(Alddan POV)

It’s morning.

I hear people dressing and talking with each other.

The room is fairly noisy, but I feel that I woke up naturally. It wasn’t their noise that woke me.

I raise my torso and look around.

My eyes confirm my earlier thoughts. Everyone is dressing themselves with their everyday clothes and chatting.

“Oi there mate!”

I look at my right and see a young man, standing and looking at me.

“Glad you woke up. Otherwise I would have to wake you up myself, and that’s not cool. Not at all.” He says so with a grin. “I’m Paul by the way.”

He’s around the same age as me. He has a fair build but not as strong as me. He’s about the same height as me too.

His hair is short and a bit messy, but it’s probably because it’s just his style, not because he forgot to arrange it.

“Why is it not cool by the way?” I ask with an uninterested tone.

I don't really care about his answer, it’s just that I don’t want to make a weird atmosphere or make any unnecessary resentment.

“Oh c’mon… A guy waking up another guy? That’s just not how it’s done.”

The other men notice us and turn their attention.

They must want to meet the new guy, eh?

“Then how is it done?” I ask nonchalantly.

“Ah, you know… If you were a gal I wouldn’t mind but… A guy is just too weird.”

“Hmm, I see.” I get up from the bed. “Well, your clothes come out of the closet every morning and you seem rather comfortable with them.”

“Uh, eh...?”

“Puhahahaha!” The others start laughing.

“Eh!? Oh… Oh! I get it! You funny guy! Good one!”

He pats me on the back. He put some strength in his arm, but I didn’t move an inch.

He looks surprised for a moment, but he quickly puts up his grin again.

“So, what’s your name boy?” One of the men asks.

He has a long beard and fair skin. He has a few wrinkles but he’s probably in his 30’s.

“You can call me Al.”

“Not your real name eh? Don’t worry boy, no one is going to snitch you or anything. Not after you saving one of ours.”

Everyone nods to confirm what he said.

“That’s right!” Paul says. “You’re not the first refugee that we get. In fact, most of us here are runaways.”

Everyone nods again.

“And most of us did nothing more than insult some noble just because we exist!” Another man declares.

“Well, to be fair, some of us did some serious crimes...”

“H-hum, yeah…” Paul nods.

I see. They are people who had no other choice but to run away from home. Either because they did something serious or angered a noble…

“So… The locals are fine with receiving criminals?”

Maybe I could have worded that better? Calling them criminals might piss them off… Even though they are.

Humans hate it when someone calls them something that they really are.

“Fair question.” The man with long hair answers. “I also wondered about that, but the chief once told me, ‘as long as your crimes stay in the past, you are welcome to stay here as long as you like’.”

“That’s that. The locals are hospitable too by the way. Take it as you will.” The bearded man completes the other.

I nod in acknowledgement.

“And since you now know that past is a tricky subject, you should know that we have this unspoken rule of not talking about pasts~.” The guy with the messy hair says so. “If you break it, we'll have to beat you up~.”

I look at him with a ‘are you serious?’ expression.

“Heh, you might want to rephrase that Paul!” The one with long hair yells. “I heard that he killed four Carown Mercenaries yesterday. Barehanded.”

“W-what!? Seriously!?”

“That’s what little Kendra said. If you want to beat him up, go right ahead, but don’t count with my help, haha!”

The others laugh too.

“Ha… Hehe…” He looks at me, apologetically. “You know I was just kidding right?”

“Don’t worry. I don’t have a habit of beating up people without a good reason.”

“I-I see…”

He’s nervous, but he’s still trying to maintain his smiling face.

I take my eyes off of him. Then hear a sigh of relief.

“So, why are you all here? Why didn’t you go to Qahs Holm yet?”

“Ah, that question. The question. Each one of us has his own reasons.” The bearded man answers.

“I can’t go because I don’t have money.” Paul answers. “It’s sooo expensive…”

“I wanted to go at first, but then the chief warned me that I would probably end up in the military.” The man with the long hair answers. “I mean, look at me! I’m not a soldier! I don’t even know how to use a sword.”

His body is not weak, but it’s not muscular either.

“In a nutshell, those are the two main reasons.” The bearded man finishes. “Some don’t have the money while others don’t want to raise a sword. Me personally, I didn’t have enough money at first, but then I took a liking to this village. I can’t imagine myself living anywhere else but here.”

“I see.”

Qahs Holm seems to be a militarized country… Not sure if I should feel satisfied, or depressed.

Obviously, I feel satisfied just like any other strategist or leader... But I also dislike war just like any other man.

No. This is good. If Qahs Holm is as dangerous as Vanadis said, then I am satisfied. At least I do remember him saying that there would be many losses if they attacked it.

War is the only way I am going to change this world. It’s a necessary evil.

There’s nothing to feel depressed about. This is exactly what I wanted.

Now it’s just a question of getting there and fit all pieces of the puzzle together. Confirm if I existed or not and see how I can get them to follow me.

“And how much does it cost?”

“50 silver coins.” The bearded man answers.

Rather expensive for a black hair. I can imagine that only a few would be able to pay that.

But, Garret himself said that this village was isolated, then why do they need so much money?

“That’s a lot. Any idea why he asks for so much?”

“Beats me, you would have to ask the chief himself.”

“I see.”

I guess I will if a chance comes up.

“Anyway, name’s Bernard. That’s my real name by the way.” He extends his hand.

I grab it and shake it.

“Nice to meet you.”

“And mine is Waller.” The man with the long hair extends his hand too.

I shake his hand.

“And mine is...” Everyone introduces themselves.

They seem friendly enough. But still, I should keep my guard up. Just in case.

All of them have cheap clothes and callouses on their hands. It doesn’t take a genius to see that they are hard workers.

Some of them exit the house after introducing themselves.

“So I take it that you want to cross the ocean?” Bernard asks.

“Yes. Garret said he would let me go for free.”

“As expected.” Waller comments.

“Well, normally I would say, I hope you know what you are doing, but in your case, I think you’ll be just fine.”

“But,” Paul interrupts. “you brought a gal with’ya right? Can she handle herself?”

“She can.”

Maybe not with a sword, but she’s a red mage. She shouldn't be taken lightly.

But then again, I wouldn’t let her fight alone.

Speaking of which, we should resume our training later. I didn’t train her in the last few days.

“I see.” He frowns, dissatisfied with something.

“What is it?” Bernard asks.

“My mental image of her got worse.”

“What?”

“I mean, if she’s even half of this guy, she must be a a huge muscular woman! And we already got Haylie!”

*sigh*

We all roll our eyes.

“What? Ain’t I right? If---”

“We should go have breakfast.” Waller interrupts him.

“Good idea.”

“Good idea.”

Both I and Bernard agree and start walking towards the door.

“Oh c’mon!” Paul yells.

…

….

…..

This community is basically composed by two groups: the refugees and the locals.

The locals are people who, as the word suggests, already lived here. All of them have their own house and family.

The refugees are people who tried to find their way into Qahs Holm, but for one reason or another had to stay here. The men live in the public room, while the women are taken in by the locals.

Just like when fatwoman took Nora in.

And as it turns out, people in this community are really close. According to Bernard, they always have their meals together in the ‘big house’. Both the refugees and the locals.

The big house is pretty much like the room where I slept in, but covers a significant bigger area. It stands on the south part of the large open space, with the entrance pointed to the center of that.

We are all heading to the big house.

Everyone who’s outside gives me curious glares.

“So he’s the one who saved lil’ Kendra?”

“Ay, took a whole Carown’s group all by himself.”

“Wow, I hope he’ll stay here with us.”

Sorry, I won’t. As soon as Garret’s brother arrives, I’m out.

Hmm, now that I think about it, did the old man tell the others that me and Nora are mages?

Probably not, but I should confirm with him when I get the chance.

“See lad? You just arrived and are already talk of the village.” Bernard turns his attention to me.

“What did you expect? With such an entrance, how could he not?” Waller continues.

“By the way, do you think they will come back?”

“The mercs? Nah, they wouldn’t dare to attack the village, they’re cowards. We can bite them here.” Bernard answers.

“True, but we can’t send anyone outside alone again.”

“Ay, especially you Waller.”

“What’s that supposed---? *sigh* Forget it.”

“Bwahaha, just kidding lad, just kidding! You are a man worthy of respect, I can assure you of that. Your looks don’t matter.”

Indeed, it wouldn’t be strange if someone mistook him for a woman. He’s not feminine enough to pass as a woman if we look at his face, but from behind, his long hair and body shape can lie about his gender.

“I already told you, I am not going to cut my hair no matter what.”

“I know lad. You don’t need to tell me that again. Your reasons are your own.”

Bernard looks forward, as if to signal that their conversation about that matter was done.

…

We enter the ‘big house’.

Inside is almost like a canteen.

It’s a huge room with long wood tables and bench chairs of the same length occupying every free space. On the left there’s a big counter separating the kitchen from the rest.

Some men are already seated chatting with each other, while women and girls are working on the kitchen and setting up the tables.

Bernard notices my curious gazing.

“Normally, women take care of the house while the men go out on the sea or take care of the cattle.”

“I see.”

“Of course, that doesn’t mean that we don’t help each other sometimes. There were a couple of times when I helped them wash the plates.”

“Hmm.” I nod in acknowledgment.

“Let me through!” A little girl holding wooden plates and cutlery tries to push me away with with her shoulder.

“Ah sorry.”

I take a step back to let her pass.

She passes and doesn’t mind me in the least. She puts down the plates and sets up the table. After she finishes, she looks at me.

“...”

“... Something the matter?” I ask.

Her cheeks become red and she let’s out a small yelp. Then she runs away from the other side of the table.

“Hehe, that girl is very shy around strangers. Poor thing didn’t even notice who you were.”

“I see.”

That’s cute.

I look around again and notice another girl carrying baskets full of bread and setting them on the tables, all the while smiling. But unlike the other little one, she’s older.

Wait…

Nora?

That girl isn’t wearing the same clothes up until now. She’s wearing a brown bodice laced up on the front with a full skirt. Underneath she has a white chemise.

It took me a while to realize because of her sudden change of appearance, but that is without a doubt Nora.

People look at her as she passes by.

She puts down the last basket and then looks around. Then she spots me.

“Al!”

Her smile becomes wider as she waves at me. Then she runs in my direction

*badump*

My heart races for a moment.

I take a deep breath to try to control it.

She stops right in front of us.

“So? How do I look?” She asks with a grin while making a pose.

She looks… Really good.

This outfit brings every single feminine point she has. Her waist, her curves, her face… Everything just matches.

This is the complete opposite of what she wore yesterday.

“Y-you look great.”

Damnit I stuttered.

“I know right?” She answers energetically.

“Who gave it to you?”

“It was Haylie.” She keeps looking down and twirling, impressed by her own clothes. “At first she was kind of scary, but she’s not a bad person after all.”

“Oh, fatwoman. That makes sense.”

!!!

I sense danger!

My hand moves immediately and catches a wooden plate headed for my head.

“I heard that you little brat!” That woman’s voice comes from the kitchen

I look at the kitchen, and she’s right there helping out the other women while looking at me.

“Well, hello to you too.”

Annoying fat woman.

“Hehe, Al c’mon, don’t be like that please.” She grabs the plate of my hand.

“So that’s your companion eh? Nice to meet you lass, my name is Bernard.”

“Nice to meet you too! I’m Elisa.”

Weird name, but I guess it’s fine.

“And I’m Waller.”

Nora nods at him and then looks at Paul.

Paul is just standing there looking at Nora.

This guy…

“Say something and wipe off the drool off of your face.”

He looks at me and quickly rubs his mouth with his sleeve, only to find it dry.

“Oh! Funny guy strikes again uh? I admit defeat on this one friend.” He looks at Nora. “Hi! My name is Paul!”

Nora opens her eyes wide in surprise because of his sudden outbursts.

She nods and gives a small ‘yeah’ in acknowledgement.

“Did I ever tell you how beautiful you are?”

*sigh*

You just met her dumbass…

“Haha…” Nora laughs nervously. “N-no, you didn’t…”

Awkward silence follows. Both Paul and Nora don’t know what to say.

“So, Elisa,” I break the silence. “everything fine so far? Did they treat you well?”

“Yes! Miss Haylie gave me these clothes and then brought me here. She asked me to help everyone. The others were also very polite and welcomed me.”

“I see. Good to hear.”

“Hey Elisa! Stop chatting and get to work! Everyone's going to be here soon!” Fatwoman’s yells from the kitchen.

“Y-yes!”

She goes back running to the kitchen.

The heck did that woman do to Nora? It’s almost as if Nora is used to this.

“And you brat!” She points at me. “Sit over there!” Then points to the closest table to the kitchen.

“And why--- *sigh*”

---would I sit there.

I was about to say that, but it’s not worth the trouble. She probably wants to talk with me or something while we eat. Or maybe not.

The others nod at me and go to another table while I make my way to the one she pointed.

I sit down. In front of me, there’s already tableware set up and some bread.

Hmm, I could eat some.

I grab one from the basket and take a bite off of it.

Tasty.

It’s warm, meaning it was just baked a while ago. The crunchiness and flavor are most certainly welcomed.

I look around while munching it.

Some girls are still setting up the tables.

They set up the tables if they’re unoccupied, but if there’s someone seated, the girls just leave the tableware and let them set it up themselves.

Things are a bit chaotic one could say, but not chaotic enough to create a stressful atmosphere.

Just like outside, most people are curious about me and give quick glances.

They turn their head as soon my gaze comes across them.

But I’m not the only center of attention. They also give curious glares at Nora.

Speaking of which…

I look at her, and see her working with the others in the kitchen, all the while smiling.

Just… I don’t have words. She’s a noble… Or was… But she’s working just like that.

I honestly didn’t expect this of her. I would have sooner bet that she wouldn’t work willingly.

But then again, this is nothing compared to what our life has been until now since that incident.

She most certainly welcomes the change.

“Heh…”

Of course she does. Who wouldn’t?

And the way how she displayed her new clothes?

She kept saying how she disliked being dressed like a guy and how uncomfortable it was.

Now she can exhibit herself as a woman and dress like one.

Now that I think about it, I do remember that she loves dresses. She had a blast during that party in the royal palace.

What a princess, seriously…

Still… Seeing her smile like this, it makes everything worthwhile.

I shake my head to clear my thoughts.

I have to control myself. I like her, but I won’t go any farther than that.

Otherwise, I fear that my old self takes over for good and I become too weak to do what’s necessary later.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

… But then again, that bastard is already winning some ground… Otherwise I would have never let her come with me.

Someone’s behind me.

“Appreciating the view young man?”

It’s Garret voice.

“You could say that.”

“Wha-... I didn’t scare you!?”

“I already knew you were behind me before you said anything.”

“Eh, good senses.”

He sits down at my right side.

“Did you tell the others that me and my friend…”

Are mages?

“Nope. Don’t worry about it.”

He grabs a piece of bread.

“By the way old man, what do you do with so much money?”

“I don’t follow.” He answers nonchalantly.

“The money you make from the smuggling. Why do you need so much?”

“Oh, that. The usual. Pay taxes, trade with other settlements when we need things like wheat and medicines...”

“But isn’t the price you ask too high?”

“It has to be. It’s a good way to make some crowd control.”

“...”

Then that means they don’t want to smuggle too many people? Thus why they put a high price so that only a few can pay for it.

“Not the fairest system I admit, but it’s the best we can do.” He looks around to check if anyone is hearing us, then he gets closer to my ear and whispers. “But to be honest, sometimes I make exceptions when I think the person is worth it, isn’t that right?”

He gets away and eats the bread in his hand.

“And sometimes,” he continues. “the guards need some bribing when they get too close to our necks. They already know we take some criminals into our community, so we have to give them something to leave us, and the criminal they are looking for, alone.”

“And they know about the smuggling?”

“Hmmm…” He thinks for a while. “I told you that we pretend to be just a small simple village, but the truth is, I wouldn’t be surprised if they know about the smuggling. But since they don’t find enough hard evidence about the smuggling, plus they receive some bribes sometimes, they look the other way.”

Corruption for the win, uh?

“I see.”

“And that’s also why we ask for such a high price. Sometimes my brother brings some goods from Qahs Holm so we can make some money by trading.”

“Goods?”

“Simple things like iron, wool, wine… They offer them to us so that we can continue to operate.”

“Hmm.”

Then Qahs Holm supports this village.

“By the way, I noticed you already met the other men? Especially those three?”

He points to Bernard and the other two.

“Yes. What of it?”

“Bernard is an honest man, I like him. I even offered him to go to Qahs Holm with a discount, but he refused.”

“Yeah, he mentioned earlier how he liked it here.”

“Waller is also like him, but he’s a little paranoid.”

“How so?”

“I told him that Qahs Holm was a place where one grows to hold a sword, and he somehow convinced himself that if he goes there, he will be forced into the military, which is not true at all. It’s true that that place is militarized, but just like any other country, it needs someone to work on the fields, farms, secretaries… And he knows how to read, they wouldn’t hesitate to put him to do paperwork. But no matter how many times I tell him that, he just ignores me and keeps saying that he doesn’t want to risk it.”

“I see...”

“And Paul… Just watch yourself around him. I don’t like his vibe.”

“Why?”

“Just a gut feeling unfortunately. If I could, I would have already kicked him out of the village, but I don’t want to be unfair and exile someone just because of a gut feeling. He might be a good guy for all I know.”

“Why do you think that he’s trouble?”

“I don’t know to be honest… It’s just a feeling. I don’t like the way he looks at people, much less how he looks at my daughter.”

“Hmmm…”

He’s the odd kind, that’s for certain.

“That said, I would also appreciate if you kept an eye on him. If he does anything, please report to me.”

“Ok… But---”

*BUMP*

FUCK FUCK FUCK!!!

Something hard hits the back of my head.

I feel the impact through my entire skull.

It hurts like hell!

I put my hands on my head and massage the area where I was hit.

“Here.”

Fatwoman’s voice comes into my ears and also a sound of something being poured on my plate.

That fuckin bitch! How the hell didn’t I notice her!?

I look behind me and she’s already serving soup to Garret.

“Thank you my dear little sister.”

“Just shut up old man.”

And she just ignores me!?

“Why you---!”

As I am about to get up, Garret grabs my arm.

“Just sit down young man. That’s just how she is.”

“Just how she is!? The heck you’re---?”

“Please, sit down.” He insists again with a smile. “Let’s not ruin this beautiful morning.”

She keeps serving other people, without looking back.

… Whatever…

I sit down, still rubbing the back of my head.

If there’s a next time, I won’t back down.

“I already knew this was going to happen *sigh*” The old man mutters.

“Why?”

“You look just like someone she once knew. Look at your plate.”

“What?”

I look at the plate. It’s full with soup. And by full I mean really full. One more drop and it would overflow.

Looking at the others, they’re not as full.

“Try to be patient with her young man. She’s going through a lot since the moment she first saw you.” He says so as he takes a sip.

“...”

… I guess I can suck it up. For now.

I grab the spoon and start eating.

The soup… It's not bad.

The girls are already finished and start taking her places. The others are also arriving from the outside.

The place is starting to get crowded as people take their places.

Moments later, Nora, Kendra and fatwoman take their places in front of me and the old man.

“Slept well my dear?” Garret asks.

“Yes. Auntie, sorry for not helping out here today.”

“Don’t worry about it girl.”

Kendra then looks at me.

“H-hi.”

“Good morning.”

She blushes.

Nora frowns for a bit, but I noticed it.

Fatwoman keeps avoiding looking at me.

For some reason I thought she would be just like a brute eating breakfast, but she is surprisingly well mannered.

“So,” the old man speaks up and looks at me. “we have to discuss something.”

“Which is?”

“You saved my daughter and I am really grateful. If it were up to me, I would treat you both like royalty until my brother arrived, but you know… We here are not that rich and we work every day to put food on the table... It would be a great help if you both helped us with our daily routines.”

“Ah, I see.”

He wants us to work.

“But I mean, you don’t need to. I can’t ask you something so selfish after saving my daughter...”

He wants to play guilty games. He wants me to feel guilty if I refuse to work.

It’s fine. I wasn’t planning to laze around all day anyway.

“No need to play those kind of games old man. Just tell me what to do and I’ll try to help.”

“Wonderful! I knew I could count on you!”

“I guess you already agreed to work?” I look at Elisa.

“Yeah. I don’t mind helping out too.”

I nod in acknowledgement.

“But I have a condition.” I look at the old man.

“Oh? What is it?”

“You let me and Elisa have free time before the sunset.”

“Fine by me, but why, if I may ask?”

“She needs to train.”

“Train? Oh, like, using a sword?”

“Hand to hand combat.”

“I see. Well, like I said, fine by me. Haylie?”

She looks at Nora and replies.

“As long as she wants to, I don’t mind.”

“Yes, I need this. I was the one who asked him.”

“Then you are free to do as you wish. But until then, you’re going to help me doing the chores.”

“Yes ma’am! You can count me!”

What the hell?

What did that woman do to you Nora?

She notices my gaze and looks away, embarrassed.

“So, for today young man, I would like you to guard the cattle in the fields”

“Because of the mercenaries?”

“Exactly. I doubt that they will dare to attack us or our animals but, I want to play on the safe side.”

“Are they really afraid of attacking a small village?”

“Young man, let’s just say that we have a few tricks up our sleeves. And they know it.”

“Those tricks being?”

“Sorry, tis a secret.” He gives a small grin.

Now I am curious, but...

“Alright.”

I won’t pursue this matter.

"Who are they anyway?" I ask.

"Just an old merc group with an old grudge."

"..."

"..."

Guess you don't want to talk about that too.

…

…..

…….

“Here we are.” Kendra declares once we reach the field just outside of the village.

“You didn’t need to lead me here.”

“N-nonsense! Father asked me to so I did! It’s the least I can do!”

“Yes, but… Doesn’t matter. Thanks anyway.”

“No need to thank me!”

The old man gave me a small sword. ‘Just to be safe’ he said.

It’s a very ordinary sword. It’s useful against normal mercenaries, but it wouldn’t help much against another Servant.

Damnit, having this one with me just makes me realize how valuable my previous sword was. Why did it have to break in that tournament… Damn that guy and damn his armor.

I look around and see some cows grazing in the fields around the village.

“So you guys also have cattle?”

I try to make small talk.

“Yes. We mostly have cows and pigs, but we also have chickens and a few sheep. They’re our source of meat and milk. But we mostly eat fish. We usually leave them alone and graze as they wish, so father will probably make you work with the others at the beach tomorrow.”

“I see.”

I look forward, towards the road from where we came from yesterday.

A moment passes and she’s still here, looking at me.

“Is there something you want to ask?”

“U-uhm, I’m sorry but, if you don’t mind me asking…”

“What’s on your mind?”

“Do you really have to go to Qahs Holm?”

“Yes.”

I answer without hesitation.

“A-ah… Will you come back here?”

“I don’t know, but probably not.”

“I see…”

Her expression turns sad for a moment.

“Uh… Could we maybe talk later?”

“What about?”

“I want to know more about you. Y-you’re a mage right? I want to know how life is for a mage like you, and what nobles wear, read, and--”

“You know how to read?”

“Y-yes! Of course! Auntie taught me. Most of the children here know how to read thanks to her.”

“Hmm.”

That woman…

“S-so…”

“I’m not really… The best person to ask about those kind of things. Ask my friend about it.”

“A-ah… I see… Ah! So that means that you both are just friends!?” She asks with a hint of enthusiasm.

“Y-yeah.”

This is going in a weird direction.

“I see, that’s good.” She mutters to herself. “But can we still talk later?”

She’s not… Interested in me, is she?

“Sure, why not. But look, I...”

I am not interested in you.

That’s what I was going to say. But it’s better not. She might just be enamored about the fact that I am a mage and wants to know more about us. It’s simple curiosity.

I’m probably the first mage she ever met.

That’s the most plausible scenario. She’s not a mage and she gains nothing by being with me. Marriage is also impossible. And she knows that I am a runaway, so she can’t possibly expect to gain anything by me having her as a lover.

“Yes?” She breaks the silence and forces me to come back to reality.

“I don’t really know what you want to talk about, but sure.”

“O-ok…”

We stay for a while looking at each other.

“We probably should go about our business.”

“Y-yes! I’m going back to help the others. Please call us if you need anything!”

“Sure.”

“Ok then!”

She turns around and runs towards the village.

Well then…

Spending all morning looking around doing nothing… What a waste of time.

I probably should do some push ups. Something to keep my muscles active.

Thinking of which… Do I need to exercise? Do my muscles wither away if I don’t?

This body now doesn’t need food or water. I only feel pleasure by eating and feel mild hunger if I don’t, but I don’t actually need to eat. What else did my body change?

One way or the other, better safe than sorry. I should exercise.

I’ll also use Inner Magic to enhance my vision, hearing and senses, just in case any merc appears.

I find a spot in the middle of the grass and start doing pushups.

“One, two, three…”

After this I should do some sit-ups.

I have to make sure that my upper body is ready to use the bow, and arm strength is essential.

Many people think that the swordsmen are stronger than archers in arm strength, but the truth is, that’s not the case. Archers are just as strong, if not stronger, than swordsmen.

Shooting arrows hundreds of meters away takes a lot of strength and endurance. Anyone can shoot one or two arrows, but shooting many? That’s another story and that’s where the endurance is truly tested.

The string has to be pulled to the limit and it really makes you work your sweat.

A warrior is physically stronger in general, but he will have trouble with an archer in arm wrestling.

*munch munch*

I hear someone eating.

I look at my left and see a cow. It’s munching while looking at me.

“What? Enjoying the show?”

*munch munch*

“Well, take the advantage while you can. Next time it’s not going to be free.”

“Moo.”

“How’re you going to pay?”

*munch munch*

“With milk, obviously.”

“Moo.”

“Don’t like it? Don’t look.”

…

…..

…….

I spent the entire morning exercising.

I feel somewhat fatigued, but not really tired.

The sun is shining and it even burns my skin.

“Today is too hot for autumn.”

It’s weird, but sometimes it happens. It’s almost as if it’s a summer day.

I sit down next to a tree, under its shadow.

Despite some leaves being on the ground, there are still a good amount on the tree.

Then I notice someone coming from the village with a basket.

It’s Nora.

“Al!”

“Hey.” I raise my hand to greet her.

Damn, it’s still weird seeing her like this.

She get’s closer.

“Look, I brought you lunch!” She raises the basket.

“Oh, I thought we were going to eat in the big house.”

“Hm-hm.” She shakes her head. “Everyone is there, but Haylie told me to bring you lunch.”

That woman again.

“Well then,” I make space for her. “Sit here.”

“Hm.” She nods and sits next to me and puts the basket between us.

Her basket is full of sandwiches.

“Looks good.”

“D-does it!? W-well…” She looks away flustered.

She’s also moving her hands awkwardly.

The sandwiches are made of some kind of pate and lettuce. Simple.

“Did you make them?” I ask jokingly.

“Y-yeah! I did!.”

Wait, seriously?

“Haylie helped me to make the pate, but I did everything else alone!” She says so, blushing.

“Well then, let’s have a bite.”

I grab one of the sandwiches.

A noble did something so menial. It’s probably the first thing she ever made in the kitchen.

Even if it doesn’t tastes that good, I won’t be picky.

I take a bite from the sandwich I have in my hand.

“...” She keeps looking at me, expectantly.

“...”

My eyes open wide and look at the sandwich.

It’s… It’s really good.

“It’s bad, isn’t it!? I knew it!” She takes the sandwich from my hand. “I knew I screwed up when I put too much---!”

“Nora.”

I grab her wrist and bring it close to my mouth. I take another bite off of it.

“Eh?”

“It’s delicious.” I smile at her.

Her face becomes red like a tomato and then looks down.

“I-is that so… Hehe.”

I take the sandwich from her hand and continue eating it.

“You did a good job. It’s really good.”

“Y-you really think so?”

“Yup.” I pat her head.

She frowns.

“You think I’m a dog or something? No, actually, don’t answer.”

“Hahaha! You’re starting to learn.”

Ok, they’re just sandwiches, not really something that will impress a chef. But I bet that making pate is not something that a noble like her, without any experience in cooking, can do so easily.

What really impresses me, is her growth. At first, she was just like any other noble, now she’s willing to even work at the kitchen.

Not many nobles can do that. Most nobles would rather declare war than having to dirty their hands.

I finish the sandwich.

“Want another one?” She asks with a smile

“Yes please.”

"Here!" She passes me another one.