I led them inside and guided them to a table near the counter.
The butler tried to remain standing, but at Erika's request he finally sat down. I sat across from them.
"So, shall we start with the skill discussion?"
"…Yes, please."
"It's not that complicated. What's the highest number of mock battles you've done against the same opponent?"
"Let's see… I don't think it's even reached twenty."
"Then, have you ever used 'this' on yourself?"
I took out a transparent crystal orb about the size of my palm from the magic pouch at my waist and showed it to Erika.
"Is that a Dolpel…?"
"Bingo."
"…How did you manage to buy one?"
I gave her another wry smile. Yeah, it was expensive. I never imagined it would cost three gold coins.
Ten copper coins make one silver coin, ten silver coins make one large silver coin, ten large silver coins make one gold coin, and ten gold coins make one platinum coin.
Commoners usually only use up to large silver coins. Gold coins are used when buying houses or land, and platinum coins are basically only handled by nobles and big merchants.
Still, I had no choice but to pay that high price for the Dolpel. I absolutely needed it.
Its effect was to create a clone of yourself with the exact same strength so you could fight it. However, due to the limits of the magic tool, once you reached a certain point the Dolpel would stop mimicking you properly. After that it just became a one-sided slaughter against a weaker version of yourself, so most people stopped using it.
"May I touch it? I don't quite remember how it works."
I nodded and handed her the Dolpel.
When touched, the Dolpel displayed the number of battles fought with it. In other words, it was a magic tool made specifically for acquiring skills — by fighting yourself.
"Ninety-nine times."
"You've been training quite a lot. Which means you don't have any skills yet… am I right?"
"…It feels annoying to show you my hand, but no, I don't."
"Then go fight it one more time."
"???"
Erika made a clearly displeased face. I smiled and replied.
This time she tilted her head and stared hard at my face with a puzzled look.
Seriously, what a perfectly convenient number to stop at. With this, I wouldn't need any long, troublesome explanations or persuasion.
Looking genuinely reluctant, Erika stood up and left the tavern with her butler.
While they were gone, I figured I might as well help out in the shop.
I was carrying drinks and food to the adventurers when the tavern door suddenly burst open and Erika came rushing in. Spotting me, she hurried over with her chest bouncing.
"Instructor Raide!? Why? How did you know!?"
"From that reaction, it looks like you got the skill. Congratulations."
"Thank you. No, that's not it— why…!"
"Why don't we sit down and talk calmly?"
Before I knew it, Nimi was standing beside us. She smiled gently and pointed toward the table we had been sitting at earlier.
"You must be thirsty. I'll bring some drinks over."
"…I'm sorry for losing my composure."
"No problem. Please wait at the table."
Erika headed back to the table looking embarrassed. I followed behind her with a light chuckle.
She's surprisingly expressive. My opinion of her just went up.
Once she sat down, the butler quietly handed her a towel from the side. She accepted it and gently wiped the sweat and dirt from her face. Watching her, I thought:
Is she really sixteen? She's way too seductive.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Is a fruit-based drink okay?"
"Yes, thank you."
"…Raide-san, you need to treat your students with care, alright?"
"I am treating them with care…"
I smiled awkwardly and shifted my gaze from Nimi, who was returning to the kitchen, to Erika.
What's with that exasperated look?
Erika took a sip of the fruit drink, her eyes widening in surprise. She took another sip.
She'll probably complain, but let's keep moving. Sorry about this, Erika.
"Eh, why is it cold!?"
"You get a skill after doing 100 mock battles against the same person."
"The drink is cold—"
"Nobles have many skill users because they own Dolpels. They gain the skill by fighting themselves 100 times."
"…The drink can wait! But why isn't this known? The kingdom's knight order trains every day!"
"Because it only works in one-on-one battles against the same person, and you can only gain one skill per person."
"…From the way you explain it, it sounds like people can hold multiple skills?"
Erika pressed a hand to her forehead as if she had a headache.
Yeah, figured.
I called out to one of the adventurers noisily enjoying himself at the next table.
"Hey, mind if I ask something?"
"What is it, Instructor? You drinking tonight?"
"Nah, not today. How many skills do you have?"
"…And who's the young lady?"
"She's one of my students. Problem?"
"If she's the Instructor's student, then it's fine! I've got two! Thanks to you, Instructor!"
He gave my shoulder a few hearty slaps, laughed cheerfully, and returned to his friends.
I looked at Erika, who was staring in a daze at the adventurer's words, and spoke with a small laugh.
"That's how it is."
"…My head hurts."
"So? I'm giving you special treatment, aren't I?"
"It's too much… At this rate, I'm the one ending up in debt…"
"Nah, we're even. There are a few things I'd like your help with too… Well, quite a few, actually."
"…There's so much information, I need time to organize my thoughts."
"Tomorrow's a day off from the academy anyway. Want to come shopping with me?"
"…Understood. I'll come by tomorrow morning."
Erika stood up and headed for the exit. I walked her out as far as the entrance to the grounds.
Suddenly she turned to me, gave a graceful bow, and said:
"I hadn't thanked you yet."
"It's fine. More importantly, next time bring something to wear over your uniform, okay? Whether it's on purpose or not, you should be a little more aware of the stares you're getting, Erika."
"…I'll be careful."
Erika replied softly and walked off with her butler.
As I watched her back, I tilted my head.
It looked like her cheeks were faintly flushed.
Wait, seriously? She hadn't noticed? That's way too dangerous.
[Profile]
*Instructor Raide
Height 180 cm Age 29 Short brown hair
Sharp facial features.
Muscular build. Because it matches his height, he doesn't give a bulky impression.
His body is covered in old war scars.
The wounds have fully healed with no aftereffects, but the scars remain.
He has no intention of removing them.