Published at 25th of March 2019 10:08 pm

Volume 13 Chapter 15.5 Side Story - Is the Mad Dog's Sword Heavy, or Sharp?

Part 1

The western edge of the Northern Lands.

The Holy Land of Swords.

This land had seen battle before.

This place that was presently the headquarters of the Sword God Style had seen for a time the prominence of the Water God Style. It was only 100 years ago. The Water God of a certain generation had dueled the Sword God and taken this land from him. That Water God himself had been defeated by another Sword God and the Holy Land returned to the hands of the Sword God Style. However, since then, this place had become the place where the strongest swordsman of the generation would stay and teach the sword.

To be taught by the strongest swordsman. If possible, defeat the strongest swordsman and thus become the strongest yourself. To swordsmen who harbored these kind of wishes, this was a place that they would wish to visit at least once.

Right now, two unusual people arrived at this land.

One of them was a person who was older than 60. An old woman. Though she wore a difficult expression, she was someone whose whole appearance could bestow upon others a sense of ease. Though she was currently dressed as a traveler, were her clothes different, she wouldn't look out of place sitting in a soft chair, knitting or embroidering something.

There was just one thing that departed from that image; hanging at her hip was a single short sword. Moreover, if you looked carefully you'd realize that she didn't have a single opening. If you were a skilled swordsman, you could tell with a glance that no matter where you thrust your sword, it wouldn't meet its target.

To tell you the truth, she was the Water God 『Reyda Liia』 after all. Mastering the Water God Secret Art 『Sword of Deprivation』, she was one of those who could be called the 'strongest swordsman of the generation'.

The one who was accompanying Reyda was a young woman. She was 20 years old, give or take, and her looks resembled Reyda. She was wearing traveler’s clothing like Reyda, and she too had a sword at her hip.

"Oshishou-sama. Is this the Holy Land of Swords?"

"That's exactly right. It's the den of beasts that you kept saying you wanted to go to."

"I'm nervous."

"It'll be fine as long as you trust in your sword. As long as it isn't the Sword God you're up against, you're plenty a match for this place."

"Yes, Oshishou-sama."

While conversing, the two of them entered the Holy Land of Swords. Though it was called the Holy Land of Swords, at first glance it looked just like any other town. It had an inn, it had a weapons shop, and it had an adventurer's guild. There were adventurers, merchants, and they were all walking around busily.

However, if there was one thing strange about it, it was that all of the townsfolk were swordsmen of the Sword God Style. Even the townsgirls here and there with their slim arms were more skilled than most burly adventurers.

"Shall we find an inn first?"

"There's no need; it'll be fine if we just stay at Gull-boy's place."

Saying this, Reyda left the town centre and continued walking further into the town. The further they walked, the fewer the adventurers and merchants became, and the more they would see people in thin clothing wielding wooden swords in dojos by the roadside. The girl that followed behind Reyda turned her head this way and that, regarding the sights as rather novel, and she felt that the people standing in the snow in cold-looking outfits were a fresh sight.

"Oshishou-sama. Though these people are cold, they're wearing very light clothing, aren't they?"

"Those of the Sword God Style that can't move quickly are good-for-nothings after all. Even if it's cold, they can't wear heavy things on their bodies."

"They're the opposite of us who wear thick clothes even when it's hot. It's interesting, isn't it?"

"It's not."

Without sparing a glance at the roadside dojos, Reyda walked straight ahead. After passing a certain point, whether it was the dojos, the houses, or the young people in light clothing, all of them had disappeared. All that remained was a single path that continued to cut through the snowy landscape like a valley. At the end of it was a house and a large dojo encircled by a wall.

This was the true body of the Holy Land of Swords. It was the great dojo that served as the headquarters of the Sword God Style.

---

Just as Reyda and her follower reached the entrance of the great dojo, a woman came out of it. Her long hair was tied behind her, and she bore a dignified expression. She had a bucket in her hand and looked as though she may have been going to fetch water. When she noticed the two of them, she immediately threw away the bucket and moved her hand to the sword at her waist in vigilance.

"Do you need something of us?"

After looking at the woman carefully, Reyda's difficult expression lessened a little.

"Ohh, Nina? You've gotten big, huh."

"…?"

At Reyda's words, the woman made a doubtful expression.

"Ahh, don't you remember? There's no helping it I suppose. The last time we met, you were tiny after all."

Though Reyda looked like she was seeing something nostalgic, the woman, Nina Farion, had no recollection of her. All she understood was that the old woman in front of her was no ordinary person. And that the woman next to her was as strong as, or perhaps even stronger than, Nina was.

"Today I've been called here by your boss. Guide us to him, would you?"

"Boss?"

"Gull Farion."

Nina hesitated at those words. There were many who sought out the Sword God, Gull Farion. However, the majority of them were a conceited lot who didn't know their places and sought to take the Sword God title themselves. Nina and the other disciples had the duty of turning them away.

"It may be impolite, but may I ask for your name?"

"It's Reyda. Reyda Liia. You understand just which Reyda Liia I am, right?"

"-! I understand. Please come this way."

However, the moment Nina heard her name; she bowed once to her and brought her inside.

In this world, there was only one who could boldly declare themselves as Reyda Liia. They were the top of the Water God Style; only the Water God called herself Reyda Liia.

Though Nina had considered for a moment the possibility that it was someone lying about their name, she could sense something bottomless from this old woman and extinguished that thought. Even if this woman was an imposter, she was someone of great skill.

They were guided by Nina and entered the place of the Sword God Style. Typical of snowy countries, the genkan there had a height difference. There, they shook off the snow, and then continued walking. The floor was wooden and squeaky. Reyda walked ahead whilst looking at Nina, and suddenly commented,

"Though you're young, you're quite obedient and keen, aren't you? Have you become a Sword King yet?"

"No, I'm still not there yet."

"I see. You're being humble despite probably being the strongest amongst the youngsters here, right?"

"Though I might be the fastest, I'm not the strongest."

"Ohhh? That's a good attitude. Good enough that I wouldn't think you were a youngster of the Sword God Style."

While making such conversation, the three of them arrived at the 『Space of the Present』. There sat a single man. As though meditating, his eyes were shut.

Reyda felt like a sword had been thrust at her throat. As one of the heads of the Three Great Sword Styles, the 『Water God』, even in her old age she boasted the same strength that she did in her prime. However, only this man's sword was unblockable for her.

For this man was the Sword God, Gull Farion.

"I've brought Reyda Liia-sama."

"You've come."

Gull Farion opened his eyes a little and looked at Reyda. Though he glanced at the girl next to her, he immediately lost interest and looked away.

"You've travelled a very long way to come here. Such a long journey must have been tough on your old bones."

"It really was. But you bowed your head to me, so I came out of curiosity. Down we go…"

Reyda walked over to the Sword God and sat in front of him. Though she had said 'down we go', her movements were smooth like flowing water. A little distance behind her sat Nina, who seemed to be waiting, and the woman Reyda had brought along.

"So, who and what did you want me to teach? Is it fine if I teach this girl?"

Reyda gestured to Nina with her chin and asked the Sword God.

"Well, she seems like a docile girl. Though she might be suited for the Sword God Style, it's not as if she wouldn't be able to use the Water God techniques."

She had read the letter from the Sword God and came to this land.

『I want you to teach one of my disciples』

Normally Reyda would've torn up and thrown away such a letter. However, because the letter was from Sword God Gull Farion who hated relying on others, her interest was perked. However, were it only for such a reason, she wouldn't have come all the way from the Asuran capital.

"However, I have a condition."

"What?"

"Just as you wish for your own disciples to grow, I wish for you to show my disciple the Sword God Style. There's no need to teach her, so just that much is fine."

Reyda was sad over the fact that her disciple had grown arrogant. Amongst those learning swordsmanship in the Kingdom of Asura, there were many who were learning the Water God Style, however, few developed any ability. The girl Reyda had brought with her today was one of those few, and because there was no one equal to her amongst her fellow disciples, she had gotten a little carried away. Though she took her training seriously, because she had neither goal nor rival, Reyda had sensed that in this past year her disciple hadn't grown at all.

Reyda had brought her disciple here so that she would be brought down a notch, and because of that, begin to make great growth again. Even if the youngsters of the Sword God Style weren't strong enough to humble her disciple, just battling the Sword God Gull Farion would be cause for great gains in EXP. After all, for those of the Water God Style, the stronger the training partner was, the larger the results of their training.

Moreover, Reyda thought that Gull Farion was thinking the same thing when he called her here. His disciple would cross swords with the Water God Style, and tasting the Water God counters with their own body, they'd be able to grow, she thought.

"That's fine. It's a cheap price to pay."

"Huhun. In that case, shall we have our disciples fight a bout?"

Reyda took the initiative and spoke those words. The aim behind those words was to have Nina take her disciple down a notch. Though it would also be fine to have the Sword God fight her, Reyda thought that being humbled by someone of the same generation would be more frustrating.

"That's fine. Nina, call Eris here."

"…Understood."

Seeing that exchange, Reyda went [Oh?] and tilted her head. Since meeting her at the entrance earlier, Reyda had thought that Nina would be the one she'd be training.

"Um, Shisho."

"What is it? Hurry up and bring her here."

"That is, would it be possible if I participated as well? I'm interested in how far the Water God goes, so…"

"Hah? I was gunna have you do that from the start."

The Sword God Gull Farion nodded at her request like it was a bother.

"Thank you very much! I'll immediately bring Eris here."

Hearing his response, for just an instant a happy expression appeared on Nina's face, and then she bowed. She then left the dojo.

Part 2

The moment she saw that girl, Reyda's skin broke out in goose bumps.

It was almost like the feeling of encountering a monster on the roadside. She almost reflexively moved her hand to her sword. That she didn't do such an unsightly thing was for no reason other than the fact that her own disciple had moved first. The disciple openly displayed her vigilance by moving her hand to her sword, a movement unfitting of a Water God Style exponent, who was supposed to always remain composed.

"Eris. This granny is the person who'll be teaching you about the Water God Style from now on."

"…I'll be in your care."

Eris didn't hide the displeasure on her face, but she bowed.

(She's like a wild beast, huh…)

Reyda could sense violent emotions like that of a hungry beast, sleeping in the depths of Eris's eyes. Even if she taught a person with such emotions the defensive Water God Style, they wouldn't be able to learn it. A person like that wouldn't have knocked on the doors of the Water God Style in the first place.

"I'm sorry, but Gull-boy, this lass isn't suitable for the Water God Style you know. It'd be a waste of time."

"I already understand something like that."

Sword God Gull Farion nodded exaggeratedly.

"In that case, what is it that I'm supposed to teach?"

"I don't want you to teach her anything. It's fine as long as you give her an opponent of the Water God Style."

From their exchange, Reyda had grasped Sword God Gull Farion's objective. In other words, he wanted the girl called Eris to practice and learn 『ways of coping with the Water God Style』. However, Reyda couldn't understand why he wanted this. Certainly, it wouldn't be a loss to gain experience in dealing with those of the Sword God Style. However, there was no need to call her all the way out here for such a thing. As long as it was a talented disciple of the Sword God Style, it wouldn't be that hard for them to let loose a slash at a speed faster than the reaction time of an average Water God Stylist.

Rather than learning the techniques of the Water God Style, for a North God Stylist it would probably be a better countermeasure to simply hone their own techniques. After all, unlike the Water God Style that couldn't be learned properly without a fitting opponent, the Sword God Style was a style that focused on taking the initiative and speedily grasping victory, regardless of the opponent.

To gain experience in fighting the Water God Style specifically suggests that he plans at some point to have her fight someone of the Water God Style, thought Reyda. And there was only one Water God Stylist who the Sword God didn't think could be won against without going to such lengths.

"What, are you planning on having this beast assassinate me or something?"

"Goodness, no. What use would there be in killing an old lady who would croak on her own?"

"In that case, tell me what you're thinking. Why do you need me to teach her the Water God Style? Just who on earth is she planning to fight?"

At these words, the Sword God made a broad and vicious grin.

"Eris over there wants to defeat the Dragon God Orsted."

"Goodness… Orsted?"

Reyda's face showed great agitation. She too, knew very well of that personage. She too knew of his strength and that, for some reason, he could use the techniques of the Water God Style.

"The Dragon God? That's quite a grandiose attitude you're taking. Do you think she can do it?"

"I think she can. Eris does too."

"I see, I see. That's fine then. Self-confidence is more important than anything."

She didn't know if he was lying or telling the truth. Saying that they wanted to take down the 『Dragon God』, second of Seven Major World Powers, could be seen as nothing but a joke. However, the Sword God had a confident expression, and Eris was making a face like it was natural, and together they had a strange persuasiveness to them.

Additionally, Reyda thought nothing except that it'd be interesting if they did it for real.

"But you know, Sword God. I haven't the faintest intention of teaching someone with no talent. First have her fight a bout with my student, and if she's strong enough to overwhelm her, then I don't mind teaching her this or that."

It was killing two birds with one stone. No, it was killing three birds, she thought. Her student would have her arrogance crushed, and gain experience in fighting with the Sword God Style. If she somehow won, then it'd just have been participating in something funny and amusing. At such prospects, her heart leaps. Though Reyda was of the Water God Style, she was first and foremost a swordswoman.

"That's how it is, Isolte. Have a round with her."

The Water God's disciple. The woman called Isolte stood up.

"I was listening to your conversation. I am the 『Water King』 Isolte Cruel. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

At that, Nina and Eris did as well. They faced Isolte.

"I'm the 『Sword Saint』 Nina Farion. I'll be in your care."

"…Eris Greyrat."

[Three women make a market.] Though there was a saying like that, it didn't fit these three, and each one of took a wooden sword from the corner of the dojo.

"Since Shisho says so, I'll abide, but… I don't think that someone of the Saint rank would be able to overpower me."

With her hand to her mouth, Isolte mumbled as if only Reyda could hear her.

"…That's true. Please go easy on me," said Nina.

"Hmph…"

Eris snorted.

Isolte's cheap provocations easily stirred up the Sword God Style genius who was easily fired up.

Part 3

One hour later, Eris was collapsed in the dead centre of the dojo.

"Haa… Haa…"

Her eyes opened, and her breathing was wild. She had been completely beaten down by Isolte. Eris's sword hadn't touched Isolte even once.

Eris's sword boasted a speed that was in the top 10 even in this dojo. Because of her solo practice swings, her swings boasted speed and strength that approached Ghyslaine's, and because of the rhythm particular to her, it was difficult evading even one of her strikes. Furthermore, once the techniques of the North God Style were added in, Eris's strength far surpassed any ordinary Sword Saint.

However, Isolte had completely parried all of Eris's strikes, and met her with counters. Only 30 minutes into the match, were they using real swords, the number of times Eris would have died approached three digits.

"…"

Next to Eris lay Isolte. After Eris's defeat, the one who overwhelmed the triumphant Isolte was Nina.

[In the end, a savage style with only speed and power like the Sword God Style can never break through the techniques of the refined Water God Style.]

Nina easily crushed Isolte's conceited thoughts.

Nina's strike flew at Isolte without mercy, and as if sucked in, struck her in the temple. The result was that Isolte was thoroughly defeated. It only took one strike.

"The result was pretty interesting, huh."

The one who said that was the one sitting at the head seat of the dojo, Sword God Gull Farion.

"…"

Nina gave a deep bow to the Sword God. He had said that it was an interesting result. He had probably not thought that she would win, even until the end. Though Nina had some discouraging thoughts like that, having been given the type of setting that allowed her to show her growth, Nina was happy as well. Nina too, enjoyed the feelings of victory.

"The result wasn't interesting or anything else."

The one who said this was Reyda. To her, this conclusion was natural. A beast that didn't even try to conceal its bloodlust was like a sitting duck to the Water God Style. Eris was certainly strong. She had potential. As a bundle of fighting spirit, she was like a heaven sent child when it came to battles, but even so, she couldn't defeat the Water God Style.

As for the fight between Nina and Isolte, the result of this too, was obvious to Reyda. Even at that age, with that much ability, Nina wasn't conceited. It was probably that because of that Eris girl that Nina had no room to become conceited. The result of training without being conceited was that she was able to defeat Isolte, who on the contrary trained with conceit.

Comparing Nina's slashes to Eris's, they weren't especially fast. On the contrary, they were just a tiny bit slower. When it came to the heaviness of their strikes, Eris's ability to overwhelm was probably higher.

However, Nina's strike was a strike that wasn't fuelled by her emotions. There was no bloodlust at all; without even preparing her emotions, a single strike. Let alone bloodlust, Isolte couldn't even sense any intent to strike.

"However, the results were satisfactory, weren't they? How about it? Do you want to learn Water God techniques from me?"

Being asked that, Nina showed that she was thinking about it for a little, but in the end, she shook her head.

"No, I intend to master the Sword God Style."

"I see, I see. That's fine."

Reyda laughed with interest.

"Gull-boy. How about this? For a while we'll have these three train with each other, and have them improve themselves together."

"Yeah. She probably has nothing to say, losing to someone like a Water King."

"Our kid as well might become hardworking again if she has a target right above her."

The result of the discussion between the Sword God and Water God was as follows:

Eris would train until she could defeat Isolte. Isolte would train until she could defeat Nina. As they had the same goal in mind, and would point out each other's weak points, some growth could probably be expected. It was that kind of conclusion.

"…Nina, are you fine with this?"

"I'm fine with it."

Nina nodded. Certainly, she had only gotten involved this time out of curiosity. Bettering herself with the best disciple of the Sword God Style would probably be a plus for her as well. Nina had won. However, Nina didn't feel that Isolte or Eris were below her. Furthermore, she understood the benefits of competing firsthand; had Eris not been here these past few years, she probably couldn't have won against Isolte, she thought.

"Alright. I guess that's how we'll be doing it. In the morning follow your own teacher as usual, and then once the sun starts to fall, the three of you gather and train together."

"Yes."

"…Got it."

Nina nodded silently, and Eris as well answered as well while still prone. Though Isolte lay unconscious, Reyda had no intention of voicing any complaints.

Like this, Eris's Anti-Water God Style training began.

Part 4

One month later.

A strange three way deadlock had formed.

Eris beat Nina.

Nina beat Isolte.

Isolte beat Eris.

While each of them would still do their own training, each day they would face each other a number of times, exchanging their opinions. Isolte immediately pinpointed Eris's weakness.

"You let out too much killing intent, Eris-san. We of the Water God Style can read killing intent, so if we know an attack is coming, we can prepare our stance."

"Even if you tell me that, I don't get it. Just what am I supposed to do?"

Eris obediently listened to Isolte's words. Though she was as self-centered and violent as she seemed, Eris was a person who coveted ways to strengthen herself.

"Let's see… Though you let out almost no killing intent before you strike, Nina-san, how do you do it?"

"Even if you ask me how… Since you'll win as long as your sword is the faster one, there's no need for stuff like bloodlust, right?"

On the contrary, it was a mystery to Nina why Eris was at all times, spilling bloodlust everywhere.

[If there's no enemy, what's the point getting so worked up? Wouldn't it be better to be relaxed normally?]

Nina's thoughts were along these lines.

"I don't get it." spoke Eris.

"Let's see. Then how about making it a daily habit to get in the bath, wash your body, eat properly, and to think about that beloved guy that you mentioned while lying in a warm futon before sleeping properly?"

"What the heck. Rudeus has nothing to do with it, right?"

"Yeah… Geez, the last one was a joke. Anyway, just do the above. You stink, and you look ill, and it's really unsightly."

"…Got it."

Eris herself didn't want to stretch herself so much that she would snap. The more she trained, the more she understood that the Dragon God Orsted in her memories held ludicrous power. Isolte who was just in front of her used the same techniques as Orsted did. However, those were techniques far, far greater and more precise than Isolte's. The outsider Orsted surpassed the Water King in these techniques.

"Hahhh, why can't I win against such a person? I'll lose my confidence."

Nina let out a huge sigh. At the advice of the Sword God, Gull Farion, she spent every day continuing a rational training programme. She rationally trained her body, rationally ate meals, and spent each day rationally. Despite all this, she couldn't win against the clearly irrational Eris.

"…Because I make it so that it's like you move after."

"Eh?"

Nina hadn't thought that Eris would ever say anything to her. Eris was self-centered and someone who normally wouldn't care about anyone else's problems after all.

"It was something that Ruijerd taught me. If you use stuff like your gaze, you can make people move before you like they move after you."

"Ruijerd… Who's that?"

"He's my teacher."

Nina tilted her head at Eris's words. She didn't really understand what Eris was saying.

What Eris normally used was a high-level technique that Ruijerd taught her. As the crystallization of something that hardened combat veterans would subconsciously do, it was one of the techniques of the warriors of the Supard Race.

"In other words, you intentionally provoke your opponent's attacks, Eris-san?"

"That's right."

"…"

At Isolte's explanation, Nina understood Eris's words as well. Though she understood, as expected it didn't make it any less suspicious sounding, and Nina stared at Eris in suspicion. She hadn't thought that this woman, who looked exactly like she was born and bred in the mountains, would be able to use such a high-level technique.

On the contrary, Isolte understood that this was exactly what Eris was doing. The school known as the Water God Style was one that was primarily seated in counters. Its techniques as well were founded around the basis of making the opponent move first.

"I see. Do you do this as well when you have me as an opponent?"

"I do, but you don't move, do you?"

"I've undergone training for that after all… Next time, try not to do that, or let out killing intent and the result might be a little different for all we know."

"…I'll give it a try."

Whilst frowning, Eris nodded. Though she said she would try it, she didn't know how she was supposed to control her killing intent. After all, it wasn't something conscious that she could take control of. Of course, this was something she had been told by others many times already. However, Ruijerd had taught Eris ways to use that overflowing bloodlust instead, so it wasn't something that she wanted to hear.

[Though normally it'd be a demerit, as long as you're far enough above others, then there's no need to forcibly keep it in check.]

It was along this line of thinking.

"What should I do? Hey, Isolte-san, what do you do?"

"…For you, Nina-san, let's see, in the Water God Style we have training where you're deprived of your sight and are made to determine the real attack but… since I've heard that it's a battle technique that Magic Races often use, the Sword God Style should have its own way of coping with it as well, I think. How about asking your Oshishou-sama about it?"

Isolte had both excellence and cleverness. Amongst the swordsmen of the Water God Style, there were many diligent and persevering people.

"Phew, it won't go very well… Oh, the sun's about to set, isn't it?"

With those words, Nina ended the study session.

"Well then, until tomorrow, huh? …Somehow, it's been fun lately, so it can't be helped that we do this for so long. It's my first time having discussions with people of my level and age, after all." Isolte said, cheerfully.

"That's true. It's the same for me, Isolte-san."

Nina agreed. Though Eris was normally silent, once she spoke to her, she found that Eris's knowledge on combat was broad and varied. Her knowledge wasn't limited just to the North God techniques that she had recently been learning, but also included the techniques of the Magic Race. Though she had given Nina the impression of being an incomprehensible monkey woman, Nina was now reevaluating her true worth. It wasn't that she was using uncivilized techniques, but just techniques of a different school, Nina thought.

"…Hmph."

Eris was the same as always. Normally, even if she participated in study sessions at the word of the Sword God, she didn't voice her own opinions.

What Eris recalled at those times was the distant past: the times when she studied swordsmanship together with Rudeus. In those days, she had done this kind of thing as well with Rudeus, they discussed this and that, and various ideas popped up as well. It was something that Rudeus did. Though it was for this kind of simple and easily understood reason, to Eris it was an extremely important reason, and made her communicate with others.

"Well then, I'll be going and training with Shisho now."

"Thank you for today as well, Isolte-san."

"Not at all, Nina-san. I feel the same way. It's the truth that I'm steadily getting stronger as well."

Where the road separated into paths leading to the dorms and the guest area, Nina and Isolte spoke their farewells with smiles. Eris continued walking briskly towards the dormitories.

"Thank you as well, Eris-san."

"…I'll get a hit in tomorrow."

"I'll look forward to it."

"Hmph."

Without glancing back, Eris continued to walk. Nina bowed once to Isolte and then caught up to Eris.

"Eris, it's fine if you keep training after this but, once you're done, at least take a bath!"

Was it the usual Eris, she would've turned a deaf ear to these words. Nina as well thought that it was a waste of breath, but stinky things stank, so she had no choice but to continue saying this every day. However, Eris was different today. While making a slightly unhappy expression, she turned her head and stared intensely at Nina.

"What you said earlier, was it for real?"

"Earlier? What did I say?"

"That if every day I get in the bath, wash my body, eat properly, and think about Rudeus while lying in a warm futon before sleeping properly, I'll be able to get rid of my bloodlust."

"Uu…"

Nina's words were caught in her throat. Those were just random words she had spouted out to get Eris to do as she wanted. However, there was no mistake that [mushin] could be born from relaxing. That's why she carried through with this idea.

"T-, that's right. In general, if you're as smelly as you are now, that guy you mentioned definitely won't turn your way, you know."

"No, he would, you know. Rudeus would always hug my sweat-drenched shirts after all."

"That's…"

While recalling Rudeus who she had only ever seen once, Nina imagined him burying his face in a girl's sweaty shirt.

[He's just a pervert.]

However, seeing that Eris's expression was quickly becoming displeased, Nina didn't say this.

"Anyway, I've heard that if you're too dirty, even men will start to hate you."

"Well, Rudeus really didn't slack off on cleaning, huh."

"T-, that's right! That's why you should make sure to always keep your body clean."

Eris started to think. What she recalled was Rudeus. Though she had thought not to think about him, she lost focus and ended up remembering him. Once she remembered him, her mouth started to spread into a happy smile.

Then, Eris noticed. That when she was like this, she probably didn't have any bloodlust.

So then, she nodded at Nina.

"I get it. I'll go have a bath then."

"Yeah, I knew you'd say that. I get it already, so I'll just give up on tr-… What did you just say?"

Eris didn't respond to that question and returned to her room.

With a confused expression, Nina stood stock-still.

------

It took another year from that point for Eris to be able to fight at least on par with Water King Isolte.

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