Chapter 141 (2/2)

Trying to overcome that weakness of Magicians known as close combat was what a Magic Swordsman was, but since they would have to train in both sword techniques and magic, in the end, their true strength in either one was half-baked.

The reason why Vermudol was taking lessons in the sword was in order to become a Magician that can also use the sword, and he was thinking that he would persistently keep magic as the main method of attack.

Well, if he were to become a Magic Swordsman as a result of his sword technique improving, that in itself would be fine though.

「My new sword certainly is powerful……but I am originally a Magician. I was thinking that my sword should be clearly defined as something meant for defense……that’s how it turned out.」

Noticing Ichika’s presence standing at his back before he knew it, Vermudol turned around.

After Ichika sent her gaze to Vermudol, Gordy, and then the iron sword, in that order, she narrowed her eyes.

「……If you had just asked, I would have made time though.」

「Ahー……No, I was thinking that it wouldn’t be right to place any more burdens on you, Ichika.」

「I am happy for those feelings, but it is not a problem. But more than that, there is nothing more encouraging to me than having you rely on me, Vermudol-sama.」

「Is, is that so……?」

「It is.」

「Nn, ahh……Sorry about that.」

Hearing Ichika declare that, Vermudol reflexively hung his head and averted his gaze.

He predicted that it would turn into an uproar if he were to be seen like this by Nino, but he didn’t think that it would turn out like this from being seen like this by Ichika.

After drawing closer to Vermudol who was bewildered by this literally unforeseen situation, Ichika spoke as if pressing him for an answer.

「Besides, to clearly define the sword as something for the sake of defense……if there is an opening, you should have the disposition to at least tear the opponent to pieces.」

「Mu, in regards to that, I am also in partial agreement. By thinking of only defense from the start, you will give your opponent some leeway in spirit. Demon King-sama, I am plenty aware of your skill in magic……but even so, I do not believe that you should cast away the card of a sword attack from the start.」

「Th, that’s true.」

Pressured by the course of events, Vermudol could only nod.

And then, this time, Ichika glared at Gordy.

「And so……what do you mean by partial?」

「I cannot agree with the “tear to pieces” part. If one becomes that aggressive, that opening will be targeted. Ultimately, a single attack should be enough. This goes for you as well, but it seems that the master hands of the Demon King Army have a tendency to have an excessive attack virtue.」

「It is not like I am Nino, and I am not saying that attacking is the strongest defense. However, if one is going to move into an attack, they need to go with enough force to bring the opponent down with certainty, or else the battle will be lengthened pointlessly. That might be fine for someone like you who has too much free time though.」

Ignoring Ichika’s cutting remark, Gordy hit her hands together with a *pon*.

「Ahh, I see. So you are jealous.」

Hearing Gordy’s unexpected words, Ichika opened her eyes wide in surprise.

However, she immediately returned to having a straight face and shook her head sideways.

「I am unable to understand what you are saying.」

「I see. If you are fine with that, then I do not have anything in particular to say.」

Gordy shrugged her shoulders as if to say “good grief”, while Ichika continued to glare at that Gordy.

Vermudol scratched his cheek wondering “what should I do about this?”.

With a situation where he couldn’t speak up being completed at some point, he decided to look up at the sky for some reason.

Turning to the sky that was dull as usual, he breathed a sigh.

「……Vermudol-sama! So this is where you were!」

「Nn?」

Responding to that voice, Vermudol turned his gaze to the rear entrance of the Demon King Castle.

What was there was the figure of a black clothed Mazoku that was running over this way.

「Halt! Going by that appearance, you are one of our intelligence operatives, aren’t you……What business do you have with Demon King-sama!」

After pulling out the iron sword in her hand, Gordy pointed the tip of it at the intelligence operative.

The intelligence operative was Rokuna’s subordinate, but normally, they would not come to make a direct report to Vermudol.

Ichika also placed a hand on the sword at her waist, and took up a stance where she could draw it at any time.

Seeing the state of those two, the intelligence operative hurriedly came to a stop, and knelt down right at that spot.

「There is an urgent report from Nanalus-sama who is stationed at the Jiol Forest Kingdom!」

「From Nanalus……? It’s fine, speak.」

Nanalus was the diplomat stationed in the Jiol Forest Kingdom, but this was the first time he made a report other than the regularly scheduled reports.

Receiving Vermudol’s permission, the intelligence operative raised their head and spoke out the contents of the report that they were entrusted with.

「Yessir, here is the report! Nino-sama has gone missing in the Great Jiol Forest!」