Chapter 15

I, Kurni, and a black-haired woman wearing a robe.

In the midst of the bustling main street, an odd silence momentarily dominated the scene.

"Ah, isn't that Fis-chan!"

The silence was broken by Kurni, who had recognized the woman's face.

"Kurni, you're here."

"I'm here, indeed!"

The woman called Fis, for the first time, shifted her gaze from me to Kurni. Her expression remained unchanged, as if she had just noticed Kurni.

"Kurni, do you know her?"

The black-haired woman seemed to know me, but she also appeared to be acquainted with Kurni. Since I have no idea who she is, I'll ask Kurni to explain.

"…Teacher, don't you remember?"

"Um…?"

Kurni, who rarely shows such a reproachful look towards me.

"Teacher Beryl is terrible. So sad. Sniff, sniff."

"Well, well… I mean…"

I was at a loss for words at her expressionless imitation of crying.

But really, I have no idea who she is.

The same thing happened with Srena, but my last memory of her was from when she was very young, so I couldn't connect her to her current appearance.

In contrast, the woman called Fis doesn't seem much older than Kurni. Since she is acquainted with Kurni and asked if I remember her, it's likely that she attended the dojo at the same time.

But if that's the case, I should have recognized her.

Kurni recognized her at first glance.

"Hmm. No choice. How about this?"

"Hmm…?"

Perhaps frustrated that I couldn't remember, Fis puffed out her cheeks and pulled out a sword from under her robe.

Yes, I recognize this sword. It's the farewell sword.

Wait, does that mean she completed all her training at my dojo?

Hold on, not remembering her would be quite rude. This is bad.

Her appearance… I shouldn't rely too much on it. A woman's appearance can change significantly over a few years. The same goes for hairstyles.

On the other hand, hair color doesn't change much, so her black hair is probably correct. Her personality probably hasn't changed much either.

A black-haired woman with a unique speaking rhythm, a disciple to whom I gave the farewell sword…

Fis… Fis?

"Ah… Could it be, Fissel?"

"Correct. But it took you long. I'm sad."

It seems the woman in front of me is indeed Fissel.

She still has a slightly pouting expression, but once I remembered, memories came flooding back.

Fissel Harbeller. One of the disciples to whom I gave the farewell sword.

She and Kurni attended the dojo at the same time. Unlike Kurni, who left after two years, Fissel stayed for about five years, mastering our sword techniques before graduating.

However, the Fissel in my memory was more boyish, and her current appearance is nothing like it.

She used to have short hair and a slender build. She wasn't the type to engage in much conversation, so she often practiced swordsmanship in silence.

Her clothing was always simple, and she wasn't the type to wear a high-quality robe that reached her knees.

My last memory of her is when I gave her the farewell sword.

She rarely showed any expression, but after a rare moment of relaxation, she suddenly said, "I can do it next time," and left the dojo.

It's been a considerable amount of time since then, but this unexpected reunion is surprising.

"Well, every time I meet a disciple, I say the same thing… You've changed a lot."

"I've grown. But it's sad that you didn't recognize me."

"Sorry, really sorry…"

No matter how much someone changes, forgetting a former disciple, especially one to whom I gave the farewell sword, is not something a teacher should do. I need to reflect on this.

"I didn't get the 'You've changed a lot' comment…"

"Sorry, sorry."

Sorry. Kurni finds being honest the most comforting.

"Anyway, it's fine. But Fis-chan is amazing! She's now the ace of the Mage Corps!"

"Right. I worked hard. I'm proud."

"Huh? The Mage Corps?"

Why? After learning swordsmanship at our dojo, why the Mage Corps?

It's certainly impressive, but mages are rare in the world. Those with a talent for magic are limited.

Swordsmanship can be mastered with enough practice, even without talent.

But magic is different. Without talent, you remain at zero. There's no growth. I had no talent for magic.

Those who can become mages are truly talented.

"But after learning swordsmanship at our dojo, you also mastered magic… You really worked hard."

"Yep. And I'm making good use of Teacher Beryl's sword techniques."

"Really?"

Given that I gave her the farewell sword, Fissel's sword skills are quite advanced. Combining high swordsmanship with magic makes her a valuable asset.

However, whether her sword skills directly affect her abilities as a mage is questionable, as sword talent and magic talent are entirely different.

"Sword magic. I'm the best at it."

"Sword… magic…?"

What is that?

"Exactly. I can launch slashes in sync with sword movements, and add fire or ice to them."

"Wow, that's amazing…"

I think Fissel might be doing something incredible. I can't help but react slowly.

"Are there other users of sword magic?"

"There are, but most of them can't handle swords well."

That makes sense.

To control magic, you need talent and effort. The same applies to swords.

Combining magic with sword movements means the base is swordsmanship. Therefore, those skilled in swords are better at handling it.

Perhaps "magic swordsman" is a more accurate term.

I've never heard of such a profession.

"By the way, why is Teacher Beryl in the capital?"

"Ah, about that."

After the discussion about sword magic, Fissel asked a straightforward question.

I told her that I became a special instructor for the knights and was now touring the West District with Kurni as my guide.

"Then I'll come along. It's been a while for Kurni too."

"Is that okay?"

"It's fine. I'm done with my business. I'll accompany you."

"Both of us will guide Teacher!"

Fissel took a spot next to me, holding a shopping bag. I wonder if it's okay to drag me along on my tour. But if she says it's fine, I'll trust her.

"…Fissel?"

"The West District is crowded. The streets are narrow. It would be bad if we got separated."

Fissel's hand, which grabbed mine, felt warm and comforting.

"…I see. Then I'll rely on both of you for the tour."

"Leave it to us!"

"Got it."

Well, it's fine. There's no reason to pull away.

And so, I was led by my two disciples, enjoying a temporary tour.

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