Lost Sword story · Character episode
Palamedes Episode
5 scenes, 262 lines
1. Master and Disciple
42 linesI headed into the forest to scout today.
Word was the forest goblins were up to something suspicious...
Kieeek! Is everyone ready?
Our chance is now, while the Swordbringer is away!
Today we seize Aldbourne Town we've long desired!
Hyaap!
Guh-urk?!
A blow came from somewhere.
With the sound of earth collapsing, the goblins toppled.
Master! Long time no see!
N-No!
Today I actually got permission from my mother!
Hehe. I won't be dragged off like last time!
There's only one reason I ever come to you, Master!
Is this you asking me out on a date?
I know. I was joking.
Boo! Teasing your one and only disciple... so mean!
Sorry, sorry. I'll treat you today.
Alright. I'll show you around town.
Last time you had to rush back... you didn't get to look around, remember?
Great! I've been curious what kind of town you live in, Master!
If a swordsman as strong as you stays here...
then the others must be strong too, right?
No... they're normal villagers, so if you're thinking of issuing challenges, don't.
Huh..! How did you know?
Your eyes are already sparkling, how could I not!
So I headed to town with Palamedes for our first reunion in a while.
2. Disciple's Heart
42 linesWe went into a nearby eatery and placed our order.
Soon a hefty steak and a steaming hot stew arrived.
Really...? That's unexpected.
Didn't think a lady of a renowned clan would get this excited over chicken stew.
At home... the Clan Chief cooks personally.
So I can't eat anything that isn't approved.
A clear soul and a healthy body above all else!
That's the White Tiger Clan's first rule.
Is it similar to how athletes manage their diets...?
I heard she only just came of age; the fact that Palamedes stuck with it until now is really impressive.
So... is it okay today?
It's my first meal with my Master!
I usually manage my diet strictly, so one day won't hurt!
Right. You need days like this now and then.
If it's not enough, say so. I'll order as much as you want.
Wow! Thank you, Master!
Palamedes cleared the plates at frightening speed.
Watching her eyes sparkle with every bite, I had no choice but to order dessert too.
......
But contrary to expectation, Palamedes just watched me.
Does she dislike sweets?
Master... do you like dessert?
Hm? If I had to choose, I do like it.
Of course.
Hehe. You'll definitely like it!
I'll just take the thought.
But you've... never cooked before.
A-Alright, I'll accept. So stop shoving your face so close...!
I wondered what Eastern desserts would be like.
I finished up our food, hoping it might be something like a snack from back home.
Only then did Palamedes smile in satisfaction and start on dessert.
3. Disciple's Memories
40 linesAfter the meal, we kept our promise and sparred.
Palamedes, I've been wondering... why do you want to get stronger?
I heard you have no rivals left in the Eastern Empire.
Isn't that result satisfying enough?
Amazingly, Palamedes was already as good as the strongest warrior.
Even compared to Ran, whom she idolizes, she lacked nothing.
If not for a little help from Eva this time, the outcome could have been different.
Huh? For someone from the Eastern Empire... it's a pretty unique name.
I'd wondered from the very first meeting.
Why someone from the East bore the name of one of the Knights of the Round, Palamedes.
Hehe. Right. This name... my birth mother gave it to me.
I don't remember her face at all...
but I remember this name clearly.
......
I want to become the strongest warrior and spread this name across all Britannia.
So my mother won't regret the choice she made back then.
......
I don't hate my mother.
She must have had her reasons.
So even if it takes a long time...
I want to convey my feelings in my own way.
I'll help you.
You already are, Master!
Every time I finish a spar with you, a new technique comes to me!
Once time passes and all these insights coalesce...
I'll craft a secret manual of the White Tiger Clan with my own hands!
Then I'll go all out too.
That's exactly what I want!
Your razor-sharp counters...!
If I can overcome those, I can surpass the legends of the East and become the strongest!
I asked Eva to really give it her all, and resumed the spar.
The match was one-sided, but Palamedes looked happy.
To help her small wish come true, I too swung my blade with everything I had.
Through a night full of scattered stars, until a new sun rose.
4. Disciple's Future
44 linesPalamedes. That's not the only reason you want strength, is it?
..! How did you know?
If it were just about making a name... there are many ways.
Insisting on being the strongest...
means there's something you want to protect, right?
Of course. I'm your Master.
The Eastern Empire... is a nation where many races live together.
Right now the major clans have united their power and succeeded in unifying the Empire, but...
no one can predict how long this peace will last.
Nothing in this world is eternal.
You want to prepare for war?
In the last ten years, conflicts between clans have intensified.
If the major clans, once cooperative, start to split...
those who would seize the chaos as an opportunity... will surely appear.
I don't think they'll fight as fair and square as I do.
They may use vile sorcery... or draw in outside forces.
If that happens, my status and honor will mean nothing.
Strength to protect myself... and my clan.
That alone will be justice, and everything, in that era.
......
I love the White Tiger Clan.
Though we share no blood, they cherished me more than anyone.
And to protect my precious family in the coming age of war...
being the East's strongest martial artist isn't enough.
That's why I want to become stronger!
So that even if I face someone as strong as you, Master...
I can stand proud against them, as the strongest warrior!
That's a fine mindset.
Now I don't know which of us is the Master here.
Palamedes. You'll certainly... become a warrior stronger than me.
Master..!
If that day comes, I'll help.
No! You don't have to risk yourself like that...
What Master in this world wouldn't run to a disciple in danger?
I'll be fine, if you need help, say the word anytime.
I'll come running.
Master..!
Uwah?!
Palamedes threw herself into my arms.
5. Youthful Maiden Palamedes
94 linesAs I opened my eyes, a familiar scene came into view.
Senior Ethan!
Huh...?
When I turned around, a familiar face was running up.
To be exact, a face that shouldn't exist in this place.
Sorry to keep you waiting! I spent too long wondering what to wear...
Huh? What are you talking about, Ethan?
We were going shopping together today!
You said you'd pick out clothes for me... so I came in the most comfortable outfit.
I said that...?
You promised last night after club practice!
Why is she suddenly acting like a junior from my "club"?
I've never joined a club once in my life.
Don't tell me... were you joking?
I didn't even realize and... I stayed up all night alone... hic!
N-No! I remember! I remember, so please don't cry!
Hehe. What a relief!
...? Don't tell me... you did that on purpose...
Come on, Ethan! Let's go!
Palamedes grabbed my hand and started running.
Buildings flashed by at incredible speed. But I couldn't shake the sense of wrongness.
(Why... isn't there a single person around?)
...
...
...ter.
Master! Wake up!
You can't fall asleep already! Our spar isn't over yet!
U-Urk?!
When I opened my eyes, I saw a familiar sight. It was the White Whale Inn, same as always.
So it was a dream...
Right... I still haven't fulfilled my mission.
Going back to Earth will have to wait...
Master! You're awake!
..?! Palamedes? W-What are you wearing!
Huh? You told me, remember?
That harsher trials await... and to change into something comfortable!
So I changed. This outfit... is the most popular workout wear in the Eastern Empire!
Her clothes were exactly the same as in my dream.
Running wear with an obviously modern look. For this to be exercise gear from the Eastern Empire...
(...what a dumb dream.)
In other words, I'd been dreaming again.
There's no way a country that wears Eastern-style clothes developed something like that, right?
How is it? Does it suit me?
Uh... yeah. It suits you.
Wow! Thank goodness!
Actually... I was worried.
Even if it's workout gear, i-it's a little too revealing...
A little...?
No matter how I looked, I could swear I saw a peek of something that shouldn't show.
Master. I'm ready now. Please give me the next lesson!
...
But... if this really is a dream...
Maybe I can be just a little... greedier?
All right. Let's begin right away.
But... this is a really important lesson, so you have to focus, okay?
If you do it wrong, you could get hurt.
Make the motions as big as you can!
Keep going until I tell you to stop!
Think you can keep up?
Yes, Master!
Have her do squats.
Master. Is this really... training?
Of course. Once you can do this smoothly, you'll have Britannia's strongest legs.
Getting stronger with such a simple exercise... that's amazing!
I designed this workout just for you. So practice hard.
You even prepared such a fun training just for me... thank you!
With every bend of her knees, the remaining straps swayed lightly.
Just a little more... just a little more!!!
Have her do push-ups.
Master. Is this really... training?
Of course. Once you can do this smoothly, you'll become Britannia's strongest martial artist.
I designed this workout just for you. So practice hard.
You even prepared such a fun training just for me... thank you!
With every bend of her arms, the remaining straps swayed lightly.
Just a little more... just a little more!!!
And ten minutes later, even the last strap began to slip loose.
The forbidden zone, the seal there began to come undone.
Was this how happy humanity felt when they discovered fire?
I couldn't control my pounding heart.
At last... at last my dream...!!!
Thud!
T-Too much!
Guh...!
Only after I took Palamedes's kick and got plastered into the wall did I realize it.
So... it wasn't a dream.