ASAHI NO NISHISEI - Rising Sun Goes West (2)

To the Ancient Land!

June 6

Japanese Legation, Beginteria

In a foreign land about 15.000 kilometers from Japan, the purpose of the illegal departures is finally revealed. It was the "legendary sword" that empowered the then Emperor of Arabanne 500 years ago and drove the Crossnell Kingdom to the brink of destruction.

"What exactly is... the Sword of Tyrfing?" Riyoshi asked Adelst about the legendary sword.

"A legendary piece of history... that's all I can say. That being said, this part of the story is a particular mystery even among historians."

Adelst began to outline the history of the Juperia Continent as recorded in the book.

"Basically, the people in the book are real people, but this part of the book is a fairy tale. For us Crossnellians, it is a book that describes the history of our country's rise to supremacy, so it is all taught as fact in educational institutions where nobles and mages go to school. But few actually believe in the sword's existence."

Adelst, who originally belonged to the Trade Administration, an agency of the Beginterian territorial government, as a Wind Master on a trading sailing ship, had studied for a time at an educational institution established by the local government. She learned mainly about the art of navigation, but since the educational curriculum of the institution included national history, she also studied the history of her home country, the Crossnellyard Empire, to the extent that she could speak upon it like this.

"It is said that Emperor Rashikid, who lost the blessing of the sword and was punished by the gods and suffered a great defeat in the Battle of Gift, feared that the Sword of Tyrfing would never touch human hands again, so he sealed it in ruins in the interior of the Arabanne Empire. As I recall... those ruins do exist."

"Eeeh......"

Jindo was listening to Adelst's story while touching his chin. It is a legend that is quite romantic. On the other hand, he felt threatened if the sword was real.

"...In the story, we see Crossnellian soldiers who have been mentally deranged by the sword. I don't know if Kirioka is right in the head, but if that thing exists and is brought into Japan, that would be a threat."

Throughout history, the Sword of Tyrfing has been depicted as demonstrating its power against a wide range of enemy soldiers. The legend may not always be true, but assuming it is real and as powerful as it is in the legend, if someone were to get their hands on it...

"But... what is the purpose of that mage who has the Japanese searching for it? There is no doubt in my mind that he is Hassamud Ahari..."

In Riyoshi's mind, the image of the mage who fled with Kirioka on the carpet flashed in his mind. The testimony of the three in Seve revealed that he was the one who called himself Hassamud Ahari, the Arabannese.

"I don't know anything about that. But we'll know all about it when we get them."

"........."

Jindo pointed his palms toward the sky and shook his head from side to side. Riyoshi sighed heavily when she saw her boss smile bitterly and make a gesture that included the meaning "I don't know."

Afterward, Jindo and Riyoshi thanked Aomatsu and Adelst for their cooperation in translating the book and left the Japanese legation.

. . .

Evening of the same day

Lodgings in the Japanese Concession

The sun had already set, and the lights were beginning to come on in the city. Jindo and Riyoshi had returned to the accommodation facility for Japanese in the Japanese Concession, and were gathered in the lobby space on the first floor with Lily, who was looking after them.