CH 140

Episode 140 – Consulting with Kirty

Three days had passed.

I had been drinking Recovery Potions while resting off the fatigue I had accumulated in my fierce battle against the Venom Troll. Due to the three days of solid rest, my body was no longer affected in any way.

I got ready to go practice my sword swings for the first time in a while and then went outside for some light exercise. After shutting myself in the rundown inn for a few days, the moment I stepped outside, I breathed in and took a moment to savor the crisp, fresh morning air.

I went outside just thinking of getting some light exercise to maintain my body, but… then I caught sight of Kirty standing in front of the rundown inn.

…Hey, Kirty-san. Could it be that… you were always waiting for me here every morning for the past three days while I was stuck in bed…?

When I thought that to myself, Kirty came up to me, looking a bit flustered.

“Kirty-san, good morning!” (Lewin)

“….Uhh, err… I suppose so. My body has completely recovered. I’m sorry for making you worry, especially that time you came to visit me.” (Lewin)

“Fufu, don’t worry about it. So are you sure you’re good to resume training today? It seems like you brought the wooden sword with you after all…” (Kirty)

“That’s right. For now, I was just thinking of doing some light sword practice today, but if you could teach me that’d be great.” (Lewin)

“I understand. It’s been a while since I watched you practice your sword swings after all.” (Kirty)

While Kirty stood there and watched, I began to swing my sword, working out my body that had been neglected the past few days.

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“―Alright. It’s a bit early, but let’s stop here,” Kirty instructed while clapping her hands.

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I stopped swinging my sword. Since I had been resting, it had been three days since I had last practiced, so I was a bit stiff at first. But by the time I was about halfway through, I was able to get back into shape.

I could feel the light perspiration on my skin and felt refreshed.

“Kirty-san, thanks for your guidance.” (Lewin)

“No, it’s nothing. You’ve been swinging your sword so well that you may not even need detailed instruction from me anymore.”

“No, I still have a ways to go. Compared to you, I still have a lot of wasted movements, after all.” (Lewin)

After lightly reminiscing about my practice swings, I decided to talk to Kirty about what I had been thinking for the past three days. Since I had just gotten out of a period of recovery, I finished a little earlier than normal, still with some time to spare.

“Umm, Kirty-san. Do you mind if I consult with you about something?” (Lewin)

“Thank you. So what I’ve been wanting to consult you about is that… I’ve been thinking of leaving Grezesta.” (Lewin)

When I said that, the brightly anticipating expression on Kirty’s face froze.

…I’m really sorry that it’s not about anything good…

“……..Huh? That’s… strange. Maybe I’m just tired or something. Leaving Grezesta… is that what you just said…?” Kirty confirmed with me with a forced smile on her face. I looked down, not wanting to meet her gaze.

“….Yeah, that’s what I said. I’ll say it again, but… I’ve been thinking of leaving Grezesta.” (Lewin)

“No, it’s none of those things, Kirty-san. After the battle at Seykoll three days ago, I realized that I can’t continue on as I am now.” (Lewin)

“N-no, I don’t think that’s true. You defeated the enemy commander, and I was so overjoyed to see that your growth was coming along nicely, you know? Even though you’re still young, I can confidently say that you’re steadily getting stronger!” (Kirty)

“Thank you. I’m genuinely happy to receive such a direct evaluation from you. But… didn’t you feel it slightly too, Kirty-san?” (Lewin)

“―Eh? Feel what?” (Kirty)

As if confirming my belief, Kirty reacted with a start.

So that’s how it is…

Kirty probably sensed the same thing as I did about this matter.

“That my growth is getting slower and slower… isn’t it? I don’t think that I have any outstanding talent in swordsmanship. I was only able to get this far thanks to your guidance… you’ve probably realized that as well, haven’t you, Kirty-san?” (Lewin)

When I said that, Kirty looked down with a flustered expression. Judging by her expression, she had the same impression―just as I suspected