Master of the brave.

The Kingdom of Lyon is a rich country with one of the best barn zones on the continent, with a relatively mild climate and abundant water and forests.

With the descent of the Demon King, the damage caused by demons tended to increase year after year, but demon damage was still little peaceful land because of the presence of the Lemursil Empire and the Kingdom of Petersia between the realms controlled by the Demon King.

Born as the first prince of its great kingdom of Lyon, Raul was introduced to the master of the sword by his father, King Lyon, at an early age.

She was an elderly woman with the title of contemporary [Kensei], invited by the Kingdom of Cassiato, located southwest of the Kingdom of Lyon.

I want you to be strong as a prince.

King Lyon called the [strongest] corner of the continent and the loud [Kensei] as his master for his son, who had just turned six.

"I want to be strongest."

"Heh, you're the strongest... just because you taught me, doesn't mean you can be the strongest, okay?

On the day she first met [Kensei], she asked Raul, "How strong do you want to be? When I heard the answer to the question," he had a grin like a mixture of bitterness.

"The teacher is [the strongest on the continent], isn't he? I want to be strong enough to beat any guy."

If you are a man who wants to fight, not to mention a [strongest] dream that anyone dreams of once if you are a child.

"Sure, I'm counted as one of the strongest candidates, but I've never crossed swords with [the Sword God] or [the Swordsmith], and I've never fought [the Great Sage] or [the Tenjin], the highest peak of the Enchanter, so it doesn't really mean I'm the strongest.

Not to mention that the title of [Kensei] is only the strongest candidate within the framework of people, and it can't beat phantom beasts and high-ranking demons like dragons "

With that said, [Kensei] gave him a sword to a prince who was still young.

It was a sword classified as a dagger with a slender body so that even children could shake it.

"Wow... it's a sword"

Raul shines his eyes on the sword he holds for the first time and quickly pulls it out of his sheath and sees it in his sword.

"Confront [the Great Sage] or [the Celestial Devil] from a distance away, and we swordsmen are no match for them. It is only by being more human that we cannot prevail over others.

If that's all right with you, I'll teach the prince the sword.

Extremely - it's easy to say in words, it's not easy to accomplish, but if you can reach the extreme, you'll be able to get closest to the [strongest] place, at least as a person. "

"So, Doctor, you don't really have the strongest presence in the world?

"Right...... I don't know if it exists in God or the Demon King, but the Dragon Kings are said to be the strongest - no, I guess every Demon King and Dragon King is the strongest in the true sense than God never intervenes in the world"

"Then how can we beat the Demon King? Can you defeat the Demon King and save everyone?

"Beat the Demon King... I can't do it on people's own. Has the prince been heard yet? The demon king is a man of his generation..."

"... yeah, my father taught me"

"He was the [Kensei] of the previous generations. Even the bearers of so much power couldn't resist the power of the Demon King."

"... So you can't defeat the Demon King when I'm stronger? Can't you protect everyone in the country?

"It's up to the prince."

Prince's desire to defend his country while still being six years old.

[Kensei] laughed delightfully at Raul's words.

"Surely the Demons have more power than men, and there is not a single thing in 10,000 for a man to prevail over the Demon King.

But even if you give up from the beginning, you can't win anything you can. Those who are unwilling to fight are not even allowed to fight demon kings......

If you don't want to defeat the Demon King, you can't defeat him. "

And [Kensei] turns a gentle eye to the little disciple who comes with a flimsy gaze,

"Right. I couldn't do it, but maybe a prince could."

- Then nine years passed, when Raul was fifteen.

With the death of his master, [Kensei], Raul will be officially recognized as having inherited the title of contemporary [Kensei] from the Great Temple of Emerdia.

◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇

Four years have passed since I inherited the title of [Kensei] as the youngest in history - twenty years old Raul Ort Lyon.

Being young and one of the strongest candidates, he had received reverence, awe and longing not only from the people of the Kingdom of Lyon, but also from the people throughout the continent tormented by demons.

Now, his country was not at the forefront in the battle against demons, nor had he joined the Allied Continental Army in the position of Prince Wang, but there was always no extra time to prepare for the battle in order to meet the expectations of the people when it came.

One day, a man who looked after Raul put a story in his ear.

"Brave man?"

"Yes, the priests of not only our country, but of all nations, heard the Word of God"

"Anything, according to the Trust, [the brave] is a being that exchanges against the Demon King, the strongest being standing at the top of the living and living"

"What the hell?"

Raul snorted.

The [sword saint] of the earlier generations - to a frontier that even Raul's master could not reach, he was entrusted by God, just that he obtained the [strongest] calling.

Laughter creeps up at the silliness of it.

"What kind of guy is he? What about the [brave man] who was sacrificed to that church?

"Come on, I meant with a girl who wasn't old enough for anything..."

At this time, Raul thought that [the brave] was a kind of fantasy created by church forces who began to lose authority in repeated demonic raids.

He said the Church created the existence of a fiction called [the brave] in propaganda to preserve its prestige.

"Hmm. If you really have a guy like that, I'd love to meet him and work with him"

(If the Church breaks down the existence it recognizes as [the strongest], at least the Church should have to certify me as [the strongest].

Even if it's an analogy title, if you let him who names [Kensei] admit that he was the strongest, he could do it for his master.)

Will we meet sooner or later when we are out on the battlefield?

But Raul's encounter with [the brave] comes earlier than he thought.

◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇

Blessed by God comes [the brave].

The main mountain of the Church, which believes in Anastasia, the god of creation.

And we need to go through the kingdom of Lyon to get to the Great Temple of Emerdia, where we are the allies of the great allies of nations against the Demonic Nation.

The royal palace of the kingdom of Lyon was to hold a grand ceremony to welcome the visit of [the brave].

Before the throne was King Lyon, and as the nobles of the kingdom of Lyon and the famous generals and martial officers lined up, Raul, the king's prince, also waited beside the throne for the appearance of the brave.

And -.

The door between the sights opens and the two girls come in.

One wore an elaborately decorated robe, with long ears indicating that she was an elf.

(Is that Tiara Sculls Verfa, [The Great Sage] 's high elf? That means…)

Another girl advancing to be led by Tiara.

Tiara is also a little girl as a woman, but even smaller than her, rather than a young girl.

Shizuku and the two of them moving forward to the throne.

A small blurring occurred during the sight.

"Is that the brave man?

"Aren't you a child yet..."

"But... it's as beautiful as a living copy of a goddess."

"Oh...... but that one"

Mixed confusion in awe and admiration for [the brave].

(Sounds like a doll)

Having advanced to the throne, Raul, who had refrained beside the king, was able to confirm the face of [the brave] from the front.

Girl with a decent appearance.

I guess I'm only about ten years old, an atmosphere that exudes beautiful looks and their sanctity.

It can be considered sufficient material for the Church to be propaganda.

But his eyes were full of sorrow and anxiety, which made him feel somewhere empty.

(That's the strongest?

The look on your face as if you don't remember being interested in everything in the world.

(Such a guy... such a guy defeats the demon king brave man!?

While Raul was staring, the two advanced to the front of the king.

Tiara kneels - and Leticia just stays on the spot without prostrating herself.

But the voice that blames it does not come out of nowhere.

Not even the king blames it.

Because the Church recognizes [the brave] as being equal to the emperors, kings and high priests of the temple who have the divine right.

King Lyon said the words that would labor the two of them, but it was also better for Tiara, who was mostly kneeling before the king, to return an answer to that statement.

The girl called [The Brave One] just named her "It's Leticia Van Mavis" when she was asked her name, and later she's just standing around bluntly next to Tiara.

Raul stares at such a girl with a strong gaze.

Keep observing one foot at a time.

I meant to provoke Leticia.

But it was not Leticia, but those who were present during the sight, who reacted to Raul's attitude.

First the martial officers, such as generals and knights, began to realize Raul's deeds like that.

No one opened their mouth because they were speaking with the king, but there was a spread of unresponsive agitation among the high-ranking officials.

But Leticia doesn't change her expression.

I don't even look at Raul.

Even Tiara, who is exchanging words with the king, floats a slight colour of perplexity in her faceless expression and occasionally turns her face towards Raul, but Leticia is not even as likely to look.

Look straight at the king - no, maybe he hasn't even actually seen the king.

Just indifferent.

Even if it takes Raul's heart, which is [Kensei], it's as if he doesn't go through with it.

That scratches Raul's pride a lot.

(You mean someone I'm not good enough to take? Fine. Whether you are the truth, the brave man chosen by God, or the haribote celebrated by the Church... I will go beyond you!

- And the sight with the king ended, on the feast table held in the Great Hall.

"Brave Leticia Van Mavis. Can you hang out with me for a little bit?

Raul slapped Leticia in the face.

◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇

The great hall, which became the venue for the feast, was full of nobles and wealthy people from all over the kingdom of Lyon, young and old.

The central back of the great hall was made about a few steps tall.

There were seats for the king and queen of Lyon, and for Leticia and Tiara, the protagonists of this feast, and under the steps the invitees had made a long line to greet King Lyon and Leticia, who in turn went up on sandalwood.

Those who have already finished their greetings, each one of them makes a mockery and greeting everywhere.

Raul, who arrived late in the Great Hall, proceeded to Zukazuka and the altar with the main guest seat, so as to draw them apart.

He wore a practical knight sword on his hips and a white leather armor that was not suitable for this occasion, even though the outfit had a spicy decoration from the top of his shirt that emphasized ease of movement.

You're dressed like an officer challenging a viewing ceremony.

The invitees and Kingsguard knights, who noticed a misplaced style of youth slamming through the center of the Great Hall even to the bystanders, tried to control them with their faces up, but when they realized that the youth was Raul, the king of their country, they turned their eyes round and dropped them off as Pokhans.

And Raul's behavior immediately attracted the surrounding interest, and when the invitees realized that his destination was on the guest's bench, they cleared the way there.

When that happens, those who are just on sandalwood also realize the presence of Raul.

Sir, in the figure of the king prince, who slowly continues down the way that opens, king and queen Lyon look at each other as bewildered, and Tiara leans back.

Leticia also turned only to Raul on her face.

She also had to turn her gaze to Raul this time, as she repeatedly just snorted at the invitees' greetings.

For the first time since he represented himself during the sight, the gaze of [the brave] and [Kensei] is intertwined.

"Raul... what's wrong? What's that outfit?

"Father, I'm sorry to disturb you."

When Raul, who went up on sandalwood, saluted his father, King Lyon, he turned to Leticia.

"… Your Majesty. And this one?"

"Lord Tiara. This is my son Raul."

"Sure [Kensei] 's"

In the sight of Tiara, Raul also gives a compliment to both Leticia and Tiara.

"This is Raul Ort Lyon, the king and prince of this country."

Tiara Sculls Belfa.

"... it's Leticia Van Mavis"

"So, it's Raul. Suddenly what happened? Late to this seat in its appearance. It would be a little disrespectful to both of you."

"Apologize for that. But..."

When Raul makes a verbal apology to King Lyon for his bitterness, he glances at Leticia again.

Then he raised his voice, which often passes, so that it could be heard by the people throughout the great hall who sipped and watched.

"Let me be frank with you. Brave Leticia Van Mavis. Could you hang out for a little bit of fun?

"Fun?"

"Yes."

Raul nodded against Tiara, who frowned instead of Leticia, who was voiced,

"I want you to cross this sword with me! The [brave] power of the Church to say that we can destroy the Demon King as well - not to doubt, but if that were true, the people of our country would be greatly braved! Though I still don't think I can reach my master, I also wore the title of [Kensei]. By fighting this me, I want to prove that power is real, and to give peace to the people of our country!

A twist runs through the great hall.

"If you are indeed the bearer of power, even Master Raul, you can give great hope to the people"

"Great idea. It's important to see the power of Lord Brave as we fight the demons."

Whereas enthusiasm grew more apparent among the nobles and martial officers of the Kingdom of Lyon, it was the officials of the Church who, in turn, blued.

As the Church, the Allied Leader of the Allied Forces against the Demonic Continent, stopped Leticia in the Kingdom of Lyon on the way to the Emerdia Grand Temple because there was also the prospect of raising funds in the name of support for the brave.

I did not doubt the temple, but it is also true that I saw Leticia, who had had to visit a temple in this country, and was anxious about its too young.

I have trouble fighting Raul here and getting him to lose.

"Chi, I need a moment!

One of the bishops of this country, who was invited as an invitee, rushes to the bottom of the stage.

"His Royal Highness Prince Wang. Isn't that disrespectful to behave on such a seat for as much as it takes? Lord Brave is the one who has the divine right recognized by the high priest of Emerdia!?

"Even if the Grand Priest admitted it, we haven't seen the power yet. That's why here and now! In this place where everyone is paying attention! I'd love to see that power!

"But, no, it is!

"Don't be a guide, my lord bishop. Just because nothing has been defeated by me does not deny the word of God, which immediately conveyed the coming of the brave. Sometimes Lord Brave is still young and he hasn't been able to use all his power..."

"Yes, that is true… yet, Lord Brave is young, so it may be difficult to deal with His Highness who is [Kensei] …"

A bishop who hears Raul's words that even if Leticia loses, it does not immediately deny the existence of the brave.

But the expression of relief will soon freeze.

"Well... if you still can't show your strength, then I can be the master of Lord Brave. Stay in our country until you have the strength!

"Stupid! Lord Brave needs to go to the Great Temple!

"This [Kensei] is going to serve as a mentor. There wouldn't be a shortage, would there?

"Well, it is… but the brave must go to the Great Temple as soon as possible and become the flag of mankind in the battle against demons…"

"If you look at it, Lord Brave is still young. Then you can load the drill under me. Right, until Lord Brave is alone, you can be the flag of the Allies."

The current Alliance against the Demonic Continental is headed by the Great Temple of Emerdia.

Raul was also gravely aware that humanity, which was at a disadvantage in the battle against demons, had to fight as one.

At present, the Great Temple of Emerdia, which expresses its ostensible neutrality vis-à-vis all human nations on the continent, holds the lead against the Allied Forces of the Continent of Demons.

But to put it to good use, the Great Temple of Emerdia had forced the accommodation of various supplies, beginning with funding for countries, and had also strengthened their say in the internal affairs of each country.

But if Raul keeps Leticia under the protection of the Kingdom of Lyon in the name of his disciples, the Kingdom of Lyon will take the lead against the Allied forces of the Continent of Demons.

The blurring of those who noticed Raul's intention to speak filled the great hall.

"Then other countries are not convinced!

"What if Lord Brave were to take the lead in the battle against demons? Until then, all I'm saying is that my country will protect His Majesty the Brave and that I will become a mentor."

In fact, with the brave as a puppet, the Kingdom of Lyon intends to take full ownership.

But...

"- My master?

Leticia groaned potpourrily.

The little voice was extinguished by people's blurring and barely reached Tiara's ear, which was beside Leticia.

"... Letty?

Tiara, who was leading a small brave man between the two forces, the Kingdom of Lyon and the Great Temple of Emmerdia, who was about to be regarded as an instrument of politics, saw the light dwelling when he confronted Leticia's eyes with demons.

"I don't teach anyone. My master is the only one in this world..."

Until then, Leticia, who had not moved while sitting in her seat like a doll, noticed that she stood up softly and the stiffness of the people in the great hall was reduced.

Raul, who was in conversation with the bishop under the altar, also noticed the change in the people and looked back.

As the risen Leticia slowly took one or two steps forward, she pulled out the sword on her hips with a softly streamlined trick.

- The brave are puppets of the Church, just ornaments to bring nations together

Maybe that's when Raul realized he was making a big mistake.

I just let him pull out his sword.

But just normal behavior caused the physical force to be expressed.

A gust of wind swept through the great hall, mainly in Leticia.

People shelter their faces and bodies and scream in unexpected breezes.

On the tabletop, which was near the altar, the dishes with the dishes on them were blown up, and the beautiful flowers that coloured the whole great hall rose in the wind.

Eventually, when the gust subsided, people finally turned their gaze to Leticia facing Raul on sandalwood.

The gaze of the fearful gathered to the young brave man who expressed his power - and was fascinated by her eyes.

In the eyes of Leticia, who stands with her sword out, the colours of her misgivings, which floated until earlier, disappear, and the radiance of her strong will dwells, not her emptiness.

The bitter impression that it was going to disappear even now disappeared completely disappeared and, conversely, stood there wrapped around an intense presence.

The air has changed.

"Did you earlier tell me to hang out with you for fun?

Leticia's thin and beautiful and clear voice spreads through the great hall, which has been quieted back by unexpected events.

"Not so much -"

- You want to die?

The moment the word was uttered, a zozzling battle ran over Raul's spine.

Instead of uttering words, the pressure is so powerful that it's even difficult to breathe.

Though a brave man, he draws his sword before the king of his own country.

Originally, it is a situation that the Kingsguard Knight must seize immediately.

But no one can move the spot.

Some of the invitees were high-ranking martial arts officers who crossed many battlefields, but were unable to move all together.

I was feeling the kind of pressure, no more than that, when I put more than 10,000 large armies in front of me.

(He who exchanges against the Demon King. The one who approaches God unlimited - is this the [brave] one!

Raul glanced down at Leticia as he put his strength into his belly.

Yes, it's long enough to look down.

Yet I feel intimidated as if I'm going to be swallowed up the other way around.

Raul already knew.

That Leticia is a brave man called the strongest.

Still wanted to make sure with my own eyes.

So try to squeeze and open your mouth.

"I want you to show me if your powers are real. I want you to see if you can give people hope."

When Raul turned himself over, he jumped under the altar.

And straight to the center of the Great Hall, where the dance was danced to the melodies played by court musicians until earlier.

Leticia followed him again.

People make way for the two of us, and we get to the open place in the center.

In this place, it seemed pointless to wield a little sword.

"With swords only"

Leticia nods at Raul's words as he stops and looks back.

In the middle of the Great Hall a circle of people was formed around the two facing each other by pulling out their swords.

At the beginning of the confrontation, whispers were heard from there while accompanied by breathless breathing somewhere, but it was also gradually deafening and the surroundings filled with silence.

"Let's go."

The voice of the beginning of Raul echoing in silence.

The next moment...

The sight that people saw reflected Raul standing still, shaking the sword cut off from the middle of the blade in a lateral wax, and Leticia with a perfect sword blade on his neck muscle.

Unsullied settlement.

For those who had no martial arts, as well as those in the general position and high-ranking martial arts officers who were here, the sword flashes of the brave and the sword saints could not even grasp the movement.

A flash of events.

But it was certain that this battle took place at the extreme of the overwhelming martial arts.

There was a deep crack running on the floor where the two feet stepped in.

As silence reigned, Raul's sword tip, which was cut off and rose universally, fell to the floor.

At the same time as the high metal noise sounded - on the back of all those who saw this battle on the spot, tremors of joy and excitement ran, and the priests broke their knees and wept as they offered a prayer of gratitude to God.

Leticia Van Mavis.

Indeed, as [the one who approaches God unlimited], as [the brave one], there was now undoubtedly the hope of humanity in front of him.

And at this time, Leticia will be given a new title.

- [God Princess of Swords]

This was the backdrop of the encounter between [Brave] Leticia Van Mavis and [Kensei] Raul Orto Lyon, told by the bard's spinning poems and numerous stories until later in life.