Chapter 78

"Alright, teacher, I'm off. See you later, Mui."

"Yeah, see you."

"..."

After thoroughly enjoying the sausages at the charcuterie, Sarena and I parted ways in front of the store. Although there were some initial hitches, it seemed that Sarena and Mui had managed to build a decent relationship, which was a relief.

Mui, as expected, has very few acquaintances outside. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say she has almost none.

Even if she makes a friend or two when she enters the academy, it will still be necessary for her to expand her world in the future, which means building connections and improving her communication skills.

In that sense, it's a big deal that Sarena and Mui got to know each other at this stage. It also means that they now have the option to rely on adventurers if something comes up. Of course, I hope nothing like that happens.

"Alright, are you heading home now, Mui?"

"…Yeah, nothing else to do…"

With a full stomach, I thought about what to do next.

I could go home and relax. After all, it is a day off.

However, my body, which has lived as a swordsman for decades, refuses to lie around and do nothing, even for a day.

"I'm going to drop by the knight's headquarters. Can you go home by yourself?"

"Don't underestimate me. I know the way."

So, I decided to drop by the knight's headquarters to say hello and do some practice swings while I'm there.

At my age, even a little lack of exercise quickly leads to unnecessary fat.

"What about dinner?"

"…I'll make something simple."

"Alright, I'm looking forward to it."

"…Hmph."

We could have gone out to eat, but it seems Mui will make something. She used to do some cooking practice when she lived with Lucy, and I'm happy to be her taste tester.

Calling it "bride training" might be a bit much, but improving her household skills is necessary for daily life.

I've done some cooking for fun, but since I grew up in a dojo, I don't have many memories of being in the kitchen. Even after coming to Balthrain, I mostly ate the provided meals.

Maybe I should practice too. If I'm cooking just for myself, it's fine, but if I'm cooking for Mui, I can't serve something too bad.

"See you later."

"..."

I pulled my thoughts away from dinner, said goodbye to Mui, and headed to the knight's headquarters.

The sun was directly overhead, and I enjoyed a walk under the bright sunlight. Hmm, it's a nice day today.

Incidentally, whether in Balthrain or my hometown of Bident Village, the climate in the Kingdom of Reberis is generally warm and mild throughout the year.

There's no clear distinction between the dry and rainy seasons. Of course, it gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter, but on average, it's quite comfortable. This is why agriculture and livestock farming have flourished. More harvests mean richer dining tables.

On the other hand, an environment that is comfortable for humans is also comfortable for other creatures.

Therefore, the Kingdom of Reberis has a relatively large number and variety of monsters. Even for someone like me, a minor sword instructor, there is enough demand for combat skills to keep me busy.

Well, it's a double-edged sword. I'd prefer a peaceful life, but since I make a living from swordsmanship, I can't afford to lose my source of income.

"Hey, good work as always."

"Ah, thank you, sir."

While thinking about these things, I arrived in front of the Reberio Knight's Headquarters.

I greeted the guard at the gate and slipped through.

After spending a considerable amount of time as a special instructor, I've become accustomed to the routine at the gate.

The guards seem to have memorized my face by now. They let me through without any questions.

By the way, there are mainly three organizations in Balthrain that have combat capabilities.

First is the Reberio Knights, the kingdom's largest military force based in the capital, Balthrain.

Second is the Mage Corps, led by Lucy, which, along with the knights, forms the kingdom's main fighting force.

The third is the Kingdom Guard, which is responsible for patrolling the city and maintaining security on the roads connecting the cities.

While they carry swords, they tend to be a bit older than the knights. I often see people around my age.

It's a job that retired knights often take. After all, it's hard to keep swinging a sword on the front lines for a long time, and there is age-related decline.

The Kingdom Guard is more focused on domestic issues compared to the Reberio Knights.

They handle minor crimes and maintain security on the roads. Unlike the knights, they don't engage in external activities like monster hunting or diplomatic missions.

The Kingdom Guard is larger in number than the Reberio Knights but is limited in terms of personnel. They aren't stationed everywhere in the kingdom. For example, there were none in Bident Village. It's true that a dedicated security force wasn't necessary there.

However, for a commoner like me, the Kingdom Guard is more involved in daily life than the knights or the mage corps. While the knights are well-known and respected, the guards are closer to the people.

Now, my relationship with the knights has become much stronger.

Adventurers are a different story. They aren't a state-affiliated organization.

Given that the envoy from Sphendyard Bania is coming, as Sarena mentioned, it's not hard to imagine that the knights will be involved in security and other tasks.

However, if it's just for VIP protection, it might be manageable, but for the entire city, there might not be enough knights. In that case, cooperation with the Kingdom Guard will be necessary. Whether the envoy's visit will be a festive or solemn occasion, I don't know.

"Oh, you're here."

Entering the headquarters and heading to the training ground, I saw the usual sight of knights practicing with wooden swords. They are all very dedicated. It's a pleasure to see such earnest dedication to martial arts.

"Ah, Beryl! Aren't you on a day off today?"

One of the knights noticed me and called out.

"Yeah, I just came to swing a sword a bit."

Approaching with a bright smile was Hembritz Drought, the deputy commander of the Reberio Knights. He's a capable and handsome man with brown skin and sharp eyes.

He's in his prime, good-looking, and has a good personality. He must be very popular with the opposite sex, but I haven't heard much about his personal life. Not that it's something I'd ask about.

"I see. Your sincere attitude towards the sword is something to learn from."

"Haha, you're exaggerating."

He reacts with what seems like an excessive response to my words. It's a bit uncomfortable to be admired so unconditionally. I just came to swing a sword a bit.

"…Ah, right. Hembritz."

"Yes, what is it?"

"By the way, I heard that the envoy from Sphendyard Bania is coming?"

Since I'm here, I might as well ask about something that's been on my mind. As a deputy commander, he should be aware of such matters.

"Ah, yes, it's that time of the year. As you said, the envoy from Sphendyard Bania comes every year around this time."

"Hmm."

It seems Sarena's information was correct.

"They will have an audience with the king and tour the city. We will be responsible for their security."

"I see."

It's certain that the knights will be involved in security. There's no reason to keep the kingdom's main military force idle when a foreign dignitary visits. It's also a matter of appearance.

Now, the question is how I will be involved.

"By the way, will I be involved in the security detail?"

I'd rather not.

"Well, since you are a special instructor and haven't received an official appointment…"

"Oh, right, that's true."

Indeed, while I hold the position of a special instructor, I'm essentially just a hired hand. I haven't received an official appointment, so I'm not a knight.

In terms of appearances, it might be inconvenient for the kingdom to put me in the spotlight. If that's the case, I can avoid formal events, which would be a relief.

"That will be up to the commander."

"It depends on Alyssia, huh…"

She might ignore appearances and push my involvement, given that she recommended me for the special instructor position. I can't let my guard down.

"By the way, where is Alyssia?"

I just realized she wasn't in the training ground.

"She had some business to attend to but should be back soon."

"Ah, Hembritz, I'm back. …Oh, teacher is here too?"

Turning at the sound of her voice, I saw the beautiful commander of the Reberio Knights, Alyssia Citrus.

She greeted Hembritz first, then reacted with a slightly surprised face and tone to my presence. After all, I wasn't planning to come today, so her surprise is understandable.

"Teacher, I believe you had a day off today."

"Nothing, I just thought I'd swing a sword a bit for exercise."

I answered her question with a smile.

Yes, I just came to swing a sword today. I was planning to do my usual routine and leave at a convenient time. I'm not in the mood to teach today, so I hope she understands. After all, I did request a day off.

"That's good. I had something to tell you."

"Hmm? What's up?"

Alyssia composed her expression and tone before speaking. It seems she has something to tell me, but what could it be?

It can't be related to the envoy's security, can it? I was just thinking about that with Hembritz.

"Teacher, are you aware that the envoy from Sphendyard Bania is coming soon?"

"…Yeah, I heard about it today."

Ugh, I have a bad feeling about this.

"Since you are the special instructor of the knights, I thought we should arrange an introduction."

Of course, that's what she's going to say. Please, spare me.

Would Alyssia let this opportunity pass? No way (rhetorical).

The second chapter of the webcomic will be released on the 26th, the release date of Dengeki G's Magazine November issue, not the 19th. Please wait a little longer.

And this is completely personal, but I'm getting vaccinated today. I'm scared of injections.