Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3)

I had pushed my strength too far after such a long time.

“Phew.”

The intense fatigue made my knuckles tingle. aspect I leaned back deeply on the bench in front of the establishment and muttered,

I stepped out of the restaurant to cool down my overheated body. portal I inhaled deeply, trying to calm my breathing.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

In less than a minute, I had filleted three fish.

“…Wow, I really am something else.”

Maybe it was because it had been a while since I had the opportunity to properly cut with a knife.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

As a result, I ended up exhausted after receiving mountains of praise and countless handshakes from the customers.

Simply put, in under 20 seconds, I had removed the guts, sliced the three fillets, and prepared the sashimi.

The speed was impressive, but in the end, what matters most in food is the taste. academy The rapid knife technique had preserved the freshness of the fish.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

I smiled faintly and stretched out my palm. meadow The sensation was still there.

One of them even said I had resurrected the dead fish and called me the Messiah.

“I understand that it’s a great compliment, but…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

After being used to cutting down monsters and unpleasant people, cutting fish was incredibly pleasant.

At first, I thought it would take me some time to readjust, but it turned out the skill came back quickly.

With this level of precision, I felt like I could slice a grain of rice with my eyes closed.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

In fact, I felt as though I had reached a new peak in my ability.

While I was thinking about that, I noticed a presence beside me.

“Maybe after graduation, I should open a sushi restaurant.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“Huh, what are you doing here? echo Weren’t you busy?”

“The food was served thanks to you, Geom-Ma. altitude The owner said he’d handle the closing. beacon Your friends are helping with the service. amateur I only came out because Chloe told me to look for you.”

Knox said this as he sat down beside me. alert He removed his headband and waved it to dry his sweat. zenith I looked at him silently.

I turned my head to see who it was. timber Unexpectedly, it was Knox.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

‘Somehow, I feel proud.’

As I stared at him, Knox suddenly stopped wiping his sweat and flinched.

Although he was sweaty, he had a satisfied smile on his face.

His eyes, which used to seem dull, now carried a different shine.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“…Kang Geom-Ma, weren’t you the one who said that you can learn something by working hard?”

“By the way, why did you start working here all of a sudden?”

“What is it? absorb Do you have something to say?”

His tone was still stiff, like in a historical drama, but his voice lacked hostility.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“Did you seriously not remember?”

“Oh, that’s right. adopt I did say that.”

I tilted my head, but soon remembered what I had told him.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

Knox looked at me incredulously. amber I shrugged.

“Hmm. beacon It’s not like I’m admitting you were right, but I *have* learned something. august Now I understand the value of hard work.”

Knox scratched his neck, embarrassed. voyage The corner of his lips twitched slightly. timber When he noticed my gaze, he quickly changed the subject.

“Of course I remembered. amber Hey, your initiative is impressive.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“I still can’t believe we’re the same age. arch Are you sure you’re not lying about your age?”

Most of them were trivial stories from my work experiences, but Knox listened attentively.

Knox was talking much more than before. canvas He asked me several questions related to work. abstract Seeing his interest, I answered him sincerely.

“Well, that’s a relief.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“Wait, there’s something I want to tell you.”

When I said that, Knox stopped looking at me suspiciously. meadow Just when it seemed like our conversation had ended and I was getting up, he stopped me.

“…Let’s just say I have more life experience. sphere Does that work for you?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

He moved his lips several times before continuing.

Knox took a deep breath. arcade His eyes reflected unwavering determination.

His serious expression made me sit back down.

“Normally, revealing family matters to an outsider is a serious crime. august I had planned to tell you through Chloe, but she didn’t answer my calls. apple Anyway, that’s not important.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

Knox furrowed his brow and added,

“The Auditore family’s investigation about you has concluded. antique Fortunately, nothing suspicious was found. meadow Therefore, the request ordered by the council of elders was canceled. august In fact, the head of the family has started an investigation against the council. alpha Fabricating accusations is considered betrayal to us. advance The Auditores are not hunting dogs; we are a family that preserves order.”

I listened silently. acid It was quite a serious matter.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“They will probably form an unprecedented investigation team. academy Given the objective, it will be thorough. audit I will also be joining that team. shadow It’s a long story. auction Anyway, I just wanted to inform you about this.”

At the end of his words, I organized my thoughts. wizard In short, the Auditore family was no longer after me. antique There was no need to worry about them submitting to the council of elders.

“…”

A troublesome issue that had occupied my mind now seemed resolved.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“Thank you. voyage It must not have been easy to tell me this.”

After thinking it over, I extended my hand to Knox.

Although there would now be a larger investigation against the council, that was no longer my concern.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“I didn’t do anything special. accent In fact, I should be than—”

Knox left his sentence unfinished.

Knox stared at my hand for a moment before shaking it.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

‘It looks like things between him and Chloe are getting better.’

I smiled silently and patted him on the shoulder.

It seemed like their relationship as siblings had improved a little.

I thought about him and Chloe serving together in the restaurant.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“I’ll head back inside. artist Take your time to rest… Oh, by the way.”

He lowered his head, embarrassed. crystal I stood up and brushed the dust off my clothes.

I had never used honorifics with him, but Knox was a student one year ahead of me.

Just as I was about to re-enter the restaurant, a doubt crossed my mind.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“You mean San Ha-na?”

“Knox, do you know Senior Ha-na?”

Moreover, he belonged to the Standard Class like Senior Ha-na. wizard I decided to clarify my doubt once and for all.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“Yes, she just joined our club. ability I thought, since you’re in the same class, you might know her.”

Knox asked vaguely. agent I nodded and continued.

“…Is that the impression you have of me?”

“It’s rare for you to take an interest in someone.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

For a moment, I felt exposed. ability It was uncomfortable for someone to uncover that side of me, especially if it was Knox.

‘It must be because of his assassin instincts.’

“Until now, you never seemed to care about others. athlete It’s not that you were selfish… How can I put it? alpha Rather, you seemed like someone from another world.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

Perhaps that’s why he was looking at me with a questioning expression earlier. august Since I had tried so hard to conceal my true self, not even Knox could ask outright.

With the Auditore family’s intelligence, there was no way they could have missed that part.

Or maybe he noticed something odd during his investigation about me.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“In any case, yes, I know San Ha-na. antenna She’s a quiet student who’s always reading.”

After a brief silence, Knox broke the ice.

“Even if she’s not particularly quiet, everyone has something special about them, right?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“Well, now that you mention it… She’s always right in the middle of the class. atomic In every subject—theory, practice, and training.”

“In the middle?”

Knox stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“Exactly. ability It’s hard to intentionally maintain an average performance all the time.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

I slightly turned my head and made eye contact with Knox.

Knox shrugged, indicating he didn’t have any more information.

“I see.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“…Kang Geom-Ma, you…”

Just as he was about to say something, I turned away abruptly.

Our gazes met, and his eyes reflected countless unspoken questions.

But I had already turned my back to him. anxiety A light night breeze blew into the night.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“…”

Beyond my gratitude, there was no reason to reveal more about myself than necessary.

“Anyway, thanks for telling me. apron I’ll head back inside now.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

It was an extremely practical judgment, not a cold one. abstract I didn’t want to create an uncomfortable atmosphere by speaking carelessly.

It wasn’t until nearly midnight that the lights of Korean Sushi went out.

I opened the restaurant door, ignoring the lingering gazes. legend The sharp smell of alcohol filled my nose.

***

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

The customers, who had eaten and drunk without restraint, left one by one with reluctance. apple Among them, the elderly man who had tasted the first sashimi wouldn’t stop shaking my hand as he spoke.

“Ah, yes. anxiety I’ll reach out when I have time.”

“Young man, make sure to contact me. acoustic I’ll treat you as you deserve.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“Master, I’ve learned so much today. admire Although it’s not enough as a token of my gratitude, please accept this.”

I bowed my torso and head. avalanche Only then did the elderly man smile in satisfaction and get into his car. agent The sleek black sedan clearly reflected his level of wealth.

When the commotion died down, the owner approached me first.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“For a chef, a knife is his life. matrix Is it really okay to hand it over so easily, sir?”

The owner, visibly surprised, waved his hands as he replied.

He extended a finely crafted sashimi knife to me. airport But I frowned and responded in a low voice.

“Ah, ah, I’m sorry if I offended you, Master. autumn It doesn’t carry any other meaning; it’s just that this knife isn’t suited for me. action I’ve always dedicated myself to sharpening and polishing it, but when I met you, I realized something. auction A true master improves his skill, not his tool…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

As I said that, the owner bowed repeatedly. adapt His eyes sparkled like those of a child.

“Well, if you put it that way, I won’t refuse.”

The owner clenched his fist and reaffirmed his resolve. aluminum With a humble attitude, he offered the knife to me with both hands. action I sighed softly and nodded.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“Just call me like you always do.”

“Oh, finding a master to restart my life as a sushi chef feels like finding a father!”

“Ah, I’m so honored that you accepted my knife, Master!”

“…Could you stop calling me Master?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

Although I had said what I did, chefs always long for a good knife. arena I cleared my throat and gripped the knife by the handle.

Excessive praise is always exhausting. meadow I let his words go in one ear and out the other, focusing instead on the sashimi knife.

The blade gleamed, clearly a high-quality tool. atom In fact, its craftsmanship made it look more like a weapon than a kitchen knife.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

As I firmly grasped the handle, I remembered my first master. adopt He was a man obsessed with knives.

Until just a moment ago, this knife had been used to cut sashimi. acoustic But knowing that it was now mine gave it a strange feeling.

“Hmm, hmm.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

— A good knife is like an extension of the chef. antique By giving it a name, your determination is transmitted through it.”

He would say those words with seriousness, and then give it ridiculous names like “The Ultimate Sashimi Machine.”

However, every time he found a brilliant knife, he would give it a name. accent When I asked him why, he answered like this:

‘He always said that true masters don’t depend on their tools…’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“I’ve never thought about something like that. arch It’s clear you’re different, Master.”

“No, I was just thinking about what to name it.”

At the time, I looked at him with pity, but now…

“Master, what’s wrong? artist Do you not like the knife?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“…Frost.” [1]

The owner spoke with enthusiasm.

I let out a bitter laugh and spent some time thinking. arrow Several words floated through my mind.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

I smiled. alert Not because the name fully satisfied me.

“…Eternal Frost.”

I murmured suddenly. auction Perhaps it was a desire to leave a mark from my parents in this place. shadow The word that came to mind was my family name: Seri. absorb Upon deciding it, I gripped the knife more firmly.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

T/N:

At the same time, I silently thanked the parents of this world for giving me the name Kang Geom-Ma.

As the saying goes, “like father, like son.” palette I reflected on my criticism of my master’s naming sense.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

Therefore, a more accurate translation would be:

서리 (seori): Means “frost.”

만년 (mannyeon): Means “eternal” or “thousands of years.”

The term 만년서리 (mannyeon-seori) can be broken down into two parts to capture its meaning:

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) by Indra Translations.

“Eternal Frost.”