A Stay Under Your Roof

(1 year and 6 months after Klada Disaster)

[Kyrielle's POV]

(2 p.m.)

"Please teach me that sword technique you used, Watabe-san."

"...No."

On our way back to Bristal City, Watabe tagged along our party. Since we worked with him, mom wanted to share a part of the pay to him as well to thank him for the trouble of helping us....

Well, here I am bothering him on the way back.

"Is there someway I can convince you?"

"No there isn't. I want to hurry over to the next city as soon as possible, I don't want to stay here to teach you nor am I interested in doing that."

"Just a day! I'll only learn for just a day!"

"Kyrie...." Even Mom gave me a look of concern and pity hearing my begs to him.

"Sigh... Alright, I'll teach you. But there is a condition, you have to pass a test."

"A test?"

"Yes. Are you prepared for it?"

"Are we doing it right now?"

"You and I are free now, no time's better than now."

"I see... I'm ready!" I said as I drop my things on the floor.

Upon hearing our exchange, the rest of the party members stopped in their tracks as well to let us do our thing.

"Now... the test begins."

"Okay, what will we be doin-"

'Shing!'

At an instant, a blade stops just in front of my neck.... Without me noticing it, he had drew his sword so quickly that I couldn't react to it.

"Wha-?!" By instinct I recoiled backwards.

What the hell.... I almost died there!

Adrenaline rushed out of my body, and I started to sweat out uncontrollably.... I was scared for my life.

"Kyrie!"

Gareth yelled out to him as well. "Hey that was dangerous!"

"Stand aside, this will not hurt Kiri.... What I want to see is whether or not she is fast enough."

"...Fast enough?"

"That's right. I can tell by looking at your pupils, you aren't fast enough. The eye tracks the movement of the blade, when I drew my sword your eyes didn't look at it."

"So I failed the test because I can't even see the blade...."

"That is incorrect. You weren't paying attention to my arm reaching for the sword, that is why you couldn't even tell I was about to swing at you. Do you see where you failed this first attempt?"

"So I failed before the test even begins.... I weren't paying attention at the sword in the first place, there is no way I could've reacted in time...."

"Correct. You failed, and there's no way I can teach you if you can't even pass this simple test."

He spins his katana elegantly before sheathing it again into the saya, 'Chink.' making a satisfying clicking noise into he process.

"I... I see..."

"...What, giving up so early already?"

"Huh?"

"I never said that the test has ended, I just said that you failed on the first attempt."

"Oh! So I get to try multiple times!"

If I can try an unlimited amount of times, then I should be able to pass even a single time right?

"Correct, are you ready to do this again?"

"...I'm ready."

"Good. Hmpt!...." He groaned out as he widens his leg, and his arm reached to the katana sheathed to his waist.

I paid attention to all of his movements and watched really carefully.... It was then when his foot made a small pivot, I knew that he is about to-

'Shing!'

"Wah!... Hah.... Hah...."

God this is extremely intense and scary! Having someone swing a sword at your neck where one mistake means your death is actually terrifying to say the least.... this is not much less scary than when I was fighting the dragons by myself or when I was fighting those vampire beasts.

"You failed again. Do you realize why?"

"...No."

"You blinked."

"Uhh, what?"

"You knew the exact moment I was about to swing, I could see it in your eyes. But you failed to even look at the sword because you closed your eyes."

"No I didn't. I was very sure I had kept my eyes open!"

"Incorrect."

Gareth said out to me. "This is a common mistake amongst beginners of any kind of sword play, they call it the 'Invisible Attack Syndrome'. One who fears the blade will instinctively shut their eyes when they anticipate an attack coming, you are no exception."

"That is correct, you do have experience with using a sword I see."

"Haha, even if I'm not as good as you I still know a thing or two!"

I was blinking my eyes by instinct because I was scared that the blade might cut me for real?...

"Now, let's try again."

"O-oh...."

"....Let me give you a hint, Kiri. Stay calm, and remember that my sword will never hit you. You have to get used to seeing an attack coming for you and not flinch instinctively."

"I understand.... I'm ready!"

____________

(Ten or so attempts later.....)

"Hoo.... Hah.... I'm ready again."

"Okay, here I come."

Watabe widened his stance and reached his right arm for the katana... He is about to swing at me at any moment from now on.

Remember.... stay calm, the blade will never hit me.... I mustn't fear the sword...

"....." (6x) All of us stood in silence, not doing anything. The atmosphere is intense, scary even.

'Hoo....' A small gush of wind blew at us, making the atmosphere ever more so dangerous and cold.

Remember... Don't blink.

I saw Watabe's leg pivot. I paid an extremely close attention to his arm, and it was then.... I could see it.

(0.05 second)

I  saw the moment he drew his sword from the saya in preparation to swing it out....

The force that he gains from pivoting on his foot transfers through his body, and over to his arm.

(0.1 second)

Like a whip, his arm suddenly swiped out, drawing the blade in the process with unreal speed and swung at me.... This is usually where I fail because I'd blink my eyes by reflex.

(0.15 second)

....But I didn't blink. I saw the blade travelled all the way from when it was pulled out of the saya until it reaches just in front of my neck.

'Shing!'

The blade stops just in front of my neck. Even if I saw the blade this time, it is still just as terrifying as before!

"Hah... Hah... I... I saw it..."

"That's right, you did. I could see it in your pupils, your eye followed the movement of my blade. You passed the test."

"I... I did it!"

"Yes, you did it. Now you can die actually knowing what killed you that is."

Rude....

"So... When will you teach me this slash of yours?"

"Now. You have a katana sheathed to your side, it's the perfect tool to train with."

"Oh this? But this one is broken, I just wore it out of habit."

"You wear a broken sword?... Regardless, whether it is broken or not is unimportant. What is important is that I'll only teach you once, so pay extra attention."

"Understood."

"Good, I see you are eager to learn. I don't like giving pointlessly long explanations so I'll keep it simple; this style of swordsmanship is called "Kage Ryu", the Shadow Style, a style that I am proficient in. Originally founded by ninjas and assassins, this style was developed to be used with both daggers and swords, that is why even with a broken sword you can still train."

"I see...."

"As this style was developed from assassination that involved hiding a blade, and drawing it at such speed that no one can react to it, the very core technique of this style will be the iaijutsu drawing attacks. This is the one that you wanted to learn right?"

"Indeed. Your drawing attacks looked so deadly and efficient, I wanted to learn it as well."

"Then I'll teach you. There are actually two drawing techniques.... The Shadow Draw is what I used to test you just now. I'll only teach you this time, so pay close attention."

___________

Shadow Draw.... A single, powerful attack performed by drawing the sword from.the sheath.

It's secret actually lies in the footwork, not the arm.... the power of the swing comes from pivoting the entire body as you step forward, transfering the power to your arm where you snap it out like a whip and draw your sword.

With this, the sword can be drew from the scabbard with so much speed that it is almost invisible to the eye, and has a ton of power behind the swing.

It was actually very simple to learn, as I was able to pull it off after just trying for ten times. As such, it is time to learn the other variants of this technique.

There are other two variants to the Shadow Draw, which is Shadow Rush and Shadow Cross.

Shadow Rush is a similar, single hit drawing attack performed just like Shadow Draw, but the difference lies in the footwork again. The Shadow Rush removes the pivoting part of it's last one, and instead uses a forward 'dashing' motion to generate the power.

To perform this, you kick off the ground with the rear leg and dash towards your opponent. When coming in range, you kick off the ground again with your lead leg to transfer all the power to your arm, and draw the sword. The rest of the attack is just like the former one, although it is less powerful and easier to see coming, it covers a larger range and is easier to use.

Finally, the second variant of Shadow Draw is Shadow Cross. This time the same footwork and techniques applies, but instead you don't swing once with a lot of power. Instead, you swing once with moderate effort so that when your sword hits the target it will bounce off.

With this motion, you can redirect the sword to the other side and slash again with the same power as the first hit, cutting twice in the shape of a tilted X, a cross.

The difference is that while this technique is less powerful than both the Shadow Draw and Shadow Rush, it launches two attacks instead to overwhelm the opponent. In times when you are fighting two opponents, the Shadow Cross can also hit two person in a short time, the perfect crowd control technique.

This concludes the three techniques that Watabe taught me in the span of 2 hours.

____________

(Later that afternoon)

"Here's your share of the money." Said mom as she hands a coin pouch to Watabe.

"Thank you for this.... It is rare that I get any money from what I do after all."

"No problem, you helped us out after all. Besides, Kyrie got to learn something from you. It was a great day with you."

"Thank you. Kiri, remember to practise with the techniques that I taught you. Sword techniques doesn't cost any mana to use, it only requires practise and timing in order to pull off in the heat of the moment. Try you best to use the techniques was much as possible, and sooner or later you'll start to be able to perform them naturally."

"Got it. Thank you for teaching me again, Watabe-san! I am forever grateful to you for this."

"Mmm. Take care, all of you."

Watabe finally left after saying goodbye to all of us.

"....Let us split up here as well, we will regroup at the guild tomorrow morning."

"Very well, take care Katherine, Kyrie."

"Mmm! Goodbye Gareth, Gareth and Jenny."

"We should go back to your grandmother as well."

"That's right."

On our walk back to my grandmother's house, mom didn't say anything at all. She seems to be worried about something....

"....Kyrie, I have been wondering this about you but...."

"Hmm?"

"Where did you learn to speak the Moonfall Continent's language? I noticed that you used "-san" behind the name of Watabe, and I know that they use honorifics like that, but where did you learn to speak it?"

"Eh?!... Uhh, I learned a bit of it on a whim during my 6 month long wait in Creimland."

No I didn't. I'm a god damned Japanese on Earth, I just naturally start to speak to Watabe-san like that because my japanese instincts are kicking in!

"On a whim? You do a lot of things on a whim, last I checked you learned fire magic on a whim, you became the Student Council President on a whim, you travelled through the entire Demon Continent on a whim, you learned how to fly with magic on a whim, and you even learned how to use that sword now on a whim."

"Ahaha...."

"Are you a genius? There's just no way you can do so many things on a whim right?"

"Mom, that's just who I am."

"Haha, is that so? Maybe you'll get a boyfriend on a whim as well in the future?"

"C-come on, you know this topic embarrass me!"

"Oh, don't be shy! You are one season away from being 14 now, it is about time that you start to worry about adult things like dating! Besides, you have a boyfriend already right? It's that kid Richard who's in the Security Ensurers of your school right?"

"M-mom! Richard and I aren't dating or anything, we are just friends!"

"Oh, 'just friends' is it? Your father and I are just friends for almost 2 years as well, I guess you two are still in your denial phase huh?"

"That's enough!"

"Hahaha, you are so cute Kyrie!"

____________

A month passed by since then, the winter fell upon the city and snow covered the town as if a blanket covering a bed. Right before winter, we did as much quests as possible to earn money, and as a result we got stacked for the winter.

With the money I earned, I went to a local swordsmith and fixed my beloved katana. It costs about 2 silvers for the repair job, although not expensive it isn't cheap either. With the katana fixed, I could finally practise the techniques that Watabe-san taught me, and so begun my self-practise of swordsmanship to pass time.

Because of the cold weather, I started to go out less and stay in home more. The chill atmosphere makes me feel much more sleepier than in the warm climate, and I slept more than usual.

_____________

(Few months later.... Start of winter)

(8:00 a.m.)

But today for some unknown reason, I woke up early for some reason and has nothing to do until breakfast.

I decided to spend my time by dancing in the spacious living room of my grandparent's house.... Ever since I joined the Dancing Club in Zoward's Academy, I enjoyed doing it.

That being said, it's been a bit too long since I last did this... The moves that I memorized are now sloppy compared to a few years ago.

"Hmm~ Hmm~"

As I hummed out a classical piano song, I stepped and flailed around the living room alone.

Taking a step to the left, I swung out my arms to balance my body as I spin myself....

"I thought I heard someone humming 'Swan Lake'... Who would've guessed that it was you."

"Eh Grandma?! Kya!-" 'Thud!'

I lost control of my spinning momentum and fell on the ground.

"Wah...." How embarrassing.... I should've made sure no one would accidentally walk in on me.... Now I seem like an idiot for dancing out of no reason....

"Hmm... Are you fine?"

"Yes, no big deal." But I stood back up as if nothing happened.

"The endurance and toughness of a young dancer huh? It's a privilege that I lost." She said as she wanders over to the couch and sits down.

"Do you like to dance as well, grandma?"

"When I was a maiden, but after I got married I couldn't find the time to. And I see that while you have dance memorized, your moves are sloppy."

"Well, it's been a long time since I last danced haha.... The last time I did so was back on the Demon Continent, in the Demon King's banquet party."

"The demon king's? You sure know some incredible people...."

"That's right, but I'm sure you have connections to more incredible people. After all, you and grandfather do run a trading company."

"We do know some people of importance, but not to the level of demon kings at least."

"....."

"....."

Suddenly, an awkward silence hits us. I didn't know what to say to her, and I am not even sure if we actually has something to talk about.

What can I ask her?... Hmm....

"....You know that your mother left this house, but do you know why?"

"Why?"

"It's because she was right.... At the time she left she was 17, and one of our business partner saw her as a love interest.... He was rich and powerful, if Katherine married him she'd never have to work in her life."

"Mhmm."

"My husband and I tried to force her to get married to that man... But she saw in him an arrogant fool who has no virtues and is nothing but a rich, lustful imbecile. At the time, the man was someone with a good reputation, so we never thought much of him and tried to force her to get married to him."

"I see...."

It sounds like my grandparents were controlling her, and even selling her off to a pervert. Not good, not good at all.

"She didn't want to settle with that man, so she ran from home one day all of a sudden, with no warning whatsoever. Before that, Katherine and I has always fought for stupid reasons so part of me wasn't surprised when she did that."

"I see...."

"But... it was revealed to us later that the man who we tried so desperately to marry Katherine to was in fact a criminal. He had multiple cases of money laundering, assault and even kidnapping young girls to violate them. To be frank, I'm very glad that horrible person was beheaded under the King's order."

"That is a really strong disdain from you."

"Indeed, the more I think that what would've happened if Katherine actually got married to him, the more angrier I get...."

"So, why did grandma tell me all of this?"

"I... It was one of my life's greatest regret to not be able to apologize to her properly. I guess I just needed to get this off my chest somehow."

"I see. Did you hated her for running from home?"

"No, not in a personal way at least.... I am angry at the fact that even though she do contact us through letters, she never visited us. Last she wrote to us was about 15 or so years ago now, when she told us that she's going to get married. After that, total silence."

"I see.... Well, mom was rather busy working as an alchemist in the city."

"Is that so? But regardless, what's more important right now is that I got to see her again after almost two decades.... and also you."

"Ehehe...."

"Mother, you shouldn't praise Kyrie too much. She'll get carried away if you do so."

"M-mom!" From the back of the couch, mom leaned over and grabbed my shoulders with her hand. Then she gently massaged my back for me.

"Ahh!..." It feels great.... like my shoulder is being freed from its burdens of carrying my body....

"Katherine... How long have you been listening to us?"

"....From the part when you said you were glad that scum degenerate business man was beheaded."

"Haha, so you hated him a lot huh?"

"Obviously! That guy is a total scumbag... he only saw me as an object, and only lusts after my body. If Kyrielle was there, that scumbag would've tried to lay his hands on her!"

As mom got more heated up, she massaged my shoulder with more and more strength....

"Ouch ouch ouch it hurts! Please stop it!"

"Oh, sorry."

"Phew.... Please don't vent your frustration on my shoulder.... But more importantly, grandma! Don't you have something to say to mom?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Don't 'huh?' me! You said it yourself, you wanted to say sorry. If you want to, then just say it!"

"I... I see..."

"....." Mom looked on at my grandmother with a silent, and gloomy looking face.

"....I'm sorry, Katherine. I haven't been a great mother to you, and I never was able to be there for you during your worst.... You must've been lonely."

But suddenly, a small smirk appeared on her face. "....Hmpt.... Father said the exact same thing to me yesterday. It's nice to see that you two are couples for a reason."

"....Harrington did?"

"Indeed. And I forgive you, mother."

"....So easily?"

"I mean... I am still angry at you for not listening to me even once before I ran away but... it is all in the past now, and you were thinking about my future after all."

"That's... Thank you, Katherine."

"You are welcome, 'Mom'."

"Hah.... I thought you had grown out of that one."

"Never did, never will. The more Kyrie calls me mom, the more I calls you mom as well, I guess she just taints my view of you."

"What am I some sort of spoiled apple that ruins the bunch?"

"You said it yourself, Ms 'spoiled apple', I didn't."

"Mom!"

"Hahaha.... This house is much more livelier with you two here now, it's refreshing."

"I see. Then take your time, we'll be here for much much longer, leeching off on your hospitality, mom!" Said mom, with a cheerful face that she only shows to the butler of the house. It's a rare sight to see mom like this, much more when it's directed to my grandmother.

"And I'd happily let you leech off on me. Oh my, look at the time now, breakfast should be ready in the kitchen already."

"Let us go and eat together then."

"Yay, finally a meal with grandma and mom!"

They haven't share a meal together all this time during our stay in the mansion... This is more refreshing to see.

(Chapter end)