The Great Sage Who Did not Remain in Legend - 27.3

“And what if I can’t promise that?”

“That sword is a blade from my country, known as a katana. It is not a magic sword, but it was made with the same materials and techniques as the one I gave to Rose-sama. You probably won’t be able to obtain something like it in this country.”

Lord Ortenen gulped audibly.

“If you can’t make a promise, I’ll stop giving you this.”

“I-I am a knight. I can’t accept bribes…”

“Before being a knight, you are Rose-sama’s older brother, aren’t you? Shouldn’t Lord Ortenen also bear the same responsibilities as Rose-sama?”

“Bear responsibilities?”

“Yes, Lord Ortenen might not need that sword. However, Rose-sama needs that sword if she aims to rise above her current status. But I’ve heard that using that sword might be too conspicuous in this country. If you use it, wouldn’t it reduce how conspicuous Rose-sama is?”

“Both siblings would stand out even more.”

“If you say it’s a family heirloom from the Baum family, it would make sense. The Baum family is an esteemed noble family from the founding of the country. It wouldn’t be surprising if they have a rare heirloom sword.”

“The Baum family’s heirloom sword is with my eldest brother…”

“Isn’t it just an ornamental sword with decorations? A sword is only valuable if it’s useful in actual combat. It might be more valuable to those who don’t go into battle, but it’s natural for a knight to have an heirloom suited for combat.”

After Mergin said this, Lord Ortenen fell silent.

“Even if we stop the report, if the higher-ups ask about you first, I’ll have to report it.”

“That can’t be helped. In that case, please report properly without trying to cover it up. I don’t intend to cause too much trouble.”

“Understood…”

“Thank you for today. I’ll take my leave now. Also, Lord Ortenen—”

“What is it?”

“A katana is handled differently from a longsword. If you wish, I can teach you how to use it. If you’re interested, let’s do it in a clearing in the forest. Farewell.”

Mergin said this and left as if disappearing.

Mergin, having concealed his presence, left the noble district without being noticed.

Oh, I messed up. Wearing these clothes made it seem like I was dealing with royalty or a prime minister. Well, I guess my true identity will be revealed eventually, so it can’t be helped.

Mergin had planned to teach Iris offensive magic if she chose to work at the court. Since that would lead to various problems if discovered, he had resolved to leave the country. Although Iris chose not to work at the court, today he confirmed that this place was once the Demon Kingdom, which decided him to investigate the past.

Since concealing one’s presence is tiring, Mergin returned to normal after leaving the noble district. However, Mergin, wearing unfamiliar clothes, attracted attention.

I should have changed clothes before lifting the concealment.

It seemed that lifting the concealment after attracting attention would only complicate matters, so he walked on briskly.

As he neared his home—

“Mergin!”

Rikka ran up and clung to Mergin.

“Rikka, w-what’s wrong?”

“Waaaah! Don’t go!”

“Don’t go? What are you saying? I’m just heading home now.”

Sniffle, sniffle.

Rikka continued to cry, clinging to him and ignoring what Mergin said.

“Rikka! Rikka, wait!”

From afar, barrels of alcohol were rolling… the landlady was running towards them.

“Pant, pant. Mergin…”

“Landlady, you’re going to run out of breath.”

Thud.

Mergin, having said something unnecessary, took a direct hit from the landlady’s dynamite-body tackle. Naturally, Rikka, who was clinging and crying, also got caught up and ended up groaning.