A Disciple is Born
Elina looked troubled as the children pressed her for something.
Since we had patrol duty coming up, I thought about stepping in to help her. As I approached, one of the boys noticed me and ran over.
Just as I was about to ask what he needed, he suddenly shouted—
"Please take me as your disciple!"
"Huh? A disciple?"
"You heard that right.”
Elina said, her voice carrying a hint of exasperation as she explained the situation.
The boy who had just asked to become my disciple was named Parker. He had just turned ten this year. His dream was to leave the village someday, move to the royal capital, and join the Knights Order.
"I see… So you want to join the Knights Order."
That would make him my and Elina’s junior in the future.
That said, he was still just a kid. He would go through many experiences and meet many people as he grew, which might change his aspirations.
But right now, he seemed determined, full of enthusiasm about his dream of becoming a knight.
"I-I’ve always admired the Knights Order… and I’ve always wanted to talk to you, Sir Justin!"
Parker’s words were shaky with nervousness, his voice slightly high-pitched. I advised him to take a deep breath and calm down before speaking again.
"I heard that only first-rate knights are given a Holy Sword. I want to learn swordsmanship from an incredible knight like you, Sir Justin!"
"Swordsmanship, huh…"
Hmm… This was a bit of a problem.
It was true that I had been entrusted with a Holy Sword, but I still considered myself a work in progress. I wasn’t sure if I was suited to be anyone’s teacher.
At the same time, turning him down outright felt wrong.
As I was contemplating my response, Elina leaned in and whispered a suggestion.
"He’s still a child. Instead of teaching him real swordplay, why not start with the basics—like discipline and fundamental training?"
"Huh?"
"I figured you’d take this way too seriously."
Ugh… As expected of my former subordinate—wait, she was technically still my subordinate.
Either way, she knew me too well.
But she had a point. That was a solid plan—something I could manage.
"Alright, Parker. I accept you as my disciple."
"R-Really?!"
"But there’s a limit to what I can teach you. Once you’re older, you should enroll in a swordsmanship dojo in the royal capital and continue your training there."
"Yes!"
He would be eligible to enter a dojo at twelve, meaning he had two more years in the village. If he changed his mind and found a new dream in that time, that was fine too.
But if he stayed on this path, the Knights Order might gain a promising recruit in the future. That thought was exciting in its own way.
What do you think about this chapter?
