The journey from the Royal Capital to Roa takes about two weeks, closer than going to Koreana in Milbotts. This means I have a full two weeks to get acquainted with my 'friendly partner.' For the first few days, I focused entirely on discussing the setup of the distilleries.
After listening to him, it turns out Fittoa is truly one of the kingdom's largest food producers, including two types of wheat and barley. That explains why they have two stalks of wheat on their family crest. And now I finally understand the difference between a 'featured product' and a 'main product.'
And here I was, thinking people in Fittoa only grew perfume. Sometimes I think my ideas are really foolish. Maybe it's because the brain of a 7-year-old kid is affecting me? Definitely, I'm not stupid, definitely not.
Because Fittoa has an abundant source of raw materials, production will be much more economical, shipping costs will be cheaper, and we can cut costs by about 50% compared to the Royal Capital. I was quite surprised by this information. It seems that logistics in this world are either really poor, or the merchants are intentionally doing this to push their profits.
Come to think of it, even though there are large fields around the Royal Capital, it's still not enough for its population density.
In any case, I don't know how to solve a difficult problem like food transportation. It's a cheap, bulky commodity. If you don't raise the price during transport, it's clear people would rather transport other things.
Trains are out. Coal doesn't exist in Asura.
So it seems going to Fittoa, or specifically Roa, to open a distillery is the most logical choice.
I passed through many other large and small towns in this territory. Every village had a knight protecting it; sometimes, in towns, there would also be a mage for support. Philip explained that this is how the Asura Kingdom operates; each locality has its own professional security force to handle problems.
That's also why adventurers in Asura aren't very active, as most of the big quests are already handled by the professionals.
Philip also mentioned that my Uncle Paul is living in this Fittoa territory and is a knight protecting a village called Buena. Maybe I'll stop by for a visit in the future to see what it's like.
Other than that, I also got to meet a beer-making expert Philip introduced me to when we stopped at a small town on the western edge of Fittoa. He was really impressed with the Holy Water Saint Wine, and I have to admit, this man's beer isn't bad either. I'd say it's probably the best I've experienced in my 7 years of life in this world.
The beer master himself also gave me a few suggestions on aroma and taste. Specifically, using certain local Fittoa herbs to brew with the alcohol to create an attractive aroma, just like he does with his beer. I found them very reasonable and added them to my list of things to experiment with.
Philip told me he's not just opening one distillery in Roa but will set up in many different places, with Roa as the first development site. The reason is that he has ambitions to expand this product to many other territories, especially the northern region of the Central Continent, where the temperature is low year-round.
In cold lands, they'd definitely prefer high-alcohol-content liquor, so I found that logical. In the end, we spent a lot of time discussing plans for the next 10 years.
I don't want to admit it, Philip really is a man with vision and a worthy business partner.
After discussing and planning the distilleries, I started talking to Philip about my 'side quest' worth 70 gold coins.
"I don't think you're really serious about me 'educating' your daughter, are you?"
"I just used it as bait to get you to Roa," Philip admitted. "However, if you really are helpful, I don't mind paying in full."
So Philip really just wanted me to come and help with the alcohol. But then again, if it weren't for Master Reida threatening to cut off my hand, I would have just taken the 30 gold coins and run back to the Royal Capital. Now this is great. I have to do something I'm not good at, and I'll probably get beaten up by a gorilla for it.
"I have a question: why don't you just send Lady Eris to school?"
"Oh, I've tried. The result is that every school in Fittoa sent her back."
"Wow. What about the Royal Capital Academy?"
"Heh."
Philip didn't answer, just smiled meaningfully. It seems he's really at his wit's end. And I'm screwed.
"If you can't help with Eris, I won't blame you. Don't worry about it too much. If you're afraid my daughter will hit you, I'll rent a spacious mansion for you to live in comfortably."
"That would be more than wonderful!"
Finally, I've found someone to successfully latch onto.
"But about the content of 'educating' Lady Eris, the goal, as you said, is just to make her less fierce and able to act like a young lady, correct?"
"Yes, that's all I need." Philip nodded. "But if you want something more specific, I need her to be able to dance like a true noble at her 10th birthday party. I think you can do that, right?"
He said the same thing two years ago, didn't he? It turns out he really did want me to help him teach Lady Eris to dance, not just a casual invitation.
"I'll do my best."
"Mm." Philip smiled, satisfied. "But don't forget what your main job is."
"Yes, sir."
Though I don't know if he's talking about practicing the sword or making money, both are important.
After that, I sat and talked more about the fierce young lady's personality and tutoring situation.
In short, it seems there are two other tutors teaching Eris.
One is Ms. Edna Rayrune, the etiquette tutor, whom I will be assisting with dancing. I was quite surprised to hear her name because… the dance instructor at the Royal Capital Academy is also named Rayrune. After asking, Philip told me that the person I assist at the academy is Edna's daughter. That daughter had written a letter recommending me to Edna to support me while I was busy trying to pay off my debts.
And it was Edna who suggested Philip recruit me. She was even willing to take a pay cut to help Eris, but Philip said it wasn't necessary.
Hearing that, I have a pretty good impression of this Edna lady. A truly dedicated person. I think I'll get along with her.
As for her daughter, I think I forgot to say goodbye before I left. Sorry, ma'am. I'll send you a little commission after this is all over.
Next is the second tutor—the swordsmanship tutor—Black Wolf Sword King Ghislaine. I was told she is a Beast Folk, muscular, tall, and strong. As for her personality, in most cases, the Sword King is quite benign, loyal, and strong. Philip just told me to treat her normally. She is strong from the outside to her personality, so I have to mention it twice. This is not a mistake.
"She looks a bit scary, but she's actually very gentle."
Scary? Why would I be scared!? She's clearly my type! Muscular, strong, and tall. And she's a swordsman who always smells strongly of sweat! Roa is the paradise I've been looking for!
Muscular mommy, please wrap those firm legs around my neck!
…
The city of Roa was truly beyond my imagination.
In a good way, of course.
The reason is that its outer wall is about seven or eight meters high, and its thickness is probably just a little less than the Royal Capital's outer wall. The population here is also more crowded than I thought. Compared to Koreana in Milbotts, it's a clear winner.
Pilemon must be too busy with his petty affairs to develop his territory.
I'm not sure, but let's just assume that.
The carriage rolled past the checkpoint. At first, the soldier was about to check, but when he saw Lord Philip, he let us pass immediately. Based on how everyone reacted to my uncle, the people here probably have a good opinion of him.
Once inside, rows of stalls appeared. The sounds of greetings and sales pitches rang out through the streets. The houses were built close together, and it seemed like every one of them was some kind of shop. From fabric stores, and leather shoe shops to bakeries and blacksmiths, they had everything. Seeing this, I suddenly realized that in the past two years, I'd never once been to the market district in the Royal Capital. I'd always just had Ken buy things for me. But from what I've heard, the market in the Royal Capital is more complicated and dirtier than here.
After passing through the market, we reached a proper residential area. Here, the houses were bigger, and things like restaurants, inns, and the adventurer's guild also appeared. Even with just a quick glance, it seemed the number of people coming and going around the adventurer's guild branch was quite high. Some people were even wearing equipment that looked more high-end than the most advanced adventurers in the capital.
Curiously, I've added "visit the adventurer's guild" to my to-do list.
And at the very end of the road was another high wall, a castle within a city.
This must be the residence of Mayor Philip.
The carriage carrying Philip and me drove inside. Ken's carriage and the wine barrels followed behind.
Once inside, a butler appeared with a group of Beast Folk maids to help us transport the goods and luggage. Ken stayed outside to help them, while I and Philip, along with the butler named Thomas, went to the living room to talk.
"I hope my humble abode doesn't disappoint you," Philip said as he signaled for Thomas to prepare tea for me.
Even though I prefer things with alcohol, tea is fine.
"Compared to the Notos mansion, this place is worlds better."
"Hah," Philip chuckled, though I don't know why. "My apologies. I just suddenly thought that if you were to talk to my father, you two would get along very well."
"I look forward to that day, sir."
Philip's father must be Lord Sauros. To be honest, I don't want to meet him. I've heard he's scary and loud. And I hate loud. Luckily, I've also heard Sauros is a busy man; he must be off somewhere around Fittoa or in the Royal Capital.
"You don't have to look forward to it for long. My father will be here shortly."
"Huh?"
Before I could even digest what Philip just said, a rumbling sound echoed from the distance. At first, it sounded like thunder, but listening closely, it was more like a cheerful neighbor drilling into a wall, the sound echoing to your house.
*CRASH!*
The door to the guest room was suddenly thrown open. I froze with the teacup in my hand as I looked at the door. It was a tall, muscular man with brown hair that was more than half gray, looking to be in his fifties. However, based on his aura, I guessed this man was still very healthy.
"You're the brat who followed Paul's footsteps and ran away from home, aren't you!?"
With this tone, it must be Lord Sauros. Truly, his reputation precedes him: a loud and straightforward person. I snapped my fingers unconsciously.
After that, I quickly put down my teacup, placed one hand on my chest, and bowed my head slightly, performing the greeting ritual perfectly.
"Yes, that would be me, sir. It is an honor to meet the famous head of House Boreas. My name is Atur."
"Hmph!" Sauros slammed his staff on the floor violently. I thought I did something wrong until I heard him continue. "You know your manners! It seems that cowardly whelp Pilemon knows how to teach his son!"
"Thank you for your compliment, my lord. It is all thanks to my own efforts, not Pilemon's."
"Hmph!" I saw Sauros's thick eyebrows suddenly rise. "Normally, I don't like disobedient brats who defy their parents like you, but if it's Pilemon, I'll allow it!"
It seems the head of this family really hates Pilemon. Now I understand why Philip said I'd get along with Lord Sauros.
"Tomorrrow night, after I'm done with work I'll talk to you again. For now, rest! And Philip!" The loud patriarch turned to the man who was smiling calculatively. "Take good care of my guest. If he runs off, I'll hold you responsible!"
As soon as he finished, Sauros turned his back and left just as loudly. His every step created a booming sound, as if he wanted to test the durability of this mansion.
"Yes, Father," Philip replied, even though Sauros had long since disappeared.
After that, the mayor sat back down and smiled at me. "See? I told you, you and my father would get along."
"Yes, sir. Hehe."
I couldn't hide my joy and laughed out loud. This is the first time I've met a true Pilemon anti-fan. And a head of a great noble family, no less. I'll definitely be sticking close to him, hehe.
"As my father said, I've prepared a room for you and have already moved your belongings there. For dinner, please join my family."
"Yes. It would be my honor," I nodded.
"Good." Philip smiled again, then looked at the butler, who was standing in the corner. "Thomas, take Atur to his room to rest. Whatever he needs, see to it that he is treated well."
"Yes, Lord Philip."
And so, I was led by Thomas to my room.
The inside of this fortress-like mansion was truly spacious and full of amenities. After leaving the guest room, I passed through a large hall that looked like it was once where archers would defend the walls, now renovated into a normal hallway, even carpeted. The watchtower area had been converted into an observatory and storage. According to Thomas, it also holds weapons for Roa's local army.
Speaking of which, I suddenly remembered a bit about this city's history.
Roa was originally a defensive fortress on the front lines against the Demon Tribes during the war several hundred years ago. After the war ended, the people here turned it into a city. That explains why, from the outer wall design to the central fortress, everything was designed for defense against a major war, even though it's deep in Asura territory.
And yet, from what I've heard about this place, it's all been rather unflattering. Even the architecture professor who helped me with Tristina said Roa was a hodgepodge, unrefined city.
Maybe because people have lived in peace for too long, they've forgotten the true value of a fortress.
I feel a little bad for Roa, but what people think is also true. The worst thing I can imagine is when everyone suddenly values the fortress. Because by then, there must be some terrible disaster happening. Just like on Earth, there's that saying, 'Everyone wants the doctor to be unemployed.'
It took about five minutes from leaving the guest room to reach my room.
It was a spacious and airy room with five whole windows. The furniture inside was arranged very neatly and cleanly, and there was even a small bookshelf. The room had a faint, pleasant scent of wood and herbs that made me feel ecstatic and relaxed. It must be a famous perfume from the Fittoa region.
I was starting to feel that the decision to come to Roa was the right one.
"THOMAS! I TOLD YOU TO PREPARE MY AFTERNOON MEAL!"
Until I heard that shrill, loud voice pierce my eardrums.
Before I could even understand what was happening, Thomas—the unfortunate butler—was charged by something like a gorilla and was being brutally beaten right in front of my eyes.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Thomas tried to block, but was only hit harder. "I was on a task for Lord Philip-"
"Is 'sorry' all you've got!? You never get your work done right! And don't use my father as a shield! He's in the Royal Capital!"
Looking closely, that 'gorilla' seemed to be a young girl with long, matted red hair that looked nothing like a young lady's. Maybe just a year or two older than me. Based on this description and temperament, it must be the nightmare named Eris Boreas Greyrat.
I didn't expect her to be even crazier in person than the rumors.
Of course, I—who am probably the reason Thomas is being beaten—have to step in. And by 'step in,' I mean I used my left hand to grab the wooden sword Eris was using to hit the man.
"Hey, that's enough."
How cool was that? Straight out of a manga scene.
Even though my hand hurts like hell, I have to try to keep my cool face.
"Who the hell are you!!!?"
But before I could be cool for long, my eardrum was pierced again as the girl shrieked right into my ear.
"Who do you think you are, stopping me from teaching my servant a lesson!?"
"My name is Atur," I replied nonchalantly, not even bothering with a noble posture. "Your father invited me here to 'educate' you."
"'Educate'?" Eris frowned and swung her left fist. "Who do you think you are, talking to me like that-"
Before Eris could finish, I used 'Flow' to grab her arm, quickly snatched the sword, and threw her to the floor. My left arm pinned both of hers, and my knee was on the back of her neck. I've had this move used on me by Isolde a hundred times; it's pretty fun to use it on someone else, hehe.
"Not only using violence on someone weaker than you, but also on your father's guest. Truly uneducated."
"You… what did you say!? Ah!" Eris started to struggle. I just locked her arms tighter, making her cry out.
I don't think I used too much strength, but it must have really hurt.
"Apologize to Thomas, and I'll let you go."
"Apologize, my ass! Like I'd ever apologize—AH!"
"Apologize. Now. The more you struggle, the tighter I'll hold."
Eris started to flail like a shrimp. At this rate, I'll have this gorilla subdued soon.
"Ah! AAH! Ghislaine, save me!"
As soon as that name was shouted, I suddenly felt a massive killing intent from behind me. My instincts screamed at me to run, and I actually did. I jumped off Eris and got into a defensive stance with the unruly lady's wooden sword.
And standing tall in my doorway was a large figure, glaring at me with eyes that looked like they wanted to eat me alive.
When did she get there? My perception didn't detect her at all. Either she's incredibly fast, or she can hide her presence extremely well.
Now I suddenly remember a warning Philip gave me not long ago: "Don't use force on Eris. If you do, Ghislaine will kill you."
At the time, I thought he was joking, but this killing intent is definitely real. Just look at those glistening muscles. Even though I'd like to be choked by a muscular mommy, if it happens in this situation, I think I'll die.
"Ghislaine!" Eris sat up, immediately jumped up and hugged the Sword King's waist, her index finger pointing straight at me. "He bullied me! He stole my sword and then pinned me to the floor to do indecent things!"
"Don't you dare slander me, you gorilla! You're just a sore loser who cries for help!?" I immediately retorted.
"Wh-Who said I'm a sore loser!? It's because you attacked me by surprise that I couldn't react!"
"You were the one attacking me!"
"You clearly grabbed my sword!"
Eris was about to charge at me again, but Ghislaine was the one who held the red nightmare back. Contrary to my expectations, it seems Ghislaine had no intention of siding with Eris.
"You disarmed Lady Eris, kid?"
Her initial hostile gaze had changed to one of scrutiny.
"Y... Yeah."
I nodded, my hand still not relaxing. In fact, I tightened my defensive stance. I was about to say something more but decided against it. My survival instinct told me to shut up in front of this person.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Ghislaine didn't react much and just commented calmly. "This stance… Is it the Water God Style?"
"Water God Style?" Eris turned her head to ask. "You mean that sword school that only knows how to hide like a turtle in its shell?"
"Hey!"
Even if she's not wrong, it still pisses me off. This is like when you're close friends with someone; you can tease each other bluntly, but if some outsider bad-mouths your friend, you immediately have to beat them up. That's right. Except for Water God Style swordsmen, I won't accept anyone bad-mouthing it.
"At least I was trained and have a clear sword style. Unlike *someone* who just swings her sword around like a lunatic with no form at all."
Because of that, I had to attack back. With words, of course (I don't want the Sword King to break my neck).
"What did you say, you brat!?"
Eris tried to lunge again but was held back by Ghislaine. Instead, she just flailed her arms and legs, like a cat being held by the scruff of its neck. Even in that position, the unruly lady continued to declare. "I'm learning the Sword God Style, got it!? The strongest sword school! The fastest! The best defense is to kill your opponent, not just stand there like you!"
"Is that so?" Seeing that Eris was firmly held back, I stuck my tongue out and taunted her. "Then bring it on."
"Grr! Ghislaine! Let me go, I'll teach him a lesson!"
"You want a fight? Then why don't you pick up a sword, and we'll have a match to see which style is stronger?"
"Done!"
…
And so, instead of getting to jump on my bed and sleep like a normal person who just had a long journey, I was heading down to the training ground.
Unlike the Water God Style dojo in the Royal Capital, the training ground here is outdoors. Not even a single tree here; it's a literal empty plot of land, surrounded by a rope fence. In the corner of the yard was a weapon rack, but it only had wooden swords, no other weapons.
"I must remind you both that this is only a spar. So when one side yields or is unable to continue, the match will end. And I will have the right to stop the match at any time if things go too far. Understood?"
Hearing Ghislaine's explanation, both Eris and I shouted in unison: "Understood!"
Right after that, the gorilla glared at me, grinding her teeth.
"Who gave you permission to copy me?"
How can a person be this unreasonable?
I try my best to ignore her and prepare my stance.
"Ready. Begin!"
Oh. That's fast!
Speaking of basic speed, this girl is no joke. If I had to compare, she might be on par with Isolde when she's serious. Eris shot forward like a flash, immediately swinging her sword straight at my head.
I immediately moved. Just one step and a pivot. The slash not only missed, but I had easily moved right behind Eris.
*Thwack!*
I lightly tapped the red gorilla on the back with the sword and then casually stepped back into a defensive stance. At the same time, I didn't forget to put on my most provocative face.
"Heh. So this is all the Sword God Style has got? 'Offense is the best defense,' my ass."
"You… you…" Eris staggered a few steps, then spun around, pointing her sword at me. "Who told you to dodge!? Stand still and fight like a real warrior, you coward!"
"Real warrior or not, getting hit is still getting hit."
"Grr! Die, you bastard!"
Eris was immediately enraged by my taunt, her teeth grinding. She then charged, as if wanting to eat me alive.
*Swoosh!* *Swoosh!*
Her sword began to swing wildly. But they weren't exactly without pattern. At first glance, it looked like the frenzied attack of a child, but the way she swung and retracted the sword to set up a new blow was very scientific. They always created the fastest, cleanest, and most effective strikes possible. If she were an amateur, she couldn't attack this fast. However, I don't think this is a learned skill. The smell of 'instinct' coming from Eris is extremely strong, no different from the improvisation I used to use.
*Clack!* *Clack!* *Clack!*
Oh? She can attack almost as fast as my reflexes?
This instinct is formidable. If I weren't a Water God Style swordsman who has been forged by insanely strong opponents like Ken, Henry, and Isolde, I wouldn't be standing here calmly blocking this frenzied chain of attacks. I'd have been beaten stupid.
Should I use the Perfect Reverse?
I've already seen dozens of opportunities to use that skill, but unlike Isolde, if Eris gets hit with that, I'm afraid she'll break her arm, so I can't use it.
My purpose is to teach this girl a lesson, not to cripple her.
So I have to resort to the skill that Isolde taught me: 'Flow.'
*Clack!*
My sword gently touched the blade of Eris's sword, then slid across its entire length, breaking the brutal chain of attacks by pushing it to the side.
"Huh?"
Eris's body was thrown off balance by her own inertia. The furious red-haired girl tilted and fell to the ground, and I didn't even have to touch a hair on her head.
"My, my. You can't even stand properly and you want to be a swordsman?"
"Grr...!"
Eris quickly stood up. But before she could charge at me, I held up a hand. Maybe Eris herself was scared, not knowing what trick I was about to pull, and she froze, instinctively taking a step back.
"Hold on. I can't be hit, and you, my lady, refuse to give up. If we fight like this, I think we'll be here until tomorrow morning." I said, resting my sword on my shoulder, relaxing my body. "I have a rule: I don't hit women or children without a good reason. You, my lady, have the misfortune of being in *both* categories. And you're a few levels weaker than me, so I can't hit you."
Eris frowned, she didn't seem to understand what I was saying. Ghislaine, standing nearby, was also staring at me, as if to see what trick I was pulling. Even on the floor above, I could see Philip's shadow, looking quite amused.
Seeing that the important people were present, I revealed my hand.
"To put it simply, I need a reason to fight for real." I held up my index finger. "If I win, you will have to apologize to Thomas and to me for being a violent child. If I lose, you have the full right to decide whatever you want. How about it?"
"Not... fighting... for real?" It seems the only thing Eris heard was that one sentence. "You dare to look down on me!?"
Eris immediately charged and swung her sword again. This time I used 'Flow' with my bare hand, pushed her aside, and calmly explained.
"And what if I am?" I tilted my chin provocatively. "If you're afraid of losing, my lady, you can just ignore the wager. I promise I won't laugh. Ha ha!"
"Shut up! I'm not scared!"
"Then you'll take the bet?"
"It's a bet! I'll definitely hit you until you're crying and begging for mercy! After that, I'll make you my slave for life!"
And so Eris charged in to attack again. I also continued to block.
Good, the first step is a success.
The thing is, Philip told me that Eris has great respect for strong people. To her, weakness is the most despicable thing. This is evident in how she clings to Ghislaine and is willing to listen to the Sword King without any complaint.
Because of that, I had an idea: beat Eris in a match and make her respect me.
And of course, not a normal fight. If I hurt her without reason, God knows what Lord Sauros or Sword King Ghislaine will do. That's why I started acting from the moment we met, to set up this wager in front of at least one person Eris respects—Ghislaine. So that when something happens, that kid will have no way to deny it.
Even though she's a year older than me, Eris is probably the most childish kid I've met in my entire age group. And because of that, she's also the easiest to mold, if you use the right method. I will use this bet to give that raging red-haired girl a core memory she will never forget.
The first minute of the serious match, I used Flow to transform Eris's frenzied attacks into opportunities for counter-attacks. Each time, it was an unforgiving tap on her head. After each blow, Eris only got angrier and charged in even more recklessly.
And to make things more dramatic, of course, I didn't forget my typical lines.
"Is that all you've got?"
After ten minutes, I still hadn't been hit. Eris's sword had been knocked away eight times. I'd had more than ten chances to end it, but I decided to drag out the match.
And every time Eris dropped her sword, I didn't forget to remind her. "Pick it up." Before kicking the sword back to its owner.
Half an hour. Eris started to breathe heavily. Ghislaine had requested the match to end, but the young lady stubbornly charged on. Of course, with her stamina dropping and her mind getting hazy, this match only got easier for me.
"If you still won't give up, then don't blame me." And I start hitting her even harder.
Two hours. I was still standing firm. The sun was gradually setting. The young lady was on one knee, panting heavily. I didn't even need a defensive stance anymore and calmly walked over, looking down at Eris with a disappointed gaze.
"Get up."
"Ugh..."
Eris's body was trembling. Her once-proud predator's eyes were now nothing more than a cornered kitten's. Her bright red eyes were now full of tears.
"Waaaaaaaaaah!"
Then she threw her sword down and ran away. Crying her eyes out like a baby. If you ignore the fact that her strength is far beyond her age, she's still clearly just a kid.
"Sigh..." I let out a long breath.
Suddenly becoming the bad guy who bullies a kid feels a bit weird. However, this was necessary. As a child trained by the famous Sword King herself, Eris must be very confident in her swordsmanship. To then be beaten by a kid younger than her without him even getting hit... how could she not have a mental breakdown? But to change someone's nature, or more specifically, a child's, you have to use strong measures like this. What I had broken over the past two hours wasn't Eris's bones or flesh, but her pride.
And when that pride is broken, that's when a person will start to value reason.
While I was still contemplating my next move, Sword King Ghislaine had walked up right next to me, I don't know when. Seeing her this close, I realized just how short my current body is. I feel like Krillin standing next to Android 18- erm no, even like standing next to Cell.
"You're not going after her?" I asked, instinctively taking a step back.
"I will, but first answer me." Ghislaine's voice was strangely calm. I thought I'd get scolded. "What is your purpose?"
"Purpose?"
"If you just wanted to beat her, you could have ended it long ago. But you toyed with her for hours. And you intentionally provoked her. No one does that without a purpose."
She's sharp! And here I heard rumors that the Black Wolf Sword King was just a simple-minded person.
"Don't you think I was just enjoying the fun of beating someone else?"
"You didn't look like you were having any fun."
"Um..."
Was it that obvious?
To be honest, I really was a bit troubled. It's not because I mind hitting a girl. After all, training with Isolde for the past year has shown me that girls, if they're serious enough, can surpass men. So I never actually 'not hitting a girl' type of guy, it's all a talk. The problem is, I think I understand, to some extent, how Eris feels right now.
Specifically, that feeling of helplessness when facing a wall you can't overcome.
It reminds me of the times I was always chasing after Ken, Henry, and most recently, Isolde. And now, I've become a new wall for someone else and it sure makes me feel weird.
"To be honest with you, Ms. Ghislaine, I did have a plan to beat Lady Eris until she grew to hate swordsmanship and quit."
Hearing my confession, Ghislaine's eyes widened. She probably didn't expect me to be so blunt.
That was the truth. I originally planned to keep provoking and challenging Eris repeatedly until she got sick of it and quit swordsmanship, deciding to become a normal young lady. After all, in my 'mission' requirements, I just need to make Eris act like a true lady and be able to dance at her 10th birthday party. In other words, turn her into an obedient doll.
"However, thinking about the way Eris resolutely stood up to fight for so many hours, I was forced to change my plan. I think she should keep learning swordsmanship no matter what."
Ghislaine immediately relaxed. I think I just saved my own life.
However, what I said was also the truth.
I can guess what Philip's purpose is in wanting his daughter to be more docile. A gentle, well-mannered girl is always easier to marry off, especially since, if she's not scowling like a gorilla, Eris is quite cute. When she grows up, she'll probably have plenty of great nobles or even royalty pursuing her. A calculating man like Philip would certainly gain a lot of benefits. If I compare him to the Purplehorse family, he's not at that level, but he's not much better.
My own promise, thinking of Tristina, wouldn't allow me to let that happen.
So, Eris must continue to practice the sword!
She must be strong enough to decide her own future!
And, of course, she also has to know etiquette and how to dance. Because of my 70 gold coins!
That's why I'm throwing the original plan out the window.
"Ms. Ghislaine. Do you truly care for Eris?"
"That is a matter of course," Ghislaine replied immediately.
"Then, please do me a favor."
I took a deep breath to gather all of my courage.
I know what I'm about to say will make me regret it. But it has to be done.
"Tomorrow, please fight me."
This is the only way to get a happy ending for everyone.
…
NAME: "That One Red Gorilla"
OCCUPATION: Granddaughter of Fittoa's liege lord
PERSONALITY: Fierce
DOESN'T: Listen to what people say
READING/WRITING: Can write her own name
ARITHMETIC: Can add single digit numbers
MAGIC: No clue
FENCING: Sword God Style – Beginner-tier
ETIQUETTE: Can do the Boreas-style greeting
PEOPLE SHE LIKES: Grandfather, Ghislaine
PEOPLE SHE REALLY HATE: Atur