Chapter 4.1 - Dropout Swordsman and Swordsmanship Academy [2] – part 1 (1/2)

4. Dropout Swordsman and Swordsmanship Academy [2] – part 1

Several days after the duel with Dodriel- the bullying towards me became worse.

The direct bullying towards me has stopped.

However, malicious gossip was instead being spread about me.

Dropout Swordsman.

Coward.

User of Forbidden Arts.

I was called as such throughout the Academy.

Dodriel and his followers probably spread this rumours.

However, unexpectedly I was unfazed by all this.

(In the past- me from more than a billion years ago, surely wouldn’t have been able to bear this.)

I was calm enough to view myself objectively.

「I wonder if mother is doing well…」

On the way home to the dormitory where Paula-san was waiting, I suddenly became worried for my mother I left behind in my hometown.

It has been 3 years since I started attending the Gran Swordsmanship Academy

Although we have been exchanging letters once every month, I have never returned to my hometown.

I was too occupied with myself, that I didn’t have much time.

「Alright… I’ve decided. Let’s return during the next break.」

It would take about 10 hours to walk to my hometown, Goza village.

But, the me right now should be able to arrive faster.

「Oh yeah, I should buy a souvenir at least」

I’m returning after 3 whole years.

I can’t go empty-handed.

Mother loves rice crackers and mochi very much.

She would surely be happy if I brought her those as souvenirs.

(No, before that… How much do I have right now…)

When I took my wallet out of my pocket and turned it over, three coins fell out.

「520 golds…」

I can’t buy a decent souvenir with this.

「…Should I take on a part-time job?」

Regarding the part-time job… let’s consult Paula-san.

That person has many personal connections. She might be able to introduce me to a good part-time job.

And I’m sure I can work in peace, if it’s her recommendation.

Then I went back to the dormitory while humming.

■

As soon as I returned to the dormitory, I asked Paula-san if there was a good part-time job.

「A part time job!?」

「Yes, is there any good place you know of?」

「Why so suddenly? Will your sword training be alright?」

Paula-san asked me while tilting her head.

「Training is also important, but I was about to go see my mother in my hometown. That is why…」

「-I see, so you tried to buy souvenirs, but didn’t have any money?」

Before I finished saying everything, Paula-san continued.

「Ahaha… it’s embarrassing, but it’s exactly as you say.」

「Ok Ok… I understand your situation. If that’s the case, there’s one special guy!」

While crossing her arms, she smiled happily for some reason.

「Is it true? Please introduce me!」

「Of course! -If you go here, you can get rich quick!」

Saying that, Paula-san stripped off the poster on the bulletin board and slammed it on the table.

I picked up the wrinkled paper, and gazed at its contents.

「Sword Festival…?」

Sword Festival- A festival for swordsmen held once a month in the neighboring town of Obis. Even if it’s called a festival, it’s not the fun-filled atmosphere with food stalls lined up by the streets.. It is a festival where swordsmen clash one-on-one and contend their own swordsmanship. Certainly, the top three winners will receive a huge amount of prize money.

「Yes, that’s right! A man has to contend with his strength after all!」

She said while slapping her triceps that was three times thicker than mine.

「Sword Festival… huh?」

Me from a billion years ago, would never have participated in this festival even by mistake.

Now that I’ve surpassed that hell, I should be able to put up a good fight, even though winning the top prize will be difficult.