I Tried To Be Her Loyal Sword

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I took a deep breath in front of the building. Despite having prepared myself, standing here brought a whirlwind of thoughts.

‘Only three days left until the Swordsmanship Tournament resumes; it’s really busy.’

With a complicated mind, I looked at the sign.

– Guild of the Black-Blue Crow.

I had come here to dig up the past.

The Guild of the Black-Blue Crow. A guild of capable crows that transport precious goods. And its owner, ‘Blue Wing’ Yasha.

Ramona had told me that I could learn about my mother from Yasha. The business card she gave me was resting safely in my pocket.

‘What will I hear?’

I fiddled with the business card for a moment. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if this single card would grant me an audience with ‘that’ Blue Wing Yasha, but I decided to trust Ramona, who had no reason to lie.

“What brings you here?”

Upon entering the building, an elderly woman who had been waiting at the front desk asked politely.

The Guild of the Black-Blue Crow had broken the stereotype that mercenary work was a male domain and employed many women.

‘I had thought about joining the Black-Blue Crow once.’

While their guild members’ benefits were top-notch, it wouldn’t have been a bad choice, but my skills were solely focused on combat, which hardly suited the Black-Blue Crow. What I excelled at was smashing monster heads, not executing meticulously planned covert operations.

I looked at the woman who could have been my ally and answered succinctly.

“I came to meet the Guild Leader.”

The woman squinted her eyes. Her previously kind demeanor shifted into one of sternness in an instant.

“I’m sorry, but that won’t be possible. The Guild Leader is far too busy to see just anyone.”

“Could you please check this?”

In chess, it’s impossible to check the king in one move. Her refusal was expected; unless you were a notable client, the Guild Leader wouldn’t make an appearance.

I nodded in agreement to her refusal but still hesitated as I presented the business card.

“This is—”

The woman furrowed her brow as she examined the business card, only to open her eyes wide moments later. Her fingertips touched the scribbled signature on the corner of the card.

“It’s the Guild Leader’s signature!”

‘Could it be true after all?’

I was slightly taken aback, blinking in surprise.

Guild leaders like those of the Guild of the Black-Blue Crow wouldn’t just hand their signatures to anyone. If leaked, it could lead to forgery.

Yet Ramona had handed me Yasha’s signed card as casually as one might give a receipt.

‘Speaking of which, didn’t she say she knew Yasha from back in the day? What’s Ramona’s true identity?’

I became a bit curious about Ramona’s background.

“……Please wait a moment. I will inform the Guild Leader.”

“Ah, wait.”

I grabbed the woman, who was about to leave.

She tilted her head in curiosity. I rummaged through my pocket and pulled out a familiar object that had a comforting texture. The woman lightly snatched it from my hand.

“Please show this to the Guild Leader.”

After checking the object, the woman gasped. She quickly scanned me with astonished eyes, but I calmly met her gaze, accustomed to these kinds of reactions.

“If you let her know that a mercenary named Mir has come to see her, the conversation will proceed faster.”

The Golden Shield mercenary badge. It was the best proof of my identity.

‘The Guild Leader will be here shortly.’

After being led into the reception room, I sat on the sofa and glanced around.

In stark contrast to the solemn and pristine ‘Hide & Seek’ guild building, the Guild of the Black-Blue Crow’s structure appeared relatively free-spirited. While luxurious, the emphasis seemed to be on sophistication rather than solemnity. The clear blue tones used in the décor imparted a refreshing feel, which was particularly impressive.

‘What kind of person is Yasha?’

While I knew a bit about her strength and skill as she served as the guild’s mascot, I had no clue about her personality or any personal details.

‘Hmm… She’s not suddenly going to challenge me to a duel, right?’

I sealed my lips against the rising worry deep within me. The perception of ‘Guild Leader’ lodged itself in the basement of my mind because of a certain black-haired youth with violet eyes.

As I silently prayed for a smooth conversation with her, I suddenly heard loud footsteps approaching.

“Guild Leader! You’re going to have a one-on-one conversation with Mercenary Mir! That’s too dangerous!”

“Bah, I won’t lose face at my age. Do you really think I’d be threatened by some young punk?”

“But still…”

“If that kid wanted to settle things with me, they wouldn’t be handing me a business card but turning this guild upside down. I can handle it, so don’t worry, Baron.”

I paused, startled by the heavy presence I felt drawing near while overhearing the conversation.

‘Young punk? Kid?’

The deep yet hearty voice exuded a casual tone. I was momentarily dazed by the condescension I was experiencing for the first time since becoming a Sword Master.

Bang!

The door was flung open, and a tall figure entered the room. I quickly scanned the newcomer.

Shortly cropped white hair. A black eye patch covering her right eye. A massive great sword slung over her back. She appeared to stand at about 170 cm or so. In a black vest, loose-fitting white shirt, and an unkempt cravat, her face bore the wrinkles of time yet still shimmered with bright blue eyes.

“Did you seek me out, young punk?”

Her rough hand grasped the hilt of the gigantic sword behind her, and though her eyes were wrinkled, they sparkled with vigor, proving that age doesn’t necessarily equate to decline.

Though she had only one eye visible, it felt as though I were being assessed by multiple stares.

This middle-aged woman, who didn’t hesitate to call a Sword Master a kid, was undoubtedly the guild’s owner, ‘Blue Wing’ Yasha.

As I stared blankly at Yasha, she drew her great sword from behind her.

Swish.

Holding a weapon that seemed too heavy to lift with both hands, she wielded it effortlessly with one hand. The sword, as large as her body, twirled lightly in her grip as if it were weightless to her.

‘Is she about to attack?’

The sheer size of her weapon made me a bit tense as I observed Yasha’s movements, only to find her plopping down gracefully on the opposite side of me, resting the great sword like a staff between her legs.

The infamous great sword of ‘Blue Wing’ Yasha was well-known. It was surprising for the guild leader of the agile and covert guild of the Black-Blue Crow to wield such a massive weapon, which was leagues away from sleek and stealthy.

Having once attempted to wield a great sword in my youth, I had given up immediately because it was too heavy. Of course, as a Sword Master now, I could easily use a heavy iron pillar, but I still preferred the light one-handed swords.

Yasha seemed extraordinary.

Great swords could deliver powerful strikes with just a light swing, but they were also challenging to handle. Just holding one drained a considerable amount of stamina, and swinging it required significant strength.

Moreover, the larger the weapon, the more likely one was to be discovered by foes. A single misstep could lead to attacks on allies, so careful control was essential.

To wield a great sword to perfection required relentless effort, and the risks outweighed the benefits, thus, not many chose to use them.

‘Using such a great sword shows confidence.’

It was madness for someone who thrived on agility and stealth to wield a great sword, yet I could tell that Yasha embraced those risks confidently, proving she believed in her ability to succeed.

I gazed at her with awe. Her bright blue eyes seemed light-hearted at first glance, but upon closer inspection, they held the heavy weight of accumulated years.

‘Why does she look so cool?’

I found myself startled by this newfound, intense feeling. Though this was the first time meeting Yasha, I felt an odd longing towards her.

Her aging was not a sign of decline but a symbol of maturity, something she exuded from every pore. Despite the wrinkles framing her eyes, her gaze remained vibrant.

“What’s with the young folks nowadays? No manners whatsoever! Not even a greeting.”

As I stood there silently, just looking, Yasha frowned at me and quipped.

I was taken aback by her casual demeanor but nodded out of reflex.

“Ah, hello. I am……”

“Hey! Who greets anyone while sitting down?”

Yasha promptly stood up, causing my eyes to widen in surprise. After hastily placing her great sword down, she clasped her right fist with her left hand and bowed respectfully.

“I am Yasha, Guild Leader of the Guild of the Black-Blue Crow. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

It was an exceptionally polite greeting.

‘So, she values manners.’

If she had merely been sitting to receive my greeting, my admiration would have immediately waned, but since Yasha stood up and showed respect first, I couldn’t ignore it.

I hurriedly stood and bowed.

“I am Mir, the mercenary. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“That’s how it should be.”

Yasha nodded with satisfaction as she resumed her seat.

“You know, young folks these days don’t have any manners. Humans should prioritize kindness and respect above all. Without those basics, they are no better than beasts.”

Yasha rambled on. I had expected someone imposing and heavy, yet she talked more than I anticipated. I sat stiffly, glancing at her.

“Uh… Thank you.”

“Huh? But why are you speaking so formally?”

“What?”

As I awkwardly expressed my gratitude, Yasha looked at me with a puzzled expression, as if she had suddenly realized something. I felt flustered once again. Yasha seemed to have a knack for putting people on edge.

“Well, it’s because you’re older than me…”

“Oh, come on! What does age have to do with respect? Are young folks this stiff? I’m speaking casually here, so you should too. Or should I speak formally to you instead?”

‘What… is this all about?’

I was taken aback by Yasha’s unique personality.

While she kept insisting on how young people lack manners, she never leaned on her age as a weapon, which was surprisingly progressive. I fidgeted, scratching the back of my neck after failing to grasp her personality.

“It’s alright. I’m more comfortable using formal language. You, please feel free to speak casually.”

“Oh, well, if that’s the case. You young folks are really stiff. Just relax.”

Yasha leaned comfortably against the sofa, resting her arm on the backrest. For a moment, I lost my words in front of this unique character.

“Alright. Let’s get down to business. Before I hear why you’re looking for me…”

Yasha began to steer the conversation in a leisurely tone, her previously downcast eyes now focused intently on me. The atmosphere grew tense under her piercing blue gaze as she pinched my business card between her fingers.

“This card is proof that you can reach me anytime, but I don’t recall giving it to a mercenary named Mir. How did you come to possess it?”

I had anticipated this question. I met her gaze calmly.

“Do you happen to know Ramona?”

“What? Ramona? That old lady?”

As I mentioned Ramona, Yasha’s face brightened with an expression of recognition. Her previously tense aura transformed into a warm glow.

“I know her! That old lady used to be quite nimble back in her youth! We collaborated on many things!”

“Is that so…?”

“Yes! I suggested she join the Guild of the Black-Blue Crow, but she always refused, saying she preferred to do business! That old woman has the stubbornness of a bull. Tsk, tsk.”

Yasha chatted excitedly about memories, rounding off her story with a click of her tongue. She seemed like a grandmother sharing tales with a grandchild. Though I had never known my grandmother, I imagined it would be like this as I nodded along. Yasha’s extreme friendliness felt a little awkward but strangely pleasant.

“Ah, speaking of which, I gave this to Ramona. I told her to bring it if she ever considered joining later… Could it be that you’re Ramona’s grandchild? You don’t resemble her at all!”

“I’m not!”

Yasha looked incredulously at me, pondering the business card.

I hastily shook my head. The idea of a grandchild suddenly appearing from the unmarried Ramona was preposterous. And considering only my eyes and mouth were visible, I wondered how she figured out whether I resembled her.

“I’m just an acquaintance of Ramona. She has helped me a lot.”

“Hmm… That old coot has always had a peculiar softness since her youth.”

Yasha nodded in understanding as she stroked her chin. If anyone else had criticized Ramona, I might have felt angry, but Yasha’s attitude reflected a genuine friendship, leaving no room for retaliation.

“I came to ask the Guild Leader a question.”

I took a deep breath and looked directly at Yasha. Her only visible right eye shone with a blue light.

“Do you know Anteia Hella?”

Just as I finished speaking, a gust of wind swirled around me, flapping the hood I wore tightly. I could have avoided it, but I didn’t, and I felt the cold edge of a sword inch closer to my neck.

With one hand gripping the great sword, Yasha pointed it directly at my throat.

“Who do you think you are, kid?”

She smiled icily as if she had just taken a cold dip in a crystal-clear lake.