| Starter Town: Lanier, Sofia's Tavern |

I look to her and back to the sword.

"N-no, I'm not!"

Letting go of the sword, it slowly disintegrates into rays of light.

...And there it goes.

She stands up from her chair and gets closer to me.

"I-I saw it! Only Holy Knights have the ability to summon a claymore of that size and demeanor."

I look down and let out a sigh.

"Yes, it's true that I'm—"

She grabs both of my hands.

"That's incredible; Please tell me if you know the Holy Knight Calina!"

Cali-who?

"S-sorry, I don't know anyone by that name."

Aiyoma lets go of my hands and sits down.

"Oh...I see."

"I wanted to finally thank the knight that saved my sister and me all those years ago."

"She's also the one who inspired me to become one to help protect others as well."

"But I may know someone who does!"

"HEY SERAPHINA, I HAVE A QUESTION."

I hear a distant controller mashing and crunching potato chips.

"HELLOOO? SERAPHINA?!"

"WHAT IS IT? I'M BUSY DEFEATING THIS BOSS!"

What the—do they have video games and junk food up there?

"Have you heard of a Holy Knight named Calina, was she reincarnated into this world as well?"

"Calina...Calina."

Seraphina says over and over, trying to remember.

"Oh yes, she's in that world with you as well. She's apparently serving as one of Phoenia's top generals."

"Thanks," I say while remembering the sword.

"Oh, and another thing, what's with my sword just appearing out of nowhere?!"

Seraphina licks her fingers.

"Did someone say Helena's name or give prayer near you?"

"Yeah?"

"Your sword is conjured by saying your goddess' name or offering prayer—the stronger your conviction, the more power it wields."

I see, so when Aiyoma said a prayer using Helena's name, that must've made my sword appear.

Looking over to Aiyoma, she stares at me blankly.

"That girl must be extremely pure and high-spirited to be able to make your sword appear by simply saying Helena's name."

"Thanks for your help Seraphina, could I maybe call you Sera for short? Your name is waaay too long."

"Yeah, whatever, just don't interrupt my games again, got it?"

This little bi—

"Um, Momoko, are you Ok? Do you perhaps need to be escorted to a nearby healer?"

"No, why?"

"W-well, it was just that you stood there for a good five minutes looking into the air."

What?

"So you couldn't hear anything I was saying, nor anything from anyone else?"

"You never opened your mouth s-so no, nor did I hear anyone else speak."

So apparently, when I'm speaking to anyone in the unearthly realm, no one can hear me speak neither listen to our conversation. And to make things weirder, I freeze up.

Now that I think about it, that makes sense. When I was in the middle of town speaking to Seraphina, no one looked at me like I was crazy. But I guess staring into the sky would attract some type of attention one way or another...

I sit back down.

"The Holy Knight Calina is currently serving as a general for Phoenia."

Aiyoma's eyes light up.

"I-Is this news true?"

I nod my head while taking a sip of ale.

"This is fantastic news!"

She takes a piece of brisket off the platter.

"Well then, eat up; we don't want our food to get cold!"

Biting into a bread roll, the sweet and buttery sensation hits my tongue and melts in my mouth.

You don't have to tell me twice!

. . .

All the plates on the table being empty; the feast was wonderful but less forgiving on my stomach.

I groan while patting my stomach.

"Oh man, I can't eat another bite."

Aiyoma laughs.

"A knight must have his fill for strength in combat. Well, that's what my father says anyway."

"Your dad's a knight?"

"Use to be one of the best. He got hitched to my mom and settled down from knighthood."

"You know what! We should go over there and ask if he could train you,

She puts her hand on her chin.

"He trained me when I was a small child, and I became a knight at a very young age—that's how good he is!"

"O-oh no, I couldn't..."

Aiyoma shakes her head.

"Nonsense, he loves training new knights; After I'd left for the capital, I heard he's been trying to talk kids into becoming one to no avail!"

He sounds pushy... It reminds me of my father.

"We'll go at once!"

Aiyoma says while putting some gold coins on the table and rushing me out the door.

"W-wait, don't push me; I'm still digesting my food!"

Aiyoma laughs and takes my hand as we head for the door.

"Thanks for the food! We've got a knight to train!"

. . .