Kays Translations

Chapter 22: Thanks to the Knight Commander (Part 2)

　There is a moment of silence.

　The dry sound of wood crackling in the fireplace echoed across the kitchen.

　Ren suddenly wondered if he was also here again today.

　Just as he was thinking that he would have to hear what Weiss had to say, he heard his voice coming from outside the house.

“Weiss was with your mother at Grandma Rigg’s. We brought the medicinal herbs the Ashtons ordered.”

　I see. No wonder she was nowhere to be seen.

　

　As I was thinking this, Mireille came into the kitchen and started a friendly conversation with Lithia.

　Ren, who was watching the conversation, thought

(They’re getting closer, aren’t they? ……)

　He realized this fact and secretly held his head in his hands.

◇　◇　◇　◇

　　Ren had to accompany Lithia after the sun had set. Naturally, he had no choice.

　Lithia, who had grown even more in two months, showed a different appearance than before, but it still ended in an overwhelming victory for Ren.

　Lithia herself seemed to have expected this outcome.

　Still, it was healthy to see her express her frustration and say, “We’ll do it again tomorrow morning!” She was very healthy.

“I’m sorry, boy.”

Weiss, who came in place of Lithia who returned to the house after the meeting, apologized.

 ” I’m fine. By the way, the young lady was like a different person from the other day.”

It’s thanks to you boy. Since her defeat the other day, she has been working harder than ever before, not only in sword training but also in her studies.

“…… that’s good to know.”

“The master of the house was also grateful. Of course, so am I. How about it —-, is there anything you would like me to do for you?”

　

　Abrupt again.

　Ren tilts his head.

“Thanks for asking, but I’ve already received a reward from the baron.”

“No, this is from me personally.”

　Ren still couldn’t think of anything to say.

(And I can’t ask for money.)

　It was not right to expose his poor knightly character here.

　So, how about asking him to practice swordsmanship, for example?

　Once that was decided, I  decided to ask him.

“How about I teach you some camping knowledge?”

　

　Ren was surprised at this unexpected suggestion.

“Camping?　I don’t have to go far, do I?”

“You might. But it’s good knowledge to remember. For example, what if you have to spend the night in the woods because of an unforeseen event 、、、、、、?”

（I see.)

I think Roy-dono probably told you this, but Roy-dono still needs to rest for a while. So I thought I would take his place.

Understanding the need, Ren’s reply was quick.

　Thinking about it, it was knowledge that would also be useful when hunting in the forest.

“By all means. Please teach me the knowledge of encampment.”

　He nodded deeply, bowed his head, and begged for instruction.

　Weiss looked at him and said, “Don’t bow. This is my way of thanking you,” he said, and made Ren raise his head.

　Weiss then looked up at the snowy sky and crossed his arms.

“He looked at Len and asked, “Boy, have you kept the Little Boar’s fur?”

“There are a few. I hunt them every day, so I have more than enough to sell.”

“Good, then. Then we’ll begin tonight.

“—- what?”

　Weiss showed his white teeth and smiled a good-natured smile.

　

“It’s already late at night.”

“There’s more to remember at night.”

“No, it’s not like that. If we leave now, the time to return home is…”

“Of course, tomorrow morning.”

“…..Haa, in other words, we’re going to spend the night in the woods.”

　Weiss nodded, saying, “Mm-hmm.”

“Naturally, I don’t say it’s forced. If you’d prefer we could do it on a day that’s more convenient for you……”

“No, no, no!　I was just surprised, honestly, I’m glad you suggested it!”

　In fact, it’s helpful because I don’t have anything to do at night.

　Besides, if you can teach me, the sooner the better.

　The opportunity to be taught by Weiss, who is even busier than he usually is, is nothing but precious time.

（I would love to learn from him.)

　There was one thing that concerned Ren.

 “Are you sure you don’t need to be by the lady’s side?”

“You don’t need to worry about that. The men who serve as the lady’s personal guards will remain at the mansion.”

　The reason why Weiss was away from Lithia’s side during the day is because of this.　

“I see, Weiss-sama is not one of her guards.”

“I’m often misunderstood, but I’m not the young lady’s bodyguard.   That’s why I’m often not there when the young lady goes on excursions.”

　

　This means that even if Weiss is accompanying her, she must have enough forces with her to determine that his absence is not a problem.

　Apparently, he had decided that it would be better for him to be there when she came to Ren’s village.

　Then, I could ask him to teach me without any hesitation.

　

“I’ll take your word for it, and I’d be happy to start this evening.”

　When Ren said that, Weiss immediately replied, “Leave it to me.”,

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