Rosetta-sama, You're Overdoing It! - Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Rosetta’s Flawless Swordsmanship

For now, I’ve learned how to improve my physical abilities, so let’s give it a try outside while training in swordsmanship.

I spent time reading books until three o’clock, then headed out to the yard again in my gym clothes.

I fastened my waistcloth and attached the scabbard, ready to charge.

Lionetta, who followed me, seems exasperated, thinking the young lady is up to something again, but I pay no mind.

Oh, Lionetta, it’s dangerous around here, so stay back over there.

Alright, I’ve made enough space.

I adjust my posture, loosening my waist, and with a “click,” I push the sword out of the scabbard with my thumb.

Grasping the handle with my right hand, I close my eyes.

I focus my mind.

The wind is gentle, the sky clear.

It’s a cheerful afternoon world.

Slowly, I erase any distractions.

With each moment of focus, the surrounding sounds fade away.

All extraneous noises vanish.

Since I’ve been practicing combat, my swordsmanship itself is flawless.

Recalling, I confirm each form one by one.

First, the drawing of the sword followed by the ‘iai’* slash.

“Iai” slash: A technique in Japanese swordsmanship where the sword is drawn and used to strike the opponent in one fluid motion.

As I widen my eyes, there’s a momentary flash.

A silver light cuts through the air.

Stepping forward, I execute the kesagiri with both hands, thrust, then lift straight up before swinging down.

I step back with a sliding motion and halt with a ‘seigan’* stance.

“Seigan” stance: A defensive posture in Japanese swordsmanship where the sword is held vertically with the tip slightly lowered, aiming at the opponent’s line of sight.

Alright, I can move somewhat decently. And I haven’t forgotten the forms.

Hassō-jōdan, Gatotsu*… Wait, am I in a manga?

*”Hassō-jōdan”: A high guard stance in Japanese martial arts, typically associated with the use of a sword. A defensive position with the sword held high.

“Gatotsu”: A thrusting technique in Japanese swordsmanship, often delivered with a powerful forward movement. It is characterized by a quick and direct thrust towards the opponent.

Come to think of it, combining manga forms with magic might yield interesting results. At least I should be able to use the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu as is. Can I pull off Kuza Mizu Sen with it? “I shall break the vow not to kill!” Wait, was I not supposed to break it?

*”Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu”: A fictional swordsmanship style from the popular Japanese manga and anime series “Rurouni Kenshin.”

If I combine it with body enhancement magic, I feel like I could manage a San Dan Zuki*.

*San Dan Zuki”: A term in Japanese martial arts, specifically in karate, referring to a combination of three punches delivered in quick succession.

I need practice for that. And speaking of swordsmen, there’s always Saber. Will I be able to fire off Noble Phantasms*?

That person with fox ears in that game was developing something called “One Husband, Multiple Wives Castration Fist*,” right?

*Fate/stay night references

Maybe we need something like that here too. There are some awful men out there. Let’s turn it into a skill that can definitely neuter them.

Yes, a special male assault technique. The Adultery Extermination Punishment Fist! Let’s use kicking techniques while calling it a fist. This is justice. Extermination. I need to practice this.

“W-What on earth was that!?”

Wow, that startled me!

Huh? What is it, Lionetta? What’s wrong?

In response to my surprised voice, Lionetta asks me, “W-What was that just now!?”

“G-Geez, Lionetta. This isn’t a sword, it’s a katana.”

“That’s not the issue here, is it!?”

“Well… Oh, right, Lionetta. I want to make a straw doll, so could you please get two logs about this size and a bundle of straw?”

“That’s not it! You couldn’t possibly do that just from knowledge alone, Miss Rosetta. Where on earth did you…?”

“Oh, come on, Lionetta. That’s… a secret. Just kidding.”

I tried sticking out my tongue.

In my previous world, I was too old to do this, but now I’m just an eight-year-old Rosetta-chan.

It’s okay to stick out my tongue, right? I’m just a kid. By Mitsu… What was it again?

“Eeeh!? This is strange, isn’t it? Did you hit your head and become crazy!?”

“It’s just your imagination. I can still remember when Lionetta arrived. I haven’t changed from before. Or should I start giving Lionetta impossible tasks like I used to?”

“You’re still giving me impossible tasks now… but, yeah, you do have a point…”

Lionetta suddenly falls into deep thought.

There’s a world of difference between being tasked with unreasonable requests like before and being given tasks that seem impossible but could be done with effort.

It’s still tough either way.

“Anyway, after practicing the forms for a while, next will be the practice of the Adultery Extermination Punishment Fist. It’s not enough to just target the groin. We need to come up with different ways to phrase it, and it has to be an original skill. Oh, right. Let’s also create variations for distinguishing between holding back against an opponent and going for the kill. Since we don’t need to hold back against criminals, we’ll crush them with our kicks.”

“Uh, Miss?”

“Alright, let’s do our best, Lionetta.”

“I won’t do my best!?”

It seems both options were equally difficult. Lionetta, who came to me crying, was told to cherish her manners a bit more than before.

I guess I’ll have to practice being a lady too. Is after dinner okay? Are we still going to dance? Belly dancing? Or maybe Cossack dancing*? I don’t feel confident about this…

*”Belly dancing”: Also known as Middle Eastern dance, it is a traditional dance form originating from the Middle East and North Africa, characterized by fluid movements of the hips and abdomen.
“Cossack dancing”: A traditional folk dance originating from Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine and Russia, known for its vigorous and athletic movements, often performed by male dancers, featuring high jumps, kicks, and squatting movements.

After finishing dinner, I promptly asked my mother about it.

If her beloved daughter asks to learn the etiquette of nobility, Mother would be delighted.

It became a daily routine from late afternoon until bath time.

Yeah, it feels like my schedule is getting packed. I already have so much to do. Even an exploitative company would be surprised, what is this, dark aristocracy? This just smells like a crime, doesn’t it?

After finishing the day, it’s time to rest. Rest? But tomorrow will be just as busy, won’t it? It’s strange. I feel like I’m working even harder since coming to this other world.

There are so many things I want to do. Just exercising alone isn’t enough for a day.

My physical activity will gradually increase, and I might not have much free time, right?

Well, let’s cross that bridge when we come to it. Goodnight.