Chapter 423: Bomb-like Explosive Comments
「 ー what a wretch. 」
…..
I’m currently interviewing this so-called swordmaster.
「 ー Weak. 」
Interview was what I said, but actually, I’m watching him engage in a mock battle at the plaza, and the interview is for later.
Right now, I’m standing on the staircase leading from plaza to the entrance of the inn. Now it made sense why they had this staircase even though it rarely rains on this island ーit’s pretty convenient standing on high ground while watching. They also have a balcony-type of structure and it also serves as a winner’s platform, or something like the ones where royalty stand, apparently.
Our line up was such that Soleil and Gramps Paulor flanked me on both sides. Kiel stood diagonally in front of Soleil, while Auro stood diagonally in front of me. Faramir stood diagonally behind Soleil, while Orlando-kun stood diagonally behind Gramps.
The guards stood on the steps below us, and the entire plaza was filled with curious spectators watching the show.
「 ー You’re just a spirit-dependent nobody. 」
The guards and the security staff charged at the swordmaster one after the other while clutching their swords, ready to hack and slash.
A bunch of castle staff also gathered to watch since it meant that they could see the swordmaster’s moves for themselves. Some were super into it, eyes all lit up while some followed his every move inappropriately.
Oh heck, the changelings-san, with their serious expressions and fake smiles, seemed like they were figuring out how to pull off an assassination.
「If he charges like that, counter it like this, huh. Maybe a knife or two—hmm, hmm 」 Marlou muttered.
Yeah, I get it now, I’m feeling uneasy because it’s weird seeing the usually apathetic ーsave for things that they’re interested in ー changelings paying attention!
「Bartolone-sama is famous, and although I’m not well-versed with swordsmanship, I do think that he’s pretty strong, no? What do you think?」
「He’s been taking them down one after another, so I guess he’s pretty strong. 」
I answered Soleil’s query.
I didn’t even know who’s famous and who’s not. If it’s an adventurer or someone among the merchant’s circle then perhaps it will ring a bell since I’ve been hearing a few names ever since I came here. It’s all about the place where folks usually hang out. If it’s pubs and taverns, then naturally they’re gonna pick up some rumors.
This Bartolone dude is apparently a hot shot from the South to Shrum. He doesn’t participate that much in the squabbles of the Central Plains. Because his name is pretty well-known, there’s no need for him to join the chaos; he’ll have plenty of chances to spread his fame far and wide even without doing that.
For example, a certain kingdom or country can invite him to spar with its top fighters. Even if a knight or swordsman with a decent reputation loses against him, it’s not a big deal — in fact, it’s even considered an honor for the kingdom or country to have summoned someone talented like him. Well, that’s not the case for some nameless opponent, though.
Bartolone’s sword skills are fast and technically sound. However, my eyesight and physical abilities let me see through everything. Honestly, Dinosso and Khan are better than him, so I’m not that impressed.
Even if this swordmaster is slightly more skilled, those two can easily keep up with his speed and overpowering him is just a piece of cake. Maybe I’m biased, but I think those guys are far stronger.
「These moves are quite adequate. He will not fall short against a typical knight. After all, the title of Sword Master is itself quite impressive, even if that’s all there is. 」
Auro said critically.
Bartolone came to this island, not because he was so strong we invited him specifically, but likely because he lost his spirit sword and can’t fight like before. He must be looking for a place where he can settle for good.
「It’s said that Bartolone-dono’s beloved sword that he favored was an unusual spirit sword… 」
Gramps Paulor said from the opposite side.
「Heard he lost against the Shrum hero and got his sword ripped away from him. 」
Kiel.
Hey Kiel, seriously, stop dropping bomb comments and saying explosive stuff during evaluations, will you.
「—Weak, pathetically weak. 」
Bartolone is kind of annoying. He’s been grumbling since earlier every time he took down somebody. It’s not loud, but he also mutters every time he steps in, and I’m not sure if it’s because he spats those words so intensely that I can hear him all the way from here.
After crossing swords with all the challengers, Bartolone stood in front of us, still surrounded by onlookers from a distance.
「Weak, weak, weak! 」
He yelled with a beet-red face while holding his unsheathed sword in his right hand. Oy, geezer, why so angry?
「Kill, go for the kill! Isn’t this the Assassin Island!? Come on, come at me! 」
He furiously bellowed.
「What’s up with this guy? Is he a battle maniac? 」
I couldn’t help but leak my inner thoughts.
「Soleil..sama, stay back. 」
Kiel must’ve added that ‘sama’ to Soleil’s name, probably because we’re in public.
Kiel stepped half a pace forward, shielding Soleil from Bartolone. Faramia had already moved forward before we noticed. Gramps Paulor also stepped back, making space while Auro’s face split into a grin.
「Seems like he broke down after losing to the hero. 」
「I thought he was a good deal, but maybe not? 」
Soleil and Kiel.
「Lost his beloved sword, had his spirit taken away, and now he came here in order to be slain? How troublesome. 」
Auro remarked.
「If no one comes, I’ll— 」 Bartolone looked around and took a step towards me.
The guards immediately stepped forward, but from what I saw earlier, they wouldn’t win against him.
「What a pain. 」
I don’t want him fighting the changelings either.
NEXT CHAPTER
RELEASE RATE
I Got Transferred in the Middle of a Mountain
Speed up schedule by 10 hours
Current schedule: Every 80 hours
Thanks for the treat.