After reporting to the guild, I went back home. When I returned, I heard the sound of music. Apparently, the people of the Semroid Troupe were still practicing.
I didn’t want to disturb them, so I made sure to quieten my step.
“…” [Ryouma]
I looked for a grassy place where I could see their rehearsal and then hid myself.
Maiysan and Soldio-san are up on stage. They were introduced to me as sword dancers, so that’s probably what they’re going to be practicing now. Soldio-san is wielding a decorated round shield and a long sword. Maiysan is also holding a sword, but she’s holding two of them while dancing as if she were fighting.
Past the line, which I assume demarcates the stage, is their leader, Prenence-san, and the musical band. As the two sword dancers on strange moved fiercer, so did the music accompanying them. When the sword dancers were close enough to stare at each other, the music went quiet, as if something was about to happen.
When their swords clashed, spells were cast, and sparks erupted here and there on the stage. Even though no one was talking, it was like a story was being told.
I only saw their practice a little today before leaving when I lent them the place. But that was probably just warm up considering the passion and pressure I could feel now.
I held my breath, afraid to pour water on these flames.
When the music turned to a peak, Maiysan’s sword swung for Soldio-san’s neck, just barely missing it. It passed through the neck hidden by the glamorous cape, releasing the clasp that held it and allowing it to fall. In that same moment, Soldio-san fell. It was as if his neck had really been cut.
With the thrum of the instruments, the story came to an end.
A few seconds later, when the atmosphere had loosened up, I found myself standing up and clapping.
“Ryoumdono, how long have you been there?” [Prenence]
“Sorry. I’ve been here for a while now, actually. I heard music when I came back, so…” [Ryouma]
Was it bad for me to watch without permission?
“Oh, we don’t mind you watching, it’s just that we didn’t notice you at all.” [Soldio]
“We were just surprised.
It’s our job to perform in front of others, so we pride ourselves in being sensitive to people’s gazes…” [Prenence]
Oh, so I startled them.
“By the way, how are the plains?” [Prenence]
“Not very good.” [Ryouma]
From what I heard when I went to report to the guild, other than the ones I’ve found, sightings of nests were being reported one after another. The receptionist was also actively looking for more help in finding nests and digging them. I was also asked to continue working.
“If it isn’t dealt with sooner, it will cause a problem with the circulation of goods, and there’s no telling how much of an influence it will have on the customers, so I’ll be focusing my efforts there for the time being. If you’re alright with using my place for your rehearsals, please feel free to continue using it.” [Ryouma]
“Thank you for your kindness.” [Prenence]
Prenence-san bowed to me first, then everyone followed. After that the people from the troupe cleaned up and then went back to town.
It seems that last program was their last rehearsal for the day.
After sending them off, I entered training myself.
On an impulse, I tried copying the way they moved like they were dancing.
Unfortunately, it didn’t go very well. It feels awkward to move when using magic.
…Looks like it might be a good idea to train using magic while fighting in order to be able to put on a performance with spells.
I need to combine my magic with my weapons. On this point, their movements are a lot smoother tan mine.
Hmm~…
The next day.
“About performing with spells?” [Soldio]
“Did you become interested in sword dancing?” [Maiya]
When I welcomed the troupe for their practice, I went and directly asked the two sword dancers.
“Seeing your performance yesterday made me want to learn it.” [Ryouma]
“I don’t mind teaching you, but why would you want to learn something like this?” [Soldio]
When asked for the reason, I responded with what I felt yesterday.
I mainly fight in close combat with my weapons and my martial arts. Although I can also use my magic, because I rarely use it during combat, I’m not used to it. I also revealed that I wanted to widen my horizons.
“In other words, you want to turn the magic we use in our performance into something you can use for combat?” [Soldio]
“Yes. If you have time, please teach me.” [Ryouma]
“Isn’t it fine?” [Maiya]
“Yeah. If it’s just a little, it shouldn’t take too much effort. Our weapons are different, so you’ll have to use the same weapon as ours… Are you alright with that?” [Soldio]
“Yes. Of course!” [Ryouma]
“Then let’s do the practice the same time you came back yesterday. You still have work and we have practice too, so we’ll teach you afterwards.” [Soldio]
“Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]
I didn’t know what I would do if they told me it was a secret technique and they couldn’t share it, so I was elated when they told me they would teach me just like that.
“Is there anything I need to prepare?” [Ryouma]
“Just your weapon. Today, I just need to determine your skill level.” [Soldio]
“Ah, leave some mana too.” [Maiya]
“Got it. I’ll be in your care in the evening then.” [Ryouma]
“Good luck!” [Maiya]