Chapter 3

"Hey... Can you wait a moment? Can I hear it again?"

"Yes. I have come to inform you that the recommendation for you to become a special instructor for the knights has been approved."

"......Huh?"

What? Special instructor?

I'm just a humble instructor teaching swordsmanship at a dojo in a remote village. How can I become a special instructor for the royal knights based in the capital, Baltrean? It’s way too much for me. Nice joke. I thought Alushia was serious, but I’m surprised she has such a sophisticated sense of humor.

"......Really?"

"What would be the point of lying about something like this?"

When I asked for confirmation again, Alushia's expression and tone of voice slightly changed, as if she was a bit pouting, and she replied.

Even so, it’s too unrealistic to believe.

"With your skills, there’s nothing strange about it."

"That’s easy for you to say, but I know my limits."

"Another display of modesty."

No, it’s not modesty; it’s the truth.

I don’t think I’m weak. If I were really weak, I wouldn’t be practicing swordsmanship, and I wouldn’t be able to be an instructor. However, the idea of teaching swordsmanship to the elite of the elite, the Reberio Knights, including Alushia, seems completely out of place.

I don’t know exactly what the role of a special instructor entails, but if I take it at face value, it seems to involve teaching swordsmanship.

Teaching swordsmanship to the elite knights? Me?

Nice joke. It sounds like a nasty prank.

"But... how did the knights approve of this?"

That’s right.

Even if Alushia is overestimating me, it’s impossible for such an important position to be decided by her recommendation alone. I don’t know how the politics of the knights work, but it’s not a simple system where she can make all the decisions.

If it was approved, it means someone or an organization seriously considered her recommendation. I want to cancel it immediately, but the fact that I passed through this process means there must be some fool who approved it.

It’s unrealistic to go and beat up the person responsible, but at least I want to know how this decision was made.

"It wasn’t that difficult. Many of your former students have joined the knights. Besides, you are well-known in the world of swordsmanship. You are recognized as the 'Sword Saint of a Remote Village' who has produced many famous knights and adventurers. I would prefer not to use the term 'remote village'... but, Bidan Village is not a bustling place, to put it mildly..."

"Nice joke."

What’s that? Who is the 'Sword Saint of a Remote Village'?

The first part is true, but there’s a significant discrepancy in the second part.

I’ll say it again: I’m just a humble swordsmanship instructor.

While I may be slightly better with a sword than the average person, I’m not a living legend or a hero. I’m just a middle-aged man from a remote village.

"So, it’s not a joke or a prank..."

Oh no, Alushia is really pouting now.

"Ah, sorry. It just feels too unrealistic..."

I’m not trying to flatter her, but it does seem like she’s not lying. At least, she’s not at fault. Well, recommending someone like me might be a big mistake.

"Hmm. Have you become more pessimistic since we last met, sir?"

"No, I’m just a humble man, now and then."

I’m being highly regarded, but it makes me uncomfortable.

While it doesn’t feel bad, it’s worrying to be seen as more capable than I actually am.

"But, even if it’s true, what will happen to this dojo? I have many students, and I can’t just move suddenly."

Even if the decision has been made, there are many practical things to consider.

As I said, I’ve been running this dojo for a long time.

This dojo has been passed down through generations. It might end with me since I’m not married, but that’s a different issue. I can’t just abandon it now. It would be irresponsible, and my father is too old to continue practicing swordsmanship.

"I understand. That’s why it’s a special instructor position. You don’t need to be permanently stationed at the knights’ headquarters. It’s fine if you can visit Baltrean a few times a month."

"Is that really okay for a special instructor?"

"For that, I would like you to come to Baltrean once to adjust your schedule. I have a carriage waiting outside the village."

"Right now!?"

"Isn’t today your dojo’s day off?"

"Ah, well, yes, but..."

Well, that’s true, but...

It’s a bit scary that she still remembers the dojo’s schedule.

This is getting out of hand. The conversation is progressing too smoothly.

Is it really okay for me to take this job?

Is there anything I’m overlooking?

Is it even okay for me to take on this mysterious position of special instructor?

Can I even refuse the approval from the knights?

How much force does this recommendation carry?

Endless thoughts swirl in my head.

Alushia is basically a good girl. That’s for sure. I can vouch for it after spending four years as her instructor.

But, is she really this forceful?

I do remember her being one of the students who was close to me. She was well-behaved and quick to learn, which is why I gave her a farewell sword.

As I look at her with a lingering question, she seems to have an idea and changes her expression, pulling out a few documents from her pocket.

"Oh, right. Here, this is your appointment letter with the king’s seal and the details of your employment."

"Ah, right."

It has the king’s seal.

This is definitely something I can’t refuse!