Volume 3, Chapter 3 – The Holy Knight and the Samurai

“Thank you very much. This was a great help.”

After turning the bandits over to the guards of the town of Yurgu, I received their gratitude along with a reward of twenty-three silver coins.

Since this town apparently doesn’t have its own currency, I accepted the payment in silver coins from the Red Sky Empire.

By the way, I also handed over the borrowed carriage to the guards as evidence.

The other three were of the unanimous opinion that we should just keep it, but I’m pretty sure that’s just called stealing.

“Shizuku-san, thank you for your help.”

“Just Shizuku is fine. Given how much you know about my homeland, I do not feel as though Fiene-dono is a stranger.”

“Then, Shizuku-san it is.”

Shizuku-san smiled when I said that.

“By the way, is Fiene-dono’s role as a Saint something similar to what we call a Shrine Maiden in my country?”

“No, I can’t hear the words of the Gods or divine the future. I suppose I’m just someone who’s good at Healing Magic and Holy Magic?”

I tried explaining it based on the common perception of shrine maidens in Japan on a whim, but I wonder if I’m actually right?

I have no idea about all that Demon Lord stuff, so I decided to leave that aside for now.

“I see. So it is like a combination of a healer and an exorcist. However, it is quite curious to be chosen by a sword. Is Chris-dono’s sword the one?”

“Indeed. This is my Holy Sword Sesrumnir. This sword guided me to Fiene-sama’s side.”

Rеad оn ΚαtRеаdіոgСafe

“Guided you? Does that mean the sword speaks?”

“No, it is not quite like that. Apparently, it just happens naturally. Furthermore, those not recognized by Sesrumnir find it impossible to even hold.”

“I see. In that case, my Kirinagi is much the same. While there are no legends of it finding a master to serve like Chris-dono’s sword, Kirinagi is said to curse and kill any owner it does not take a liking to.”

“Eh? Shizuku-san, wouldn’t that make it a ‘cursed blade’? Like a Muramasa?” ¹ A Muramasa sword is a legendary type of Japanese katana crafted by the 16th-century swordsmith Muramasa Sengo in Kuwana, Japan. Renowned for their exceptional sharpness and distinct craftsmanship, they are heavily steeped in folklore, frequently depicted as “cursed” blood-thirsty blades.

“Oh, Fiene-dono truly is well-informed. However, it is different from a cursed blade. A cursed blade hexes its wielder and twists their actions. Kirinagi does no such thing. It simply rejects them.”

“I see. I didn’t know that.”

“The fact that you know so much about my distant homeland alone is something I am grateful for.”

As we walked and chatted, we arrived at an inn and checked in.

“Now then, I intend to stay in this town for a while. What are Fiene-dono and her companions planning to do?”

“We plan to head toward the Red Sky Empire.”

“Is that so? Will you be staying in this town for a few days?”

“That’s the plan.”

“In that case, I would like to request a spar with Chris-dono. I wish to test how my skills fare against a Holy Knight.”

The atmosphere surrounding Shizuku-san changed instantly. A sharp tension filled the air.

Reаⅾ oո КαtRеаԁіngСafe

“Very well. Shizuku-dono, let us spar.”

Chris-san was fired up too. I worried about them getting hurt, but on second thought, I can just heal them.

“Um, you two, please do it somewhere you won’t trouble the people around you, and make sure to do it where I can see you.”

“Of course, Fiene-sama. I shall prove to you that a pittance of bandits like those was something I could have handled easily on my own.”

Wait, Chris-san, was that what was bothering you?

◇ ◇ ◇

After dropping off our luggage, we headed to a vacant lot on the outskirts of town. The audience consisted of me, Lu-chan, and for some reason, the old man who ran the inn.

“I am Shizuku of the Mieshiro family, eldest daughter of Fuuzan, from the Golden Land of the Rising Sun. I have come here to master the way of the sword. Let us have a fair fight!”

“My name is Christina, Holy Knight of the White Moon Kingdom and shield to Saint Fiene Argentata. Come!”

Whoa, incredible. I’ve never heard a formal introduction like that before. It’s actually kind of cool.

Chris-san faced Shizuku-san with her sword in a middle stance.

In contrast, Shizuku-san kept her katana sheathed.

The two of them seemed to be gauging the distance between them, and the crackling tension was palpable.

“Ooh, as expected, a duel between experts is all about the spacing. Marvelous!”

Rеаⅾ οո KαtRеаdiոɡСafe

The old man was deeply moved.

“Onee-sama, who do you think will win?”

“Hmm, personally I want to cheer for Chris-san, but based on what I’ve seen so far, I feel like Shizuku-san is faster.”

“Ehh, so Chris-san is going to lose?”

“Who knows?”

I honestly didn’t know. Ever since the Level Up back in Silver Village, I’ve been able to track Chris-san’s movements with my eyes, but I don’t understand the finer points of swordsmanship.

Breaking the silence, Shizuku-san closed the distance in a flash.

She struck at the same moment she drew her blade.

Chris-san blocked it with her sword, but Shizuku-san followed up with a second and third strike.

After blocking the flurry of attacks, Chris-san delivered a side kick that sent Shizuku-san flying.

However, Shizuku-san didn’t look like she’d taken any damage; she landed gracefully on her feet.

It was too fast for me to properly follow, but I think Shizuku-san reacted perfectly to that final side kick and jumped back.

“S-So cool…” Lu-chan muttered, looking dazed.

“Chris-dono, you are as impressive as I thought. I am surprised to find a swordsman in the West who can withstand my sword.”

Rеaԁ оո КatRеаԁіnɡСаfe

“Do not mock me, Shizuku-dono. There are many in the White Moon Kingdom who are stronger than I.”

“I am relieved to hear that. It would have been a disappointment if this level was the strongest.”

“What was that?”

Ah, Chris-san took the bait. She’s definitely going to lose now.

Chris-san went on the offensive. Shizuku-san drew her sword in one fluid motion, brilliantly parrying the strike before pressing her blade against Chris-san’s neck.

“Ngh…”

“Match over!”

I shouted at the top of my lungs to stop them. I really didn’t want this to escalate into a bloody mess.

“Chris-dono, that was a fine bout. If there is another opportunity, I would ask for another spar.”

“…Yeah.”

Chris-san looked quite shocked, her shoulders slumped in defeat.

“My, what a splendid match that was! Actually, after seeing what you’re capable of, I have a request for you all.”

The one who spoke up was the old man from the inn.