!

Irenes eyes widened at that word.

Master.

Its used to say that the person is a Master in one field, but in this situation, there was only one reason for Lulu to say that.

Right. Lulu said that the grey-haired man is a Sword Master.

It wasnt even shocking.

Sword Masters werent people who only appeared in fairy tales.

However, it was true that there were very few of them, and most of them were high-ranking nobles and royalty.

That meant that meeting a Sword Master is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

Ive never heard of such a Sword Master

Irene wasnt the only one who was shocked.

Kuvar seemed more agitated.

He had seen a lot and heard a lot about Sword Masters.

And he had seen many mercenaries, adventurers, and wandering knights.

However, none of them compared to the man in front of him.

That meant

A new Sword Master was born on the continent.

That was likely.

Of course, the man didnt have to be that.

He and Irene, who were confident, thought that the man was an Expert.

However

Lulu is a sorcerer, so it cant be wrong but.

It was a waste of time to think it over as they had no information.

The grey-haired man, who was arguing with Anya, approached them.

Looking closer, he didnt look like a Master.

Although he was well-balanced and had a nice body, his fragile appearance reminded them of a scholar.

Of course, Kuvar didnt say that out loud.

Meanwhile, the man introduced himself.

Nice to meet you. Im Georg, Anyas colleague.

Hello. Im Irene Pareira.

Im Kuvar, an Orc, as you can see.

Im a cat! And my name is Lulu!

You people are as unique as one group can get. Ah! I dont mean that in a bad way! I apologize if I offended you.

No, its okay.

Irene waved his hands and said that.

Looking at how he talked to Anya, he thought the man was gritty, but he was more polite.

With a friendly face, he continued.

Then Im happy. There are cases where I end up making mistakes without realizing it since I stayed with that kid

Im not a bad one! All the merchants praised me!

They dont know you that well.

Georg smiled and said that.

When Anya, who heard that was about to get angry, the grey-haired man opened his mouth.

Mr. Irene Pareira?

Yes?

I know this might be rude, but could you please show me your sword?

Ha

Ah! Of course, Im not trying to covet it like Anya. Im well aware of how precious a sword is for a swordsman. But

Georg glanced at Anya and sighed.

That girl said that it was an amazing sword, I want to look at it, and thats it. I wont change my mind or anything Im sorry for making this request.

Who apologizes when making a request?

Georg said it very politely, and Irene nodded after a moment of thought.

It wasnt a difficult request.

It wasnt like the sword wears out when one looks at it, and he was curious about what the man would say about the sword.

He extended his hand.

Woong!

The crude sword was revealed, no, the man in his dreams, his greatsword appeared.

Irene looked into Georgs eyes.

And the man watched the sword.

What was unusual was that the man didnt just watch the sword.

Throwing away the smile, he seriously examined the sword.

And looked at Irene.

As time went on, he focused on Irene longer than the sword.

Long. Very long.

Irene could feel the goosebumps on his arms.

What?

Georgs eyes traced his whole body.

The gaze went from his legs to his body, to his face, and then looked into his eyes.

It was when Irene was about to take a step back.

Ah! Sorry! I was staring too much.

Georg went back to his smiling face.

The bizarre feeling Irene felt vanished.

He lowered his head and said,

Indeed, its a great sword. Anya, it does deserve to be coveted.

Right? Do you think the captain will like it?

That could be true, but that doesnt mean you try to steal other peoples things.

I wasnt stealing! We are going to exchange it for the piggy bank with a year of savings!

A year? No, the sword is worth more.

The sword, and the man too.

That was what Georg added, but he mumbled it so low that even Lulu couldnt hear him.

It was very rude. I will take her now.

It has been fun! Lulu and friends! Lets meet again!

Whew well, well take our leave for now.

In the end, Anya and Georg left.

Seeing them leave, Lulu was sad, and Irene fell into silence.

Kuvar was closer to Irene's side.

And thought.

What?

He wasnt thinking about Anya and Georg.

Surely they were amazing and made people curious, but it was the one called the captain who made him even more curious.

A Sword Master.

And a sorcerer.

If these two people treated that captain with such respect, then the captain must not be an ordinary person.

It was intriguing.

With a serious face, Kuvar began to recall everything he saw and heard.

At that moment, Irene, who had been silent, spoke.

You were right. Hes a Master.

You think so too?

Yes. Its difficult to notice. Maybe that person will participate too, right?

Right.

Its going to be a tight contest.

Georg wouldnt be the only one who deserved to be called a tough opponent.

As Georg stared at Irene, Irene, too, looked at him and was able to glimpse his strength.

Of course, he wasnt worried. Nor did he regret meeting.

As he said before, he was here to learn.

Win or lose.

Succeed or fail.

It didnt matter to him.

I need to work hard with the feeling that Im learning something.

Irene said.

Kuvar looked at him with delighted eyes.

He definitely changed. The current Irene was active in learning and incomparable to the beginning days of the trip.

However, it wasnt without regrets.

Kuvar thought and then said.

Irene. One piece of advice. If you feel stuck, drop out.

No. I wouldnt.

Dont enter the contest with an easy thought. Go in with the determination to win.

Irene's expression hardened at the strong remark.

Lulu, too, was shocked and looked at Kuvar.

However, Kuvar didnt stop and continued.

Khun wasnt a Sword Master when he challenged Ian. You think he raised his sword intending to learn? No, he was trying to win. I want to win. I must win. I will definitely win this time I personally think it was because of that fighting spirit that he was able to rise to such a position.

For a swordsman, the spirit for improvement is important. Being humble and willing to learn is a huge advantage. However

It wasnt a good attitude to accept loss before the fight even started.

Kuvar didnt continue.

Nor did he speak strongly.

However, it was because of how softly he spoke that the air became different.

Irene stayed silent for a long time after hearing Kuvars words.

They walked and found a place to stay before the contest and waited for their meal to be served.

Even when the food came out.

Did he touch a nerve?

The uncomfortable silence continued to the point where Kuvar was regretting it.

Ah! Sorry. I broke the mood.

No. Im sorry for the useless talk

Useless talk? It wasnt like that. Instead, I should thank you. I think I found something that I was neglecting.

Irene said with a serious face.

Only then did Kuvars mind begin to ease.

He regretted that he gave inappropriate advice to a man because he was greedy to help. Irene was getting the best of him.

However, Irenes subsequent actions made his heart feel uncomfortable again.

Im sorry. But Ill leave first.

Huh?

I think I need to reflect deeply on Kuvars advice. For now

The blonde kid walked to his room at a quick pace.

Looking at that, Kuvar was worried.

Three days had passed since Irene arrived in Derinku.

Kuvar and Lulu looked around the city.

At the excellent blacksmiths and their crafts which were astonishing, and their weapons.

They enjoyed local food and drinks.

However, Irene was left out.

It was because of the advice Kuvar gave.

Um, I said something unnecessary.

On the day of the contest, Kuvar mumbled, recalling how Irene looked.

It looked like his greed brought trouble to Irenes mind.

Intoxicated by the fast-growing young man, he handed out excessive advice.

In his opinion, Irene was close to a seeker.

And it wasnt to compete but to raise his awareness of the sword.

For that reason, Irene lacked the fighting spirit that others would have, and that disappointed Kuvar.

It was because he thought that there was no better catalyst for growth in youth than competing.

However.

I was wrong. I should have considered Irenes heart.

Kuvar sighed.

He knew. How far Irene stayed away from battles.

Irenes charm didnt come from fierce battles with others but from solving his persistent worries within himself.

He overlooked that

If his results in the contest dont turn out good that would be my responsibility.

It was then that Kuvars expression darkened even more.

Unlike him, Lulu was spread out on the table without much thought, and she looked towards the second floor.

Just then, Irene opened the door and appeared.

Irene!

Kuvar jumped up from his seat.

He was going to apologize.

No, not apologize. He wanted to tell Irene that his words shouldnt be taken so seriously.

He thought that his advice made Irenes mind wander and worry.

However, the blonde man looked a lot better than they expected.

Kuvar? What is it?

Uh? Irene, did something change?

Huh?

Well. I dont know, but you look better.

Thank you.

No, that wasnt enough.

Kuvar closed his eyes and then opened them again.

And looked at Irene.

The embers, mor

Kuvar? What is it?

Uh? No, nothing. It has been a long time since I saw you, its so nice. Haha.

I have been in my room for a while. Thank you for caring.

Irene smiled.

Lulu flew and sat on Irene's shoulder and looked at Kuvar.

Eyes that said she was feeling bad for Kuvar.

And then she said,

Dont worry.

Ha, haha. This

Kuvar scratched the back of his head. Lulu was right. He didnt have to worry.

Irene smiled.

And said,

Then, shall we go?