Published at 26th of November 2020 01:48:08 PM
Chapter 53
The floor of the training ground is made out of dirt, but as many adventurers had repeatedly walked on this training ground over the years, it felt sturdy and solid when they stood on it .
Belgriff tested the feel of the ground with the sole of his left foot several times, and then gripped the hilt of the sword at his waist .
He remembered using the teaching grounds here a few times before back when he was in active service . For a modest fee, they could teach you the basics of adventure and battle .
When he was just starting out, he remembered desperately trying to learn skills and tricks to make ends meet . Now, he doesn’t know if that helped him or not . Still, he thought he worked hard at that time .
He wondered if he felt the same way as he did before when he was younger when he was taking Graham’s lessons at Tornella . At least he thought he tried his best .
「I thought I had calmed down a bit as I got older」 Belgriff chuckled and closed his eyes .
He breathed in slowly and let it out slowly .
As he inhaled, he sucked the energy of the earth from the soles of his feet . When he exhaled, he let the energy of the sky steadily come down from the top of his head .
Each time he did that, magic power swirled inside his body and he felt as if there was blood flowing through his right prosthetic leg, which was supposed to be inorganic .
Chebolg, who stood across from him, had an amused look on his face .
「Hey, hey, your sword qi is visibly rising! It’s amazing! 」
「Hahaha」Chebolg laughed and clapped his fists together in front of his body .
With a bang, his magic power exploded and spread throughout the training grounds . Dust danced in the air and the onlookers gathered around them for the exciting battle about to unfold .
Belgriff felt a shiver run down his spine .
It wasn’t fear . It was the joy of meeting a powerful opponent .
He thought he had mellowed out when he returned to Tornella, but he can still feel this kind of joy otherwise .
「I’m not sure if i’m to be thankful or not…… 」
Belgriff chuckled and drew his sword . The used and sharply honed steel sword tip seemed to flicker thinly .
Dortos nodded and raised his spear .
「Are you ready? 」
「Yes, I’m ready! 」
「Anytime . 」
Dortos quickly swung his spear down .
At the same time, Chebolg kicked the ground . He closed the distance between them with fierce momentum that seemed like an explosion .
「Take a look at this! 」
Chebolg unleashed his fist like a cannonball . It pierced the air, moving so quickly that it produced a booming sound .
Belgriff quickly raised his sword to meet it .
He stepped forward with his right foot and placed his left foot firmly on the ground . The sword and fist clashed with each other . The magical power of both sides collided and gushed out .
Belgriff connected a single line of magic power from the tip of his sword to his left toe . The impact of Chebolg’s fist was channeled by his magic power, finally escaping from the soles of his feet to the ground .
The floor of the training ground shook loudly . The crowd throbbed .
Chebolg laughed with amusement .
「Oh! Taking it head on, you’re doing it! 」
「There’s more to come! 」
Belgriff frowned at his numbing arm .
If he was more proficient, it was possible for him to neutralize the impact completely . He managed to catch it, but Chebolg’s fist was so strong, that his body creaked as it couldn’t take the impact head on . It seemed a bit reckless to receive it upfront .
He kicked his left leg and spun around the axis of his prosthetic leg to catch Chebolg by surprise . Chebolg, who was about to approach, dodged downwards then poked his hand into the ground and lightly spun around once to land on his feet .
「Isn’t Angie’s father quick! How about this one! 」
As soon as he said so, Chebolg launched his fist . The magic-type tattoo carved on his arm glowed and a shockwave was produced . Belgriff put magic power on his sword and released a sharp vertical flash . The shock wave collided with the magic power of the sword and bursted out, creating a gale of wind in the training ground .
He thought it was not a good idea to think of going easy on your opponent, especially when they’re higher ranked . It’s just a matter of time before you’re able to get your hands on it .
He’s sure he’d be able to find the right timing . His blood seems to be boiling .
He’s surprised at how long he’s been able to trade blows with a S-ranked adventurer .
Was this the result of training with Graham? If it hadn’t been for that, he might not have even been able to take the first blow .
Anyway, the thought dulled him for a moment . Belgriff clenched his sword harder as he catches Chebolg’s fists that came for him one after another, parrying them away with no wasted movement .
In between, he looked for an opening to counterattack, but he didn’t have enough time to attack from his current situation . It was as expected of an S-ranked adventurer .
But even then, he felt comfortable . Right then, he wanted the exhilaration of the battle wash over him .
The battle between the fiercely attacking Chebolg, and Belgriff who correspondingly fought to his opponent’s movements, was fierce, but in the end Belgriff fell to his knees .
It was no good as his breathing was disrupted by tension and fatigue . There were many times where his magic was disrupted .
「I’m not quite there yet . 」 Belgriff chuckled .
It’s not that he wasn’t happy that he was able to stand up to the legendary adventurer for a while . At least he seemed to have enough skill to still be considered active .
He’s not going to return to adventuring, but as a person who has lived with the sword, he was honestly happy that he didn’t suffer a crushing defeat against a superior opponent .
「It’s just a matter of time before I’ll get better at this . I’m not even sure I have any power left . 」
He muttered softly .
It was an exhilarating fact that he had stepped into a territory he hadn’t imagined to reach, and he hadn’t thought he would be taken off his feet by something unexpected .
The battle with Chebolg seemed to be evenly matched, but the other party hadn’t caught a single breath .
As an S-ranked adventurer, Angeline is ahead of himself, standing shoulder to shoulder with this old adventurer . Have I reached the point where I can see my daughter’s back?
I need to get more comfortable with this sword technique in my body . If he could do that, he should be able to see a little further .
「Somewhere else . 」
Suddenly, he remembered the silver hair of the elven girl .
Belgriff breathed heavily and stood up, sheathing his sword .
Chebolg walked over happily and smacked Belgriff on the shoulder .
「Gah! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your swordsmanship, Red Ogre! There aren’t many guys that could take me to this level . That’s the father of Angie for you! 」
Dortos walked up to him .
「That was brilliant . Your movement seemed to waver at the end, but I was surprised that you were able to fight so well with minimal movement . But it was a defensive sword style . It didn’t seem like the kind of swordplay Angie uses… . 」
Belgriff laughed as he caught his erratic breath .
「I only taught that girl the basics . I’m sure that girl has learned her own style of using her sword while working here . 」
「…… But your sword has certainly inspired me a great deal . It’s a good thing that you have this much skill buried in a backlogged place like Tornella…… . Is that your sword style? 」
「Yes, I’ve learned tips from having a good teacher recently . To be honest, I thought I was reaching an impasse with my sword, but thanks to you, I think I can still see a little further . 」
Then Belgriff recounted his experiences recently and when he mentioned Graham’s name, Dortos and Chebolg were greatly surprised .
「Oh, come on, you learned the ways of the sword from the “Elven Paladin”! Hahahaha! That guy is very strong! 」
「I didn’t know he was still alive…… . Our admiration to you, Sir Belgriff . 」
「Hha! Isn’t it a good memory when you asked for a hand-match and it was twisted without a hand! 」
Graham seemed to be more than a generation older than these old adventurers .
Belgriff felt a strange connection with them that spans across their own corresponding age group .
Chebolg put his arm around Belgriff’s shoulder .
「 Let’s have a drink and hear all about it! I’ll buy you drinks! 」
「Hmm . Let’s give you a good night’s rest . You’ll be with me tomorrow, in perfect condition . 」
「Haha, go easy on yourself …… Char, Byaku, c’mon! 」
Belgriff called out and Charlotte ran up to him excitedly .
「Amazing! Father, you ‘re so strong! I was really surprised! 」
「Ha, I’m just mirroring Lord Chebolg’s resolve…… . 」
Byaku crossed his arms and sighed with an uncluttered look on his face .
「I thought that dumb bitch was just exaggerating, but …… was it true? 」
Around them, onlookers are making a lot of racket .
After dinner, Angeline plopped down on her bed . It was unthinkable for her to get so tired just from bowing and walking .
「Good thing I’m an adventurer…… 」
She mumbled and rolled over onto her back .
Sponsored Content
The decorations on the ceiling gleamed . Beyond the window, the sun is setting .
The house is bustling with preparations and entertaining guests since the ball is scheduled for tomorrow, but this room is strangely quiet . It’s not only because of the tiredness of the body, but also because of the somber atmosphere .
I’m not sure if Lieselotte is with another guest or not, but there is no sign of her coming .
Guilmeña also went out to check on the situation .
I’m full, but I’m not ready to sleep . People seemed to be coming and going in the hallway beyond the one wall . It sounded even more lonely to hear the small noise .
「…… It’s not until tomorrow anyway . 」
Angeline got up and went to the couch . She picked up the sugar candy on the table and chewed on it . It’s not the rough, grainy, large-gritty stuff of Orphen, but the kind that melts in your mouth the moment you eat it . This kind of candy is also really high class .
Being a nobleman is boring for all the hard work, Angeline thought .
Angeline couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be busy, though .
Still, the quality of work is completely different from the adventurer’s work of grabbing a sword and fighting demonic beasts or hiding in dungeons, or plowing fields in Tornella, spinning wool, or chopping wood .
「I prefer it that way…… 」
Angeline stood up, saying that physical activity was more in line with herself .
She decided to go for a little stroll . There was nothing to do anyway, and everyone was busy moving around . Angeline alone couldn’t be blamed for wandering around .
She didn’t feel comfortable when Fernando caught me in the middle of the day and sat with his brothers, who seemed to have history with each other . This time she’ll hang around at her own leisure, alone . There would be no more opportunities to walk around the grand duke’s mansion anyway .
When she left the room, she found maids and servants coming and going . There were also a few people who looked like nobles accompanying them .
The ball is also a social gathering . It seems that to the aristocrats, expanding their network of contacts is quite important as some of the noblemen who came and went seemed to be scrambling for souvenirs in order to befriend influential acquaintances .
Having practiced a lot, there’s nothing wrong with the way Angeline walked as she was a fast learner by nature . However, walking elegantly was completely unfamiliar to her, and that’s why it took so long . After a full afternoon of practice, she could now walk without the risk of tripping .
The Grand Duke’s mansion was grandiose, that she could look at it extensively without being distracted by her feet .
When she first arrived, she was overwhelmed and uncomfortable, but now that she’d gotten used to it enough to properly observe the decorations and craftsmanship .
However, Angeline’s feet unknowingly led her towards the backside portion of the mansion .
The back portion, which seemed to have been originally a stone structure that was once used as a fort, had a ruggedness that was lacking in color, unlike the glittering ornamentation of the front .
「…… This is more comfortable for me . 」
I stepped down the cobblestone corridor and looked into the boisterous kitchen . There were many cooks running around, the sound of clattering plates and utensils, steam from the pots and pans and smoke from the fireplace were all over the place and I couldn’t understand what was going on .
However, this kind of noise is far from the refinement of the aristocracy, and it is somehow calming .
「Excuse me, please move to the side! 」
A panicked-looking caterer slipped past Angeline, holding up a large tray .
Angeline turned on her heel and was just about to walk away, so as to avoid being in the way, but an older man who looked like the head chef approached her anxiously .
「My lady, was there something you disliked… . that brought you here to this place? 」
It seemed he mistook Angeline as a nobleman’s daughter .
Angeline shook her head in a hurry .
「No, um …… thank you for the delicious food… . 」
「……?! I-Is that so? 」
「Aah, well, ……」
While Angeline was stuttering, the cook was very happy to receive the compliments . He suddenly bowed and rushed towards the kitchen .
「Everyone! A noble lady has come to pay her respects . Thank you! 」
The people who had been working stopped and placed their hands on their chest while bowing . Angeline panicked .
「Um, well…, I know that your busy, I won’t take your time further, excuse me … 」
Angeline hurriedly left the kitchen, not even listening to their response . She felt strange that she was mistaken as a noblewoman .
Aimlessly wandering, she found herself in the same familiar path where they came from last night . She sees the very same staircase that leads down to the dungeon where they met Kasim .
「…… I wonder if that man is still there… 」
Angeline looked around . It seemed busy in the mansion, but no one seemed to have any business here .
Slowly descending the stairs, her shoes made a clacking sound every time it hitted the steps . The further down she went, the louder it seemed to get from the sound bouncing off the walls and ceiling .
Eventually she made it down to the bottom, the light of the torches still wavered in the same dim, fuzzy glow .
The iron grating glinted in the cool air . But there was no sign of the man who was supposed to be on the other side of the grate . Only able to find a few rusty shackles extending from the wall and others scattered around on the ground .
Sponsored Content
「…… Where have they gone? 」
Angeline stood in front of the bars for a while, but eventually she shrugged and turned on her heel .
As she made her way up to the corridor, she could see that the dungeon was cold . Maybe it would be cooler in the summer, she thought absurdly .
「Let’s go back… . 」
It wasn’t that she had left the room with the intention of seeing Kasim, but if she couldn’t see him, then there didn’t seem to be anything else to do at the mansion .
「Not that there’s anything particular to talk about, but …… 」
Angeline muttered . Still, Kasim was truly an oddly curious man .
「Is this… love?」
It couldn’t be, Angeline chuckled .
Just then, I heard the clatter of armor from across the hallway .
With a huff, she looked and saw Francois walking up with a group of soldiers . François looked at Angeline and narrowed his eyes at her .
「Oh, look … . one little rat . What are you doing here? 」
「…… Got lost . See, it’s a big place . …… 」
At Angeline’s mumbling words, François let out a crooked and mocking laugh .
「Let’s just leave it at that . 」
「Haha…… . 」
Angeline bailed and turned to leave, but before she knew it, soldiers had taken up positions at both ends of the corridor . A soldier who apparently is the captain with his blond hair cut short, stared at Angeline with sharp eyes . François opened his mouth .
「Hey, hey, you don’t have to glare at the lady that rudely . 」
「Hmph! 」
The soldier lowered his head .
Angeline thought she would still have won even if they came all at once . She had no weapons, but that wasn’t anything to worry about .
Francois chuckled at the sight of Angeline who was still so composed .
「Don’t be so guarded . I don’t expect to win in a fight with you . 」
「… . What do you want? 」
「Well? It’s not like I personally came to see you . But oh well . 」
François put his hand on Angeline’s shoulder .
「I figured you’d be annoyed to be called out by my idiot brother, too . 」
A familiar voice . But it sounded as if it was unacceptable . Angeline was tempted to brush her hand away, but she managed to resist the urge . She looked back at him sharply and said back in a low voice .
「…… Thanks for your concern . But it’s over tomorrow . 」
「Hmmm, well, how about ……? Do you like the Grand Duke’s house? Or if you’re an S-ranked adventurer, this level is nothing to it . 」
「No . …… 」
Suddenly, François put some strength to his hand .
Angeline quickly grabbed his wrist and pushed his hand away from her shoulder . The soldiers put their hands to the hilt of their swords . But François raised his hand to stop them .
「Amazing, as expected… an S-ranked adventurer sure is a different league . 」
Angeline put his hand away with a deadpan expression on her face . François shook his hand .
「…… I don’t know what you’re up to, but please stop it . 」
「Huhu…… Don’t be so angry . 」
François chuckled .
「It’s very hard to be related to a concubine, It’s the outcast of the house…… do you know of it? Adventurers are probably just like that, the outcasts of the world . 」
「No… Don’t lump us together like you 」
「Yeah . Of course, an S-ranked person is an elite . It’s different unlike the other adventurers in the woodwork . Right, miss? Do you have any idea what it’s like to be a stumbling block? Phew, I don’t like it . 」
François looked into Angeline’s face with a menacing smile . Angeline squinted her eyes and glared back at him . François smiled with satisfaction .
「Hmmm …… I’ve prepared an entertainment for you . You can look forward to the ball tomorrow . 」
Sponsored Content
François spun on his heels . The soldiers quickly straightened their posture and followed suit .
Eventually, when their footsteps were far away, Angeline sighed heavily .
「A horrible noble ……」
Angeline wandered off, feeling disgusted .
What was the entertainment, she wondered . It’s not like there’s going to be a band or a street performer coming for Angeline .
It’s not that I don’t care how many soldiers there are, even if they are planning to attack us . It doesn’t matter how many soldiers they have, they can retaliate as much as they want, even if they are attacking us . If it was in self-defense, there would be a good excuse .
And even then, François is a bit of a mystery .
You will find a lot of people who have a lot of experience in this field .
There is nothing more troublesome than being a grand duke .
「If you’re going to have a fight at all …… it should be between the nobles . 」
I was walking around muttering to myself, and when I looked up with a huff, I didn’t know where I was .
「…… oops . I’m lost . 」
”What do I do,” Angeline said, putting a hand to her forehead . I can’t seem to keep up the pace since I got here .
She looked around . It seems she was already back on the front end of the mansion, with the beautifully decorated ceiling, vases and other ornaments .
The back side is vaguely recognizable because of the atmosphere of the place, depending on the purpose, but the front side is dazzling and is difficult to distinguish . I’m not sure if I’ve passed through here once, but this place looks like I’ve never been here before .
As Angeline crossed her arms, wondering what was going on, there was a hint of someone approaching at a quick pace .
「Well, well, well, beautiful young lady . What have you done to yourself in such a place?」
Angeline nearly erupted when she saw the person who had come .
Villar was standing there with a big smile on his face .
「Good evening, I’m impressed that someone as beautiful as you is walking alone, even in my house . I shall take the liberty of escorting you . 」
「No, um, …… . 」
「What? No, no, you don’t have to . My name is Villar . Villar Estgar . Do you know who I am? Hahaha . 」
「Pff! Hahahahahahaha! 」
Angeline finally erupted and shook her shoulders . She tried to stop it, but she couldn’t help it because she was so full of laughter .
Villar popped his mouth open .
「Oh, miss? Was there something on my face? 」
「kuku! Because–! Are you sure you don’t know? Who I am? 」
「What? 」
Villar looked at Angeline dubiously, but his eyes suddenly widened .
「Oh, oh, come on! You! That adventurer! 」
「Kukukuku …… hitting on an adventurer, you’re a Noble ……, right? 」
「No, no! No! Hey, don’t look! No! 」
Villar yelled at the servants behind him in some unintelligible language . Their faces were red and they were squirming and rattling off something, but I had no idea what they were talking about .
「No, it’s not! It’s not like that, I was just trying to tease you a little bit …… No, I wasn’t, I wasn’t trying to… . I was just trying to tease you …… Oh, God! 」
Villar turned red in the face and pointed at Angeline .
「You’re not supposed to be too beautiful, you know! 」
With a strange parting line, Villar left, his shoulders angry . The servants followed with a thin smile .
Angeline couldn’t stop laughing for a while, and she held her stomach alone, but finally it subsided and she took a deep breath .
「Ah …… no good, he’s …… weird . 」
He’s no match for Fernando or François . If he’s that stupid, I feel like I might be able to get along with him . .
「I still don’t like him though . 」
I muttered and huffed .
「Shucks …… I should have asked him where my room was . 」