Nine days after our appointment with Harvey Ditland, we had safely crossed the border of Lumotia and arrived at the nearest city, Santor.
　I remember that this city had a thriving livestock industry and many of its residents were of a generous nature. However, the effects of the war that had been going on for more than ten years were strongly evident even in this rural town.

　Many of the stables that would normally be crowded with livestock were deserted, and the roofs of some of them had collapsed. In addition, the streets were filled not with adventurers but with common soldiers, many of whom were more or less wounded and wearing tattered equipment.

Most of them are slaves returning from the front," I said coldly.

　I've heard that many of the slaves sent to the front in war are criminals or those who sold themselves for money. There is no way left for them to live except to achieve a great victory here.
　Even if they could survive here, they would not be able to lead a normal life, at best, they would be forced to work, at worst, they would be sent to another war zone. That's how unworthy slaves are of existence.

　I was expecting someone to respond to my words, but when no one responded, I turned around and saw that Celestia and the others were moving their feet with a dead look on their faces.

"What's going on? I asked. "Walth is strong, I guess, but nine days in an over-capacity wagon on a rough road at the end of the pass was a disaster," she said, patting herself on the ass.

　This time, the Benetnash had to leave the kingdom of Carlitz, and because I had spent all my money, I had rented a small, cheap carriage, but it seemed to have been a bad idea.
　One of the things that bothered me the most was that Neya, who was supposed to be very strong, hardly spoke.

"I don't think I've heard Neya's voice lately, what's wrong?

　Neya looked at me as if she had made up her mind, then opened her mouth.

I'm a wizard. I have a wizard on my side. ......

Or .......

　I turned my head to look at Fiel and he tilted his head to look at me.
　He never dreamed that there would be someone who would be so depressed by his presence alone.
　I thought of a way to get him to acknowledge Phiel's abilities.

"Then why don't you see what he can do with a sword?

"A sword against a wizard?　You're joking, aren't you, Master Walth?

"Joke?　I've heard that the head wizard of the Kingdom of Carlitz is trained by the head knight.

"From the Lord Dallas? But still, with that body, .......

　I'm not sure what to make of that.

I think you can do pretty well with Benetnash, from what I've seen.

...... If you're so sure, I'll let you try your hand at it.




　The sun was just past its apex when we arrived at a clearing that had once been used for grazing livestock.
　There was a tremendous amount of grass covering the area, but Pheuel had cleared it all away with his magic, and the grass had now become a cushion for me and Celestia to sit on.

"Why don't you lend Neya your sword? "Why don't you lend her your sword?" I said to Neya, who was the only one who was willing to stand and watch the game.

"My sword is heavier than most.

　Neya gave Fiehl a look that said it would be impossible.

That's fine.

　Feuel smiled back and held out his hands. But they are too far apart to be handed over.
　Neyer let out a light sigh and threw the sword from her waist high into the air.
　The sword flew in a parabola, and while Benetnash and I would have been able to catch it, it wasn't something you could throw at a small girl.

Thank you.

　In everyone's eyes, the moment Pheuel picked it up, she would have fallen under the weight of the sword. But in fact, the moment the sword was in Phiel's hand, it was enveloped by the wind and completely changed its trajectory before it was in her hand.

'Master Walth, I think that was magic,' Neyer interjected disgustedly.

'So what?　Neyer doesn't like mages because they don't fight fair and square. It's not a long distance attack, and I think it's one of the best sword techniques out there.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot more information on this subject in the coming weeks.

　The expression on Neya's face was different from what it had been before, and she began to show a serious interest in the match between the two.
　It's a good trend, I thought, as I turned my head to look at them and saw that they were closing the distance between them.

I'll go easy on you.

That's what I want.

　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.
　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.

It's a move that you wouldn't expect from a mage," Neyer said, frankly surprised.

　However, because he is not a swordsman, his sword moves are too straightforward and his attacks have too little variation.

There's no weight to the sword then. Benetnash won't get tired, he'll get used to it.

　No matter how light and fast you can move with magic, your body can't withstand it.
　If you're not trained as a swordsman, you'll reach your limits quickly.

"You're slowing down. This is the end.

　Taking advantage of the momentary gap, Benetnash unleashed a cleaving blow to Phiel's torso.
　There was no way to dodge the blow that took her completely by surprise, and if she guarded against it, it was inevitable that her small body would be blown away. But Pheuel's choice was different.

"We're even.

　At the very last moment, she unleashed a thrust that she had not delivered before.
　Both the thrust and the blow to the torso, both of them forgot to stop and were about to cross a line that should not be crossed.

This is it.

　I instantly stepped in between the two of them, blocking Benetnash's blow with the sword in my left hand, and grabbing Pheuel's wrist with my right hand to block his movement.
　The two of them stared at me and their own swords alternately for a while, their eyes fluttering, as if they couldn't understand what was happening.

I'm sure Neya now understands that mages are not something to be discarded.

'---- Yes, she has proven herself to be a brave swordswoman as well as a wonderful mage. I'd like to acknowledge Fiehl as a fine swordsman.

　The thought crossed his mind for a moment that maybe that wasn't quite right, but he ignored it, thinking that anything would be better if he recognized her, and suggested to Celestia that they go to the tavern and work on them.

'That's a good idea. We seem to have gotten along well, and I think we need to talk about our future plans.

　Seretia replied in a good mood, her buttocks resting on the soft grass.