Original subtitles

Care to buy one, sir?

We never got to eat fish this big back home.

Whoa, now that's pricey.

The season just started.

Once winter really hits, we'll be getting more in and prices will drop a bit.

Master!

Sorry I haven't stopped by to see you in a while.

No, no, I'm sure you've been busy too, Surena.

You're buying fish?

I'm tempted to, but I'm not sure how to cook it right.

Why don't you try some dishes at a restaurant first?

I know several places that serve great fish dishes.

Oh, can you give me their names?

Of course! I'll introduce you to around eight places for starters.

Let's hit them all right now!

Whoa, I can't right now!

EPISODE 9

The Old Country Bumpkin Goes to the Holy City.

Thanks for showing me to the clothing store.

My winter clothes are pretty worn out, so I wanted to look at stuff too.

I was thinking it's about time I got Mewi a new coat.

So... I heard you got an invitation from a noble a short while ago, Master.

Hm? Oh, you know about that.

The Adventurer's Guild gets all sorts of information.

It was pretty bad.

I heard one of the knights was seriously injured.

He likely won't fully recover.

He might not be able to return to the Order.

If I'd only I'd handled things better...

Master.

You have nothing to blame yourself for.

I've been meaning to tell you that.

Sorry for making you worry like that.

It's not like I'm dwelling on it, but I can't just forget about it either.

This is awful.

If I could always be there to help you, you wouldn't have to feel this way.

But given my position, that's difficult...

Knowing you feel that way means a lot.

How pathetic. The idea that my words alone could ever repay your kindness...

Then not today, but next time, you can treat me to fish at your favorite place.

Is it okay if I bring Mewi too?

No problem!

One place is fine. No hitting them all, okay?

Understood.

Master, I apologize for calling you in so early.

It's fine. So, what's this about?

Getting to the point, the schedule for Princess Salacia's wedding has been set.

She will depart at the end of the month for Sphenedyardvania,

where the wedding will be held in the new year.

I see.

So I would like to ask you to join the Princess's escort unit, Master.

Got it.

I'll do it.

Thank you.

Henblitz.

Yes.

Our destination is Sphenedyardvania's Holy City,

its capital, Dilmahakha.

Half the Order will come with us, and the rest will stay to guard Baltrain.

The Magic Corps will also remain, so the city will be safe in an emergency.

During our mission, Henblitz and I will command separate units.

Would you join my unit and serve as a guard to Her Royal Highness, Master?

Got it.

Thank you.

For this mission, please wear this.

Huh? Oh, a mantle?

Only a knight can be granted armor, but I can issue you this.

I guess matching outerwear would look more presentable.

You're awfully well prepared.

I was confident you would accept.

Well, I couldn't really say no.

I can't just leave it to others.

So, what's our route?

Considering the recent attack,

we'll make a last-minute choice in place of the one we scouted before.

A one-day stop at the Flumvelk border has already been decided, though.

Yeah, I think that's a solid plan.

I would appreciate it if you could increase the knights' training for now,

then slowly ease their regimen a few days before departure.

-That's all for today. -Understood.

I'll get started, then.

Commander, may I ask you something?

Go ahead.

I sensed something in how you spoke to Master Beryl just now.

Did something happen between you at the Flumvelk estate?

No, nothing. Nothing ever has.

And I was alright with that. Or at least, I thought I was.

But now I don't know...

Seeing someone who could actually make him happy...

Please forget this conversation.

It won't affect the mission in any way, of course.

Your sword tips are dropping, everyone! You can't be getting tired this easily!

Yes, sir!

Frau, how are your injuries?

I'm fully healed. I'm back as of today.

We'll be training hard for a while.

Right now, that actually suits me just fine.

Evans, mind if I borrow Curuni for a moment?

Yes, sir.

Can you strike as if you have no ricasso, as if your blade starts from the hilt?

Roger!

Once our mission starts, those guys are highly likely to show up.

I can't help thinking about how I'd fight them.

Is that just the nature of a swordsman... or is it sheer arrogance...?

Whatever the case, I wanna be the one to finish them myself.

Okay, it's done.

-Let's eat. -Let's eat.

Wow, this is good!

Crispy skin, low fat, yet full of flavor.

Yum...

I was curious, so I ended up buying it. I'm glad I did.

The shopkeeper said the simple way was to just gut it, salt it and grill it.

That's all it really needs.

It's my first time trying it, but it's really good!

It's the first time I've had grilled fish too.

It gets cheaper when it gets colder, so I'll buy some more then.

Yeah.

I'll go do the dishes.

-Oh, hang on. -What?

I need to talk to you about something.

About work?

Mewi really is sharp.

Yeah. I've got another work trip at the end of the month.

This time, I'll be gone for about two months.

Hm.

I'll arrange for you to stay at the school dorm again.

-No, I won't be staying at the dorm. -Huh?

Could it be... when I was away last time, you didn't like staying at the dorm?

No, that's not it.

So why, then?

You wanna stay at Lucy's mansion for a while?

No. I'm fine staying here.

Huh?

There's nothing weird about that, right? This is my home, after all.

But you'll be all alone, you know?

Most stuff around the house I can do myself now.

And school's on winter break from next month anyway.

Mewi really hates being treated like a child. But...

Isn't it dangerous?

You worry too much.

I know what burglars look for. If I'm careful, it'll be fine.

And now I'm worried for another reason.

But maybe I should respect her independence.

-Okay... Wanna give it a try? -Yeah.

But if anything happens, go to Lucy's, okay?

-I'll let her know. -Okay.

And fold and put away your clothes properly.

Okay, already.

Make sure you do.

The knights will now carry out their assigned duties.

I expect everyone's steady efforts and training to be put to good use.

That is all.

So it's finally starting...

Master Beryl, we should go too.

Yeah. First up is the palace in the Western District, right?

Master!

Curuni, what's up?

You and the commander are going away overnight again, right?

The vice commander as well.

I wanna go too!

She talks like this is a vacation we're going on...

Sorry, but we've all got our roles to play.

I admire your desire to protect the princess yourself,

but Baltrain needs defending too.

I'm counting on you, Curuni.

When you put it that way, I guess I'll just stay here and do my best, then!

Henblitz really has a way with Curuni...

We're counting on you, Curuni.

Roger! Don't forget my souvenir, Master!

Huh? Oh, right.

She really does think this is a vacation...

Master Beryl, you're in the second carriage.

Got it.

All riders, mount up!

So, I'm the decoy again...

Well, I guess I'm the right man for the job.

I can ride a horse, but there's no way I could hold formation like that.

We'll be out on the main road soon.

From then on, those guys could attack us at any time.

We're far stronger than we were last time,

but there's no telling what they'll do.

Stay sharp. But don't overdo it, either.

If I'm constantly on edge, I won't last, and my movements will get sluggish.

I'll turn whatever they throw at me to my advantage. That's enough for now.

Welcome, Princess Salacia.

It is our greatest honor to host you here in Flumvelk territory.

Please make yourself at home.

I will leave things in your capable hands, Margrave Flumvelk.

As you wish.

As expected of a noble, even his treatment of a princess is impeccable.

Dinner will be ready shortly.

But first, I will show you to your rooms. This way, please.

Very well.

We should get some rest, too.

We're staying in the annex again, right?

Yes...

Hm? What's wrong, Allucia?

This is just... this is a hypothetical, but please hear me out.

Hypothetically... if there were someone you would do anything for...

even give up your life for... if it meant they would be happy...

But they would be happier with someone other than you...

What would you do, Master?

I'm sorry, that just came out...

Saying strange things like that while I'm on duty...

Oh, no...

This is something I need to think through on my own.

Let's go to the annex.

We should be safe from attacks here... and yet I still can't relax.

I've brought your meal.

Oh, come in.

-Huh?! Shueste?! -Yes.

No, no, no, not "yes"!

Is there some kind of problem?

Should you be here? What about attending to the princess?

I've left that to my father and brother, so it's fine.

What do you mean, "it's fine"?!

Please enjoy your meal.

I don't think it'll go down right now, so I'll have it later.

As you wish.

By the way, Master Beryl...

I'm thinking of moving to Baltrain.

That came out of nowhere. Why go to the capital?

Because you're there.

Um... maybe I heard that wrong.

Because you're there, Master Beryl.

If that's the reason, I think it might be difficult.

I am truly in love with you.

I have lived my whole life serving this family.

But you are the first person I've ever wished to devote myself to.

You were the first person to show me genuine kindness outside my family.

I'm glad you feel that way. Honestly.

-Then... -But I'm sorry.

I can't give you an answer, at least not now.

So I'm not good enough, after all?

You're a lovely girl, Shueste. This is my problem.

Yours?

There are several things I need to deal with first.

Actually, I've taken on guardianship of a young girl.

I want to prioritize her until she can stand on her own.

Plus... having beaten my father, I can't turn my back on aiming for the top.

And then...

What would you do, Master?

No matter how it goes, there's something I need to make a decision on.

I'm sorry, but I need to address that before I can respond to you.

-That is troubling. -I'm hoping you'll understand...

If you refuse me so sincerely, there's nothing else I can say.

But I can feel that you're taking my feelings seriously.

And it only makes me love you more, which is troubling.

And so... I will wait.

Until you've taken care of everything else you need to do.

I don't know when that'll be, or if you'll get the answer you want.

That's no problem. I'm quite patient.

But if you forget me as time goes by, I would be very sad.

I won't forget. I still treasure the pressed flowers you gave me.

I'm so glad.

Hey, is that you, Mewi?

It is! Morning!

Miss Ficelle and... Miss... Curuni?

You out running too, Mewi?

The old man... I mean, Mr. Beryl, says running is the foundation of everything.

You don't have to force it.

Honestly, to me, he's just an old man too.

A cool old man.

Yeah, yeah, he's cool.

Mewi, since you're here, why don't you join us?

Fice and I often sync our schedules and run together.

You still go out running even after becoming knights or teachers?

Running is the first thing you learn at Master Beryl's dojo.

You keep doing it until you're certified.

So it's second nature!

But you're amazing, Mewi, running on your own like that.

No, it's not nearly enough.

I swing my sword and my body wobbles.

And I still can't convert my magic into sword magic.

Keep at it and you'll definitely get there.

I don't know about magic, but if you keep at something, you'll get it for sure.

The old man says that too, and I believe it, so I've been trying...

When you can't see a way out, it can mess with your head sometimes.

I've got a good idea!

The Magic Institute's on winter break now, right?

During the break, the three of us can do some secret training for Mewi!

Huh? A... Are you sure?

Great idea. It will be good teaching practice for me too.

Secret training for you too, Fice!

Then it's settled! Let's meet here at the same time tomorrow!

Thank you... very much...

During the break, we're not teacher and student.

We're both Master Beryl's students. There's no need for formal speech.

For real?!

That's a relief!

Now that was a quick switch!

It's been a while.

Citrus, Gardenant. Good to see you're both well.

You haven't changed either, Lazorne.

Yeah. Rose retired, so I ended up getting a new vice commander,

but things have settled down now.

I'm curious about what happened to Rose, but I can't ask that here...

We can catch up properly once we get to the Holy City.

Yes, by all means.

Welcome to Sphenedyardvania.

We are pleased to receive you into the country.

From here to the Holy City of Dilmahakha, we, the Holy Order, will join the escort.

Three days of travel past the border checkpoint...

So this is Sphenedyardvania's Holy City, Dilmahakha.

Crossing into another country, even the buildings change quite a lot.

It's been some time.

I've been waiting for you.

Her Highness the Princess has safely entered the palace.

Our first job is finally done.

Whew, it took ages.

Our pace was slower than the scouting run, so it was inevitable.

With a force this large, it's unavoidable.

Please go to the barracks and rest, Master.

Henblitz and I will meet with Lazorne to go over the security plan.

Got it.

They didn't show up.

Did the mercenaries give up after seeing our security detail?

But would people who try to eliminate strong opponents like Allucia in advance

really back down so easily?

Fish isn't greasy, so it's easy to digest.

Yet the night always ends with a drink. That's just how old guys are.

Next time: "The Old Country Bumpkin Sees in the New Year."

SUBTITLES BY: MARDI MIYAKE