The Great Sword is not the Main Body!

The elderly couple who lived next door to where I grew up had a good relationship.

During the day, they would have soft conversations, but at night, I could hear the grandmother's screams and the grandfather's crying.

The grandmother had dementia.

She was fine during the day, but at night, her symptoms would worsen, and she would scream like a child.

Seeing this, my mother couldn’t just let it go. She started helping with everything, from side dishes to anything else that could ease their burden.

And every time, she would always say this:

“Sigh... See? Raising children doesn’t mean anything, you know? You give birth and raise them well, but what good does it do? When they get old and sick, they don’t care at all...”

But.

Even as she said this.

“She’s still a good girl, though. Noah would never abandon me, right?” She would give me a warm smile.@@novelbin@@

I nodded, of course, answering that it was natural.

And then, that day was just like any other.

“Son! I’m going to take some side dishes to the old lady next door. Could you help me carry them? They’re too heavy.”

“Uh... I’m in the middle of a game, it’s going to take a little longer...”

“Hm... It’ll only take a moment, can’t you do it?”

“Ah, I’m in a boss fight... No, wait! Why are you going in there?! You crazy—”

“Noah? Use polite words, please?”

“Uh... Sorry. Um... Can we go in like 10 minutes?”

“Sigh... Fine. I’ll go alone. I’ll also organize the fridge. It’ll take some time! And don’t get too close, you’ll ruin your eyes looking so closely! After, have dinner from the table when I’m back!”

“Mmm... Okay, I understand.”

“I’ll be back—”

“Ugh, the wizard’s damage... Ah.”

As my father’s job required me to say “take care,” I lived with that phrase.

But that day...

I was so absorbed in the game that I couldn’t even say goodbye.

If only...

If I had told her to be careful.

Maybe...

It tickles.

Like something soft, like doggrass, brushing in front of my face.

There’s a nice scent.

And my body is comfortably cradled.

I feel a gentle rocking, up and down...

“Hah, we’re almost there.”

Ailyn’s voice reached me, right in front of my face.

“Just about 10 more minutes, and we’ll be done with the ruins.”

In front of me, I could hear Luchi’s voice.

“Ugh... I haven’t slept a wink. I’m so tired. You really can’t outrun age.”

The bald... I mean, Heinkel’s voice came next.

Someone’s arm was supporting my back and legs, and my body was floating in the air.

Am I... in Ailyn’s arms?

Also, my waist feels empty. Where did my greatsword go...?

I remember falling asleep.

How long has it been since then?

Ailyn must have been really worried. Hmm...

“By the way, weren’t we supposed to stop and rest at Rohollan Village before entering the ruins?”

“Yes. We’re planning to stay there until Noah’s body gets a little better.”

“Hmm, then what do you think about resting for a bit ourselves? Heinkel, we could also help Noah with her training.”

“Oh, good idea. Teaching the little kid could be fun.”

Huh...?

Me...? Why?

I was trying to let them know I was awake, but hearing such a strange conversation, I decided to keep my mouth shut.

“Uh, by the way... could you teach me swordsmanship...?”

Huh?

Why is Ailyn suddenly asking to learn swordsmanship?

“The lady? Well, how about learning polearm instead of a sword? This halberd is the most exciting—”

“No. I prefer a sword. I don’t like those heavy... I mean, cumbersome weapons.”

“Heh! That’s right. You’ve got good taste. Unlike the rough polearm, swords have a certain romance to them. Alright, your posture’s good. How about we train together in Rohollan?”

What is this?

One-handed swords and halberds have romance?

Romance is in the greatsword!

You should learn from me!

I tried to keep pretending to sleep, but I couldn’t take it anymore.

I can’t let Ailyn learn some one-handed sword nonsense.

I need to get up and give some pointers too—

“Yes. Thank you. But first... I’ll talk to Noah a bit, then I’ll ask for your help.”

Wait, hold on.

Let’s stay still for now.

“Yeah, right... You probably have a lot to talk about with the little kid. Then, Heinkel, how about we rest a bit too? I heard Rohollan’s stone plate steak is delicious.”

“Hm, good idea.”

“You always think everything is a good idea.”

“Well, isn’t it just a bit stiff to always give just a plain response? I’m practicing so that Noah doesn’t get scared.”

“Ha, Heinkel, despite your appearance... you have a cute side to you.”

“That guy, despite his size, loves cute things. He raised pets at home like crazy. Ugh, I can’t even step inside because I’m so allergic.”

“Who doesn’t like cute things?”

“That’s... true. But Heinkel liking them... feels weird. Hahaha...”

I tried to picture Heinkel’s image in my mind.

From what I remembered... Hm...

He shaves his head with a razor every morning, so his scalp is smooth.

He’s as tall as my greatsword.

I can’t quite remember his face, though.

Anyway, he looked like a macho man. Cute...?

Well... I guess cute things are good.

I like cool things though.

The greatsword is cool!

And isn’t the way I fight cool too?

Yeah, right. I’m cool.

“Hehe.”

“Huh? Noah? Are you awake?”

Oops...

I laughed out loud when I meant to laugh internally.

I... have to keep pretending to sleep...

“Are you sleeping? Hmm... Did you know that when people sleep, they breathe with their diaphragm?”

“Hm? I didn’t notice.”

“Heinkel, looks like you lost both your hair and intelligence. Of course, you wouldn’t notice since you’re sleeping.”

“Oh... I see.”

“...Well... yeah. I guess that’s true. Now, let me ask you a tough question. What does chest breathing mean, Noah?”

Hmph.

Is this supposed to be difficult?

Ailyn, you fool?

“I woke up...! Hah...!”

Huh...?

“Pretending to sleep, huh?”

Ailyn’s stern voice started to prick my conscience.

As expected, Ailyn.

She’s no ordinary person...

“Hm... G-Good... morning, Ailyn... and, um... Uncles...?”

I waved my hand awkwardly with a sheepish smile.

“Oh, the little kid’s awake?”

“You woke up quicker than I expected.”

“Yes. Noah, good morning. How are you feeling?”

Ailyn’s hair gently covered her face.

Hmm... Did she lower her head?

I can’t feel anything through Giga Sense, so it’s really frustrating.

Ugh!

“I’m feeling better... But, um... could you put me down? I can walk now...!”

“No. Absolutely not.”

“Huh... why, why not...? You’re not... heavy, are you?”

“Not at all. You’re so light, I’m actually worried. Just stay like this. We’ll be at Rohollan soon.”

Ailyn gave me a firm “no” as though it were a decree.

I’m... embarrassed...

That’s... huh?

The cushion-like feeling... is so soft, it’s embarrassing...

“Well, what about the greatsword...?”

I’ll use Giga Sense to look around!

“The greatsword? Noah, you’re light, but the greatsword is heavy... We’ll reach Rohollan soon, so just hold on a little longer, okay?”

Lies...

The greatsword is lighter than me...

“Ah, alright...”

“Heh... You’re so well-behaved, Noah.”

Ailyn’s hand patted my backside.

She’s supporting me with one arm and patting me with the other... an impressive skill...!

“If it’s too heavy, you can switch. My muscles are meant for this kind of thing—”

“No. I’ll carry it. Noah says she’s scared of Heinkel.”

What? Huh?!

What is she saying!?

I never said that!

“No, no, I didn’t... uh-!”

As soon as I opened my mouth, Ailyn squeezed my backside and whispered, “Shh.”

Why! Why is she making me look like a weirdo!?

“Ah, I see... Hm... I guess I have no choice...”

“Heh... Did the little kid say that?”

Look at that!

The bald guy is upset!

“Yes. So I’ll carry her. Is that okay, Noah?”

Squeeze—

“Ugh... Yes, yes...”

“Hehe... That’s what she said.”

Ailyn has gone weird...

“Ailyn, Miss.”

I heard Heinkel’s gloomy voice.

Ugh... Poor bald Heinkel...

He’s lost his hair and his confidence...

“Yes?”

“I’ll teach you some useful techniques... Could you teach me how to get along with the kids?”

“Hehehe! Heinkel, didn’t I always tell you? You should work on your face. When I see that face... Hm... Ahem. I misspoke.”

Luchi suddenly stopped speaking and cleared his throat.

Hmm... Since I’m blind... is he trying to be considerate?

Good Luchi!

“Luchi. You’re really trash.”

“Hmph... I think so too.”

No... I didn’t mean it like that.

“Hehehe! Haha! These people are platinum adventurers... Haha... Alright, I’ll teach you how to get along with the kids. Luchi, do you want to learn too?”

“P-Please...”

“Yes. Alright. Hehehe.”

The conversation continued, with me left out, as always.

I wanted to join in, but I couldn’t time it right... Not once.

Every time I tried to speak, Luchi, Heinkel, or Ailyn!

They took my turn! Why! Let me join!

Did they all become close while I was sleeping!?

Ah, Ailyn, I knew her first...!

Ailyn and I are closer!!

I was frustrated and tightly gripped Ailyn’s collar.

The things I couldn’t say earlier... I’ll definitely say them later.

You guys can eat meat.

Ailyn and I are going to have our own fun.

“Noah. Don’t we have a lot to talk about?”

Arriving in Rohollan, I was planning to grab some snacks... but Ailyn grabbed me and dragged me into the inn room.

I wasn’t thinking of this when I wanted to have some fun alone...

“Ugh... Mm... Yes...”

Ailyn’s voice sounded subdued.

Was it because I had left on my own despite being her protector?

Hadn’t I forgiven her last time...?

No, with that much gold, there’s no way she’d forgive me easily...

“Phew... Then, first, Noah, tell me if there’s anything you’re curious about or want to say.”

Hmm...

There was something I wanted to ask her earlier.

“R-Really... can I ask anything?”

“Yes. Anything. I’ll answer everything, so feel free to ask.”

“Uhh... then... I’m really going to ask...?”

If I ask this, I might never see Ailyn again...?

Really?

“Yes.”

I gripped the hilt of my greatsword tightly.

Summoning all my courage, I spoke.

“Between those uncles and me...! Who... who are you closer to?!”