A few days later, Baldus visited the office of the Captain-General of the Royal Capital Knights. Aria was surrounded by piles of documents and looked as if she were about to burst into tears.

Seeing her adorable appearance, Baldus felt like she was his granddaughter.

"Aria-dono, it's been a while."

"Oh, Baldus-san! Thank you for coming all this way. Thank you again for your guidance today. Everyone was very happy."

"Hahahah, some people are saying the Demon General has returned."

"I welcome you, everyone."

With her vibrant red hair neatly tied up and clad in the uniform of the Grand Knight Commander, Aria exudes the dignity of a Knight Commander and a Master Swordswoman. Yet, she still shows her usual friendly demeanor to those close to her.

After some light conversation, Baldus asks about something that had been bothering him.

"Aria-dono, I'd like to ask you directly. Could you tell me more about the sword you are said to have displayed at the recent audience, and about its creator, Darius-dono?"

Under Baldus's earnest gaze, Aria's expression subtly changed. The moment Darius's name was mentioned, her cheeks flushed slightly, and a look of pride appeared in her eyes mixed with a hint of confusion, which the old general did not miss.

"You mean Darius-sensei?!"

"Hmm. According to Aria-dono, he lives outside the barrier. And Aria-dono's 'Altair' was struck by that Darius-dono, I believe."

"That's right... It's true! Altair is a sword that Darius-sensei truly made for me. But... some nobles are spreading rumors that I'm lying to create a buzz, or that a backwoods magical blacksmith couldn't possibly make something like that...!"

Aria puffed out her cheeks, looking as regretful as if it were happening to her. Baldus couldn't help but soften his gaze at this childish gesture, so unlike a Master Swordswoman.

"Now, now, Aria-dono, calm yourself. It's understandable. It's not easy to believe that a magical blacksmith living outside the barrier could forge a sword that surpasses even the work of the kingdom's greatest master craftsman… Aria-dono, I have a slight question. Why would this Darius-dono risk danger to have a workshop outside the barrier? Does he have some unavoidable circumstances... for example, has he... broken the law, or something like that?"

Baldus's words, as the former Grand Master, were tinged with concern that the Aria's magical blacksmith might be a criminal.

However, Aria tilted her head in confusion at the question.

"Huh? He said it's because he wants to be a magic blacksmith."

"...I-is that the reason? Just because of that, he went outside that incredibly dangerous barrier all alone...?"

Baldus's voice cracked involuntarily. The reason was unthinkable by common sense.

"Yes, that's right. According to the rules of the Royal Capital's Magitech Blacksmiths Guild, you can't just set up a workshop wherever you want inside the barrier, so he went outside the barrier. In that sense... he might be a bad person in terms of the rules inside the barrier."

Aria says it matter-of-factly, as if it were perfectly natural.

"Y-yes, indeed... if he does that, it's outside the law, so rules don't matter... but Darius-dono always comes up with crazy ideas... So, Aria-dono, how did you come to know such an unconventional person?"

"I... when I was really little, a long time ago, I was abandoned outside the barrier. I don't really remember why I was abandoned... but I was in the forest when Darius-sensei found me... and then he raised me very carefully."

A dark shadow flickered across Aria's eyes for just a moment, but it was quickly extinguished by the light of gratitude towards Darius.

(...I don't know if he's a criminal, but he's raised Aria-dono to be so upright. That would be difficult for a crooked person… He does seem to be a strange one, though.)

"...I see. So that's how it is. He's Aria-dono's savior and also your foster parent."

"Yes!"

Baldus finally understood everything. And at the same time, he couldn't help but feel a certain admiration for the immense scale of Darius, a person who couldn't be measured by common sense.

"Actually, Aria-dono, I have a long-sought nemesis I've been pursuing for years. To defeat him, I've been searching for the best weapon I can find… If this Darius-dono is someone who can forge equipment as fine as your sword, Aria-dono, my long-cherished wish might come true… Could you please tell me how I might meet this person?"

At Baldus's earnest wish, Aria's eyes suddenly brightened. The complex expression she had just moments ago disappeared, replaced by a smile filled with anticipation.

"Baldus-san... that's wonderful news! Actually... I've always wanted everyone in the royal capital, no, everyone in the world, to recognize the amazing skill of Darius-sensei's arms!"

Aria was leaning forward, clearly unable to contain her excitement.

Chapter 12