Chapter 42

"Well, I have indeed received it."

"Yeah, thank you very much."

After today's training was over,

I delivered the pendant I found to a place that looked like a knight's station next to the entrance of the building.

Apparently, it's a department that integrates the building's security and handles inquiries from people. A few knights were stationed there in relatively casual attire, but they all straightened up when I approached.

No need to be so tense. I just came to return something I found.

The training is going well, including for those stationed here.

Of course, it's not as if my skills have improved dramatically in a short period, but there are still a few things I can teach, and I feel I'm spending my time productively. Hembritz is also getting sharper.

On the other hand, I've hit a plateau.

I've always been proud of the training I've done since I was a child, but I've never become a hero or a brave warrior.

There's also an age limit. My father is still energetic, but as a swordsman, I will either decline or maintain my current level from now on.

Transitioning from a dojo instructor to a special instructor for the Reberio Knights is generally considered a success.

I can't ask for more. This position is only because Alisia showed an inexplicable enthusiasm.

"Well... shall I go home?"

No, no, it's no good to get sentimental now.

I've done what I needed to do, so I might as well head back to the inn and relax.

By the way,

I've been staying at this inn since I came to Bartlane, but I've started thinking that I should look for a proper house here. I've been using this time to look around for properties.

However, as expected, or rather, the central area with a certain level of convenience is incredibly expensive. My savings are far from enough to afford it.

I do receive a salary from the knights, so I don't have to move immediately. I should consider moving when I save enough money, but honestly, I haven't figured out the timing yet.

Well, there's no need to rush on this front. I'm just looking around for good properties. I've become quite friendly with the innkeeper.

However, while I appreciate the hospitality, it is still a business. The comfortable atmosphere makes me a bit hesitant to leave, but if I think about living in Bartlane for a long time, having a base is not a bad idea.

No, to be precise, if I find a wife, I could return home... but that's not progressing at all, so it's a mistake to have any expectations.

"What could my father be expecting now..."

It's inevitable that such a mutter would slip out.

I really don't understand what he was thinking when he kicked me out. At the time, I was swept away by the momentum, but I didn't do anything wrong, did I? I'm starting to feel a bit resentful now.

However, I'm not really that dissatisfied with my current life. The fresh air of the dojo is different, and I don't mind teaching.

While thinking about these things, I walk through the streets of the central district.

The sun is still high, and the capital Bartlane is bustling with people. There are various shops, and the scene is full of vitality.

By the way, the Kingdom of Reberis is, as the name suggests, a monarchy.

It is said that the first king, Spikino Asford Reberis, founded the kingdom at the northern tip of the Garea continent. I'm not that well-versed in history, but I was taught the name of the first king as general knowledge.

The kingdom has a lot of fertile land, and agriculture is thriving. In fact, the southern district of the capital Bartlane is entirely an agricultural area.

There are few forests, and the abundance of plains and mountains has led to a diverse range of native species. The kingdom also benefits from the sea, making it a blessed country.

That's why even a remote village like Bidden has been able to live relatively peacefully, with few famines or poor harvests, except for attacks by wild animals or monsters.

However, as in any country, not all citizens are wealthy. There are those who fall below the national safety net, even if they weren't in Bidden.

In short, these are people like thieves, bandits, and outlaws.

While they don't openly appear in the capital Bartlane, a certain number of them do exist. The pickpocket I encountered yesterday is a perfect example.

Rumor has it that there are areas where such people gather. I hope it's not in the central district, but they could appear anywhere.

"Huh?"

While walking and thinking about the country,

I noticed a figure crouched at the edge of the road, staring intently at the ground and moving slowly.

What is she doing? She doesn't seem to be a beggar.

The passersby glance at her curiously but don't take any particular action as they pass by.

"It's not here... it's not here...! Where did I drop it...!"

As I got closer, I could hear the voice of the person.

She was moving on the ground without caring about the gazes of others.

Her face was hidden, but her upper body was covered in a tattered robe. Her attire was somewhat out of place in the capital Bartlane.

Well, I could ignore her like the other passersby, but

the voice and the clothing are the same as the pickpocket who tried to steal from me yesterday.

"Are you looking for something?"

"Shut up! Don't bother... me...!"

I kept a bit of distance and called out, and the response was typical. She probably treated everyone who called out to her the same way.

She turned around quickly, and her face showed a clear "oh no" expression when she saw me.

Hmm.

From her reaction, it seems she saw my face yesterday. It was night, but it wasn't completely dark. She was probably more attentive than I was, so it's not surprising that she saw me.

Her expression was tense and filled with anxiety.

The dull blue hair peeking out from under the robe suggested she was probably in her mid-teens. At least, she looked younger than Kurni or Fissel.

"...What do you want...?"

She composed herself in a few seconds and spoke gruffly.

She probably hoped I wouldn't remember yesterday's incident and was trying to play it off as a kind old man.

"Are you looking for a pendant?"

"...You...!"

However, that's not going to work.

The girl in front of me narrowed her eyes hatefully at my words.

Suspicious girl vs. homeless old man. Fight!