Lost Sword story · Character episode
Lua's Episode
5 scenes, 311 lines
1. Captain Cat
38 linesMeow...
Another cat. This world sure has a lot of cats.
Come to think of it, there was a cat lover in Cornwall too. Whenever I was on patrol like this, she was always in front of a cat...
Meow...!
Excavating the ruins... The kingdom is stable. His Highness gave the orders.
A dispatch, huh. But how did you get here?
I needed some fresh air.
King Mark was considerate. Well... Lua, you've had a tough time too.
Then why not rest quietly? Why are you grabbing a cat in the middle of the night? Do you really like cats that much?
They're cute.
That's true, but...
Cute things are strong. I like strong things.
Hmm... it's a strange logic, still not fully understood but kind of makes sense.
But it's not easy. Getting close. I've learned, but...
They keep running away. Even when I feed them. They won't come.
That's probably because cats are territorial creatures. You're an outsider, right? It's natural for them to be cautious.
It's big.
The other cats won't come near. I wonder if it's because of this one.
Must be the leader. The others are afraid because the leader cat isn't relaxing its guard.
Just keep waiting
There's nothing like persistence when breaking down the barriers with animals. Waiting is the key.
Something like the pinnacle of a sword?
I'm not sure what they have in common, but if it's about patience, I'd say they're similar.
Bring some tastier food
In the end, even cats can't resist good food. Especially stray cats that have to dig through trash or hunt for mice.
If I could get salmon and chicken breast, I could make something like Churu...
I can get the ingredients. Will you help me?
Hmm... sure.
Thanks, Swordbringer.
Looks like Lua really likes cats.
2. Swordmaster's Heart
40 linesThe next day.
Lua!
Hey.
How was it yesterday? How were the cats?
Thanks to you, I got pretty close with the cat. Cats are cute.
Oh... really.
Amazing. You love cute things and care about cats, yet you've reached the level of a Swordmaster.
I thought that after all the hellish training, someone at the Swordmaster level would be a cold-blooded, emotionless person.
That's not true.
My master used to say... empty your mind when you fight. But when you're learning the sword, fill your heart.
That's a pretty profound statement.
They are cute, just like you.
Cute...? Me?
Uh... um... just a joke.
I'm scared you'll misunderstand and take it seriously, so I don't want to say it.
That makes sense.
You've always looked pretty lonely.
Lonely?
You're always by yourself. Maybe that's why you felt a sense of kinship and closeness with the cats?
I looked that way, huh.
Haha... don't take it too seriously.
It's not just that I like them. There's something to learn from cats.
Learn from them?
Yeah. Their movement. When they pounce on prey, they become like beasts. Meow-!
Your imitation was a bit awkward, but I get the point. You mean something flexible and unpredictable, right?
Right. And the way they gather their strength and strike.
Exactly. Focused power is important too.
Hearing that, I can see that they're not just cute creatures. I've also felt my movements have become stiff lately.
Since you say there's something to learn, I shouldn't just overlook them.
Yeah. So let's play with the cat together from now on.
Accept
Good.
Decline
Yeah...!
Anyway, if I'm with Lua, there's a lot I can learn.
I thought that as I watched Lua playing with the cats.
3. Find the Cat
40 linesSwordbringer...
What's wrong, Lua? You don't look so well.
It's gone. The cat.
The leader cat disappeared? When was the last time you saw it?
This morning. Find it for me.
Lua may not be great at tracking, but if it's combat, you're good at it.
Alright, let's go.
Head to the back alley
This is where cats gather, so if we're lucky, we might find it right away!
So many cats...!
Yeah, it's where they gather.
But the one we're looking for isn't here. This doesn't seem like the right place...
Kitty cat...
Ah, Lua! Don't get distracted! Let's check other places!
Go to the fish market
The cat's big, so maybe it was hungry. Let's check it out.
Nothing... Just the smell of fish.
This is tricky. How did you know it was missing?
It was feeding time, but it didn't show up. I always made delicious food for it, and it always ate.
Lonely... cat... It must be feeling abandoned.
...! Could it be... dethroned as the leader?
Dethroned?
Cats often fight for territory. Maybe another cat came in with the travelers and took its place.
If that's the case, the cat that lost would have no choice but to leave the village.
Outside the village... That's dangerous...
Right. So let's hurry and check!
Meow!
That's a cat sound!
Meowww.
There it is. The leader cat.
We found it thanks to you. It wasn't visible among the strays, but we found it after all.
Huh? Wait!
It brought its kittens with it? I thought it had been pushed out...
A cat... family...! The family's here!
I see. That cat must have had kittens. Cats hide their kittens, so that's why we couldn't find it.
It looks like it gave birth safely, thanks to your care.
I'm glad.
Seeing Lua so happy makes me feel relieved.
4. Wanna Be Together
41 linesBefore I knew it, the day to leave had arrived.
Lua... I'm here to say goodbye. My next destination's been decided.
Swordbringer... You're busy...
Yeah. It feels like I'm having the busiest days of my life. But what can I do? I have to do what I need to do before I can return.
I envy you, having something to do.
You've got things to do too, Lua.
Protecting the kingdom, guarding the king... That's all important work.
That's true, but... someday, if I have the chance, I want to travel around the continent.
You want an adventure. Did you train in swordsmanship for that?
Not really. Thanks to my master's teachings...
I didn't really have anything I wanted to do.
But still, Swordbringer... Ethan. It's fun being with you.
It's an honor to hear that Cornwall's greatest swordmaster enjoys being with me.
You even know a lot about cats.
Haha... Cats, huh...
Hmm... I like being with you too, for many reasons. You're cute, helpful with swordsmanship... but most of all, you make me feel safe.
Well, someday... if the opportunity arises... not now. I have my mission, I must protect His Majesty...!
Right. I didn't ask because I misunderstood. I asked because I was surprised and happy.
Then the answer is...
Of course, I'd welcome it.
...!
When you're ready, let me know. Let's travel across the continent together!
Yeah... I'd like that.
Adventures aren't just about being strong. It's better to prepare in various ways. But I'm sure you'll manage, Lua.
I'm a little hesitant.
How so?
Of course, if you're coming, I'll welcome you wholeheartedly.
But like you said, there are each of our positions to consider...
I can't just take someone as important as you out of Cornwall without a plan.
Is that so...?
This is something that should be discussed with everyone when you're ready.
I understand how you feel, Swordbringer.
I'll prepare for that time.
And... if you need help, just let me know. Cornwall and I are... on your side...
It seemed like Lua was hesitating more than usual, but I could tell the intent was clear.
With a smile, I gave a firm response to Lua, who was somehow blushing.
Sure!
5. Bikini Lua
152 linesThe investigation of the South Cornwall ruins, commissioned by King Mark, is in its final stages.
Today, we're at the coastal cliffs. The deep blue sea stretches out before my eyes.
Wow, even the color of Cornwall's water is on another level. As expected of a maritime kingdom.
Swordbringer.
Lua? Were you on patrol?
Yes. Coastal patrol. This is my country.
Right, this is your home turf. I've felt so safe having you around throughout the investigation.
Leave it to me.
She's expressionless, but she has the air of a cat with its tail held high. She's so easy to read.
But for a patrol... weren't you looking for something?
...Secret.
Following her gaze, I see a familiarly plump cat sitting on the breakwater.
Oh?! Hey, it's that cat! He made it all the way out here?
Meow...
Just then, an exceptionally large wave crashed against the breakwater.
Startled by the spray, the cat lost its footing and tumbled into the sea.
...!
Lua dashed forward like lightning. I admired her speed for a split second, thinking, "As expected of a master of fast movement..."
But then she dove headfirst into the sea without a moment's hesitation. Truly courageous.
And just like that, she sank.
.......
Lua?!
I fished out the flailing Swordmaster and the cat one by one. The water was only waist-deep.
Meow...!
Whew... Hey, captain. Learn how to swim before your next expedition.
On the sandy beach, the soaking wet Swordmaster hung her head low, dripping water.
...Sorry.
Is that really something you need to apologize for? The cat was the one who fell.
Lua can't swim. Never learned.
I like the water. But... I don't know how to float.
Master's training didn't include swimming. ...Only the sword.
Earlier, my body moved before I could think. ...Lesson learned.
...I suppose so. She's someone who became a Swordmaster purely through the sword. It makes sense her training was highly unbalanced.
But you've been doing coastal patrols just fine up until today, haven't you?
As long as I don't go in the water, it is not a problem.
You almost became another rescue target just now.
.......
Alright, it's decided. We're doing special training, Lua.
Special training?
Special swimming training.
No. Sinking is too scary.
You'll become a swordsman who can fight underwater. It'll improve your lung capacity and give you a full-body workout. In other words...
...Will I get stronger?
Of course you will! A whole lot stronger!
...I'll do it.
Thank goodness she's so simple...!
I pulled "that" out from my pocket, having prepared it in advance. I knew this day would come.
...? What is this?
It's training equipment. Specially designed for the water.
Lua held up the bikini with both hands as if inspecting military gear, examining it with a serious expression.
...Not enough fabric. Low defense.
But in exchange, it offers maximum mobility. It's designed to minimize water resistance.
Mobility. Crucial for Battoujutsu. ...Acceptable.
Lua reached for her armor buckle right then and there.
Wait, wait, wait! Change behind the rock! Behind!
...? No enemy waits for you to change.
I whipped around at the speed of light.
Swordbringer. I'm done.
The moment I turned back, my breath caught in my throat.
A sleek waistline toned by rigorous training, paired with firm thighs.
And yet, she was surprisingly well-endowed in all the right places...!
To think she was hiding all this under her armor. How on earth does the Kingdom of Cornwall manage its national treasures?
.......
...Why are you so quiet?
No! It looks great on you! Yeah! Very mobile!
She performed a light draw step on the spot. With every movement, certain parts of her bounced wildly, which was incredibly bad for my heart.
She didn't seem bothered in the slightest. I feel like our roles should be reversed here.
...? Swordbringer. Your face is red.
It's just because the sun is so hot!
Is that so? ...Oh.
Lua suddenly looked down at herself.
Is it weird...? Do I look weird?
You don't look weird at all. In fact... you look cute.
She nodded, seemingly convinced by her own bizarre logic. But the tips of her ears were turning slightly red.
Alright, first, let's get used to the water. We'll only go up to our ankles. Here, take my hand.
...Okay.
The Swordmaster's grip squeezed my hand with her full strength. It felt like my fingers were about to be crushed.
It's cool. ...My feet tickle.
That's just the sand shifting around you. It's not a tickle attack.
The waves... how strong are they?
I told you, the ocean isn't your enemy.
Every time a wave rolled in, Lua braced herself in a drawing stance. Even though her opponent was just the ocean.
Next, kicking. Hold my hand, relax your body... Yes, like that!
Like this?
Boom! The water exploded. It felt like her single kick would literally split the sea in two.
Pff! That's not a kick, that's a blade slash!
...Counterattack.
She swiped the water with the side of her hand. A blade slash of water hit my face with the terrifying sharpness of a real blade slash.
Whoa?! You definitely did that on purpose!
We must train as we fight.
Despite her serious words, the corners of her mouth twitched upward.
This is fun. Water is the best.
Alright, then here's my counterattack! Rapid splash stabs!
Thus began our water fight. Slashes and pillars of water flew back and forth, and for the first time, Lua actually laughed.
Take this. Ultimate move. Great Tsunami Slash.
The wave created by her hand slash doubled in size, engulfing us completely.
The world spun upside down.
I coughed and lifted my head, only to see a piece of sky-blue fabric drifting away leisurely.
Ah. Top... lost.
?!?!
The sky. I look at the sky.
Something caught the corner of my eye just now, but I saw absolutely nothing. I swear I saw nothing.
No problem. I'll go retrieve it.
Stop! Lua, submerge up to your shoulders! Stay right there!
I swam at the absolute fastest speed of my life as a Swordbringer and snatched it.
I handed it back to her while keeping my back turned. I heard a rustling sound behind me.
...Did you see?
The sky is exceptionally blue today.
...Losing one's gear is a swordsman's disgrace.
So that's the point she finds embarrassing. As for why even her ears were red... let's just go with that.
...If you speak of this, I will cut you.
Yes, ma'am.
After the commotion passed, we splashed around for a while longer...
Before I knew it, Lua was floating in the water, albeit a bit clumsily.
Look, Lua. You're floating. You're actually swimming.
That's because I'm holding your hand.
Yeah. ...Don't let go.
The sparkling blue sky and sea, and Lua drawing close while holding my hand... This view is seriously bad for my heart.
Break time. Under the parasol, Captain Cat is drying off.
Lua, look at your shoulders. They're already red. We should apply this, otherwise it'll sting tonight and you won't be able to sleep.
Oil? ...Ah. Equipment maintenance.
Well, the body is a piece of equipment in its own way.
Then... perform maintenance, please.
And Lua naturally lay face down on the sand.
What?!
My back... I can't reach it. ...Maintenance is important. Master said so.
Ran, your disciple is using your teachings in a very weird way right now.
Steeling my resolve, I poured some oil onto my hands. *Slather.*
...Cold.
Under my palms, her smooth back flinched slightly.
Her back is well-trained, yet so soft... No, focus. I'm a mechanic. I'm just a mechanic.
Meow!
Captain Cat jumped right onto Lua's back. ...Thank you, Captain. You're the benefactor of my sanity.
Heavy. ...But warm.
By the time the sunset painted the sea, we were sitting side by side.
Swordbringer… Ethan.
Huh?
Amidst the sound of the waves, Lua's shoulder gently brushed against mine.
Then we can go in together next time, too. Round two of our special training.
Yeah. Promise.
Beyond her outstretched pinky finger, her face, redder than the sunset, held a gentle smile.
Next time, I'll swim... and rescue the cat myself.
That promise, along with the sound of the waves, lingered in my memory for a long time.