Lost Sword story · Main story, Part 1
Chapter 13: Corbenic Castle I
6 scenes, 247 lines
1. Tintagel Streets
95 linesThe terrible war was over, but the hard work was just beginning.
After days of structural repairs, my body felt like a train wreck.
Agh... My whole body aches.
But I'll only get a bit of rest before taking care of the aftermath in Cornwall... Hah...
I trudged back to my room like a zombie and crashed onto the bed.
War beats construction any day... Physical labor will be the death of me...
Then just die already. Wait, get off the bed first. Then die.
Why are you looking at me like that? It's detestable... Like you crawled in not knowing I was here.
No, I really didn't know! I just thought the sheet was all fluffy! I didn't think someone was under it!
Are you calling me tiny?
Haa, never mind. I should be used to you acting without thinking by now.
Why do you act like I did this to you on purpose? It'd be a lot healthier not to always play the victim.
Easy for the piggy to say when he thundered into the bed of a lovely little lady.
Ahem! Ahem!!!
Did I come to the wrong room out of exhaustion?
I felt bad and began to leave... but then I realized this was my room!
Hey! This is my room! What are you doing in my bed? And you didn't even turn on the lights!
What's there to know? I was tired. I didn't feel like going any farther.
I took the closest room and empty bed from the stairs.
It's not empty if it's mine! Get out.
No! I am tired!
I wanna rest!
Then, after a bit more bickering...
Haa, Your Highness worked so hard today.
As did you, Bedi.
Huh? That voice... Elizabeth?
Not good. If Morgana leaves my room now, she'll run into them.
And then, despite the fact of the matter, this asshole fairy will concoct some tale and have me branded as a pervert!
The sly Fairy Queen seemed to detect my anxiety, for her expression grew mischievous.
Hoho, what timing for them to return. Hehehe... I wonder what will happen if I scream.
No! Don't!
The memory of when I was falsely accused before came to mind. I felt the ostracization all over again.
Screw that. I'd rather...!
Gah!
Are you hugging me?! Are you trying to go all the way?!
Shut up! Stay still! It'll be weird if you go out there now!
What's weird about it?! You were just telling me to leave... And would you let go of me?!
Your hair's all disheveled. If you go out now, what will Elizabeth and Bedivere think?
What do you mean? They'd just think... um... that you and I had a sweaty time... or something...
See?! It's weird! So wait till they pass, and then you leave, you little spoilsport!
It's your thoughts that are strange, Ethan!
And then the door opened.
Uaagh!
Wh-Why did you pull the blanket over us?!
Shh! Be quiet! No speaky!
Elizabeth and Bedivere had come in my room. I'm sure of it.
Why did they have to come in here too?!
Are you mad?! I can hardly breathe! It's hot! How long do you plan to stay like this?
Gah!
Mmph! Mmmph!
Hm? Your Highness, I don't think this is our room.
Ah, indeed. I am still not used to the new room they gave us. Is this Ethan's room?
Yes, and it appears he has already returned. He's sleeping under the covers.
He must be tired. Today's work was rather arduous.
Mmph! Mmmmph!
Shh! Shhh!
Hm? Did you hear something, Your Highness?
Like what?
Please... Please...!
I felt like a genuine bad guy, but I couldn't help it. I just had to pray this nightmare would pass.
But Morgana had learned a few things from her very long life. I felt a terrible sticky sensation on my palm and goosebumps shot up my arm.
Ah! Lah, lah...
Uagh! Don't lick me!
E-Ethan?!
Ethan! Morgana?! What is happening here?
Crap!!!
I'm dead.
I wondered how to turn this masterpiece of a misunderstanding around, but then a fuming Morgana took my turn.
Beware, the both of you! Ethan is a male hound in heat!
You're full of it! Darn it, I have to run!
Ethan! I will not let you run away! This is not a problem we can overlook!
Please explain what happened!
This doesn't look good for me. And I can't push my way past them.
With a true male's tears glistening, I unsheathed my sword.
It is the duty of the elder here to discipline these girls who refuse to understand... Agh!
Phew, that calmed things down a bit.
I didn't do anything. I didn't want to do anything. And this is my room.
I apologize for misunderstanding...
Hmph, you shouldn't have created the perfect storm for a misunderstanding in the first place.
I agree. Just like a certain someone who lied in someone else's bed.
But then... Ethan?
Huh?
What will you do now? Your bed, dresser... the entire room is a disaster...
If our host finds out, we're in big trouble...!
Ah, so...
Oh! Right! It's my turn to patrol now! There were a lot of injured from the war, and I offered to help keep the peace!
Excuse me? Are you trying to snake your way out of here?
Shush. I am a poor, poor man who didn't get any rest because of you three. Stop picking on me.
See you later. Have fun cleaning up.
E-Ethan!
Ethan, you stupid piggy!
I didn't get any rest, but at least this moment feels refreshing.
I stayed at Cornwall to help rebuild and to prepare the coming journey. I'm already struggling every day, yet another new ordeal came to find me. My room, my haven of comfort, was dominated by Morgana... then invaded by Elizabeth and Bedivere, which turned into a situation fit to pin me as a pervert! Why does the universe hate me?
2. Tintagel Streets
50 linesThose three are so exhausting.
I went outside, still grumbling, to my patrol station.
Elizabeth and Bedivere must be upset they have to work at the pub again...
But so what? The world's a cold place.
I'm playing the security guard again. We need the money for our travel expenses.
The number of castle guards was much lower, as so many were injured in the war, so the streets were pretty bleak.
So there I was, patrolling on no sleep, trying to stop the giant yawns one after the other, when...
Meowww.
The silence was broken by the cry of a cat.
I looked around and spotted a girl sitting before a cat in an alleyway.
Is that... Lua?
One of the few Swordmasters in the land.
I already saw how strong she is before.
Lua's sword felt like an unscalable, impenetrable wall when facing her.
Even in the siege battle when we lured the enemy to the castle,
if it hadn't been for Lua's performance, I don't know what we would have done with the few knights inside.
And now she, the strongest knight that made Vortigern second-guess his desire for Cornwall, is...
Meowww!
Meoooow!
...talking to a cat for some reason.
What in the world?
Meowww!
Meooooow!
Is she just mimicking it? Or trying to coax it?
She has an unexpected childish side to her, but this is still a bit...
Meow! Meow!
Meeeeee hissssss!
Ah, yeah.
I went up to Lua, who was in despair for having her finger bitten.
Ow.
I bet.
Huh?!
You didn't even notice someone coming? Are your beastly skills so rusty already?
The Swordbringer... What are you doing here?
On patrol. What are you doing all the way out here?
I just wanted to pet the kitty.
It may shock you to hear that that is not the best way to go about it.
Are you a feline scholar?
Not at all. I've just had a cat before.
Then you can explain this situation?
What does she need explained...?
I tilted my head in the direction Lua was pointing and gulped.
The cat that ran away was running back towards us, followed by a pack of strange masked men.
There he is! Seize him!
From that utterance I could tell they were after me, not the cat.
You guys are so annoying. I'd say you have a grudge against me.
Stand back. No need to stop them.
But I must. I am a swordsman. It is my duty to protect the weak.
The weak. I guess that's me.
I managed to regain my confidence, but the night of a single man is cold. I was patrolling to keep the peace when I spotted a girl meowing at a cat, but this girl was none other than the kingdom's greatest Swordsmaster. Lua wanted to get close with the cat, but the cat wasn't having it. As shocking as it was to see this side of the frightful warrior, Narham's men, who have a grudge against me, came to fight. I hope I can get Lua to notice my skills, even if it is just a street fight!
3. Tintagel Streets
14 linesWhew, managed to fight 'em off.
Didn't expect leftovers from that group. I better tell Tristan to wipe any others out.
Boring.
Those guys were unlucky. They picked a fight with me while you were here... Anyway, thanks, Lua.
Will you tell me now?
Tell you what?
How to get close with cats.
I don't remember promising to tell you...
Hmm...
Eh, doesn't matter. I'll tell you how if you buy me dinner. All that fighting gave me an appetite.
I did all the fighting. We are even.
You're not usually so meticulous about these things, Lua.
Deeds in battle are a knight's honor.
Oh... True.
4. Trelil Forest
43 linesCornwall Castle
Did you have a good night's rest?
Haha... I had a pretty busy night, Princess. Is something the matter, Your Majesty?
The color's returned to your face, I see.
I've had good food and a good bed thanks to your hospitality.
I am glad to hear it. Perhaps you would be willing to indulge me in a simple favor then?
A favor?
We scrounged up some capital for our trip, albeit not enough.
The news that the Kingdom of Cornwall would join the alliance had spread to every nation in the land.
I'm sorry, sire, but we need to go soon.
Do you? Well, I understand.
It would be rude to force a hero like you into it...
Pity... that you must give up the extraordinary treasure you could come across while doing this favor...
I'd be happy to do you this treasure... I mean, favor. What is it?
Heh, ahem...
What's that face, Mark? You bested me? Is that what you're sayin'?
Isolde, please explain.
Yes, Father.
We received information from fishermen of a strange light seen in the south of Cornwall.
A strange light?
Yes. There are many islands off the southern coast. This phenomenon occurred on one of them.
You sure it wasn't just a lantern? Or someone doing magic?
Those islands are uninhabited. No one goes there.
It was no ordinary light. Similar to mana, but if it was a mage, they would have no need to be on a deserted island.
So what you're saying is...
We believe when you used the Holy Grail in the war, you awakened the treasure from the legend.
Holy moly.
No way you'd think that if you knew the Holy Grail wasn't real.
Also no way I can tell them the truth. Either way, I should pretend to care.
Oh... Um... Why is the treasure from the legend out at sea?
Likely because there is a relation with the legend of the Fisher King.
The Fisher King?
Of Corbenic Castle. If the legend is true, the Fisher King's Corbenic Castle will be dormant somewhere out there.
Which is why I'd like you to investigate the area.
If you happen to find the treasure, you get to keep it.
Sounds good to me.
It's more of a charity than a favor, actually.
The legend of Corbenic Castle is really the legend of the true Holy Grail.
If there was a light coming from a southern island, it must mean something is there.
I got away with using the fake Holy Grail already, but having the real one will give more foothold to the royal family, so I gotta get it while I'm here.
Thank you, Your Majesty. I gladly accept.
I only ask troublesome things of you, so it seems. May this quest be of some use to you.
I received a request, or an act of kindness, from King Mark to search for treasure. Unbeknownst to them, the real Holy Grail is from the legend of Corbenic Castle.
5. Maiden Island Forest
10 linesThe closer we get, I can feel there's a giant castle here.
How did no one discover this castle before?
Oh Ethan, you certainly know how to surprise. It's so...
It's luck. Just luck.
You really don't know how to give a compliment, do you?
Shall we... go inside...?
Yeah, let's go.
We found the hidden Corbenic Castle.
6. Corbenic Castle Top Floor
35 linesI think this is the top floor, Ethan!
Good, then we'll finally get our hands on the Holy Grail.
There's someone before you!
Huh?
Hmm, so you're the ones causing all the ruckus from below.
Is that...?
A spirit. If this castle houses the Holy Grail, she will be its guardian spirit.
Then it is because of you I was awakened.
Why is she looking at me while saying that?
You think you are worthy? Then let us begin.
Tsk, here she comes. Watch out!
Eva, the guardian spirit of the Holy Grail, had such a powerful attack that I realized how amazing holy relics can be.
I managed to stop her overflowing power, but perhaps due to the lights raining down, I found it hard to stay standing.
Agh... Maybe it wasn't just a legend...
The power of the Holy Grail... Incredible...
I understand why the soldiers were afraid...
Ohhh, very good. I know I could not fight at my best after such a long sleep, but you are still the first human to resist me like this in a long time.
That wasn't at her best?
Eva's words sent a chill down my spine.
But it is odd how difficult using my strength is, long sleep or not.
My head also aches, and my throat.... Khoff!
...?
...Khoff! Khoff! Kuaagh!
Uh... You okay?
Her form is dimming...
Goodness... khoff! Is this what's come of me?
What's going on?!
I see where this is going...
Yes. I am the personification of the Holy Grail's will, but as the Holy Grail weathers and deteriorates, so do my powers and authority...
Khoff! Khoff! You passed the test, but I am not long for this world...
Then can we not use this one?
Huh?
We beat the trial of the Holy Grail's guardian spirit, but she was withering away.