Frieren 25

Title: This Is How a True Disciple Should Be

Dawn broke, the sky adorned with silvery-white hues. A thin mist enveloped the winding river.

Three people walked leisurely through this scenery.

Though Flamme had said she would report to her teacher, their journey was relaxed, as if they were strolling rather than hurrying.

Along the way, they stopped in a flower-filled meadow to enjoy a moment of peace and beauty, or climbed large rocks to gaze at the surrounding mountains and rivers.

Sunlight pierced through the treetops, casting beautiful shadows. Their journey felt more like a picnic than a trek.

During this time, Flamme also taught Frieren, with Ash learning alongside her. This gave Flamme a slight headache, and she seemed to have some odd concerns.

But in the end, she let go of her worries and taught them both.

The three spent half a year slowly crossing the border and arriving in a neighboring country… It was unavoidable, as they barely covered much distance each day.

But as they neared the ruins where Serie lived, they reached a flower field nearby. They planned to rest there overnight before entering… After all, the ruins likely hadn’t been cleaned. Sleeping outside wasn’t an issue.

The flower field was vast, like a beautifully woven tapestry spread beneath a blue sky and white clouds.

Sunlight filtered through thin clouds, illuminating the field, making it feel like a fairy-tale world. But… Frieren was clearly uninterested. She stepped on the flowers without meaning to.

“By the way, why is there such a huge flower field here?” Ash picked a bouquet of flowers and asked Flamme, puzzled.

“This?” Flamme gazed at the sea of flowers and smiled: “It’s a gift I gave my teacher in the past.”

“Does Serie have a soft side like a young girl?”

“No, my teacher doesn’t seem to like it.”

“…Then what’s the point?”

“I quite like it myself.”

“That doesn’t suit you.”

“I know. But this was the first magic my parents taught me when I was little, and it’s also why I love magic.” Flamme looked at the flower field, her eyes reflecting past memories: “This field is quite large. Maybe in the future, when I’m gone, they can keep my teacher company… That’s what I thought.”

“…”

Frieren never joined their conversation, listening with slightly widened eyes, but she felt a bit confused.

So, she turned to Ash and asked, puzzled: “I sort of understand the teacher’s motives, but what about you, Ash? Why do you love magic so much?”

“Forced to survive, and also…” Ash toyed with the flower in his hand, showing a hint of helplessness: “My little sister… she had deep, urgent expectations of me.”

“Then you shouldn’t let her down.”

“…No, I think it’s better to disappoint her.”

“Huh??” Frieren was thoroughly confused.

Whether it was her teacher’s intentions or Ash’s words, both made her suspect… maybe she really didn’t understand human emotions.

But… Flamme, seeing what Frieren was feeling, patted her shoulder with a sigh: “Don’t overthink it. It’s not just you—I don’t get what he means either.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The next day.

The three left the flower field, entered the ruins, and arrived at a familiar hall.

The petite blonde elf, Serie, sat as usual on the innermost throne, looking utterly bored.

But as they entered, Frieren mimicked Flamme and knelt on one knee.

At that moment, Serie showed a smile full of interest, but she glanced at Ash, who was sitting cross-legged beside them, flipping through a book:

“Hey, kid over there, see that? This is how a true disciple should be.”

“…Don’t suddenly start trouble, okay? You don’t even like complicated etiquette like this, do you?” Ash retorted without thinking, not lifting his head. His eyes remained on the book in his hands.

“Who said that? I value etiquette the most!”

“…Then why don’t you take your feet off the chair and sit properly?” After glancing at Serie, who sat improperly, stood improperly, and even squatted improperly, Ash was too lazy to comment further.

“Tch, why are you so sharp today?” Feeling unappreciated by her disciple, Serie couldn’t help but click her tongue: “Who do you think raised you all this time?”

“…Instead of that, is it okay to let Flamme and Frieren keep kneeling there?”

“I don’t mind. I’m the elder here, after all! And you’re the culprit who caused this situation. What, feeling guilty now?”

“Not at all. I’m not the one kneeling, nor am I the one being revered. This has nothing to do with me.”

“Where’s your sense of morality?”

“Don’t suddenly demand so much from a young guy like me, okay?”

“…Fine, I’ll kick you out later. For now…” Serie paused, then looked at the two still kneeling, showing a smile very different from when she faced Ash:

“Time passes so quickly. The disciple I took on a whim has already brought me a grand-disciple so soon?”

“This is Frieren,” Flamme said with a smile, nodding.

“An elf? Very strong, I like her. Tell me what magic you want, and I’ll teach you one.”

“Um… that magic Ash mentioned, the one that can be passed down?”

“Yes. I’ve mastered nearly all magic. Just name it, and I can make you have it instantly.”

“Give it to Ash.”

“…What?” Serie was stunned. She then looked at Ash, saying unhappily: “You, did you threaten your junior niece?”

“Figuring out magic is the most interesting part… That’s why I said I didn’t want it from the start. Ash offered that if I didn’t want it, the magic could go to him.”

“…You’re truly shameless.” Frieren’s explanation made Serie roll her eyes at Ash.

But Ash said casually: “Opportunities are given to the bold.”

“Fine, I’ll deal with you later.” Serie was too lazy to bother with him. She looked at Flamme: “This disciple of yours is no good. Lacks ambition. She doesn’t have that burning drive.”

“I think…”

“You’re even worse. Your ambition’s too big. I hate that too.”

The moment Ash opened his mouth, Serie shut him down with a single sentence.