The Pilgrimage of an Old Man

"Uhmm… is it here?" (Lior)

A road that was made by an overwhelming force suddenly appeared in the thickly overgrown forest.

I came to the mansion where he used to live. It was a small house for nobles, but it was a nice place with a calm atmosphere.

"Oh? It is unusual for a visitor to come to this place." (Valio)

I already noticed his presence. He was pruning on the outside, and he spoke when he noticed me.

According to him, there was an old man like a butler that almost same age as me managing the mansion. Could it be this man?

Since I was surely looked suspicious, I had to explain first.

"You have different air compared to a bandit. Did you get lost?" (Valio)

"I'm sorry, but you are… uhmm… I forgot the name. Anyway, I heard that there is a grave of a woman named Erina here, right?" (Lior)

"Although that comes out of nowhere, shall we introduce ourselves first?" (Valio)

"Alright. I heard your name from Sirius, but I forgot it. Sorry." (Lior)

He was looking at me suspiciously, but when I gave the name of Sirius, he smiled and bowed. Hmm, there was no mistake that this man was someone whom I heard from him.

"If you are acquainted with Sirius-sama,… I guess that I can understand your impressiveness. Nice to meet you, my name is Valio." (Valio)

"That's right, that is the name. By the way, I am Ikki-Tousen. Call me Tousen." (Lior/Tousen)

"Tousen-sama… is it? So, what did you come here for?" (Valio)

"Hmmm. Actually, I came here to visit Erina's grave." (Lior)

"Would you come inside for the time being? We'll go out after a tea?" (Valio)

"Ooh! Please then. Although it wasn't a big road, I am thirsty." (Lior)

I couldn't see him being cautious, but I knew that he was being careful even if he showed his back at me. The impressiveness and the presence clad on his body were considerable. Well, his muscles weren’t overwhelming though. It was possible for him to become a strong warrior if he was trained, so it's not worthy to feel obscure. More importantly, if it's about a tea, let's definitely have it.

"I see. Hearing the talk about Sirius-sama and the juniors, and about visiting Erina's grave… Thank you so much for doing this to her." (Valio)

I explained the reason why I came here while eating the snacks and drinking the prepared tea since I had no reason to hide.

Nevertheless, the cookies and tea made by this man were delicious. It wasn't up to the level of Sirius' and his attendants', but I could taste his skills.

He was grateful because I came here to visit her grave, but since I came on my own, I thought that there was no need to thank me.

"If it wasn't because of that Erina, I would not meet that guy. I would like to say thanks personally before the grave." (Lior)

"…You seem to be a very frank person, aren't you? Understood, let me guide you. Will you head there soon?" (Valio)

"Alright. Since I can go any time, will that be alright for you?" (Lior)

"Please leave it to me. I'll get ready right away." (Valio)

Since it still hadn't pass midday yet, if everything went well, I would be able to go to the town by night.

And with the guidance of Valio who finished the preparation while holding various tools, we went towards Erina's grave.

—

When entering the mountain from the back of the mansion, the trees and weeds were naturally grew thick, but there was a way for people to pass. Although it could be seen only as an animal trail, I saw a trace of obstructive trees were cut. It was obviously by the hand of a person who entered through this place.

"Hmmm… it's easy to walk." (Lior)

"It seemed that it was maintained when Sirius-sama lived here. Nonetheless, it is difficult to notice it without being aware of it." (Valio)

"Huhuhu, that guy did well, wasn't he?" (Lior)

As we walked on the mountain road for a while, we suddenly came to an opened space where the forest cleared and the flowers bloomed. Hmmm… this place was also a good place.

Stepping in the flower garden, and in the center of it, there was an impressive presence coming from the base of a huge tree.

"That is Erina's grave. But, will you please wait a moment? It won't be long since I want to do some cleaning." (Valio)

"I want to help but I will damage the stone. So, I will wait patiently." (Lior)

I decided to lie down around the area and wait until the cleaning was over.

While having a leisurely air brushed my cheeks, I remembered the matter told by the boy whom I taught 'Single Strike Ultimate Destruction Sword Style' in the past. The boy certainly said that he fought a big tortoise that was hard like a rock in this flower garden.

I heard that Sirius was somehow overturned the turtle and that made its weakness appeared where the boy stabbed it, but… if it was me, I would cut it into two by slashing from the front.

It couldn't be helped since the boy was a child at that time, but now that several years had passed since then, it would be natural to cut it in two if it was at the level of rocks. By the way, if he couldn't do it, I planned to cut him into two.

When I was vaguely thinking about the growth of the boy, Valio had finished cleaning, so I took out a wine from my belongings and ask for his permission.

"I heard that Erina would drink a wine, is it alright if I put this on the grave?" (Lior)

"It is alright, but… where did you get that?" (Valio)

"Hmmm? When I asked for the most expensive wine in the nearby town, they gave me this. Hey, drink it until your heart content." (Lior)

"Th-that wine is worth of ten god coins… aah!?" (Valio)

I sprinkled the wine on the grave, but Valio was strangely noisy. You're not going to say it'll give a stinky smell with a bottle of wine, right?

I turned around after pouring everything inside, and Valio was staring at me.

"What's with that face? Aah, if it's not enough, I have a spare…" (Lior)

"Th-that's good enough! I would rather you drink that…" (Valio)

"Welll… I actually drank a bottle before coming, but it was too refined for me. Since I don't need it anymore, I'll give it to you." (Lior)

"W-what!?" (Valio)

I gave the wine to Valio, I stood up in front of the grave again and lowered my head.

I haven't met you even once, but… knowing that Sirius has an extraordinary strength, I respect you who diligently brought him up, pouring love and kept watching over him.

And since you were there, I met Sirius who revived me.

So there is only one word that I want to say.

"…Thank you." (Lior)

After having finished giving my deepest appreciation, I stood up and turned my back to the grave.

"…Is this alright?" (Valio)

"Hmmm. There is no need for an outside like me to bother too much. A word of appreciation will be enough." (Lior)

"Understood. Well then, let's head back." (Valio)

An old man like me would trouble him if I prayed for too long.

Following Valio who walked out with a bit of smile, I left Erina's grave.

—

"Ooh… you are the owner of that mansion now?" (Lior)

"That's right. The Galgan Company sold it cheaply to me." (Valio)

Valio and I were walking while chatting, and the subject of the chat was about the ownership of that mansion.

Originally, the ownership of the mansion was Sirius' father… No, it seemed he was a foolish noble, but apparently, the financial capability of that foolish noble was dwindling, and he had to sold that mansion to the Galgan Company.

And then, Valio, who served that foolish noble as attendant for many years, quit, and it seemed that he bought the mansion from the Galgan Company in order to quietly spend the rest of his life.

"Although it is away from the town, it is a good place to live leisurely. Besides… it is my role to watch over her tomb." (Valio)

Hmm… it looked like he was asked to do that. Looking from his figure, he didn't look so strong, and there was a possibility of being attacked by something, but I wouldn't say anything about it.

While I convinced that alone, I came back to where I could see the mansion. However, I felt something disturbing, so I grabbed Valio's shoulder and stopped him.

"…Hold it. I felt the sign of people in the mansion." (Lior)

"There is nothing here, and the adventurers are rarely visit this place. There is a possibility of thieves, but… do you know how many of them?" (Valio)

"No more than ten." (Lior)

"If so, the possibility of thieves seems to be high. It is fine if the mansion only has foods, but I'll be bothered if this beautiful mansion lay waste." (Valio)

If it was about fighting, it was going to be my turn. I confirmed by feeling my partner, the greatsword, at the back… I went in front of Valio, and turned to him.

"Which one? This is as my gratitude. I wonder if I should go for a moment and blow them away." (Lior)

"…What? Uhmm, Tousen-sama doesn't have to fight. It will be fine if you go to the town and call for the guards." (Valio)

"It's troublesome. My tummy was less full, and I will forcibly blow them away. I won't damage the mansion, so you don't have to worry." (Lior)

"Tousen-sama!?" (Valio)

Ignoring Valio's calling, I came out from the space of many trees, and headed for the presence in front of the entrance of the mansion.

What was in front of the entrance was a suspicious group wearing good looking weapons and armors. From the quality of the equipment, it was a group that couldn't be seen among advanced adventurers, so judging from my intuition that I had been hunting thieves all the time, there was no mistake that they were thieves.

Among that group, there was a man who had different presence. The man was unusually fat and he wasn't good enough to play bandit. He looked like a noble that I didn't like.

"Bardomyl-sama?" (Valio)

"Oo! Where were you, Valio?" (Bardomyl)

Valio, who came after me, was surprised to see that fat man. Hmm… it seemed that he knew Valio.

"I had something to do in the forest. Leaving that aside, what kind of business do you have here?" (Valio)

"Uhmm, well, it depend on you. I want to lend this mansion to these people." (Bardomyl)

A noble named Bardomyl or 'meaty' referred to the men who had men around him, but Valio shook his head and said it clearly.

"I refuse. Because I am no longer your servant." (Valio)

"Wha!? W-weren't you a servant who had supported my household? Although you have quit, as a former master, you should listen to me!" (Bardomyl)

"My master was your father. By the way, who are these people?" (Valio)

"They are a recently rising thieves, and they are my new colleague. I am planning to make this mansion as the base and play an active part." (Bardomyl)

"…Have you fell that far?" (Valio)

Valio was exclaiming, but I was getting troubled.

In other words, they were planning to make this mansion which was away from places where people live, as a base and thieving from surrounding roads?

"The pride of a noble is no longer exists in you, huh" (Valio)

"I need money more than pride! You better look at the equipment of these guys. If a powerful person have equipment at this level, they won't lose against guards and adventurers, right?" (Bardomly)

"It is certainly true that those are wonderful equipment… but aren't they thieves? Since it still not too late, please rethink about this." (Valio)

"Shut up! I am already understaffed. The women are almost running away, and my son has left the house. And the only things left were an annoying woman who wants valuables, overstock magic tools, and my house. And you are no more, so what are you going to say to me!?" (Bardomyl)

"I have advised you not to do so, but you didn't listen, did you? Everything is your own fault." (Valio)

Valio seemed to be a former attendant of this meaty noble, but I completely gave up since I could no longer see the need to refrain myself.

Although he said that, the meaty noble was persistently stuck to Valio.

"Even if it was my own mistake, it won't be a problem if it makes me money! With these mithril made weapons, the adventurers and monsters in these areas won't be their match. They are free to plunder!" (Bardomyl)

I was thinking that they had very good looking weapons… so those were mithril made? There were a bunch who lacked of muscles and had good weapons made of mithril, but didn't you question that matter?

Whether Valio had a similar idea as me, he was sighing at the words from the meaty noble.

"Even if there are mithril-made equipment, there is no guarantee that the person himself is strong. Let me ask you a question. Do you really think that they can win against a strong man like Sirius-sama?" (Valio)

"Well, that monster is not here anymore. And he is a rare monster in the first place!" (Bardomyl)

"Monster!? Although he has sever his relationship with you, isn't he still your son?" (Valio)

"He is not my son! That monster… I don't want to see him anymore!" (Bardomyl)

The moment Sirius' name was let out, that meaty noble trembled and had his face turned blue.

Although I was bothered with various things… I was about to confirm things, so I pat Valio's shoulder and turned him around.

"I have a question. Is he Sirius' father?" (Lior)

"Yes, he is. Are you aware about him breaking off relationship?" (Valio)

"I have heard it to certain extent. In other words, he was the one who made Erina suffer, right?" (Lior)

"Oi, what is this old man!?  Is he your acquaintance?" (Bardomyl)

The meaty was staring with a slightly frustrated expression because I interrupted him, but he was frightened and closed his mouth when I turned around.

"So, how is it?" (Lior)

"That's right. He is the person who hate such a gentle lady." (Valio)

"Hmm, if it so, there is no need for me to hold back." (Lior)

In the first place, since I hated nobles like him, I definitely had no plan to refrain myself.

When I came forward, the meaty noble got scared and retreated, and the surrounding thieves were all drawing weapons and getting ready.

"What are you doing, Valio? Deal with this old man quickly! You, who had serve my household, dare to disobey me!?" (Bardomyl)

"As I said before, I clearly said about it when I left Bardomyl-sama's mansion. I am not a person who will serve you anymore…" (Valio)

"Guhh… I intended to keep you alive, but it can't be helped then. Oi, do it!" (Bardomyl)

With the command from that meaty, thieves that were about ten wielded their weapons towards me, but… they were full of gaps. By just having good looking weapons, I couldn't feel the strength that the meaty noble proud.

Valio, who stood behind me, was instinctively sighing, he grasped his fists and took a battle stance.

"I am not that good with fighting, but I also will help. If one or two, I can somehow…" (Valio)

"There's no need for you to help. Just stay put, and it will be immediately over!" (Lior)

I kicked the ground jumping forward and swung my partner at the nearest thief.

Normally, I would cut their body in two, but thinking about the place this time, I struck the opponent the body of the sword instead of slashing them.

After sensing the breaking bones of the thieves from my partner, I could barely confirm the appearance of the thief who flew way above the forest.

"""…""" (??)

"Hmmm… they flew far, huh." (Lior)

The surroundings of the mansion would be dirty if I slash the thieves here. So the method to deal with them was to blow the thieves far away. Since I broke their bones and blew them away in the depth of the forest, there was a little possibility of being alive.

While all the surrounding people, including Valio, were stunned, I was satisfied with their reaction. Cutting them in two would be the best, but it wasn't bad to let them know the name.

According to him, this was called ‘home run’ or something.

"Hahaha! Come, come at me! If you come… I will do it! Next will be a home run!" (Lior)

Shouting out those words made me feel good.

I blew off thieves one after another, but of course, some of them tried to resist with their weapons. Well, their good looking weapons couldn't stand the blow of my partner and broke, and there was no change to being blown away by me.

I finished blowing away all the thieves, and then, I stood before the remaining meaty noble.

"Are there no more thieves? I want to beat several times more." (Lior)

"Wha… that can't be!? Those guys have mithril-made weapons…" (Bardomyl)

"Those were made from Mithril, huh?" (Lior)

I picked up the weapon that fell when I blew a thief. I stood in front of the meaty noble, who was retreated to the back. And then, I grabbed the tip and the handle of the sword and put my strength. The sword, then, made a dull sound, and I broke the sword in front of the meaty noble.

In other words, the thieves' appearances were merely a bluff.

"This looks like a fake. I will not be able to break it if it's the real thing." (Lior)

"Uhh… that's a lie… My last chance… with fakes…" (Bardomyl)

It seemed he was driven to the corner to the point being cheated with fakes. He looked miserable, but… it didn't matter to me.

"Well, next is your turn. Arm or leg… which one you want me to cut?" (Lior)

"Do you think that a mere adventurer can lay their hands on a noble!?" (Bardomyl)

"Eh, sorry, sorry, I couldn't listen well. I am an old man anyway. So… is it your arm?" (Lior)

"Hi….hiiiiiii–!?" (Bardomyl)

The meaty noble boarded a carriage that seemed to be used to come here. He ordered the coachman to run away.

It was troublesome to waste, so I just confirmed that the carriage was escaping and turned to Valio.

"It is alright now, so I will take my leave. Although it was a short while, thank you for taking care of me." (Lior)

"I am saved but… is this be alright? The opponent was more or less a noble, and if you leave him alone, there's also a possibility making you a wanted person…" (Valio)

"I am not boasting, but I don't mind fighting nobles here and there. I am used to it anyway." (Lior)

"It was safe here until now…" (Valio)

I was crushing foolish nobles only, and my reputation wasn't bad since I exterminated thieves along the way. Even if somebody tried to get involved, it was all settled with the sword.

"There is no need for you to worry. Besides…" (Lior)

"Besides…?" (Valio)

"I… haven't said anything about them escaping." (Lior)

—

The next day… I woke in a bed of an inn.

Yesterday, I came to a certain town after going to Valio's mansion, and I stayed in this hotel after a training.

"Hmm… I'm sleepy." (Lior)

I got up from the bed and warmed up my body. And then, I came to the cafeteria of the inn to eat breakfast. I called for a waitress and ordered.

"Give me everything on this menu." (Lior)

"Eh?" (Waitress)

They were surprised every time I asked for meals like this… was it that unusual?

While I ate the meals that were carried one after another, several rumors could be heard from adventurers who stayed in the inn as well as me.

The most noticeable rumor among them was the rumor about a certain noble's mansion had been destroyed.

The mansion was sliced into two, and a part of the mansion was shattered into small pieces by a tremendous shock. The noble, which was the owner of the mansion, was swallowed in the shock, but it seemed he was somehow survived. And the criminal was… unknown.

"He had a strong bad luck, huh…" (Lior)

"Hmm? Did you say something?" (Waitress)

"No, it's nothing. Well, is the next dish ready yet?" (Lior)

"Oops, it is. Yes, I kept you waiting for the next dishes!" (Waitress)

By the way, I was training nearby the meaty noble's mansion.

I made a little mistake by unleashing slashing attacks with waves, and it flew to the mansion… I didn't aim for it though!

"Well… it's a little bit more to Elysion." (Lior)

To dispel the gloomy feeling, I didn't feel like caring what happened to that meaty noble anymore. So, after finished eating, I left for Elysion.

—

A few days later… I arrived at Elysion.

The reason for me to come here was to see the stubborn old man who made my partner, [Crimson Lotus].

As a weapon, it was still reliable and robust as ever, but I recently felt something wrong. Whatever it was, I thought that I wanted to show it to him at least once, so I expressly came all the way to the place of that stubborn old man.

Assembling the information based on the appearance features, I tried to locate his shop, but… the name was lengthy, with something like destruction or indestructible. It seemed his poorly naming sense didn't change after all.

However, if you add 'fool' at the end of the name, it would be a perfect name.

"When I think that I felt this presence somewhere… is that you idiot!?" (Grant)

When I was looking at the signboard, a small short legs stubborn old man came out from the store. Let alone the naming sense, his appearance didn't change at all.

"You're loud as usual, huh. Look, I came to show you my sword." (Lior)

"You're also haven't change! Isn't that supposed to be 'Please look at it', you idiot!" (Grant)

"Noisy! I'm saying that the sword, that you made, feels weird!" (Lior)

"Haa!? I made it to fit you, so it's not weird, you idiot! If there is nothing, I'll go back and start hitting with my hammer, you idiot!" (Grant)

"It is superb! Do what you can do!" (Lior)

He was an annoying fellow, but in regards of sword, he was someone a reliable and stubborn old man. When I told him about the uncomfortable feeling, he invited me into the shop while wondering about it, and he started looking at the sword.

He hit lightly with a hammer directly on the sword, but the stubborn old man only tilted his head.

"Hmmm… as expected of my masterpiece. There is a place where the blade chipped a bit, but the whole thing is not really distorted. What is weird about this, you idiot!?" (Grant)

"It's because the sword feels light." (Lior)

"It feels light because you have become stronger, you idiot! What is going on with your body!?" (Grant)

"Hmm, I just found a goal. Not just power, but I am also learning various techniques. So, I want the center of gravity to be closer. Fixed it immediately." (Lior)

"Fixed it immediately!? It will take at least a few months, you idiot!" (Grant)

"Hmm… there is no other way then." (Lior)

Because there was no compromise in regards of weapons.

When I was looking for a replacement sword while waiting for my partner to be reborn again, I remembered an important matter.

"Oh yeah!? Oi, old man! Did a human named Sirius and a Silver Wolfkin siblings came here?" (Lior)

"Haa? Yeah, they came, you idiot. There were a man whom I took care in various ways, a cheeky child and a cute granddaughter." (Grant)

"Uhmm, they really came. So, did you give good weapons to Emilia?" (Lior)

Since Sirius already had a splendid weapon, I wrote in a letter asking him to give good weapons to Emilia. That boy… whatever is good for him.

"Idiot! I sold the best knife I made for five silver coins!" (Grant)

"What!?" (Lior)

I instinctively slap the desk. The desk broke by that slap, but it wasn't so much.

"Why did you receive the money!? You should say keep it as a pocket money since you already had enough!" (Lior)

"Idiot! I said that but she refused it! She was a straightforward and cute girl!" (Grant)

"Of course she is! That's because she is my granddaughter!" (Lior)

"She is not your granddaughter, you idiot!" (Grant)

And then, the discussion between the stubborn old man and I continued with fists. It was settled with Emilia being our granddaughter.

I felt that my intuition caught something strange, but… I didn't mind.

—

[An alternative sword!? You're conceited idiot!] (Grant)

…Though he said that, I was given a weapon that was similar like an iron lump, which resembled a sword,  from him. Its weight was no different from my partner, so the feeling of shouldering it wasn't bad. However, since it had no blade, it was close to a blunt weapon.

Although I attracted unusual gazes, I was walking around the town while looking for a shop, without worrying about it.

"If I'm not wrong, he said something about Gal Company." (Lior)

Dee and Noel, that I met before, recommended that company to me.

Since I heard that he lent his skill creating variety of dishes for that company, I thought that there must be something that surprised me.

I saw a signboard written with Galgan Company after searching for a short while. It was a store that had an unusual and different air compared to other buildings.

"Hmm… It looks like here." (Lior)

There were many customers in the store, and I could see the sight of buying goods written with essentials of travel. But I felt more interested with the neighboring building.

When I checked the signboard, it seemed like a restaurant with meals and teas. I was going to this place just because I was hungry.

"Hello. Welcome to Galgan Cafe. Is it for one person?" (Waitress)

When I entered the store which was written as… the birthplace of cake or something, I was guided inside by a waitress in a maid dress.

Either because the time was good or not crowded, I was able to sit down at a table without waiting. And when I was handed a menu and read it all the way, I decided to order as usual for the time being.

"I want all dishes and cakes on this menu. I don't mind the order, I want you to prepare things that you can do." (Lior)

"Certainly." (Waitress)

"…Ooh." (Lior)

A voice of admiration leaked unconsciously.

I had ordered like this in various shops so far, and they certainly asked again since it was impossible for them and they tried to stop me.

On the contrary, this store accepted the order without asking again. That guy indeed lent his hand here.

Well… weren't they a bit too used to it? I had feeling that… they frequently had this kind of order.

While I was in doubt, the waitress started to arrange cakes on my table.

"To begin with, here is the store boasted cake set. Please wait for other dishes a while." (Waitress)

It was the same cakes that Dee made, but… it was smaller. Dee and that guy made a big round cake, but the cakes that I ordered from this show were in small pieces.

I used a fork and ate it in one bite, and I was still satisfied with it. The taste wasn't bad.

"Hmm… it's not enough. Sorry, can  you bring more of these?" (Lior)

I ordered again from a waitress who was walking nearby, and when I was drinking a hot tea…

"Good grief… eat cake more elegantly, you know." (??)

I heard such words from nearby… but that voice was unusually made me irritated.

When I turned around to glare at them, there was a young man on the next table, who seemed can be found anywhere, and a man who appeared to have a certain ability was sitting on a chair.

The voice just now came from an unfamiliar young man, but… I completely noticed that voice even if I wanted to forget it.

That was called as a supernatural magic, and there was no difference compared to that abnormal elf magician. The appearance was different, but if it was him, he could do it. Perhaps, he was disguised with magic or tools.

"You bastard… what are you doing here?" (Lior)

"Can't you see? I am having a cake. Unlike you, I'm elegant, don't you think?" (Rodwell)

"That is elegant? You just used magic like an idiot, and you called that elegant?" (Lior)

"That's rude. It was my mistake to use the word 'elegant' for you whom has no brain but sword. Let me I apologize." (Rodwell)

We were smiling, but since we were staring at each other while releasing bloodlust, the surrounding waitresses and customers were getting away from us when I noticed.

"Do you think that is enough with apology? My eye was badly injured because of your magic! Aren't you a fool for suddenly dropping a mountain?!" (Lior)

I couldn't forget it.

That was a few years ago… At that time, I was participating to crush some group of thieves at the request of the guild.

This guy dropped a mountain-like rock from above when I attacked them. I cut a part of the rock to avoid it, but if it was done poorly, I would be killed.

"Was it not because you charged on your own without listening to the strategy? And because of you, I couldn't wipe all of the thieves, maybe you're the one who should apologize?" (Rodwell)

"It was weird to drop a mountain on thieves! Don't do magical experiments on the thieves, do it somewhere else!" (Lior)

"I don't need to say that you were killing them while laughing." (Rodwell)

"What!?" (Lior)

"Alright… shall we settle this?" (Rodwell)

The cup placed on the table had started to subtlely vibrate because of our bloodlust, and then I pick the piece of iron which was the substitute for my partner.

This opponent was not easy with this weapon, but I would be able to do it at this distance.

"W-wait a minute, Magna-san! I haven't eat the cake yet, so I want you to stop that!" (Rodwell)

"Impossible. I will be killed if I unskillfully intervene." (Magna)

Other customers were getting noisy because they were driven out, the moment when I took a step forward to push this iron lump to him… a woman came in between us.

"Yeah, yeah, let's stop at that. This is not outside, but inside the shop, so if you act violently, you won't be able to come here again, you know." (??)

Normally, I didn't mind attacking, but the woman, who interrupted me, had power and dignity that made me unintentionally stopped my feet.

I was somehow calmed down and when I separate my hand from the iron lump, he also stood down and sat back in his chair.

"Yeah, that's good! If you want to have a go, please do it outside of the town. Ojii-sama too, you were also being immature." (Lifell)

"I have displayed an embarrassing figure." (Rodwell)

"…The Jou-chan is right. Thank you for stopping me." (Lior)

"Hi-hime-sama–…no, please stop interrupting this situation!" (Melt)

"I can't do my job if I am frightened by this degree. Aah, the order? Three sets of cakes." (Lifell)

"U-understood…" (Melt)

Hooo…She was a dignified and strong will Jou-chan, huh.

An ordinary person would run away but rather than just interrupting it, she casually sat on a chair and place an order.

"Ojii-sama also, let's eat cake without having a fight. This is a precious break for us." (Lifell)

"That's right. Well then, Magna, quickly take that one whole cake. I will never forgive you for eating alone." (Rodwell)

I didn't really understand, but this Jou-chan seemed to know that foolish elf. She wasn't afraid of our bloodlust… she didn't seem to be an ordinary person.

The surroundings also regained calmness, starting with the Jou-chan who happily ate cakes. Since I had sat on a chair and the dishes had arrived, I decided to focus on the meals for the time being.

When I enjoyed the dishes that were unexpectedly delicious even though it wasn't at Dee's level, the Jou-chan earlier sat in front of me. In the vicinity, there were two who appeared to be that Jou-chan's attendants; a female rabbitkin, and a young man who didn't have enough muscles.

"Hmmm… what is it? Was it because the commotion earlier bad?" (Lior)

"I didn't really mind about that commotion. Actually, I'd like to ask you something." (Lifell)

"If it's alright to answer while I'm eating, that's fine then." (Lior)

"Thank you very much. I heard from the person who was indulging cakes over there. Are you the famous Lior-sama?" (Lifell)

The part when she mentioned the name wasn't heard by the surroundings, so I decided to nod obediently. Since she had heard it from that elf, I thought that there was no need to conceal the fact.

"Although the name matches, that is not my name at the moment. My name is Ikki-Tousen. I want you to call me Tousen." (Lior)

"Well then, Tousen-sama. My name is Lifell, and I am the royal princess of Elysion. To tell the truth, I want to ask a favor." (Lifell)

"…I dislike royalty and nobility. So, I don't want to hear it." (Lior)

When I had a bothered face, the Jou-chan named Lifell took out a bell from her pocket and rang it. And then a large roasted meat and a cake which hadn't sliced yet were brought together from the kitchen and lined up in front of me.

"Please help yourself, you don't have to hold back. It is good enough even if you just listen to the talk." (Lifell)

"…Fine. I will only listen, so don't ask anything." (Lior)

"Thank you very much. The talk is simple. I want you to teach the people in the castle the way of using sword. Of course, the reward will be amazing." (Lifell)

"Is that it? It's troublesome…" (Lior)

"Alright then, you can just do a simulated battle. I want the castle guards to directly experience the strength of Tousen-sama. Because experience is important." (Lifell)

"Hoo.. I got it. There is a possibility that I might break the opponents, you know?" (Lior)

"We are well aware of it, and the opponents of Tousen-sama really desire for it. Actually, Melt, who is next to me, also wants it." (Lifell)

"I want to become strong to protect this person. Tousen-sama, will you consider it?" (Melt)

This man… didn't had sufficient muscles, but the determination in his was considerable. He resembled that small boy who tried to surpass me for that purpose.

"I want the people in the castle taught at least once by the strongest man in the world. If there are troublesome nobles, they will immediately silent, so will that be alright?" (Lifell)

"I'm not the strongest in the world anymore…" (Lior)

I wasn't the strongest in the world when I was defeated by Sirius. And he didn't claim that title, he just left it vacant, but… would that be troublesome to explain?

Besides, when I think about it, I still have to wait for my partner to be fixed… so should I go to the castle to spend my time?

"Well… alright. Are you going to take the responsibility?" (Lior)

"Thank you very much. Although this is too quick, I will also explain about the future schedules…" (Lifell)

"Since that old man has low intelligence other than a sword, it will be useless to explain. It is good enough if you just give him meals again as a reward." (Rodwell)

"What did you say!? You also looked happy when it come to magic, aren't you!? The face that you had when you tested the magic at that time was deplorable!" (Lior)

"You too have a sloppy face when you swing a sword. By all mean, show that disillusion to the soldiers of the castle." (Rodwell)

"…Want to have a go?" (Lior)

"Shall we?" (Rodwell)

"Yeah, yeah, stop it right there." (Lifell)

When the elf and I stood up, the Jou-chan intervened once again, but unlike earlier, both of us were totally willing.

This time, when I grabbed my partner and I couldn't be stopped anymore… an inexcusable words came out from the Jou-chan.

"My sister had a friend named Emilia, and… she told us a bit about Tousen-san, is that right, Senia?" (Lifell)

"Yeah. She told me that you are strong and kind-hearted Ojii-san. And if a fight with such a person happened in the town…" (Senia)

"Besides, there is a new cake recipe that Sirius-kun thought in the letter that I received on the other day. That's too bad, Ojii-sama." (Lifell)

""…"" (Lior/Rodwell)

The elf and I were silently shaking hands.

I thought of squeezing his hand, but I am a gentle Ojii-san. I'll forgive you today.

Thus, while I'm leaving my partner behind, I ended up playing with the soldiers of Elysion.

And after I got back my partner, I would immediately going after Sirius and Emilia.

Boy… did you properly expect that?

Wait for me!

Later… the day when screams could be heard from the castle continued for several days.

—

Extra

During [The Reformation of the Silver Wolf Tribe], the parents were…

"…Emilia has finally overcome it." (Erina)

"Yeah. It seems that Sirius also took the opportunity, so it turned out well, I guess? "Hehe, she looks really happy. I'm jealous." (Aria)

"Since I entrusted everything to Emilia, that girl will continue to support Sirius-sama." (Erina)

"Yes, that was a good response. As expected of a child brought up by Erina." (Aria)

"Thank you very much." (Erina)

"Excuse me…" (??)

"Ooh? Aren't you Emilia's and Reus'…" (Aria)

"Nice to meet you, my name is Rona. This time your son and our…" (Rona)

"Aah, no need, no need. You don't have to use honorifics. Everyone here is equal. Because this is just a place to watch the children. By the way, please call me Aria." (Aria)

"Please call me Erina. Would you like to have a tea?" (Erina)

"Tea!? Ooh… yes, please." (Rona)

"Anyway, that person who stumbled on his knee over there, is he alright?" (Aria)

"You do no need to worry. Because he just unable to accept that his daughter was taken by Sirius-kun. Hey, isn't she look really happy? How long are you going to be frustrated?" (Rona)

"Uhmm… I'm sorry about my boy." (Aria)

"No… instead of just saving your daughter and son, he is a gentle child who make them happy. He knows it, but after all…" (Erina)

"I think that he will recovered soon, so please leave him alone. Leaving that aside, we have something that we want to tell you, Aria-san." (Rona)

"What is it?" (Aria)

"Thank you for giving birth to such a wonderful child. Since Sirius was there, we were able to disappear with confidence. And Erina-san…" (Rona)

"Yes?" (Erina)

"Thank you very much for loving our children. On the contrary, you gave Emilia a new goal." (Rona)

"…That's incorrect. I used your child for my own self-satisfaction." (Erina)

"No, even if it was, when looking at their happy faces, I don't think that was a mistake." (Rona)

"Yeah! That's why they were good with each other." (Aria)

"Yeah… right. Leaving that matter aside, shall we watch the children together?" (Erina)

"No… We already had enough. We're going to disappear like this." (Rona)

"Yeah… you're satisfied, aren't you?" (Aria)

"Yes. The children are already adult, and it will be alright if we leave them to Sirius-kun." (Rona)

"Is that so? It's weird to say 'please take care'… so goodbye." (Aria)

"Ahaha, I certainly do not know what to say. Hey, how long are you going to be like that, say something." (Rona)

"Aah… yes. My wife has said everything that I wanted to say, and I also grateful. Sirius-kun is a wonderful child." (Felios)

"Hehe… of course that's because he is my child. Well then, goodbye." (Aria)

""Yes."" (Rona/Felios)

"They have gone now." (Erina)

"Yeah. "By the way, Erina. Are you going to move on?" (Aria)

"Are you kidding me? I still have to watch over Sirius." (Erina)

"Me too. Besides, that child is doing a lot of things, so I won't get tired of watching him." (Aria)

"Exactly, but I think that he will face a slightly dangerous situation soon." (Erina)

"Aah, isn't that natural when he is going for adventure? Besides, since he said that he wanted to become an educator, I wonder when he will settle down?" (Aria)

"That will be good. If he settle down, we will soon see a child born." (Erina)

"Yeah. Since there are two bride candidates, I'm sure it will be right away." (Aria)

"Grandchildren… is it?" (Erina)

"Yeah. They will look cute." (Aria)

"Yes. They will." (Erina)

"I'm looking forward to it." (Aria)

"Me too." (Erina)