From the following morning’s training, we began learning swordsmanship from one of the guards assigned to Fina-san. By coincidence, Fina-san herself had only recently started learning sworsmanship as well, so we all decided to begin together from the very basics.
Meanwhile, Ao was a little ways off, teaching Pearl how to use magic.
“Everyone here has excellent physical ability, but please—don’t rely on brute strength when you swing your sword.”
““““““Yes!””””””
We started with practice swings using wooden swords.
No rushing—just slow, deliberate movements.
“One… two… three… four…”
“Good, good. Don’t just use your arms—swing with your whole body.”
“Keep your lower body firm as well.”
It’s quite difficult because it feels like I’m swinging the wooden sword with just my arm. I need to practice swinging it properly for a while.
“Thank you very much. I didn’t realize even basic practice swings could be this exhausting.”
“It really was a valuable lesson.”
“As expected of adventurers—you understand the importance of fundamentals like practice swings.”
“That understanding alone is a tremendous achievement.”
Wiping the sweat from our faces with towels, Sue and I thanked the female guard who had been instructing us. We’d have to keep practicing diligently if we wanted to move on to the next stage soon.
Fina-san had gone over to where Ao and Pearl were, chatting with Shiro and the others about how their training was going. From the looks of it, Pearl’s magic lessons were progressing quite well too.
After breakfast came Fina-san’s study time.
Come to think of it, Fran and Horn had never really done any proper studying before, so we decided that everyone would join in for lessons today.
“Hmm… is this right?”
“I finished mine!”
“Oh, Horn’s got it—good work. Fran, yours is a little off here, try fixing this part.”
I began teaching Fran and Horn the basics, making sure they could at least read, write, and do arithmetic properly. Since both of them were still quite young, I took things slow, step by step.
“Sue-oneechan, I finished mine!”
“My, Shiro, you’re quick. Let’s do our best too, Fina.”
“Ugh, I won’t lose!”
To our surprise, Shiro turned out to be exceptionally good at math.
Being overtaken by someone her own age seemed to ignite Fina-san’s competitive spirit.
“Having a rival really helps you see where your strengths lie.”
“I didn’t know Shiro was so sharp, either—it’s been a great discovery for me as well.”
As I chatted with the Margrave’s wife about how everyone was progressing, I couldn’t help but think that Shiro’s quick intuition was what made her so good with numbers.
Seeing her daughter motivated by a peer, the Madam smiled with clear satisfaction.
“Since this is having such a positive influence on Fina, let’s have them continue studying together while you’re staying with us, Shun. We can add some lessons in etiquette as well.”
“I’m very grateful—thank you for the opportunity.”
Sue could probably handle teaching manners better than I could.
As for me… well, that wasn’t exactly my area of expertise.
So for now, I decided to gratefully accept the hospitality and support of the Margrave’s household.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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