Tristan's Episode

Heh... Training again today.

Ethan...?

Daily training is a knight's basic discipline. But why are you wandering around leisurely?

Leisurely? I just came back from exploring ruins for a commission.

You travel around and live a carefree life.

Didn't you hear what I'm saying?

Impressive. Don't you think you don't need to train anymore?

Don't be stupid. Hitting the target is just basic. The real challenge starts here.

You're saying there's more to grow from here? Is there a higher level?

Of course. Archery's peak isn't just this.

Arrows fly in a basic trajectory, but you need to train for situations where there are obstacles or when someone's caught...

Right! No need to explain, I'll just show you. Ethan, stand over there.

Stand where? Here?

Yeah. Put an apple on your head. I'll hit it.

What?

I refuse. What if I get hit by mistake?

Huh? I won't make a mistake. I'll hit you no matter what.

Then what's the apple for?

Well... since it's training. Fine.

Don't worry, I'll hit it for sure. Just stand still! You won't be needing that ugly face soon...

Wait a minute...!

Tch, too bad. The apple was the hostage.

Isn't that too harsh? Am I less than an apple? I thought you were going to shoot the apple dramatically like in some story.

...Anyway, that's why you need to be able to shoot accurately in any posture or situation.

I see...

Besides that, there's another technique I've been practicing. It's different from what we're using now and will be another weapon.

What is it?

Well... I guess you could call it a weak spot attack?

It's a technique where you target gaps in the opponent's armor or shield, like their sides or back.

I don't quite understand...

I'll show you once we practice.

Okay.

By the way, Tristan's really good at archery. Her eyes sparkle when she talks about it.

S-Silence! You idiot!

You're still training today, right? Can I join?

Do you have some business with me?

I'm going to practice swordsmanship. It's better to train next to someone who's working hard.

...Do as you like.

How cold.

I'm practicing something important right now. I haven't perfected it yet.

That thing you mentioned last time?

Yeah. To make the arrow curve, you need to rotate your body big while shooting. Want me to show you?

If you're not going to experiment with me, then sure.

I'm sure you'll just nag loudly again, so I don't feel like having you do it. See that tree up ahead? I'm going to shoot the target behind it.

Sigh...

Whoooa- Ha! Pyaaatt!

...

Th-That was a mistake...!

Eh... I suppose so...

I-I'll do it again! I just need to spin right this time...!

So this is actually a thing. I've seen this kind of technique in movies before, but I thought it was just fictional.

What? You've seen this technique before?

Yeah, it was in a movie.

I don't know what a movie is, but if you've seen it, you probably know the technique too, right?

That's true, but...

So...

Could you tell me a bit about it...?

I know it sounds physically impossible, but if it works, it seems important to make the bow itself bend as much as your body rotates.

...! I see now.

Alright, I think I can do it now.

What? How do you know if I'll fall or not?

Well, Tristan, you're always tripping up stairs. Maybe you should practice your balance first?

Don't look down on me. I'll show you I can do it properly!

Hyaa! Ha! Pyaaatt!

As expected.

You don't need to cheer me on, I'll manage. Stay back a bit.

Hah... alright, here I go again...!

Haah! Huh? Hweeaat...!

Uh oh... looks like you should probably work on your balance first.

Tristan, you did a great job on your mission.

Ha... why are you always here?

It's a good place to train. Was everything alright today?

A new monster cluster appeared outside the kingdom, so I went to hunt them down. I was hoping you'd do it since you were free.

The security's your job, not mine. And I'm not free either.

By the way, how's that new technique? Any progress?

Oh, that?

Heh, perfect timing! Let me show you the results.

Oh! You've mastered it?

See for yourself. I'm going to shoot the rock behind that tree.

Here it goes! Hah! Pyaaatt!!

Ugh...

...

...I can definitely see some progress. You didn't just fall normally, you did a full rotation in midair.

Who cares about that artistic stuff? It was a mistake!

Even in a fantasy world, that's tough to pull off. I thought it'd look awesome if I saw it for real.

I just couldn't pull it off at first because I tried it suddenly. But if I focus, I can do it!

You hit it! You did it, Tristan!

Of course. Who do you think I am? I told you I can do it!

Amazing. You're the best!

Hmm...? Well, yeah, that's true...

I didn't think it was actually possible. I thought you added some fancy spin for effect!

It's possible because I practiced a lot.

I'm impressed, Tristan. I won't ignore you if you fall from now on. You're the best archer.

...That's a bit much. Don't go overboard, idiot. Even if you say flattering things, there's nothing I'm giving you.

What?

I really mean it. You're impressive, that's why I'm in awe. I already knew you were a capable knight, though.

It's because you helped and cheered me on. Don't flatter me too much.

You're amazed because you can't even imitate it, but it's a bit cringy.

Right. You are amazing!

Ugh, really...

Fine. I'll say half of it's thanks to you. You kept nagging me, so I had no choice but to practice.

I didn't do much, but... anyway, I'm impressed. You'll be an even stronger ally from now on.

It's all because you helped me with everything...

By the way, what do you mean? Are you saying you'll keep staying with me like this?

Of course. You're a valuable teammate, Tristan.

I... I'm... I'm the princess's knight protector! Idiot!

Ah, Tristan!

Whoa! That was close!

Wait a second... could that be... Tristan, is that you?

...Tch. She seems like a fool, but there's something sharp about her.

Ah! It was from behind.

I thought it was from the side when the arrow suddenly flew, but it came from behind... Looks like you've really mastered it.

I was going to scold you for using my training ground without permission, but you've improved.

Just a little, haha.

Where have you been? You've been missing for a while.

It was a mission. Thanks to the new technique I learned, I was able to finish it easily.

I thought so. The protector of Cornwall is different. I wondered why I didn't see you around.

I'm busy unlike some carefree people...!

Haha... Not that I'm always free...

So, how long are you planning to keep swinging that sword? You kept training even when I wasn't around.

I figured you'd eventually show up. I'll head back when I get hungry from training.

I mean you're the Swordbringer. You'll have to leave eventually. I wonder when that will be...

Well, I'll leave once my destination is set. I'd prefer if you came along, but that's probably difficult, right?

Me? Why do you want to take me along?

W-What...?

I mean it. You're a good person and a good teammate. With you, the adventure would be easier... I could trust you with my back.

We already work together, but... if possible, I'd like us to go together.

I... I...

Haha, did I talk too much? I know you probably don't think much of me.

I... I don't think that...

Capable? I keep stumbling and making mistakes.

But you always get things done. Your skills have been improving day by day. Learning that new technique is a perfect example.

You...

I know it's impossible, though. So, don't take it too seriously.

Ethan...!

Huh?

...You.

Forget it. I must be a fool... Why am I being swayed by someone like you?

Because of the camaraderie built through training and battle?

Don't talk nonsense. Who said I've built camaraderie with you?

Huh? Wasn't it that? Then what are we?

Th-That's... Ugh!

W-Whoa...! What are you doing, that's dangerous.

This... is my answer.

I want to respond directly to your words, but... I won't, because I know it'll never reach you.

Sounds complicated... But, at least we're comrades, right? The fact that you didn't hit me proves it.

Fine. That's enough for now.

Ugh... You're such a fool, Ethan.

...We can't always be together, but I'll support your journey moving forward.

Long time no see, Swordbringer.

Tristan? Did something happen to Isolde?

No, my visit today is not related to the Princess.

What happened...?

It's...

Splat!

Ow... because of this.

Why? It's fun and cute.

It's not fun!

Anyway... I won't be able to protect the Princess with this kind of behavior in the upcoming war.

That's why I came for an advice.

An advice, huh...

What should I do to... not trip so much?

I-I don't know.

That's because it's the same for you.

Sob...! Lady Morgana!

Looks like I should step in.

Ria?

The reason why you trip so often is because you're not focused.

If you keep yourself sharp by serving our customers, it may help.

It sounds like you just want free labor.

Do you accept this challenge?

You're not even listening to me now, huh...

...

Okay. I'll give it a go.

You sure you won't regret this?

Why? Do you think I won't be able to do this simple task?

I am the knight of Princess Isolde! This is nothing compared to that!

That's good determination. Follow me.

W-what is this clothing?!

It's your uniform.

That's not what I mean! Why do I have to wear something like this to serve customers?!

Because it increases profit.

Give and take. It's quite simple.

Ugh!

That's why I asked if you're sure you won't regret this...

Hehe. It feels like I have a new friend... So happy.

It's okay, Tristan. You'll... get used to it.

I-I give up! I can't show this to the Princess...

So you just give up when it gets tough?

...!

I thought your loyalty and determination to protect Princess Isolde was much more noble.

F-fine.

What? I can't hear you.

F-fine! I'll do it!

Splat!

S-sorry! I'll get you another one!

Splat!

A-ah... Not again!

Hey! When's my soup coming?!

Where's my beer?! It's already been 30 minutes!

You're so hopele... I mean, quite terrible at this.

I'm sorry...

It's alright. The losses you made will be passed on to those two.

No pay again...? Sob...

Y-Your Highness?! Please come to your senses!

Looks like you couldn't fix your clumsiness.

Yeah... I'm sorry, everyone...

And thank you for helping me.

I'll look for other methods when I get back to Cornwall.

You're the one and only guardian knight of Princess Isolde.

I'm sure you will be able to do it.

Swordbringer...

Thank you! When you visit Cornwall, I'll take you to the inn with the best stew in town!

That scream... Could it be Tristan?

Something must have happened! Let's go!

My clothes... They're gone!

What?!

The changing room was locked... But then how did the...

Swordbringer...! This is your doing!

I was at the bar the whole time! You can't blame me for this!

Liar! The only man that would enter here is...

Everyone, look! The window is open!

It is. It seems like... there was a thief.

See? It's not me. We'll help you look for it too, so calm down!

Choose.

Give me back my clothes and die in peace, or die in pain.

(So, both choices end up in death...?)

H-hey! We're just the handymen!

Yeah! We were just following orders!

Words aren't getting through to you, are they?

If you won't give it up then...

Wait!!!

P-Princess Isolde?! What are you doing here...?

Out of nowhere...?

P-princess! Please don't come near me! These thieves stole my clothes!

And... as the princess's guardian knight, I cannot show you this embarrassing...!

Put away your bow, Tristan. These two work for me.

Huh? These thieves... work for you, Your Highness?

We're not thieves!

I'm sorry, Tristan... But I've been following you ever since you left Cornwall.

And when I arrived at the inn, I saw you in the bunny girl suit.

I-I was... lost in a daze for a while at that sight!

Especially those cute bunny ears and stockings... they were even prettier than what I saw in books!

So I... hoped that Tristan would wear that outfit for longer.

And when I came to my senses... the situation was already out of hand.

The culprit was Princess Isolde...!

So, that's what a princess is like? A pervert...?

I apologize everyone. I made a mess of a situation because of my selfishness.

And Tristan... I don't deserve to receive your protection.

If you want, you can resign from your position...

O-of course not!

...!

I am the guardian knight of Princess Isolde. I can't imagine myself in any other position!

So don't worry, Your Highness.

Tristan...

B-but please refrain from stealing my clothes from now on!

If you want to see me in this bunny girl suit...

I-I can show you whenever you want!

Oho-ho. Tristan, you are the best knight ever!

So, what was the meaning of all this?

Well... at least it ended well.

Shall we... head back?