Chapter 8

"But I'm surprised you became an adventurer."

"Hehe, I'm surprised by myself too. My current parents are very kind to me, but I really wanted to put the sword techniques I learned from my teacher to good use."

"Risandra, you're standing too close."

"Can you say that? You're the one who's getting too close."

"Well, well, fighting isn't good."

On my right is Alyssia, and on my left is Sarena.

In the world, this might be called "having flowers in both hands." But my feelings are those of a small animal caught between two fierce beasts. The pressure from both sides is intense.

We are currently moving as a group of three.

After leaving the souvenir shop, I casually mentioned that I wanted to see some swords, and Alyssia and Sarena competed to introduce me to their favorite blacksmiths.

I'm genuinely happy to see Sarena again after so long.

I was a bit reluctant to say goodbye, and unlike the knights who base their activities in the capital, adventurers travel all over the world, making it hard to meet. Especially those of the highest Black Rank.

It seems Sarena had just returned to Valtrain after completing a distant mission. She said she was free today, so she suggested we go together.

It wouldn't be good to waste time arguing over who would accompany me. I also want to return to Bident Village today, and time is limited.

However, in my efforts to defuse the situation, I overlooked one thing.

"...We're being watched. Well, it's to be expected."

Sarena said, running her hand through her proud red hair.

That's right. I did suggest we go together, but I didn't think it through. I can only lament my own lack of foresight.

"I'm not used to this kind of attention..."

"Mr. Teacher, this is the kind of attention you will receive yourself eventually."

"Annoying, but Citrus is right. Once the reputation of your guiding power spreads, you'll receive this level of attention soon enough."

"Haha..."

The pressure from both sides is intense. What is this "guiding power"?

I'm just a middle-aged man from a small village. Nice joke.

Even if I say that, these two probably won't listen.

Glancing around, I see the gazes of the people on the street.

The leader of the Reberio Knights and a Black Rank adventurer. It's no wonder a middle-aged man accompanied by two top-tier individuals in both skill and appearance would attract attention.

The whispers I hear are things like, "That's the Reberio Knights' leader..." or "Isn't that 'Dragon Dual Swords' Risandra?" or "Who is the middle-aged man...?" The pressure is intense. Sarena has an impressive nickname. "Dragon Dual Swords" sounds cool.

And, as expected, Sarena wields dual swords.

I never taught her dual sword techniques, but it seems she has become strong in her own way, regardless of my guidance. It has nothing to do with me.

"This is the blacksmith that supplies the knights. The quality is consistently good, and we mostly get our equipment from here."

"Hmm, that sounds interesting."

We arrived at the blacksmith Alyssia recommended, enduring the curious gazes of the people. I'm so flustered that I'm not sure if I'll remember the way back.

"Ah, this is Sir Citrus."

"Hello, I'd like to look at some swords."

"Of course, of course."

A muscular but friendly-looking blacksmith appeared from the back of the workshop.

"Indeed, we've recently received some high-quality ore—"

"I see, that could improve our equipment—"

It seems the blacksmith is not entirely wrong about being a supplier to the knights. Alyssia and the blacksmith are having a pleasant conversation. The blacksmith, used to big names, doesn't seem to find us particularly strange.

That's a relief; those gazes are painful.

"Hmm... This is quite a fine blade."

I picked up one of the swords on display. The weight was substantial, but the balance was perfect, and the blade was well-sharpened. The craftsmanship was as excellent as Alyssia's reputation.

"Mr. Teacher, you still prefer the longsword, I see."

Sarena, who had been watching me closely, spoke.

"Yes. It's suitable for teaching, and it's easy to handle."

I replied, raising the longsword.

Well, as a man, I've had my moments of admiration for two-handed swords like the bastard sword and dual swords like Sarena's.

But after trying them, I always come back to the longsword. The weight balance and blade length are just right. In a way, if you can handle a longsword, you can adapt to most other swords.

"Would you like to try a test cut?"

The blacksmith, who had finished talking with Alyssia, asked me.

Hmm, a test cut.

When you have a good sword, you naturally want to test its sharpness. This blacksmith understands the heart of a swordsman. He chose the perfect moment to ask. He's a good businessman.

"Can I try a test cut? Then, I'll take you up on that offer..."

"Yes, there's a space in the back. I'll show you."

Since I can try it, I want to.

I followed the blacksmith to the back of the blacksmith's shop.

"Mr. Teacher's swordsmanship, it's been a while since I've seen it."

"I haven't seen it in a while either."

Alyssia and Sarena followed me, as expected.

Stop it. Being evaluated by the leader of the Reberio Knights and a top-tier Black Rank adventurer is too much.

But I can't say that. It's scary.

"Here we are. Please, go ahead."

"Thank you—let's see."

The back of the blacksmith's shop had a suitable space with several straw targets. It probably serves as a place to test new swords.

I focused.

I held the longsword straight and faced the straw target.

The sharpness of a sword is proportional to the mental focus of the wielder.

Narrow, narrower. Sharpen your mental edge to the limit.

Wait for the moment when your mental waves are perfectly level.

"—Shh!"

A single strike.

I channeled my sharpened mental energy into the blade.

Swish.

Like a knife slicing through tofu.

The straw target split cleanly, falling to the ground without resistance.

—Hmm, not bad!

A good quality sword is indeed different. The feel is excellent. I might buy this sword. The weight is just right, and I like it after just one swing.

"—Impressive, Mr. Teacher."

"...Amazing. I didn't expect it to be this good."

Oh, right, I forgot they were watching. Well, I was focusing my mind for that, so it's too late to do anything about it now.

"No, anyone who practices swordsmanship can do this much, right?"

Still, they're praising me too much. I just cut a straw target.

As they say, this level can be achieved by anyone with a bit of talent and practice. Fortunately, I had a bit of talent, for which I'm grateful to my father.

"You can cut straw, but this level of sharpness is..."

"Citrus is right. I've never seen such a perfect cut."

"No, no, you're overpraising me."

I'm starting to feel embarrassed from all the praise.

I did focus my mind well, and I felt it was a good cut, but I don't really feel it's as amazing as they say.

"Ah... Mr. Blacksmith, what do you think of his swordsmanship?"

Seeing that she couldn't get anywhere with me, Alyssia turned to the blacksmith, another observer. I forgot he was watching too.

The blacksmith has been standing there with his mouth slightly open, his eyes unfocused. I'm starting to worry about him.

"Ah... Is he some famous master?"

A few seconds later, after a long silence, he finally spoke.

No, no, I'm just a middle-aged man from a small village!

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