Chapter 1-56 : The Girl And The Dark Elf Are Having An Unexpected Encounter (part 2)
『I’m the Crimson Hero himself.』(Flamberge)
「What? You’re the hero?」(Ingrid)
『I once died, but then my soul was transformed into a spirit and resides in my own sword.』(Flamberge)
「Spiritization…」(Elle)
Listening to the sword’s story, Elle recalled that she once heard about that from Yoyo after her master’s death and muttered. (ch 1-2)
『That’s right. It’s called spiritization. Our smart young lady does know a lot of things, it seems.』(Flamberge)
Upon death, sometimes the souls of people, especially the ones with talents or abilities above average people, would return to earth as spirits.
A hundred and fifty years ago, after the Crimson Hero was killed, he was resurrected as a spirit and has dwelled in his own sword, Flamberge, ever since. Unfortunately for him, the ogre who killed him picked up the sword and took control of it.
「I see. Spiritization, huh? I thought the hero’s strong grudge had possessed the sword or something like that.」(Ingrid)
『Grudge? Oi, oi, I’m not a vengeful ghost. Anywayー Hnnghh!!』(Flamberge)
After yelling at Ingrid, the sword got up on its own and bowed.
『I’m deeply grateful to you for freeing me. Thank you, beautiful ladies~』(Flamberge)
「Whoa… A sword is moving on its own.」(Ingrid)
「Fascinating…」(Elle)
After bowing in gratitude, the sword floated slightly in the air and got closer to the two.
『Ahem! Let me properly introduce myself. I was the man who was called The Crimson Hero. My true name is… Uhh… Oh, well. You can call me Flamberge.』(Flamberge)
It wasn’t clear whether the hero didn’t want to tell his name or he had forgotten it, but he introduced himself simply as Flamberge, the name of the sword.
「Nice to meet you, I’m Elle.」(Elle)
「I’m Ingrid. Well then, we still have important things to do. See ya.」(Ingrid)
After introducing themselves briefly, Elle and Ingrid turned around, were about to leave, but Flamberge quickly circled around them.
『Wait! I’m not done talking!』(Flamberge)
「Hm?」(Elle)
「What? Make it short. We’re busy.」(Ingrid)
『W, well, I just wanna say… Umm… I’m truly grateful that you defeated that ogre.』(Flamberge)
「You’ve just thanked us earlier.」(Elle)
「Yeah, you don’t need to mind it. See ya.」(Ingrid)
Elle and Ingrid quickly cut the conversation short and were about to leave, but Flamberge stopped them again.
『Wait, wait!』(Flamberge)
「What?」(Ingrid)
『I just… Uhh… I was thinking of thanking you with something.』(Flamberge)
「Nah, no need for that.」(Ingrid)
「Un. We will receive a lot of money from the guild for killing that ogre anyway.」(Elle)
「That’s right. Your gratitude is enough. Well then, see yー」(Ingrid)
『Wait, wait, waaaait! Come on, why the hurry?』(Flamberge)
「Huh? Because we ARE in a hurry.」(Ingrid)
「There’s a family member we need to save.」(Elle)
『I, I see… Well, it’s just… I…』(Flamberge)
「Hmm? Ahh, I see~ You want us to take you with us, right?」(Ingrid)
Seeing the sword fidgeting, Ingrid asked teasingly.
『Huh!? That’s… Uhh… Ahem! I just want to do something for you as gratitude! That’s all!』(Flamberge)
「Hahh… I told you there was no need for that, but I’ve never seen a sword as stubborn as you. Alright, then. What will you do to thank us?」(Ingrid)
『I will grant you my protection!』(Flamberge)
「Protection?」(Ingrid)
『That’s right. You, young ladyー I mean, Elle. I can tell that you’re no ordinary girl. I will let you make a contract with me.』(Flamberge)
「Make a contract with you? But… Are you sure?」(Elle)
Apparently, spirits could only make a contract with one human in their lifetime. Choosing which human they want to make a contract with is not an easy decision for spirits.
However, Flamberge’s will was firm. As a token of his gratitude for defeating the hateful ogre, he was willing to make a contract with Elle.
『I’m one hundred percent sure. You are the right person for me.』(Flamberge)
「Umm… What do you think, Ingrid?」(Elle)
「It’s all up to you, but I don’t think it’s a bad idea. Besides, I think he would follow us anyway even if you refused.」(Ingrid)
『Hey, stop talking as if I’m a lost puppy!』(Flamberge)
While Flamberge yelled at Ingrid, Elle folded her arms, pondering.
「Hmm… Before I decide, what do you want in return?」(Elle)
『None. I told you I want to thank you. Just consider it my token of gratitude.』(Flamberge)
「Eh? So it’s for free? Are you sure?」(Elle)
『Of course!』(Flamberge)
Spirits normally would demand something as a payment for making a contract with them. It was rare for them to be willing to do it for free.
Elle saw it as a good opportunity to gain more protection. Moreover, it came from a former legendary hero. She had no reason to refuse.
「Alright. What should I do?」(Elle)
『Great! It’s simple. You just have to hold my hilt, and I’ll do the rest.』(Flamberge)
「Okay.」(Elle)
Flamberge leaned a bit forward so that Elle could reach his hilt easily.
As soon as Elle held his hilt tightly, his blade was suddenly enveloped in flames.
「ー!?」(Elle)
Elle was surprised, but she kept holding him. Later she noticed that she didn’t feel the heat at all. The flame wasn’t hot. On the contrary, it felt gentle and warm.
『UWOOOOOOGHHH!!!』(Flamberge)
While being burned in the flame, Flamberge’s appearance began to change slightly.
The blade were dyed in brighter red than before, and a gem similar to a ruby appeared on the golden guard.
『Phew~』(Flamberge)
After a few seconds, the flame subsided, indicating that the contract had been made.
「Wow… You look a bit different than before.」(Elle)
『Haha! It’s because I’ve been reborn in response to your mana.』(Flamberge)
「I see.」(Elle)
『I’m looking forward to adventuring with you, Elle. Please treat me well.』(Flamberge)
「Un!」(Elle)
Just like that, the former Crimson Hero had joined the team as Flamberge, the spirit of fire who was bound by a contract with Elle.
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