Chapter 5
“—In light of the circumstances I’ve just outlined, we will henceforth ask Mr. Beryl Gardenant to serve as a special instructor for the Leberio Knights. I expect each of you to train harder than ever.”
The crisp voice beside me belonged to Allucia Citrus.
Unlike the voice she’d used while chatting with me moments earlier, her tone was weighty and commanding. So this was her formal voice. I could never pull that off.
Before me stood dozens—no, maybe even over a hundred—members of the Knights. Every one of them wore similar silver plate armor, and the sight of them was imposing.
The knights varied in age and gender, but at a glance, none of them seemed as old as I was. It made sense; being a knight in your forties, when your body starts breaking down in earnest, would be difficult. I would’ve preferred a quiet life in the sticks, too.
“Now then, Sensei, a few words, please.”
Seriously? I haven’t prepared anything.
If I was supposed to give a speech, she could’ve told me beforehand.
Not that complaining about it now would do any good.
Responding to Allucia, I managed to evade the concentrated stares and began to speak.
“Er... As you’ve just heard, I’m Beryl Gardenant. I don’t know how much my skills can help all of you, but I’ll do my best to be of assistance. I hope we get along.”
The knights’ gazes focused on me even more as they heard my voice.
Hmm, about eighty percent doubt and twenty percent expectation.
Some of the doubtful looks went beyond skepticism and could even be called hostile.
Maybe making me a special instructor out of the blue really was too much. This old man was a little worried. Though it was strange that there were even a few expectant looks.
Among some of those expectant faces, I vaguely recognized a few. I wasn’t confident enough to know who they were, and given the atmosphere, I decided not to call out. They were probably former students, but it’d be embarrassing if I was wrong.
From the moment we arrived in Baltrain and headed to the Leberio Knights’ headquarters to being introduced in front of everyone like this, everything had gone remarkably smoothly.
There had been four or five imposing knights standing guard outside the Knights’ headquarters, but when you’re the commander, Allucia gets waved right through.
For some reason, I got to enjoy the benefits of her being waved through, too. A Knight Commander sure is something.
We were whisked straight to the Knights’ headquarters without time for a leisurely look around the capital, but even just glimpsing the streets showed how prosperous it was. The broad, neatly paved stone roads were busy with foot traffic, and the city was full of life.
There seemed to be a few souvenir shops near what I assumed was the carriage stop, so I’d ask Allucia to show me around later.
This might be rude to say, but it was nothing like Bidden Village. Comparing a backwater village to the capital was presumptuous, but I couldn’t help it.
“Now, we will arrange the schedule for the instruction sessions. Everyone, return to your duties.”
As I was thinking about all that, it seemed the gathering was breaking up. Being stared at by so many people made me uneasy, so I was glad it ended quickly.
“Sensei, let’s go.”
“Oh, right.”
Allucia’s voice softened.
So her formal voice was over. It had been dignified and suited her, though. She’d really grown into an impressive woman.
“C-Commander! Wait up!”
Just as I was about to leave the central courtyard-like area of the headquarters,
I saw one of the knights hurry over toward us.
“Kurni, be quiet. A knight must never lose their composure.”
The knight called Kurni replied energetically, “Yes!” then turned her gaze toward me.
Her short brown bob was striking, and she seemed like a lively girl. She was probably a little younger than Allucia. Her big, sparkling blue eyes made her seem even more youthful and carefree.
She was even shorter than Allucia, with a distinctly petite build.
All in all, she gave me the impression of an affectionate dog.
And that image stirred a memory.
“Kurni, huh? I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”
“Yes! It’s been a long time, Sensei!”
She—Kurni Cruciell—was also a graduate of my dojo.
She’d spent even less time at the dojo than Allucia, just about two years, but her energy and how attached she was to me had left a lasting impression.
However, I hadn’t been able to give her a sword as a parting gift.
She had a good knack for it, but two years hadn’t been enough for me to teach her everything.
Now that I was an instructor for the Knights, I might have a chance to teach Kurni. If possible, I’d like to keep an eye on her until she was ready to receive the sword I hadn’t been able to give her back then.
“You’ve become a fine knight. Makes me proud.”
“N-no, not at all! I’ve still got a long way to go!”
Unlike Allucia, Kurni had made her desire to join the Knights obvious. I clearly remembered how earnestly she’d trained, declaring, “I’ll definitely join the Leberio Knights!” It seemed she’d achieved her dream, and I was glad.
When I praised her honestly for it, she flailed both hands in a panic.
It made me imagine an invisible tail wagging in circles.
Hmm. A dog.
Kurni was so soothing.
“Kurni. We are not at leisure. Return to your duties.”
Uh-oh, Allucia’s voice was starting to turn formal again.
Well, it was true we weren’t at leisure. Though what I had planned was a tour of the souvenir shops. This old man wanted to get his schedule sorted out quickly and enjoy a little sightseeing.
“Ah, sorry. ...Sensei! Do you have time after this today?”
“Hmm? I was thinking I’d look around town a bit, if I have time.”
“Th-then! I could show you around—”
“I’ll show you around. That’s fine, Kurni. You return to your duties. Quickly, now.”
Why are you cutting in so aggressively?!
Kurni’s totally freaked out!
She’s like a puppy caught in the rain!