Chapter 57: Teaching Time

“Ei! Yah!”

The green haired boy was enthusiastically swinging a wooden sword around. While watching him, I called out.

“That’s it! Don’t forget that stance. When you get tired, take that stance as you rest.”

“Yes!”

This boy… I’m teaching Marquis Victaire’s son, Masque Victaire, but he responded in a voice that fully trusts me.

Today, I came to Marquis Victaire’s estate. The purpose is to teach swordsmanship to the Marquis’ child, Masque. Well, I was the one who got myself into this, so even though it’s a little annoying, I faithfully came to teach him.

Also… even though I impulsively offered to teach him in a fit of rage, teaching someone else swordplay is no easy task. I know what needs to be taught, but just how much practice is good for a child who’s still growing? After thinking about it for a while, I decided to start by training his form. My reasoning behind it is that a solid foundation is a shortcut to learning everything else, but is it really best to let him continue practicing like this?

Since it’s easy to train your body after learning the basics, I wanted to start his training without overdoing it. I decided on my policy using such a reasoning.

“Master…”

“Hmm? What is it?”

During a short break, Masque called out to me. Incidentally, he calls me “Master” because when we started, I half-joked “Call me Master!” and he happily went along with it. There’s no particularly deep meaning behind it, but I think “Master” sounds more appropriate than “Teacher” for teaching swordplay. By the same logic, I call Masque by his first name. Since he’s my student, I felt “-kun” and “-san” didn’t give off quite the right feeling. Well, although it may not be strictly proper, since there aren’t any other nobles here, I shouldn’t receive any questions about what I call him.

“Will I ever be as good as Master?”

“That depends on your effort.”

“My effort…”

“That’s right. If you want to be strong, you need to do your best. Masque, do you have something important to you?”

To my question, Masque shook his head.

“… I don’t know.”

“I see. Then, do you have anyone you’re on good terms with?”

“Uhm… I’m on good terms with Mary, my maid.”

I’m a little relieved to hear he has someone he’s on good terms with. But, who is Mary?

“Perhaps, is it that person over there?”

I pointed at the person who brought us a towel earlier, and Masque confirmed it with an enthusiastic nod.

“Yeah! Mary’s been my friend for a long time!”

“Masque-sama… I’m honored!”

Mary blushed at Masque’s straightforward words. Looking at her, she seems to be about 10 years old? Noticing my gaze, she pulled herself together and gave a ladylike greeting.

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Mary Randall, Viscount Randall’s daughter. Currently, I have the privilege of being Masque-sama’s personal maid.”

“So you’re Viscount Randall’s daughter? It’s nice to meet you. I am Callis Fall, head of the Ducal House of Fall.”

Some nobles send their children to apprentice at higher-ranking houses for their social studies, such as by becoming maids, and it seems Viscount Randall decided to do just that.

“I’ll remember it. Also, thank you so much.”

Mary bowed her head after my greeting. I don’t remember doing anything for her, so I tilted my head in confusion.

“I don’t think I’ve done anything worthy of thanks, though?”

“That’s not true at all! Thanks to your actions, you saved Masque-sama.”

Biting her lip in frustration, she continued speaking.

“Not one person in this house tried to help Masque-sama. They all abandoned him to that terrible low-life who abused him. If only I had more power, Masque-sama wouldn’t have had to suffer for so long.”

“Mary…”

With those words, Masque grabbed Mary’s arm and shouted.

“It’s not Mary’s fault! Because I was weak, I couldn’t do anything.”

“That not it! Since Masque-sama is so kind, they…”

“No, you’re wrong. I was weak. That’s why, this time, I’ll get strong and be the one to protect Mary!”

“Masque-sama… So cool!”

I gave a wry smile as I interrupted the children who started to flirt.

“Not to spoil the mood or anything, but we only have so much time, so I’d like to continue the lesson now.”

“Yeah! Let’s do it!”

“Masque-sama! I’m rooting for you!”

Mary sent an affectionate call to cheer on Masque. From this conversation, it’s clear that she holds feelings which go beyond their master-servant relationship. Although I’m a little worried, since their age difference isn’t enough for me to call her a shotacon, I won’t interfere in their relationship. It’s not my place to get in-between others like that. Plus, well… if she can take care of one of the capture targets, I think that’s a good thing, so let’s support them.