The Shattered Daily Life
Two years had passed since the Summit of the Heirs, and at the Shadow estate, Sarah was putting Albert through his sword training once again.
"Albert, what do you expect to accomplish at that pitiful speed? Strike deeper. Strike sharper. Can you not manage even that?"
"Hah... hah... I can do it! I *will* do it!"
And so Albert swung his sword again today, as he did every day. That was when Lara came to find him.
"My lady, young master — it's nearly time for Master Yurien's lesson."
"Very well. Albert, I'll test you again tomorrow. You had better show me something better than today."
"Yes, Mother. I'll work harder."
Sarah gave Albert's head an affectionate ruffle, then turned and walked back toward the manor.
"Young master, aren't you pushing yourself a bit too hard lately?"
Lara had been watching Albert's condition these days, and worry had crept into her voice.
"Lara, tell me — with the strength I have now, how many demons do you think I could destroy?"
The question caught Lara off guard, and she couldn't answer easily.
"Honestly? Even a mid-tier demon would give you trouble. I saw it myself — you had a mock duel with Aunt Lavenda from the captain's ranks a while back, and she beat you without breaking a sweat. That's exactly why I have to get stronger!"
Seeing him burn with such determination, Lara reached out and gently ruffled Albert's hair.
"Well then, young master — if you want to grow stronger, the first step is Master Yurien's lesson, isn't it? Let's head inside."
"You're right, Yurien's lessons are important. Let's hurry. Oh — and Lara, could you prepare some cookies today? I've got a craving."
"Of course. I'll have them ready so you can eat them during your lesson."
And with that, the two of them turned their steps toward the manor.
Meanwhile, at the Secree estate, Iris was in the middle of her own punishing training.
"Iris, this is the best you can manage? For someone trained by my own master, you still fall far short."
"I apologize, Mother. I will push forward harder."
"Enough. It's true you're strong for your age — but isn't your goal to become the strongest of humanity? You'll get there in time. And come to think of it, having a rival might not be such a bad thing."
"Mother, a rival? I can hardly imagine anyone my age matching my skill. Could such a person even exist?"
"There is. My own rival is the successor of one of the Six Heroes, the head of the Shadow family — and she has a son, I'm told. Your exact age."
A boy? I have no interest in getting close to any boy other than Yuseong... How do I get out of this?
"Mother, from what I understand, boys are physically weaker than girls and possess smaller mana reserves as well. Would someone like that truly be worthy of being my rival? It seems... lacking."
"Fair enough. But he might very well end up your fiancé."
Shiina's words struck Iris like a thunderbolt. She had been born into a ducal house for the sake of her dream — and now she was expected to marry some boy she'd never met?
No! I have to stop this. Absolutely not. Yuseong is *mine*!
"Mother, I'm still a child. An engagement would be far too premature."
"Hm, that's true enough. But you *will* accompany me to the Shadow estate before long."
"I... beg your pardon? Why would I be going to the Shadow estate?"
"The Shadow couple and your father and I were classmates at the Academy — friends, once. But Erich and I have been on poor terms with them all these years, so the exchanges stopped. Now it's time to mend fences and grow close again, which means you're coming along."
Ugh... I truly don't want to go. But if I'm to keep living as the daughter of a duke, I suppose I have no choice.
"...Yes, Mother. Understood."
And so Iris's visit to the Shadow estate was settled.
Deep in the Sliph Mountain Range, the witch Noah was summoning demons.
At last! I found it — the method to empower demons! The ancient texts say that the more spiritual energy a demon devours, the stronger it becomes. Now I can save Erich!
With that thought burning in her mind, she summoned her demons, intending to feed them the spirits and fairies — the beings of the spiritual realm itself.
"Ahh... the human realm. It's been far too long. So you're the one who summoned me, woman?"
"Yes, that is correct. O great demon — forgive the presumption, but might I ask your name?"
"I don't ordinarily give out my name. But since you're my summoner, I'll make an exception. I am Talleon, the Lion Demon."
"It is an honor, Lord Talleon."
"Now then, human — why did you summon me?"
"There is a human I wish to see dead. But she is a descendant of the Heroes — not an opponent to be taken lightly by any means."
"Could it be... the one who slew Matilda and Kilion?"
"No. Those two were killed by another — someone who wields a power similar to hers."
Talleon fell into brief contemplation at her words.
"Fine. Decided. You summoned me, so I'll grant your request first and kill the woman. What is my price?"
"Here it is."
What Noah handed Talleon was a mandrake. Consuming one caused a demon's mana to swell exponentially, vastly improving its quality as well.
"A mandrake, hm. Yes, with this, disposing of a single human is no trouble at all. But if that woman is truly the equal of the one who killed Matilda and Kilion... even I would find her a difficult opponent."
"Then you needn't worry, Lord Talleon. I know of a place filled with ingredients that will make you far stronger still."
"Oh? Ingredients that empower demons are exceedingly rare. Do you perhaps know of a mandrake habitat?"
"No — even this mandrake cost me great effort to obtain. The ingredients I speak of are fairies and spirits."
"Indeed — with fairies and spirits, strengthening myself would pose no problem at all. Very good. But the Fairy Queen, Curas Titania, dwells there. What do you intend to do about *her*?"
"Leave that to me — I have a plan. First, I will summon more mid-tier demons. My demons and I will draw Titania's gaze while you, Lord Talleon, devour the fairies and spirits and grow strong enough to face her yourself."
"Yes, that should work nicely. Good. I'll lend you a hand with summoning the mid-tier demons."
"Thank you, my lord."
And so Talleon and Noah set about preparing their assault on Arcana.
Back at the Secree estate, preparations for the visit to the Shadow family were underway.
"Beldes, you've sent the letter to the Shadow estate, yes?"
"I have, my lady. However, no reply has arrived yet — I am uncertain whether we ought to depart at all."
"No matter. She and I are old friends; she'll overlook the lapse of courtesy. Won't you, Erich?"
"*Hah.* And what exactly is being overlooked here? You've always been far too reckless, Shiina — this engagement business is no exception. And when we arrive at the Shadow estate, I'm the one who'll be apologizing to Sarah and Isaac."
Shiina paused to consider his words and admitted, privately, that this one might be going a bit too far. But then, Shiina had never been one to simply stay home.
"Then when we arrive, I'll apologize alongside you. I refuse to stand by and watch my husband bow his head alone."
Erich pinched her in the side as he replied.
"You *know* that, and yet you stir up trouble like this? Anyway — it's nearly time to go. Iris, Vik, are you both ready?"
"Yes, Father. I'm all set."
"Mm-hm! Daddy, me too — all done!"
And so the four of them set out for the Shadow estate.
Meanwhile, having read the letter, Sarah let out a long sigh.
"Epie, the head of the Secree family will be visiting our estate shortly, along with her family. Summon Jack, and see that everyone is ready to receive them properly."
"Understood, Boss."
Some time after Epie had gone, Isaac appeared at Sarah's office.
"Honey, is it true? Shiina and Erich are coming *here*?"
"It's true. I suspect it has something to do with that marriage talk from the last Summit of the Heirs."
"Oh my, oh my! So we finally get to meet my future daughter-in-law? How wonderful!"
"Isaac... you're *delighted* that a girl who might become our son's fiancée is coming to visit?"
"But of course! They do say a daughter-in-law's love is the father-in-law's to give, after all. Besides, she's Erich's daughter — what's not to like?"
"Hm. I suppose there's logic in that. Still, I can't say I'm pleased."
"Honey, I understand how you feel, but Albert has to spread his wings one day. And they're both still so young — who knows how things will turn out? So don't overthink it."
"I know, I know... but that doesn't mean I have to *like* it..."
"You really are hopelessly devoted, you know that? Now go get ready too, dear! Come on, out you go!"
And so the two of them set about preparing to welcome the Secree family.
Meanwhile, Noah and Talleon had finished their preparations.
"Witch. We may depart for the forest of the fairies now, yes?"
"Yes... at this level of strength, I believe you can truly stand against the Fairy Queen, Curas Titania."
"Good. We move out."
Their forces assembled — twenty mid-tier demons and eighty lesser ones — and they set their course for the secret forest of Arcana.
Deep within the secret forest of Arcana, Yuna and Curas were playing together.
"Whew... whew... Yuna, aren't you tired yet?"
"Honestly, Curas, you're just too weak! Let's play a little more!"
"You truly have boundless energy, Yuna..."
It was then that Curas felt it — a foul, malevolent presence.
What is this filthy aura? So thick, so wicked... wait. This feeling — a demon? How could a demon know of this place? Wait... Kurata Village is nearby!
"Yuna! We must return to the village at once!"
In that very instant, a deafening explosion tore through the air, and a massive pillar of fire rose into the sky.
"Huh...? That direction... that's where our village is?"
At that very moment, Talleon stood in Kurata Village.
"Oh... a human village so close to the fairies' forest. A perfect appetizer before the main course."
"Was your meal to your liking, Lord Talleon?"
"Oh... yes. I am quite satisfied. Now, witch — guide me to the fairies' forest."
In that instant, a young girl appeared before Talleon.
"Mom... Dad... everyone..."