Side Story - 'Is the Mad Dog's Sword Heavy, or Sharp?'

　間話「狂犬の、剣は重いか鋭いか」

Chapter 132.5 Side Story - 'Is the Mad Dog's Sword Heavy, or Sharp?'

　北方大地が最西端。
　剣の聖地。
　この地には、戦いの歴史がある。

　現在、剣神流の総本山となっているこの地は、水神流が台頭していた時期があった。
　ほんの百年ほど前。
　ある代の水神が剣神と決闘し、この地を奪い取ったのだ。
　その水神はまた別の剣神に破れ、聖地は再度剣神流の手に渡ったが、それ以来、当代最強の剣士が、その流派が、居座って剣を教える場となったのである。

　最強の剣士に剣を教わる。
　あわよくば、最強の剣士を倒して、自分が最強となる。
　そんな野望を持つ剣士たちが憧れ、一度は訪れたいと思う地である。


　そんな地に、現在珍しい人物が訪れていた。
　それも、二人。

　片方は、六十を過ぎた程度。老婆だ。
　気難しげな表情をしているものの、全体的におっとりとした外見は人に安心感を与える。
　現在は旅姿であるものの、服装次第では安楽椅子に座り刺繍や編み物をしている姿が似合うであろう。

　その外見に似つかわぬものが一つ。
　老婆の腰に下げられた、一本の短めの剣である。
　そして、見るものが見れば、老婆の物腰に一切の隙が存在しないことを看破するだろう。
　相応の剣技を持つ者であれば、一見すると隙だらけの姿のどこに打ち込んでも、自分の剣が届かないことを見破るだろう。

　なにを隠そう、彼女こそが、水神『レイダ・リィア』である。
　水神流の奥義『剥奪剣』を極めし、当代最強の剣士の一人だ。

　そして、そのレイダに付き従うのが、一人の若い女だ。
　齢にして二十前後であろう彼女は、レイダと似た顔立ちをしていた。
　レイダと同じような旅姿で、腰にはやはり剣を帯びている。

The western edge of the Northern Lands.

The Holy Land of Swords.

This land had seen battle before.

This place that was presently the headquarters of the Sword God Style had seen for a time the prominence of the Water God Style. It was only 100 years ago. The Water God of a certain generation had duelled the Sword God and taken this land from him. That Water God himself had been defeated by another Sword God and the Holy Land returned to the hands of the Sword God Style. However, since then, this place had become the place where the strongest swordsman of the generation would stay and teach the sword.

To be taught by the strongest Swordsman. If possible, defeat the strongest swordsman and thus become the strongest yourself. To swordsmen who harboured these kind of wishes, this was a place that they would wish to visit at least once.

Right now, two unusual people arrived at this land.

One of them was a person who was older than 60. An old woman. Though she wore a difficult expression, she was someone whose whole appearance could bestow upon others a sense of ease. Though she was currently dressed as a traveller, were her clothes different, she wouldn't look out of place sitting in a soft chair, knitting or embroidering something.

There was just one thing that departed from that image; hanging at her hip was a single short sword. Moreover, if you looked carefully you'd realise that she didn't have a single opening. If you were a skilled swordsman, you could tell with a glance that no matter where you thrust your sword, it wouldn't meet its target.

To tell you the truth, she was the Water God 『Reyda Liia』 after all. Mastering the Water God Secret Art 『Sword of Deprivation』, she was one of those who could be called the 'strongest swordsman of the generation'.

The one who was accompanying Reyda was a young woman. She was 20 years old, give or take, and her looks resembled Reyda. She was wearing traveller's clothing like Reyda, and she too had a sword at her hip.

「お師匠様。ここが剣の聖地ですか？」
「そうともさ。あんたが行きたい、行きたいと言っていた、野獣どもの棲家だよ」
「緊張します」
「あんたは自分の技を信じればいい。剣神と戦うんでなければ、十分に通じるはずさね」
「はい。お師匠様」

　二人はそんな事を言いつつ、剣の聖地へと入っていく。
　剣の聖地、といわれている場所だが、一見すると普通の町である。
　宿屋があり、武器屋があり、冒険者ギルドがあり。
　冒険者がいて、商人がいて、誰もが忙しそうに歩き回っている。

　ただ、特異な点を一つあげるとするならば、町人のほぼ全てが剣神流の剣士であることだろう。
　そこらの細い腕をした町娘が、屈強な冒険者より腕の立つ事がありうるのだ。

"Oshishou-sama. Is this the Holy Land of Swords?"

"That's exactly right. It's the den of beasts that you kept saying you wanted to go to."

"I'm nervous."

"It'll be fine as long as you trust in your sword. As long as it isn't the Sword God you're up against, you're plenty a match for this place."

"Yes, Oshishou-sama."

While conversing, the two of them entered the Holy Land of Swords. Though it was called the Holy Land of Swords, at first glance it looked just like any other town. It had an inn, it had a weapons shop, and it had an adventurer's guild. There were adventurers, merchants, and they were all walking around busily.

However, if there was one thing strange about it, it was that all of the townsfolk were swordsmen of the Sword God Style. Even the townsgirls here and there with their slim arms were more possibly skilled than burly adventurers.

「まずは宿を？」
「必要ないさ、ガルの坊やのところに泊まらせてもらえばいい」

　レイダはそういいつつ、町中を抜けて、さらに町の奥へと進んでいく。
　ある程度進むと、冒険者や商人の姿は少なくなり、木刀を片手にした胴着姿の者や、道場のような場所が増えていく。
　道連れの女は、キョロキョロとものめずらしそうに見ていた、雪の中、寒そうな胴着姿でいる者たちがやや新鮮だったのだ。

"Shall we find an inn first?"

"There's no need; it'll be fine if we just stay at Gull-boy's place."

Saying this, Reyda left the town centre and continued walking further into the town. The further they walked, the fewer the adventurers and merchants became, and the more they would see people in thin clothing wielding wooden swords in dojos by the roadside. The girl that followed behind Reyda turned her head this way and that, regarding the sights as rather novel, and she felt that the people standing in the snow in cold-looking outfits were a fresh sight.

「お師匠様。こちらの人たちは寒いのに、随分薄着なのですね」
「剣神流は速く動けなきゃ、でくの坊だからね、寒くても重いものは身につけないのさ」
「暑くても厚着をする私達とは正反対。面白いですね」
「面白かないよ」

　レイダは道場になど目もくれず、一直線にさらに奥へと歩いていく。
　ある区画を過ぎると、道場も、家も、胴着姿の若者も、プッツリと姿を消した。
　一面の雪景色に、谷のような道が一本、続いているだけだ。
　その先には、塀に囲まれた、一軒の大きな道場があった。

　ここが剣の聖地の大本。
　剣神流の総本山となる、大道場である。

"Oshishou-sama. Though these people are cold, they're wearing very light clothing, aren't they?"

"Those of the Sword God Style that can't move quickly are good-for-nothings after all. Even if it's cold, they can't wear heavy things on their bodies."

"They're the opposite of us who wear thick clothes even when it's hot. It's interesting, isn't it?"

"It's not."

Without sparing a glance at the roadside dojos, Reyda walked straight ahead. After passing a certain point, whether it was the dojos, the houses, or the young people in light clothing, all of them had disappeared. All that remained was a single path that continued to cut through the snowy landscape like a valley. At the end of it was a house and a large dojo encircled by a wall.

This was the true body of the Holy Land of Swords. It was the great dojo that served as the headquarters of the Sword God Style.


---


　レイダ達が大道場の入り口までたどり着くと、丁度入り口から一人の女が出てくるところだった。
　長い髪を首の後ろでまとめた、凛とした表情をする女である。
　桶を手にしているところを見ると、水を汲みにいくところなのかもしれない。
　少女はレイダたちに気づくと、即座に桶を投げ捨て、腰の剣に手をかけて警戒をあらわにした。

Just as Reyda and her follower reached the entrance of the great dojo, a woman came out of it. Her long hair was tied behind her, and she bore a dignified expression. She had a bucket in her hand and looked as though she may have been going to fetch water. When she noticed the two of them, she immediately threw away the bucket and moved her hand to the sword at her waist in vigilance.

「当家にどのような御用でしょうか？」

　レイダは女の顔をまじまじと見ると、気難しげな顔を若干和らげた。

"Do you need something of us?"

After looking at the woman carefully, Reyda's difficult expression lessened a little.

「おお、ニナかい？　大きくなったねぇ」
「……？」

　レイダの言葉に女は訝しげな表情を作る。

"Ohh, Nina? You've gotten big, huh."

"...?"

At Reyda's words, the woman made a doubtful expression.

「ああ、覚えていないかい。仕方ないか、前にあった時はこんなに小さかったからねぇ……」

　懐かしげな表情をするレイダであるが、女――ニナ・ファリオンの記憶にはない。
　ただわかるのは、目の前の老婆がただならぬ人物であるという事だけだ。
　そして、隣にいる女もまた、ニナと同等か、それ以上の力を秘めているだろう事を見て取った。

"Ahh, don't you remember? There's no helping it I suppose. The last time we met, you were tiny after all."

Though Reyda looked like she was seeing something nostalgic, the woman, Nina Farion, had no recollection of her. All she understood was that the old woman in front of her was no ordinary person. And that the woman next to her was as strong as, or perhaps even stronger than Nina was.

「今日はあんたん所の大将に呼ばれてきたんだ。案内しておくれ」
「大将？」
「ガル・ファリオンだよ」

　ニナはその言葉に逡巡した。
　剣神ガル・ファリオンをたずねてくる者は多い。
　しかしその大半は、剣神の名を譲り受けんとする、思い上がった身の程知らずである。
　そうした相手を門前払いにするのも、ニナ達門弟の役割である。

"Today I've been called here by your boss. Guide us to him, would you?"

"Boss?"

"Gull Farion."

Nina hesitated at those words. There were many who sought out the Sword God, Gull Farion. However, the majority of them were a conceited lot who didn't know their places and sought to take the Sword God title themselves. Nina and the other disciples had the duty of turning them away.

「失礼ですが、名前を聞いてもよろしいでしょうか？」
「レイダだよ。レイダ・リィアだ。別にどこの何者かは、言わなくてもわかるだろう？」
「っ！　わかりました、こちらへどうぞ」

　だが名前を聞いた瞬間、ニナはレイダに対して一礼をして、門の中へと招いた。

　レイダ・リィアという名前を堂々と名乗れる者は、この世界に一人しかいない。
　水神流のトップ。
　水神だけが、レイダ・リィアと名乗れるのだ。

　あるいは名前を騙っている可能性をチラと考えたニナであったが、
　この老婆の物腰から底知れぬ何かを感じ取り、その考えを打ち消した。
　偽者であっても、相応に腕の立つ御仁であろう。

　レイダたちはニナに案内され、剣神流の敷地内へと足を踏み入れた。
　入り口からまっすぐに進み、雪国特有の段差のある玄関から中へと入る。

　玄関で雪を払い、ギィギィと軋む木張りの床を歩いていく。
　レイダは前を歩くニナを見つつ、ポツリと言葉を漏らした。

"It may be impolite, but may I ask for your name?"

"It's Reyda. Reyda Liia. You understand just which Reyda Liia I am, right?"

"-! I understand. Please come this way."

However, the moment Nina heard her name, she bowed once to her and brought her inside.

In this world, the was only one who could boldly declare themselves as Reyda Liia. They were the top of the Water God Style; only the Water God called herself Reyda Liia.

Though Nina had considered for a moment the possibility that it was someone lying about their name, she could sense something bottomless from this old woman and extinguished that thought. Even if this woman was an imposter, she was someone of great skill.

They were guided by Nina and entered the place of the Sword God Style. Typical of snowy countries, the genkan there had a height difference. There, they shook off the snow, and then continued walking. The floor was wooden and squeaky. Reyda walked ahead whilst looking at Nina, and suddenly commented,

"Though you're young, you're quite obedient and keen, aren't you? Have you become a Sword King yet?"

「若いのに随分と素直で鋭いね。剣王ぐらいにはなったかえ？」
「いえ、私などまだまだです」
「そうかえ、若手じゃ一番強いんだろうに謙虚な事だねぇ」
「一番速くはあるかもしれませんが、一番強いのは私ではありませんから」
「ほぉ。いい心構えだよ。剣神流の若者とは思えないぐらいだ」

　そんな会話をしつつ、三人は『当座の間』へとやってきた。
　そこには、一人の男が座っていた。
　瞑想でもするかのようにゆるく目を閉じて。

　レイダは刀を喉元に突きつけられたような感覚に陥る。
　レイダは三大剣術の頂点の一人『水神』であり、老齢でありながらもまだ全盛期となんら変わらない実力を持っていると自負している。
　だが、唯一この男の剣だけは受け流せまい。

　この男こそが、剣神ガル・ファリオンである。

"No, I'm still not there yet."

"I see. You're being humble despite probably being the strongest amongst the youngsters here, right?"

"Though I might be the fastest, I'm not the strongest."

"Ohhh? That's a good attitude. Good enough that I wouldn't think you were a youngster of the Sword God Style."

While making such conversation, the three of them arrived at the 『Space of the Present』.※ There sat a single man. As though meditating, his eyes were shut.

Reyda felt like a sword had been thrust at her throat. As one of the heads of the Three Great Sword Styles, the 『Water God』, even in her old age she boasted the same strength that she did in her prime. However, only this man's sword was unblockable for her.

For this man was the Sword God, Gull Farion.

[※Note: Yeah, idunno lol]

「レイダ・リィア様をお連れしました」
「来たか」

　ガル・ファリオンは薄く目を開けて、レイダを見た。
　隣にいる少女にもちらりと目をやったが、すぐに興味を失い、視線をそらした。

"I've brought Reyda Liia-sama."

"You've come."

Gull Farion opened his eyes a little and looked at Reyda. Though he glanced at the girl next to her, she immediately lost interest and looked away.

「遠路はるばる、よく来てくれたな。老骨に長旅は辛かったろうに」
「まったくだよ。けど、あんたがあたしに頭を下げるっていうから、物珍しくてつい来ちまった。どっこらしょっと」

　レイダは剣神の前へと歩き、腰を下ろした。
　どっこらしょと口では言っているものの、その動作は水のように流麗であった。
　そのやや後ろに、控えるようにニナと、レイダの連れの女が座った。

"You've travelled a very long way to come here. Such a long journey must have been tough on your old bones."

"It really was. But you bowed your head to me, so I came out of curiosity. Down we go..."

Reyda walked over to the Sword God and sat in front of him. Though she had said 'down we go', her movements were smooth like flowing water. A little distance behind her sat Nina who seemed to be waiting, and the woman Reyda had brought along.

「で、あたしは誰に何を教えりゃいいんだい？　そっちの子に水神流の奥義でも教えてやりゃあいいのかい？」

　レイダはニナを顎でさしながら、剣神にたずねる。

"So, who and what did you want me to teach? Is it fine if I teach this girl?"

Reyda gestured to Nina with her chin and asked the Sword God.

「まあ、素直そうな子だ。剣神流に向いているだろうが、水神の技も使えんことはないだろう」

　彼女は剣神より送られてきた一通の手紙を読んでこの地にやってきた。

"Well, she seems like a docile girl. Though she might be suited for the Sword God Style, it's not as if she wouldn't be able to use the Water God techniques."

She had read the letter from the Sword God and come to this land.

『一人の弟子を鍛えてほしい』
　そんな意味の書かれた手紙を、レイダは即座に破り捨てようとした。
　しかし、あの人に物を頼むことが嫌いな剣神ガル・ファリオンがわざわざ手紙まで書いた事に興味を持った。
　だが、それだけなら、アスラ王国の首都からはるばるここまで歩いては来ない。

『I want you to teach one of my disciples』
Normally Reyda would've torn up and thrown away such a letter. However, because the letter was from Sword God Gull Farion who hated relying on others, her interest was perked. However, were it only for such a reason, she wouldn't have come all the way from the Aslan capital.

「ただし、あたしの方からも条件があるよ」
「なんだ？」
「あんたが自分の弟子を育てて欲しいように、あたしの弟子にも剣神流の剣術を見せてやってほしい。教える必要はないからさ」

　レイダは自分の弟子が天狗になっていることも、憂いていた。
　アスラ王国の剣術指南でもある水神流は門弟も多いが、その才能を伸ばせるものは滅多にいない。
　レイダが今日つれてきた弟子はその滅多にいない一人であるが、同門に自分と同等の剣士がいないため、少々調子に乗っていた。
　修練は真面目にしているものの、目標もライバルもないため、ここ一年ほど、弟子が成長していないのをレイダは如実に感じ取っていた。

　この場につれてきたのは、弟子の鼻を折り、より大きな成長をさせるためである。
　たとえ剣神流の若手がイマイチで、自分の弟子の鼻が折れなくとも、剣神ガル・ファリオンの剣を受ける機会があれば、水神流にとって大きな経験値となるだろう。
　水神流という流派は、相手が強ければ強いほど、修行の効果が大きいのだから。

　そして、ガル・ファリオンが自分をここに呼びつけたのも、まったく同じことを考えているからだ、と思っていた。
　水神に剣を打ち込み、そのカウンターを身をもって知ることにより、より成長させようというのだろう、と。

"However, I have a condition."

"What?"

"Just as you wish for your own disciples to grow, I wish for you to show my disciple the Sword God Style. There's no need to teach her, so just that much is fine."

Reyda was sad over the fact that her disciple had grown arrogant. Amongst those learning swordsmanship in the Kingdom of Asla, there were many who were learning the Water God Style, however, few developed any ability. The girl Reyda had brought with her today was one of those few, and because there was no one equal to her amongst her fellow disciples, she had gotten a little carried away. Though she took her training seriously, because she had neither goal nor rival, Reyda had sensed that in this past year her disciple hadn't grown at all.

Reyda had brought her disciple here so that she would be brought down a notch, and because of that begin to make great growth again. Even if the youngsters of the Sword God Style weren't strong enough to humble her disciple, just battling the Sword God Gull Farion would be cause for great gains in EXP.※ After all, for those of the Water God Style, the stronger the training partner was, the larger the results of their training.

Moreover, Reyda thought that Gull Farion was thinking the same thing when he called her here. His disciple would cross swords with the Water God Style, and tasting the Water God counters with their own body, they'd be able to grow, she thought.

[※Note: Yes, he actually uses the term 'keikenchi']

「いいだろう、お安い御用だ」
「ふふん。なんだったら、うちの弟子とあんたんところの弟子で手合わせでもしようかい？」

　レイダは先手を取ってそう言った。
　ニナに、弟子の鼻っ柱を折ってもらおうという魂胆があった。
　このまま剣神と手合わせさせてもいいが、同じ年代の相手に鼻を折られた方が、より悔しいだろうと思ったのだ。

"That's fine. It's a cheap price to pay."

"Huhun.※ In that case, shall we have our disciples fight a bout?"

Reyda took the initiative and spoke those words. The aim behind those words was to have Nina take her disciple down a notch. Though it would also be fine to have the Sword God fight her, Reyda thought that being humbled by someone of the same generation would be more frustrating.

[※Note: I'm hoping that you guys know this by now, but this 'huhun' sound that I translate so often is like a chuckling sound.
Like, 'hm-hmph'. The way people normally chuckle/manly-giggle.]

「いいだろう。ニナ。エリスを呼んで来い」
「……わかりました」

　そのやり取りを聞いて、レイダは「おや？」と首をかしげた。
　先ほど入り口で出会って以来、ニナを鍛えるのだと思っていたのだ。

"That's fine. Nina, call Eris here."

"...Understood."

Seeing that exchange, Reyda went "Oh?" and tilted her head. Since meeting her at the entrance earlier, Reyda had thought that Nina would be the one she'd be training.

「あの、師匠」
「どうした？　はやくつれて来い」
「その、私も手合わせに参加してもいいでしょうか。水神流の剣士がどの程度か、興味がありますので」
「あぁ？　最初からそのつもりだ」

　ニナの願いに、剣神ガル・ファリオンはめんどくさそうに頷いた。

"Um, Shishou."

"What is it? Hurry up and bring her here."

"That is, would it be possible if I participated as well? I'm interest in how far the Water God goes, so..."

"Hah? I was gunna have you do that from the start."

The Sword God Gull Farion nodded at her request like it was a bother.

「！　ありがとうございます！　すぐにエリスを連れてきます」

　その返事を聞いて、ニナは一瞬だけ嬉しそうな顔をして、一礼をする。
　そして、すぐに道場を出て行った。

"! Thank you very much! I'll immediately bring Eris here."

Hearing his response, for just an instant a happy expression appeared on Nina's face, and then she bowed. She then left the dojo.


---


　その少女を見た時、レイダは己の肌が粟立つのを感じた。

　まるで道端で魔物に遭遇した時のような感覚。
　反射的に腰の剣に手が伸びそうになった。
　そんな無様な動きをしなかったのは、己の弟子が先に動いたからに他無い。
　弟子は警戒をあらわに腰の剣に手を掛けている、常に冷静たらねばならない水神流にふさわしくない動作だ。

The moment she saw that girl, Reyda's skin broke out in goosebumps.

It was almost like the feeling of encountering a monster on the roadside. She almost reflexively moved her hand to her sword. That she didn't do such an unsightly thing was for no reason other than the fact that her own disciple had moved first. The disciple openly displayed her vigilance by moving her hand to her sword; a movement unfitting of a Sword God Style exponent, who was supposed to always remained composed.

「エリス。このばあさんが、これからお前に水神流についてあれこれと教えてくれる」
「……よろしく」

　エリスは不機嫌そうな表情を隠しもせず、しかし頭は下げた。

"Eris. This granny is the person who'll be teaching you about the Water God Style from now on."

"...I'll be in your care."

Eris didn't hide the displeasure on her face, but she bowed.

（まるで野獣だね……）

　レイダは、エリスの瞳の奥に眠る、餓えた獣のごとき激情を感じ取っていた。
　そのような激情を持った者に、受身たる水神流を教えても、習得は出来まい。
　このような人物は、最初から水神流の門を叩いたりはしない。

(She's like a wild beast, huh...)

Reyda could sense violent emotions like that of a hungry beast, sleeping in the depths of Eris' eyes. Even if she taught a person with such emotions the defensive Water God Style, they wouldn't be able to learn it. A person like that wouldn't have knocked on the doors of the Water God Style in the first place.

「悪いけどね、ガルの坊や、この小娘には水神流は向いてないよ。時間の無駄さね」
「んなこたーわかってる」

　剣神ガル・ファリオンは大仰に頷いた。

"I'm sorry, but Gull-boy, this lass isn't suitable for the Water God Style you know. It'd be a waste of time."

"I already get something like that."

Sword God Gull Farion nodded exaggeratedly.

「じゃあ、何を教えろってんだい」
「何にも教えなくていいさ。ただ、水神流として相手してくれりゃいい」
「ふぅん」

　レイダはそのやり取りで、剣神ガル・ファリオンが何を目的としているのかを悟った。
　つまり、このエリスという少女に『水神流の対処法』を実地で学ばせたいのだ。
　しかし、その理由については思い至らない。

　確かに、水神流との対戦経験は学んでおいでも損のないものであろう。
　が、しかしわざわざ自分を呼びつける理由はない。
　才能ある剣神流の高弟であるなら、そんじょそこらの水神流の反応速度を上回る斬撃を放つのは、そう難しいことではない。
　水神流の技を知るより、剣神流の技をより研ぎ澄ませた方が、対策としては上手だろう。
　攻撃を放つ相手がいなければロクに修行もできない水神流と違い、剣神流は相手が誰であろうと先手を取り倒す流派なのだから。

　水神流との対戦経験をつませるという事はつまり、将来的に水神流の誰かと戦う可能性があることを、示唆しているとレイダは考えた。
　そして、剣神がそこまでしなければ勝てないと思うような水神流剣士の心当たりは、一人しかいない。

"In that case, what is it that I'm supposed to teach?"

"I don't want you to teach her anything. It's fine as long as you give her an opponent of the Water God Style."

From their exchange, Reyda had grasped Sword God Gull Farion's objective. In other words, he wanted the girl called Eris to practise and learn 『ways of coping with the Water God Style』. However, Reyda couldn't understand why he wanted this. Certainly it wouldn't be a loss to gain experience in dealing with those of the Sword God Style. However, there was no need to call her all the way out here for such a thing. As long as it was a talented disciple of the Sword God Style, it wouldn't be that hard for them to let loose a slash at a speed faster than the reaction time of an average Water God Stylist.

Rather than learning the techniques of the Water God Style, for a North God Stylist it would probably be a better countermeasure to simply hone their own techniques. After all, unlike the Water God Style that couldn't be learned properly without a fitting opponent, the Sword God Style was a style that focused on taking the initiative and speedily grasping victory, regardless of the opponent.

To gain experience in fighting the Water God Style specifically suggests that he plans at some point to have her fight someone of the Water God Style, thought Reyda. And there was only one Water God Stylist who the Sword God didn't think could be won against without going to such lengths.

「なんだい、この獣にあたしを暗殺でもさせるつもりなのかい？」
「まさか、放っておけばおっちぬばあさんを殺してどうするってんだ」
「じゃあ、教えておくれよ、なんであたしはこの子に水神流のことを教えてやんなきゃいけないんだい？　一体、誰の相手をさせるつもりなんだい？」

　そういうと、剣神はニヤリと獰猛な笑みを浮かべた。

"What, are you planning on having this beast assassinate me or something?"

"Goodness, no. What use would there be in killing an old lady who would croak on her own?"

"In that case, tell me what you're thinking. Why do you need me to teach her the Water God Style? Just who on earth is she planning to fight?"

At these words, the Sword God made a broad and vicious grin.

「そこのエリスは、龍神オルステッドを倒したいんだとよ」
「なんと……オルステッドを」

　レイダの顔に大きな動揺が浮かんだ。
　彼女も、かの御仁のことはよく知っていた。
　その強さも、そして、なぜか水神流の技を使えるという事も。

"Eris over there wants to defeat the Dragon God Orsted."

"Goodness... Orsted?"

Reyda's face showed great agitation. She too, knew very well of that personage. She knew too of his strength, and that for some reason he could use the techniques of the Water God Style.

「龍神とは、そりゃ、大きく出たね。出来ると思ってるのかい？」
「俺は出来ると思っている。エリスもな」
「そうかい、そうかい。そりゃいいね。自信があるってのは何よりだ」

　嘘か真かわからない。
　七大列強第二位『龍神』を倒すなど、冗談にしか思えない話だ。
　しかし、剣神の自信ある表情と、エリスの当然といった顔が、妙に説得力を伝えてきた。

　そしてレイダは、本気でやるのであれば面白い、とすら思った。

"The Dragon God? That's quite a grandiose attitude you're taking. Do you think she can do it?"

"I think she can. Eris does too."

"I see, I see. That's fine then. Self-confidence is more important than anything."

She didn't know if he was lying or telling the truth. Saying that they wanted to take down the 『Dragon God』, second of Seven Major World Powers, could be seen as nothing but a joke. However, the Sword God had a confident expression, and Eris was making a face like it was natural, and together they had a strange persuasiveness to them.

Additionally, Reyda thought nothing except that it'd be interesting if they did it for real.

「けどね、剣神。あたしは才能のない奴に教えるのはまっぴらゴメンなんだ。まずはうちの弟子とやらせて、圧倒できるようになったら、あたしがあれこれ教えるのを考えてもいい」

　一石二鳥、いや三鳥の考えである。
　自分の弟子の傲慢を打ち砕き、自分の弟子に剣神流との対戦経験を与え、かつなにやら面白い催し物に参加する。
　そんな事に、心が躍った。
　レイダは水神流であるが、その前に一人の剣士なのだ。

"But you know, Sword God. I haven't the faintest intention of teaching someone with no talent. First have her fight a bout with my student, and if she's strong enough to overwhelm her, then I don't mind teaching her this or that."

It was killing two birds with one stone. No, it was killing three birds, she thought. Her student would have her arrogance crushed, and gain experience in fighting with the Sword God Style. If she somehow won, then it'd just have been participating in something funny and amusing. At such prospects, her heart leap. Though Reyda was of the Water God Style, she was first and foremost a swordswoman.

「そういうわけだよ、イゾルテ。相手をしてやりな」

　水神の弟子。
　イゾルテと呼ばれた女が立ち上がる。

"That's how it is, Isolte. Have a round with her."

The Water God's disciple. The woman called Isolte stood up.

「話は聞いておりました。『水王』イゾルテ・クルーエルと申します。以後、お見知りおきを」

　それに対応し、ニナとエリスもまた。イゾルテに向かい合う。

"I was listening to your conversation. I am the 『Water King』 Isolte Cruel. Please to make your acquaintance."

At that, Nina and Eris did as well. They faced Isolte.

「『剣聖』ニナ・ファリオンです。よろしくお願いします」
「……エリス・グレイラット」

　女三人よれば姦しい。
　そんな言葉のにつかわぬ三人が、それぞれ、道場の隅にある木刀を手にする。

"I'm the 『Sword Saint』 Nina Farion. I'll be in your care."

"...Eris Greyrat."

'Three women make a market'. Though there's a saying like that, it didn't fit these three, and each one of took a wooden sword from the corner of the dojo.

「師匠に言われて仕方なく相手をしてあげますけど……聖級ごときで私を圧倒できるなどとは、思わないでくださいね」

　イゾルテは、口元に手を当てて、二人にだけ聞こえるように、ぽそりと言った。

"Since Shishou says so, I'll abide, but... I don't think that someone of the Saint rank would be able to overpower me."

With her hand to her mouth, Isolte mumbled as if only Reyda could hear her.

「……そうですね。お手柔らかにお願いします」
「ふん……」

　イゾルテの安い挑発は、剣神流の天才剣士の燃えやすい心に、あっさりと火をつけた。

"...That's true. Please go easy on me." said Nina.

"Hmph..."

Eris snorted.

Isolte's cheap provocations easily stirred up the Sword God Style genius who was easily fired up.


---


　一時間後。
　エリスは道場の真ん中に倒れていた。

One hour later, Eris was collapsed in the dead centre of the dojo.

「はぁ……はぁ……」

　その目は見開かれ、息は荒い。
　彼女は、イゾルテに完膚なきまでに叩きのめされた。
　エリスの剣は、イゾルテに一切触れることはなかった。

　現在、エリスの剣はこの道場の中でも十本の指に入る速度を誇る。
　孤独な素振りによって研ぎ澄まされたその一撃はギレーヌに迫るレベルの鋭さと重さを誇り、独自のリズムから放たれる一撃は回避を困難とする。
　さらにそこに北神流の技も加わり、エリスの戦闘力はそこらの剣聖を遥かに凌駕しているはずだった。

　しかし、イゾルテはエリスの攻撃全てを受け流し、カウンターを合わせた。
　３０分にも満たぬ手合わせの中で、エリスは三桁に近い回数、死んだ。

"Haa... Haa..."

Her eyes opened, and her breathing was wild. She had been completely beaten down by Isolte. Eris' sword hadn't touched Isolte even once.

Eris' sword boasted a speed that was in the top 10 even in this dojo. Because of her solo practice swings, her swings boasted speed and strength that approached Ghislaine's, and because of the rhythm particular to her, it was difficult evading even one of her strikes. Furthermore, once the techniques of the North God Style were added in, Eris' strength far surpassed any ordinary Sword Saint.

However, Isolte had completely parried all of Eris' strikes, and met her with counters. Only 30 minutes into the match, were they using real swords, the number of times Eris would have died approached three digits.

「…………」

　そんなエリスの隣には、イゾルテが倒れていた。
　エリスを倒し、勝ち誇っていたイゾルテを圧倒したのは、ニナであった。
　所詮、剣神流など速度と勢いだけの野蛮な剣、洗練された水神流の技を破れるはずがない。
　ニナは、そんなイゾルテの思いあがりを、あっさりと打ち破ったのだ。

　ニナの放った斬撃はイゾルテに反応を許さず、その側頭部に吸い込まれた。
　結果、イゾルテはあっさりと昏倒した。
　たった一撃で。

"..."

Next to Eris lay Isolte. After Eris' defeat, the one who overwhelmed the triumphant Isolte was Nina.

'In the end, a savage style with only speed and power like the Sword God Style can never break through the techniques of the refined Water God Style.'

Nina easily crushed Isolte's conceited thoughts.

Nina's strike flew at Isolte without mercy, and as if sucked in, struck her in the temple. The result was that Isolte was thorougly defeated. It only took one strike.

「これは面白い結果になったな」

　そういったのは、道場の上座にて座る剣神ガル・ファリオンである。

"The result was pretty interesting, huh."

The one who said that was the one sitting at the head seat of the dojo, Sword God Gull Farion.

「……」

　ニナは剣神に対し、深く一礼した。
　面白い結果、と言った。
　この人物は自分が最後に勝つとは思っていなかったのだろう。
　そんな落胆にも似た思いはあったが、自分の成長を出せる場面を得て、嬉しい思いもあった。
　ニナもまた、勝利の快感というものは好きであるから。

"..."

Nina gave a deep bow to the Sword God. He had said that it was an interesting result. He had probably not thought that she would win, even until the end. Though Nina had some discouraging thoughts like that, having been given the type of setting that allowed her to show her growth, Nina was happy as well. Nina too, enjoyed the feelings of victory.

「面白くもなんともない結果さね」

　そう言ったのはレイダである。
　彼女は、この結果を、当然と見ていた。
　むき出しの殺気を隠そうともしない野獣は、水神流にとってはカモである。
　確かにエリスは強いだろう。
　それだけのポテンシャルを秘めている。
　しかし、それだけではダメなのだ。
　闘志の塊のようであり、戦いの申し子のような存在であっても、水神流は倒せないのだ。

　対して、ニナとイゾルテの戦いの結果も、レイダにとっては当然であった。
　ニナはあの年で、あれだけの技を持ちながら、うぬぼれていない。
　恐らく、あのエリスという少女の存在が、慢心を許さないのだろう。
　そして、慢心せずに修行をした結果が、慢心で修行に手を抜いていたイゾルテを倒すに至った。

　ニナの斬撃はエリスと比べて、特別に速いというわけではなかった。
　むしろ、小指の先一本分の差で遅い。
　重さに関しては、エリスの方が圧倒的に上だろう。

　だが、それは感情の乗らない斬撃だった。
　一切の殺気はなく、感情の予備動作すら無い状態から一閃。
　イゾルテは、殺気どころか、攻撃しようとする意思すら感じ取れなかったに違いあるまい。

"The result wasn't interesting or anything else."

The one who said this was Reyda. To her, this conclusion was natural. A beast that didn't even try to conceal its bloodlust was like a sitting duck to the Water God Style. Eris was certainly strong. She had potential. As a bundle of fighting spirit, she was like a heaven sent child when it came to battles, but even so, she couldn't defeat the Water God Style.

As for the fight between Nina and Isolte, the result of this too, was obvious to Reyda. Even at that age, with that much ability, Nina wasn't conceited. It was probably that because of that Eris girl that Nina had no room to become conceited. The result of training without being conceited was that she was able to defeat Isolte, who on the contrary trained with conceit.

Comparing Nina's slashes to Eris', they weren't especially fast. On the contrary, they were just a tiny bit slower. When it came to the heaviness of their strikes, Eris' ability to overwhelm was probably higher.

However, Nina's strike was a strike that wasn't fuelled by her emotions. There was no bloodlust at all; without even preparing her emotions, a single strike. Let alone bloodlust, Isolte couldn't even sense any intent to strike.

「しかし、結果としては良好さね。
　どうするね、あんたはあたしに水神流の技を習うかね？」

　そう聞かれ、ニナは少し考えるそぶりを見せたが。
　やがて首を振った。

"However, the results were satisfactory, weren't they? How about it? Do you want to learn Water God techniques from me?"

Being asked that, Nina showed that she was thinking about it for a little, but in the end she shook her head.

「いえ、私は、剣神流を極めようと思っていますので」
「そうかい、そうかい。それがいいよ」

　レイダは面白そうに笑った。

"No, I intend to master the Sword God Style."

"I see, I see. That's fine."

Reyda laughed with interest.

「ガルの坊や。じゃあ、こうしようか。しばらく、この三人に合同で稽古をさせて、互いに切磋琢磨させるというのは」
「そうだな。水王ごときに負けているようでは、話にもならんだろう」
「うちの弟子も、すぐ上の目標があれば、また勤勉にもなるだろうからねぇ」

　剣神と水神の話し合いの結果。

　エリスはイゾルテを倒せるまで。
　イゾルテはニナを倒せるまで。
　同じ目線で、互いに悪い点を指摘し合わせることで、成長が見込めるだろう、という結論が出た。

"Gull-boy. How about this? For a while we'll have these three train with each other, and have them improve themselves together."

"Yeah. She probably has nothing to say, losing to someone like a Water King."

"Our kid as well might become hardworking again if she has a target right above her."

The result of the discussion between the Sword God and Water God was as follows:

Eris would train until she could defeat Isolte. Isolte would train until she could defeat Nina. As they had the same goal in mind, and would point out each other's weak points, some growth could probably be expected. It was that kind of conclusion.

「……ニナ、お前はそれでいいか？」
「構いません」

　ニナは頷いた。
　確かに、興味本位で今回の件に首を突っ込んだ。
　水神流の高弟と切磋琢磨する事は、自分にとってもプラスとなるだろう。
　ニナは勝った。
　しかし、イゾルテやエリスが自分より格下であるとは思っていなかった。
　そして、同格の者と競い合うことの相乗効果についても、自身の身をもって知っていた。
　エリスがいなければ、自分はイゾルテに勝てなかっただろう、という思いがあったのだ。

"...Nina, are you fine with this?"

"I'm fine with it."

Nina nodded. Certainly she had only gotten involved this time out of curiosity. Bettering herself with the best disciple of the Sword God Style would probably be a plus for her as well. Nina had won. However, Nina didn't feel that Isolte or Eris were below her. Furthermore, she understood the benefits of competing firsthand; had Eris not been here these past few years, she probably couldn't have won against Isolte, she thought.

「よし。じゃあそうするか。午前はいつもどおり師に付き、日が下がり始めたら、三人で集まり、互いに修行をしろ」
「はい」
「……わかったわ」

　ニナは静かに頷き、エリスもまた、倒れたまま返事をした。
　イゾルテは気絶したままだが、レイダは文句を言わせるつもりは無かった。

　こうして、エリスの対水神流の修行が始まった。

"Alright. I guess that's how we'll be doing it. In the morning follow your own teacher as usual, then once the sun starts to fall, the three of you gather and train together."

"Yes."

"...Got it."

Nina nodded silently, and Eris as well answered as well while still prone. Though Isolte lay unconscious, Reyda had no intention of voicing any complaints.

Like this, Eris's Anti-Water God Style training began.


---


　一ヶ月後。
　奇妙な三すくみができていた。

　エリスはニナに勝ち。
　ニナはイゾルテに勝ち。
　イゾルテはエリスに勝つ。

　彼女らは、それぞれがそれぞれの修行をしつつ、一日に何度か手合わせをしては、意見を交換しあった。
　イゾルテは、エリスの弱点をすぐに看破した。

One month later.

A strange three way deadlock had formed.


Eris beat Nina.

Nina beat Isolte.

Isolte beat Eris.


While each of them would still do their own training, each day they would face each other a number of times, exchanging their opinions. Isolte immediately pinpointed Eris' weakness.

「エリスさんは殺気を出しすぎなんです。私達水神流は、殺気に敏感ですから、攻撃が来るとわかればすぐに構える事ができます」
「そんな事言われても、わからないわ。どうすればいいのよ」

　エリスは、イゾルテの言葉は素直に聞いた。
　自分勝手で凶暴と思われがちであるが、エリスは自分が強くなる方法に関しては貪欲であった。

"You let out too much killing intent, Eris-san. We of the Water God Style can read killing intent, so if we know an attack is coming, we can prepare our stance."

"Even if you tell me that, I don't get it. Just what am I supposed to do?"

Eris obediently listened to Isolte's words. Though she was as self-centred and violent as she seemed, Eris was a person who coveted ways to strengthen herself.

「そうですね……ニナさんは、攻撃する前にほとんど殺気を出していませんけど、どうしていますか？」
「どうと言われても……最速で剣を走らせれば勝てるんだから、殺気なんて出さなくてもいいでしょう？」

　ニナはむしろ、エリスがどうして普段から殺気をまき散らしているのかが不思議だった。
　敵がいないのに張り詰めすぎてどうするのだろう、普段は楽にした方がいいんじゃないか、そんな事を思うのだ。

"Let's see... Though you let out almost no killing intent before you strike, Nina-san, how do you do it?"

"Even if you ask me how... Since you'll win as long as your sword is the faster one, there's no need for stuff like bloodlust, right?"

On the contrary, it was a mystery to Nina why Eris was at all times, spilling bloodlust everywhere.

'If there's no enemy, what's the point getting so worked up? Wouldn't it be better to be relaxed normally?'

Nina's thoughts were along these lines.

「わからないわ」
「そうね、じゃあ。毎日お風呂に入って、体を洗って、ご飯たべて、温かい布団で例の大好きな彼の事でも考えながらぐっすり寝てみなさいよ」
「なによそれ。ルーデウスの事は関係ないでしょう」
「ああ……もう、最後のは冗談よ、とにかくそれ以外の事をやって。臭いし不健康そうだし、見てられないのよ」
「……………わかったわ」

　エリスとしては、己の張り詰めた糸を斬りたくはなかった。
　修行すればするほど、記憶にある龍神オルステッドが途方も無い強さである事わかってきたからだ。
　目の前のイゾルテが使うのと同じ技をオルステッドは使った。
　しかし、イゾルテのそれよりも遥かに高度で、精度の高い技であった。
　水王よりも、外様であるオルステッドの方が、である。

"I don't get it." spoke Eris

"Let's see. Then how about making it a daily habit to get in the bath, wash your body, eat properly, and to think about that beloved guy that you mentioned while lying in a warm futon before sleeping properly?"

"What the heck. Rudeus has nothing to do with it, right?"

"Yeah... Geez, the last one was a joke. Anyway, just do the above. You stink, and you look ill, and it's really unsightly."

"...Got it."

Eris herself didn't want to stretch herself so much that she would snap. The more she trained, the more she understood that the Dragon God Orsted in her memories held ludicrous power. Isolte who was just in front of her used the same techniques as Orsted did. However, those were techniques far, far greater and more precise than Isolte's. The outsider Orsted surpassed the Water King in these techniques.

「はぁ、なんで私はこんなのに勝てないのかしら。自信なくすわ」

　ニナは大仰にため息をついた。
　彼女は剣神ガル・ファリオンの提唱する、合理的な訓練を毎日続けている。
　合理的に体を鍛え、合理的な食事を取り、合理的な毎日を送る。
　それなのに、明らかに合理的でないエリスに勝つことが出来なかった。

"Hahhh, why can't I win against such a person? I'll lose my confidence."

Nina let out a huge sigh. At the advice of the Sword God, Gull Farion, she spent everyday continuing a rational training programme. She rationally trained her body, rationally ate meals, and spent each day rationally. Despite all this, she couldn't win against the clearly irrational Eris.

「…………私が、あんたを後に動き出すようにしているからよ」
「えっ？」

　ニナは、まさかエリスから何か言われるとは思っていなかった。
　エリスは自分勝手で、相手の事などどうとも思っていない存在であるはずだった。

"...Because I make it so that it's like you move after."

"Eh?"

Nina hadn't thought that Eris would ever say anything to her. Eris was self-centred and someone who normally wouldn't care about anyone else's problems after all.

「ルイジェルドに教わったのよ。視線とかを使えば、相手を自分より先に動かしたり、後に動かしたり出来るって」
「ルイジェルド……誰？」
「私の先生よ」

　ニナはエリスの言葉に首をかしげた。
　ちょっと、何を言っているのかわからない。

　エリスが普段から使っているのは、ルイジェルドに教わった高度な技術である。
　実戦経験の豊富な剣士が、無意識に使うことを技術に昇華させた、魔族の戦士の技である。
　ゆえに、エリスもうまく説明は出来ない。

"It was something that Ruijeld taught me. If you use stuff like your gaze, you can make people move before you like they move after you."

"Ruijeld... Who's that?"

"He's my teacher."

Nina tilted her head at Eris' words. She didn't really understand what Eris was saying.

What Eris normally used was a high level technique that Ruijeld taught her. As the crystalisation of something that hardened combat veterans would subconsciously do, it was one of the techniques of the warriors of the Demon Race.

「つまり、エリスさんは意図的に相手の動きを誘導しているという事ですか？」
「そうよ」
「……」

　イゾルテの分析で、ニナもエリスの言葉の意味を理解した。
　理解はしたが、しかしやはり胡散臭さは抜けず、ニナはエリスを睨んだ。
　この山で生まれて山で生活してきたのではないかと思える女が、そこまで高度なことをやっているとは思いもしなかったのだ。

　逆に、イゾルテはそうした事には理解があった。
　水神流というのはカウンターを主とする流派である。
　相手に先に手を出させる事を主眼においた技術も存在する。

"In other words, you intentionally provoke your opponent's attacks, Eris-san?"

"That's right."

"..."

At Isolte's explanation, Nina understood Eris' words as well. Though she understood, as expected it didn't make it any less suspicious sounding, and Nina stared at Eris in suspicion. She hadn't thought that this woman who looked exactly like she was born and bred in the mountains would be able to use such a high level technique.

On the contrary, Isolte understood that this was exactly what Eris was doing. The school known as the Water God Style was one that was primarily seated in counters. Its techniques as well were founded around the basis of making the opponent move first.

「なるほど。私を相手にしている時も、それを？」
「やってるけど、あなた、動かないわね」
「私はそういう訓練を受けているから……次はあえてやらず、殺気も出さずにやってみれば少し変わるかもしれません」
「……やってみるわ」

　エリスは眉を顰めつつ、頷いた。
　やってみる、と言いつつも、しかし殺気を抑える方法がわからなかったのだ。
　あまり意識して抑えた事などなかったから。
　もちろん、今まで何人かに言われた事はあった。
　だが、ルイジェルドがエリスに対しては、その溢れんばかりの殺気を利用する方向で教育を施していたため、聞く耳を持たなかったのだ。
　普段ならデメリットとなるような事でも、人より秀でているのであれば無理に抑える必要など無いという考え方である。

"I see. Do you do this as well when you have me as an opponent?"

"I do, but you don't move, do you?"

"I've undergone training for that after all... Next time try not to do that, or let out killing intent and the result might be a little different for all we know."

"...I'll give it a try."

Whilst frowning, Eris nodded. Though she said she would try it, she didn't know how she was supposed to control her killing intent. After all, it wasn't something conscious that she could take control of. Of course, this was something she had been told by others many times already. However, Ruijeld had taught Eris ways to use that overflowing bloodlust instead, so it wasn't something that she wanted to hear.

'Though normally it'd be a demerit, as long as you're far enough above overs, then there's no need to forcibly keep it in check.'

It was along this line of thinking.

「私はどうしよう。ねぇ、イゾルテさん、あなたはどうしてるの？」
「……ニナさんは、そうですね、水神流では視覚遮断を行い、真の撃を断ずるという修行法を行いますが……魔族がよく使う戦闘術だと聞きますので、剣神流でも対処法があると思います。あなたのお師匠様に聞いてみてはどうでしょうか」

　イゾルテは優秀で、賢かった。
　水神流の剣士というのは、忍耐強い者や勉強家が多いのだ。

"What should I do? Hey, Isolte-san, what do you do?"

"...For you, Nina-san, let's see, in the Water God Style we have training where you're deprived of your sight and are made to determine the real attack but... since I've heard that it's a battle technique that the Demon Race often uses, the Sword God Style should have it's own way of coping with it as well, I think. How about askign your Oshishou-sama about it?"

Isolte had both excellence and cleverness. Amongst the swordsmen of the Water God Style, there were many diligent and persevering people.

「ふぅ、なかなかうまくいかないわね……っと、そろそろ日が落ちるわね」

　ニナの言葉で、その日の勉強会は終わる。

"Phew, it won't go very well... Oh, the sun's about to set, isn't it?"

With those words, Nina ended the study session.

「では、また明日ですね……なんだか最近、楽しくってしょうがありません。同い年の子とこうして同じレベルで話し合いをしたのなんて初めてですから」

　イゾルテは楽しげにそういう。

"Well then, until tomorrow, huh? ...Somehow it's been fun lately, so it can't be helped that we do this for so long. It's my first time having discussions with people of my level and age, after all." Isolte said, cheerfully.

「そうねイゾルテさん。私もよ」

　ニナも同感であった。
　普段ほとんど会話をしないエリスだが、話してみると、戦いに関する知識は多岐で多彩だ。
　最近習得し始めたという北神の技だけでなく、魔族の技にも通じているのだから。
　訳の分からない猿女という印象は抜けていないが、しかし、実力の部分では見直しつつあった。
　野蛮な技を使うのではなく、ただ別の流派の技を使っていただけなのだ、と。

"That's true. It's the same for me, Isolte-san."

Nina agreed. Though Eris was normally silent, once she spoke to her, she found that Eris' knowledge on combat was broad and varied. Her knowledge wasn't limited just to the North God techniques that she had recently been learning, but also included the techniques of the Demon Race. Though she had given Nina the impression of being an incomprehensible monkey woman, Nina was now reevaluating her true worth. It wasn't that she was using uncivilised techniques, but just techniques of a different school, Nina thought.

「……ふん」

　エリスは相変わらずである。
　普段の彼女なら、剣神に言われて勉強会に参加したとしても、意見は言わないだろう。

　そんなエリスが思い返していたのは、遠き昔。
　ルーデウスと共に二人で剣術を習っていた頃の事だ。
　あの頃は、ルーデウスとも、こうしてあれこれと話をしたり、工夫をしあっていた。
　ルーデウスがやっていた事。
　そんな単純かつ明快な、しかしエリスにとって絶対の理由で、彼女は他人とのコミュニケーションをとっているのだ。

"...Hmph."

Eris was the same as always. Normally, even if she participated in study sessions at the word of the Sword God, she didn't voice her own opinions.

What Eris recalled at those times was the distant past: the times when she studied swordsmanship together with Rudeus. In those days, she had done this kind of thing as well with Rudeus, and they discussed this and that, and various ideas popped up as well. It was something that Rudeus did. Though it was for this kind of simple and easily understood reason, to Eris it was an extremely important reason, and made her communicate with others.

「では、私はこれで、師匠との鍛錬がありますので」
「今日もありがとうございました。イゾルテさん」
「いいえニナさん。お互い様です。私も段々と強くなっていく実感、ありますもの」

　客間と宿舎への分かれ道で、ニナとイゾルテはそう言って笑いあった。
　エリスはそのまま、ずんずんと宿舎へと歩いていく。

"Well then, I'll be going and training with Shishou now."

"Thank you for today as well, Isolte-san."

"Not at all, Nina-san. I feel the same way. It's the truth that I'm steadily getting stronger as well."

Where the road separated into paths leading to the dorms and the guest area, Nina and Isolte spoke their farewells with smiles. Eris continued walking briskly towards the dormitories.

「エリスさんも、ありがとう」
「……明日は一撃入れるわ」
「楽しみにしています」
「……ふん」

　エリスは振り返らず、そのまま歩いていく。
　ニナはイゾルテに一礼すると、エリスの後を追う。

"Thank you as well, Eris-san."

"...I'll get a hit in tomorrow."

"I'll look forward to it."

"Hmph."

Without glancing back, Eris continued to walk. Nina bowed once to Isolte and then caught up to Eris.

「エリス。このあとまた鍛錬するのもいいけど、終わったら水浴びぐらいしなさいよ！？」

　普段のエリスなら、聞く耳を持たない言葉である。
　ニナも、無駄だとわかっていつつも、しかし臭いものは臭いので、毎日のように言っている事だ。
　しかし、今日のエリスは違った。
　少し不機嫌そうな顔をして振り返ると、ニナを睨みつける。

"Eris, it's fine if you keep training after this, but once you're done at least take a bath!"

Were it the usual Eris, she would've turned a deaf ear to these words. Nina as well thought that it was a waste of breath, but stinky things stank, so she had no choice but to continue saying this everyday. However, Eris was different today. While making a slightly unhappy expression, she turned her head and glared at stared intensely at Nina.

「……さっき言った事、本当？」
「さっき？　何の話？」
「毎日お風呂に入って、体を洗って、ご飯たべて、温かい布団でルーデウスの事を考えてぐっすり寝れば、殺気をなくせるって」
「うっ……」

　ニナは、言葉に詰まる。
　言うことを聞かせたいためのでまかせである。
　しかし、リラックスから無心が生まれるのは、間違ってはいない。
　だから、押し通す事にした。

"What you said earlier, was it for real?"

"Earlier? What did I say?"

"That if everyday I get in the bath, wash my body, eat properly, and think about Rudeus while lying in a warm futon before sleeping properly, I'll be able to get rid of my bloodlust."

"Uu..."

Nina's words were caught in her throat. Those were just random words she had spouted out to get Eris to do as she wanted. However, there was no mistake that 'mushin' could be born from relaxing. That's why she carried through with this idea.

「そ、そうよ。大体、今のあんたみたいに臭かったら、例の彼だって、きっと振り向いてくれないわよ」
「それは無いわね。ルーデウスはいつも私の汗でびっしょりになったシャツとか抱きしめてたし」
「それって……」

　ニナは、過去に一度だけ見たルーデウスの姿を思い出しつつ、目の前の女の汗臭いシャツに顔を埋める姿を想像してみた。
　ただの変態だ。
　しかし、目の前のエリスが見るまに不機嫌そうになっていくのを見て、口には出さなかった。

"T-, that's right. In general, if you're as smelly as you are now, that guy you mentioned definitely won't turn your way, you know."

"No, he would, you know. Rudeus would always hug my sweat-drenched shirts after all."

"That's..."

While recalling Rudeus who she had only ever seen once, Nina imagined him burying his face in a girl's sweaty shirt.

'He's just a pervert.'

However, seeing that Eris' expression was quickly becoming displeased, Nina didn't say this.

「とにかく、あんまり汚くしてると、男にも嫌われるって、聞いたことあるわ」
「まあ、確かにルーデウスは掃除とかマメだったわね」
「そ、そうでしょう！　だから、いつも身ぎれいにしておくべきよ」

　エリスは考える。
　思い出すのはルーデウスの事だ。
　彼の事は思い出すまいと考えているのだが、しかし気を抜くと思い出してしまう。
　思い出せば、口元にはニマニマとした笑いが出てくる。

　と、そこでエリスは気づいた。
　この状態なら、殺気は出ていないだろう、と。

　そして、ニナに対して頷いた。

"Anyway, I've heard that if you're too dirty, even men will start to hate you."

"Well, Rudeus really didn't slack off on cleaning, huh."

"T-, that's right! That's why you should make sure to always keep your body clean."

Eris started to think. What she recalled was Rudeus. Though she had thought not to think about him, she lost focus and ended up remembering him. Once she remembered him, her mouth started to spread into a happy smile.

Then, Eris noticed. That when she was like this, she probably didn't have any bloodlust.

So then she nodded at Nina.

「わかったわ。じゃあ水浴びしてくるわ」
「そうね、あなたはそうよね。わかったわ、私もそろそろ諦め……今なんて？」

　エリスはその問いかけには答えず、己の部屋へと戻っていった。

　ニナは狐につままれたような表情で立ち尽くしていたという。

"I get it. I'll go have a bath then."

"Yeah, I knew you'd say that. I get it already, so I'll just give up on tr-... What did you just say?"

Eris didn't respond to that question and returned to her room.

With a confused expression, Nina stood stock still.


---


　エリスが水王イゾルテと互角以上の戦いが出来るようになったのは、さらに一年後の事である。

It took another year from that point for Eris to be able to fight at least on par with Water King Isolte.