"What should I do!?"
I ran crying to my friend (Anise) in the dead of night. It was so awful that even the roommate was troubled and Anise had to ask for Alia as back up.
But of course! I never dated someone in my previous life and I have ZERO experience in falling in love! Can't you understand my dilemma!?
"...calm down, Charlotte. It's already late so can you tell us your problem?" Alia asked politely.
With her calm and cool demeanor, it felt like cold water was poured on my steamy hot head. Auu... I really should treat her for something next time.
"To tell you the truth..." I began to explain.
Once done, however, Alia was the person who frowned while Anise snickered like a certain striped cat from wonderland.
"You're so assertive, Charlotte!" Anise stated.
"Uuu...! Don't remind me of that!" I half-shouted.
I didn't intend to ask him out! It's just annoying to see how altruistic that guy was and he even denied my assistance when he brought Renleina with him!!
"That is jealousty, Charlotte." Alia retorted when I told them my reasoning.
Why do you all think like that! I wanted to shout but Anise once again laughed even as I told them how Fei behaved in the past.
"Seriously? Then maybe he wanted to take you to buy some equipment?"
"...I could hardly believe Fei doing something like that."
He always said he had no interest in mingling with people. Even more, be despised humans that he blurted it out when we had dinner in Bluesnake. I couldn't forget how father dropped his spoon and mother saying 'oh my' with troubled face.
That kind of antisocial, cunning, selfish and cynical bastard could afford a date? You must be joking...
"But from what I heard... the prince has never once participated in social gatherings." Alia informed me.
Eh? Social gatherings... as in ball? Or simply casual meetings between young nobles? I think I heard it before and if I think about it...
"That... sounds stiff." I commented.
"If there is any adult, perhaps. But young nobles under guises will have so much freedom the place could be lit ablaze." Alia said.
Uhm... somehow, that sounds scary. I wouldn't want a tea party turned horrendous. Even the Hat Maniac's isn't that brutal or did the Queen of Hearts joined in between the lines?
Also, where did Alia hear of that? I threw out the question and the girl with blue hair tilted her head. She then nodded and answered.
"That is because my roommate is quite a talker. Sometimes, I almost mistook her as a poet." Alia heaved a breath out.
Wah, I never thought she would sigh at something other than Anise's daily antics. It seems that being the mature one caused her to have a sense of responsibility like an elder...
"Though saying that, I do not believe we are adequate to assist you in this matter. Charlotte, do you have spare clothes?"
I shook my head at that question.
"A tiger stole the whole luggage and burned it while I wasn't looking." I explained.
"Eh? Tiger can make fire?"
"It must be an Infernal Tiger. I'm surprised Charlotte met one."
Uh... no? What's with that dangerous name? That Onii-chan just hate anything related to human in his palace so he burned my clothes.
Well, I'm pretty sure he's sneezing in discomfort now. The clothes themselves aren't the problem but the luggage was one that smelled awful if burned like a rubber tire would.
Besides...
"...I do have some replacement but they're a bit..."
Uhm... it's somehow too much for me. I was given Iris' dresses by that Emperor as compensation but they had loose sizes for me. Also, most have their backs exposed and there's a hole right above the butt.
As expected, a dress for beastman must have at least that much and the quality is beyond silk's that I felt afraid from merely having them.
However... Hearing my fading voice, the maroon haired fighter's eyes glimmered and she flashed a nasty smile.
"Nyaha! It must be battle dress!!"
B-battle dress!? What is she talking about!?
"Oh, now that... I cannot miss."
"Even Alia too!?"
Wait. What!? What's going on with these two?! Why are they approaching me with scary faces!! Don't come! Stop approaching...!
"Heh he he...! I want to see! I must see Charl in battle dress!" Anise exclaimed.
"Give up. To skip the ladders and aimed for the indecent ones... Charlotte is really brave." Alia raised her hands and her fingers moved in a very, extremely suspicious way!!
Scary! Scary scary scaaaaaaaarrry! I shouldn't have consulted with these two!!
Then... I have to run-
"Gyah!?" I shrieked.
As I tried to flee, my feet were caught and I fell flat. Damn it, Anise! Since when did you move like a roach!?
"Give up and confess!"
"No way! No way no way no way no waaaayyy!"
"Then let's interrogate! Alia!"
"Roger~"
Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaah! I dug my own graaaaavveee!!!
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"Uuu... that was awful." I groaned as I dragged my feet to the front gate.
After the mayhem ended, I was left sleep deprived and I had nothing else but my uniform to rely on. I didn't want Fei to see me exposing my back and I have no interest in becoming an exhibitionist.
"...wait. Now that I think about it, I almost always got naked during battles..." I paused as I remembered the grueling experiences.
Fighting against monsters or the Scum with a similar name to food, dealing with Demon Generals, dueling Bravzgaim... Almost at every occurrence, my clothes were torn out and I nearly died too...
"No, no no! There's no way right!? I don't have any habit in stripping!!" I shook my head in panic but the fact remained that I was at shameful state once in a while!
Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! I'm not an exhibitionist! There's no way I am...!!
"Charlotte...? What are you doing...?"
Uwawaaah!? I looked to the right and I found myself exchanging gazes with a black haired youth.
It's Fei! Eh!? So I'm already at the front gate?! What should I do!? My mind quickly turned white and shortcircuited. Uuu...! This is bad! This is bad! What should I do...?! Wait, shouldn't I calm down and give a striking impression?!
Y-yeah... that's right. I should do that! Okay, here we go...!
"Fei, I'm not an exhibitionist right!?" I shouted from the top of my lungs.
"What in the Seven Chaos are you talking about!!?" Fei yelled back in shock.
Somehow, it led to a great misunderstanding.
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Once I calmed down, I was totally ashamed and walked in a faster pace. Fei kept up with me and he even sighed in the middle.
"So that's it. You thought of something outrageous as always." He said.
"Sh-Shut up! The one who always did outrageous thing has no right to say that!!" I retorted in self-defence.
Uuuu...! This is why I hate myself! Why am I always acting without thinking first!? And how could I chose the wrong topic every time!? If I tried to recall what I said...
I want to die! I want to bury myself in a hole and disappear!! What did I just say to my love interest?!
"Actually... That is also one my concern."
Eh? Seriously? Fei shrugged and he explained.
"Charlotte, you always fought without preparation. You never even used any protective measure to defend yourself."
Th-That's... true, but I don't have the money. Since I often broke my sword I had to buy a new one and before I noticed, the money is all gone just for that.
Uuh... even Tyrfingg and Tsukuyomi have yet to be repaired. They were made from high-class materials so the cost to repair them was not affordable for a student's wallet.
While I realized how wasteful I was, I ended up drooping my shoulders and hanging my head down. But it wasn't long until I felt my head being rubbed.
I turned to Fei and he said, "That's why this is a good chance. Let's have you armed, Milady."
...Geh. To think Anise's assumption was the right one...!
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And so... I was taken for a walk through the bustling streets. Unlike the Lower Layer where everything is jumbled together, there are districts and blocks at the Middle Layer.
There is a commerce district where stores and markets could be found, a plaza where taverns and cafes are lined together, an entertainment district where bars and performances are normal to be seen. There''s even a district where all kind of churches and places for worship lined together but it seemed none was bigger than the cathedral situated in the plaza.
Uhn. There's even a district specialized for Guilds as well as militia. But it seemed only the top dogs could stay here. While I marveled over the sight, I could feel many eyes staring at me.
Or rather... it's at Fei. And the onlookers are all gossiping about him.
"...you're quite famous, Fei." I muttered.
"They just want to see a hero in the flesh. Though most are wishing for my name to be placated on their household lineage." Fei scoffed.
Is that how it is? I certainly sensed malice and lust among the gazes but... Are they so dumb that they would grovel down when talking with Fei? Nobles' main problem is their pride and arrogance over their blood right?
"Just ignore them. Milady, this way." Fei urged me to an alley.
Wow, the crowd parted. I think I even saw some noble ladies winking at Fei but he ignored them as if they were pebbles.
I followed after him and I heard a few clicking tongues. Now I could feel them glaring daggers at me...
"...Fei. Can you stop giving me troubles?" In desperation, I requested the Knight for a favor.
"I'm sorry but I'd have liked to slaughter them all." The knight answered with an apologetic bow.
That's absurd! Can he stop treating human lives like cattle, this cold-hearted idiot!
"...I thought I told you before that I don't like man who constantly apologize over things?"
"Is that so?"
"It is so."
This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
Fei expelled a sigh. He somehow looked weary. I wonder what happened...?
"As you wish, Milady." Fei said with a faint smile.
Then he took a turn to the right. I followed after him and we found a... rusty door. Away from the hustle and bustle, I could hear the sounds of hammer striking iron for times and the rhythm told me the place's role.
"A forgery? In this kind of place?" I gawked.
"The owner dislikes those without discerning eyes. I'm sure Milady will like his weapons." Fei answered.
"Hoo...? What kind of weapons are sold here?"
The moment my question was brought up, Fei chuckled and he opened the door. He glanced at me and he said, "Swords. Every type of sword in the continent is here."
...what? Once we entered the store, the light of Spirit Ember nearly blinded my eyes. My hand was taken by Fei and I was led into the store.
And I was shocked.
The interior was more or less around 8 tatami wide. The ceiling was neither too low nor too high but several Spirit Ember were used to provide enough light and several others were used to highlight some of the products.
Even more... the most surprising thing would be the sheer number of items. Hundreds of swords were inside wooden shelves, cushioned so as not to disrespect their sharp and beautiful blades. The walls were all replaced with shelves storing swords and if I were to list things out...
Starting from shortswords, the variety extended to ordinary swords, long swords, falchions, bladeless execution swords, rapiers, scimitars, damascus swords, great swords, zweihanders, a honest-to-goodness katanas, naginatas, gladius, and there is even a sword resembling Japan's ancient regalia kusanagi.
Other than that, the store had more swords placed in barrels, stands, tables... even the counter was decorated by knives and daggers.
"...Whoa..." I stared at the swords, dumbstruck by their sheer quality and quantity.
Even though they were made from irons, some glistened like mithril and if one were to look carefully, the blades must be extremely sharp that they could slice floating cotton in halves. As someone who wields swords, I learned various things about them and I at least could recognize their rough values.
These... must be expensive. Maybe a hundred gold coins won't be enough to buy one.
"Eh... Fei...? This place is... Huh?" I stuttered as I found myself alone in the store.
Eeh!? Where is Fei!? Where did he go?! How come I didn't notice again...!?
"Oy, you! What the hell are you doing sneaking around like that!?"
Uwah!? I turned around and there was a person at the doorsteps. What's more...!
"S-so pretty...!" I took a step back and commented as if dazzled by the shines or a mountain of gold.
The owner of the voice was a girl. Wearing white blouse with deep neckline, a red scarf and a skirt that seemed to spring like an umbrella, she seemed lightly dressed but still packing a huge punch.
Actually, even her dark auburn hair blended well with her clothes that I could not take my eyes off her. She's an effing beauty! A real, high-class beauty often pictured in Manga and light novels!!
"Ey, you've got some nerves to ignore me, you thief!" She pointed out.
"Th-thief!?" I gasped at the accusation.
Then the girl slid her hands behind her back and she pulled out two metal sticks. Or rather, aren't those tonfas?!
"Say your prayer!!" She shouted and jumped to me.
Uwaah...! This looks bad! Rather, who's she to attack all of a sudden!? A criminal? A new way of scamming?!
Gah! Whatever it is, if it's a fight she wants then fine!
"Yaaaaah!" The girl swung down her tonfa.
But it was too simple! I tilted and parried the outstretched arm and dove into her. I grabbed her blouse, turning around and I executed a throwing move.
"Uwaaah!?"
*CRASH!* The girl crashed down behind the counter, piles of dust rose up and I breathed out. Hmph... she's more or less a newbie in fighting huh.
"Gh... Grrrh...! How, how dare you to mock me!!"
Oh, she got up. I didn't exert too much force to harm her but to think she could stand up already meant she has good physique. Other than that...
"Ah." I let out a sound as my gaze caught the figures of two persons, one of them were familiar to me.
"...what's happening here?" Fei questioned.
He looked between me and the girl, only to frown and sighing. The person behind him smacked his shoulder and laughed.
"Heh! That's quite impressive! Girl, you're not half-bad!"
Eh... who's this? A big man with wide shoulders were laughing merrily. His skintight sleeveless black outfit in addition of soot-covered baggy pants reminded me of the typical blacksmith.
Other than that, his skin is tanned and he's bald...... Even though he looked young, he seemed more or less like a buddhist priest.
He didn't give any wise sage impression though. Besides...
"Ey, stupid geezer! Why are you praising the thief!?" The girl yelled.
"Shut it, you little twerp! Have you got no eyes or are they placed in your asshole?!" The man shouted back.
Before I noticed, there was an all out argument between the two and I was dazed by the rapid course of event. That was when Fei arrived next to me.
"Umm... Fei. Can you tell me what's going on here?" I glanced between the two before directing my question to my knight.
"Let's just say... this father-daughter combination have nothing better than exchanging banters."
Ah, so this often happened huh?
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After things calmed down somewhat, Fei coughed and raised a hand.
"Milady, these two are the owners of this forgery. The man is Theodore and the girl is his daughter, Fraulein."
"Yo, welcome to my store. Did ya have a good look around?"
"Hmph."
The respective person showed counter-opposite nature that I could only sigh in awe. Heck, the two have no similarities at all so I couldn't tell if Fei was joking around or not. However, the Black Hero turned to the two and said.
"Since you wanted to see the princess so eagerly, she has come to answer your questions."
Ha?! Why do I have to answer questions!?
"Oh, no need. I can now tell anyway. The lady here uses Draconic Sword Style right?" Mister Theodore said. "I'm quite sure she broke the swords by using something around Seven Steps."
"H-How did you know...?!"
"Well, ain't the first time seeing that gait."
Uwah!? He noticed just by that alone?! While it is true that I trained my footwork as much as I could but...! This guy's a pro!
"...though saying that, a pretty reckless thing to do. Young lady, you do know what Draconic sword-style right?"
Eeh, I guess. It's a Sword Style specifically made for dragon slaying. In other words, it's devastating if used against humans and full of risks if executed.
"Young lady, your name?" The blacksmith asked with a clear gaze.
Uh... Fei already said that, right? Or does he want to know my full name? I glanced to Fei and he nodded down.
Before, the two of us were already told not to blurt out anything about my household name by father. While I can make several assumptions as of why, it's probably related with mother being a former noble eloping with him.
Still, if Fei thought it's fine then looks like I can trust these two.... no?
"Um... my name is Charlotte Augmund. Nice to meet you?" I slightly bowed my head out of habit.
But... the response I got...
"Augmund...?!" Theodore jerked and was about to leap backward.
Even Fraulein stared wide eyed at me. Her lips loosely hanging open.
Huh...? What's with these two's reactions? I wanted Fei to explain but the guy vanished again! How!? Why!? I even used thin layer of aura to detect movements in the vicinity and I still lost sight of him!!
Still, Mister Theodore quickly sighed and he rubbed his temple.
"So that's it... But to think that you are Her daughter... and also..."
...what is it? Don't look at me like that. I'm not an exotic animal right? Well, maybe my hair and eyes are one thing but it made me uncomfortable.
Although the noble children seemed to not mind as much. I haven't met any senior but those around my ages and below probably only thought of me as a weird person.
Come to think of it.... the teachers have never mentioned my feature or household name. The Academy is probably the only place that doesn't allow any intervention from kingdoms.
Although... from my impression, they'd rather finish what they started rather than complaining each and every single time.
"...young lady, do you have your weapons with you?" Mister Theodore asked.
Well, I do bring Radiata. Since Tyrfingg and Tsukuyomi are broken so it's not much to carry them. Though it does look pathetic to carry broken weapon all around...
"Un." I nodded and handed the white and black swords.
The blacksmith sat on a barrel and examined them. Meanwhile, his daughter was observing her father intently as if studying him.
"Hm... So you overused the Seventh Step and the First Step." Mister Theodore said.
"Err, how do you know about it...?" I requested an explanation.
"The scratches and chipped parts of the blade told thousands of words." He replied with a nod.
Then he placed the two swords on the counter. His playful smile vanished and he solemnly stared at me.
"But normally, swords wouldn't break like these. Even if fighting against S-Ranked monster, the damages would never be so severe. What kind of opponent did you fight against with?"
Hmm... If it's opponents that could break the swords, that would be the Asura, lizardmen and...
"I guess... Demon Generals?" I answered in a slightly doubtful manner.
However, again, the father-daughter combination dropped their jaws. Eh, is this so surprising...? I'm getting tired of this reaction but am I the strange one to think of fighting against demons as normal?
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A/N: Looks like she finally realized that it's a miracle she's still alive so far. On to the next part!