Chapter 24
"For shirts, choose a few thin ones and sleeveless thick ones in colors that don't show dirt easily. Depending on the training, the fabric might wear out in just three days, so always have spares ready. Also, things like breathability and sweat absorption matter too... but you can decide on those by consulting with Rudo or Altried. Compared to the ones in the Royal Capital, the quality might be a bit lower, but since this is a town that supports a soldier's fortress, there are plenty of cheap and durable options."
"Yeah. Durable ones... lots of them..."
While feeling warm inside watching Renato diligently take notes, I was in the middle of doing practice swings, drenched in sweat under the blazing sun.
Of course, Rudo was right beside me, pushing up the hair stuck to his forehead in annoyance as he swung a heavier dummy weapon with single-minded focus.
"Rudo, don't you have any advice?"
"...Hah, now's really not the time—"
"Since my brother seems busy, I'll ask Altried instead."
"You heard him, Rudo."
"Sorry for making you worry..."
"Break time is over, so I'm heading back."
Smiling softly, Renato gently placed his notes on his belongings and dashed off toward Altried.
Renato, walking alongside Altried and actively chatting with him, looked like he was having fun—and judging by that, he likely hadn't received that baptism yet.
"He seems to be getting used to it."
"Looks like it. Just a week ago, he was struggling to even get out of bed in the morning because of the pain."
Doing basic physical training all day, it's only natural that would happen.
Rather, it's hard to believe that in just seven days, he's been able to come all the way from the training ground to where we are during break time.
On the first day of training, Renato joined the early morning stretching and running, and within an hour, he was on the verge of passing out, gritting his teeth and running despite being on the brink of collapse—but in the last few minutes, he fell as if his string had snapped.
We hurried to cool his body down and had him sit and observe for the rest of the time.
"He's got more guts than Celestia... huh!?"
As Dan, who had been watching, was about to say something unnecessary, Tom covered the tactless man's mouth, and I kicked him in the shin.
Originally, Renato wasn't even supposed to join the early morning training. Like Rudo, he was supposed to quietly train in swordsmanship... apparently.
Altried, who came along as Renato's escort, had said so with an apologetic look.
So why did that plan go awry? It's because after losing a mock battle to Dan, Renato started imitating me.
Since Rudo and Renato aren't allowed to roam freely inside the fortress, the only time they can meet is during training. Renato, who was told that meals were also separate, looked at Altried with teary eyes in silent protest, but was flatly told, "That's the rule."
"Then!"—as an alternative, he proposed that he wanted to join early morning training with me.
Hearing that, Rudo chimed in, "Then I will too," and though Altried tried to dissuade them, neither backed down. In the end, Renato declared, "I want to become like Celestia," and Rick's eyes sparkled at the sight.
Seeing the same look Rick had when Grandfather told Rona not to go easy on her, I prayed for the souls of the highly motivated Renato and Rudo.
"He still seems to be struggling, but at least he doesn't collapse anymore."
"No, I'm having a hard time too. If he's been doing that for years, I can understand why Renato idolizes Celestia."
"Rather than me, isn't it just that the striking techniques and sub-weapons are novel to him? His eyes are always sparkling. I was like that too at first."
"That might be part of it, but..."
He lost so pathetically right in front of him.
If he were to idolize someone, it wouldn't be me—it'd be Dan...
—Besides.
"Well then, I'm off to the training ground for a bit."
"...Hmm? Is something going on?"
"You could say that."
My basic training was something Grandfather had modified, and I've heard Renato is doing the same.
Can someone who collapsed during early morning training really manage that in just seven days...?
And still have the stamina left to go back and forth during break time?
The one overseeing Renato is Altried, who serves the royal family.
"Rudo, you said you wanted Renato to become the future captain of the knight training, didn't you?"
"Yeah, but... Celestia?"
"Well then, I'm off."
I ignored the panicked voice behind me yelling, "Wait, what are you planning!?" and stepped into the training ground.
I also set aside days a week to do only basic training in this shaded, well-ventilated spot.
"Heave-ho..."
I filled a bucket placed in the corner with water, then quickly walked to the center of the training ground, where Renato was collapsed.
"...Get up already."
I splashed water on Renato, who had noticed me and lifted his face.
"Come on, hurry up."
"...Gah, cough—"
As Renato choked, I mercilessly splashed him with water a second time and glared at Altried, who smiled awkwardly.
"Spoiling him won't help, you know?"
"I figured it would be more effective if you did it instead of me."
As I glared resentfully at Altried, who casually handed over the training menu, I told the stunned but standing Renato, "Good."
At Ransheen Fortress, the hellish basic training was only just beginning.