Chapter- 18 The Lionheart Vault [3]

Edward merely observed with great interest. 

"Is it really okay for me to enter?" Eugene inquired 

"Of course it is. Didn't I promise you that you'll be allowed to pick whichever item you desire? 

I've already discussed this matter with the council of the family elders and obtained permission to allow you both to enter," 

As he said this, Gilead waited to let Eugene soak this information up. 

The council. Eugene felt his mouth turn dry at the thought of them. The old lions of the Lionheart clan, the council was composed of the direct line's previous Patriarchs and those from the collateral lines recognized as giants in their respective fields before they retired. 

"May I ask, what exactly is contained inside the treasure vault?" 

"It holds our family legacy, which has built up over the past few hundred years, of course. Among all these items, there are even quite a few relics left behind by our ancestor, the Great Vermouth." 

"Really? Then is the Holy Sword in there as well?" Eugene expressed 

"It's there, but... it's impossible for you to pick the Holy Sword," 

Gilead turned back to look at Eugene with a wry smile as if he had expected such a question. 

Edward looking towards the Vaults entrance thought ' I wonder what the vault interior looks like

"Because the Holy Sword is the symbol of the Lionheart clan, it is a sword that no one person can own. Therefore, it is only wielded during ceremonies such as the succession of the Patriarch." 

"Oh...." came Eugen's disappointed murmur. 

Gilead continued, "But that's not the only reason. Ever since the Great Vermouth, no one has 

been able to receive the recognition of the Holy Sword.

"Father says if someone received the Holy Swords recondition, what would happen in such a scenario?" Edward Inquired. 

"If someone received the Holy Swords reconciliation we would have to alert the Holy Empire of Yuras. As you know from histories lore The Holy Sword, also known as the Holy Sword 'Altair' is a legendary blade that was stated to be bestowed to the world by the light god. 

"So the person who receives its recognition will be the next hero?"

"Correct" Gilead confirmed 

Edward was resolute in his decision to not be recognized as the hero. 

' I'm sorry, Holy Sword Altair, but I cannot grasp your handle for my selfish desires. Please try to understand,' Edward reflected with a heavy heart.

Edward was the hero of countless realms. Currently, he possessed three soul-bound weapons each recognized as a Holy artifact from their respective worlds. However, he was only able to bring three of these extraordinary weapons with him, with one's predecessor being the Demon king —' Purgatory'. Each weapon possessed an unparalleled ability to defy the laws of universal governance, making them incredibly powerful blades.

At present, he could only summon one of these legendary weapons: the 'Nether Sword of Durandal'. But not at its full power

So Edward like Eugene desired to retrieve a weapon from the Lionheart vault to make up for his lack of prowess. 

"Will you be entering with us, Patriarch?" Eugene asked. 

"There's no need for that I'll wait here, so both of you can just go in and choose whatever you want" 

"Father, how would we be able to exit the vault when we finished?"

The door opened fully. 

"To exit the vault since you can't open this door from the inside. So once you've finished your choice, knock loudly on the door. That will let me know when to open the vault" Gilead explained. 

"If that's the case, wouldn't it be better for you to come in?" Eugene asked 

"While I believe that it might be fun to watch as you two choose something .... If I go in with you. I may end up unconsciously influencing what item picked, and I would rather respect your freedom of choice. Also, If I do go in with you, I feel that I might distract you." 

By saying this, Gilead was showing his consideration for Eugene & Edward. Eugene smiled brightly while Edward just lightly nodded his head to show his understanding. But even though Gilead had not decided not to go with him, Edward was still entering with him so Eugene would have to avoid his gaze while getting a close look at everything. Truthfully speaking, Eugene did not like this development as he would still have to pay attention to his manners and avoid such conduct. 

"Patriarch, Can only one of us go in at a time?" Eugene inquired

"... I would agree, but Edward's presence is slim so you won't be distracted." 

Understanding that Gilead was going to send both of them in he decided to shift topics

"Patriarch, what's stopping me from hiding something on my person and attempting to come out with multiple items?" 

This type of daring and impolite question was something that only a thirteen-year-old like Eugene would be allowed to ask. So Eugene made sure to look up at Gilead to show off his innocent eyes that were free of malice. Although he wasn't sure if his face truly managed to reflect his intentions, for now, he at least tried to contort his features into such an expression

Edward observed Eugene's expression before directing his gaze toward his father.

"That isn't likely to happen, now is it?" Gilead replied to his question with a smile that showed no displeasure.

 "If that were to happen, I would be forced to scold you. And as these treasures are strictly guarded by magic, you would be caught as soon as you attempted to come out with something you shouldn't." 

"Haha," Eugene laughed awkwardly. 

'As expected, Eugene exclaimed inwardly, without feeling any disappointment. 

Gilead offered, "Still, allow me to give you two a piece of advice. Don't be in a rush, and slowly take your time to choose a weapon that you'll be able to use for the rest of your life. In your case, rather than focussing on its performance... Eugene I believe that it would be better for you to choose something that catches your eye and suits you." 

"Yes sir." 

Gilead stepped out of the way, clearing the door to the treasure vault. 

Edward not paying attention to his father's presence just entered the vault with anticipation. 

Eugene nodded his head and approached the door with hesitant steps contrasting Edward's falsely valiant steps. 

"Thank you very much for this opportunity," before entering, Eugene turned and politely expressed his gratitude. 

Gilead smiled and patted Eugene on the shoulder. The thought of adopting Eugene was running through his mind. However, there was no need to bring up such a topic right now, as it wasn't a matter that should be rushed into hastily. 

As Eugene entered, the door to the treasure vault closed behind him. Once it did so, Eugen could finally take a deep breath and loosen his polite expression. Smiling too much had numbed his cheeks, so he patted them a few times before taking a long look around the treasure vault. 

Immediately after he had done so, a smile inadvertently spread across his face as he 

exclaimed, "...Wow

Vermouth's Holy Sword, the splendid golden sword from his memories, stood in the center of the treasure vault. 

Edward stood before the vault, hesitating for a moment before stepping inside. As he took his first step, his eyes were drawn to the Holy Sword. A deep sense of longing washed over him, but he knew he had to resist the temptation to reach out and touch it.