Original subtitles

Everyone's swings are starting to look good.

Your magic's flowing too.

We're better than we were before, I guess.

But it's taking too long for us to channel magic into our swords.

Mewi's was a bit different from everyone else's...

She still isn't able to convert her magic properly.

The power's there, though.

Some pick it up faster than others.

You'll definitely get there if you keep training, so take your time.

Swordsmanship and magic are much the same.

EPISODE 7

The Old Country Bumpkin Gets an Invitation from Nobility.

Is something up?

Yes. An invitation to a banquet has arrived from Margrave Flumvelk.

It's to recognize our role in averting the recent national crisis.

I see...

A margrave... in other words, nobility.

So the commander of the Order gets invited to stuff like this, huh.

It makes me happy to see how far you've come.

You've been invited too, of course, Master.

Given who you are, it's only natural.

I don't see what's so natural about it...

What's more, the Margrave himself specifically requested you come.

Me?

You don't know the Margrave?

I don't know any nobles.

Oh... I see...

Of course I don't. I mean, I'm just an old country bumpkin.

There's actually another reason for our visit.

Huh?

Princess Salacia's marriage has been officially set for the end of this year.

So things are finally moving.

The Flumvelk lands lie along the border with Sphenedyardvania.

Prior to the wedding, we need to inspect the route and the security arrangements.

It will take about a month.

Which is why I would like you to...

Okay. I'll go with you.

Thank you.

I was sure you'd modestly insist it wasn't for someone like you.

I believe I should help out where I'm needed.

Besides, if I sell myself short again, I couldn't face Dad after all his effort.

Still, one thing bothers me...

Hey, what did you think of it?

Today's sword magic lesson.

Hey, I don't really know much about magic.

I'm asking what you thought of my sword swings!

Oh, in that case, you've gotten a lot better.

Your swings are sharper and you're not wobbling as much.

I'll keep at it.

By the way, I need to talk to you about something.

A work trip?

While I'm away, you can either stay with Lucy,

or do a short-term stay at the student dorm.

I've made sure either option is possible.

I'll stay at the dorm.

Got it. But...

What?

If you stay somewhere that nice, you might not want to come back.

Get real! I'm not a kid, you know.

Oh, yeah?

I guess that means she's comfortable living here, then.

I'm the commander of the Royal Guard, Zed Hanbeck, and I'll be accompanying you.

I look forward to your assistance.

Once we enter Flumvelk lands,

the Margrave's private forces will join the escort.

Understood.

Move out!

Master, if you need anything, please ask Vesper or Frau.

Please don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks.

I seriously can't get used to this sort of stuff.

Both are relatively young, extremely capable, and tight-lipped.

And they're from a village on our route, so they know the area well.

It's a small, unremarkable village, but we both grew up there.

Commander, my father has arranged our lodging two days from now, as planned.

Huh? Your father runs an inn?

His father is the village chief.

Your requests for a half-day leave are approved.

When we arrive, go and spend some time with your parents.

Thank you very much.

Lessons are boring and make you wanna fall asleep, huh?

It's not that. I can't sleep.

Do some sit-ups and wear yourself out, and you'll sleep like a rock.

That might work for you...

Read a difficult book and you'll be sleepy in no time.

Here, try this.

It smells like lavender.

It worked for me when I couldn't sleep.

I'll give it a try.

Okay.

If this counts as "unremarkable," my village has no hope.

Now then, I'm going to go and discuss security arrangements.

If you ask the inn, they'll be happy to prepare a meal for you.

And then please get some rest.

Thanks.

Vesper, thanks for your help.

Go show your parents how well you're doing.

Master Beryl, would it be okay if I joined you for dinner?

Sure.

I'd like to discuss something with you.

I'm sorry for taking up your time.

Not at all. This looks like a nice place.

Frau?

Everything tastes great, Frau.

Thank you.

I'll help.

Thanks.

So, what did you want to talk about?

Yes... I was hoping you could give me private swordsmanship lessons.

When I went to clean up after the delegation attack,

I was amazed you were able to keep the royals safe in such conditions.

I want to learn to fight when I have someone to protect.

Please help me.

If you'd like, I'd be happy to teach you all I can.

Let's work out the details at the training ground next time.

Thank you very much.

Well, you're quite the smooth talker now.

You used to just follow Frau around all the time.

And how old was I then?!

Frau, you can finish up now.

You sit down too, Mom.

She's a good daughter.

She really has changed.

Back when we were kids, she used to make me cry all the time.

I was really surprised, you know.

When you went against your father and said you wanted to join the Order and all.

He was against it?

Yes. I'm the oldest son, you see.

You started training in swordsmanship around the time Frau joined a dojo, right?

Did I?

Okay, enough with the childhood stories.

Here, have another drink.

Now I'm even more wide awake than usual.

Mewi, what's wrong?

That thing you gave me was great, but I still couldn't sleep, so I came to train.

Let's train together, then.

Fredra, why are you out here?

My lack of stamina really hit me lately, so I've been training every evening.

Oh, right.

I want to catch up to you all, even just a little.

So steady, consistent training... right.

Thanks to you, I trained really hard tonight.

Oh dear, how embarrassing.

I'm hungry too.

Is it really okay to be doing this?

No one's gonna notice if a couple of things are missing.

You're really good at this.

That's 'cos I do it all the time.

Let's eat.

It's good!

Pretty much all late-night snacks taste good.

I think I've probably been really spoiled.

When I first moved into the dorm,

the change in environment made it hard for me to sleep.

That's when my mother sent me the dried lavender.

Thanks.

This is the best thing I've ever tasted.

You're being dramatic.

Here's your dessert.

It's our specialty tart, made with local seasonal fruit.

Oh, it's nashi pear.

Mm, now that's good.

The perfect balance of sweet and tart.

The crust is crisp and toasted and has a nice crunch too.

Vesper, you loved it too, didn't you?

She made it in between helping out here.

As you've probably guessed, I followed her into the Order.

You've done your best to stay true to your feelings, right?

There's nothing wrong with that.

I take pride in carrying out my duties, of course.

I've reaffirmed how deep swordsmanship is, and it's made me want to become stronger.

That's good.

As your instructor, I'm happy about it too.

But at the same time, I'm reminded of how far I still have to go every day.

I'm still a little green, both as a man and as a knight.

I have no right to tell her how I feel.

Your timing is good, and you're in sync with each other.

It's really not my place to say this, but couldn't you grow together, perhaps?

What's this?

"As punishment for unauthorized use of the kitchen,"

"the following two students are ordered to clean the bath for one week."

This is tough...

I'm gonna sleep really well tonight.

Knight Commander, we are now entering Flumvelk lands.

Understood.

I'm Sahat Ranvaren, captain of the Margrave's private forces.

I'll escort you to the manor.

Thank you.

It's quite lively here, isn't it?

It's a key point of national defense, so people and supplies gravitate here.

Thank you for coming all this way.

Huh?

I'm the lord of the Flumvelk lands...

Warren Flumvelk.

We are very grateful for your invitation.

It's been a long time, Master Beryl.

I had no idea you were a noble back when you were training at our dojo.

We were in the same class, but I had no idea either.

I found out after I joined the Order.

So they kept it a secret to surprise me...

Master, when we're alone, please call me Warren like you used to.

But why did you keep it a secret?

Well, there were a variety of reasons...

Nobles have it tough too, huh.

That's all of the invited guests.

By three days after the banquet,

I would like you to have at least the names, titles, and domains memorized.

Understood.

That's not gonna stick in this old guy's head...

Yep, I'll leave it to Allucia.

There is one matter of concern.

On the day, many nobles, especially women, will undoubtedly approach you, Master.

Huh?!

You're a famous figure now.

Many will seek ties with you and use them for their own gain.

I'll simply deal with such people myself.

No.

You are here as both a guest of honor and commander of the Order.

We must therefore assign you an escort from our side.

My father, Gisgarte, is the most suitable choice.

What about our Master, then?

I have no intention of leaving him alone, naturally.

I'm planning on having my younger sister Shueste accompany him.

Your sister?

I'm sure she'll be quite helpful.

You'll both be staying in the annex. I'll have someone show you around.

Welcome.

I'm Shueste Flumvelk.

I've been looking forward to meeting you.

I intend to spend the next three days in the same room as you, Master Beryl.

Late-night snacks should be simple to make.

Thinking about complex stuff just makes you sleepy.

But hang on... maybe going to bed without eating is better?

Next time: "The Old Country Bumpkin Gets a Marriage Proposal."

SUBTITLES BY: MARDI MIYAKE