stage?

It's not like anyone is going to look at you that way, anyway...

Take that!!!

Guh-urk?!

Fine. Now that it has come to this, let's see this through to the end.

Until we find that cookbook... I am absolutely not going back!

......

Bedivere, you can go back if you're scared.

Finding the cookbook with just the two of us is more than enough.

Th-Thank you, Ethan...

But... I don't want to run away.

I am the Princess's sworn knight, after all.

For the Princess's sake, I can never give up!

......

Kyaah!!!

A ghost... it's a ghost...!!! A ghost has appeared...!

Well, that means Bedivere is disqualified!

...Well, I knew it would end up like this.

Let's go, Morgana. Before more competitors show up, we should...

...Swordbringer?

L-Lua...? What are you doing here...

I heard a scream... so I came to check.

Are you also... training, Swordbringer?

Training...? Do you even know what's going on here?

Yes, I know.

A tournament to choose the most... courageous person.

Lua won't lose.

Well, that's not technically wrong...

...So you're also in the tournament, Swordbringer.

Then Lua is coming with you.

Huh? I don't mind, but... why?

Because the Swordbringer... is always at the center of incidents.

If I stay with you... I can face many opponents.

In short, killing two birds with one stone.

It's not like I'm a detective or anything...

But since you're coming along, Lua, we have no reason to refuse.

Morgana, you're fine with this too, right?

I don't care. That swordmaster over there will be far more useful than a lazy pig like you, anyway.

...You're still mad at me, aren't you?

Skeletons... ghouls...

Hmph, nothing but basic traps.

I feel foolish for actually expecting something.

Your magic... is powerful.

Even the royal wizards... couldn't do this.

Sometime, I want to duel with you.

Fufu, to think you'd recognize the true worth of the Fairy Queen...

You are actually quite a decent human being.

You're definitely proving to be much more helpful than a certain lazy pig.

Lua is one of the most elite swordmasters on the continent...

Comparing us is just an insult to her.

It's not a matter of fencing.

Those with noble characters naturally show respect when they encounter a strong opponent.

Because they understand just how much trial and error it took to reach that level.

...So are you saying I'm just a half-wit?

Sigh, when are you ever going to grow up?

Look who's talking...!

You're the one who should stay on guard, Morgana.

If Merry really is a brilliant merchant...

Then the real courage training starts now.

Hmph, trying to scare me is useless.

Do you really think the Fairy Queen would be afraid of mere ghosts?

I sense... a presence ahead.

Perfect timing.

Ghost or whatever it is, I'll blow it all away!

Hohoho, it has been a while, everyone.

Wh-Why are you here...

Merry asked me to do her a favor!

I wanted to refuse... but when I heard that humans wanted me so badly, I just had to come.

I really am... a sinful woman.

Yeah... I suppose anyone seeing you for the first time would definitely pass out on the spot.

Hoho, this is what they call mature charm.

Compared to those little kids next to you... I'm far more charming, don't you think?

...What did you just say?!

How dare a mere goblin look down on me...!

For someone like you to judge my beauty... is a thousand years too early!!!

Wa-Wait! Morgana! Stop!

If you use magic here...!

Ahh...?!

And that's Morgana, disqualified!

Ugh... This is a foul!

You said this event was about overcoming our fears!

That wasn't scary, it was just purely unpleasant!

Fufu, the level of fear varies from person to person!

Well, rules are rules, so come along now!

Let go...! Let go of me!!!

In the end... it's just the two of us left.

Yes. Somehow... I felt it would turn out like this.

Swordbringer... you really are a sinful man.

Like I said, it's not my fault...

Oh, Master?!

Palamedes?

Did you also come to find the treasure?

No! I am training!

Mental strength is also crucial to becoming the strongest warrior!

...Congratulations, Lua. You've made a friend.

But Master... who is the person next to you?

She seems incredibly strong, although not quite as much as you, Master.

Ah, this is Lua.

She's a knight of the Kingdom of Cornwall, and one of the finest swordmasters on the continent.

A swordmaster... could it be...

Are you Lady Lua, the disciple of Ran...?!

Yes, that's right.

To think I'd meet Lady Lua in a place like this...

I guess luck really does find warriors who work hard!

Wait... this flow of energy...

Lady Lua. If you don't mind, would you please spar with me?

My dream is to become the strongest warrior!

Fighting against an outstanding swordmaster like Lady Lua... will surely help me find enlightenment!

......

Are you... strong?

Sorry?

Like you said, I'm strong.

But what about you?

Dueling the weak isn't fun.

Ah! I haven't introduced myself yet!

I'm Palamedes, a martial artist from the Eastern Empire.

I'm still in training, but...

no one can match me in the Eastern Empire!

The Eastern Empire... my master's homeland.

......

Good. I was... training too.

Dueling strong opponents... is always exciting.

Calm down, Lua! If you use your fencing here...!

Hehe! Then I'm counting on you!

I won't need to hold back my strength, so...

I'll go... all out from the start!

Alright, Palamedes is out, too!

Waaah... I forgot this was an abandoned castle!

......

That strike just now was impressive.

If it had hit, you would have won.

Lua...!

It's a shame... to end it like this.

Next time, let's settle this match for sure.

I'll be waiting... in Cornwall.

Yes! Next time, I will definitely... show you my true strength!

It was a draw this time, but...

Next time... I won't lose.

I keep telling you, this is a treasure hunt...

What? Why are you here?

...That's what I'd like to ask.

Don't tell me... are you after the cookbook too?

That's right. Sales have been a bit down lately.

We need a special menu... something to draw people in.

Throwing yourself into a place like this just for the guests...

You've completely embraced the mindset of a maid now.

I-It's not like I came here for you or anything!

I did it for the manager!

Rita... you haven't changed at all.

A-And what about you? What are you doing here anyway?

The cookbook we're looking for... it's no ordinary book, is it?

Elizabeth is really looking forward to it.

She said she's glad we might find the lost royal heritage.

Big Sis... the cookbook...

......

W-Well... I have a proposal.

Help me out. I have a rough idea of where that cat merchant hid the treasure.

Huh...?

All I want is the recipes anyway. I don't care about the cookbook itself.

Once I see a recipe, I never forget it...

Once I confirm the contents, you can do whatever you want with it.

So... you want to team up?

I-It's not like I'm teaming up for your sake or anything!

Sister Elizabeth... is like family to me.

So... I-I'm only doing this because I have to!

I'll say it again, it's not for you!

Right, right... I get it, so keep it down.

If you get any louder, you'll be disqualified instantly.

Lua. Sorry for the sudden addition, but is it okay if Rita joins us?

Yes. Rita... is a good person.

She fed cats with me.

Ngh... T-That's only because the cat kept following me...!

I had no choice!

Let me make one thing clear...

If you try anything funny behind my back... you'll pay for it.

That's an unreasonable prejudice...

You'll have a hard time finding a gentleman as fine as me in this world.

And is that why a "gentleman" like you made me do... that?

Coming in as a guest... so I couldn't even say no...

You're leaving out some crucial context!

I only wanted to see you dance!

Swordbringer... pervert.

Truly... a sinful man.

Not a single soul on my side... What a day to make me cry.

Kyaaah?!

...! What's wrong?

Is it... another enemy?

R-Rita... let me repeat myself: I am a gentleman.

Laying a hand on the sister of a precious companion is something that could never happen.

Besides, if you scream any louder, you'll...

Stop making excuses!!!

Urrghk?!

Who are you calling a gentleman...?

You just... saw everything.

Not only did you see everything...!

M-M-My... m-my b-butt... you kept massaging it!!!

R-Rita! It might be hard to believe, but please listen to me!

I'll explain everything.

There's nothing more to hear...!

Those busy hands of yours... it was like you were kneading bread dough!

It wasn't some gust of wind! It was definitely the work of a person!!!

L-Like I said, there's a really complicated reason for this...!

...I'm going to cut them off.

Even if I get disqualified from the tournament...

For Big Sis... and for Bedi...!!!

Those filthy hands of yours... I'll chop them both off!!!

Sorry, but disqualified contestants can't participate in battles anymore!

Now, the exit is that way!

......

Master.

When you have some spare time, please be sure to stop by the Maid Café.

......

(I-I told you to stay quiet!)

(I-I almost got disqualified too...!)

Swordbringer? Who are you talking to?

Huh? Ah... I-It was just self-talk.

I-If I do this... the skeletons might think I'm a weirdo and... not come close, you know?

...Suspicious.

That look on your face... it's the face of a liar.

......

And... I keep sensing a presence nearby.

Y-Your imagination, maybe?

Or... maybe some s-skeletons are hiding...

No. This is different from the undead.

It feels like... we're constantly being watched.

W-Well... that's...

M-Mr. Swordbringer...?

Morgause?

Ah, haha! So it was you watching us!

What? No... I-I was just passing by...

What brings you all the way here?!

No matter how I look at it, this isn't the kind of place you'd like.

Ah, well... a-actually... since the weather has been getting so hot lately...

I was looking for a c-cool beach...

B-But...! I lost my way, and I've been wandering around the mansion.

Do you happen to know... which way the exit is?

If you had screamed even once, Merry would have found you...

You survived this long just because your voice is so quiet.

What? My voice...?

Yeah. Actually, in this place...

GROOOAAARRR!!!!!!!!

M-Morgause?!

Who is it... Who dares disturb my slumber?!

Urgh...! The hat woke up!

...I've heard rumors about her.

That girl... she's a witch, right?

Yeah. Usually, the hat is asleep, so she doesn't go wild...

But once it wakes up, her power is beyond imagination.

Yes. I felt it too.

I knew following the Swordbringer was a good choice.

Please don't get excited over stuff like this!

Th-That was a close call.

Thanks, Lua. I wouldn't have been able to stop it without you.

...Don't mention it.

Mmm... It's s-so hot...

By the way, Swordbringer, there's something I'm curious about.

Huh? What is it?

That suspicious presence I sensed earlier.

I can still... feel it.

......!

I think the Swordbringer... is a bit of a weird person.

But even so, you're not the type to talk to thin air.

......

Someone's there, right?

Besides us, someone else.

P-Probably... an assassin or a thief... is around.

The prize is quite extraordinary, after all.

There must be quite a few people who entered just to bargain with the royal family.

......

A-Anyway, we...! We don't have to worry about getting ambushed thanks to you, Lua.

I guess I'm a really lucky guy!

With a Swordmaster by my side, those small fry won't stand a chance!

...No matter how I look at it, you're suspicious.

So only the two of us are left in the end...

Yes. That suspicious presence from earlier is gone too.

Now, only the two of us are left in this castle.

Therefore, Swordbringer.

Duel with me.

What...?

There can only be... one winner.

Naturally, we must settle who is the stronger.

L-Lua... to win, it's not about surviving, but finding the cookbook...

Yes, I know.

But that is inefficient.

Eliminating the competition is much faster.

D-Don't tell me... you were planning this from the start...?

Yes. The Swordbringer is always at the center of trouble, after all.

Thanks to you, it was fun.

So in return... I'll give it my all.

T-That makes no sense...!

I'm starting, Swordbringer.

Lua will not lose.

......

I was sure... I ambushed him from behind.

The Swordbringer... didn't move.

Then... what was that 'slash' just now...?

Well, Lua is disqualified too!

What a shame, victory was right in front of you!

......

But don't forget, there's always next summer!

Please look forward to our next tournament too!

...Swordbringer.

Explain everything once the tournament is over.

...Yes, ma'am. Understood.

And our duel isn't over... it's just postponed.

Be prepared next time.

E-Eek...!

My, my, that was close, junior.

That strike just now was definitely meant to kill, you know?

If you took that head-on, you'd have been blown straight into the ocean!

......

Hm? Why the long face?

I stepped in and saved your life, you know?

To think you wouldn't even thank such a wonderful senior...

Who are you calling a wonderful senior?!

Because you keep running wild on your own, my heart almost stopped a dozen times!

Ahaha, sorry, sorry.

The secret of a maid hidden beneath her absolute territory...!

I just couldn't resist!

I'm surprised you have such cute tastes!

There you go again, sounding like a creepy middle-aged pervert...!

Elizabeth is your descendant.

What would we have done if we couldn't find the cookbook?

Don't worry, junior!

Why do you think I wasn't around for a while?

T-That book, don't tell me...!

Tada! It was all part of the plan!

I knew where the book was from the very start!

Th-Then why... didn't you tell me?

Because I wanted to be the "first," of course.

Huh...?

This is practically the diary left behind by my cute little sister, the cutest in the world!

I don't want to hog it all to myself...

But I certainly don't want to hear about it from someone else!

So you just didn't want to get spoiled...

Fufu! Thanks for working so hard, junior.

I'll return this book to Elizabeth once I'm done reading it, so just wait a bit!

......

How am I going to explain this... to the others...

Sigh... I really don't want to go back.