Volume 2 Chapter 19 A Miraculous Situation, But...
"Hey, Gram. How's the new sheath?"
"Oh yeah, it feels like it fits just right. It's really comforting."
When I asked, Gram responded with a pleasant tone. It's like sinking into a soft bed for humans, he said.
--After parting ways with Mikage, I visited the old man at the weapon shop before returning to Kyunei's clinic.
The purpose was to receive the 'portable sheath' I use to carry Gram. I had placed an order in advance, and the pick-up time was at sunset today.
Unlike the previous worn-out impression, the current Gram is a splendid spear painted in red and black. The old portable sheath had a somewhat mismatched appearance. Plus, it was made of simple materials and was honestly falling apart, probably because I bought it in a hurry.
Since I got promoted to 4th rank and my income increased, I decided to make a special sheath to house Gram. By the way, the armor I'm currently wearing was also purchased from the old man's shop.
"That old man has some impressive skills, huh? He must be quite skilled even in modern times."
Feeling good about the cheerful words from Gram, I asked him suddenly.
"By the way, who created you, Gram?"
Since Gram is a weapon, there must be a creator. It's not like he was born from a woman's womb like a human.
"Well... It was a long time ago, so I've forgotten."
"Really?"
"Really, I'm not lying."
"Such a refreshing line."
Through our interactions, I knew that whenever Gram evades like this, no matter how much I insist, I won't get the answer I'm looking for. He only speaks when necessary, and if he deems it unnecessary, Gram will never talk.
He's an easygoing partner, but still a mysterious one.
"By the way, partner, changing the subject. What do you think of Mikage?"
"That's sudden, man."
"It's not that sudden. You've been working together with her since you got promoted to 4th rank, including today. So, what's your opinion?"
"Are you asking as a friend? Or maybe--"
"There's no need to ask if it's as a friend, right?"
"Yeah, you're right."
At first, she seemed strict, but now she's caring and skilled. There is no one else I trust as much as my friend.
"I'm sure even my partner has a hint of understanding."
"Well, yeah... maybe."
In the past, I would never have understood. But since I started dating Kyunei and got closer to her, I have been able to understand "women" at least a little bit.
That's why I noticed the melancholic look Mikage sometimes gives. Especially her attitude during the promotion test. That became the trigger for me to realize Mikage's feelings that I could only vaguely feel before.
"Am I misunderstanding something?"
"Let me, the one who has watched over countless heroes, assert. It's definitely a 'punchline'."
Even though the expressions can be vulgar, if it looks the same even from a third person's perspective, then there's no doubt.
"It's like, you know, it's just a natural thing that happens. Throughout history, it's common for a princess to fall in love with a prince who swoops in and saves the day in a life or death situation."
"I mean, it's cool that Mikage is the princess, but am I really the prince type?"
"It's just an example. If there was a prince like you, partner, it would be a disaster. The country would be destroyed."
"I'll show you what I'm made of, you jerk."
"Bring it on, you jerk."
For a moment, we exchanged light jabs in our words.
"And besides, I think Mikage is the type who shows her true worth when she serves someone. She's like a loyal dog or something."
"What do you mean 'type'? Isn't she a fox?"
I furrowed my brow, not really getting Gram's analogy.
"It's a common type among martial artists, you know? They devote themselves body and soul to the person they serve. If that person happens to be the opposite gender, it's only a matter of time before those feelings turn into romance."
Gram's words were convincing, but I found it difficult to accept them easily.
"...From the looks of it, you're not really into it, huh?"
"Or rather, I seem confused."
If I had to say whether I like or dislike Mikage, I definitely think she's likable. She's really attractive, both as a woman and in general.
"After all, even when Kyunei became my girlfriend, it was already like a miracle, you know?"
First of all, this is a conversation based on the assumption that Mikage clearly sees me as the opposite sex. No matter how long Gram's words have been around, they don't prove that it's true.
"Partner, you should have a little more confidence in yourself. I think you're more than good enough. You could even make Kyunei-chan fall for you."
"Well, that's true. Or rather, I can't respond to Mikage's feelings when Kyunei is already my lover."
"Oh really? They say heroes prefer variety, and even in this country, there are nobles who have multiple lovers, right?"
"I'm a commoner. Normally, commoners have one wife."
I know that even a country bumpkin like me knows that nobles have a custom of taking concubines to produce heirs. Sometimes it's just for the woman's body.
"Plus... if Mikage became my lover, Kyunei wouldn't be too happy, right?"
"I think she'd be surprisingly okay with it."
"What's your basis for that?"
"I plead the fifth."
"Don't suddenly change the subject like that."
And this guy is dodging the important parts again.
And as we were exchanging words, we arrived at our temporary lodging.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)