Chapter 17 I'm Still a Child

In an instant, Rein's basic swordsmanship skill level 3 had risen to level 4.

In his mind, hundreds of training images flashed by like a slideshow.

Suddenly, Rein exploded with a fierce energy, wielding the stick he had just picked up and performed a striding thrust directly at the opponent's face!

"Since I can't escape, I might as well fight for a chance to survive!"

This extraordinary and swift strike surprised Hamilton, and his appreciation for Rein increased a notch.

Such temperament, speed, and swordsmanship in a common young boy was indeed a rare gift!

"Snap!"

However, against Rein's full-powered blow, Hamilton merely extended his right hand and, very ordinarily, gripped and securely fixed the swiftly attacking stick in front of him.

No matter how hard Rein tried, he couldn't move the stick at all, which suddenly made his heart sink to the bottom.

"It's over! The difference in strength is just too great!"

It was then that Hamilton slowly continued speaking:

"Don't be nervous, young man. I'll handle that drunkard Jack for you. I'll make sure he spends a good while in the solitary cell, and afterward, I won't let him trouble you again."

"Ah! Solitary cell? Are... Are you the newly appointed sheriff?" Rein was stunned at first, but then immediately realized and blurted out.

Immediately after, Rein carefully sized up the other man.

The man was tall and imposing, wearing a male noble's hunting outfit that fit perfectly, with a longsword at his waist, he indeed looked more like a noble than a bandit or a bounty hunter.

This slightly eased Rein's mind.

"Clever young man, I am indeed the new sheriff of Flashgold Town, Hamilton,"

Seeing the astonishment on Rein's face, Hamilton couldn't help but show a trace of a smile on his serious face.

It wasn't that he wanted to scare Rein, but Rein's quick reactions were somewhat unexpected, leaving him no chance to speak.

"Sir, I'm really sorry, I didn't know you were..." Rein clearly detected the goodwill in the other man's words.

"Haha, there's nothing wrong with what you did to that drunkard Jack; after all, he attacked you first and you were merely defending yourself."

"However..."

"You just swung a weapon at an Imperial Baron and the sheriff of Flashgold Town, what do you think I should do to punish you?" Hamilton said, slightly teasing.

"Ah! This..." Rein was dumbfounded, the sheriff before him had changed his tone so suddenly.

"However, considering your youth, I can forgive you this time, but you need to do something for me," Hamilton seemed not to want to stress Rein further and quickly changed his tone again.

"What is it? I won't do anything illegal or disorderly!" Rein immediately became alert and shot a glance at Hamilton, realizing that he had been waiting for him.

Hamilton was left speechless!

Illegal or disorderly?

As the sheriff of a town in the Empire, would I ask a child to do something illegal or disorderly?

However, after thinking it over, he decided to reveal a bit of information to Rein, saying:

"I can't tell you the details right now, but... you should know about the child disappearances that have been happening from time to time. I'm closely monitoring this issue."

Upon hearing this, Rein sighed in relief!

So, it was about that!

Even in his past life, he had a deep disdain for human traffickers.

Now, since Sheriff Hamilton had caught him in a bind, if it was just about him cooperating on the child disappearance cases, he could agree to that.

Actually, even if he didn't want to agree, the situation compelled him to!

Although... do all sheriffs nowadays have such a sense of responsibility?

Suddenly, Rein didn't dislike the man in front of him so much!

No, wait!

I am still a child!

In terms of strength, I'm barely stronger than an ordinary militiaman; what could I possibly help him with?

Rein immediately realized that something might be amiss here!

Should he just refuse outright?

It won't work!

They've got something on me.

Forget it, just play along for now, and agree first.

Strength!

It looks like I need to enhance my strength after all!

"Okay! However... Sir, my abilities are limited, I'm still a child, and I can't help much," Rein spread his hands, his expression showing no fear of boiling water.

This couldn't help but make Hamilton laugh!

In his heart, he thought, "Still a child? With your disposition, swordsmanship, and speed, I'm afraid most of the militia aren't a match for you!"

"Don't worry, it won't exceed your capabilities," Hamilton said, smiling and shaking his head.

"Then... respected Sheriff Sir, may I go home now?"

"Of course!"

As soon as Hamilton finished speaking, Rein ran off like a startled rabbit, without looking back!

This made Hamilton shake his head helplessly again. Such a shrewd little guy!

"However... handling this case, indeed requires someone like Rein... it might just have surprising effects!"

Rein ran all the way to near his house before he slowed down, his chest heaving greatly.

"Huff~ Huff~"

At this moment, his mood was both excited and scared, along with a bit of regret and disappointment!

"Everything about tonight's incident was under control!

But, unfortunately, I ran into the new Sheriff, Hamilton.

His strength is too great!

Rein thought about it, skill-wise Humbert, the servant swordsman, probably isn't his opponent; it seems only the noble young men's instructor, Lord Perez, could possibly fight him!

Luckily, he doesn't seem to be a particularly harsh person.

Otherwise, I might have been in trouble!

Also, what exactly does he want me to help with?

But, thinking about how even after continuously boosting my agility and Militiaman Swordsmanship, I'm still no match for Hamilton, not even forcing out his true strength, it's indeed a bit disheartening.

The gap in strength is just too great!

I still need to think of a way to enhance my strength quickly!"

However... today's events, which were almost like actual combat, greatly benefited Rein.

He focused his attention on the system, and the notification was as follows:

[You have undergone a battle, Militiaman Professional Experience Points +23]

...

[Your skill "Basic Swordsmanship" has been enhanced, Experience Points +11]

[You have undergone a battle, Militiaman Professional Experience Points +8]

The only thing that Rein slightly regretted was that he didn't manage to grab Drunkard Jack's waist pouch!

Otherwise, the money inside would have been enough to buy some treats to reward himself and his family.

Feeling a tad disappointed, Rein quickly returned home.

"Brother! You're back!" Bo He immediately gave Rein a big hug as soon as he arrived.

Soon after, the family of four sat down at the simple dining table and started dinner.

The warm oil lamp.

The cozy atmosphere.

Instantly dispelled the disappointment in Rein's heart!

Money!

I'll definitely find a way to earn it....