2. Reason to Entrust
“…sigh. Going back to the topic, is it impossible for you to go by yourself after all?”
After we calmed down from messing about, we returned to the mountain cabin where we live, Grandfather took a seat in the living room and resumed the conversation.
The relatively slender but trained Grandfather slowly sat down and started talking.
“Hmm. It’s pathetic, but I don’t think this body will be able to endure the trip to the Royal Capital.”
It was three years ago, when I was still fourteen years old, that Grandfather hurt his back.
Even though Grandfather always spars with me every morning and no matter how much trained he is, he’s already in his 70’s. He can’t oppose against his incoming old age.
By the way, I never won in our spars. I wouldn’t think that he’s an old man with the level of his skills, and I’m terribly convinced now that I heard his t.i.tle as ‘Sword Saint’.
And I was so close to achieving victory just a little before he hurt his back… that doesn’t mean I’m a sore loser! I’m really not!
Because of that, Grandfather just looks over my form during swinging practice every morning, then after doing the house ch.o.r.es, I hunt the monsters who’re troubling the village at the foot of the mountain in order to gain live combat experience.
“Normally, I will personally go since it’s only reasonable, but I can’t move my body merely out of whim even though it’s for an old friend’s request. I may cause you great trouble with this matter but I don’t have anyone else who can take my place, either. I can lose my life easily even with my training.”
This matter concerns being involved in a power struggle, so there’s a possibility of my life being in danger.
Nevertheless, Grandfather isn’t worried at all. It’s not because he’s heartless but because he trusts my ability.
That is what I’ve read from his expression after being together for a long time, so I was happy.
“Also, you’ve said before that you want to travel. Well, this is different from a carefree trip and your first destination is set as the Royal Capital. I also want you to go out and see the world outside of these mountains.”
Certainly, as a former j.a.panese in my past life, I’m very interested to see the townscapes. I’ve live in the mountains ever since Grandfather picked me up. That’s why, I returned these words frankly.
“Hmm, I also want to see the tourist attractions and towns that I heared from your memories.”
Grandfather likes to reminisce the more he gets drunk. He’ll go on and on about stories like the extremely light footwork of the former King, travelling to several places, acting as escort when going to the borders for inspection and during diplomacy trips. But I never heard stories about Sword Saint so he must have deliberately avoided them.
Grandfather, I hate standing out. I’m sure that it would be lonely once I left this little nest, but I want to undertake this matter.
I want to meet my Grandfather’s trust in me, he also rarely asks for my help so this will be a great opportunity to repay him for raising me.
However, there’s still one problem left.
“I’m fine with going, but will the former King Spike-sama accept me to support his own granddaughter, Princess Lily? Even though I’m Sword Saint’s disciple, I lack persuasive power since I don’t have any achievements. Besides, isn’t it impossible for Grandfather to live alone in the mountains with the condition of your back?”
I said my agreement while expressing my doubts but it seems like he already prepared answers, Grandfather lightly nodded and said.
“I see, so you’re going? For now, that’s good to hear. I already planned for those problems. We’ll go down the mountains after you finish your preparations for the journey. I’ll meet the liaison first.”
… the liaison, could it be the person who brought the letter? They must have stayed in the village to wait for the answer.
Rather, he said preparations for the journey, why do I feel like I’ll depart any moment now!?
This development is too fast!!
I thought I won’t leave until a few days, I’m… I’m not mentally ready yet!!