After winning the martial arts tournament, I'm going to stay in Arkham for a while. Instead of providing fan service to my new fans, I will quietly help Mr. Weitz's store. 　

　I got my store back, but Mr. Weitz's store is not as busy as it used to be. And I needed a man. Me and Ronin's dad took on the carpentry work, fixing the storeroom and the bridge.

　Mr. Weitz and Aina showed their appreciation and made me a snack.
　While munching on them, I talked with my father about the future.

What about Mr. Hifune?

"Is the wound healed?

Yeah, I'm using Lunamaría's recovery magic to patch the bones together. It should make a perfect connection by now.

Then we need to talk to him once.

Maybe now she doesn't need to be told anything else. You can either ask her to Table Mountain or you can ask her to come on my trip.

Yeah. It's time to get it out.

　Then he took a baked snack from Aina. It was very sweet and gentle.


　While my father and I were having this exchange, there's a girl packing up at the inn. It's Hifune. She checks to make sure she hasn't forgotten anything and says, "Okay," and is about to leave.

　There's no problem, of course, since I paid the rent, but there was one miscalculation. The maiden of the earth mother goddess was waiting for me at the door.

　She was standing there with a meaningful smile on her face.

"Does ...... stalk people in the teachings of the Earth Mother Goddess?

At times, and in some cases. And if you have a less-than-submissive female swordsman in your life, I'm going to have to stick around and turn her on.

"Change of mind?

It's about reversing a decision once made.

"I know indeed.

"Then you're going to turn around.

I can't do that. I kept getting in trouble with Will and Ronin.

"I'm sure they don't mind. It's just his personality.

"Then I'll mind for three. I know the shame. I couldn't be more picky after all the trouble I've caused you.

It's not a spoilsport.

"Then what is it?

"There's no point in asking. They're family.

"...... family?　They

Yes. Mrs. Hyphen must have lived with Ronin when she was a little girl. Then she was family.

"Then Will?

"Mr. Will has always said that all of his friends in this world are his family.

"A woman who tried to take her own life?

"Because you tried to take your own life. What better way to get to know someone than by exchanging lives?

"............

"And my mentor used to say,

Your teacher?

"Yes. The high priest. She used to say all the time. Do you know what is the strongest magic?　With Lunamaría.

"The most powerful magic?　What is it?

"It is to shake hands with the person who came to kill you. It's to make friends with the people who came to kill you. He always said, "Then you will be able to cross any strong enemy.

...... is indeed the strongest.

　I was convinced, but that didn't mean I could use the most powerful magic. I am a swordsman. Swordsmen couldn't use magic. So hyphenated a decision.

...... "I can't become a magic swordsman yet. But I would like to use some of that lovely magic you mentioned.

"Great mindset.

　She smiles like a mother goddess of earth.

"In the meantime, I wonder if Will will wait for me.

"Master Will has been waiting for you forever. If you get into trouble somewhere, I'll come to you right away. I'm that sure of it.

That's a reassuring 'family'

　With a flattering smile, Hyphen returns to her pack and speaks to Lunamaria.

I thought I was the unluckiest girl in the world. That it made me strong. But I was wrong. If I could live like you, if I could just be there for you, if I could just be there for Will, I'd be stronger. So I'm leaving. To be the woman I'll be by his side. And I'll be the woman who can say he's family. Until then, have Will wait for me for a little while.



The word, however, is delivered.

　Without missing a word, Lunamaria let Hifune's words burn into her ears and looked away from her. A moment later, when she told Will the words, he looked disappointed, but quickly regained his composure.

This isn't goodbye, Luna Maria.

　Lunamaría affirms clearly and immediately.

"Of course. We'll see you again soon. And in the not-too-distant future.

　Lunaria told her beloved Lord with a confident hunch.




　When Dad Ronin told her that the hyphen had departed
I see.
　I said, "I'll be a better woman next time I see you.

"I'll be a better woman next time I see you.

　And continue.
　I think that's true, so without arguing, Dad Ronin changes the subject.

By the way, how do you feel about the Damascus Steel Sword as the prize for winning the Arkham Martial Arts Tournament?

　I'm sure he said it to comfort my heartbroken heart, but maybe he really cares about it. It's because my father loves swords. I will honestly tell you what I think.

I'll be honest. It's a longsword type thing, but it's a lot easier to hold than I thought.

I've been using daggers all my life.

Yeah. I liked the daggers because they're small enough to get around, but there's something to be said for the long ones.

　Wiggle it around.

That sounds good. You're getting used to it. Hey, Will. I didn't end up fighting you at Arkham Brawl, did I?

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

"I was looking forward to it,

Me too.

"If that's not a compliment, then you're going to have to play me like a filial piñata.

　Father Ronin lightly touches his hand on the hip Higo Dontanuki .

"Huh?　You want to play here with Dad?

"In the mountains we would have done it under the blue sky.

Training. You've never really fought me before.

Yeah, but I think I can fight for real now. I feel like I can do more than ever before. Of course, not as a god, but as a man.

But still, you're the best swordsman, right, Dad?

　Gulp and salivate.

　Ronin, the god of swordsmanship, is a genuine swordsmanship idiot who became a god of swordsmanship when he kept wielding his sword. His skills are probably higher than any other in the history of swordsmanship. It's possible he's even better than the famed swordsman Kamiizumi. It was a tremendous pleasure to work with someone like that.

All right. Let's play. No, you'll play.

　Bowing with a bow, Ronin chuckles.

That's my boy. Let's play this game. ...... but first, little baby girl.

　When Ronin says this, Lunamaria comes out of the shadows.

I don't want to hide anything from you, but I'm going to have a fight with my son and I don't want anyone to get in my way. I don't want anyone to get in my way.

　Sensing Ronin's spiritedness, Lunamaria turned away and said, "I understand. On the way, she turned around and said, "Don't let either of you get hurt.

"Neither of you may be hurt.

　Lunamaría's concern for me and my dad
I know.
"Oh.
　And replied and looked off her back.

　When Luna Maria disappears, Ronin jokingly says: "It's embarrassing to lose in front of your lover, isn't it?

It's embarrassing to lose in front of your girlfriend, indeed.

　I joke back at the joke.

"I'm not your girlfriend. You're the one who doesn't want to lose in front of a young woman.

"This guy is a pain in the ass.

　Ronin Dad starts to step. I think my dad is in better shape when he's moving stealthily than when he's poised.

　I'll follow your lead.

Nice move. I'm in love with it.

It's the Ronin way.

That's me. That's me. The greatest swordsman.



But that may be until today. Mother Militia said that masters exist to be surpassed by their students.

"Don't listen to that old woman.

If you say the word "old," your mother will be very angry.

"There will be more fine lines and wrinkles . That's a good sign.

　Then Ronin reaches for the hilt.
　I do the same thing.

　We whip around in concentric circles, smacking each other's lips as we draw our swords at the perfect moment.

　Only the sound of slicing through the sky echoes around us.
　Their swords went to each other's necks.
　The outcome of the battle will be...




　A few days later, we resumed our journey.
　Dad Ronin went straight back to Table Mountain and we headed in the opposite direction.

　Lunamaría says, "It's lonely," but she doesn't keep him or ask him to come with us.

The gods have their work to do. The journey of salvation is our mission. It would be our greatest pleasure to be watched from afar.

　He was right and so we continued on our journey without feeling heartbroken, but as we traveled along the way, Lunamaria spoke to me as if she remembered.

Speaking of which, Master Will, what happened to the game the other day?

　You mean the game the other day, me and my dad.
　Apparently she was a little curious, but she wasn't sure whether to answer.

　I didn't want to make a secret for her, but I still wanted to keep the outcome of the game between us. So I said, "Well, I guess so. The Damascus Steel Sword was a good sword," I said to Lunamaria, flippantly.

"Who do you think won, Lunamaria?

　When the question was returned with a question, Lunamaría replied without offense: "Of course, Master Will.

Of course, it's going to be Master Will. After all, Master Will was raised by the gods and is the strongest warrior hero. After all, he was raised by the gods and is the greatest warrior hero of all.

　She smiled and the early summer sunshine lit up her smile.
　Her figure was as pure and beautiful as a mother goddess of the earth.