Chapter 85

"…Beloved disciple?"

"Hmm? Rosé. Do you know her?"

In response to Rosé's words, Alyssia and Gathgar each reacted, but their reactions were almost polar opposites.

The former shot a nearly murderous glance at Rosé, while the latter had a half-surprised look on his face. Alyssia, her expression was terrifying. She was smiling, but it was a forced smile.

"Um... well, I do know her."

"Hehe. This person is my master, you see~"

Trying to avoid delving deeper into the topic, Rosé suddenly interjected again. Stop it, you idiot.

In response to her words, Alyssia's expression became even more intense. It was scary.

"Really! I knew you had found a master, but it was this person?"

"Yes. Hehe~"

Gathgar's face was plastered with obvious shock. In contrast, Rosé continued to smile, unchanged. Additionally, she still hadn't let go of the hand she had shaken. I really want her to let go of my hand.

Besides, Rosé, you were talking about me, huh? I was a bit curious about how you described me, but it didn't seem like the right time to ask.

"…Master?"

"Yeah, no, um, I'll explain, I'll explain."

The pressure from beside me was becoming unbearable.

The fact that no one in the room was backing down from this pressure also showed that they were all experts. But I didn't want to know their skills in such a situation.

"Well, um, why don't we sit down first?"

"…That's a good idea."

Since I couldn't possibly endure this any longer, I suggested that everyone sit down. Sitting down would also physically increase the distance between Rosé and me.

So, let's sit down, let's sit down!

The seating arrangement was as follows: from the end, me, Alyssia, and Hembritz. On the opposite side of the table were Gathgar and Rosé. I was worried that Rosé might sit next to me, but that turned out to be a baseless concern. Alyssia had secured the seat next to me with super speed.

"Well, um… where should I start?"

This meeting was supposed to be for some kind of consultation or report, but the topic had instantly centered on me. Damn it.

Rosé Marbleheart.

Calling me her master wasn't exactly wrong. Indeed, she had attended my dojo for a period. It was a relatively recent event, unlike Alyssia or Srena.

The duration was about a year and a half. Whether she was a knight of the Church Knights at the time is uncertain, but she said she was traveling to broaden her horizons.

There was no reason to reject someone who had come to my door, so I taught her to the best of my ability. Unlike a beginner, her movements clearly showed she already knew swordsmanship, so I focused on teaching her the differences between my style and hers, and we mainly did sparring.

After about a year, she was satisfied with her training.

However, I didn't teach her as much as to be called a master. She already had her own style and way of fighting.

I knew she was a follower of the Sphen religion, but I didn't know she had risen to the position of deputy leader of the Church Knights. The world is unpredictable. Well, she was indeed strong.

"…So, she attended my dojo for a while."

"I see…"

Alyssia nodded, her gaze shifting to Rosé. Rosé, on the other hand, maintained her smile, seemingly unaffected by the conversation.

Her calm and composed smile, unchanged from my memory, showed a sense of ease. She always had this face. I might have never seen her expression falter.

In contrast, Alyssia, though she tried to maintain composure, her expressions changed frequently, which could be amusing to watch. But not now.

"Indeed, Beryl is an excellent master."

"No, no, not really. Everyone was excellent."

I deflected Hembritz's praise.

Even if I had some talent for teaching swordsmanship, the extent of a person's skill ultimately depended on their own effort and talent. I was just a catalyst. I couldn't turn just anyone into a top swordsman.

"Hmm. For someone of your skill, I'm surprised I hadn't heard of you."

"I was just holed up in a rural village, Razoon."

"Hehe, just call me Gathgar. It's always good to know skilled people."

Gathgar tilted his head in curiosity, but as I said, I had been in Bidden Village all along. Only a few of my disciples had risen to prominence, while I remained a skilled but relatively unknown figure.

However, this guy, despite his tough appearance, was quite approachable and easy-going.

"Hehe, but I'm glad. Meeting you like this might be a sign from the Sphen god."

"Hehe…"

Rosé said this with a pleasant smile, but the atmosphere in the room was awkwardly uncomfortable.

Alyssia seemed to understand after my explanation, but she still had a look of doubt on her face.

"But, if you came all the way here, there must be a reason?"

To steer the conversation back to the main topic, I turned to Gathgar and asked.

Right. There must be a reason for the top and deputy leader of the Sphen Yardvania Church Knights to come here. It couldn't be just to introduce Rosé and me. They didn't even know I held such a position.

"Oh, right. Actually, this was just a stop on the way."

"Just a stop, you say?"

Alyssia responded to Gathgar's words.

If this was just a stop, their main purpose wasn't to visit the Reberio Knights. So, what were they here for?

"The envoy is coming soon. Rosé doesn't know much about Bartrean, so this is a preliminary visit."

"I see."

"Yes. I only know it's a large and beautiful city~"

I didn't know the details of the security and arrangements for the day, but moving around an unfamiliar place must have been a bit unsettling.

Most importantly, they were responsible for the safety of important figures. They wanted to minimize any potential risks.

"We plan to stay for a few days and get familiar with the geography."

"Perhaps we could assign some knights to guide you?"

"No, that won't be necessary. The bishop here will provide a guide."

Bartrean has many tourist attractions and dining spots, making it a great place to spend time. I know it's not the main purpose, but it's better than wandering around aimlessly.

However, wasn't the Sphen bishop of Reberis Kingdom Levious? Is he still in that position? Surely, he can't be exonerated.

Hmm, but asking about that here might be awkward. So, I'll keep quiet. I'll ask Lucy or Evroy about it when I have the chance.

"Since we're here, I would have liked to have you as a guide, Master~"

"Hehe…"

Rosé said this with a pointed look.

I tried to laugh it off, but Alyssia's pressure was becoming intense. It was scary.

I thought about offering to be a tour guide, but I'm not familiar with Bartrean's geography. I only know the central area, and the other districts are a mystery. I can't even give directions properly.

"Ah, right. The visit will include a tour for the Crown Prince. You'll receive an official letter later. I'll count on you."

"Yes, understood."

The Crown Prince, huh. I've never met royalty or nobility, but I imagine they must be dazzling. I guess the security will be handled by Alyssia, Hembritz, Gathgar, and Rosé. I'll just stay out of the way.

"Well, I'll be going. It was nice to see you again."

"Yes, it was nice to see you too. See you again."

With that, Gathgar and Rosé stood up to leave.

They probably didn't want to overstay their welcome, as this wasn't a planned visit. We had interrupted the knights' training.

"Hehe. See you again, Master~"

"Sure. See you, Rosé."

Since Rosé is the deputy leader of the Church Knights, we'll likely meet again when the envoy arrives. So, the farewell was brief.

"Hembritz, see them off."

"Understood."

"Oops, sorry."

After sending Hembritz to see Gathgar and Rosé off, Alyssia and I were left in the reception room.

"Master"

"Yeah? What is it?"

Just as I was about to suggest we return to the training ground, Alyssia spoke first.

"What do you mean by 'beloved disciple'?"

"Um…."

Are you still on that?

"That's just something Rosé says on her own."

"…I see."

I never called Rosé my beloved disciple.

Of course, she was one of my disciples who studied under me for a year and a half, and I do care about her. But if asked if she was my top disciple, it's a complicated question.

I tried to convey this subtly, but Alyssia's mood seemed to be off. She had been giving off an unsettling vibe since earlier. Hmm, what should I do?

"It's hard to rank disciples. I'm sure it's the same for you with the knights, Alyssia?"

"Yes, that's true."

This was my honest feeling. Everyone is important and beloved.

For example, if asked to rank Alyssia, Srena, Kurni, and Fissel, I couldn't do it.

"But, if I had to say, Alyssia is also one of my beloved disciples."

"…I see."

So, if I had to put it, everyone is a beloved disciple.

It seemed to satisfy her, as Alyssia's expression softened into a gentle smile.

Indeed, a smile suits a beautiful person. Anyone would want a woman to smile.

"Let's head back to the training ground."

"Yes, let's go back."

Despite the unexpected visit, our duty is to guide the knights.

Today, as always, we'll sweat it out in their training.

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Thank you. I'll keep working hard.