Materials Refinery!

We're a long way from home, aren't we? This place is so strange.

I guess. I've gotten used to it.

But there's bound to be some good ore here! Should we look around?

Come get some, monster scum!

Aldo, let's check it out!

Come on! I can take you!

That soldier, he's struggling. Should we help out?

No, he might see us as more enemies. Let's just see how it pans out.

Well if you won't come to me, I'll come to you!

Grrrrrr!

Hyargh!

Help meeeeee!

What?! W-Wait. What happened to all your bravado?!

May! It's time to get to work!

Th-Thank you. You saved me.

I'm glad you're unharmed, but why were you having so much trouble with that one little monster?

I'm sorry. I may be a soldier, but truth be told I hate fighting. I came out here to try and toughen up, but...

You just have to get used to it.

Right! Everyone's scared at first. But you're a soldier, it's your duty to buck up! Everyone's counting on you.

May... You're pretty tough for a girl.

This isn't about me. Girl or not, duties are duties!

...... M-Master!

Huh? Master? Do you mean me?

Yes! May, you're so strong, such a fighter! I want to be like you! Please! Train me!

Huh?! Wh-What are you saying?! You're a soldier, you can do it yourself!

You're saying no?

It's just so sudden. You have to find out your own way to get stronger.

But... I don't know what to do...

Okay, okay, fine! I'll rebuild you from the ground up!

Really?!

Don't look so happy! It's embarrassing enough that a soldier needs help! Just keep cool, okay?

Hyagh, I'm sorry! I'll try my best.

Seriously. How did I get into this mess...

You're such a helpful person, May.

Th-That's not it! I just had no choice! None!

Anyway, you! First of all, your armor's all wrong! You have to go change that now.

M-My armor? It's just standard issue.

That armor is going to get you killed out here! Come back to my place, I'll make you some new armor.

Your place? Wait, do you mean Baruoki?

Yeah, and?

Okay, let's go get this man some armor he can be proud of!

Hey, May! Hold up! I need to talk to you!

All right, now let's sort out your weaponry.

B-But my sword is standard issue from the palace.

What? But it's so old, and the edge is so blunt.

But the material is something else. Ore like this was common in the past.

F-Father! This is my customer, so keep out of it, will you?

Okay. But just, don't throw this away. It could be valuable.

In that case, wouldn't it make more sense to just fix the equipment he already has?

Oh! Good idea, Aldo, you lech!

What?! Why bring that up?!

Ahaha, sorry. Anyway, come on now, off with the armor.

Now? Here?! W-Wait, where are we anyway?

Don't worry about it! Okay, I'm getting into it now!

All right, perfect!

It looks exactly the same.

What are you talking about? As if I wouldn't change anything.

This is incredible! It fits so much better, and the special coating on the surface makes it far stronger. I've never seen technology like this before.

That weapon of yours was better than it looked.

I'm no fighter, but I do like the weapons themselves. Back home in Ratle my family runs a blacksmith's.

Oh. Wow, for two children of blacksmiths, you're both pretty different.

Yeah, I know, I'm too rough.

I'm not saying that. Weren't you complaining that I called you girly before?

J-Just shut up! You're such a weirdo, Aldo! Come on, let's go to the Zol Plains and test it out! If you have faith in my craftsmanship, you shouldn't be scared to fight any more!

What?! A fight...now?!

Why not? Strike while the iron's hot! A quick sparring session should be fine for a soldier.

Erm... Well, I think that a soldier should focus on protecting the innocent more than looking for fights.

But to protect people you have to fight! Come on, let's go!

Are you going to be okay?

S-Sure... I feel like I might be able to do it this time!

Oho, now you look more like a soldier.

A monster. Good timing.

Now you can show us what you got!

Okay! Kuh-huuuuuu!

Graaahraaa!

Kuh-huuuuuu?!

H-He ran away again.

All my hard work... for nothing?!

It couldn't be helped! Come on, let's finish it off!

Explain yourself. Weren't you the one who asked me for training?

*sob* I-I'm so sorry. I guess I'm really not cut out for this...

You're going to give up?

I don't want to, but...

Say, why did you want to get stronger in the first place?

Y-You see, it's all for the one that I love...

But her family, they're all martial artists... And she's always preferred men who could hold their own in a fight... That's why I became a soldier, and confessed my love to her. But she'll leave me like this. *sob*

Well then, you can't give up, you need to fight for her!

But he really doesn't look suited for it. Maybe he should try something else... After all, your dad said that it's important to have something to protect.

Hmm, Aldo, you sound like my father.

It's not like that. I'm just saying there's more to strength than fighting prowess.

That might be true, but shouldn't he work harder?

If that's really what he wants.

Hmm... You, what do you really want?

...... I want to quit being a soldier. There's no point trying to do the impossible. I need to talk to my beloved in Ratle. I want us to live happily ever after.

I think that would be best. You should go to her.

Er...erm...

Hm? What's wrong? Are you off duty?

Y-You see...I... ......

You've prepared for this, do your best. This is where you will show your courage!

Y-Yes, ma'am!

Who are these people?

Never mind them. There's something I want to tell you!

O-Okay.

I'm not cut out for soldiering. I did my best to get enlisted, but I hate fighting... That's why I've decided to give it up. I know it might ruin things between us... But I need to tell you I love you!

......

I still want to be with you. Even after I quit my post. As long as you're there with me. But...will you have me?

Okay. Heehee. I could have told you the army wouldn't be for you.

Really?! Are you sure?

You're a kind person. That's what I've always liked about you.

Huh? But, I always thought you liked strong men.

You're plenty strong. You became a soldier, just for me. You have the strength to do whatever is needed for the people around you. Besides, if you were to die on duty, what would our child think...

Wha! You mean...!

Yes♪ I found out yesterday!

Wow! That's amazing! Thank you!

And May, you guys, thank you so much!

Erm, I'm not sure how much help I really was.

You were a huge help. It was your encouragement that got me here. And you're the one who made me realize how unsuited to the soldier life I really was.

What will you do now?

I guess I need to decide that with my wife.

Eheheh. I'm not your wife yet, you know. But you're right. How about you join our household?

Your household...hmm. I'll give it some thought.

Master, I mean, May. Sincerely, thank you.

They look so happy. Everything worked out in the end.

Yeah... Up until now my life has been as straight as a sword's edge. I've always stuck to my own path. But I see now that there's courage in bending your will for the people who are important to you.

I feel like I've found something I didn't even know I'd lost. Aldo, I'm so glad I'm traveling with you. Thank you.

No need to thank me.

Right. Anyway, let's carry on, Aldo!