Volume 2 Chapter 59 Witness I
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Change: fox to Kitsune
”Then, I guess I’m Friend Number One.”
Serena said lightly with a leap.
”No, you’re not Number One. You’re Number Two. Manon is already Number One… though I haven’t spent the night yet.”
”I want to meet Her Excellency Maribel someday too. She’s the lord of East End, right? She must be a very accepting person.”
”Who knows… I don’t understand Manon’s thoughts, but maybe the steward and military head aren’t like that.”
”Hmm, the steward and military head, huh… I’ve just learned new terms. By the way, is Ms. Christy employed by the steward or the military head?”
”On paper, it’s Manon. But the steward decides the salary, and I guess the direct boss will be the Head Magician.”
”It’s complicated.”
Serena skillfully drew out the conversation from Christy.
Christy said some rude things here and there, but she didn’t seem particularly bothered.
Basically, Serena shows disgust for those who use lies and deceit, so she likely prefers straightforward people like Christy.
It seems okay to leave the two alone now.
”Well then, we’re stopping by the weapon shop on our way back.”
”Sure. Ms. Serena, how about a game of chess after your bath? I’m super strong at chess!”
”Really? But when it comes to a match, I won’t back down. I’ll accept your challenge.”
”That’s what I want to hear! Hehehe.”
Christy smiled like a perverted middle-aged lord exercising his first night rights.
However, Serena has a special ability that lets her understand the psychological state of others from their heartbeat.
Kian could only see a future where Christy would get beaten up badly.
’Kian, if you are looking for a suitable tin staff,’
(Ah, I’ll borrow your power.)
Kian silently took out his ‘glasses’ from his pocket and put them on.
The usual refreshing feeling effect his mind.
He felt like his mind improved dramatically.
Overwhelmed by the pleasure, he found himself aroused, yet Kian began his calm thinking.
(A good weapon shop should be… over there.)
Multiple red dots indicating the location of weapons.
They glowed like stars in the dark night sky.
”──”
’What’s wrong? Aren’t you going?’
(…No)
For a moment, Kian considered interrogating the ‘Glasses’ about the ‘Thorn Demon’, but he stopped himself.
He knew he’d just get brushed off again.
(It’s easy to doubt ‘Glasses’. But let’s try thinking about this differently.)
As Kian started walking, the image of the young blonde princess flashed through his mind.
Despite being half his age, she possessed a unique skill of trusting others.
What if he tried trusting ‘Glasses’ like she did?
(…’Glasses’…)
’What is it?’
(Where are the other ancient equipments buried? Or was the mirror the last one we found the other day?)
’There’s still plenty more. They’re scattered all over the place, it’d take a century to gather them all. None left near the fortress, though.’
(I see.)
Kian quickened his pace as he responded.
After their fortress adventure, he might need to confront ‘Glasses’ again.
He thought to himself.
(As much as I dislike it, I owe this guy. As long as she doesn’t harm me, I’m willing to help her achieve her true desire.)
It couldn’t be that ‘Glasses’ simply wanted to travel around.
Kian turned the corner and headed towards the bustling tavern to start buying supplies.
* * *
In the late hours of the night, Kian, who had been given access to the underground training room by Christy, sat on the soft turf, attaching the Magic-Draining Mirror to his bishop staff.
He had successfully purchased a staff that fit the mirror at the weapon shop he visited afterward.
It was expensive, but now wasn’t the time to be stingy with money.
After all, this made his main weapon usable while wearing ‘Glasses’.
”The basic rules are striking and thrusting with the bishop staff. The mirror surface will be covered with a leather cover when not in use.”
He said this as he held the finished product in his hand to see how it feels.
”When attending ceremonies or audiences with nobility, one must surrender their weapons, but this staff is likely to be considered more of a decorative accessory. Even in situations where I’d normally be unarmed, having the Magic-Draining Mirror──now the Magic-Draining Staff──with me opens up a whole new world of defensive options. This is a significant step forward.”
’Yes, with more connections to the nobles of the frontier, such occasions are bound to become more frequent.’
Kian stood up and sheathed the Magic-Draining Staff in the holder on his back.
When he stood in front of the mirror in the study, he could see the mirror part of the staff protruding from the hilt of the Windsong Blade.
It would make for a very distinctive silhouette, but among adventurers, many sport peculiar appearances, so he wouldn’t stand out.
(In the mirror, my figure is gradually fading.)
Kian squinted through his glasses.
Unless one looked closely, they might not notice, but his outline was indeed blurring, with his hair tips and chin becoming transparent.
At this rate, he might eventually become invisible to himself.
He need to find a solution before this affects his ability to get ready.
”Now, I finished my task earlier than expected. What should I do next?”
Kian muttered to himself as he watched a golem lumbering toward the herb garden, its footsteps making no sound.
Currently, he had Christy’s secret underground empire all to himself.
The time was approaching midnight.
He felt he should probably sleep, but with a training room, study, and even a bathroom at his disposal, he was tempted to play around a bit.
’So, there’s a sauna here, too, huh?’
”Yeah, it just needs magic power to generate steam. Very eco-friendly, no firewood required.”
Spending the night alternating between the sauna and a cold bath sounded quite enjoyable.
”I might as well get n*ked, then.”
’Huh?’
”──────Haah.”
He ripped off his shirt, then unbuckled his belt.
Once he removed his underwear, he was completely n*ked.
Kian stepped out into the herb garden, spreading his arms wide and taking a deep breath.
As he did, the feeling of becoming one with the surrounding greenery washed over him.
Putting on the ‘glasses’ brought a rush of relief, a sensation as refreshing as a brief moment of freedom.
Or rather, the thrill of this moment was even more exhilarating, knowing that if Christy or Serena came down from the toilet, it could spell trouble.
Kian swiftly raised his right hand.
Tengu and Kitsune instantly appeared, each holding a wooden sword.
”It’s time for self-reflection. Suuu…”
He channeled the power of nature.
Kian held the wooden sword, assuming a low stance.
Together with Tengu and Kitsune, who mirrored his pose, they began to review the basic forms of the ‘Azrael’s Dance Swordsmanship’ combat techniques.
”The essence of Dance Swordsmanship lies in ‘techniques’ and ‘forms’. Techniques involve ‘impact’ and ‘Leap’, utilizing magic power for static movements. By learning the basic forms of dynamic movements in combat, you can grasp the heart of Dance Swordsmanship.”
As a warm-up, they danced lightly.
The wooden sword gently tapped against his bare thighs.
First, they focused on ‘impact’.
”Come, let’s practice together.”
’……’
’──────’
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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