Upon returning to Verdura, Stella shared the story of her connection with Cucurus with Mila.

“So, Cucurus let us use the store so that he could comfortably sell vegetables.”

Listening to Stella’s story, Mila couldn’t determine whether this was a good thing or a bad thing.

“But Mila, how do you know Cucurus and why did you tell Darun to go to the Moonlight Guild? I heard that you specifically pointed out it was the Moonlight Guild.”

Late in the game, both Stella and Mila learned about the connection with Cucurus. In response to Stella’s question, Mila seemed hesitant for a moment, then opened up about their connection as if recalling an old story.

“Our family fell apart, and everyone went their separate ways. I had to earn money somehow, and there were no noble families willing to accept me as a maid outside the king’s sight. Then, I found out that someone like me could work as a royal maid in the Credion Empire. I boarded a ship bound for the Credion Empire without any money.”

“How old were you at that time?”

It didn’t seem like a recent story at all.

“It’s been seven years already.”

“So, Mila was around fifteen?”

“Yes, around that age.”

“Wow, you were really brave.”

Thinking about Mila boarding a ship to a foreign land at such a young age made Stella’s heart ache.
When the conversation began to flow, Mila quietly started revealing a part of her life to Stella.

“I hid in the warehouse three days after the ship departed. I was too hungry and needed something to eat. I thought I would either be kicked out without mercy or thrown into the sea. That’s when I met Cucurus.”

“Cucurus hid you.”

If Cucurus, with his rough appearance, had found a young girl who boarded the ship determined to find work, he couldn’t have turned a blind eye. He probably secretly provided her with something to eat during each meal.

“Yes. Thanks to Cucurus, I could hide in the warehouse safely for a month, and I didn’t go hungry.”

Cucurus was truly a dependable person. Having such a person by her side made Stella feel more secure than ever.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Stella’s swordsmanship lesson began with wielding a dagger.

Expecting to receive training with a longsword like the knights, Stella was disappointed when Loys pulled out a dagger.

“Are we using that for swordsmanship lessons?”

She checked if Kai had brought another sword, but there was nothing around him.

“Once you learn to handle a dagger properly, I’ll teach you with something else.”
Kai’s voice was dry and monotonous. Although he seemed not to expect much outwardly, there was a reason why Kai started with a dagger. Stella’s performance in the hunting ground was very impressive.

Although it was an unrefined and rough skill, there was a sharpness and keenness not typical of a beginner. With a little teaching and refining, she could soon become a skilled practitioner.

The dagger Kai brought was slightly longer in blade length than the one Stella had.

Sharper and more pointed, the handle made of wood and strapped with a leather thong was a suitable size for Stella to grip. Kai, holding the dagger, began to explain slowly.

“This dagger is also called a ‘dagger.’ There are two ways to hold a dagger. You can grip it so that the blade rises upward, or you can do it the opposite way.”

As Kai spoke, he twirled and threw the dagger, catching it upside down.

“Wow!”

Even though it was just throwing and catching, there was a skill that couldn’t be described in words. When Stella applauded, Kai somehow looked pleased and polished his voice.

“There is a way to hold it so that the blade goes downward.”

Every time the direction of the blade changed, it glinted in the sunlight. Thinking that something so sharp could be thrust into a person’s body, it suddenly seemed frightening.

“Holding it upside down looks more threatening.”
“So, most of the time, we hold it upside down. However, situations requiring a dagger can suddenly arise, so there is no time to prepare properly.”

“What should I do then?”

“Nevertheless, there is a basic stance, so try to follow along.”

Stella followed Kai, standing as he held the dagger, closely observing him. Although her attempt to mimic the form was clumsy, her gaze made it seem like she had learned something valuable, which was commendable.

Kai grasped the dagger with both hands and raised it as if shouting “Hooray!” Stella also staggered into position to imitate.

“By doing this, the lower part of the defense may be penetrated, but when holding it upside down, stabbing like this requires the most strength. Give it a try.”

Stella tightly gripped the dagger with both hands and raised her arms.

“Left foot forward.”

Kai, in a standing position, lightly kicked Stella’s left foot. Startled by the force, Stella quickly extended her left foot forward, maintaining a good balance.

“In that position, swing the dagger down like a thrust. Be careful not to hold the dagger clumsily; otherwise, you might end up cutting off your own fingers when stabbing the enemy.”

Kai casually delivered the stern warning while demonstrating it himself.