Merlin's Episode

Did you do your physical training?

Yes, I did... I ran so much that my mouth tastes like blood.

Then take a short break and go get some water.

...Am I summoned here to be a servant?

I told you you're the Swordbringer. You're like a hero of prophecy. This is all training for that.

Getting water?

Going to get water means traveling long distances, so you need stamina, and carrying the water barrel requires strength.

Plus, it can be used for drinking water, and I can wash up comfortably. Now do you understand?

I feel like you're drifting into a conversation completely unrelated to training from the middle...

Swordsmanship starts by building strength in your lower body. Just stay quiet and listen to this older sister's advice.

Yes, ma'am.

...Should we try a new spell?

Please hold off on that. Last time, you nearly killed me when you used me as an experiment...!

Building immunity to magic is important. Strong attacks come from stable defense.

Not like this, though... training toughness in such a reckless way...

Sigh, forget it. I'll go get the water, you wash the vegetables.

Heh, you're such a good kid.

But Merlin...

Huh?

When exactly do I leave? Has the time not come yet?

Ethan.

When your journey begins, you won't be able to stop even if you want to. So for now, focus only on mastering the sword.

The magic I developed this time has the effect of causing stomach pain...

I'll rest after I come back...

Oh right, while you're getting the water, if you see any fruit, pick some. My skin's been damaged, probably due to a lack of nutrients.

You devilish woman...

Hm?

Nothing. I'll be right back.

Ethan... At last, the day has come.

Today, I'll teach you the special swordsmanship passed down through the Britannia knights.

Oh! All the practice with vertical and horizontal slashes is finally paying off.

Before you start learning, keep this in mind, Ethan.

If you misuse this sword, a terrible future could unfold. This is the kind of swordsmanship it is.

Gulp.

The essence of this sword is to neutralize the enemy without taking their life. Impressive, right?

Yes... that's impressive...

Hmm... You're not reacting much. I thought you'd praise my feat for teaching you such a trick.

Heh, right?

You're obviously making me do this. I have no choice but to teach you, but I don't like it.

But Merlin, what kind of swordsmanship would lead to such a tragic future just by neutralizing an enemy?

I can't really imagine...

The key to this swordsmanship is speed. With a draw so fast it can't even be seen, you strike nine points all at once.

Why is that considered neutralizing?

No matter how sharp a blade is, it can't cut through something solid multiple times.

Especially bones, tendons, and muscles are very tough, so if you don't apply enough force with a single strike, it'll get stuck.

So...?

Yes.

The key to this swordsmanship is to slice through things like the straps of the enemy's clothing or armor in one go, rendering them unable to continue fighting.

...

Why is that?

...So that's why a terrible future could unfold.

Heh, it's all in how you use it.

You don't like it? Well, you can always just practice basic sword techniques if you prefer.

No! I'll learn! It's better to learn something.

Then should we start by milking some cows?

Huh? Milk?

Yes. I want some fresh milk. It's good for the skin, too.

What does that have to do with the training...?

Don't like it?

I do...

You did well.

Hmm, then should I try it out?

Try it? There are no enemies here... Are you planning to go to a monster's lair or something?

No enemies? There's a perfect target right in front of me.

In front of you...? No way... Ethan... You...! Aren't you worried about the consequences?

Here I go, Merlin! Please, let my sword strike true!

Aaaah...!

What's all this?

Do you like it?

Merlin... for my tired body...!

Wrong. It's not like I'm in a situation where I can afford to care for your well-being too. This is part of the training.

Training?

This situation, overflowing with delicacies?

Yes.

Soon, you'll be setting off on a long journey.

What a traveler needs are the skills and immunity for outdoor living. You should be able to sleep under the sky, using the ground as your bed.

That's not a problem. When I go on long training trips, I sleep in the forest.

Same goes for food. Until now, I've been carrying packed lunches, right?

To survive, you need to know how to cook simple meals, and you should be able to eat raw food too.

You'll need to eat insects and roots to recover your stamina and survive.

I'm still a civilized person, though...

But what do these dishes have to do with that?

They're related. You'll learn to cook using the ingredients over there.

Over there?

Merlin... no matter how I look at it, this looks like weeds. And that's a grub... You want me to eat this?

If you don't like it, you can eat these dishes.

Huh, really?

Yep. You won't die, but I've poisoned them to the point where you'll be bedridden for a long time.

...

The choice is yours: either cook those and survive, or eat them and risk death, while strengthening your immune system...

This is Merlin's way.

You demon!

Heh heh... then I'll start my meal while watching you struggle, Ethan.

I can't turn those into dishes! I'd rather eat this!

Huh! Really?

Grrrr...

E-Ethan! You fool!

I'm not sure if it'll work, but... I can't eat the poison, so I'll give it a shot...

I made something... how is it?

...Is this what you call cooking?

Don't tell me... you've never really cooked before, have you?

Well, maybe! In the world I came from, getting food wasn't hard, and there were a lot of restaurants!

Hah, there's still a long way to go.

Wow, that was tough. If I keep training like this, I might actually become an incredible muscle man.

My method focuses on strength for actual combat, so you won't get that big.

If you get too muscular, you won't even be popular with women...

That's right! Today, I'll need to do that training.

That training?

Brace yourself, Ethan. This trial will be tougher than anything you've endured so far.

Gulp...

Now, then...

Try to seduce me.

...?

What are you standing around for? The road ahead is one you can't tackle alone.

If a great person like me appears, you need to do whatever it takes to make them your ally. In other words, you need to capture a woman's heart.

I can just take men as companions...

What a frustrating remark!

You're here in this world, suffering, and you want to enjoy sweaty adventures with men?

Hah... you have a point!

Come at me then. I may be a tough opponent, but if you can charm me, you should be able to charm anyone.

Try to make me your ally!

It's a bit ridiculous, but it sounds plausible...

Alright, Merlin.

Then, how about we enjoy an intense time together?

...

Not working, huh! Then I'll try another method!

Hyaa!

Hey, wait! What are you doing? Where do you think you're touching?! Ah! E-ethan, you brat!

I-I guess that was too fast...?

Ugh... your method is a complete failure!

Your eyes are really sexy. Sometimes, they even remind me of stars in the night sky.

...Hmm.

Actually, I didn't care much about face... what I really care about is your big, soft chest...!

You're not seducing me, you're just speaking from your own selfish desires! How pathetic.

Well...

Merlin, you're an amazing person... I admire your deep knowledge and exceptional magical skills.

...!

And... when you read magic books or do something like that, you can be quite intellectual... plus, you're surprisingly considerate when I'm tired...?

Hmm... you fumbled a bit at the end, but it was still okay.

This is hard.

The important thing is to be sincere with the other person.

No matter what compliment you give or how you speak, as long as you understand the other person's feelings and convey your own honestly... the results will be good.

That's some serious advice. I'll make sure to remember it.

Alright. Then tonight, you'll sleep in the barn.

...? Why?

You couldn't charm me right away. Go look at the sky and think it over.

What's that supposed to mean!

Merlin? Merlin!