Chapter 104
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ED: LonelyMatter
Chapter 104 – A New Season and a New Partner
“Well, that concludes our lesson on His Majesty the First. Thank you for your hard work. …Order.”
“Stand up. Salute!”
At Leonard’s command, everyone bowed to the teacher.
In the blink of an eye, winter pa.s.sed and spring arrived. And then came May, the season of beautiful greenery.
Ain was promoted to the highest grade at the Royal Kingsland Academy, achieving first place for six years in a row.
Three others did the same. Leonard, Butz and Roland… in other words, they were the usual members.
“Still, that’s a lot of cla.s.ses, don’t you think? Leonard?”
“Yeah. I can’t say it out loud, but it’s what they call ‘bonus."”
“Bonus?”
Today’s lesson was about the first king.
They had known this for a long time, and it was common knowledge of the students of this school. However, this was one of the so-called compulsory subjects in the school in Ishtalika.
They had to take a certain number of these cla.s.ses in order to graduate.
“Oh, that’s a bonus. In the case of our academy, it’s quite a complicated system, isn’t it? It’s hard to move up a grade. So all this “should know” stuff is postponed until the sixth year.”
“Hey, wait a minute… Does that mean I’ll have to come to cla.s.s more often?”
“Thanks for understanding so quickly, but that’s the way it is.”
If you missed a cla.s.s, you could make it up with make-up work. But in the end, you had to come to cla.s.s, and it’s not worth skipping.
By the way, if you don’t take this cla.s.s once in six years, you’ll have to take make-up cla.s.ses as well.
“Butz, but it’s easy, really. The test subjects come from this whole cla.s.s, you know?”
“Oh, come on, Ain… that’s for real? You don’t have to study for exams anymore?”
Ain opened his mouth and gave Butz a little advantage.
The sixth-year exam courses would mostly be whole cla.s.ses. This was also treated as a bonus, but there was a reason for it.
The exams for the first group of students in the sixth year were so difficult that it was almost like a war.
It was the sum total of all their experiences up to that point, and the subject matter of the exams is quite extensive.
The graduation exams were no longer meaningful, so subjects like this compulsory education were the subjects of the exams.
“So, let’s see… is that or His Majesty the First’s subject in the exam as well?”
“That’s right. Isn’t that good? You can swing a sword for all that self-study time.”
“Hey, hey, hey… Ain, are you a G.o.d? You’re too awesome!”
“No, I’m the Crown Prince.”
The two exchanged a few words, but since Sylvird and the board had decided on this test, Ain had nothing to do with it.
“That’s good for you, Butz! I’m just as happy to be able to tinker with my magical tools.”
Of the four, Roland was the first to get a job.
The sea dragon ship Leviathan. The evaluation of the ship during its construction was also taken into account, and he was eventually invited to join a national research inst.i.tute.
Maybe in a few years… Roland would also receive the t.i.tle of lower n.o.bility.
“Tomorrow we will have another lesson about His Majesty the First. Butz, you better make sure you attend your cla.s.ses, okay?”
“What are you talking about, Leonard? If I don’t understand something, I’ll just ask you!”
“D-do I still have to take care of you even though you’re a senior?”
Despite the dumbfounded look on his face, Leonard would certainly take care of Butz. Leonard was a man who said this with his mouth, but in the end, he was very good at taking care of people. He would teach Butz his studies, even if he complained about it.
“I think I’ll go home.”
Looking at his friends having a good time today, Ain muttered with a smile on his face.
…Anyway, today was the day he finally finished something he had been looking forward to for a long time.
＊＊＊
“Ain-sama. I was waiting for you.”
“Sorry, sorry, I just finished.”
After saying goodbye to his friends, Ain walked down the hallway and out of the school. The school was so s.p.a.cious that it took some time to get out of the building.
——She was waiting for him at the school gate. When she saw Ain, she smiled broadly.
“Let’s go then. I thought Mouton-dono was waiting for you.”
“That’s right. I’ll need you to accompany me today as well, Chris.”
“Yes! Leave it to me!”
Chris, who stood tall and straight, swung her golden hair gently today as well.
Since the day she became Ain’s personal bodyguard, Chris has always worn her hair down. The castle was abuzz with talk about what had caused this change of heart, but since it coincided with the day she became Ain’s personal bodyguard, the reason was easily revealed to everyone.
“Hey, Ain? You say h.e.l.lo to Chris-“san” but not to me?”
Krone had come with Chris to pick up Ain.
She looked at her master, who only cared about Chris, and gave him a sour look.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m back, Krone. I’m sorry you had to come all the way out here to pick me up.”
Normally, Krone would not come to pick him up. This was a guard’s job, after all, and there was no need for someone like Krone, who was on the protected side, to come out.
But today, due to circ.u.mstances, it was Krone, the a.s.sistant, and Chris, the bodyguard knight. The two of them had come together to pick him up.
“Oh, by the way, where’s Dill? Is he helping Lloyd-san again today?”
“Yes, that’s right. He should be working as an a.s.sistant marshal today as well.”
It was not that the position of a.s.sistant marshal never existed before.
But in recent years, the position has been left vacant because it was not used in Ishtalika. The appointment was made partly with an eye to the future, and to allow Dill to gain experience, he was given the job of a.s.sisting Lloyd.
Now that Chris worked exclusively for Ain, Dill could afford to take the time.
——Last fall. It was announced to the people that Chris was stepping down as Marshal.
The sudden announcement caused many questions and concerns among the people of the royal capital. When someone resigned as a marshal, there was no way not to explain the reason.
Therefore, the day after the announcement of Chris’ resignation, information iwa released that Chris will be Ain’s personal bodyguard.
Chris was seen escorting Ain to and from school. Many people in the country had seen this, and those who knew of their relationship could easily accept the information.
Even those who did not know about it heard the rumors that were circulating, and as a result, the matter did not become a major problem.
…So now Chris was in charge of the daily delivery and collection.
“So, Ain-sama. Shall we go?”
“Yes, I think so. I’m getting more and more excited. I’m looking forward to it.”
After waiting about half a year for this new “partner” to be ready, he could finally wield it, how could he not be excited?
“Fufu… It’s gradual, isn’t it? It starts in the morning, right?”
“I’m just saying I’m getting more excited.”
Krone laughed, and Chris caught on and smiled as well. The charming expressions on their faces made Ain look away for a moment. Since it wasn’t cool to look at them like that, he shook his head slightly to come to his senses.
——And Ain was on his way to today’s destination. To get to Mouton’s Blacksmith, Ain went to the train station in the Academy district.
＊＊＊
The Royal Capital was bustling today, with warm May weather and endless blue skies.
Trees had been planted along the main streets. All of them wore beautiful green leaves, adding vivid colors to the city.
It was still early in the evening, and the number of people on the street was expected to increase.
The last of many seafood from the port city of Magna. And direct trains from Ist and Baltic would also arrive. Then many people from Ishtalika, especially from the White Rose, would be scattered all over the royal capital.
The day Ain first came to Ishtalika.
Many years had pa.s.sed since that day, and the city was now filled with many more facilities, technology, and architecture compared to those days.
It was a testament to the prosperity of Ishtalika that it had continued to grow on many fronts.
——Ain, Krone and Chris arrived at the White Rose.
The three of them left the station as usual, attracting quite a bit of attention. It’s quieter than it used to be, but it’s also true that they were attracting a different kind of attention now.
When Ain went out, he usually had someone with him from the three people he had chosen.
First was Dill. Although he now has other duties besides guarding Ain, he still prioritized Ain’s protection and could often be seen working with Chris to guard him.
Next was Chris. Now that she was officially Ain’s bodyguard, she stood at his side as if it was a matter of course that she was next to him.
What has changed was her appearance. Chris’ appearance with her hair down stole the hearts of many men.
Finally, Krone. It was common knowledge that she was Ain’s a.s.sistant, so everyone knew her by now.
Hadn’t she grown physically closer to Ain with each pa.s.sing season? There was a quiet rumor about her. She was the only daughter of the August Trading Company, and her position had a lot to do with it.
The people of the Royal Capital were relieved to see Ain’s usual appearance.
“By the way, Krone-“san”? Has the shipment from the shipyard arrived yet?”
“Yes, I believe it has already arrived. If not, I will have my trading company bring it to you.”
The two of them have begun to address each other as “san.” As part of Ain’s entourage, Krone and Chris were also more open than before.
But Ain was more interested in the content of their conversation.
“Do you have any luggage?”
“Yes. We have a piece of a sea dragon’s bone for a test cut…”
“Wait… what are you doing? Such a valuable thing!”
“It’s okay. It is a piece that can not only be cut but also crushed. You can do whatever you want with it.”
The thing to get from Mouton. They went out of their way to prepare sea dragon material for the test cut.
That seemed like overkill, but if it had to be crushed anyway, then it’s probably okay. But Ain wondered if it was necessary to go that far.
“I understand Ain’s concern. But this is what Mouton-sama wants.”
“M-Mouton-san?”
“Actually, Chris-san and I went to see him around noon. It was just for a final check, you know? Oh… of course, I didn’t see the finished product, so don’t worry, okay?”
“…O-oh, I’m confused by the progress of the conversation without my knowledge.”
“Ain-sama. According to Mouton-dono, ‘If things go wrong, there will be all kinds of problems."”
It was easy to imagine Mouton saying this. However, if Ain were asked if he understood the meaning of these words, he would say with all his might, “NO!”
“No, I don’t know what it means anymore, but… I know it’s bad, it’s dangerous.”
That’s what he said. He must have made a very dangerous one. That’s probably why he even ordered the materials for sea dragons, which are also dangerous.
“Chris-san and I are the same way. We were also called ‘spoiled brats’ and ‘rambunctious brats.’ We didn’t know what it meant, did we?”
“…That doesn’t make sense, that’s too bad.”
Oops, I shouldn’t have done that. Ain’s tone changed… Because he was completely unaware, he held his mouth sternly.
…The three of them took a turn off the main road a bit and went to the road on the harbor side. At the end of the street was Mouton’s blacksmith’s shop, which should be recognizable once they arrived. What did Mouton mean by saying something so unfamiliar?
＊＊＊
The street was a bit behind the main road. However, the building was located on a large lot with an ocean view in front of it.
The area was so prestigious that there were n.o.ble houses nearby, and of course, the land price was quite expensive.
It was close to the castle and had good roads to the White Rose. It was also a place where the landscape was not bad. It was an ideal area with many conditions, and Mouton’s wishes were well met.
A facility dedicated to blacksmithing, packed with several furnaces. Next to it were the residences of Mouton and Ememe. By the way, they brought their beds into the forge, so they often slept there.
It was very Mouton-like, but it was questionable whether it was necessary to separate the buildings.
A huge monster bone that was taken all the way from the house. The following words are carved on it in large, bold letters.
Blacksmith Mouton No. 2. In fact, Ememe had secretly carved her name under the word Mouton.
——Ding, ding.
Chris rang the big bell on the door, signaling the two people who were inside.
Soon the door swund open as Ememe opened it from the inside.
“Welcome! We’ve been waiting for you!”
“h.e.l.lo, Ememe-san. May we come in?”
“Of course! Come in, come in! Master is waiting for you as well!”
After saying, “Sorry to disturb you,” Ain went into the blacksmith’s shop. Mouton, who was still waiting there at the large, new wooden table, looks up and addresses Ain with a satisfied expression on his face.
“I have been waiting for you, Your Highness! Come on, what are you doing, get your a.s.s over here!”
Mouton was the only person who had such an inappropriate att.i.tude towards Ain. But it’s okay with Mouton, and the people around him thought so too, because he’s such a pleasant person to be around.
“I just finished school. So, uh… is that it?”
It was a circular table made from a huge tree with beautiful annual rings.
A wooden box was placed near the center. Ain looked at it. The wooden box was about 1.2 meters wide and less than 10 centimeters thick.
The names Mouton and Ememe were engraved on the edge of the wooden box.
“Yes, that’s it! It was like a stubborn horse, and it took a lot of effort to get to this point. Although Ememe is also a stubborn horse, she is more… No, no, she’s just an idiot, sorry.”
The man was still spitting venom as usual, but this was probably because of the relationship between the two of them.
“That’s rude, Master! I’m not a horse, I’m a bird. I mean, I’m a harpy!”
If you called yourself a bird, there was no way to take care of it. Ain wanted to ask her if that was the point she was trying to make.
Of course, he didn’t question her, just laughed and looked at them both.
“Well, this idiot is fine. Just open it anyway, I’ve spent a lot of time on it. Nothing in my life as a blacksmith compares to it.”
Mouton’s eyes become kind as if watching over a child who stood alone.
It was the first time Ain had seen him with such a face. Furthermore, when he told Ain that it was the best work of his life, he even got a little nervous about opening the wooden box.
“U-um… I can open it, right?”
“Just open it! Maybe this guy is obedient to His Highness’s orders. He must have that kind of loyalty.”
When he heard the words “sword” and “loyalty,” he didn’t really get the idea.
However, he did not understand even if it was called a stubborn horse, but now Ain did not understand the meaning of the word.
“Look, Ain. Will you open it?”
“Ain-sama, I am sure he is also waiting for you.”
Krone and Chris. The two urged him to do so and Ain made up his mind. After swallowing hard, he opened the lid of the wooden box with all his might.
Inside the wooden box was a smooth cloth cover, and Ain was very grateful for the care and thought that had gone into it.
He gently took the lid off the wooden box, sighed, and placed his hand on the cloth. The soft, silky texture was comfortable, and its moderate sheen gave it a luxurious feel.
He grabbed the cloth and pulled it away, finally revealing the object.
“…You must be my new partner, right?”
A longsword with a blade length of about 90 cm, but with a slightly wider blade than an ordinary longsword.
The living armor, Marco. It was a fantastic piece of work that showed off the characteristics of its material well.
While the entire blade was finished in jet black, it had veined stripes like Marco’s. The only difference was that the veins were not reddish-black, but blue or green.
The handle was made of a luxurious sea dragon material, and there was no flaw in any part of the blade.
“Pick it up.”
Mouton said quietly to Ain while he gazed at the sight in a daze.
Ain obeyed without answering and took the sword in his hand. Of course, he felt the weight of the sword, but it was lighter than he had imagined, and the weight felt good.
When Ain took it in his hand, it glowed faintly, as if its stripes were being nourished, and then settled quietly like the light of a firefly.
“What that guy just showed was surely the loyalty of that guy. Whoever was this material must have been a very proud man… It’s not a weapon to be held by many others, it’s really only for His Highness’ exclusive use. Take good care of it.”
He held it in front of his chest and checked the blade from top to bottom. He gripped it a few times and checked the comfort of the hilt as well.
It was because the sea dragon was defeated by Ain that he obeyed Ain honestly. The feeling of the blade in his hand was so comfortable that it made him think so.
“It looks good on you, Ain.”
“Yes… you look gallant.”
The two complimented him, but he felt a little embarra.s.sed. However, the sword certainly fit Ain well.
The long sword suited Ain, who had grown taller and taller.
“Come here. I couldn’t get a good look at it myself, so let me take a look. Let’s make a test cut.”
Ain followed Mouton from the table and started walking, sword in hand.
At the back of the building was a path that led to the backyard, and Mouton headed there.