Chapter: 480
_yuden’s_ face was quite bright as she talked about _luca_.
“Are you friends with the _perverted professor_? Seems like a weird pairing with your empty-headed self.”
“On the contrary! Being a fool is precisely why I could get along with him!”
Memories of the times spent with _luca_ seemed joyful, as _yuden_ immediately brought up the past. It was during her days as an adventurer before becoming a _sword saint_.
“He was good at teaching even back then. I received a lot of help from him.”
_yuden_ mentioned that she got plenty of advice from _luca_. His presence had helped her grow even more.
However, from my perspective, knowing the truth made her story sound completely different.
_luca_ had never truly tried to help _yuden_.
Jealous of her talent, he always aimed to knock her down a peg.
Yet, all of _luca’s_ schemes failed.
The talent that _yuden_ possessed, who would later become a _sword saint_, was something _luca_ at that time could never hope to match, and his plots only ended up nurturing her into a greater warrior.
All the efforts to pull her down had instead made her shine even brighter.
“I felt a tad disappointed when he said he was quitting adventuring to teach someone. It looked like he was just about to soar over the walls. But seeing him do well as a professor, I guess it was the right choice after all.”
Watching _yuden’s_ light laugh, I was convinced.
This person.
If anyone could truly make _luca_ face the music, it would be her.
If there’s someone who could smash the mask _luca_ wears, it’s definitely this person.
“Honestly, the bummer is that I haven’t seen him since he got busy with professor duties. Even when I became a _sword saint_, all I got was a congratulatory letter.”
“You want to meet him?”
“Of course! He’s one of the few genuinely decent folks I met while adventuring.”
Bringing up _luca’s_ antics to _yuden_ wouldn’t be too good.
When it comes down to it, she would trust whoever she considered a friend, even if I was just an arrogant brat having benefited from her.
So, I say nothing. I just let her eyes meet _luca’s_, hoping her true feelings would rub off on him.
Ah, just thinking about it is already fun. When _yuden_ expresses her heartfelt thanks, will _luca_ be able to keep a straight face?
“Ogre girl. You can’t do anything on your own, right? You must have loads of stuff you want to ask me!”
“Yes. Yes, that’s right.”
“So, here’s what I’m saying. There’s a complete idiot who’s a perfect match for you.”
As I hinted at my request and subtly turned my gaze toward _karia_, she continued talking naturally.
“I’m talking about _Lady Kent_. You’ve heard of her, right?”
“Oh! That person? I know her well. I’ve actually seen her swing a sword.”
“Really?”
“_Lady Kent_ participated actively in several competitions, right? I was dragged around by the previous _sword saint_ to all kinds of events back then.”
_yuden’s_ expression was subtle as she recalled _freya_, the _sword saint_.
I wondered why. Among her skills, her talent for the sword was outstanding, so why the strange face?
Is she worried about being overshadowed?
Probably not. She’s the type to think of giving up the _sword saint_ spot at the right moment.
Then what could it be? While I pondered, _yuden_ hesitantly continued.
“Perhaps _Lady Allen_ wants me to check out _Lady Kent’s_ sword skills?”
“Yep. That’s right. You seem sharper for an ogre girl.”
“I don’t know how she is now, but if _Lady Kent_ remains the same as I remember, having me by her side won’t change anything.”
This line sounds too familiar.
When progressing through _freya’s_ personal story, _yuden_ says that line just before she beats her up and then leaves.
Since I know how things unfold afterward, I couldn’t help but chuckle at _yuden’s_ frowning face.
“Looks like you’re not that eager to meet our fool of a father! You said you idolized him, but is that all?”
“Why are you suddenly saying that?”
“When I get back, I’ll have to tell stupid Papa all about the ogre girl. Sure, her sword skills are good, but that’s about it. Everything else—looks, brains, character—are lacking. Spending time with her is as fun as a beast!”
“Isn’t that fine? It’s fine!”
Seems like _yuden’s_ admiration for _benedict_ wasn’t entirely empty, as she surrendered to my threats.
Now, I could use this as an excuse to bring the _sword saint_ to the academy and help both _freya_ and _arthur_.
No matter what, her sword skills are among the best on the continent, so I hope those two can gain something beneficial.
“Ugh. Why is such a cheerful, upright knight stuck with a daughter like this…”
Watching _yuden_ sulk with lowered head made all sorts of bad comments bubble up inside me.
Did I really dislike _yuden_ this much before? I guess I felt indifferent. What’s with this suddenly annoying vibe?
If this keeps up, I feel like I’ll poke her until she explodes, so I sneaked a glance at the _perverted apostle_.
“You come along too.”
“Me too?”
“Yeah. There’s no way this beast can come alone.”
“Surely, the _sword saint_ isn’t that incompetent.”
“You pervert can’t take your eyes off girls’ thighs, yet you have lots to say. Just do what you’re told, trash.”
“…Thank you for the reward! Yes! I’ll do my best!”
*
In the arena of the _Tersha Empire_, remnants of a previous storm still linger in the streets where a girl had left them, adorned with jewelry that looked angelic.
Everyone said these were genuine creations from the _Arts Church_, but the quality of these ornaments left much to be desired compared to the church’s actual pieces.
“Tch.”
The blacksmith _inuki_ clicked his tongue while observing the fakes lined up on the street. Why do the trash here never change over time?
They have no intention of improving their skills, only a desire to make money somehow.
“Hey, old man! Come check this out! It’s jewelry made by the _Arts Church_! It’s a gem that shakes off misfortune and brings good luck!”
Hearing the vendor’s voice, _inuki_ tried to walk past without acknowledging it, but the vendor wouldn’t let him go that easily. The sturdy hands of the vendor grabbed _inuki’s_ shoulder.
“…Huh?”
The vendor realized something odd. The old man, looking smaller than he seemed, was sturdier than he had imagined, like an indestructible metal.
“What’s there to see?”
As _inuki_ turned, his stubborn eyes came into view.
The vendor suddenly sensed he had mistaken who to mess with but knew that wouldn’t erase the fact he had laid a hand on him.
“Hey, you. Is this jewelry really made by the _Arts Church_?”
“Yes? Yes, of course.”
“Shut your mouth. There’s no way that lunatic _prete_ would allow such trash to circulate.”
“What are you talking about? This is the real deal!”
“Tell me where I should begin pointing out the flaws. The materials? The appearance? The finishing? The artwork? Ugh, damn it. Not a single thing is right. If the goddess knew, she’d be furious, you jerk.”
“Geez, old man. Aren’t you being too harsh?”
Though the vendor realized _inuki’s_ words weren’t far off, he raised his voice even more.
Acknowledging flaws in the goods would sink his business. So he had to claim it was the old man’s judgment that was off.
“Maybe your eyes have gone bad!…”
“Do you want me to show you whether I’m getting old or not?”
Determined to throw a fuss, the vendor met _inuki’s_ eyes and found himself unable to speak. The primal fear overwhelming him left him speechless.
Watching this, _inuki_ clicked his tongue in disdain and grabbed one of the ornaments. The metal ornament crushed into pieces in his grip.
“Swindling is one thing, but don’t insult the gods, you jerk.”
“…Y-yes. Yes, old man.”
Throwing the crumpled ornament to the ground, _inuki_ stepped into the back alleys of _bardronel_.
“_inuki_ sir! You’re here!”
A man stepped forward from a shabby shop in the alley.
Having just finished his work as a blacksmith, the man was covered in sweat as _inuki_ scanned his appearance.
He walked up to the man and kicked his shins.
“Ouch?! Why? What did I do?”
“Not that you did anything wrong. I was just irritated seeing my lazy student’s smug face.”
“…I wasn’t feeling particularly smug, you know.”
“Hey! If your master says that’s how it is, you should accept it. You’ve just been left alone and got arrogant!”
The student, feeling a bead of cold sweat as he was made to confront reality, fidgeted his fingers and hurriedly raised his voice.
“B-but! A customer came by not long ago!”
“A customer?”
“Yes! It was _Lady Allen_ from the _Allen Family_. She said she wanted to make a commission with you!”
If it’s _Lady Allen_ from the _Allen Family_, is she that monster’s child? I heard she had won in the arena not long ago and had come looking for a proper blacksmith.
Well, she seems to have some skill, but I doubt she’s worthy enough for me to swing my hammer for.
I mean, I wouldn’t do it for my own kids, let alone for her.
“Why didn’t you just make an excuse and give her what you made? That hot-headed _lady_ wouldn’t have the discernment to distinguish between my work and yours.”
“No, sir. She knew my flaws.”
“…You’re serious?”
“How could I lie to you, sir?”
Oh? I thought the rumors were exaggerated due to her charming looks, but maybe there’s something more to it.
“What was _Lady Allen_ like to you?”
“A warrior with incredible talent who doesn’t rest on her laurels and continuously strives for growth.”
“Any evidence?”
“I thought that seeing the armor she wore would convince you. I’m sure you’d give the same assessment, sir.”
“Really? Alright, let’s take a look.”
The moment the permission was granted, the man dashed inside and brought out a small piece of armor.
It seemed to be quite a quality piece made for a young noble girl, and even _inuki_ couldn’t deny its quality.
Considering how rare it is to find someone who can make such fine armor for children, it’s clear the family put in serious effort. Yet, it seems the user wasn’t aware of that hard work.
Otherwise, there’s no way she could have let this armor get so messed up.
Staring at the various marks left on the armor, _inuki_ couldn’t help but smile.
“Looks like _Lady Allen_ is quite different from the rumors.”
“Yes. Indeed.”
“Perfect timing. I’ve been getting sick of this damn street.”
“Will you go meet her?”
“I plan to assess her after seeing her for myself.”
Although _inuki_ feigned a sarcastic tone, there was definitely a hint of satisfaction in his eyes as he gazed at the armor.
The traces of effort left on the armor were enough to soothe the old man’s cantankerous disposition.
