By the way, I had Tamamo flee into the grasses nearby so Laura wouldn't see her. Given the time, I might bring Tamamo out, but for now, it is just us two. AI KeA is residing within the Enigma II too. We concluded our business on Ebel Highway, and headed into Legram. Because of that, some moments passed by. I didn't realize the sun was already beginning to set. This fog sure is something.
Because of the setting sun, its rays were tearing through the fog, allowing us to see most of Legram and its surroundings. I even saw Ebel Lake in the distance, and I could outline Lohengrin Castle on the opposite side of the lake. While it might be in an abandoned state currently, it is considered a prime training ground. Many powerful monsters lurk within it, including otherworldly monsters on occasion. It's one of those locations where it has the Three Higher Elements. I have that Otherworldly Slayer Title I have yet to use, and it might be a good spot to use that.
To say the very least, Lohengrin Castle stood against the very ebb and flow of time. It is centuries old, but it still looks magnificent. In the past, it served as the headquarters of Lianne's Eisenritter. Now, Legram's people treat it as a popular tourist spot, and a natural wonder. The only thing they didn't know is that the now-Gralsritter still uses it in secret just to make sure it's still there and standing. Lianne herself doesn't hold Legram in much regard anymore. She no longer calls her by that name, even though Roselia still likes to. Now, she's the Steel Maiden, an Immortal assigned to Ouroboros and wanders the land to continuously train her body.
Hell, even Legram's people erected a statue of the Eisenritter to honor their name, with Lianne Sandlot being in its center.
With that in mind, Laura and I arrived in the famous lakeside town. It had a unique placement in regards to its topography. Legram was on a giant hill. The entrance was at the very bottom while the Arseid Viscounty's mansion rested at the very top. Along the way was the Arseid Dojo, which was welcome to any who had the aptitude to study swordsmanship. You'd be surprised, but unless its families within places like Calvard's Eastern Quarters, most martial arts are open to the public to learn.
Besides the Viscounty and the Dojo, Legram also had a Bracer Guild. It offered various kinds of requests, and it thrived here. Escort requests were especially popular due to how thick the fog can get at times. It was before the attack on Erebonia's Guild Branches took place. This wouldn't happen for a couple years more, which has a sole purpose of luring Cassius Bright out of Liberl all so Ouroboros can continue the Gospel Plan without obstruction. They deemed Cassius Bright their biggest obstacle during that entire ordeal, and it was rightfully so.
There are not that many S-Rank Bracers in Zemuria.
"So this is Legram, eh?", I asked, still wearing my cloak. My head was completely visible, and was easy to spot.
"Indeed it is. Today is quite fortuitous. It isn't often we get a clear evening like this one. The summer heat is cooling off too, so before long, Legram will be entirely cloaked in fog in the coming days.", Laura explained. As she said that, she effortlessly carried that large sword on her back. Even though she was a year younger than me, she already had enough strength to wield it with ease. I don't know if I can get used to such a stature, carrying a weapon over your back. I'm used to having my rapier at my hilt, or my bow slung over my shoulder. It made Laura even more domineering in appearance.
As we entered the lakeside town, it didn't take long for us to spot a sole figure standing near the entrance. This person was rather old, and currently had a butler uniform on.
"Welcome back, Young Missus. It looks like today's excursion was bountiful.", The butler said, greeting us with a bow. "And it looks like you've made a new friend. We do not get travelling swordsmen too often, and you seem a tad too young to be a Bracer.", The butler continued, taking a moment to observe the hilt at my waist. Seeing this play out, Laura felt a bit embarrassed.
"You didn't have to come all this way to welcome me, Klaus.", Laura said, saying the butler's name. "As for who this boy is, he said he didn't need any help reaching Legram, but I took it upon myself to ensure his safety. Apparently, he is an acquaintance of Father."
"Are you certain of this, Young Missus?", The butler, who usually kept a calm look in his eyes, asked with a serious tone.
"Haha.", I laughed. "This ought to suffice to prove who I am, right?", I responded before Laura could step in. Reaching my hand inside the cloak, I created a small space, and activated my Inventory. I then retrieved a small emblem. It depicted a fiery Phoenix rising up into the skies. The butler's lips curved into a frown. Sensing something wrong, Laura spoke.
"Is something wrong, Klaus?", Laura asked, becoming a little worried. The face she saw now wasn't frequent. But to her surprise, the butler's frown vanished. Eyes full of respect replaced that, and gave me a bow in a particular fashion. Laura is familiar with the kinds of bows that are actioned, which display different statuses.
"I do beg your forgiveness for not recognizing you earlier, Your Excellency. I did not think this would ever come into my possession.", The butler said, whose name was Klaus. His eyes remained entirely polite.
"It is no issue. You can rest assured I did not come here to cause a scene. I figured doing it like this was the quickest way.", I explained.
"Your Excellency?", Laura asked, appearing even more confused. "Who did you say you were again?"
"Didn't I tell you earlier?", I responded with a tease. "Oh, right. I didn't provide my title then. My apologies. It is as your butler assumed. I am Duke Phoenix."
"...", Laura didn't immediately respond. It took a moment for it to click. Her eyes turned wide. "HAH!?"
As much as I wanted to laugh at Laura's reaction, that was met with a swift end. Not too far away stood the Bracer Guild, we heard the door crack open. A blonde-haired man then proceeded to walk out of it, only to laugh.
"Haha. Thanks again, Miles. It looks like the fog lifted for the day so I think I'll take this rare occurrence to get a little bit of nighttime training in---?", The blonde-haired man began to say, only to get distracted by seeing three figures standing near Legram's entrance. "Oya? Well if it ain't the Young Miss of the Arseid house. Finish training already? Who is this guy beside you?"
Well isn't this a pleasant surprise? Isn't this Toval Randonneur, the Zero Artisan? Casting Arts requires both technique and timing. Not only does he have access to the quick Wind arts, he knows how to cast them really quickly, hence his moniker, the Zero Artisan. By the time you attempt to finish casting yours, you're already under attack by Toval's Arts. He's quite powerful. I just don't know if the games ever spoke of his Bracer Rank. Is he B right now, or A? Hell, is he even a Bracer right now? Regardless, the Toval I see before me is a younger version. He seems to be in his early twenties, rather than his late twenties by the time Cold Steel begins.
Just seeing Toval's easygoing attitude eased the confusion around us. With him approaching us, I spoke out. Laura seemed a bit distracted so I continued the conversation.
"You seem to be acquainted with Lady Arseid. Since you came out of the Guild, perhaps you're a Bracer? Or a client?", I decided to ask. "I have some business with Lady Arseid's Father, you see. I know it's a little urgent to ask, but may I request to use your guild phone?"
I know I notified the folks back in Liberl that I will be going on my next venture, but I want to double-check and make sure nothing has been issued regarding my disappearance. I will be staying in Legram for quite some time. I'm sure Elnan will keep a cool head about it. I mean, it's not like I'm in danger or anything. At the same time, I could see myself getting an earful. So might as well get it over with, right? Haha!
Still, I saw Toval scratch his head, feeling confused.
"Uhh...Sure?", Toval asked, letting his eyes remain on me. He then turned around and looked at the Bracer Guild.