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C208: Outside
Suddenly, a loud rumbling sound echoed through the cave. I looked in the direction of the sound, wondering what was going on.
“My God, they’re trying to open the blocked entrance.”
It was still a day early according to the magic clock. The expression on my father’s face became grim as he was concerned about something that he didn’t expect.
The blocked entrance was opened, and in walked a woman wearing clothing that was unusual in this world, with a kimono-like atmosphere. Her long, pale blue hair was tied up in a bun, and her clear face had the beauty of a supermodel.
“I’m sorry, father, but Tamihar sent me a request for urgent business and I had to open the door earlier than expected.”
“Well, if it’s from Tamihar, it must be related to the Elysian Empire.”
“Yes. It seems that there has been a large-scale military operation in Elysia, and all three alliances, including the army of Tamil Nadu, are in a state of war.”
“Then we must go quickly……”
Dad’s expression showed his face as the leader of a mercenary group, which he didn’t show when we were training alone. The woman referred to dad as Father, so I guessed she was Kiyone, the second disciple.
“And who is that, father? I’ve never seen him before. When did he come to this place?”
“Oh. I’ll introduce you to Kiyone. This is Yuta, my third disciple.”
“Third disciple…….Father! You’ve accepted him as your disciple!”
“Yes. He is your younger disciple. Take good care of him.”
“A group of one hundred and twenty swordsmen, aspiring disciples from all over the continent who admired your swordsmanship…….None of them were accepted as disciples, so how dare you!”
“It’s a bit of a windfall, but that’s what taking on an apprentice is all about, isn’t it? There’s something that just hits you.”
“But what would the members of the Sword Clan think if you so easily accepted as a disciple someone whose identity you don’t even know……?”
“The members of the Sword Clan are learning the sword as disciples of you and Scarfi, there is no need for them to become my disciples.”
“But……”
“I’ll explain it to the members, but Yuta and I haven’t eaten in over three days. Can you prepare something for us?”
“All right. I’ll have them ready right away.”
Kiyone then walked out by herself. From the looks of it, she was not convinced by her father’s story.
“Dad, are you sure? I don’t think she was happy about it at all.”
“It’s okay. I’m sure she’ll be convinced once she gets to know you. Anyway, Yuta, I’m sorry. I promised to give you a ride to Amuria, but it looks like I can’t do it right away. I’ve known Tamihar for a long time as a client, and it’s always been the Elysian Empire taking a large-scale military action that prompted him to seek the Swordsmen for immediate help. Considering that, it’s safe to assume that there’s more to this request than meets the eye.”
I wanted to meet up with the others right away, but my father had his own reasons. Besides, I had learned the sword as his apprentice, and he had taken good care of me, so it would be unreasonable to just say goodbye.
“Hey, Dad, I was wondering if I could help you with that job.”
“What? You don’t have to worry about it.”
“No, I know that the people of the Sword Clan don’t like the idea of me becoming your apprentice. If that’s the case, I have to convince them. Besides, you’re going to drive me to Amuria later, so let me help you as a reward.”
“Hmm, I want to see Yuta fight in a magicraft, if you insist, help me. It’s not a bad idea to use this job to finish your training.”
He said with a smile, as if he was actually happy with my suggestion.
“All right, now that we’ve decided that, let’s get some food. Our food is so good, you can eat as much as you want without worrying.”
“‘You can’t imagine how much I’m going to eat now. If you ask me to pay for your food later, it will be too late.”
Thus, my father and I left the cave where we had spent two months together, laughing.