—Cling Cling

The emerald-crested necklace on my chest clings onto my armor as I walk the city's bustling streets. I reach the Market District's gate as the two guards normally stationed their look toward me with cheerful expressions.

"Momoko! I heard how you kicked the ass of all the squires in your squad—"

He peers down to the necklace and gives an alerted reaction. He, along with the other knights, stands at attention while saluting me, looking forward.

"Female Knight Momoko, ma'am! Nothing to report here!"

I stop walking and give a concerned smile. "Guys… It's still me. Some dumb rank can't actually make you—"

Despite my words, they continue to stand firm without averting their gaze. I sigh and continue forward.

"Phew… Who knew that she would jump five ranks after that brawl in the castle."

"… I know. She must've given them a real beating if she was able to shoot up to Emerald."

They continue talking and laughing from before as I look back while clenching my necklace.

After a few more steps, I reach the bazaar. A group of people turns towards me with both vigilant and concerned expressions.

"Congrats on your promotion Ms. Momoko!" Ms. Veru walks over to me and hands me a white dessert box with a red ribbon wrapped around it.

"Thanks… Could I ask you a question?"

"… Hmm? What could it be, Ms. Momoko?"

I look toward the ground while clenching the dessert box. "Is rank really all that important in the kingdom?"

"Oh, what type of question is that? Of course, it is! Stories travel from city to city about the exploits of knights with high-ranks."

"… Oh, I see."

She puts a hand on my shoulder and flashes a smile. "But don't let that overwhelm you dear. You'll get used to the attention sooner or later. Don't let the rank change you and what you stand for."

My head raises while giving a tender grin. "You're right. There's nothing for me to worry about!"

I continue to walk to the end of the bazaar while she waves from my backside. Reaching the near-end of the marketing district, the alleyway with shady characters. I quickly turn while sweat drops down my cheek.

Maybe I can try this endeavor another day!—

Looking down at my chest, I clench my necklace and take a deep breath.

I'm an Emerald-rank, dammit! I need to start acting like it!

I turn around and head in the direction of the small alleyway. My necklace gleams a greenish glow in the glaring sun, and most of the shady characters back away and run into their houses. Walking past the closed doors, I sport a wide smile with my chin held high.

Heh! That's right, I'm bad—EEP!

A man of massive stature towered over me with crossed arms. His rippling biceps made my skin crawl as I take a step back.

"And Whaddaya want down here, little lady?"

My head turns towards the ground, still clenching my necklace. Despite my nervousness, I was able to murmur:

"I-I just wanted to visit the Sword shop owned by someone named Kendo…."

The man peered down while cupping his left ear. "What was that?!"

"… I wanted to visit a store by someone named Kendo… I heard they were in this area."

He perked up while giving a boisterous laugh. "Kendo, you say? Well, that's me, come along now!"

The man grabbed me by the waist and settled me in between his arm. "My shop is just down this road. I'll take you there!"

"S-sir! I can walk just fine on my own!"

That day, I learned that some people are still prone to treating me like a child despite my rank.

. . .

After a while's walk, we turn into a large opening with signs hanging from multiple buildings. A signpost with a small green creature's head cut off by a blue sword is approached as Kendo puts me down on the pavement. He walks up the wooden steps to his shop while looking back at me.

"You comin'?"

I turn from my captivated gaze and run behind him. "Yep!"

He moves a pair of red clothes to the side as we step inside the store. Different weaponry from swords to crossbows is mounted on the walls and on armored stands. Our reflections are passed by a gleaming set of silver armor with yellow outlines alongside a large metal axe with a chiseled finish.

Kendo turns to me while placing a leather worker's apron around his waist. "So… What type of weapon did you have in mind?"

"I was looking for a long-sworded weapon with a curved edge. It's usually called a katana."

The man gives a surprised expression then walks toward the back of the shop. "A weird design, it truly is, almost like it came from another world."

I glance up with a confused expression. "The katana wasn't made from someone of this land?"

Kendo shakes his head while going through a pair of curtains. "Valer, the Weapon Master, is known for creating a multitude of weapons that're used by both adventurers and knights across the world. Her work is quite renowned."

Well, my suspicions were correct… This Valer person was from Earth. I wonder if they were brought here by Helena or another goddess…?

The shopkeep comes from behind the curtains wielding a long and narrow sword with a black scabbard depicting a white and gold dragon on its sides.

"This one was given to me by Valer, herself, so as you may have guessed, it's going to cost quite the pretty—"

—CLING

A bag falls onto his countertop that lands on its side, overflowing with coins.

"Will this cover it? If it costs more, then I still have plenty left…."

Kendo gives a shocked gaze then laughs. "O-Oh yes, this should cover it quite fairly!"

After making my purchase, I continue down the alleyway and back into the main street. I pick a bouquet of white and yellow flowers with a pleasant glow as if they were grown by magic. My journey ends as I reach the castle gates and enter through the left corridor.

"Aah, Momoko."

I turn around, and a girl with light blue hair greets me with a warm smile.

"Princess… I mean Iyuna, glad to see you again."