I Came Back but the World is Still a Fantasy!?

3-27: Consultation for the Future (1/5)

3-27: Consultation for the Future (1/5)

And so, we Garestonians have been armed since childhood. Even non-combatants are trained to some degree so they can defend themselves. Because of that our education puts a lot of emphasis on morals and ethics to prevent people from abusing their strength.

It was almost 6 already.

It was a bit later than usual, but they still held their question and answer after their spar.

Given their respective positions, it really looked like Frire was holding a class, but given who the student and the teacher were, it still looked strange since one was a regular class skipper while the other was in charge of teaching practical skills.

By the way, Frire immediately put on some clothes after their earlier exchange.

Had Shinichi said thats a pity, a water pillar would have surely risen up again.

Of course, not everyone behaves themselves, but at least only a few abuse their strength for mischief and crime.

Todays question and answer revolved around which class of people from Garesto was armed and what kind of weapon they were armed with.

Frire couldnt give specific details given her position, but she still answered Shinichis question.

The topic gradually moved on to the resolve to use a weapon, but neither minded.

After all, while their exchange might look like a class, it wasnt really one, so it wasnt strange for them to change the topic depending on interest.

That upbringing is particularly harsh with nobles. It cant be helped since we nobles have to stand in the front lines with our powerful weapons, but the noble style of education I received after general education was really dreadful.

The Doneju Family was also one of the Ten Great Nobles just like the Padyuel Family; hence, Teacher Frire has also received that upbringing.

She had that thousand-mile look on her face, but considering how deep of an impression the nobles education left on her, its not really hard to imagine how fierce it must have been.

It was so scary it could be likened to the fear of standing witness to a bloody event, Frire muttered in an exhausted voice.

Is that alright? I mean you nobles are in charge of protecting people, right?

Its necessary in order to implant into us the resolve to fight when the time calls for it. Its necessary for us to be able to carry out our duties Or at least that seems to be justification for it.

Garestonian nobles were taught to refrain from needless violence in normal life, but when the need arose, they had to be able to fight without hesitation.

The children going to this school still didnt have that balance, and Frire herself was a special case, so she couldnt really speak for others with certainty.

I see, so because you were taught in such a half-ass manner, your urge for violence is needlessly strong.

W-Wrong! I just want to fight against someone strong. Its fun coming up with a way to win, and Anyway! The point is I dont want to fight just because of some uncontrollable urge!!

Hmm, is that so?

Frire vehemently denied having an uncontrollable urge for violence, but Shinichi only looked at her coldly.

Just what did this girl think she was saying? Didnt she attack him from behind before?

Shinichi didnt ask that question out loud, but Frire could feel the question boring into her from his eyes, causing her to grow smaller and smaller.

Uu, w-well it is true that I dont have any interest or talents other than swinging my sword. The Doneju Family doesnt have that noble aura about them like the Padyuel Family does since we were formerly a martial arts sect. Our family focuses more on bringing up soldiers who could protect the country rather than making us more noble-like.

It was embarrassing seeing her grasp at straws just to make excuses for herself.

Not being able to do anything but fight was probably a kind of complex for her.

People who yearn for that talent probably cant understand, but this kind of behavior isnt really that uncommon for those who already have said talent.

After all, the grass is always greener on the other side, and it remains so despite knowing that piece of truth.

Shinichi himself had similar worries, so he didnt pursue the matter.

From what I hear, it was because you kept swinging your sword like that that someone high up in the army took notice of youand treated you like a direct disciple and enlisted you. From then on you were like a fish that found water, and you even came to be known as a Sword Saint.

Shinichi confirmed in a monotonous voice, but Frire only sighed as if she couldnt be more tired of that history.

Stop it. I might enjoy fighting, but I dont really enjoying standing out. But despite that the people around me just kept praising me as a Sword Saint or the next general. Because of that the higher ups threw all the PR work to me. Seriously, it was such a hassle.

Im sure your reputation wasnt the only reason, but You have my condolences.

Seeing the face she was making, she mustve really hated it, so Shinichi sympathized with her earnestly.

But with her beautiful white hair that stood out among the colorful hair of the Garestonians, her beautiful face accompanied by a style poisonous to young men, and strength enough to be recognized by the people around her despite her age, it was only natural that she would be chosen as the armys messenger. Unfortunately, she didnt seem to realize those points.

I know its important work. I also understand the value of the Doneju name, but enough is enough. And yet despite me pleading to be sent back to normal duties

They wouldnt let you, huh.

Frire nodded.

It mightve been because neither the terrorists nor the raybeasts were an issue at the time, but her superiors just kept dodging her requests, and her frustrations just kept on piling up.

She was a part of the military, so combat was always at hand. Because of that no one really noticed her tendency to be a battle maniac, and no one also noticed that her frustrations were piling up.

It was then that I heard about my older brother leaving our hometown to become a teacher at Kutoria. I was already being alienated at the best of times anyway, so you know I was like I dont care anymore! and left.

In other words, she applied to be discharged from the army on the spur, and even half-threatened them to acknowledge it.

After that she used her fame to apply to the school and became a practical skills teacher.

So you snapped and flew into a rage, and youre not even reflecting on it. Still, its pretty amazing when you take it this far, huh, brocon sensei?

UGU!

Shinichi smiled as he callously stabbed her with that nickname.

To this day the sudden retirement of Sword Saint Frire from the military and her new career as a teacher continues to call upon various rumors.

One theory was that she was tasked with defending the city and the school. Another argued that she was watching over someone important. There was even a theory that argued that her presence in Kutoria was meant to keep Earth in check. The theories were endless.

But who couldve ever expected that the real reason why that Sword Saint left was because of her love for her older brother and her dissatisfaction with her job.

Y-You! How could you look so innocent while making such harsh remarks!? I might be like this, but Ill have you know that Im actually worrying about a lot of things too!

Sure, sure Well, its a much better reason than mine though, thats for sure.

On the one hand, you had a woman who wanted to be with her family, on the other hand, you had a boy who wanted to run away from his family.

The very thought of comparing the two How impertinent, he chuckled to himself.

Hmm? Did you say something?

Nah, I was just wondering if hes really a man worth going that far for.

I dont think hes done anything to give you a bad impression, though.

Although she was obviously sulking, she still tried to act like a teacher by talking in such a roundabout way.

It was a bit late to be acting like a teacher, though.

Truth be told, Teacher Frank neither had a good reputation nor a bad reputation among the students.

He had a soft demeanor, but he was a teacher who wouldnt go beyond what was asked of him.

He wasnt someone to hate but he also wasnt someone to like.

Its hard to like a guy whos so openly jealous of his younger sister.

The way Shinichi saw it, that side of him was a huge demerit.

It was even enough to make him find the man unsightly.

He could more or less guess the situation, but it was not something he could come to terms with as an older brother himself.

So he really is jealous of me. I kind of knew about it, but having another person confirm it really hurts

As Frire sighed, she grasped at her chest.

Regardless of the reason why, it was evident that she truly yearned after her older brother.

I can lend you an ear if you need it. I am an older brother myself, after all.

If its him, then he might be able to understand the things she couldnt.

Fighting her may have been enough to fulfill their contract and receive her support, but it didnt really feel right, so Shinichi told her that.

A third party could offer a fresh perspective on a problem between siblings.

Oh, right. Youre an older brother too. Although in your case youre the younger one. It must be difficult.

She was understanding of his situation but also felt pity for him because of that.

As she showed a complicated expression, this time it was her turn to talk frivolously.

Shinichi became a little grumpy when she brought up a topic he was sensitive about a little tit for tat for Frire, and then she started talking.

Although she did find it a little strange to be looking for counsel from a student of hers, she didnt mind it too much since she couldnt consider someone she lost too so many times as someone beneath her.

In the past He was the kindest person in the family. He was the only one who seriously treated me.

She opened up little by little as if slowly recalling the details from her past.

She talked about who saved her, and who she hurt and drove away.

Even my sword which could be considered my raison detre was given to me by my older brother. No one at the Doneju Family expected anything from me. If my older brother hadnt invited me to train him, I probably would have never found my sword.

You trained together?

In secret. He acted as my instructor and we would practice our swings together and play together.

Frire smiled as she thought back to those times, but at the same time she looked somewhat sad.

Looking back on it, that might have actually been the period when we got along the best, she muttered.

At the time, he received harsh training and education everyday since he was considered the next head. But my older brother didnt like that and he always made a painful face. So I thought if I could become stronger myself, then I might be able to lessen his burden I was a fool.

And as luck would have it, thats when your talent bloomed, huh.

Yeah, it was a world of difference, she nodded.

Just as the older brother was finally starting to get some results after training for several days, the younger sister suddenly leaped 10 miles ahead. Whats more is that she leaped ahead in spite of doing only a little training that could be likened to playing around.