“Guess what, Grandpa! Today I hunted down four A-rank monster bounties again! Ehehe, I’ve gotten pretty strong, haven’t I?”
Ansbana nodded in response to the voice echoing from the crystal ball.
“Hmm, I see. It’s good to hear you’re doing well.”
No one could see the expression inside his helmet, but it was surely a pleasant one.
“Of course! I’m the Sword Star of the Bloody Flower One-Sword Style, after all! I can’t tarnish Grandpa’s name. Oh, and I’m entering the Imperial Capital’s Tournament this time! I’ll win, just like you did, Grandpa!”
“Heh, I’m looking forward to it. But, it might not be as easy as you think.”
“Huh? What do you mean? Oh, are other members of the Imperial Seven going to enter too? I haven’t faced them yet, but I think I can handle them no problem.”
A cheerful laugh came from the other side of the crystal ball.
Ansbana’s grandchild—though not related by blood—was the precious one in whom he had recognized talent and passed on all his skills.
“Yes, I doubt anyone from the Imperial Seven could beat you. But… hehe, there are still hidden talents among the common people.”
His tone was warm and pleased.
“What do you mean? Are you saying there’s someone at the Magic Academy? Oh, right! I heard a reincarnated hero arrived this year. I wonder if there’s anyone from my hometown.”
“…I’m sorry. I still haven’t found a way to send you back to your original world.”
“What are you talking about, Grandpa? I love this world, so it’s fine… Besides, if I went back now, I’d be jobless, older, and I didn’t even like my previous world. Corporate slave life… unpaid overtime, awful bosses, endless reports, unfinished invoices—nooo! I’m going to live out my life in this world!”
Her voice, coming from the crystal ball, grew darker for a moment.
Sensing a deep bitterness, Ansbana chose not to address it.
“…I see. You should do what you like. That’s what I want for you.”
“Heh heh, thanks, Grandpa! Oh, right, about what you mentioned earlier—so, did you find someone interesting?”
“Yes… For the first time in a while, I feel like I’ve met someone with talent—no, a monster. An unfathomable power and traces of incredible effort… It stirred my blood again.”
“Whoa, that sounds serious. An A-rank Gifted? Or maybe even S-rank? It’s always so thrilling to face a Gifted opponent. Predicting their abilities, figuring out how their powers work, and breaking through their defenses—it’s just the best—”
“A G-rank.”
“…Huh?”
“That person is a G-rank Gifted. To be precise, he hasn’t been granted the title of a reincarnated hero. In other words, he’s just a reincarnate.”
“I’ve never heard of a G-rank Gifted before.”
“Yes, it’s a dark chapter in the Empire’s history. The church has erased all information about them. It’s no wonder you haven’t heard of it, my dear grandchild. But it’s worth knowing. True power is often beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.”
“Hmm. So, is he strong?”
“At the very least, he is stronger than I am.”
“Pff! Grandpa, you’ve got to be kidding. You’re a top-class magician! And you’ve lived over a hundred years, with experience from the Great War between humans and demons—how could you be outmatched by a teenager?”
“You’re still a teenager yourself.”
“…Oh, so it’s serious, huh?”
“Yes. He reminded me of some of the old foes I met during the Great War. A fascinating young man, as if he has two hearts. He’s usually gentle and wouldn’t harm a fly, but in battle, it’s like he transforms into a demon… He might even be better at fighting than the demons themselves.”
“Wow, now I’m curious. What’s his name?”
“Heh. But first, do you have a boyfriend?”
“Huh? I don’t, you know that. I can’t stand guys weaker than me. My ideal partner has to be at least as strong as you, Grandpa, gentle like you, with a touch of that dangerous edge you have. I don’t care much about looks, but I’d prefer someone more like a cat, and they need to appreciate my sword skills—”
“I’ve arranged a match with that young man.”
“…Excuse me?”
Ansbana’s voice sounded genuinely delighted.
The voice of the woman from the crystal ball froze.
“Don’t worry. It’s not set in stone yet, but it seems that young man is considering it positively. He was very polite and made a good impression. He said things like, ‘I’m grateful, it’s an honor, I’ll do my best.’”
“…Are you sure he’s okay with this, Grandpa? You can be a bit too eager sometimes.”
“Haha. Don’t worry, my dear. But he does seem quite interested. So, what do you say? Would you come visit the Magic Academy soon, for the sake of this old man?”
“U-um… Well, I’m not really keen on meeting someone I don’t even know…”
“If you come to the Academy, I can give you a few pointers before the tournament.”
“Really!? Then I’ll come! The Magic Academy, huh. Maybe I’ll get to see Scarlet, one of the Seven Gods I met recently… Okay, Grandpa, I’ll sort out my schedule! I’ll be in touch again, bye-bye!”
“Yes, I’m looking forward to it.”
The communication through the crystal ball ended.
Ansbana sipped the herbal tea he had brewed through the gap in his helmet.
The sunset viewed from the tower of the mage was beautiful.
For a while, the old man watched the scene, dreaming about his grandchild’s future. Then he stood up, deciding to check on the student who was resting.
It was uncharacteristic of him, but he was excited.
If that grandchild and the boy could form a good relationship, surely, something extraordinary would happen.
“Lord Kasuya , I am truly looking forward to your future.”
Ansbana, the ancient great mage who once held the nickname “Blood Tide” during the Great War between humans and demons.
Now, instead of the hunger of the past, his life was filled with peace.
Surely, this is what happiness is.
That’s what he believed, what he still believed.
