"Say, Miss Nisshin... What made you choose the path of a sword-wielding adventurer? Cassery made sure the women are not left out with the new adventurer system by implementing healer and mage classes" Shizuku asked with a clear intrigue and curiosity in her voice as she asked Saki. "Well, um..." Saki twirls her hair around her finger as she answers her.
"I honestly haven't thought about it that much... I just feel like I want to swing a sword just like the men. I guess I have some sort of yearning to slay an enemy with a sword while protecting somebody" She responds, her mind clearly running to find a proper answer. "Swing a sword while protecting somebody? Then being an official village militia will-" "-While adventuring!" Saki raised her voice over Shizuku, then let out a loud sigh.
"I guess that's what I wanted. I want to travel around the world with a sword while protecting the people on the way" She looks down at the ground as she contemplates her desires. Shizuku nods with a hum. "Mhm... I see... So you really wish to become an adventuring swordsman, who will come around to explore and help people along the way. It sounds very fun and adventurous, indeed. Your life will be filled with different kinds of things and many memories to reminisce about. You will meet different kinds of people and learn about their differences in culture and traditions. The many places in the more developed continents that will make you miss the tranquility and simplicity of Karagi, and the different kinds of hardship in their daily lives. Every region, continent, town, village, and people around the world have different things to learn about. A successful adventurer is one with great fulfillment of great memories and wisdom from their adventure" Shizuku spoke with a delighted, almost excited voice as she described an adventurous life.
"And as a swordsman, you will be the one to face the threat head-on while the others stay behind your sword to support you with their own strengths and powers. A true swordsman never hesitates to be in the front carrying their sword to protect the innocent, and of course, to protect their comrades with different roles in combat. Miss Nisshin, being a sword-wielding adventurer is the biggest dream of every man, and it takes a lot of courage and bravery to consistently stand at the front, facing the door to the end of your life"
Shizuku paused to take in Saki's appearance with a smile. "Let me remind you once again, it is the biggest dream of every man. To be a woman achieving a man's dream... People would look at you with doubt and disapproval, some will think it's impossible and then ridicule you, some will laugh, some will discourage. I hope whatever happens in the future, you remain true to your goals in life, Miss Nisshin" She gave a sincere smile at her. Saki blushed hard as she listened, her gaze averting back to the floor.
Pushing her shyness aside and focusing on her determination, Saki looked up to Shizuku with a resolute gaze. "I will become the first swordswoman in the world. I will prove to them that even ladies can carry swords if they wish, and become capable just like men" She said, making Shizuku hum in acknowledgement. "Swordswoman... That sounds nice" She said with a smile as she looks at Saki, gazing at those fiery eyes.
"She will be the first to make a major change to this adventurer system. I believe in it" Abigail spoke up with an encouraging voice as she looked at Shizuku and Saki. Shizuku gave a hearty chuckle and said. "I reckon we must stop now. Miss Nisshin looks like she's about to pass out" Causing Abigail to glance at Saki, who was very red down on her neck. She chuckles as well at the sight of her. "Her first weakness, compliments. Her enemies would only need to speak and give her compliments, and then she would be overwhelmed within a second" She teased.
Saki wanted to speak back against Abigail but was too flustered to form a sentence. Shizuku chuckled at them. "I'm sure Miss Nisshin can find a way to get better in terms of shyness" She said to Abigail, then turned to Saki. "Say, Miss Nisshin... Are you truly ready to become an adventurer?" Questioning her goal of becoming an adventurer, Saki looks up to Shizuku and gives her a determined nod, causing Shizuku to wear a gentle smile. "I see... Are you planning on going to Saintsville soon?" She asked, wearing off Saki's determined look.
"Soon... I guess" She lightly scratched her cheek with a finger. "Same answer, huh?" Shizuku chuckled lightly. "Well, we can talk more about that later... So, my lady" She turned her gaze to Abigail. "Are you planning on accompanying Miss Nisshin on her adventure?" She asked. Abigail was slightly surprised as she hadn't thought of that question, causing her to think for a second before answering. "Um... Unfortunately, I have to stay to help run our shop here with my aunt. I would really like to go with her though" She glances at Saki with a longing gaze, then turns her gaze down the floor.
"An adventure with Saki sounds really good" She said with a wistful tone. Saki looks at her with a slightly sad gaze. "My lady's bakery shop is what keeps Shigure functioning, Miss Nisshin. They feed our honest people and keep our trades with Saintsville going" Shizuku explained to Saki, causing her to be flustered. "I, that's... that's good to know! It's not like I was expecting her to come along anyway! I will be alright!" She replied with hurried, shy words. Abigail looked up to her and they exchanged gazes. "If... if any opportunity comes, I will make sure to travel to see you, Saki..." She said with a slight smile.
"Oh, Abby... I'm not used to seeing you so sad" Saki said with a small frown, feeling slightly bad for her. Shizuku watched them both with an endearing gaze. "Letters are becoming popular these days. My lady can just write Miss Nisshin a letter if she can't come" With her mentioning letters, the two turn their gaze at her, intrigued. "Just write your letter on a paper, then put it into an envelope, and I can send it to Saintsville for you. There are official messengers assigned by each town. They're specialized in tracking their recipients through magic. Very convenient, isn't it?" Shizuku explained with delight.
Saki hums in acknowledgement then turns to Abigail, causing her to look as well. "Just don't send me many letters, okay? I don't want people tracking me down all the time" She said half-jokingly. Abigail giggles at her. "I can't promise that" She replied. "Do it for my own privacy, please" Saki replied.
Shizuku just watched them in amusement as they exchanged jokes with each other. Later, they moved on, and their conversation slowly died down. Shizuku then speaks. "Miss Nisshin" She called out, making them look at her. "What do you think about leaving to travel to Saintsville in a matter of a few days?" She asked, giving them curiosity.
"Few days? I don't understand... I can't leave yet, we're still earning money for a stagecoach" Saki frowns slightly. Shizuku put up a smile, making them even more curious. "Miss Nisshin" She called out then paused, giving them more anticipation. "The chiefs of Kanna and Kire are very grateful for your support during the bug invasion. They personally came here to show their gratitude to you. Unfortunately, you were still in your long rest when they did, so they just promised their support for you. Do you know where this leads to?" As Shizuku asked that, Abigail glanced at Saki with excitement.
"Uh, no..." Saki shyly replied. Her answer turned Abigail's excitement into disbelief. "This means that they are willing to help you with anything. And in that case, I asked them to fund your travels to Saintsville, and they happily agreed" Shizuku said with a bit of excitement and fondness to her voice. "Th-they are?" Saki asked as she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Shizuku nods. "Yes. It seems like you have moved their hearts seeing you swing your sword to save their people" Her reply caused Saki to blush hard, her gaze dropping to the floor.
"And seeing you so capable, they were more than happy to give you funding so you can travel to Saintsville and finally pursue your dream to become an adventurer" She added. Saki felt an overwhelming joy and anticipation that she couldn't even look up to Shizuku and form an appreciation. Shizuku leaned her head in. "Miss Nisshin... I'm happy for you" She said. Abigail watched their interaction, Shizuku showing her faith in Saki and her getting all red in the face.
"The stagecoach is arriving in three days. Miss Nisshin, make Shigure well known to the entire world to have Kiragi's first ever adventurer that has surpassed its very first goal" Her encouragement made Saki look up to her. Managing to drive her anticipation away, she nods at Shizuku and speaks a reply. "Yes! I will be the first adventurer to make it out of Kiragi, and mark the name of our village in the history" Shizuku nods back at her with evident faith in her abilities. Abigail watches them in awe, believing in a huge change to their system that will impact the people in the days to come.