Interlude 2
The sound of metal being struck echoed through the air. A blacksmith hammered away at the steel, shaping it into a sword. With each strike, he poured his soul into the work.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, the blacksmith Gantetsu labored tirelessly to create the perfect blade, one that would satisfy a particular man’s high standards.
At last, the weapon was complete. It was a beautiful sword, with a hilt shaped like a black flower. The scabbard was equally magnificent, perfectly concealing the blade.
This was truly a masterpiece, a blade worthy of being called a “famed sword.”
Gantetsu named it Hana Beniki. Just as he finished, the door to the forge opened again. In walked a man with black hair and an arrogant gaze—Fei. Without a word, Gantetsu handed over the sword. Fei left silently, leaving only money behind.
(“He recognized it as a fine sword without even drawing it. There’s no way he’d have any complaints about my masterpiece, imbued with my soul.”)
(“But my skills have dulled. I should be able to create an even hotter, more powerful blade. That is beyond me now, and it would be beyond you as well.”)
(“I’ve heard it said that a sword chooses its wielder. Black swordsman, will you have the skill to wield this blade, or will it merely become a dull piece of metal in your hands…”)
(“I look forward to finding out…”)
As the black swordsman disappeared, Gantetsu smiled quietly to himself.
Finally, I bought it. I felt bad for being so vague last time and left the store quickly because it was awkward.
I had planned to buy a weapon anyway, and I don’t mind a sword. It’s a katana, after all. Since I’m originally from Japan, I don’t dislike them. I’ll try it out later.
The blacksmith reminds me of someone who quit their job to open a café. It must be tough for him.
I bought it partly because I felt guilty from last time, but when I looked at the blade, it seemed quite good. Maybe this blacksmith, who I thought was just an amateur, has real talent?
Could it be a famous shop? I don’t know…
By the way, I’d like to visit the Free City soon…
I want to show Master Yururu this new sword, but she’s busy discussing things with her maid Mai. They used to be like master and servant, and they still seem to be close friends.
Those two seem to have a lot in common.
Oh, and I’ve been diligently doing my work as a holy knight. Sometimes I want to go to a dungeon.
Should I go… I want to go. I hope we get a long vacation soon.
In the room where Yururu usually spends her time, Mai placed her luggage and sat down.
“Isn’t it cramped here with me, my lady?”
“It’s fine, don’t worry about it, Mai-chan! It’s fun being together!”
Yururu smiled brightly. She was a pure-hearted 23-year-old. Mai was not only her former maid but also her current friend.
Yururu made tea and handed it to Mai. The small room had only one table, so Yururu sat on the bed while Mai took the chair, with the table between them.
“This is delicious.”
“Isn’t it? I’m good at making tea.”
“…My lady, you’ve grown up so much.”
“Really? Do you think so?”
“Yes. You used to cry and cling to me when you couldn’t go to the bathroom alone or when you wouldn’t sleep unless I was there.”
“Oh, come on, forget about those times!”
Blushing, Yururu tried to stop Mai’s nostalgic tales, tilting her head and looking up at her. Mai remembered Yururu’s habit of looking up when she had a request and smiled warmly. They continued chatting, reminiscing about the past and talking about the present.
In the flow of conversation, Mai asked something.
“My lady, do you like Sir Fei?”
“Wha… I-I don’t…”
“Then, what kind of person do you like?”
“Well, someone with a sharp gaze, who loves swords… maybe a bit unfriendly but actually very kind…”
“I see.”
Even though she was practically describing someone specific, she didn’t realize it. Mai, ever the perceptive maid, understood Yururu’s feelings perfectly.
“And, someone younger… maybe about eight years younger… is that weird? Liking a younger boy?”
“No, that’s not strange at all.”
“Right! There’s no law in Britannia that says I can’t like a boy eight years younger!”
“Indeed.”
“What about you, Mai-chan? Do you have a type or someone you like?”
“Me… I guess the type of person I fall for becomes my type.”
“That’s deep.”
“Yes, indeed.”
Feeling a bit profound herself, Mai watched Yururu react with admiration. The warm atmosphere enveloped them. Later, they changed into pajamas and got into bed together.
“Hehe, it’s been a while, Mai-chan.”
“Yes. It reminds me of old times. Do you have your special undergarments for accidents?”
“Oh, Mai-chan!”
“A maid’s joke.”
“Hehe… see you tomorrow. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, my lady. Are you training with Sir Fei again tomorrow?”
“Yeah.”
“Understood. Goodnight, my lady.”
They held hands and closed their eyes. They soon drifted into a comfortable sleep, dreaming vivid dreams.
But the dreams weren’t of their innocent past together…
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Yururu found herself sitting on a bed in her pajamas. Someone hugged her from behind, securing her in place.
[F-Fei-kun, we can’t… we’re teacher and student…]
[I can’t hold back anymore.]
[Ah, not there… Fei-kun… no…]
Fei gently kissed her neck, heightening her sensitivity. Meanwhile, Mai…
[M-Master…Fei… please stop… don’t succumb to my charms!]
[You are my maid. This is part of your duties, so obey.]
[D-Duties… if that’s the case…]
[You wanted this too, didn’t you?]
[N-No, it’s just my duty… So please, hurry up and finish… as part of my duty…]
[Such a needy girl.]
Pinned down on the bed, Mai tried to convince herself it was just duty as she indulged in a forbidden romance.
Both of them had quite different images of Fei, but in their dreams, they didn’t mind.
“Hehe… Fei-kun, you’re so naughty…”
“Hehe, Master fei, this is just my duty…”
Maybe they got along so well because they liked the same type of man and enjoyed their fantasies.
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