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 58

“Come on, what are you doing?” Lucy asked.

I was taken by the size and appearance of the mansion, I stayed behind at the gate as Lucy went in first.

“No, I’m sorry, your house is huge, isn’t it?

I’m curious about what she said about a guest, but that question will be answered soon. No point in asking it now.

And I wasn’t faking being surprised at the appearance of the mansion. First of all, I’ll give Lucy a compliment to lead into my house-hunting problem.

“Hmm-hmm, that it is,” Lucy said. “Well, I don’t use some of the rooms, though.”

She sounded happy to receive it but the words had a bit of a bitter smile.

Well, it is such a gigantic mansion. Between Lucy and Miu, even with servants, it’d be too much for them to handle.

“I’m looking for a house, by the way,” I said. “I need a medium between affordable price and convenient location but it’s hard.”

“The Central District only fetches high real estate prices, you know,” Lucy said.

It’s a natural answer to get back when I explain my situation a little.

I’m not sure how she thinks she can say that when she owns such a gigantic lot in the expensive Central District, but she is Head Magus of the Magic Division. She’s a high-ranking person and should be paid more than a fair salary. In short, it’s the difference between the top of the tree and someone down at the roots like me.

I’d like to have a decent house because I’ve decided to live in Baltrain full time, but it’s difficult for me to find a place with my current situation. However, I feel that it’s too much to want special treatment.

Everything is different from my standing as the master of a dojo, so I can’t make a general comparison, but I’m sure I’m making and have a good amount of money.

However, considering my always going to the Knight Order’s HQ, I’d like to settle in the Central District if possible. The Eastern District, the residential zone, isn’t bad but considering the convenience, it makes me hesitate.

Well, that is the main point for my current inn being somewhat convenient. It’s reasonably cheap and the location is close to my workplace. It’s also a high point that other businesses like bars are close by.

Because it’s so comfortable, I’m not sure if I want to leave that nest. There’s no question that living long-term at an inn is a bad look but it’s also fair to argue that this old man doesn’t have to worry about what others think.

Well, whatever. At least it’s not something to worry about now.

The first thing I should do is clarify what kind of business Lucy has for me.

“Well then, excuse me, I’m coming in,” I said.

“Yes, welcome, please don’t hesitate,” Lucy replied.

As we go through the niceties, the first thing that struck me is the spacious entrance.

Wow, the house is as big as it looks. It’s a little enviable, after all. I can see some furnishings, and in terms of size, my parents’ house back in Bidden wasn’t small, but the scale of urban houses is a bit different.

“Miss Lucy, welcome home,” a woman said as she pokes her head in through the back door.

“Halwi. I’ve returned,” Lucy said.

If I were asked to describe her appearance in one sentence, it would be a servant with a simple, well-rounded face. Although her wrinkles were a little noticeable, she has a dignity about her that’s been cultivated over many years.

Her glossy black hair was wrapped in a chignon. Her black-rimmed glasses give her clear black eyes a calmness that makes her feel her age or older.

“Berly, this is Halwi Shadee. She is my servant,” Lucy said.

“Umm… nice to meet you, I’m Beryl,” I said.

“It’s my pleasure, I am Halwi,” Halwi replied. “I’ve heard about you, Mr. Beryl.”

Apparently, this person is Ms. Halwi.

In terms of age, she’s the same age as me or a little older. If her outfit wasn’t a servant’s uniform, I could call her an elegant older lady.

For the moment, we exchanged greetings, and what I got back were elegant words and actions.

However, I’m certain she heard of me through Lucy. I was a little curious as to what they were discussing but I don’t think it’s a matter to dive into in detail here.

Come to think of it, I wonder why Miu isn’t here? I think she might be somewhere else in this house.

“Mr. Ibroix 1 is waiting for you,” Halwi said.

“All right,” Lucy said. “I’ll be right with them.”

I don’t recognize some of what Halwi is talking about.

Mr. Ibroix. Who on earth was that? Of course, it’s a name I’m completely unfamiliar with. Will I understand if I followed Lucy?

“Beryl, with me,” Lucy said. “Halwi, we won’t need tea.”

“Understood,” Halwi said.

Lucy gives her instructions and walks steadily. Should I just follow her? There are aspects where I don’t know what to do when in another person’s house. I think it’s correct to follow her, because she explicitly told me to.

Meanwhile, Halwi elegantly disappeared into a different door.

We pass through the front entrance and in front of another door.

It’s not a kitchen or would be a good place for a kitchen. I predicted this would be a drawing room or something like it. A rustic wooden door separates this from the others.

“I’m coming in,” Lucy said with a knock.

I follow Lucy inside. It turns out it is a drawing room, a table was in the center of the not-insignificant amount of space, a total of four chairs were lined up at its sides.

Three of them were vacant.

And Lucy’s earlier guest was sitting on the far left.

“It’s gotten late, Ms. Lucy. I’ve gotten tired of waiting.”

“Forgive me, Ibroix,” Lucy said.

The voice is a little tired but pleased.

The man named Ibroix is dressed in a robe that goes below his knees, he’s comfortably seated in his chair.

His hair is salt and pepper, black mixed with white. However, his elegantly trimmed hair is in a neat style and length. He’s older than me. The wrinkles on his forehead and his cheeks were never shallow. However, I didn’t feel any intimidation, and my first impression from his appearance and voice was that he was a mild-mannered man.

As you could guess, it’s a good impression. And I have to be just as cautious.

It’s rude to say that he’s a scary man but his soft smile gives off an aura that’s difficult to read.

Above all else, he’s the person that Lucy called me to meet. I knew he wasn’t just an old man.

“Is that him?” Ibroix asked.

“Yes, his name is Beryl,” Lucy said. “I can vouch for his skills.”

“… Umm, nice to meet you,” I said. “I’m Beryl Gardenant…”

Vouching for my what now? I’ve can only sense trouble from this.

I greet him for the moment and sit down next to Lucy.

She’s on my right side. Ibroix is in front of Lucy, across the table. The chair beside Ibroix remains vacant.

“Well then. I think there’s some confusion because of the suddenness of it all,” Ibroix said. “Let me introduce myself first.”

Well, I don’t care about how this conversation starts, and I can’t understand it because I don’t care about the situation in the first place, but I’ve been asked to come, so I won’t cause trouble. Even if the identity of the man before me is revealed, I feel there’s nothing wrong with getting involved with Lucy.

“Hahah, it would be helpful if you weren’t so wary,” Ibroix said.

Did my doubts appear on my face? Ibroix laughs and smiles at me.

It can’t be helped. If you’re suddenly brought into someone’s house and meet an old man you don’t know, I think you should feel some dissatisfaction and have some doubts. I’m not the kind of person who can unconditionally accept people I meet for the first time.

“Ahem,” Ibroix cleared his throat and adjusted his posture a bit.

Well, since I’ve already come this far, I can’t help but get rid of that resentment. Let’s hear him out for now.

“I am Ibroix Howlmann,” he said. “I am a Priest of the Suphine 2 Faith.”

Whoah, a priest, he said?

I’ve got a bad feeling about this. Can I go home?