Volume 4, Chapter 19 – In Search of Shizuku (2)

◆ Christina POV ◆

Since then, I have gone around challenging various dojos, mainly those of the Itten Style, and have collected eight tokens.

Since the instructors at every dojo were far too weak to be any real opposition, I did not encounter any difficulties at all.

To be honest, I had expected there to be mountains of stronger swordsmen, so I found myself rather underwhelmed.

I had been somewhat on guard, knowing these were swordsmen from Shizuku-dono’s home country, but perhaps Shizuku-dono is simply an outlier when it comes to strength.

Normally, I would be reluctant to engage in such behavior, as it feels like bullying the weak, but the act of collecting tokens through dojo-breaking was surprisingly amusing.

It was fortunate for me that dealing with such people was not particularly bothersome.

And so, I arrived at the Itten Style dojo in Sanjo Mikura.

“I request entry! I wish to meet the instructor of the Itten Style.”

I showed the eight tokens to the guard standing before the gate.

“Hmm. A dojo-breaker, eh? Very well. I shall show you the way.”

“Right. I appreciate it.”

I was led straight to the inner dojo. After waiting for a short while, a large, young man carrying a sword approached.

“So you have come. I am Yoshiteru, eldest son of the Mitsurugi house and acting instructor of the Itten Style. The master is unable to face you, so I shall accept your challenge.”

“Very well. My name is Christina, Holy Knight of the White Moon Kingdom and shield to Saint Fiene Argentata-sama. Now, let us begin!”

“Hmph. Come, then!”

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Yoshiteru-dono drew his sword and took a middle-guard stance; I drew Sesrumnir and did the same.

In an instant, the air in the dojo became electric.

This man was clearly different from the others I had fought; he carried the presence of a true strong opponent.

I shifted my feet slowly to the left, circling him as if probing for an opening.

“Hah!”

With a shout, Yoshiteru-dono closed the distance in a flash. He unleashed a sharp strike, cutting from top to bottom.

I used Sesrumnir to deflect the trajectory of the blade, sliding the blow away and immediately launching a counter-attack with a flurry of strikes.

One exchange, two, three.

Yoshiteru-dono received my attacks with his sword and blocked them.

I pressed my sword against his in a clash of guards, pushing Yoshiteru-dono back along with his weapon, before leaping away to create distance.

“I see. You are certainly different from the masters of the previous dojos.”

“Hmph. Naturally.”

He said that, but Yoshiteru-dono was likely feeling somewhat unsettled inside.

Having clashed blades, I could tell that while we were nearly equal in power, I had the advantage in speed.

My Swordsmanship Skill Level was probably higher as well.

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In a normal fight, he was not someone I would lose to.

“However, I am still the stronger one here. I had high hopes since I heard this was the nation’s swordsmanship, but unfortunately, it seems it was a disappointment.”

“What did you say!?”

I provoked him to bring the match to a swift end. Taking the bait completely, Yoshiteru-dono’s face twisted in rage. He closed the distance instantly and swung down in a simple, overhead strike. I easily parried the blow and swiftly pressed the tip of Sesrumnir against Yoshiteru-dono’s neck.

“Kh…”

“That’s a win, isn’t it?”

Yoshiteru-dono glared at me as if I were his sworn enemy.

“A win, correct?”

“It is a win!”

An old man’s voice echoed through the dojo. Looking toward the source, I saw an elderly man missing his left leg, entering the dojo while being supported by another young man.

“M-Master!”

At Yoshiteru-dono’s shout, I sheathed my sword.

“Foreign swordsman, most impressive. This Yoshiteru is considered a highly skilled warrior even here in Miyako, yet you defeated him so easily. I am Kan’ei Mitsurugi, the master of this dojo.”

“I am Christina. I am traveling with Saint Fiene Argentata-sama.”

When I introduced myself, Kan’ei-dono narrowed his eyes, casting a serious gaze my way.

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“Why is the shield of this Saint-sama engaging in dojo-breaking?”

“I am searching for someone. I wish to know the location of the Shin’ei Style dojo.”

Kan’ei-dono looked slightly surprised.

“You know that name well. Do you have some sort of grudge against the swordsmen of the Shin’ei Style?”

“No. She is a friend, but there is something I must return to her.”

“Hmm. I see. Well, unfortunately, my acting instructor has been defeated, and as you can see, I cannot fight, so I have no choice but to tell you. The Shin’ei Style dojo is in Kujo Miyashiro. Will that suffice?”

“Yes. Thank you. I appreciate the help. By the way, would you happen to know of a family called the Mieshiro family in Fuzan?”

Kan’ei-dono looked thoughtful for a moment. After a short pause, he spoke slowly.

“Fuzan is the district on the eastern side of Miyako, including this area. However, I have never heard of a Mieshiro family.”

“I see. Thank you for the information. I shall head to Kujo Miyashiro immediately.”

“Indeed. I hope you find your friend.”

“Yes, thank you.”

And so, I left the Itten Style dojo.

As I stepped outside, I could faintly hear Kan’ei-dono’s voice behind me, likely scolding Yoshiteru-dono.

◆ Lumia POV ◆

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“Mister! What is this!?”

After parting ways with Onee-sama and Chris-san, I wandered around town.

Then, I found a shop that smelled delicious, and before I knew it, I was inside.

The shop was selling some kind of glossy black, ball-shaped sweet.

“Oh, welcome, cute little foreign lady. These are called Kurohadama. Would you like to try some?”

“Yes!”

I sat down, and a pot of this country’s unique green tea and the mysterious, glossy black balls were quickly brought to me.

I used a toothpick to cut a small, bite-sized piece and popped it into my mouth.

A smooth texture, a refreshing sweetness, and a bean-like aroma spread through my mouth.

Immediately after, the taste and scent of brown sugar followed.

“Mister, this is delicious!”

“Oh, is that so? Come back and eat them anytime you like.”

“Okay!”

Sipping the hot tea, I took another bite, and then another of the mysterious sweets.

Mmm, I’m so happy!