New chapter of May Our Village be Happy is out (1/2 chapters)

 

 

Guidance of the Former Knight

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

With the arrival of sixteen new settlers including Joel and others, and the children born over the past few years, the population of the Valentine territory surpassed 120.

Although it would be possible to cram all the new settlers into the log cabin, the modest size of the structure made it cramped and inconvenient for 16 people. Mika, considering that it would be cruel to make them endure the winter in such conditions, took advantage of Joel’s earth magic and the labor of the new settlers to construct several additional cabins.

These hastily built structures included, among other things, hearth, the standard heating equipment in the Dariander region, allowing them to withstand the cold and wind for the time being. Proper houses would be gradually constructed in the future, but for now the new settlers were accommodated in the cabins, and the full force of winter arrived.

Mika oversaw the cultivation of farmland, the clearing of forests, the construction of his castle, the new settlers’ houses, and workshops for the craftsmen. He also conducted emergency self-defense training. During the fair daytime hours, they performed outdoor labor and spent the rest of the time indoors. In this calm winter, Mika initiated a new endeavor.

This was equestrian training with Joel as the instructor.

“Please take care not to forget to lower your center of gravity. Do not be afraid to put your weight in the stirrups and brace yourself firmly. That is correct. Maintain that posture.” (Joel)

“O-oh… it feels considerably more stable than before.” (Mika)

Mika spoke as he rode the warhorse given as a wedding gift by Patrick, head of the Hewitt Household. He guided the reins and proceeded at a trot. His expression was somewhat tense, yet a faint smile of relief appeared on his lips. Beside him, Joel rode a plow horse, whose usual task was drawing the plow.

Although Mika was born into a lordly family, he had rarely been given the opportunity to ride horses in his childhood home. Moreover, no one in the village could teach him to ride. The elderly servant Ivan understood how to care for horses and handle carts but possessed almost no knowledge of mounted horsemanship.

Thus, Mika practiced riding the warhorse relying on memories of observing his half-brothers and retainers at his childhood home as well as knowledge from books. Despite several months of practice, he knew his progress had been slow. He could walk a horse reliably, but riding freely on unstable terrain and running at full speed in emergencies remained beyond his ability. He had considered inviting an instructor from the Yutilainen or Melders territories the following year.

However, Joel’s arrival resolved the lack of an instructor. Although originally recruited for his magical talent, Joel, a knight who served a great lord’s household, possessed more than sufficient skill in horsemanship. Under his guidance, Mika’s riding technique improved daily. Being naturally dexterous, Mika progressed rapidly with a competent teacher.

“As I said, you appear much more stable. Now, let us try running. Complete a lap around the village.” (Joel)

Following Joel’s instruction, Mika adjusted the reins and urged his horse forward. Compared to before, the increasing speed no longer caused fear.

The chestnut mare named Katiya understood Mika’s intentions transmitted through the reins and adjusted her course with agility. Behind Mika, Joel followed at a measured distance. Though the plow horse lacked the speed of a warhorse, Joel’s skill allowed him to maneuver deftly and keep pace.

Encouraged by the villagers watching outdoors, Mika completed a lap around the village and returned safely to the rear of the lordly residence. Dimitri, acting as attendant and guard even during equestrian training, awaited his arrival.

“That is remarkable, Mika-sama. You can now maneuver freely even on the battlefield.” (Dimitri)

“Ahaha, thank you. Though perhaps that is a bit of an exaggeration.” (Mika)

Mika gave a wry smile at his loyal attendant’s slightly overblown praise. Soon after, Joel arrived and dismounted with light, precise movements.

“Mika-sama, well done. Let us take a brief rest.” (Joel)

Mika nodded and dismounted from Katiya. He guided her to a bucket of water, and she lowered her head to drink.

At present, Dimitri did not participate in the equestrian training. Though eager to learn, he stood nearly two meters tall and weighed well over a hundred kilograms. He was too heavy for Katiya, the warhorse, and would need to ride a larger plow horse. As no suitably large saddle was available, Mika’s training took priority for the time being.

“When you become accustomed to running at this speed, we will move on to riding with armor. We might begin as early as next week.” (Joel)

“Understood. I will do my best.” (Mika)

Currently, Mika was learning to maintain an ideal posture while riding at moderate speed. Later, he would become accustomed to wearing armor while riding and eventually practice full-speed maneuvers over uneven terrain. The path to mastery remained long. From this winter onward, Mika riding under Joel’s guidance became a common sight in the Valentine territory.

 

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Joel’s instruction extended beyond horsemanship. As a knight, he also guided Mika and Dimitri in combat training. Unlike equestrian practice, this training focused primarily on Dimitri, whose great strength was innate yet had never received systematic combat instruction. To serve as Mika’s guard, Dimitri needed both strength and technique.

“Do not forget what I taught you first. The key is maintaining your shield stance. Properly cover the openings after attacking.” (Joel)

In the backyard of the lordly residence, Dimitri wielded a training wooden axe in his right hand and held a round shield in his left. Joel, with a wooden sword and shield, gave instructions. Concentrating on swinging the axe, Dimitri tended to neglect his shield, but Joel’s directions corrected him, refocusing his attention on both offense and defense.

“Exactly. That is right. Overwhelm your opponent with attacks and leave no opportunity for counterattack. Combining the reach of your battle axe with the defense of your round shield, no one can break through you.” (Joel)

Dimitri’s movements, now more fluid than before, bore out Joel’s instructions. He swung the battle axe with one hand, covering a wide range, while the shield in his left hand effectively compensated for any opening. Considering his imposing stature, no enemy could reach Mika while facing him. Mika observed this and reflected that no adversary could overcome such a guardian.

“Dimitri-san, incredible… he is practically invincible…” (Ayla)

“Indeed. Few can match Dimitri in size and strength. With skill added to that, he is immensely reliable. If Dimitri can protect us in battle like this, I have no fear of the battlefield.” (Mika)

Ayla, half in awe, watched Dimitri’s prowess, and Mika nodded in agreement.

“How dashing… as expected of my husband. Look, your father is strong.” (Bianca)

Beside the lordly couple, Dimitri’s wife Bianca observed the training. Her arms held the infant born safely before winter, swaddled warmly in woolen clothes. The baby watched the father’s heroic actions with wide eyes.

“Ahaha, he seems surprised by his father’s strength.” (Mika)

“Fufu, such round eyes. So adorable.” (Ayla)

Mika and Ayla laughed at the infant’s expressions. Fortunately, Dimitri and Bianca’s daughter resembled her mother in facial features. The relaxed observation by Mika, Ayla, and Bianca was possible only because winter provided more free time than other seasons.

“Very well, take a break. Wipe off your sweat properly.” (Joel)

“Y-yes.” (Dimitri)

After continued sparring, Joel declared a rest. Dimitri, panting, placed his wooden axe and shield on the ground and returned to the residence, where Mika and Ayla applauded.

“Incredible, Dimitri! You grow stronger every day. With you here, the Valentine Household is unbeatable in melee combat.” (Mika)

“His sheer presence is overwhelming. Truly remarkable.” (Ayla)

“Thank you. But I am still far from sufficient.” (Dimitri)

Receiving praise, Dimitri smiled shyly. Bianca handed him a cup of water.

“Here, Dimitri-san.” (Bianca)

“Thank you.” (Dimitri)

“This little one was watching closely too. She widened her eyes at your bravery.” (Bianca)

“…I see, hahaha.” (Dimitri)

Dimitri looked at his daughter with a wry smile. Despite witnessing her father’s heroic display, the infant understood she was receiving love and did not show fear, returning his gaze calmly.

Watching this tender parent-child scene, Mika and Ayla laughed together. Seeing Dimitri, who had once followed him when he was nobody, now leading a happy life was a source of genuine joy for Mika.

 

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