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Chapter 55. An Important Conversation

"Isn't it unreasonable... to further increase the speed?"

"Well..."

He seemed to think he had seen through my moves, but when I sped up my attacks even more, I ended up stripping him of his weapon and winning.

"Gahahaha! Totally defeated! This is hilarious."

The master, who had been watching the duel from outside, laughed heartily at Ash's loss but then squinted at me.

"It looks rough, but he sees the finer details. He understands the slight differences in the balance of his opponent's and his own sword, attacking in ways that make it hard to parry. Is it natural talent, or does he sense the subtle weight differences through the sword?"

Yes, it's natural talent. I can't fight while making such detailed calculations. That's why I can't use something as difficult to handle as a custom-made rapier like Jeremiah's, and I can't parry attacks like Ash does. When I'm exchanging blows with a sword, I somehow get a sense of my opponent's movements and the characteristics of their sword.

In the last fight, I only vaguely sensed which areas were hard for Ash to counter based on that feeling.

"You're like the ideal man for one-handed magic swordsmanship. You don't need any overly complicated mechanisms... A basic, versatile sword will do. However, its hardness should be incomparable to normal swords, and its magic conductivity should be extremely high. Only then will it be a complete sword for you."

"Oh..."

"Theodore, I understand how you feel. I'm not very knowledgeable about swords either."

Normally, I'd think it's creepy, but this time I genuinely understand what Jeremiah is saying. For someone who isn't knowledgeable about swords, all these details are confusing.

"If you aim to be a Magic Knight, you should learn a bit more about swords... not being too indifferent is also problematic."

Ash probably needs to know a lot about other people's swords due to his flexible swordsmanship style.

"Hmm... The basic shape can be a regular one, but extending the blade a bit might be better... You tend to let the tip of your swordplay a little."

"Huh? Letting the tip play? I've never heard of this habit of mine."

"I don't get it either..."

Well... let's leave the specialized stuff to the experts!

The master said.

"Processing dragon bones takes a fair amount of time. It should be completed around the national founding festival in two months. I'll use Ash to contact you." 

Until then, I planned to use my usual sword, but I was given a prototype made by the master's apprentice to try out. It's a custom piece made with magical smithing by blending the bones of magical beasts into the iron, and it's supposed to feel similar to the finished dragon bone weapon.

"So? Is today's business done?"

"For me, yes... but Jeremiah came along for a different reason, right?"

"Yes. While I was interested in Theodore's new sword, there was another reason."

What... more business? I'm the type who wants to buy what I need quickly and go home.

As I followed Jeremiah, he turned into an alley, away from the main street. This era's alleys, without surveillance cameras, might seem dangerous... but it's not a place where nobles like Jeremiah should be walking.

"Here it is."

"...What is this?"

"This used to be a church of the Omnitorus Order."

The Omnitrus Order... the ones who caused a terrorist incident at the academy? Why is Jeremiah here now?

"This place was investigated by both the Magic Knights and the Frisberg family. The Frisberg family owns this land around here."

"Really? Isn't the capital all royal property?"

"Of course not. Nobles own land too, and commoners can buy it with money. Indeed, shops should be funded by the Frisberg family around here... even in this back alley."

So the Omnitorus Order was squatting on Frisberg's land.

"The Magic Knights aren't idle. In the capital, places like these back alleys aren't thoroughly investigated. Of course, if violence breaks out, they rush over immediately, but they wouldn't suddenly arrest the Omnitrus Order without cause. Besides, the Magic Knights know this is Frisberg family land, so they don't intervene aggressively."

I see... a powerful noble's land makes a perfect hiding place.

"So? What's the business?"

"...I genuinely trust you, Theodore. And I found Ash to be trustworthy after our duel."

Oh... it seems the important thing isn't the location but the conversation itself.

"That's why I want you to leave. Ivy Meralda."

Ivy stepped out of my shadow when her name was called.

I was internally shocked by Jeremiah's words as he smiled and looked at my shadow. How did he know Ivy was there, even when I didn't?

"How did you detect my [Sariel]?"

"My grimoire, [Michael], activates when someone I deem evil is nearby... I always felt your presence. You regularly sneak into the royal castle, so my grimoire targets you."

Well, Ivy is to blame. Stealing classified information is a serious crime that could lead to torture and a secret execution.

"I never thought my grimoire had such a weakness..."

"No, you created that weakness yourself."

Are you stupid?

"Can you leave? I'll notice if you get close, so please stay away."

"...I have no choice."

After Ivy disappeared into the darkness again, Jeremiah sighed deeply.

"It's troublesome to have people like that around when talking in the academy."

"Well... to be honest, the academy is a madhouse."

Ash immediately agreed with Jeremiah, making me laugh. But I think that academy really is such a place... it's full of crazy people. So, the Magic Knights must be... well, you get the idea.