I Will Be Unrivaled With The Skill [Sewing]! They Said It Was A Bad Skill, But With Effort, I will Make It A Hit~ - Chapter 55

Check the other title that I translate here Trio Idiot

Episode 55: Unexpected

“Khakh-khakh-khakh! Gray is merely a temporary form created using the skill 【Holy Magic】. It’s quite a useful ability for deceiving those from the church. I could have dispelled it gradually, but I couldn’t resist giving you all a bit of a surprise. Think of it as an old man’s mischief and forgive me.”

With those words, Gradius undid his disguise and bowed his head.

“You’ve always had terrible taste, old man.”

Apiana remarked with a cold gaze, but the slight curve of her lips hinted at amusement.

“There’s a lot to discuss, but let’s wait until the food and drinks arrive first. We’ll talk after that.”

Gradius’s playful smile somehow eased the tension among Seneca and the others.

Once everything was prepared, Gradius began speaking as if he had been holding back.

“Now that the food is here, let’s get straight to the point. This is about Lucius.

First and foremost, Lucius is not in this country. He’s currently in the neighboring Kemenez Empire. I regret the circumstances that led to this, but dwelling on my own remorse won’t change anything, so I’ll spare you that.

Simply put, this happened because of my own shortcomings as his guardian.”

Gradius spoke with an apologetic expression.

Seneca had finally found a lead, yet learning that Lucius was far away filled her with an aching sense of disappointment.

“As for why things turned out this way, you first need to understand the internal situation within the church.

Right now, the church is embroiled in a factional struggle between the Papal faction and the Saintess faction. It’s ironic how conflicts like these arise more often in peaceful times—such is human nature. Both Lucius and I have been caught in the middle of this mess.

You might think that things would be better if these factions didn’t exist at all, but it’s not that simple. The church is a delicate organization. For instance, the Saintess faction plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Saintess can heal as many people as possible.

What I need you girls to understand is this, both the Pope and the Saintess themselves are on Lucius’s side. And yet, the people surrounding them are scheming and interfering, leaving them unable to act freely. It may seem contradictory, but that’s simply how the church operates.”

After showing a momentary look of fatigue, Gradius continued.

“To make matters worse, amidst this factional struggle, a new Saint was discovered. The factions began vying to claim Lucius as their own, and as the conflict escalated, the situation spiraled into chaos.

Lucius himself had grown weary of being revered as a Saint. Fortunately, I was able to become his guardian, so I decided to take him on a pilgrimage.

I’ll never forget the look of pure joy on his face when we set out on our journey.”

As Seneca recalled Lucius’s genuine smile, she felt a warmth in her heart.

Yet, she soon realized that his face was beginning to blur in her memory.

“Just so you know, I belong to neither faction within the church. If anything, you could call me part of the Magecraft faction. I’m deeply interested in skills related to holiness and wish to travel and pursue my studies. However, due to my lineage and abilities, I was elevated to a high-ranking position, which led to my current predicament.”

Gradius directed a warm, friendly gaze at Apiana and Samia.

“When Lucius left the capital’s church, the factional struggle temporarily settled. However, a new issue arose—deciding which academy he should enter. Lucius himself despised being bound by the church, so I arranged for him to seek asylum in the Kemenez Empire.

It was the only way I could think of to give him a peaceful life…”

Gradius spoke quietly, his gaze lowered.

Then, he suddenly lifted his head and raised his voice.

“He’s currently attending school just like you all. He enrolled this year along with my grandchild.

Since they seem to get along well, there’s no doubt the two of them are causing trouble together.”

“Hey, Gradius-san. Has Lucius gotten stronger?”

Seneca couldn’t hold back and asked.

“What? You’re asking if that rascal has gotten stronger?

Oh, he’s gotten much stronger.

While he was in the royal capital, he was rigorously trained by the knights of the church, and after setting out on his journey, he honed his skills even further by facing all sorts of monsters.

Many children who are praised as geniuses when they are young eventually hit a wall, but I never saw the limits of that boy’s talent. On top of that, being able to use 【Holy Magic】—to me, that feels like cheating.”

Hearing this, Seneca felt truly delighted for the first time in a long while.

“What’s this, young lady? You’re making quite the joyful face.

Lucius used to talk about you a lot. About the world’s strongest swordsman, known as ‘Boufuri’ (Stick-Swinger).

Apparently, ‘Boufuri’ was the first swordsman he ever faced who he couldn’t defeat.

I also heard about you from Attalos, and it seems you’re every bit the tomboy the rumors say. That puts my mind at ease.”

Gradius took a small sip of mead, glanced at the three young girls, and then continued speaking with great enthusiasm.

“To be honest, I thought it would be enough if even one of you made it to Spelunka. I scattered the clues, but even I felt three days was too short.

But when I opened the lid, what did I find? Not just two, but three of you made it.

Challenges like these always seem easy once you know the answer. But when faced with them, it’s hard to figure out where to even begin.

As I mentioned before, I had heard about Seneca from Attalos.

So, I figured you would likely trace Attalos’ connections and arrive. That’s why I disguised myself as Gray using 【Holy Magic】 and waited.

But when I finally saw who Attalos brought, it wasn’t you. It was another girl. Even after realizing it was the one they called Maior, I had no idea what was going on.”

Gradius smiled warmly.

“You all exceeded expectations.

I’ve given out this Spelunka challenge before, but never have I heard of three people solving it simultaneously and so effortlessly.

I hadn’t planned on speaking this openly, but I wanted to show respect for your talent and passion. That’s why I decided to tell you everything I could.”

Apiana and Samia continued eating their meals, but Seneca and the others were too absorbed in listening to even take a bite.

“I’ve entrusted Lucius and the others with their future. They can stay in school and graduate, or they can choose to abandon everything and disappear beyond my reach.

However, from what I’ve seen, Lucius wants to reunite with his childhood friends and set out on an adventure.

Meeting people when you want to, traveling when you wish—that is the life he longs for.

But if that’s the case, results are what matter most. Only by proving himself through results can he silence the church and gain the people’s support.

It’s cruel, but throughout history, every Saint and Holy One has had to assert themselves in this way.

When Lucius demonstrates his abilities and his position becomes clear, the existence of a new Saint will be officially announced to the world.

Until that moment comes, Lucius will have to continue walking this unstable path.

Now, you might be thinking of heading straight to the Kemenez Empire to help Lucius. But that would be reckless and ultimately futile.

The time to act is when it truly matters—when the moment arrives, you must strike like lightning.

The world surrounding a Saint is that complex.

I want you to remember that.

Seneca, Kito.

Sharpen your strength for the time to come.

Lucius is relentlessly honing himself in an environment filled with warriors and challengers.

The time will come. And when it does, be the kind of person you can take pride in.

And you, Maior.

I admire your spirit—moving forward for the sake of your friends.

I don’t know what it is you wish to accomplish, but you’ve chosen to stand alongside these two. I doubt your resolve is half-hearted.

Earlier, I noticed something unexpected about your skill.

If you find yourself lost in your potential, let me, Gradius, be your guide.”

The three girls listened intently, absorbing his words.

Then, Gradius looked at them one last time and spoke softly.

“…Young ones, thank you for coming to see this old man.”

Once the conversation ended, Seneca turned her pure, inquisitive eyes toward Gradius and asked,

“Why are you being so kind to us?”

Gradius opened his mouth to answer but struggled to find the right words.

“That old man has been tormented by his own skill for a long time. He can’t help but want to aid children like you—those who refuse to be bound by fate,” Apiana said in a clear voice.

“Lady Saint Fides and Gradius-san have been close since childhood. That’s why, seeing Lucius and you all, he couldn’t just stand by and do nothing,” added Samia.

Even after their words, Gradius remained silent.

“Well then, let’s eat. It’d be a waste to let such a feast go cold. We can talk more as we eat,” Apiana said, beginning to distribute the meal.

With that, Seneca and the others finally started their meal.

Afterward, Seneca and her friends listened to many stories from Gradius, Apiana, and Saemia.

Maior was highly satisfied with all the valuable information they had gathered.

However, on the way back, both Seneca and Kito seemed deep in thought, giving only absentminded replies when Maior tried to speak.

That night, the moon was as thin as a thread, casting only a faint glow.