Ran's Episode

Ah, Swordbringer.

Here, it was Ran.

How is it that someone who calls herself a Swordmaster is lying in a haystack in broad daylight?

Ahahaha! I found some good liquor this morning, had a drink, and ended up like this.

Don't act like you had no choice but to bring this upon yourself...

What about you, huh?

I was just doing some last-minute personal prep before departure. I didn't expect to find a drunkard here.

Hahaha... You're not talking about me, are you?

I am.

If you keep messing around, you're gonna end up like that tree next to you.

A tree?

When did that happen...

Heh... If you understand, then stop bothering me and go away.

No, that's not acceptable. If you're part of the group, you should move with the rest of us.

There are already plenty of people who do whatever they want. Why are you making things harder for us?

I help out when we're fighting. Hiccup...!

Can't you help out regularly too? Think about having to serve a master who hiccups and drinks!

I don't want to think about babysitting some rookie who doesn't even know how to drink.

I drink too, you know? I just hold back for the sake of the journey.

Oh? Is that so?

Alright then. Swordbringer, how about we have a showdown? If you win, I'll shut up and listen.

You're suggesting we drink now...?

Forget it. If I end up drunk in the middle of the day, I'll lose focus...

Don't tell me you're scared? Hahaha! I'm already tipsy, and you're chickening out? What a boring guy.

Drink then! I'll drink!

But don't say I didn't warn you. If you're wasted, lying on the ground drooling, I'm not taking care of you.

Don't worry... Now, let's go for it!

Fine. I'll show you the skills I honed in school and society.

...Hmm?

Huh? You're awake.

R-Ran?

I saw your foolish self, muttering to yourself and passed out.

Grrraaaahh!

This is ridiculous...

Damn... My head hurts...

I'll look forward to next time! Hic...!

You're really carefree...

Oh, Swordbringer.

A true, absolute master always has to remain relaxed.

Isn't this relaxation different from that kind of relaxation...?

What does it matter? Drinking is my pleasure.

I'm frustrated, but I can't stop this woman.

How can I beat this monster, who can't be defeated with a sword or even alcohol...

...Hey Ran. How do you afford all this alcohol?

Huh? Are you seriously asking? I'm sneaking it from your wallet.

I knew it. From now on, I'll hide my wallet in my underwear when I sleep.

Eek? D-Don't joke like that. How would I get it out from there?

In the first place, it's not a wallet you can just pull out!

Well... You're strong, so you don't need training.

Even so, I still see a few weaknesses in you.

What? Weaknesses? There's no way I have any.

You do. Want me to show you?

What's that? Tell me.

If you promise to drink moderately from now on.

Hmm...

Is there a reason to be conflicted? You've always done whatever you wanted. If you need something, you should make the effort for it.

Well, that's true...

Or do you want to teach me swordsmanship?

If I grow stronger, it'll benefit everyone, and you'll get what you need too.

Oh-ho, you want to make a deal.

Yes.

Heh... No reason to refuse. I was running low on alcohol anyway.

So, shall we start right away?

Huh? Right now?

Of course. A true master doesn't care about time or place. Swordbringer, if you can even brush past my sleeve, the lesson will be over.

...Isn't that underestimating me a little too much?

If it's a real fight, that would definitely be a tough challenge for me. But not now.

What does that mean?

I'm going to knock some sense into your weak heart. Now, I'll manage with this twig.

Don't regret it. Here I go!

And then I got thoroughly beaten up.

Huh? Is that Ran?

Hey, what are you doing over there? Planning on doing something bad to the kids?

Huh? What nonsense is that?

I was just playing with them.

Liar! I thought you weren't drinking today, but is your head messed up or something?

That's a rather rude thing to say. Believe it or not, I do like the kids.

Really?

Yeah.

They all left... This is your fault, Swordbringer.

Hmph...! But I'm a little surprised. I thought you couldn't take care of kids at all.

When I was obsessed with swordsmanship, I used to feel that way. At one point, it was hard for me to even socialize with people.

My appearance was a bit different from normal folks too.

Yeah... You mentioned being called the Witch of the Eastern Empire before.

I didn't really belong to either fairies or humans. That's why I had no choice but to seek strength.

Hmm...

Back then, the only thing that mattered was reaching the highest level. But meeting one child changed my fate.

A child?

A little girl. Ironically, she was the last clue I needed to become a Swordmaster... It was through her that I awakened my inner blade.

That's an amazing story. Even someone who doesn't know swords can teach the way of the sword.

Right. The sword is just a form... What matters is how the soul wields it.

That's tough to grasp...

A little girl... Who could it be? For someone like you, who's so carefree, to find enlightenment, she can't be an ordinary girl.

What happened to that girl?

That's a secret.

I'll tell you later, when the time comes... when I fully acknowledge you, Swordbringer.

Hmm...

After that, I started enjoying spending time with the kids. The really young ones often cry when they see me.

That's probably because you smell like alcohol...

I've come to see you differently, Ran. You're actually a decent person.

...Heh!

...?

You really... sometimes say some awkward things. I'll take it as a compliment and appreciate it.

Despite everything, you're the only one who sees me for who I really am, Swordbringer.

If it's deserved, it's deserved.

Falling asleep somewhere, zoning out watching festivals, or drinking alcohol, those aren't exactly the best things to do, still.

Heh... From now on, I'll let you know in advance when I go out to play.

Isn't there an option to be more diligent...

Anyway, don't misunderstand me again from now on.

Got it.

Depending on how things go.

Alright, shall I go gather the kids scattered because of the Swordbringer?

Stop playing around and help with the training!

Good work, Ran.

You too, Swordbringer. Your skills have really improved.

Guess it was worth getting beaten up to learn...

Heh! As long as the result's good, that's what matters. The world of the sword is all about either killing or being killed... one of the two.

That's true... If I wasn't so clumsy, I wouldn't even be able to complain like this.

I need to keep training hard so I don't end up getting beaten and dying somewhere.

Yeah, yeah. You're slow, so you'll have to try even harder.

Sorry for being slow...

Oh, Ran. Do you have anything to do?

I do.

I see...

Yeah. An old man I met in the village said he'd give me some good moonshine as a gift. I'm about to taste it now.

So, the thing you had to do was drink... If you keep drinking like that, it'll be bad for your health.

Thanks for worrying about me, but I've got a unique constitution, so it's fine.

They say both gods and fairies have enjoyed alcohol since ancient times. Even though I'm mixed blood, I still have that trait, so no problem.

Should I say I'm jealous, or should I say I'm relieved...

Hmm... But why are you asking about my schedule?

The battle's over, so I don't have anything else to do, right?

Since I made some money, I was thinking of buying some good ingredients and cooking something delicious for you.

Huh... Swordbringer, you're actually a pretty good guy.

You spend a lot more time lounging around like a free-spirited person, but in battle, you can be relied on... I just wanted to do something, even if it's a small repayment.

Delicious food is always great. If possible, I'd like something good as a side dish to go with the alcohol... What's on the menu?

What's that? Is that really a dish?

Trust me, I think I can gather the ingredients and make something close to it.

It's delicious, right? Hmm... I'm not sure how well it'll pair with the moonshine, but I'll trust you.

Eww...? Is that food? Are you trying to make fun of me with your repayment?

I tried it once when I was starving during my training, and it was actually pretty good. At least it won't be bad enough to make you scream.

Hmm... It seems like I'll have to pair it with some strong alcohol.

Hoo... I'm full. That was really delicious, Swordbringer.

I'm glad you liked it.

I didn't expect you to have this kind of skill. I would've never thought of making such a peculiar dish. I guess this is your win.

Winning with something like this isn't going to make me happy. My goal is to defeat you with my sword, so save the compliments for then.

Heh, you're full of spirit! But the pinnacle of swordsmanship can't be reached by rushing.

Then how can I get stronger?

Since I've eaten well, let me tell you one thing...

The sword starts as a part of your body, then becomes the wind, and finally, it's only when you plant that blade in your heart that it's truly complete.

That's tough. Sometimes I can't understand what you're saying.

Heh, if you put in the effort, you'll understand eventually. You're someone I recognize.

Really?

Yes. With a firm will but also the ability to care for others, I believe the sword you wield will one day reach that level.

I'm not sure how long we'll be together, but until then, I'll help you.

Thanks. I'll rely on you until then, Ran.