Chapter 27: Picking a Style

Chapter 27: Picking a Style

What Sir Makoto said was right, everyone has their own way of negotiating. I just need to figure out mine.

"Why don't you use your Charm Skill? You got it from King, didn't you? Normally it only works when people are just around him, yet you have to touch them directly. That's not very reliable."

I still have the skull whistle so maybe I could use that? When I asked him about it he didn't seem to agree, "It has its flaws, for example… It's creepy. Can you imagine doing serious business with someone and they pull that thing out?"

He has a point… So I just have to learn to control my skills to a higher degree. If I can use all of my skills to the highest level then I could potentially put an entire country to sleep, or better yet, I could convince them that I am there to help them.

I kept mulling over these thoughts until I realized something, "Does the charm skill work on you?"

"Are you asking me if the reason why I'm loyal to King is because of some silly skill? Demon races don't fall victim to most status ailments that easily… Unless it's from a succubus… if anything, it's strange that you haven't fallen for his charm."

Well I'm not into dudes, but I do get his point. I've had a few moments where I felt like his words have really resonated with me but I can't say for certain if it was because of his skills or simply because he's so convincing.

Is this also part of his dominating aura? If so, can I even replicate that? No, I definitely can't copy his personality. Not just because I'm not strong enough but because I don't believe it myself. The old man thinks he's the natural ruler of our world, some could argue against that but others may very well find him to be right. It's not everyday that a god admits that he's equal to a man after all.

Heck, Pilfer hasn't spoken to me in years, I think even he is scared of my grandfather. I don't think I'll be able to hear from him again until I get out of my grandfather's shadow.

"So what do you think I should do? What should my style be?"

I couldn't help but ask the obvious, at this point even I couldn't figure out what to do.

"Simple, you just 'Get Good.' Just be better."

I can not believe I just heard that from him. That's his advice? I could've gotten the same advice from a fortune cookie. 

"The more I get to know you, the more I'm convinced you're from japan."

Makoto just looked at him like he was an idiot, "You just figured that out? Your grandfather said you were smart. I guess he needs to reevaluate things."

I looked a little annoyed at his sly remark, but I kinda always knew. I just didn't think it was important.

I was going to start asking about it but he just stopped me from speaking before he pointed to the left of me. I didn't know what he was pointing at until I looked over and realized it was Number 1 coming over here. I should really learn to detect my surroundings better.

"Number 1. What can I do for you?"

She stopped in her tracks and she clearly looked annoyed over the fact that I was still calling her that.

"I would really prefer it if you called me by my name instead of putting strange labels on me."

She says that but she hasn't told me what her name was. I was wondering if she was still angry at what happened earlier but it didn't seem like it bothered her. Maybe I can try again later?

"I wanted to speak to you on behalf of my country, we are all very grateful for your offer and we would like to ask for one more thing."

I looked at her questioningly without saying anything. I thought the deal was done but it seemed like she had more to say.

"We would like to be gifted with a Mark of Nobility by his Majesty the King."

I looked at her for a second in confusion. I genuinely had no idea what she was talking about, why would a foreign King want to be considered nobility by another country? Is it for safety? Do they wish to seek asylum if they lose their country? I was going to ask her the reason why but Sir Makoto stopped me before speaking up.

"The king has given one member of your family that right once before. What did your people do? You killed her."

I'm still confused. What is a Mark of Nobility? 

"You mean my aunt? We were not aware she held the mark?"

Sir Makoto looked annoyed at her, "You think ignorance will help you? This is not an example of dropping a cone of ice cream then asking for another. Your Aunt was given the Mark of Marquise. You can't just ask for another."

Wait, are they talking about that? I was given the title 'Village Chief' back then. Is this related?

"Marquise?! That's just under the Duke! How could the king give something like that to her?"

"You underestimate the mother of the King's first born son."

""WHAT?!""

Number 1 and I both look in absolute shock and horror at this new revelation. I had heard I had an uncle but I had never met him before in my life. From what I have been told, he's busy conquering some random continent somewhere. Nobody told me he was related to these people.

"You can't be serious!? There is no way that is true. If that was the case then there would be no reason for your people to help us. There would be no reason for the King to help us!"

I hate to admit it but it's true. We're not obligated to help them at all, but this? If this were back on earth and they killed the prince's mother it would be a declaration of war.

"It's true, my wife helped her during the labor process. After her majesty the queen left on her journey it was your aunt who came to comfort him. Normally that never would've happened but the King and Queen did not leave on good terms."

"How old was King Del when he executed his sister?"

Number 1 looked at me in disgust, "My father did not kill Lady Isabella, he was too young to understand anything. It was his ministers of that time that were at fault. When the empire found out she was serving under your grandfather they forced our hands and commanded my father to capture and kill her. In other words, it was your king who killed her."

I thought Sir Makoto was going to get angry but instead he just sat there in silence for a minute until he replied back.

"Isabella knew the danger in her actions. She knew what she was doing, so tell your father that his people are still not forgiven for killing her."

Number 1 looked like she had nothing else to say so she just walked away.

"Are you sure this was a good idea? Wouldn't they just bother uncle?"

Sir Makoto was finished with his tea and just looked over at the sea, probably remembering the good ol' times. 

"Your uncle can handle himself, he's strong enough to take these idiots on if they were to bother him."

I didn't really know him that well but I didn't see a reason to doubt Sir Makoto's judgment, "Why have I never met him?"

I was hoping for an answer but all I received was a long winded sigh, "Don't ask questions you don't want the answer to."

I didn't know what to even say at this point, the king is so old that a person could write an entire book about him.

I just sat there looking out at the sea with Sir Makoto until the sun went down. I wish I was spending that time with a certain demon girl instead of a demon old man but who cares. 

"Can you continue training me? It's been a while since we've sparred."

He looked a lot more relaxed now that the sun was down and he was finally able to answer me with a straight face this time.

"Despite the jokes, you have gotten better. Have you thought about your combat style? What kind of path do you want to choose?"

I have thought about that a lot over the years but strangely enough no matter how hard I try I just don't have any talent for destructive spells like fire or lightning or anything, but I am proficient at something.

"Status ailment magic, mixed with a fast execution style. Preferably with a cutlass or a rapier."

Sir Makoto had to think about it for a second, "You are a quick bastard, but yeah I know a few french styles and your grandfather's Immortal Arts are a good fit for the cutlas… but the best weapon for that is the bastard sword, but you want fast so why not a katana?"

"A what?"

Again for the millionth time today he's looking at me like an idiot, "You didn't have one of the best sword styles in the world in your world?"

I've never heard of it. It might have existed at one point but I was never really into history until gramps started teaching me.

"What about the Immortal Arts? Can gramps teach me?"

Once again he's looking at me like I was stupid, "That look you keep giving me is pissing me off old man."

He sighed and said, "I guess it can't be helped, his style of teaching has always been lacking in information. Which is strange considering he loves hearing himself talk."

I was surprised to hear him actually talk bad about his king but you can't always defend the people you love.

"Kid, he has been teaching you the Immortal Arts. I saw it just last week, he was teaching you how to do 'Repulse Fire.' He didn't tell you he was teaching you his ultimate moves?"

I looked back at his bright red eyes in the darkness, slightly surprised and confused. How was I supposed to know that he was teaching me valuable martial arts?

"I'll talk to him about upping your training and introducing you to Iaidō. That will help you draw your blade quicker among other things and…Taidō. Taidō Is supposed to help you clear your mind and it's also good for cultivating energy, and I will teach you Aikido."

I didn't know what any of those were or what they meant but I was looking forward to really upping my game. I have been practicing advanced martial arts for years now but I'll finally start learning the big stuff.

"Hmm, your grandfather has been teaching you 'Water God Style' so I'll talk to him about teaching you the other two branches."

"What are the other two?"

"There are three styles and when they are combined they are called the 'Immortal Arts.' First is called 'Water God Style, second is 'Sword God Style' and third is 'War God Style.'"

It doesn't sound all that confusing? Why is it called the Immortal Arts then? Does it make you Immortal if you completely master it? Now that I think about it, I have been learning only one sword style for my whole life now.

"You've only begun with the basics so it would be best if you began learning now."

"The basics?! What do you mean?"

Sir Makoto started laughing eerily, mixed with the dark of the night and his glowing red eyes, what he said next sounded particularly menacing.

"Normal martial arts aren't good enough in a world of magic, you'll need to begin learning how to harness magic, cast magic, use special techniques to detect hidden enemies, and deal with aerial combat. That includes you flying as well. A group of people could take you from any and all sides if they felt like it. Above, behind and even below you."

I was left reeling in shock. I was definitely not looking forward to the future training I would have to endure but the future results were certainly tempting.

"I don't know if I should be excited or scared for my future. All I know is that it's been a long day and I could use a rest. Good night Master."

"Good night kid."

I got up and headed to my room to go to sleep when I realized that I had told King Del to sleep in my bed. Good thing I pointed him in Sir Makoto's room.

All and all, it was a good day. Good night world.