Chapter 4

Relying on the swaying carriage, I cast my gaze outside.

The scenery doesn’t change much.

The gently rolling plains stretch along the road, and in the distance, the shadows of mountains can be seen. Occasionally, a river runs through, providing a bit of freshness to the view, but overall, the unchanging landscape makes this journey somewhat too long.

Biden Village is a rural place.

Daily life isn’t difficult, but it certainly isn’t glamorous.

So, when one decides to travel from such a village to the capital, the journey is filled with similar desolate scenery until one gets closer to the urban areas.

“It’s been a long time since I last went to the capital.”

“From now on, there will be more opportunities.”

I, who quickly became bored, glanced at the woman sitting next to me in the carriage and spoke. Alyssia, who quickly picked up on my words, responded.

Alyssia’s profile was, to put it simply, very picturesque.

Her long, silver hair and slightly slanted eyes, along with her perfectly chiseled face, had become even more feminine and composed since the last memory I had of her.

She was always beautiful, but she had truly become a stunning woman. Of course, I don’t have any improper thoughts about my former student.

Speaking of the Reberio Knights, they are famous for their extremely rigorous selection process.

Even someone from a remote village like me knows about it, which speaks to the high recognition of the knight order.

This knight order is a symbol of the Reberis Kingdom.

It not only has a long tradition and prestige but is also the kingdom’s direct and largest military force, playing a role in diplomatic deterrence.

In terms of practical duties, the knights handle everything from maintaining urban security to slaying large monsters, making their work quite broad.

They are also very popular among the citizens, and many people, not just Alyssia, have come to my dojo to aim for a position in the knight order. I don’t know how many of them actually made it in.

The reason I, a country bumpkin, know so much about this is partly due to the public relations materials that reach even such a remote place, and partly due to the letters I receive from Alyssia. Each letter is quite lengthy, and I often wonder how she finds the time to write them.

The Reberio Knights, being an important institution of the country, and especially their leader, must be exceptionally skilled, popular, and well-liked. Alyssia is truly a capable and outstanding person.

“So, what Mordaea said was...”

“Oh, that was just a joke, don’t worry about it.”

Seeing my earlier mutterings as a starting point for conversation, Alyssia brought up the topic.

Mordaea is my father’s name.

He’s well over sixty but is still physically and mentally active. Recently, he’s been complaining about back pain.

Saying I’m going to the capital is one thing, but the distance is considerable. It’s at least a half-day journey by carriage.

Even though it was a day off at the dojo, I couldn’t just leave the house without telling anyone, so I explained the situation to my father. There was no point in lying, so I told him everything, including Alyssia’s presence.

“Hahaha! What an honor! You should find a wife in the city. How about the pretty lady next door?”

That was my father’s response.

He has absolutely no tact. I’m amazed he managed to get my mother.

I understand he’s worried about me being a bachelor at my age, but bringing up Alyssia is a bit much.

In terms of appearance, status, and ability, she and I are completely mismatched.

“Is that so, just a joke... I was just—”

“Huh? Did you say something?”

“No, don’t worry about it.”

“I see. I’m sorry about my father.”

After apologizing for my family’s embarrassment, I turned my gaze back to the scenery outside.

I’m not agreeing with my father’s words, but since it’s the capital, Baltray, I might as well enjoy myself a bit.

Putting aside the matter of meeting someone, I should at least buy some souvenirs for my parents. And if I can, I might get a good-quality sword. Even though I don’t use it much outside of training, a good sword is still a good sword. Since I don’t have any other notable hobbies, that’s where my money goes.

There’s no point in keeping extra money in my pocket, as there’s no one to give it to. I’m a dull middle-aged man who has lived his life with swords.

“By the way, what will you do when we arrive at the capital?”

“First, I’ll meet the other knights. Then, we’ll adjust the training schedule, and if there’s time, I’ll observe some training.”

“Got it. My father will be nagging, so if possible, buy some souvenirs.”

“Then, as soon as we arrive, let’s finalize the details. I’ll show you around the shops.”

“Ah, okay.”

She came across as quite eager. It’s a bit scary.

The possibility of observing the knight order’s training today is a bit nerve-wracking, but I won’t know until I get there.

The hands of the clock can’t be stopped or turned back. I’ll leave the future problems to my future self and try to think of something enjoyable.

After all, I have a stunningly beautiful woman sitting next to me. Though she has a few suspicious aspects, she is still my cute former student.

“Speaking of souvenirs, does Mordaea have any preferences?”

“Ah, my father, despite his age, still loves manju—”

And so, during the carriage ride to the capital, Baltray, I engaged in light-hearted conversation with Alyssia.