Duty

The new year came, and it was now March. Allen was checking his equipment. The mithril sword he’d bought with the reward and as a token of thanks for driving Murder Garsh away from town had served him well, without even a chip in its blade.

Allen gripped the beloved sword he’d been using for over a year. He wasn’t wearing a cloak because it got in the way of moving around. He was dressed as a footman; since he couldn’t think of anything more comfortable, he supposed this would do.

Mihai stood before him. Why did he seem somehow different?

Mihai had successfully graduated after three years at the academy. Cecil was overjoyed, thinking she’d be able to live with Mihai at the mansion again.

Mihai had returned aboard a magic ship. Even though it had been three years since he’d left, he said he had something to discuss with Allen.

"I want you to fight me seriously."

The smile Mihai had always worn, along with his gentle, cheerful air, was gone.

"Understood."

"I’ll fight you seriously."

Allen replied. For some reason, Mihai had asked him to fight in earnest. They would begin their match right here in the garden. The Baron’s household gathered as usual to watch, and the Knight Commander would act as referee...