The Failed Swordmaster - Chapter 131

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 131 50. What’s Needed for Growth (2)

“What? Is that where it ends?”

Baku, who had been watching the magic screen, muttered.

His posture was very relaxed. Leaning against the sofa with one arm draped over it, he looked like he had called actors into his home to watch a play.

Sekus was the same.

Lying down and eating seasonal fruits brought by a servant, he shook his head and said.

“No. He’s doing well.”

“Pardon?”

“He’s doing well enough at this level.”

At the Demon King’s firm tone, Baku made an expression of disbelief.

By his standards, the hero who had only stopped at putting his hand around her waist seemed like a coward.

“From what I can see, the woman doesn’t seem to dislike it either, so he could be more aggressive…”

“60 years.”

Sekus spoke briefly. Then Baku hesitated.

When he turned to look at the Demon King, his expression was very serious. He continued speaking.

“He’s a guy who has had no romantic connections for 60 years. His physical defect has been resolved, but his mind is still in a eunuch state.”

“…”

“Having read his memories, I can know. I can understand. Lumian is giving his all right now. No, he’s exerting 120 percent of his strength.”

Nodding with a solemn expression, he emphasized once more.

“He’s doing well.”

“I see.”

Baku also nodded.

Come to think of it, that seemed right.

While he and the Demon King were seasoned beings, someone who had spent most of his life as a eunuch couldn’t easily overcome such trauma.

“Let’s just quietly cheer him on.”

“Understood, boss.”

Baku naturally responded to the Demon King’s words and put a snack in his mouth.

Then suddenly, feeling that the current situation was strange, his expression hardened.

He said.

“But you know.”

“What?”

“Weren’t we supposed to be monitoring to identify his weaknesses, to strategize against the hero?”

“…”

“Shouldn’t we, who are supposed to be at the forefront of invading the human realm, not be cheering for that guy?”

It was a valid point.

Sekus is the Demon King. And Baku is his most trusted subordinate with powerful strength. Both have a mission to paint the human realm with blood and terror by the great Demon God’s command.

Nevertheless, they were looking at the hero as if encouraging a neighborhood friend, as if cheering on a younger brother they knew, so there was no way it wouldn’t feel awkward.

“…”

But.

But it couldn’t be helped.

Demon King and hero. Though born with destinies that could never be compatible, Sekus simply couldn’t bring himself to hate Lumian.

As someone who loved women and succubi more than any other demon, he couldn’t do that. Ever since learning of Lumian Calard’s past, he had become unable to ignite hostility toward him no matter what.

Of course, he couldn’t say this openly.

After pondering for a moment, he spoke heavily.

“…Anyway, to identify his weaknesses, we need to observe his every move for a while.”

“Hmm.”

“And in that process, it’s natural to cheer for the hero’s romance. Think about it. What happens if he becomes infatuated with a woman? He won’t be able to train during the time he’s enjoying himself. Then, huh? He won’t be able to get stronger. It puts a brake on his monstrous growth rate, that’s what I’m saying.”

“Ah, I see!”

Indeed, Baku nodded.

Now it made sense.

In fact, it was nothing more than looking for an excuse because he wanted to be convinced, but anyway, he felt much more at ease than before.

He said with a smile.

“Then, it’s okay to continue cheering for Lumian’s romance.”

“Right. We should cheer even more enthusiastically.”

Sekus and Baku exchanged glances.

And simultaneously turned their heads toward the screen.

A couple walking down the road in a good atmosphere could be seen. Their gazes were filled with pride.

But after such a brief moment, trouble struck.

“Damn it, what’s wrong with that bastard?”

“Huh? That guy seems to have a stomachache?”

The being they were talking about was Bumer Simpson.

Right after arriving at the next village and having a meal, the guy had complained of stomach pain.

“This is crazy, ruining such a good atmosphere like this?”

“That son of a bitch! Even throwing him to monster food wouldn’t be enough!”

Sekus and Baku cursed Bumer for quite a while. The intensity was high enough that you’d believe they were the parties involved.

Of course, no matter how much they cursed, Bumer’s condition didn’t improve, and the ruined atmosphere wasn’t restored either.

It was a sad journey that hurt everyone.

* * *

“Sigh, to think there’s only one day left of the festival…”

“I know. Sigh…”

Lumian sighed. His mood was just as bad as Tania’s.

To think they could only enjoy Rhodesia’s Snow Flower Festival for one day when they had been so looking forward to it.

Secretly gritting his teeth, he cursed Bumer inwardly.

‘Really unhelpful bastard. Why did he suddenly get sick and disrupt the schedule…’

Whatever he had eaten wrong, the guy had suffered from a stomachache for a whole week.

Because of this, Lumian and Tania had no choice but to be tied down. It wouldn’t be human decency to leave behind a friend who was sick, broke, and even directionally challenged, and move on with just the two of them.

But the burning anger couldn’t be hidden.

Lumian chewed his steak thoroughly in place of Bumer and said.

“We should have left that guy behind. If I had known it would be delayed like this.”

“Hey, but that’s not right either. Of course it’s annoying but… Sigh. That guy is as big as a mountain, but he’s not even a child, so why is there so much to take care of?”

Tania kept grumbling. Her frowning expression showed no signs of relaxing.

However, even such a sight felt lovely to Lumian.

He naturally took her hand.

“Still, it’s fortunate. At least we can properly enjoy it for one day, right?”

“Hmm. That’s true.”

“And usually festivals are most fun on the last day…”

“But, you’ve been touching me a lot more lately?”

Tania interrupted Lumian’s words. Lumian made a startled expression.

It was true. After realizing that skinship with her affected his aura increase, he had attempted skinship more actively.

It was incomparable to the careful and innocent actions from the early part of their journey. It wasn’t strange to be pointed out about it.

‘Still, it’s fortunate she’s not making a serious face.’

If she had, he would have immediately bowed his head and repented his wrongdoing, but that didn’t seem necessary.

Instead, Lumian smiled gently and massaged Tania’s hand. He said.

“No. You just looked tired, so I was massaging you…”

“Ugh, what? You know? You were completely lecherous just now.”

“Well, men can be a bit lecherous.”

“Not just lecherous, but completely, completely lecherous, I’m telling you?”

“How much so?”

“As much as the characters in the books under your bed.”

“Hey, no matter what, that much is…”

“That’s about right, isn’t it? Look in the mirror.”

“The food here is pretty good.”

Tania chuckled at him trying to change the subject awkwardly. Seeing her reaction, Lumian smiled even more broadly.

The atmosphere was nice. Either way, this trip seemed to have more gains than losses.

‘I feel like I’ve gained a lot of romantic experience too. And my aura keeps growing unexpectedly.’

The two continued their meal in good spirits.

It had been a long time since his heart felt so peaceful.

He hadn’t known at the beginning of the trip. He hadn’t realized how precious this time alone together could be.

Lumian jokingly said they should thank Bumer for helping him realize this. Tania’s expression turned slightly serious, and just as he felt embarrassed and turned his head to the side.

He saw Bumer opening the inn door and entering.

‘So she wasn’t being serious because of me, but because of that guy. But why is that fellow suddenly here?’

This was the guy who had rushed to his girlfriend’s house like a puppy needing to poop as soon as they arrived in the capital.

He thought their journey together had ended there, so why had he suddenly returned?

Had he been turned away at the door by Deiner Selly, who was angry that he was late for their appointment?

So he came back to leech off us again? Is that it?

Thinking this, unbearable anger surged up.

Just as Lumian’s face was turning fierce and menacing.

His girlfriend, who had been hidden behind Bumer’s large frame, Rodigia’s apprentice knight Deiner Selly, revealed herself.

“Hello? Miss Tania Eloise, and Lumian Calard?”

“Oh? Yes, hello?”

“Hello… How did you come here?”

Tania and Lumian returned the greeting with bewildered expressions.

At this, Deiner Selly smiled brightly.

She approached with lively steps and bowed her head.

“I heard the story. My baby… my boyfriend was greatly indebted to you during his journey here.”

“Ah, yes.”

“Well, a little…”

‘My baby?’

‘Is she crazy? Calling Bumer baby?’

Both wore awkward smiles simultaneously.

Though Deiner Selly was two years older than Bumer, still, to call that ogre-like bastard ‘my baby.’

The shock was considerable.

Of course, that wasn’t the main point. She continued speaking.

“So I wanted to give you something as thanks, but when I thought about it, giving objects felt like just going through the motions… That didn’t seem right. Instead, I was thinking I could serve as a guide so you can fully enjoy the remaining day of the Snow Flower Festival… Would that be alright?”

“Uh…”

“Hmm.”

“Of course it might feel burdensome, but I can assure you. If you go around with me, it’ll be much, muuuch more fun and enjoyable, you know? With only one day left, wouldn’t it be better to pick and choose just the core parts of the festival to enjoy?”

Deiner spoke with a beaming smile. As he’d felt before, she was a person who gave off a cute and bright feeling like a squirrel in the forest.

Lumian and Tania exchanged glances after hearing her proposal.

It was a sudden suggestion, but it didn’t seem too bad.

They might feel their alone time was being interrupted, but the benefits of getting a local’s guidance seemed much greater.

Besides, the situation was completely different from when Bumer alone had intruded.

When one person intrudes between a couple, they’re an unwelcome guest, but when a couple is added to a couple, it becomes a double date.

Both of them knew this fact.

Sensing the positive atmosphere, Lumian nodded.

“Then, could we impose on you?”

“Of course! Rather, my baby was the one greatly indebted, so I’ll work even harder to guide you as repayment!”

“Ah, yes…”

“Hahaha…”

Still unable to get used to the way she addressed Bumer, Lumian and Tania gave awkward smiles.

Thus their first night in the capital of Rodigia passed.

* * *

“Nice to see you again! Did you sleep well?”

“Ahaha, yes. The room was nice so I slept well.”

“Me too.”

“My baby didn’t have any discomfort anywhere, right?”

“Of course not, sis.”

“Good. Then shall we enjoy the festival excitedly? Kyaa!”

Lumian and Tania smiled watching Deiner Selly hopping around.

They had thought she was originally a bright and cheerful person, but it seemed she had been restraining herself somewhat during the swordsmanship competition. The current her was incomparably more excited than then.

“First let’s go to the Street of Art! The ice sculptures there are absolutely beautiful. With the magical lighting and street musicians’ music added, it’s really something I never get tired of seeing every year!”

“I’m already looking forward to it.”

“Then let’s go quickly!”

Having finished speaking, Deiner Selly linked arms with Bumer.

She looked like a squirrel clinging to a tree. Tania, who unconsciously smiled, looked at Lumian.

The same scheming expression he’d shown recently appeared. She shook her head and linked arms with a reluctant expression.

Lumian laughed.

“Hehehe.”

“Don’t laugh like an idiot. It’s off-putting.”

Of course, it was just words. Tania was also in a state where her heart was open due to the festival’s heat that didn’t match the weather.

Moreover, watching Deiner Selly and Bumer’s good atmosphere somehow ignited her competitive spirit.

She wanted to show a happier, more affectionate appearance than them.

‘Showing affection in front of people is a bit burdensome, but still, let’s try hard today!’

Tania made a cute resolution to herself.

But that was only momentary.

As she strolled through Rodigia’s streets where the festival was taking place, she couldn’t help but gape at the swarming couples’ displays of affection around them.

“Ah…!”

“Ehehe… Were you surprised?”

Deiner said.

However, Tania couldn’t say anything. Lumian was the same.

They had no choice.

Couples openly hugging, kissing, and not stopping there, passionately making out on the street.

It was culture shock. It was a scene rarely seen in Tarasan.

Deiner explained with a slightly embarrassed expression.

“Originally, Rodigia people are a bit, open about this kind of thing. Especially the women are somewhat… passionate? Anyway, that’s how it is!”

“I, I see.”

“Yes! So don’t be too shocked. You don’t need to worry about it either. Let’s just have fun in our own way! Oh, they’re having a snowball fight with teams over there, shall we join?”

“Let’s go, sis!”

Having finished speaking, Deiner Selly ran off like a puppy. Bumer being dragged by her hand looked like a large dog.

Lumian and Tania also followed them belatedly.

However, they still couldn’t help but be conscious of the couples around them.

‘What we were doing…’

‘Was completely like children playing house…’

Tania’s shock was especially great.

She had thought to open her heart today and stick closer to Lumian! But she felt she couldn’t beat not only the Deiner Selly and Bumer couple, but any of the others either.

‘How can they do that on the street! They’re crazy!’

She wandered the streets like someone whose soul had left their body.

Of course, it wasn’t that she wasn’t having fun. The places Deiner guided them to all made her laugh, but even so, Tania couldn’t take her eyes off the passionate Rodigia people.

Despite not having played for long, she was extremely tired.

She wanted to stop walking. She wanted to sit somewhere in an isolated space for a moment and collect her thoughts.

“Huh?”

A strange scene caught her eye.

A peculiar street lined with mysterious and unfamiliar sculptures and ornaments. Rows of tents with various couples holding hands as they entered.

Deiner Selly, noticing Tania’s curiosity, spoke up.

“Ah! Should we go get our compatibility read?”

“Compatibility? What’s compatibility?”

“It’s like a game where they use divine power to discover the fate, temperament, and future of couples in relationships, to see how well they match as a couple, what they should do going forward, what they should avoid, things like that.”

“There’s such a thing?”

“Yes! While the entire continent now believes in Goddess Allia, the god who was popular in Rodigia before was Armion, the God of Love.”

“Ah…”

“Of course, they’re not actually borrowing Armion’s real power – it’s just fake – but it’s still fun, right? What do you think? Aren’t you interested too, Lumian? Huh?”

Just as Deiner finished speaking.

Lumian Calard began walking forward with steady steps.

From one of the tents lined up in a row, he felt a strangely familiar atmosphere.

‘When I first awakened in this body.’

And when he discovered the magic sword in the young dragon Semu’s nest. He felt something similar to that moment. It drew him in strongly.

He wasn’t certain.

But he felt like he would regret it if he ignored this feeling and passed by.

Lumian turned around and looked at Tania as he spoke.

“Should we get our compatibility read here?”

* * *

And at that moment.

Demon King Seks, who had been watching the magic screen while peeling tangerines, began to look increasingly serious.

‘Such strong divine power is suddenly being felt from a place that isn’t even a temple of the Goddess?’

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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