As we continued our pleasant conversation, Asha and I were laughing and enjoying each other’s company when…
“Asha!”
“Huh…? Oh! Uncle Franz!”
“Hmm?”
Just then, as we were chatting, a voice called out Asha’s name from behind us.
So, we turned around, and standing there was a man who looked to be in his late twenties. It seemed that he was Asha’s companion.
Wait a second… don’t I feel like I’ve seen this guy somewhere before…?
“Oh, thank goodness… I was so worried that something might have happened to you, Asha.”
“No, I’m fine, Uncle! After all, Seras-kun has been protecting me this whole time!”
“Seras…? Oh, you mean that young man over there?”
“Yes, that’s right! His name is Seras-kun! He’s so kind and cool; he’s an amazing boy!”
“Is that so! Well, thank you, Seras-kun! I really appreciate you looking after Asha.”
“Ah, y-yes, I’m glad I could be of help.”
Asha’s companion gazed warmly at me, smiling gently. I could easily tell from his demeanor that he was a kind-hearted adult.
I mean, it’s not like any normal person would show hostility to a kid like me. The only one who would act like that is my terrible father. Ugh, honestly…
“Is something wrong? Your expression suddenly darkened…”
“Oh? No, it’s nothing. Please, don’t worry about it.”
“Is that so? Well, if you say so, I won’t press. But let me formally thank you again… um, by the way, Seras-kun, what’s your full name?”
“Oh, right. My name is Seras Alfeid. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Alfeid? Could it be that you’re from the renowned Alfeid family of magic?”
“Yes, that’s correct. Are you familiar with the Alfeid family?”
“Ah, I see! Of course. The Alfeid family is famous for its magical lineage. Recently, there was a notable research paper on ‘Blaze Magic’ that gained a lot of attention.”
The man in front of me nodded several times as he spoke. The Alfeid family must be quite well-known, even in the capital.
But to think they published their research findings obtained by literally burning me repeatedly. That’s pretty ruthless… though I couldn’t care less.
“Even though you’re still so young, Seras-kun, you have a kind and noble heart to help others. It’s truly admirable.”
“No, no, it’s nothing. I just did what anyone would. Oh, by the way, could I ask your name?”
I asked the man in front of me.
“Ah, right, of course. Apologies for not introducing myself sooner. My name is Franz Jezard. I’m something like a big brother figure to this rambunctious girl.”
“Uncle! I’m not rambunctious! Please don’t say such things in front of Seras-kun!”
“Ahaha, sorry, sorry. I’m her guardian, more or less. Nice to meet you, Seras-kun.”
As Franz and Asha playfully exchanged banter, I could tell they were very close.
“I see, Franz-san, then. Yes, I look forward to getting to know you better…?”
I had this feeling that I’d seen him somewhere before. And at the moment of our introductions…
(Wait… oh!)
It hit me—this guy is that Franz! Franz the “Lone Sword Saint!”
◇◇◇◇
Franz Jezard is a character who appears near the end of Sword Fantasia.
In the game, Franz is a swordsman from the capital with the title of “Sword Saint,” making him an expert in swordsmanship. I don’t know if he already has that title in this era, but in the game, he was depicted as one of the strongest swordsmen.
And he’s one of the characters who joins the party in the game.
Here’s the funny thing: Asha is the very first high-level support character to join, while Franz is the last.
So now I have, right in front of me, the very first and the very last allies from the game. This is thrilling!
In the game, Franz is found imprisoned in the Demon King’s castle after being defeated by the Demon King. When the heroes reach the last dungeon, they rescue him from his cell, making him the final ally to join.
Despite joining so late, Franz has such powerful stats that he can be placed in the main lineup immediately, without any leveling.
Plus, Franz is a ruggedly handsome middle-aged man with an impressive voice, so he’s a fan favorite. I personally loved using him as well. Man, this is nostalgic…
“Yes, it’s nice to meet you again… Is something wrong?”
“Huh? Oh, n-no! Nothing at all! It’s a pleasure to meet you!”
I hastily covered it up, bowing deeply.
Meeting characters I used so often in the game is so exciting, but there’s no way I could explain that to them.
“Still, Seras-kun, it’s remarkable to see someone so young who is polite and kind-hearted. Thank you again for helping Asha today. I’ll never forget this favor.”
“Not at all; it was nothing. Helping someone in need is a natural thing to do. And besides… helping out such a charming girl like Asha is something any guy would do.”
“W-what? C-charming…? Huh?!”
“Indeed, indeed. Seras-kun, you truly are a fine young man.”
When I said that, Asha’s face grew redder and redder. Franz, watching our exchange, gave us a warm smile.
