Chapter 37: Another Mother

It’s a good day—a truly good day.

Lately, I haven’t had much time to train.

Mother Roxy’s childbirth, Mother Eris’s pregnancy, the increasing housework, and playing with Lucy have filled my days. And with Sister Norn only coming home once every ten days, she’s now far beyond my level. But more than anything, Lucy makes that unhappy face every time I pick up a wooden sword.

"Last time my master came to visit, Lucy actually chased him away."

"I see. So that’s why we’ve come all the way out to such a remote spot."

Yes—today is the first time in ages that Ghislaine is training me. Maybe even the first time since Lara was born. Truly, it’s a wonderful day.

These days, Ghislaine serves as Her Majesty Ariel’s sword on the front lines, alongside peers like Lady Isolte, heir to the Water God Style, and Master Wii Taa, the foremost eccentric of the North God School—an extraordinary group, to say the least.

Unlike my formal master, who visits quite often, chances to be personally trained by Ghislaine are rare. I’m so happy that I can’t help chatting, venting little everyday complaints.

"Still… a club, huh? You’ve really gone eccentric."

Ghislaine paused, her expression darkening. She must be displeased that I’ve taken to using a club instead of a sword. It’s only natural—a Sword God Style master wouldn’t find it appealing that I’m drifting away from swordsmanship. But for someone like me, who fights long battles with a defensive focus, a sword is simply impractical for everyday use.

The truth is, ever since I started using a club, my master has certified me as an Intermediate of the North God Style. I can’t abandon this method now.

"You use the shield Wii Taa gave you… but the sword I gifted you—is it no longer needed?"

"No? Of course not!"

"Hm?"

"Huh?"

How could she think I wouldn’t need the sword she gave me? What is she saying?

"I still wear it at my side, see?"

"So you didn’t throw it away…"

"Of course not! Why would I ever do that, Ghislaine!?"

"Ah—oh… I-I’m sorry…"

Apparently, Ghislaine thought I’d discarded the dagger she gave me. Did she really think I was that kind of person? That stings a little.

The reason I started using a club was to master the Shadowless Sword.

The Shadowless Sword is a technique that uses the North God Style’s fastest draw to unleash a sudden, nearly inaudible slash—the Silent Blade. It’s so fast it barely looks like a draw at all—hard to read, impossible to predict—a truly deadly move.

On the other hand, its weaknesses are everything else: it can only be used from a sheathed position, becomes easy to counter once revealed, and as a sword technique, it’s only practical as an opening strike.

"That’s why I decided to use the club as my main weapon."

"I see."

By keeping the club as my primary weapon and the sword purely for Shadowless Sword use, I can patch those weaknesses. Even once my opponent learns my tricks, they’ll still have to face three threats—club, shield, and sword-draw—each dangerous in its own way.

"More importantly…"

"More importantly?"

"I’m rough with my weapons. If the sword you gave me broke, I’d be devastated."

Fighting stronger foes or large groups puts terrible strain on weapons—especially delicate blades. If I kept breaking the gift she gave me every time I trained, I’d probably cry.

When I told her that, Ghislaine gave a satisfied nod and said, "That’s fine then," her tail swaying lazily in delight. That alone made me happy.

"Ghislaine… do you dislike the eccentrics?"

"I wouldn’t say dislike. But… Auber always smelled strange, and Wii Taa—you can smell him, but you can’t see him. I’m just not good with those types."

Not hatred, but discomfort—her face tightened as she said it.

The late Lord Auber always carried a citrus-like scent, which Ghislaine loathed. Or rather, it seems beastfolk in general despise that smell—and he knew it, which is why he wore it on purpose.

As for my master, just imagining running into him in battle is enough to send chills down my spine. Even if he’s called a “lucky house spirit,” a monster is still a monster.

We stopped the small talk and began sparring in earnest—a tradition whenever I train under Ghislaine or my master.

It’s a test of everything I’ve learned from the three great schools—clashing with all my might to uncover weaknesses and future goals.

Of course, I always aim to win, but to this day, including today, I haven’t managed to take a single point from either of them.

Honestly, my progress has plateaued. But as Ghislaine says, "Don’t rush it. Your technique is solid, but your body’s still too small. With that prosthetic arm, though, you could call yourself Advanced."

From there, we continued endlessly with form practice, refining the Silent Blade and re-learning the mind games of Sword God Style duels.

As a direct disciple of the Sword God himself and a true Sword King, Ghislaine’s swordsmanship is the very embodiment of logic.

Though Mother Eris has surpassed her in sheer power, Ghislaine remains the perfect model for mastering Sword God techniques.

She swings her sword—I follow her movements. Again and again. Whenever my stance falters, she corrects it, and we repeat.

This near wordless rhythm… it’s so nostalgic I almost ache.

For a brief moment, the scenery of my past life returns—with Ghislaine right beside me.

"Hehe… heheh."

"Don’t grin like that, Edith! Your form’s breaking—no, it’s not. Hmph. Talented brat."

I know it’s unseemly, but I can’t help the smile spreading across my face. If I could, I’d train like this every day. I wish she could serve Mother again, just once more.

"Alright! That’s enough for today!"

"Thank you very much!"

Before I knew it, the sky had turned crimson. Training ended, and since tomorrow was a day off, Ghislaine stayed the night.

She gently stroked Mother Eris’s growing belly—just as she must have when I was inside. The thought filled me with quiet emotion.

Though, back when I was the one inside, apparently she kept swinging her sword right up until she went into labor. Truly, I can only be grateful for how tough I turned out.