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 17

17 - An Old Man From The Countryside Gets Tangled Up In Trouble

“… Fuahh…”

My brain wakes up when the sun shines through my window.

It’s just barely after dawn. I get up and look down at the street through the window, there’s almost no traffic below.

I’ve always been the early to bed, early to rise type, but I feel I’ve been getting laxer these past few years. Does this mean I’m getting older?

I get ready quickly and go from the inn’s 2nd floor to the lobby on the 1st floor.

Although I had described this inn as “cheap”, it’s still well built compared to the rural accommodations at a place like Bidden Village.

“Though, is it rude to compare them?” I muttered to myself as I went down the stairs.

Even if it was a rotten inn, it’s located in the Central District of the capital city Baltrain, so I guess it had to be better than that.

“Good morning, Mr. Gardenant,” the innkeeper said as they sat at the counter. “You’re always up early, aren’t you?”

“Yes, good morning,” I replied. “It’s just my nature.”

After having a quick meal, for the time being, I thought of taking a walk around the city while it’s still early in the morning. After walking around the streets with Kuruni and Thyssel the other day, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to get to know more of Baltrain.

Maybe I can meet someone interesting again.

“Well then, please enjoy your usual,” the innkeeper said.

“Yes, I will,” I said.

It’s been a while since I decided to use this inn as my base.

The owner here seems to have a firm grasp of my routine and the breakfast menu was prepared by this exchange alone.

It’s not bad. I feel like a regular customer.

Though, it is just an inn.

“–That was a treat,” I said.

I had just finished my breakfast, simple fare with delectable taste.

It’s a mundane meal of bread, bacon and eggs, a salad, and milk. But, as I said, because it was an inn in the capital city’s Central District, the quality and the taste of the ingredients matched.

“Well now, where do I want to go?”

I wouldn’t call myself eager to head out, but now that I’ve had breakfast I leave the inn.

Buildings with reasonable heights line up till the end of the street. Although this road is narrower than the main boulevards, the well-maintained cobblestone roads tell you it’s a magnificent city.

I wonder what to do and decide to take a look around the cityscape.

I’ve still got time before the Knights begin training.

“Hmm, the weather’s good today,” I say to myself. “The air’s good, too.”

If I take a few steps, I find a rugged alley.

Even if I were in the main streets of Baltrain, there wouldn’t be carriages running now as you can sparsely see people up and about.

“I wonder if this section of the city has been around for a long time,” I mutter to myself.

I haven’t gotten a good look till now, but none of the buildings seem to be new, the appearance of their facades implies the passage of time.

Since it’s called the Central District, it must have been the heart of Revelio Kingdom since ancient times. It’s inevitable that its territory expanded to the North, South, East, and West Districts as time passed.

“You there, Sir.”

I’m neither a folklorist nor a historian, so I don’t know much about it. However, a good way to take a break is to expand your mind to topics like this.

“Sir. Hey, wait a minute.”

It’s a good time, so let’s take a look at the Royal Castle of Revelis for the first time in a while.

The royal palace in my memory has become quite old, I may get deeply emotional looking at it now.

“Don’t you ignore me…!!”

“Woah?!” I cried.

I was surprised. Very surprised.

I thought I heard a voice a while ago, but I didn’t think they were trying to stop me. I look back in a hurry at whoever just shouted.

“Umm… did you need something, Little Missy?” I asked.

It was a girl about 10-years-old standing there.

Her lustrous blonde hair stretches down to her waist, it shines in the morning sun.

She’s a girl you could call healthy, her skin is clear and dazzling. Also, her clothes with the boldly exposed thighs and shoulders are something you’d never see in the countryside.

It’s easy to get distracted by the eccentricity, but the quality of the clothes was so high you could easily tell it at a glance. Her outfit, what you could call short, off-the-shoulder robes with fine embroidery in places, further enhances her cute appearance. I got such an impression.

“Who are you calling a Little Missy?!” she cried. “Honestly… Sir, you are Beryl Gardenant, are you not?”

“… I am, but what do you need?” I asked.

She seemed to hate being treated as a young girl but she looks like one, so it can’t be helped.

More than that, I’m surprised that such a young girl even knows my name.

“I am Lucy Diamond,” she said. “I am the Head of the Magic Division of Revelis Kingdom.”

“So your name’s Lucy, Little Missy,” I said.

“That’s why you should listen to me! And can you stop calling me that?!” Lucy yelled.

This young girl is the Head of the Magic Division? Hahaha, that’s a funny joke.

She looks gorgeous, but for her to claim she’s a mage, I’m sure she’s at the age when she wants to be someone like that. When I was little, I used to get into play sword fights with a friend of mine in the village using a wooden one-handed sword. Ahh, such nostalgic memories.

“Hmph, seems nothing I say will help,” Lucy said. “How about this?!”

“Hmm?” I asked. “… Woah, woah…?!”

As soon as I said that, the girl named Lucy waved one hand.

It seems like it’s child’s play, but flames burst from her palms.

The sudden massive flames burn the air.

Along with the sound of an explosion that scared me already, the surrounding area is illuminated by the flames and makes it all the brighter.

“Do you believe me now?” Lucy asked, calmly pointing her literally burning hand at me.

“Yes…?” I ask. “Uh, honestly…?”

Seriously? This kid is the Head of the Magic Division?

Speaking of them, they’re an institution under the direct control of the state, and Thyssel also belongs to them.

They’re one of the main forces that Revelis is quite proud of, a perfect match to the Knight Order of Revelio.

“… Well, I can tell you’re not the only one,” Lucy said.

“Hmm, right, right, right,” I said.

I couldn’t confirm her claims but for the moment, I knew that this girl before me was not just some kid.

“But that being said, I don’t think it’s good to pull out these tricks in the city,” I said.

“Uu… mmnn…” Lucy growled.

You can’t suddenly ignite flames in the city.

What would you do if the fire spread?

I don’t know if she wants me to recognize her strength, but as an old man you’d find anywhere, I can’t tolerate doing something so dangerous.

“So… uh, Ms. Lucy, would that be alright?” I asked. “Did you have any business with me?”

“Yes, I do.”

I don’t want to use “Little Missy” since she seems to hate it so much. I’m not trying to be humble about it, but I don’t want her to suddenly throw a tantrum and burn me.

After she kills the source of the burning flames in her right hand, Lucy seemed to remember what she was here for and told me:

“I’ve heard about you from Thyss. I’m going to ask you to lend me your time for a moment.”