Living as a Butler to the Northern Duke chapter 79

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Ed immediately sensed that this was the “secretive action” Ronen had mentioned.

After receiving permission from the Grand Duke to step out for a bit, Ronen quietly slipped out, and Ed discreetly followed him, signaling to Tens at the door to join them.

‘Where could Young Master Ronen be heading so secretly, away from everyone else?’

As Ronen walked briskly through the village, he finally stopped in front of a store with a sign bearing a sword and shield.

‘A weapon shop?’

“Welcome, sir.”

Upon cautiously stepping inside, they were greeted by the shopkeeper.

“What kind of weapon would you like to see, young master?”

“I’d like to see some sturdy wooden swords.”

“They’re on the second floor. Please, follow me.”

While inspecting the wooden swords the shopkeeper showed them, Ronen turned to speak.

“Oh, and could you give us a moment alone?”

“Would it be alright if I waited on the first floor?”

“Hmm, yes, that would be fine. I’ll call you if I need any help.”

“Understood, sir. Take your time, and please don’t hesitate to call if you need assistance.”

Bowing, the shopkeeper left them alone.

The weapon stands displayed various types of weaponry.

As Ronen picked up a heavy wooden sword and swung it experimentally, Ed glanced around the shop.

Polished weapons glistened on the neatly arranged stands.

“Ed, look at this.”

Ed, who had been momentarily distracted, quickly turned as Ronen called him.

“Ah, yes, young master!”

Ronen took a small breath, his gaze steady as he stood in the practice area within the weapon shop.

He swung the wooden sword lightly, lifting it with a controlled, powerful motion, catching Ed by surprise.

‘Since when did Ronen’s swordsmanship improve this much?’

Ed, feeling a sense of familiarity with Ronen’s movements, opened his mouth to ask.

“…Could that be the Grand Duke’s sword technique, young master?”

“Oh! You recognized it, Ed? What do you think? Does it look strange?”

“You look incredible. When did you learn this?”

Ronen’s cheeks flushed as he replied.

“I just copied what I saw during my brother’s training. I’m still far from perfect, so it’s a bit embarrassing. That’s why I only showed you. You must keep it a secret from everyone else.”

‘Ah, so he wanted to keep his secret sword training under wraps.’

Ed shook his head slightly.

“Not at all, young master. I’m really amazed by how well you’re doing on your own.”

“Really?”

“Yes, absolutely.”

Hearing Ed’s assured response, Ronen seemed excited and swung the wooden sword a bit more vigorously.

After practicing for a while, Ronen, now covered in a light sheen of sweat, approached Ed and whispered.

“Ed, even though it’s not quite dinner time, do you think I could grab something to eat on the way?”

To Ed’s surprise, Ronen chose skewers from a stall conveniently located next to the weapon shop.

“I want to try these.”

Ed hesitated, wondering if it was okay to snack before a meal, but he couldn’t resist Ronen’s sparkling eyes and handed him a skewer.

Watching Ronen devour the skewer in no time, Ed smiled and handed him another one, asking,

“So, young master, when did you start training with the sword on your own?”

As Ed gently wiped the sauce off the corners of Ronen’s mouth, he smiled softly and replied,

“Not too long ago. Whenever I had some free time, I practiced a bit. I used tree branches since I didn’t have a wooden sword, but I couldn’t get the balance right like my brother does. When I subtly asked Irtel about it, he said that it’s important to use a weapon with good balance. That’s why I came to the weapon shop today.”

As he finished explaining, Ronen gently stroked the wooden sword strapped to his waist.

Ed glanced down at Ronen, clutching the wooden sword with care, and asked,

“Does that wooden sword feel like it fits well?”

“Yes, I’m really happy with it.”

Recalling how carefully Ronen had chosen the sword, Ed nodded slightly.

“Would you like another skewer, young master?”

“Yes! But why aren’t you eating any, Ed? Come on, don’t just give them to me—have some too.”

“Of course, young master.”

Ed picked out the most delicious-looking skewer and handed it to Ronen.

Just then, both Ed and Ronen felt a weight on their shoulders as someone draped an arm around them.

Ed turned his head to see who it was.

“Ronen, Ed—having fun exploring the village?”

“Oh! Asnel, brother!”

Ronen greeted him warmly, and the Grand Duke affectionately ruffled his hair.

“Wow, that sword strapped to your waist looks quite impressive, Ronen.”

The Grand Duke glanced down at Ronen’s wooden sword, its fresh, polished handle gleaming as if untouched by use.

“Oh, yes! Ed and I just dropped by the weapon shop and I liked it, so I bought it.”

“Ah, I was planning to buy you your first sword myself.”

“No need, brother! I just got this one to use for practice.”

The Grand Duke chuckled at Ronen’s response and turned to Ed.

“Is that really so, Ed?”

Caught off guard, Ed redirected his gaze away from the Grand Duke’s captivating presence.

When he looked down, Ronen pressed a finger to his lips in a silent plea to keep his secret, so Ed carefully chose his words.

“Perhaps the young master was inspired by Your Grace and the knights wielding their swords with such grace.”

“I see. Then I suppose a gift is in order to commemorate Ronen’s new wooden sword.”

“A gift?”

Ronen, who had just finished another skewer, tilted his head in curiosity.

“Yes, and one for Ed as well.”

Ed, looking fondly at Ronen patting his satisfied belly, followed the Grand Duke.

They stopped in front of a grand jewelry store, and Ed’s eyes widened.

‘Huh? Is he getting the gift here?’

He had thought the Grand Duke might get Ronen a matching shield or training gear, but this was completely unexpected.

“Brother, isn’t this a jewelry store?”

Ronen, equally puzzled, looked up at the Grand Duke.

“The wooden sword handle might get slippery, so I thought of adding a leather grip with your name engraved on it. This store also handles leatherwork, so let’s have a look around.”

“Ah, okay!”

Inside the large jewelry store, gemstones sparkled under the bright magical lights.

The Grand Duke moved toward the attendant, and Ronen eagerly followed him.

“Welcome.”

The attendant greeted the Grand Duke warmly.

“I’d like to see some light leather for wrapping a wooden sword handle.”

“Certainly, please follow me.”

They followed the attendant, who led them to a wall filled with strips of leather in various colors and thicknesses.

Ronen blinked at the array of options, captivated.

The attendant, noticing Ronen’s reaction, smiled.

“If you don’t find something here, we have other options as well. Just let us know.”

“Ah, there are so many… I’m not sure.”