Sword Master

　I arrived at the Grand Training Hall, which is different from the training hall I usually use.

　This one was better equipped, but I was not allowed to enter.

　There, my two brothers were being instructed by a woman.

　The woman's figure caught my attention.

　Her long, silver hair fluttered in the wind, and her red eyes were as bright as rubies.

　Her well-proportioned body was perfectly fitted and she was wearing comfortable clothes that were typical of a swordsman, and she was both beautiful and strong.

What's the matter, are you finished here?

　The woman's sharp voice of reprimand echoed through the hall.

"Damn it, ...!"

I can't do it anymore!"

　Edward and the others were weak at these words. They must be nearing their limits.

　Just then, the end of the training session arrived.

That's all for today.

I'm finally done. ...

Do we have to go this far? ...

　Edward and the others walked out of the training hall, dragging their exhausted bodies with them.

　When they were out of sight, the woman sighed.

She said, "Since we have been given excellent skills and are blessed with a good environment, we should work harder on our training. ...

　As I listen to her words, I search through my memory of Lest and recall her information.

　Her name is Erna Brazel.

　The Albion family has a monthly meeting with the Albion family.

　She visits the Albion family once a month to teach swordsmanship. She also goes to the royal family once in a while for instruction, which shows that she is an outstanding swordsman.

　Incidentally, she does not appear in the game, so I don't know much more about her.

　The reason Erna is here is to instruct Ed and Sid.

　Of course, I'm not in that group.

　--But I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by!

　I summoned up all my courage and leaped in front of Erna.

Erna, please teach me how to use a sword!　Please teach me how to use a sword!

You are ...."

　Erna rolled her eyes at my sudden appearance.

I am the Marquess of Albion. I am Resto Albion, the fourth son of the Marquis of Albion.

　When I introduced myself, Erna nodded her head in understanding.

I see. You are the Resto who was given the [Tame], right?

... Yes.

 That's why you're not one of the targets of my instruction. Besides, if you don't have swordsmanship skills, you won't be able to withstand my instruction in the first place."

　Erna explains in detail.

　Even so, my feelings are unwavering.

I still have to be strong!

......"

　Seeing my insistence, Erna shuts her mouth.

　After a few moments, she sighed as if she had no choice.

I see, well then, ....

　With a bounce. Erna's right arm, which holds the wooden sword, blurs.

Whoa."

　The next moment, the other wooden sword lying on the ground was launched, and it was completely in my hand.

　That's a hell of a swordsmanship.

　Right after I was surprised like that.

Prove with your own hands whether I am worth teaching ...!

　With words that sounded like a declaration of war, Erna slashed at me with a wooden sword.

What?

　In an instant, the distance is closed and I am almost engulfed by the overwhelming sense of intimidation.

　But I desperately held my ground and fought back with my wooden sword.

（It was fast!　And each blow is heavy!)

　Erna's strength is overwhelming.

　It was as if a monstrous intimidation was emanating from her entire body.

　She must have been holding back a lot, but the force was so ferocious that we forgot that.

"Kuuuh!　Ohh!

　If I'm not careful, I'm going to lose consciousness, but even so, I keep on biting.

　I know that there is no way to win.

　I just have to do the best I can right now.

"Oh!"

　Erna shouted in amusement as we fought back for a while.

　And then she swung her sword even harder, pushing me into a corner.

　Five, no, ten minutes...

　The attack, which seemed to go on forever, suddenly came to a halt.

That's it.

'Ha...ha...how was it?'

　I ask Erna, breathing hard and repeatedly.

　Erna put her hand on her chin and looked thoughtful for a moment.

Not good at all.

Ugh. ...."

Your physical abilities are minimal, and your swordsmanship is almost amateurish.

　But at that time, Erna continued.

But the spirit isn't bad at all.

What?

　I looked up at her unexpected words.

　Then, Erna gave me a serious look and said, "You have 30 minutes.

You have 30 minutes. After I'm done teaching the two of you, I'll give you half an hour to teach me how to use a sword.

Really?

　I exclaimed, incredulous at the offer.

I was shouting in disbelief. This is not a request from the Marquis of Albion, but a personal interest of mine. If I find that you are slacking off, I will withdraw it immediately.

Yes, sir!　Thank you!

　I bowed deeply.

　Erna saw this and smiled happily.

I'll give you the wooden sword, then. Then I'll give you the wooden sword. The next time we meet will be in a month's time, so make sure you train hard before then. ... No, before that, I should at least teach you how to hold the sword.

Yo, I'm looking forward to working with you!"

　I spent the next 20 minutes or so learning from Erna how to handle a sword in a basic way.

　I had never held a sword properly before, and it was an invaluable time for me.

　I was now able to receive direct instruction from Erna once a month.

　In addition to the five training sessions, a new discipline was added to my daily routine.

　I was making steady progress on the road to my goal.