Chapter 14

"Let's call it a day here. Everyone, good work."

"Good work, everyone!!"

As I announced the end of the training, the knights responded with energetic voices. We were all drenched in sweat, including myself. While thinking that it would be best to head back to the inn for a bath, I left the training ground.

Since then, I've been showing up at the training ground almost every day as a special instructor for the Reberio Knights. Originally, it was supposed to be a few times a month, but since that old man kicked me out of Bident Village, I had nowhere else to go.

The one who showed the most obvious signs of joy was Alyushia, followed by Kurni. And surprisingly, the next one was Deputy Commander Hembritz.

"Lord Beryl! Good work today!"

"Ah, yes. Good work, Hembritz. You're really putting in a lot of effort every day."

As soon as we left the training ground, I was stopped by Hembritz, who had been following me from behind. He had a towel in his hand, which seemed to be for me.

Since that mock battle, he seems to have set me as one of his goals and has been following me around during and after training. I couldn't help but think, "Is that appropriate for a deputy commander?" but Alyushia is also quite free-spirited.

Actually, I've learned that while the Reberio Knights have regular patrols and meetings, those not on duty are often quite idle.

Of course, they can't just loaf around, so they also focus on training. In other words, unless there's a major event, a knight's life is basically tied to training.

"Having a big goal like Lord Beryl has made every day fulfilling."

"…I see, that's great to hear."

While wiping my face with the towel he gave me, I responded to his words.

"But I can't move like Lord Beryl yet. I need more training."

"Haha, I can do it, and you will be able to do it eventually."

Well, I've somehow been embraced by him. It's not that I'm bothered, but getting such a reaction is honestly unexpected, and I'm still not used to it. To be honest, I'm still not fully convinced about becoming an instructor for the knights.

"Teacher! Deputy Commander! Good work today!"

"Hey, Kurni. …Good work to you too."

While having a casual conversation with Hembritz, another person appeared. Kurni, a member of the knights and my former student, showed up.

Kurni was also drenched in sweat. Her training clothes, which were plain and unassuming, clung to her skin due to the sweat, and I couldn't help but look away.

She's small but has a healthy, feminine figure. This is not good.

"Have you gotten used to life in the capital, Teacher?"

Regardless of whether she knew my feelings or not, Kurni pressed on. Stop it, don't get so close. I don't know where to look.

"Well, I've gotten used to it, I guess. But I don't really go out much beyond this area."

I answered while subtly looking away.

As I said, I basically just go back and forth between the knight headquarters and the inn, so while I've gotten used to it, I haven't really explored much beyond the immediate area. Besides, I haven't had much time or reason to go sightseeing since almost every day is spent training.

"That's a waste. Baltrane has many tourist attractions."

Hembritz picked up on my mutter. Hmm, now that he mentions it, that might be true.

Baltrane, the capital of the Reberis Kingdom, is famous as one of the largest cities in the country. Each of the five districts has its own unique characteristics and attracts many visitors from the regions and other countries.

"Then, I'll be your guide!"

Kurni, puffing up with determination. Well, I don't think there's any need for such enthusiasm just for a city tour, but I'll say this is a good side of Kurni. She's dedicated to everything, even something as simple as a city tour.

"Haha, I'll take you up on that. But after we change, okay?"

"Sure thing! I'm all sweaty!"

It was still too early to go back to the inn for a nap. Since I've been spending a lot of time with Alyushia since settling in Baltrane, I haven't had much interaction with Kurni outside of training.

"Kurni, don't be disrespectful to Lord Beryl."

As I was about to leave, I heard Hembritz's words. She responded energetically, "Sure thing!" and disappeared into the changing room.

Well, I should change too.

"Teacher! Sorry to keep you waiting!"

"No, no, I haven't been waiting long."

As expected, I changed faster than Kurni. After waiting for a bit in front of the headquarters, I saw Kurni, now in more comfortable clothes, running towards me.

Today, I thought I'd take a walk around the city with Kurni and maybe visit a restaurant I haven't been to. Since this is the capital, Baltrane, I might as well do some sightseeing like everyone else.

"By the way, Teacher, have you been to Baltrane a lot?"

"No, I only came a few times a long time ago. Not recently at all."

As I said, my last memory of the place is from a long time ago. Since I had a dojo in my hometown, Bident Village, there was no reason to travel to the capital by carriage for half a day.

I do know my way around the Reberis Palace, and it hasn't changed much, but I don't really remember much else.

However, I now have a temporary residence in the capital. I'm also expected to receive a decent salary as a special instructor, as Alyushia mentioned. I might as well spend some time and money here.

"Then, let's focus on the western district!"

"I'll leave the escort to you. I'm looking forward to it."

We headed for the western district on a shared carriage that patrols the city.

As I get older, even a casual stroll can be refreshing. Enjoying it quietly on my own is nice, but having a lively companion is also good.

"The western district is mainly a commercial area. There are all kinds of shops."

I nodded to her explanation and took in the scenery. Yes, it's a good city.

The capital of the Reberis Kingdom, Baltrane, is divided into four districts: central, east, west, and north, with the knight headquarters and adventurer guild in the central district. According to Kurni, the western district is known for its commercial activity, with a mix of general stores, restaurants, hardware stores, and magic equipment shops.

"The southern district is mainly agricultural, so there's not much to see. The northern district has the Reberis Palace, and the eastern district is mainly residential. I live in the eastern district."

"I see. Are the western and northern districts the most popular with tourists?"

"Hmm, the western district is popular, but the northern district is the most popular. The palace is a big draw."

After getting off the carriage and walking around the western district, Kurni explained various things. The palace, as you might expect, is probably the biggest attraction in the country. While I doubt ordinary tourists can go inside, just seeing it is enough.

Just walking around and looking at the streets, with all the different shops and people, gives a sense of the city's vitality. Walking down streets I don't usually take and looking around is quite refreshing.

I feel like an old tourist.

However, while Kurni is a regular knight and not a celebrity like Alyushia or Srena, she's still a developing knight, and no one pays much attention to her. And I'm just a regular middle-aged man.

Yes, it's nice to walk without worrying about people's gazes.

"Ah, it's Teacher Beryl."

"…Huh?"

While walking around and occasionally listening to Kurni's commentary, a flat voice suddenly reached my ears.

If I'm not mistaken, I just heard my name called…

I stopped and looked in the direction of the voice. There was a woman in a robe, apparently returning from the western district. She had lustrous black hair cut to her shoulders and a somewhat vacant, almost suspicious gaze that was looking at my face.

"Hmm. It is you. Long time no see."

"Teacher, what's wrong? Do you know her?"

Kurni poked her head out from beside me. The black-haired woman ignored Kurni and just stared at my face.

Um…

Who is she?

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