It was the fourth day of my visit to Mialak.

On the third day of training, I was doing a mock battle with Leona.

The day before yesterday, Leona and I were fighting as seriously as we could, but the mock battle from yesterday was different from the day before yesterday.

 

"Squint! Usato!"

"Yes!"

 

What we are doing is training to encourage them to dodge and attack as a series of movements.

I dodge Leona's wielding sword with minimal movement.

Instead, he stops the attack without hitting Leona, and repeats it over and over again.

It would be easier to understand if I said that I felt like I was being hit directly into my body to avoid moving on to the next attack, rather than focusing on exaggerated dodges like I usually do.

 

"--"

 

However, this is surprisingly difficult, and the moment he thinks about his next attack, a wooden sword wielded sideways grazes his temple.

While clicking his tongue, he avoids the subsequent slashing by shifting half a step to the side.

There is no need to avoid it significantly. Not only the movement of the sword, but also all of Leona's movements are captured in her field of vision, and she predicts her next move and avoids it with minimal movement.

It reminds me of the time when I was fighting Mr. Aluk, who was manipulated by Nea.

At that time, I deliberately avoided his attacks so as not to hurt him, but this time it is a way of fighting that can be said to be an advanced version of that.

 

「...... I don't even know what to say!"

 

In this training, I am subject to two restrictions.

One is that you can't play Leona's sword with your fist, and the other is that you can't leave the circle with a radius of about a meter under your feet.

The first one wasn't too tight, but in the second cramped space, it was harder than I imagined to avoid Leona's attack.

In fact, until I got used to it, I was beaten with a wooden sword, and I made countless bumps and cured them with healing magic.

 

"There......!"

 

I dodged Leona's sword a few times and stepped lightly, and with minimal movement I jumped into her bosom and made my fist stop in her abdomen.

After a few seconds of silence, we let go of each other, lowered our swords and fists, and relaxed.

 

"Well done, isn't it?"

「...... No, not at all."

 

Leona looks troubled at my words.

 

"Don't be disappointed by that, but I'm still amazed at your physical ability. As you may have noticed, I was trying to deceive you with the occasional feint...... You're ......."

"Yes?"

"I was scared inside because it was going to take all the feints and it was going to be a response."

 

Fe, did you put a feint in this person?

I didn't notice it at all.

I thought it was moving like a shame, but I don't think I was unconsciously responding to it.

 

"Your 'eyes' are really terrible, and from my point of view, you must be giving you some pretty crazy training...... When it comes to evasion, you've already learned enough."

"Hahaha, that's it, thanks to my master."

 

Well, if you train such a Spartan in the blue, you will be better at dodging.

He remembers the days of hellish training before he set off on his journey to deliver letters, when he was beaten endlessly by Rose and forced to learn ...... dodge.

At that time, I wondered if I could get away with such reckless training. I used to complain about a lot of things, but after traveling, I realized how much Rose's training was helping me.

...... Well, I was beaten up.

 

"Usato, are you okay? Did I hurt him? Shall I take you to the infirmary?"

「...... What? Oh, it's not a problem at all. I was just reminded of the days of training with my master."

"Oh, I see...... I ...... how intense the days of training with your master were. No, she's a woman who gives off that much pressure. I'm sure it was far beyond my imagination......

 

Leona looks at my face and pulls back.

Somehow, I feel sad because I'm used to this reaction.

 

"I think I got a good grip on the training, and I learned quickly because I had a good foundation."

"What's next?"

"It's the same as before, I'm going to make my body remember what I'm doing today. That will make you move faster and leaner."

 

Training, to eliminate waste?

If you think about it, if you spend less time dodging, you won't waste magic or health. In that respect, this may be an effective training.

 

"Before we do that, let's take a break."

"Eh, I'm okay, okay?"

 

I still have about an hour before noon, and I have a lot of energy to spare.

Also, Alc will be watching the training in the afternoon, and I want to do what I can while I ...... it.

But Leona shakes her head.

 

"You've been training from morning till night since yesterday, haven't you? No matter how much healing magic and extraordinary physical strength you have, don't overdo it. If you get too careful, you won't be able to do what you can."

 

I nodded as I somehow sensed Leona's words, which I muttered softly at the end.

She has a point.

Maybe I'm a little impatient......

I relax my shoulders and turn to Leona.

 

"So, is it okay if I come and look at the city for a moment?"

"I don't mind, but why? There are no people in the city right now......

"Hey Bulllin...... I thought I'd go for a walk with the Blue Grizzly."

"Blue Grizzly and ......"

 

Leona looks like a mixture of bewilderment and curiosity, perhaps remembering the sight of Brooklyn currently coasting in the stables of Miarak.

Perhaps, as a Knight of the Mealak, she is interested in a wild and self-deprecating bear named Bulllyn because she knows what kind of monster the Blue Grizzly is.

 

"Usato"

"Yes?"

 

As I was thinking about this, Leona, who had turned her gaze back to me as if she had made up her mind, called out to me.

 

"Do you mind if I accompany you?" If you don't mind, I can give you some directions......

"It doesn't matter at all, I don't have to worry about getting lost, so I can rest assured."

 

Also, although there are no people, you can learn about the city of Mearark.

I nodded at Leona's offer and moved with her towards the stables where Bulllyn was.

Inside the stables, there is a burlin curled up like Marimo, and when he notices that I am nearby, he turns his sleepy eyes to me and makes a big gap.

 

"Hey, Brulene, I'm going for a walk. Wake up."

"Gufu......"

"Hey, hey......"

 

I ...... it would be too much of a coast.

I have to take this out of the house.

I shook the big blue body and forced it up, and Brooklyn rolled his eyes and flickered as he circled behind me and jumped on my back.

 

"Ugh!? You've gotten heavy!?"

 

When I was thinking about letting Bullin, who was gaining more weight than before, go on a diet eventually, Bullin, who had completely entrusted his entire weight to me, tapped my shoulder with his front paws while making a big stretch.

What is it, is he telling you that if you want to take him out, take him out?

 

"Gu ......"

「...... I can't help it, not at all. I'll put it down when I wake up, right? ...... Whoa!"

 

He nodded sleepily and walked out of the stables.

Leona, who was waiting outside the stables, let out a small scream when she saw me and Bulllyn.

 

"Huh!? Woo, Usato...... Why are you bluegris...... You're carrying a bulllyn on your back!?"

"No, I was still sleepy."

"It seems to be the answer, but it's not the answer! Or rather, isn't it heavy!?"

"I'm used to it, so it's okay, let's go."

"Oh, oh, oh......?"

 

He looks back and forth between Bulllyn and me, and walks out of the castle with Leona, who has a hundred faces.

As usual, there were no people in the streets of Mealak, and it was deserted.

 

"It's quiet."

"Oh."

 

Perhaps she had finally calmed down, Leona looked at the city of Myalak and nodded mysteriously.

 

"It was crowded with a lot of people...... Now, it has become so deserted that even a shadow of it cannot be seen. As someone who lives here, I wanted to show you the real city of Mearrak."

"I would have liked to see it if I could...... and I would have also liked to try the fish dish that is a specialty of Mearrak."

"Huh......

 

Leona smiles at my words.

For a while, I listened to Leona's guide as I walked through the streets of Miarak.

When I came here, I didn't have time to see the city after being attacked by Charon, but I think this is also a rich place that was crowded with people.

The benefits of Myarak's abundant fishery resources will be immeasurable.

 

"Grru"

"It looks like Bulllyn wanted to eat Mealak's fish."

 

Bulllin on his back is also slightly asleep, but growls regretfully.

I was smiling wryly at him, and Leona smiled funny.

 

"Heh, I'm sorry, it's funny, but it looks natural to see you carrying a bulllyn on your back."

"Nature...... Well that is true. Even in the Ringle Kingdom, and in Luxvis, he was running with a Bullyn on his back."

"Oh, is that so? Isn't this the first time ......?"

 

At first, Rose told me to get used to running with people on my back.

Bulllin doesn't seem to mind being carried on my back, and I don't think it's too bad because my whole back is wrapped in fluff.

 

"I thought I'd been a knight for a while, but I've never seen anyone who has as much heart-to-heart with a demon as you do, and from what I've heard, you don't even have a familiar-based contract, right?"

"If anything, the familiar is Nea, and it's like I was forced to sign a contract with her."

"She, I heard from Master Falga that she is a hybrid of a vampire and a necromancer...... It's unheard of for a humanoid demon to make a contract with a human on its own, right?"

 

Did Falga know about the Nea race?

But if you ask Leona again, I think it's been a really strange journey. Instead of signing a familiar contract with Bulllin, who is supposed to be a demon, he is almost forced to sign a contract by Nea.

No, it's not really normal......

 

"You've surprised me so many times since I first met you, and when I first met you, I thought you were a child, but when I opened the lid, it was all insane......

 

It's normal for me, but for Leona and Norn, it's a series of surprises.

I'm from another world, and my common sense is different, and my life in another world so far may be a little different from other people's.

 

"The most surprising thing was that I defeated the same Divine Dragon as Falga-sama."

"Do you mean the Evil Dragon?"

"Ah, I was hidden from existence until the day I met you, but ...... learned more about the Evil Dragon from Master Falga, and I learned that it is truly a terrifying existence."

 

Every time I think of the evil dragon, I don't want to fight it again.

It was such an evil and malevolent monster.

 

"I'm sure I won't be able to fight if I stand in front of that evil dragon."

 

Leona's words made her think stop for a moment.

Will Leona be unable to fight in front of the Evil Dragon?

What does that mean? Looking at her strength, even if she doesn't have a decisive blow against the Evil Dragon, she should have enough ability to stop her.

I laugh awkwardly and talk to Leona, who has a sad look on her face.

 

"I ...... Leona who can fight Charon-san."

"It's not a question of whether you can fight or not, it's not as strong as you think you are. No matter who wants you or adores you...... No matter how much is expected of me, I am as weak as ice and ...... to pieces."

 

To be honest, I knew that Leona was in trouble.

But I still want to say it. It's heavy, it's heavy...... Leona......

That's not what I should be talking about. It should be a maid or a Norn.

 

"I'm fighting because I'm the only one who can do it, and the title of hero was chosen by me, probably because the best knight named Charon went out of control, or because I ...... ruined."

"The Norns wouldn't choose you to be a hero for such a crude reason."

"Oh, I know...... I know."

 

Leona puts it into words as if she were telling herself.

I can't face her as she walks next to me. I didn't know what to say to this person.

 

「...... Do you mind if I take a short detour?"

"What? I don't mind, but where?"

 

After a moment of silence, he nodded to Leona, who asked.

She changed her destination and headed to the gate where we had dived when we came to this city. Leona silently walks through the gate and out of the city.

I followed her with the Bulllyn on my back, and beyond that was the barrier that the Norns had created and the pure white silver world.

 

「...... It's still frozen."

 

The surface of the water around the city of Frozen Myarak.

The sunlight is reflected to create a fantastic scene, but at the center of it all is Charon, a long-haired man with a naked upper body who remains upright and motionless, and has a strange presence.

Bulllyn on my back growls warily, but Charon, who is still holding me in the distance, shows no sign of moving.

 

"Bulllin, do you want to get off?"

"Gufu......"

 

He lowers the bulllin that is growling behind his back and looks at Charon, who is standing on the ice again.

 

"What is he doing now?"

"It's asleep, though it might be more accurate to say it's stopped."

 

He closed his eyes and didn't budge.

He had a calm expression that didn't make me feel the ferocity he had when I met him a few days ago.

 

"He's suppressing his power like that when he's not fighting, and in that state, he's channeling his magic into the ice around him to maintain a space where the ice power will be fully unleashed."

 

I ...... there was such a secret that the ice did not melt.

I had assumed that it would melt at some point, but that meant that unless I defeated him, Mealak wouldn't even be able to move the ship.

 

"What if you notice me now?"

"He's going to attack, he's going to attack anyone who gets into his icy realm. Mealak is no exception. If it weren't for the Norns, this place would have been destroyed by now."

「......」

 

If the Norn falls, will Charon immediately attack here?

But is it just because there are people attacking here? It's a pretty bad way to say it, but he should be able to leave Mealak and go on a rampage, but he stubbornly refuses to leave here and aims for Mealak.

It's as if there's something in Mealak that draws him in.

 

"No......

 

Poor intuition seems to be good.

Either way, it's clear that Charon has to be stopped for the sake of the people of Myalak and Nea.

I stopped thinking and looked at Charon, who was standing in silence, when Leona next to me muttered a word.

 

"Charon is a knight of my class."

"What? Is that so?"

"yes, we see each other a lot."

 

I knew they knew each other because they were the same knights, but were they the same time?

I think there may have been some friendship.

 

"He was the best knight who tried to do good for the people and be strong for the people."

"Wow, he was a person."

"He had a funny personality, and he was a good young man who was loved by everyone. I'm going to say something that doesn't seem like it...... He was the ideal knight that everyone thought he would be."

 

I wonder if he has a personality similar to Kazuki. If that's the case, he seems to have a pleasant personality.

When Leona talks about Charon, she turns from a bitter expression to a troubled smile.

 

"And he was a winner in life, wasn't he? He's in the same habit as me, and he's already married."

"What, what do you mean by synchronization...... You're about 20 years old, aren't you?"

 

It's not uncommon for a 20-year-old, right?

I don't know what the standards are in this world, but I'm still young.

 

"So, what about Charon's wife......?"

"She's safely evacuated to a neighboring country, but I don't think she can rest assured that her husband, Charon, is in such a state......

 

...... Do they know each other?

From the tone of his voice, I can take it that way...... If you are offended by hearing something bad, you should not ask because you are sorry.

I'm sure Charon's wife is praying for his safety.

He's out of control now, but Leona's story shows that he's not a bad person.

 

"Then I have to help him for Charon's wife as well."

「...... Haha......"

「? What's wrong?"

"No, I'm sorry, I mean, your straight words are to me...... I just thought it was a very good thing."

 

Leona smiles helplessly.

I didn't know how much emotion was contained in those words.

However, given part of the anguish that Leona has shown and the fact that there are people waiting for Charon to return, her mission as a hero to save Miarak and her current situation where she has to help Charon must be painful.

 

"It's time to go back."

「...... Yes."

 

I nodded at Leona's words as I looked at the sun that had risen directly above, and walked back the way I came with Bulllin.

 

「......」

 

Before returning, he glances at Charon's place for a moment.

Standing alone on the vast ice, Charon didn't have the same roughness as when he was fighting me.

 

"Gwar"

"Hmm? Oh, let's go."

 

Urged on by Burlin, he turned forward and headed towards the castle.

Will I be able to stop Charon?

When I saw Mr. Charon, I had a vague question, and I followed Leona, who looked somewhat lonely, with a slight frown.

 

________________________________________

This time it was a little heavy.

 

Originally, I was going to update it on Wednesday, but I caught a cold and the update was delayed .......

Readers, colds are very painful at this time of year, so please take care of your physical condition.