An Old Man from the Countryside Becomes a Swords Saint: I Was Just a Rural Sword Teacher, But My Successful Students Won't Leave Me Alone! Chapter 55

Published at 9th of August 2022 07:03:24 AM

“Okay, let's finish up here today,” I said.

“Yessir!” Kuruni said.

It's been a while since I met up with Kuruni. The day is getting higher and when it's time to start arcing toward the west, today's training ends.

It's the rhythm of life around here and the training time was the same as when I was teaching at the dojo in Bidden Village.

The Knight Order's HQ is basically open 24/7, but the main reason I keep this schedule is that I didn't want to disturb the pace of my life. At this age, it's hard to say if I can change my sleep time and awake time.

Wake up in the morning, move your body, then relax in the afternoon.

This rhythm is ingrained in me.

Of course, this wasn't the case if something irregular happens, but I don't think anything unexpected will pull me away. Miu's case really was an exception.

“Well then, I'll go change my clothes!” Kuruni said.

“Alright, alright, don't rush,” I said.

Kuruni had high tension in the middle of the training, but she's still coming down from that peak.

I don't think it's a good idea to follow an old man on his shopping trip, but if she thinks it's alright, it's alright. Rather than heading out alone, I can enjoy having a lively companion.

While Kuruni disappears to the changing room, I also ready myself to head out. That said, all I have to do is wipe off the sweat. Unlike women, men are always pretty comfortable.

“Now then…” I muttered.

Normally, Alexia comes out around this time, but it seems that won't be the case today.

She didn't participate in the morning training session, so maybe she's busy talking with people like Lucy.

It's annoying, but it's a topic that I can't help with even if I poke my head in. Information will get to me once it's possible to announce it.

So, I just think of that new sword that should be done already than worrying about it. No, rather, I'm looking forward to it.

“Sorry to have kept you waiitiiing~!” Kuruni said.

“No, it's fine, I wasn't waiting long,” I replied.

I was waiting a while in front of the Knight's HQ. As usual, I welcome Kuruni as she appears in easy-to-move-in clothes.

You know, since I came to the capital, Baltrain, I've got so much more opportunities to go out with women. Well, most of my companions were former disciples.

It's been a long time since I was kicked out of my father's house. However, is it better to take his order seriously? I don't think there's a woman out there who'll get the hots for such a boring old man.

Whatever. Right now, there's something more important than that. My dismal love life is a problem that can be dismissed as a trivial matter.

Now then, wasn't Valder's blacksmith in the Central District?

I only went there once last week, so the road is a little unfamiliar to me. From that perspective, I'm grateful Kuruni is coming with me, then I won't get lost.

“So what kind of sword is it?” Kuruni asked.

“What, indeed?” I replied. “It'll be a longsword, so I don't think it'll be that strange.

We chat as we walk.

It was Selena who ordered the forging job with Valder, but the item was to be longsword. Although I couldn't say that something ridiculous wouldn't be made, the materials were still the materials. I've never grasped anything other than a sword made from metal ores, so I'm wondering what's going to come out of the furnace, about 70% excited, 30% uneasy.

“I'm sure it'll look so cool!” Kuruni said.

“Hahaha. I'd like to ask for a sword that fits my stature,” I said.

What does make a cool longsword?

I don't want to swing a sword with useless decorations. It seems that Valder understood that.

“By the way, like my sword, I'd like to get a status update from you, Kuruni,” I said.

“Huh? From me?” she said.

“Come on, your zweihander,” I said.

Kuruni's business with Valder was switching from a shortsword to a zweihander, after he noticed the problem at his smithy.

It's only been a week or so, and I can see a lot of rough edges. But, still, I think she can handle it well. It's important that there's room for growth.

“Right!” Kuruni said. “I feel like it's coming along nicely.”

“That makes me glad,” I said.

I recommended the zweihander and I'd be a little hurt if I was told that it didn't fit her.

I thought about it before, but I haven't given her a graduation sword yet, so I'd like to train her again so she can earn one. It's a feeling similar to familial intimacy, though I don't have any children.

“We're heeereee!” Kuruni cried.

As we were chatting, I saw a familiar building just like that.

Oh yeah, the storefront looked like this. It's a little small but it's got a solid atmosphere.

“Excuse us, we're coming in,” I said.

“Excuse us, comin' in!” Kuruni said.

The two of us walk into the store together.

“Oh, if it isn't Master with Kuruni, too?” Valder said.

He was examining a sword on the counter, surrounded by a line-up of armor in that narrow space. As he sees us, he shows his teeth and laughs happily.

“I think it's about time for that sword I ordered to be finished,” I said.

Well, it was Selena, not me, who made the order. Now, I feel a little reluctant. No, I know it'll all have been for nothing if I don't claim it once it's done.

“Oh, that it is, let me get it,” Valder said. “I'm proud of this piece! Wait a minute, Master.”

“Oh, okay,” I replied.

However, before he heard me, Valder had already rushed to the other side of the counter. It looks like he was in a hurry. Hmm, I'm really looking forward to whatever made him so proud.

“… I should have talked about your zweihander first, Kuruni,” I said, making some small talk as we wait for Valder.

“Ahaha, I'm alright, you know,” Kuruni said as ruckus echoed from behind the counter.

Valder said he was going to get it, but it seems he's unusually enthusiastic about it. It was just my sword, after all.

As I feel sorry for Kuruni who should have only had some short business, a gigantic, muscular body launches up from below the counter.

“Now, Master!” Valder cried, thrusting the sword out in its scabbard. “Take it!”

Was this it? Is this my new sword? I'm getting nervous. It's a big event for me because I've never had a new sword in the last few years.

“Thank you,” I said, taking the sword from Valder and pulling it out from the scabbard.

It slid out without any resistance, as the light of day pouring into the store hit the blade, it shined a slight red.

I estimated the blade length was about 100 centimeters. In terms of overall size, it wasn't that different from the longsword I was using for so many years.

However, it is a little thinner than a conventional blade and it seems it can both slash and thrust without issue. Though it's rough, my first impression was that it was a fine-quality product.

“The blade is double-edged,” Valder explained, “and the core is made of Xeno Glaive's bones. The layers coating it is Elven Steel. The fuller is carved shallowly. It's a very flexible material.”

“Huh, elven steel,” I said.

It's an ore I've only heard the name of. I only know it was valuable.

The fuller, by the way, is the groove that runs along a sword's blade. It's said this will increase flexibility and the force of a slash. I don't really feel the difference as a user.

“It was literally a pain in the ass to carve down the bones of a Named, but it was fun!” Valder said.

“Oh, is that so? That's good to hear,” I said.

I wonder if shaving bones is fun. I wouldn't know.

Well, if I become a blacksmith, my way of thinking would change. For the moment, Valder is enjoying himself, so I'll leave it as a good thing.

The faint redness of the sword was probably due to elven steel.

Speaking of steel, I'm used to dull colors, so this auburn is really refreshing. It's not bright red, just a bit tinted, but it's also a high point that it doesn't stand out so much.

Yeah, it seems to be a pretty fashionable scabbard with a slender sword. I think it's a little much for an old man like myself.

“I used Xeno Glaive's skin for the grip and the scabbard,” Valder continued. “That hide was tough and unyielding. I used more elven steel for the guard and embedded the fangs in the center.”

“Hmm…”

The grip is a little unique to the touch, probably because it used Xeno Glaive leather. The feel is unusual, but it's not a bad sensation. It seems like I can make good swings with only moderate slipping.

Like the sword, the grip and scabbard are also red, symbolizing Xeno Glaive. Since the brim is also elven steel, I can expect some hardness. If it's a cheap item, the workmanship could be shoddy, but there's no way that Valder could do such poor work.

“–Yeah, I think it's a good sword,” I said.

When I swing it lightly, the tip of the sword glides through the air with the hum of wind.

I feel almost no air resistance with this sword, but I feel a certain weight, it's a professional weapon in a nutshell. I'm not a connoisseur, but I know it's a good deal.

In the end, if the material and the skill of the smith were both good, a good weapon will be born. It must have been obvious, but holding this professionally-made weapon in my hand, I feel a sense of tension and excitement.

“This is your sword, Master,” Valder said. “Don't hesitate to take it.”

“… Yeah, I'll do that,” I said.

It's not that Valder was trying to pressure me, but I think the feelings of reluctance I had disappeared with those words he spoke.

I see. Is this my sword? I'm looking forward to using you.

“It's a beautiful sword!” Kuruni cried as she admired the sword from the side.

“Hahaha, it may not look too good on an old man like me,” I said.

In the end, a reddish-hued sword is probably unusual. It's a little ridiculous and flashy for a boring old man like me.

“About the charge… is there any additional fee…?” I asked.

“Nah, Selena paid the full amount,” Valder said.

Just in case, I asked that question and got a great reply.

How much did it cost to get this sword forged? I don't want to think about it too much and I'm certain I shouldn't. Let's just accept the results.

Please don't ask me what it's like to be an older person.

Chapter end