Kays Translations

Chapter 149 Shopping in the Royal Capital

　Brother Cain also bought me two other books: “The Illustrated Book of Demons” and “The Illustrated Book of Magical Tools”. Both books are for children. I was grateful for them. It seems that Cain wanted to buy something for me.

　I wonder if he felt that as an older brother, he had done nothing for his younger brother.　That’s not true.

　We returned to the carriage and headed for our next destination. I was surprised to see my brother coming out of the bookstore with so many books.

“Do you really need that many books?”

“Yes, I do. I use them for research and citation. There are books in the school library, but other people use them, too. It is not always available. So it’s better to buy the books I need and keep them in my room so I can use them right away.”

　This is exactly the thinking of a rich aristocrat. I’m sure brother Alex would have the same books, but he wouldn’t use second-hand books. What a waste. I thought books were supposed to be valuable.

　While we were talking, we arrived at our next destination. The store’s show window was lined with expensive-looking swords.

“Well, here we are.”

　Brother Cain said happily. This time I was not told to wait in the carriage, but taken along. Could it be that he’s going to buy me a sword?　Come to think of it, I’ve always used the swords that Lionel provided for me, so I’ve never been to a weapon shop.

　When I entered the store, the owner immediately ran up to us.

“Cain-sama, welcome.”

I would like to see the sword.”

“Of course. Please, come this way.”  

　He said as he led me to the back of the store. It seems this store is a favorite weapon shop of brother Cain’s. The shopkeeper's face brightens. Is he spending a lot of money? 

　The place I was shown to had a variety of swords, not just the ones in the show window. I’m not a sword fanatic or anything, but I was a little excited.

　There were not only swords with extravagant decorations that seemed to have no practical use, but also swords that looked nice and could be used in certain ways.

“This one looks nice.”

　Brother Cain picked up one of the swords. It is a practical sword with few ornaments.  It seems like brother is seriously planning to lead the knights’ order. Otherwise, he would have asked for a sword for display.

　He pulled out his sword with a slur. It is a straight double-edged sword. It is a common sword in this world. All the swords used by the Knights of the Margrave Heine territory are of this shape. Don’t they have other swords or something?

　I got curious and looked for one, and there it was. Just one.

　Brother Cain asked the owner, “Can I try it out?” and was about to head for the back door. He seemed to have noticed the sword I was looking at.

"Do you like that sword, Julius? It has an unusual shape, but..."

"Huh? Oh, no, I just thought it was an unusual sword, not that I want it or anything"

　Really?　My older brother makes a face like that. But the shopkeeper offered the sword to me. He seems to be a good businessman.

"You have a fine eye. That sword is a weapon called a katana, and it was brought over from the Orient."

“The Orient ……”

　Is there a country like Japan? What I learn from my tutor is mainly about the countries and cultures around here, so I have yet to learn much about faraway countries. I was once shown a map of the world, but in my opinion, it was just a map of the continents.

　I am not sure about what is beyond the oceans.

“Since you’re here, why don’t you give it a try?”

“Ha, ha.”

　I guess he really likes swords. My older brother, who was in a good mood, proceeded. I felt sorry for my brother, as he was itching to try his hand at his sword. I didn’t want to hold him back any longer. I took the sword and followed him.

　Even though it is called a sword, this weapon is not a broadsword, but a wakizashi. Therefore, it is a size that even I can use. Come to think of it, the swords the shopkeeper showed me were all short. He must have had a selection of swords for children.

　Does that mean that children from the school come to this store to buy swords?

　When we went out the back door, there were a number of scarecrows set up for test cutting. It seemed that there was no one else besides us. We could try our hand at slashing without hesitation.

　First, my brother slashed at the scarecrow. I remember that Cain is a member of the swordsmanship club at the school. He seemed to be used to wielding a sword, as expected.

　With great enthusiasm, he slashed at the scarecrow. The top of the scarecrow fell to the ground with a thud.

“It feels a little heavy, but it seems to be sharp. I like it, so I’ll take it.”

“Thank you.”

　The owner laughs happily. The price must be very good, I thought. While I was thinking that, it was my turn.

　I didn’t have to try out the sword, but well, Okay. I pulled out the Wakizashi with a slurry. The rippling blade was beautiful. It seemed to be quite a gem.

　I felt sorry to use it. If the blade were to spill, it would be a terrible thing. I’ll have to use it carefully.

　I quietly adjusted my breathing and fired a well-aimed blow. The scarecrow was suddenly cut. I felt almost no resistance. The sharpness is real.

　The cut scarecrow was standing with its top and bottom slightly shifted.

“Th-This is……”

　One of the knights mumbled, then suddenly approached the scarecrow and pushed its upper body. With a thud, the scarecrow’s top falls to the ground.

　Silence reigns. I can hear the slight sound of the wind blowing.

　Oh, I’m starting to break out in a cold sweat.

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