Published: August 2, 2025
Today, five chapters were posted simultaneously.
This is the first chapter.
After finishing my report and heading home, lively music caught my ears. It seemed the Semiroid troupe was still practicing.
Not wanting to disturb them, I quietly headed toward the source of the sound.
“...”
Within minutes, I found a bush that allowed me to see them all while staying hidden.
Right now, it was Ms. Maiya and Mr. Soldio—the two introduced as sword dance performers—practicing their act. Mr. Soldio wielded a decorated round shield and a longsword. Ms. Maiya held two swords of the same type and danced as if fighting.
Outside the line they had designated as the stage, the troupe’s leader, Mr. Prenance, and others who could play instruments were providing music. As the two on stage moved more intensely, the music grew more vigorous. When they distanced themselves and stared each other down, a quiet tune played that felt like something was about to happen.
Sparks seemed to fly magically where swords clashed, adding dramatic effects here and there. Despite no singing or lines, it felt like watching a story unfold.
I had seen a bit of their practice this morning before leaving home when lending them the place, but that was probably just a warm-up. The passion and intensity I now saw right before me were on another level.
I held my breath, careful not to interrupt.
As the music peaked, Ms. Maiya’s sword swung just barely missing Mr. Soldio’s neck. The cut swept over his neckline hidden beneath a heavily decorated cloak, unfastening the clasp and dropping the cloak. At the same time, Mr. Soldio collapsed, resembling someone struck at the neck.
With the plucked instrument’s sound, the act ended.
After a few seconds, seeing their tense atmosphere loosen after the performance, I couldn’t help but stand and applaud.
“Ryoma-dono, how long have you been there?”
“Sorry, I’ve been watching for a while. I heard the music as I came back.”
Had I intruded by watching without permission?
“There’s no problem with you seeing, but we hadn’t noticed at all.”
“We were quite surprised.”
“Our work, in a sense, involves being watched. We pride ourselves on being sensitive to gaze, you know...”
It seemed I had startled them.
“By the way, how is the situation on the grassland?”
“About that… it doesn’t look very good.”
I had heard during the guild report that many more nest discoveries were being reported besides the one I found. There was an active call at the reception for more hands to continue the search or assist with excavation from tomorrow onward.
“If we delay, supply chains might be disrupted. That could affect customer flow and procurement in unknown ways, so I plan to work there for a while. If the troupe doesn’t mind, please keep using this place for your practice from tomorrow.”
“We will gladly accept your offer.”
Led by Mr. Prenance, the troupe bowed and packed up their tools before heading back to town.
What I saw earlier was apparently their final act for the day.
After seeing them off, I began my training.
Just a little on impulse, I tried mimicking their dance-like movements.
But it didn’t go well. My movements felt a bit stiff whenever I used magic.
...Magic performances might be good training for combining magic and weapons.
Combining magic and weapons—on this point, their movements were smoother than mine.
Hmm...
The next day.
“About the magical effects?”
“Have you gotten interested in sword dancing?”
When the troupe arrived for practice, I decided to ask the two sword dancers directly.
“After seeing yesterday’s act, I wanted to learn your techniques.”
“I don’t mind teaching, but why the sudden interest?”
When asked why, I explained what I felt yesterday.
My fighting style centered on close combat using weapons and martial arts. Though I can use magic, I’m inexperienced in combat magic. I wanted to broaden my own range.
“So, you want to see if the magic we use for effects could be adapted as offensive magic.”