The man without a scratch looked at him strangely, and spoke.
“What is it?”
“Nothing… I just thought you are amazing.”
His breathing was steady, with almost no traces of sweat on his forehead. Climb breathed a sigh; he realized that this was the difference between him, who was on the floor, and the strongest in the Kingdom. On the other hand, Gazef wore a bitter smile.
“…I see.”
“How—“
“—Even if you ask me how I am so strong, I have no answer to give you. It is simply talent. I learned how to fight during my days as a mercenary. These kicks that the nobles call vulgar, I learned them during those days as well.”
There is no trick to gaining strength, Gazef declared. The hope that adopting the same training would, to an extent, help him grow stronger was easily dashed.
“Climb, you have potential in that sense. Punching and kicking, using your fists to fight.”
“Is… that so?”
“Indeed. In fact, it is rather fortunate that you were not trained as a swordsman or a soldier.
When one holds a sword, they tend to focus on fighting while only using that weapon. I believe that this is wrong. Change our view of the sword to see it as just another way of attacking while incorporating the fists and legs, would that not be more effective in a real battle? Well… my sword is more suited for adventurers.”
Climb’s usual blank face was gone and replaced by a smile. He did not expect the strongest in the Kingdom to praise his skills so highly; his unorthodox movements and skills devoid of framework.
The sword that the nobles mocked behind his back was being praised. His joy was immense.
“Well then, I will take my leave. I must not be late to the King’s morning meal. Will you be heading back?”
“No. There is supposed to be a guest today.”
“A guest? A noble, perhaps?”
As Gazef thought it strange that the princess would be receiving a guest, Climb responded.
“Yes. Aindra-sama will be visiting.”
“Aindra? …Ah! But which Aindra are you referring to? The blue one, right? Not the crimson?”
“Yes. Blue Rose.”
The relief on Gazef’s face was obvious at a glance.
“Right… That’s what it was. If a friend is visiting…”
Gazef must have guessed that the reason Climb was not invited for breakfast was because a friend was coming. In truth, Climb was the one who turned down her offer. Even if he was in a position where such a thing was allowed, to refuse the royal family, even Gazef would furrow his brows at the news. That was why Climb remained silent on the matter and left it to the man’s imagination.
Even Aindra herself, who was acquainted with Climb through Renner, requested that he join them. She would not share the adverse reaction of the other nobles even if Climb were to join their meal.
This was his consideration for his master who had very few female friends. A princess had almost no opportunity to engage in lady talk and Climb felt that his absence would be for the best.
“Thank you for your guidance today, Gazef-sama.”
“Not at all, pay it no mind. I enjoyed myself as well.”
“… If it isn’t too much trouble, could I ask you to oversee my training next time as well?”
Gazef paused briefly— before Climb could apologize, he spoke.
“I see no problem with it if we keep it to when others are absent.”
Climb didn’t open his mouth, he clearly understood the reason for the man’s hesitation. He then forced his creaking body to stand in order to show his sincerity.
“Thank you very much!”
Gazef slowly waved his hand and turned.
“I will leave the cleanup to you. It will be troubling if I miss the meal. …Ah, right. That vertical slash wasn’t bad, but you should keep your next move in mind. Think of what will happen next if your opponent blocks or avoids your attack.”
“Yes!”
Part 4
Lower Fire Month (9th Month), Day 3, 6:22
Having parted ways with Gazef, Climb wiped his sweat with a wet towel and headed for a place that was completely different from the main hall.
The room he was currently in was as wide as the hall he was in before. It was filled with many people engaging in conversation. A delicious aroma was mixed in with the warm atmosphere, rousing people’s appetites.
It was the mess hall.
Climb walked through the bustle of noises and stood behind a line of people. Like the person before him, he grabbed one of the dishes that were piled high. On his tray, he placed a wooden plate, a wooden soup bowl, and a wooden cup.
He was served his meal in an orderly fashion.
A large steamed potato, barley bread, white stew with small bits of meat and vegetables, cabbage pickled in vinegar, and a single sausage. From Climb’s point of view, it was quite a luxurious meal.
As the food made its way onto his tray, Climb smelled a sumptuous aroma and felt it stimulate his stomach. He proceeded to look around the mess hall.
The loud soldiers ate their meals while engaging in superficial conversations like their next day off, today’s food, families, and their trivial duties.
Climb found an empty seat and made his way there through the bustle of noise.
He sat on a space in a wide bench. Soldiers were seated on either side of him, talking merrily amongst their friends. They barely gave Climb a disinterested glance before turning away to resume their talks.
The only silence to be found was near Climb.
An outsider looking in would think the atmosphere was strange.
Despite the merry chatter in the surroundings, not a single person attempted to strike a conversation with Climb. Of course, people would not normally go out of their way to speak to strangers. But they were fellow soldiers who would, at times, trust one another with their lives. Indeed, such a response was quite bizarre.
It was as if the person named Climb did not even exist.
Climb himself made no effort to speak to others, the reason being that he clearly understood his own position.
The ones who guarded the castle were not mere soldiers. A ‘soldier’ of the Kingdom referred to the militia armed by nobles who owned territory. It included the enlisted men whose wages were paid by the governor and those who served as city guard. What they all had in common was that they were made up of common folk.