Chapter 86

"Good afternoon, Sensei~"

With today’s training session over, all that was left was to head home. As I pondered whether to go straight home or stop by a restaurant, I was called out by a woman as I passed through the main gate of the hall.

"…Rosé? What’s up?"

It turned out to be Rosé, whom I had just bid farewell to a while ago. Unlike the full plate armor she wore the first time we met, she was now dressed in a thin cardigan and a long skirt, a casual outfit if there ever was one.

"Hehe, I came because I wanted to see you, Sensei."

"Ah, I see… I get it."

She said her purpose was to see me. Hmm, I don’t really have any plans, and as long as it’s not too late, Mui won’t complain.

"So, what’s up?"

"No, not really~"

"Huh?"

I was ready to listen if she had something to say, but she ended up saying she had no particular business.

Then why did you come? I’m not that bored… well, now that today’s training is over, I am pretty free. All I had left to do was go home, eat, and sleep.

"How about we catch up? And while we’re at it, it would be great if you could show me around the city~"

"Alright, alright. Just for a little while, though."

The first part is fine, but I’m not very confident about the second. I’m not that familiar with the geography to be able to guide her around the city.

Still, I’m probably more familiar than Rosé, who is a knight from another country.

Since standing here wasn’t going to get us anywhere, we started walking. Without a word, Rosé fell into step beside me.

"Still, it’s been a while. How have you been?"

"Yep~ I’ve been doing alright~"

Walking in silence felt a bit awkward, so I decided to catch up and start a conversation. Rosé is indeed beautiful, but unlike Alyssia or Sarena, she has virtually no fame in the Reberis Kingdom, so it’s nice that we don’t attract much attention. Still, the situation of a middle-aged man walking with a younger, beautiful woman doesn’t change much.

"I was surprised too~. I didn’t expect to find you here."

"Hehe, well, a lot has happened…."

A lot has indeed happened. It’s a bit complicated to explain in a few words.

Well, if I had to sum it up in one sentence, I could say that Alyssia recommended me for this special instructor role without much explanation. But for some reason, I hesitated to say it outright. Maybe it was my pride as an older man showing through.

"So, when did you join the Church Knights?"

"Right after I left your tutelage~. They started saying it was about time I served my country with my sword."

"Hehe, was that Gatoga?"

"That’s right~. I wanted to take it easy and travel, though~"

Rosé continued with a slight, troubled smile. Well, she’s definitely different from Alyssia or Hembritz, who are more of the type to step up for their country when needed.

I’m not saying her character is careless or anything. She’s sincere about her sword and the Sphen faith. It’s just that, from my perspective, she’s not as suited for the role of a knight. In my mind, Alyssia is the epitome of a knight, so I can’t help but notice the difference.

"Still, it’s a valuable experience."

"Mr. Sensei, you’re treating it like it’s someone else’s business~"

"I’ve taken on this role too, so it’s not just someone else’s business."

While I haven’t officially been knighted, being a special instructor for the Reberio Knights is not a civilian position. With a royal seal on my appointment, there will be times when I can’t just be an ordinary middle-aged man. I never thought I’d be stepping into a new world at this age, but time doesn’t stop or rewind, so I have to face it head-on. Besides, I’m not that unhappy about it, even if I haven’t fully accepted it yet.

"Learning the sword from you and praying to the Sphen God… those were the best times~"

"Really? That’s great to hear."

I’ve had many disciples learn the sword at my dojo. Despite its rural location, it was quite successful. Still, not everyone stuck with it. Some stopped coming, and others couldn’t continue due to moves or other circumstances. If I were to ask if everyone was satisfied with their time at my dojo, I’d have my doubts. In that sense, it’s a great relief to hear someone say they enjoyed it.

"But to become a deputy commander, that’s quite a promotion, isn’t it?"

"I just took over the position~"

It feels like more and more of my disciples are becoming big shots. I didn’t expect to have important figures even outside the Reberis Kingdom.

"…Really, I’m surprised."

"…Rosé?"

"No, it’s nothing~"

Rosé suddenly let out a wistful smile. Hmm, I’m surprised by my current situation too, so I can understand why one of my disciples would be moved by it.

"By the way, how’s Mordia doing~?"

"Ah, he’s the same as always. He’s been having some back pain lately, though."

"Oh dear~. Is he getting on in years?"

"Seems so. He’s actually quite old for his age."

Without a specific destination, we wandered the streets of Bartlane, exchanging casual conversation.

Unlike Alyssia’s formal demeanor or Sarena’s grandeur, Rosé doesn’t have the exuberance of Kurni or the quietness of Fissel. Her natural personality creates a perfect balance of comfort. The conversation is not intrusive but always engaging, which is quite pleasant.

"…This is a nice city."

"Huh? You think so? I don’t think it’s bad either."

Rosé commented as we paused in our conversation and she took in the scenery. Indeed, Bartlane is a nice city. It’s lively, and despite the large population, the security is good. The city’s convenience and livability are well-balanced, making it a great place.

"Hehe, I might want to move here."

"Hey, you have your own duties, you know."

"Hehe~"

Her playful demeanor might seem out of place for her age, but it’s part of her character. The closeness she has with people, different from Kurni’s, is what makes her who she is.

"Sensei~"

"Hmm? What’s up?"

We had wandered aimlessly and ended up quite far from the knight hall. In the slightly quieter streets of central Bartlane, with fewer people and lower buildings, Rosé bent down slightly and looked up at me.

"If I move here, please take me in~"

"That would be quite a big stray, wouldn’t it?"

If I were to live with Rosé, Mui would probably be quick to get used to her, which is a bit scary. Rosé has a special talent with children, making even the most stubborn kids submit to her. She was well-liked by the young students at the dojo.

"Hehe, well, I’ll take my leave here~"

"Ah, it was good to catch up."

"Yep~ It was good for me too~"

We didn’t really show her around Bartlane; we just walked and talked. But from her expression, it seemed she was satisfied. It wasn’t a bad time, which is a relief.

"Thank you, Sensei. Have a good day~"

"Sure, you too."

The next time I see Rosé will probably be during the first prince of Sphenyardvania’s visit. Since we’ll both be there for work, it’s unlikely we’ll have a chance to chat privately like this. In that sense, it was good to have this conversation today.

"Well… time to head home."

After parting ways with Rosé, I looked at the sun, which was starting to set. It was a bit early to go home, but it was too late to stop by anywhere. I decided to go home and prepare dinner with Mui.

Thinking about what to cook and maybe stopping by the west district to buy ingredients, I continued my walk through the streets of Bartlane.