Original subtitles

We're back.

Welcome home.

That thing's huge!

It's from a saberboar thiiis big!

We were lucky Master took it on for us.

Nah, I just kind of went with the flow.

Good job, everyone. Go wash up out back before you come in.

Understood.

Huh? Where'd Dad go?

That's a good question.

EPISODE 6

The Old Country Bumpkin Faces Off Against His Father.

So this is where they hold the festival you told me about, huh...

Yeah... It's really just people getting together to eat and drink.

Things really get going after dark.

Hey, Beryl. Looks like you had quite a haul this year.

Hey, Fuphill, long time no see. How's business been?

Not bad at all.

I've pretty much got buyers lined up for the tusks and the hides.

I'm gonna sell the tusks from that giant you took down to some noble.

I see. That's good to hear.

Daddy, how much longer?

Oh, sorry, sorry, let's go.

Sorry, I've got my kid with me. I'll see you later.

Yeah, see you later.

Who was that?

Fuphill. He's a merchant.

He's the same age as me and was born in the village too.

He buys the tusks and hides of the saberboars we take down.

That's why we can buy drinks for everyone.

This village faces problems every year during the saberboar mating season.

But hunting them also gives us something in return.

So it's not all bad.

So that's the kind of place Beaden is...

As you can see, there's not much here. But this sets us apart from others.

We have a dojo that's been here for generations, and students too.

Hopefully, Adel and the others can join us in the mountains in a year or two.

If possible, I'd like to accompany you and see how Adel and Edel have grown.

I appreciate you saying that. What about you, Mewi?

What do you mean?

If you like it here, I'd like us to come back and visit again together.

Yeah, sounds good.

Yeah. I'm glad I brought her here.

I'll take a refill. Make it a double.

Coming up.

You're downing that even faster than usual.

You're going to criticize the way I drink, now?

I'm not trying to be critical, but the way you're knocking them back isn't normal.

I'll have another double, please.

Did something happen?

Master has gone back to Beaden.

Oh, right, it's saberboar mating season.

It's been days since I've seen my Master's face.

All I can do is drown my pain in dri--

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Put the tankard down for a second.

Are you trying to give me orders?!

No, but is that a reason for you to be guzzling alcohol like that, Commander?

I dunno why you're moping, but you trained at the dojo,

surely you know why Master had to go back to Beaden.

Of course I do! I don't need you to tell me.

I'm simply upset about my situation.

I let Henblitz and Curuni go with Master, but I wanted to go with him myself!

There's no way that was gonna happen!

I know! That's why I'm drowning my sorrows!

Well, I'd like to go to Beaden too.

But I've been away so long, it's hard to go back.

It's a lovely place. The sky is so wide there.

Ahh... I miss it.

I wonder how Frenne and Master Mordea are doing...

They both seemed well when I went to inform Master of his appointment.

Master Mordea in particular.

I can imagine. Master was always getting out-argued by Master Mordea.

I didn't know. When I was at the dojo, I didn't interact with Master Mordea.

However...

Master always said he could never beat his father in a sword fight.

Yeah, he said it all the time.

It's Master. He was probably being modest.

I agree. He's always far too humble.

Yeah.

But thinking back, even though I lived with them for three years,

I never once saw Master go up against Master Mordea.

I was there for four years, but I never saw Master Mordea swing a sword even once.

We both know just how strong Master really is...

I guess we never really got the chance to learn more about Master Mordea.

Beryl, gimme some meat.

Yeah, yeah, here you go.

Thanks.

I don't even have time for a break...

Quit complaining.

Being on meat duty's an honor that goes to whoever took down the biggest boar.

Uncle Beryl, more meat, please!

Here you go.

Thanks.

It must feel good having everyone thanking you, huh?

It's not a bad feeling, yeah.

Well, keep it up.

Yeah.

This tastes just like victory!

I took down five boars, you know!

Did you hear me, Mewi-kins?

I've heard it ten times already!

Curuni, I think you need to slow down a little.

Gotcha!

Sometimes it's good to let loose a little, right?

That's very kind of you.

So, Henbliitz, what kind of things is Master Beryl teaching you?

We spar and he gives us advice...

Don't just eat meat, have some vegetables too.

You need to build your strength.

Have some bread too.

Thanks...

Master really is amazing.

But next year, it's gonna be me cooking the meat!

Hey you, you're learning swordsmanship from the Master too, right?

Not "you" - Mewi.

Okay, Mewi!

Once you've trained and are ready for it, I'll take you on myself.

O... Okay...

Sis, you really shouldn't get too carried away.

Adel's blunt, but she really looks out for others.

Interacting with someone like her will be good for Mewi.

I'd say those two are talking about swordsmanship.

I hope they both gain something from it.

And Curuni... well, she's unwinding a bit, so that's good, I guess.

As long as everyone's having fun, that's all that matters.

I'm really glad I came back here too.

I thought that feeling inside me was gone.

Embers... Will the wind fan them to life, or will it blow them out...

Hey, Beryl.

Dad.

You're done grilling for now, right?

Yeah, pretty much.

Come with me.

Come on, move it.

Now's good, I guess.

Dad...

What?

I didn't see you around much today or yesterday. What were you up to?

Let me be! Or do I still have to babysit you?

Yeah, yeah. Do what you want.

Oops... I nearly let the old guy set the pace again.

-There's something I wanted to ask you. -Hmm?

Why did you hand the dojo over to me?

What a strange thing to ask out of the blue.

It's just been bugging me lately.

You're stronger than me, so I wondered...

Why do you think I did?

I don't know, that's why I'm asking you.

Why would you retire and hand the baton to someone weaker than you?

Think a little harder.

I told you when you were young.

In a life-or-death fight, the first to die is the one who stops thinking... right?

So you do remember.

Was it because you were getting on in years?

What's age got to do with it?

You were over 40 when you stepped down as master.

Yeah, I was 43.

You could beat me, but at your age, you weren't going to get any stronger.

Isn't that why you retired?

I've never once thought that getting older meant I couldn't get any stronger.

Huh?

What are you gonna do at home?

I'm not heading home, I'm going this way.

You haven't been drinking, right?

I was on barbecue duty the whole time, so I didn't have time. Why?

Then you're good to go.

It's been a while. Let's spar.

Spar? What do you mean by that?

I wanna test the skills of my son who finally dragged his butt to the city.

As a parent, that's only natural, right?

Okay, but why are you suddenly--

You wanted to know why I handed the dojo over to you.

I'll show you that too.

If you're a swordsman, this speaks louder than words.

Hey Dad, is your back okay today?

We can do this tomorrow...

Don't insult me!

I'm not so old I need you to worry about me.

What do you mean, "tomorrow"?

You're just scared to go up against me!

Maybe you're right...

Are you gonna stay scared?

What the hell did you go to the capital for, boy?!

If I back down here, everything I've done will be for nothing.

I see you've made up your mind.

Yeah.

Then let's begin.

Don't freeze up. Move...

He hasn't lost his edge.

No... he's sharper than the last time we sparred.

I'm not good at holding back. I don't intend to kill my own son.

But one bad hit and you might never hold a sword again.

I know.

Then stop hesitating and come at me!

He's not as fast as Allucia.

He's not as powerful as Henblitz,

and he doesn't strike in flurries like Surena.

And yet... he's stronger than anyone.

He exploits your blind spots.

His experience far outweighs mine.

Am I still no match for him?

No, that's not true!

I'm different now.

I can track his sword and his footwork with my eyes.

Stay focused. Don't let your guard down.

If I lose here, I really might go my whole life without ever beating him.

If I beat him...

I can set my sights even higher.

So I didn't win, huh!

Quit staring off into space. Come over here and sit down.

You gone deaf, dumbass?!

Ah, no...

You were rambling on about why I handed the dojo over to you.

You still don't get it?

Not at all.

Having a dumbass for a son is rough.

It was because at that point, you were stronger than me.

Huh?! I never beat you even once...

That was because you were scared of me.

And you've been dragging that along all these years.

I've never once in my life thought I'd lost my edge as a swordsman.

Age doesn't matter.

I thought you were stronger than me. What other reason could there be?!

I'm... stronger than my old man...?

I had no intention of letting you win.

But you did.

You broke through your fear because you're stronger now.

Hold your head up high, Beryl.

You've definitely grown stronger.

What are you crying for, boy?!

Huh...? I'm crying?

You really are a handful, son.

But I can finally breathe easy.

I feel real good... so, so good...

Is she really a knight?

She is, I'm embarrassed to say. I hope you'll excuse her for today.

Even knights need a break.

I'm thirsty!

I'll go get some water.

Sorry.

Pour me one too.

I came for the meat but got some exercise a bit earlier, so I'm parched.

You wanted to know who was stronger, me or Beryl, right?

Yeah.

Ask him for the answer.

What, Dad's not here?

He said he was going out for some meat.

Mom?

Drink this and calm down.

Hot water...? Thanks.

So, how was it?

How was what?

The wall.

The wall?

Oh... the wall.

Yeah, I think I got over it... finally.

That's good, then.

So... were you watching?

Watching what?

Oh, no, nothing.

Hey, Mom...

What?

Who do you think is stronger, me or Dad?

That'd be your father.

He raised his son and protected his wife all at the same time, after all.

You couldn't do that, could you?

You're right.

You need to hurry up and find yourself a wife.

At this rate, you'll spend the rest of your life losing to him.

That's easy for you to say.

I won't be beating either of you anytime soon.

Thank you for everything.

Thanks for having us!

My students and I will work hard so we won't trouble you next year, Master.

If you're still short-handed though, I'll come help out.

Master Randrid, I hope we can spar again sometime.

I'd like that.

Mewi, come visit anytime, okay?

Mm, thanks.

Hey, Beryl.

Get back there and find yourself a wife already.

There must be someone, right? A great swordswoman or talented wizard...

Who'd be a good match for him, Mewi?

Whaaat...?!

Alright everyone, hurry up.

Let's get going.

Hey, old man...

What?

Who's stronger, you or Mordea?

Huh? Why? You wanna know?

Mordea said if I asked you, you'd tell me.

I see...

This is about as far as I go.

You're just using your age as an excuse to tell yourself that, aren't you?

Mewi was right...

So, which is it?

I'm the stronger swordsman.

But I'm still no match for my father.

Huh? What are you talking about? That makes no sense!

A grown woman should pace herself when she drinks!

People can drink however they want!

Who's right?!

Um... er... we're outta time!

Next time: "The Old Country Bumpkin Gets an Invitation from Nobility."

SUBTITLES BY: MARDI MIYAKE