I’m an Appraiser, But What the Heck is a [Divine Eye]? ~I Want to Live Freely as the World’s Best Beginner Class~ - Episode 225: Hot Springs, Hospitality, and Trouble 25

Episode 225: Hot Springs, Hospitality, and Trouble 25  

As soon as we returned to theOnsen District, the first thing we saw was—a heap of dead magical beasts and Ryan-san crossing swords with the Knight Commander.  

“Gahahahaha! To think such a strong warrior was here all along! The world is truly vast!”  

“I am honored by your praise!”  

I wasn’t sure of the situation since we had just arrived, but it looked like the Knight Commander had the upper hand.  

……Actually, the fact that Ryan-san, an intermediate class, could hold his ground against someone of a special class was already a testament to his incredible skill.  

That said—though we had just returned, it seemed this was about to end.  

“Hah!”  

“Whoa!?”  

A strike combining raw strength and mastery over heavy weaponry sent Ryan-san, who was parrying with a straight sword, flying backward.  

Ryan-san managed to brace himself, grinding against the ground. But his arm appeared numb, leaving him unable to move immediately. Seizing that moment, the Knight Commander advanced.  

“I yield!”  

As Ryan-san’s voice of surrender echoed, the Knight Commander halted his greatsword with precision.  

“…Impressive! What do you say, Ryan-dono? Would you consider enlisting as a national knight? I’ll gladly write you a recommendation!”  

“I am deeply honored. But I have pledged my life to serving Alicia-sama. I must decline.”  

“Is that so? Then let us spar again someday! Gahahaha!”  

Ryan-san’s skill was acknowledged even by the Knight Commander. It was truly remarkable.  

But, seriously… How did things even end up like this?  

“Hey, Alicia?”  

“Eek! …Oh, Maki-san. You’re back.”  

She hadn’t noticed?  

“Yeah, just a little while ago. So… how did this sparring match come about?”  

When I asked, Alicia explained the events leading up to it.  

Apparently, while the Knight Commander was enthusiastically hunting magical beasts, he had gotten too far ahead and ended up surrounded. Ryan-san had rushed to his aid. And together, they managed to defeat the encircling beasts.  

If that was the whole story, Ryan-san would have been the hero. But then the Knight Commander was enamored with Ryan-san’s swordsmanship. He proposed a mock battle.  

…Yep. No matter where you go, the Knight Commander is just… the Knight Commander.  

“Ryan-san agreed to that?”  

“He initially declined, but the Knight Commander’s persistence wore him down. He finally agreed. It was on the condition that they first clear out the surrounding magical beasts.”  

And then, the Knight Commander charged forward again on his own, with Ryan-san following behind. The magical beasts were quickly wiped out after that.  

……….He’s remarkably good at dragging others into his pace, isn’t he?  

“Hahaha! That was an excellent match, both of you!”  

““Thank you, Your Majesty!””  

Even His Majesty seemed to have enjoyed it.  

Honestly, I wondered if these people had forgotten this was the Forest of Demons. The other soldiers were leaning on their weapons like makeshift canes, utterly exhausted!  

“W-We’ve returned, Your Majesty.”  

“Ah! You’re back! So, Maki, where to next? Shall we press further into the forest?”  

His Majesty’s words caused not just the knights, but also our soldiers to let out startled gasps.  

“No, Your Majesty. Beyond this point lies unexplored territory even for us. This concludes our inspection of the Forest of Demons.”  

“Oh, is that so?”  

…Yeah, that’s right. Everyone, go ahead and breathe a sigh of relief.  

“Since we’ve worked up a sweat, I was thinking of showing everyone the hot springs while we clean up. From here on, we’ll ensure you experience the best hospitality in the Onsen District.”  

“Oho! Is that so! Hmm, have we done something bad to Legerico by leaving him out of this?”  

No, it’s fine. Considering everything, he owes us at least this much.  

“Every inn here has hot spring facilities, so please make the most of them.”  

As I said that, cheers erupted from the knights.  

…..Heh. Afterward, there would be fine cuisine and drinks. And finally, some nighttime entertainment was prepared as well.  

We would definitely make sure they left completely satisfied!