Chapter 423: The Bombshell Remarks Return
“How lamentable.”
I’m currently in the midst of an interview with some old man who holds the title of Sword Master.
“How weak.”
Well, it’s not exactly an interview; I’m actually watching a mock battle in the plaza, and the interview will happen afterward.
I’m positioned at the top of the stairs leading from the plaza to the entrance of the residence. The entrance is on the second floor, despite the lack of rain—perhaps this staircase serves as a viewing platform for occasions like this. There’s also a sort of balcony above, which seems to double as a viewing area.
To my left and right are Soleil and Grandfather Paorul. Kiel is diagonally in front of Soleil, while Auro is diagonally in front of me. Faramia stands diagonally behind Soleil, and Orlando-kun is behind Grandfather Paorul, forming our little formation.
Below us on the stairs are the guards, and in the plaza, there’s a crowd of spectators, or rather, onlookers.
“Just a mediocre person relying on Spirits.”
The guards, who usually patrol, are charging in one after another, swords drawn without hesitation.
Since the Sword Master’s swordsmanship is on display, quite a number of people working at the castle have gathered around. Some are watching with pure excitement, while others seem to follow the movements with a sense of unease.
It’s a bit unsettling how the Changeling group, with their serious faces and plastered smiles, seems to be probing for methods of assassination.
“Honestly, if they charge in like that, this is how you should respond. A knife or two—hmm, hmm.”
Marlu nods in agreement.
It’s strange because the Changelings, who usually show indifference to things they find uninteresting, are lined up here.
“What do you think? Bartolone-sama is quite famous, and while I’m not well-versed in swords, he must be strong, right?”
“I mean, he’s taking them down one after another, so he must be strong.”
I respond to Soleil beside me.
By the way, I don’t know much about famous people. I’ve started to recognize some names among adventurers and merchants since I’ve been here long enough to hear about them.
It’s probably a matter of where you go; if I frequented the taverns at night, I might gather some rumors.
This Bartolone seems to be quite a celebrity south of Shulm. He doesn’t often show up in the skirmishes around Nakahara. Since he’s already somewhat well-known, he likely has plenty of opportunities to further his reputation without having to venture into particularly chaotic places.
He might be invited by a country to compete against their best fighters. Even if he loses to a knight or swordsman with a decent reputation, it wouldn’t tarnish his image; it would instead be an honor to have attracted such a talented individual. It’s a different story against someone unknown.
Bartolone’s swordplay is fast, and I think he has skill. However, my eyesight is sharp, and my physical abilities are lacking, so I can see everything clearly. Honestly, I feel like Dinoss and Karn are stronger, which makes me a bit uneasy.
Those two could probably keep up with the Sword Master’s speed and could overpower a slightly more skilled opponent with sheer strength. I might be a bit biased, but I genuinely believe they’re far stronger.
“With those movements, he’s more than sufficient. He’s not inferior to the knights around here. Well, as long as he has the name of a Sword Master.”
Auro’s words are sharp.
Bartolone came to this island, not because he was strongly invited, but because he lost his Spirit and can no longer move as he used to. He’s probably looking for a place to settle down.
“I heard that Bartolone-sama wields a rather unique Spirit Sword as his beloved sword…”
Grandfather Paorul speaks from the opposite side.
“He lost to a Hero in Shulm and had it taken from him.”
Kiel adds.
Come on, Kiel, can you please stop dropping bombshell remarks during the evaluation?
“How weak, utterly weak.”
That’s right, Bartolone is a bit annoying. He’s been muttering this every time he takes down an opponent. It’s not loud, but he talks a bit when he steps in, so it carries over to me.
After all the challengers have crossed swords, Bartolone stands before us, surrounded by a crowd.
“Weak, weak, weak!”
He shouts, his face flushed, with his sword drawn low in his right hand. Why is this old man so angry?
“Kill them, kill them! This is Assassination Island, isn’t it? Come at me!”
He bellows.
“What’s up with this guy? Is he a battle maniac?”
I can’t help but voice my honest confusion.
“Soleil, step back.”
Kiel, perhaps mindful of the public nature of this, adds an honorific to Soleil.
He takes half a step forward, exposing himself to Bartolone to shield Soleil. Faramia has somehow moved to the front. Grandfather Paorul steps back to create space, and Auro wears a smile.
“It seems he’s broken after losing to a Hero.”
“Thought he’d be a good deal, but maybe it was a mistake?”
Kiel and Soleil exchange remarks.
“Having lost his beloved sword and his Spirit, he probably came here hoping to be killed. What a nuisance.”
Auro comments.
“If he doesn’t come, we’ll go to him—”
He glares around, taking a step toward me.
The guards step forward. However, judging by what I saw during the sparring, they don’t seem capable of winning against him.
“This is such a hassle.”
And I really don’t want to have to fight the Changelings.
“My lord…”
Auro’s voice is slightly perplexed as I begin to descend the stairs.