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 81

“Kuaah…” I yawned.

I was in front of the Knights’ HQ. It was a while since the sun had risen from the east, and I was blankly watching the waves of people moving by unhurried. Thank you for your hard work, everyone.

It was two days after hearing the news about the Supheniardvania Delegation coming to Rebelis. I’m currently waiting to meet Alexia, who has a super busy schedule.

Anyway, it was a very early meeting. It’s supposed to just be going somewhere to fix my clothes situation, but I have a feeling that I’ll spend the whole day from this morning.

However, I don’t even know what kind of clothes to buy at what kind of store, so I have no choice but to rely on her.

I think it’s probably a pleasure to parade around the city with a beautiful woman like Alexia, but for me, as she’s a former disciple who I’ve been watching since she was relatively young, that kind of excitement doesn’t really spring up.

If anything, the pressure and gaze of walking side-by-side with the Knight-Captain of Rebelio is scarier.

Although I have been given a large title such as a Special Instructor, in essence, I’m a small-time citizen. It’s easier to go out with Kuruni or Miu. I don’t hate walking with Alexia, though.

“Master, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting,” Alexia said.

“Oh no, I’m wasn’t waiting long, I just get up early,” I said.

And while I was pondering things, a familiar silver-haired woman walked over from the other side of the road.

This is Alexia Citrus, the leader of the Knights of Rebelio.

But today, she’s not wearing the usual plate armor. There was nothing but a white cut-and-sew top and a long blue skirt.

Looking at this appearance alone, no one would think she was a Knight-Captain and a swordsman. To that extent, she has perfected her feminine beauty.

However, it was surprising that Alexia, who usually has a strong body line but was mostly masculine to neutral with her clothes, is wearing a skirt. Her ankles, slightly peeking out in the wind, looked quite shapely.

And as usual, the contrast with me who came to the meeting place in boring fashion is rather unbalanced. I think I’m a person who should never stand next to her and walk with her. I’m already full of regrets.

“I don’t see you in plain clothes often, but… I think you look good,” I said.

“Ah… thank you very much,” Alexia said.

Well, I think Alexia will look good no matter what she wore.

But if a woman has been dressed properly, the first thing a man should do is to praise her. It doesn’t matter whether the other person is a former disciple or whatever. Ah, I think. I don’t know.

“Well, let’s go,” Alexia said. “We’ll have to walk a little.”

“Yeah, that’s okay, I’ll leave it to you,” I said. “Is it within walking distance from the Central District?”

“Yes, it is,” Alexia said.

I thought we were going to the West District because we were going to a clothing store, but it seems that our destination is the Central District. Does that mean we won’t walk that far?

“So there are stores like that in the Central District,” I said. “There’s still plenty I don’t know.”

“It’s because Baltrain is a large city,” Alexia said.

Let’s make small talk walking from the Knights’ HQ.

As I said, it’s been a long time since I came to Baltrain, but I don’t have any regular walking routes through most of this district, and I don’t know any of the famous stores.

Although I’m sure this isn’t okay for an old man who decided to buy a house in the capital, I think I’ll be fine because I don’t have any other problems with my life. Maybe Miu is more familiar with the city’s layout.

Fortunately, or perhaps I should say by coincidence, I have a lot of acquaintances that I can rely on though I know so little, so that’s a big help. I am currently getting help from Alexia.

“I don’t think it’s a problem, but is work alright?” I asked.

“I’m not missing anything, because I haven’t had any urgent duties lately,” Alexia said.

“I see. That’s for the best,” I said.

As the Captain of the Knights, Alexia cannot overlook any urgent matters. So, to put it badly, the capital’s security is stabler than usual when Alexia has moderate amounts of free time.

It is useless if the nation’s strength is constantly busy. It seems that people living in Baltrain know about it, and the gazes cast on her were calm.

By the way, there are still many reasons why I’m not used to people looking at me. Well, I have no choice but to get used to it. It can’t be helped that my name is becoming famous to the people.

“By the way, what kind of clothes do you like?” Alexia asked.

“Hmm, I wasn’t too into fashion, you see…”

As we walk, Alexia tosses out questions.

I haven’t really thought about my taste in clothes. I’ve retired to the countryside for so long, so I haven’t made many choices regarding food, clothing, and shelter. I wasn’t wealthy, but I wasn’t living poorly.

“Speaking of fashion, I think clothes with plenty of room to move are good. Tight or heavy clothes are a little too much trouble,” I said.

“Understood,” Alexia said.

For this reason, there is a strong view that my taste is more like of a swordsman’s perspective than what I like.

The essence of this job should be escort detail, even though it’s for top executives from other countries going on a city tour. If possible, I would like you to cross out clothes that hinder movement. I’m not the type to wear tight-fitting armor, and if possible, clothes that are easy to move in are good.

Can my hope be fulfilled? Alexia nodded, but this is all because of the surrounding atmosphere and social obligations. If it’s just my tastes, I don’t need to do this kind of shopping.

“Then, let’s go to this store first,” Alexia said.

“Yeah, please take it easy on me,” I said.

How long have we been walking while talking?

We arrived at a street lined with fashionable shops that were not overwhelming but had a strong presence.

As I can now see, the stores here at Baltrain’s Central District were a cut above the rest. I don’t think I belong here, but is it okay?

“Welcome, customer… oh, it’s you, Lady Citrus.”

“I’m coming in,” Alexia said. “We’ll take a look at your selection.””

Alexia enters the store with the usual greetings, leaving me behind outside the front door. I hurriedly followed after her.

As we look around the store, I watch Alexia being greeted by a nice-natured boy.

There are various high-class clothes, but I don’t know their names and prices. However, if I had to say only by appearance, my first impression I had was that they seemed to be a little much and difficult to move in.

“There’s all manner of things on sale, huh?” I asked.

“Yes,” the male clerk said. “Please tell me if there is something that catches your eye.”

You could say I’m anxious. I can’t trust my senses, and I feel that it’s best to just leave it to Alexia.

“Master. How about this?” Alexia asked, bringing out the first outfit.

“Yeah? Which one… huh…?”

In addition to the fit being so form-fitting, it seems to be bursting at the seams, the collar is standing up, and it’s also got magnificent decorations. I wonder if the fabric is velvet, I can see it’s a fine and luxurious material.

What is this? Do I have to wear this? It’s a bit of a problem, there’s all manner of issues.

“It’s a doublet. Don’t you like it?” Alexia asked.

“No, it’s a bit… I think it’s flashy,” I said.

This may have to be rejected. I have a slight headache when I think of what kind of clothes I would wear if I left them to Alexia.

No, I know she’s not doing it maliciously either.

Still, this is a bit much, how should I say it, there’s some sort of je ne sais quoi 1. An elegant but boring look for a boring old man.

“I think it suits you,” the male clerk said with a smile.

Well, from his point of view, it’s his job to sell, so I don’t think he’ll use anything other than the phrase “I think it suits you.”, but I think it does not.

“Hmm… let’s look around more… hahaha,” I said nervously.

“I see…” Alexia said, a bit bothered.

However, it is difficult for me to use the word “I don’t like it.” upfront. So I decided to avoid the doublet by making it a bit vague.

I’m sorry. But I think it’s too flashy.

But what about all these clothes worn by aristocrats and top executes? As I can see, it’s gorgeous and luxurious, so it’s a little heavy for this old man.

I haven’t had a chance to interact with such people so far, so I don’t really understand the standards. Alexia and Henblitz’s formal wear would be their armor.

“… Hmm? Isn’t this fine?” I asked.

Then, as I was looking around the store to see what was up: I can see one set of clothes.

A jacket with a calm color based on black. Is the length up to the waist? It feels like the chest is a little open, but the brown embroidery is a nice accent.

I don’t think it suits me much, but it caught my eye more than the other clothes.

It’s not flashy, but it’s calm. It was a bit more to my tastes, at least compared to the doublet that Alexia brought.

“Hmm… I think it’s a little plain…” Alexia said.

“No, this is good, I like this,” I said.

I’m not used to dressing up in the first place. So, I think I’d like something like this, with an emphasis on cleanliness and a moderate sense of luxury.

“Understood. Can you reserve this for now?” Alexia said to the clerk.

“Right away,” the clerk said.

I guess “reserve” means we aren’t buying it just yet. I think it’s an okay decision, but from her point of view, it seems that it isn’t a done deal yet.

“Let’s come back later. Master, let’s take a look around at other shops,” Alexia said.

“Ah, sure,” I said.

Apparently, she didn’t see what she was looking for here, or Alexia wanted to look at another store. No, even if I bought the doublet recommended earlier, this old man would be in trouble.

“Hmm, hm-hm-hm… I’ll never forget today–” Alexia started.

“Hmm? Did you say something?” I asked.

“No, nothing,” Alexia said.

Whatever she said disappears in the wind under the clear sky.

After that, we went to around six shops plus lunch and got recommended 16 kinds of clothes.

So, in the end, it was the jacket of the first store that I decided to get. Alexia did her best and I felt sorry for her, but she seemed to be satisfied, so I didn’t bother too much.