Chapter 13: Three Days in the Royal Capital④ (The Two from That Time)
Sena still struggled with crowds. However, compared to the time when she would tremble just from descending the mountain, her progress was remarkable. After finishing the performance, we were set to go out for a meal with a large group, but unfortunately, Eris did not join us this time.
“Eris isn’t coming?”
“I have preparations to attend to.”
“Preparations?”
“Yes, preparations.”
I could see the flames of determination burning in her eyes. Asking what for felt like an unnecessary intrusion.
“Do your best.”
After finishing the meal, I was patting Sena’s back as she patted her own belly, but as the scheduled time approached, I entrusted that role to Sensei and headed to my destination alone.
I stepped into the training grounds of the Royal Knights located within the Arcana Royal Castle. This was my intended destination.
“Hey, Ichiro.”
Waiting for me was Ragna Gladius, the Knight Commander and Eris’s father.
“Long time no see.”
“It has been a while. You’ve changed so much, truly. It’s like—”
He squinted at me as he spoke. Standing about two steps away from him was the gentle Sister Siesta.
“Holy Knight… have you been well?”
She was always a source of comfort for me, a person I respected deeply. Yet, for some reason, there was a shadow on her face.
“I’m doing well. How about you, Siesta?”
Siesta weakly shook her head at my words.
“I’ve heard about everything you’ve been through, Holy Knight. Unknowingly, we have cornered you…”
“It’s because of some strange skill of someone, right?”
“It’s not just a matter of skills. To corner someone who has risked their life for us… how grotesque that is.”
“That’s all in the past.”
“But—”
“Siesta, please don’t make that face. This issue is ultimately mine alone. No god or king can change that. It’s solely mine. So, if I say it’s fine, then it’s fine. Please, don’t look like that anymore.”
At my words, Siesta hid her eyes with her sleeve.
“When I was being cared for by the knights in this training ground, your smile helped me countless times. You look best when you smile. Please show me that smile again, like back then.”
As Siesta slowly pulled her sleeve away from her eyes, I saw her bright red gaze. Tears began to spill from her eyes, but she seemed to be desperately holding them back.
“I will never forget my sins. However… if you say that, then I will express my gratitude instead of an apology.”
With that, Siesta said,
“Holy Knight—no, Ichiro, thank you for working hard for us.”
She gave me those precious words and her smile.
“I’m glad I came here today and got to meet both of you.”
Upon hearing my words, Eris’s father showed a flustered expression.
“Wait, wait, wait! I also wanted to apologize to you. But Siesta said everything I wanted to say. So, let me say it again: I’m truly sorry for everything that happened. And thank you for all your hard work.”
Instead of bowing his head, he extended his hand.
“I have received both of your feelings.”
I firmly grasped his hand.
“By the way…”
After finishing our greetings and receiving words of appreciation, I asked,
“I’ve received your feelings, but that’s not the only reason you called me here, right?”
From the moment I stepped into the training ground, I had sensed the Sword Qi emanating from Eris’s father.
“That’s right. I really wanted to cross swords with you again after such a long time.”
He said, “Wait a moment,” and left the area, only to return almost immediately with a wooden sword in hand.
“Alright, let’s do this.”
As I took the wooden sword he handed me, he lunged at me. He was a master of the Sword Style Swordsmanship, the official sword technique used by the Arcana Kingdom Knights.
There was no holding back. His overwhelming speed, textbook-level technique, keen instincts, and precise judgment were all at their peak. It was a pure contest of swordsmanship without any enhancement of our physical abilities.
After exchanging several blows—clash!—I struck my wooden sword against his abdomen—bang!!
“Haah… the match is decided. You win. You’ve really gotten stronger.”
He knelt on the ground, holding his abdomen, announcing my victory.
“Are you two alright?”
Sister Siesta rushed over to us, concern etched on her face.
“Siesta, I took a bit too much damage. Could you heal me? After all, I have another match lined up today.”
Another match? A question mark floated in my mind, but before I could ponder further,
“Excuse me.”
A familiar voice echoed through the spacious training ground.
“Eris…”
When I turned around, there stood a girl with a dignified posture.
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And now for an announcement!
The comic adaptation of this work has recently released volumes one and two simultaneously!
You can enjoy the adorable dog-like Eris and the strikingly expressive Angelica!
If you’re interested, please be sure to check it out!