My Childhood Friend Told Me to Go Marry the Most Beautiful Woman in the Kingdom, So I Seriously Started Improving Myself—and Somehow Ended Up Making Women Fall Hard - Chapter 100 & 101

Chapter 100: Craftsmen and Adventurers

When I woke up, Natasha was sleeping beside me.

“!!!”

I almost shouted in surprise, but she was quietly breathing in her sleep.
It looked like I had fallen asleep while she was giving me that massage. 

When I glanced outside, the evening sun was already shining through the window.

Carefully, so I wouldn’t wake her, I slowly sat up and gently pulled the blanket over her.

Even though she was clearly tired herself, she still gave me that massage.

I decided I would thank her properly later.

And the words she told me—that she would always be on my side no matter what—those truly made me happy.

When I stepped out of the orphanage, the exhaustion had completely left my body.

Lately, my body had been pushed to its limits because of training.

And after hearing Lady Lumina’s story, it felt like even my head had grown tired.

Politics was something I didn’t understand.

I had never received that kind of education.

The only things I had learned were how to fight as a knight… and the household work I studied so I could take care of Rina.

Cooking, sewing, cleaning—those I understood.

But thinking about something as big as the future of the country had clearly made my brain overheat.

And somehow, Natasha had cleared all that fog from my mind.

♢

I had probably slept for about two hours.

After leaving the orphanage, I headed toward the craftsmen’s district.

I suddenly felt like seeing the people who were working in the city.

The sound of hammers striking metal.

The scraping sound of wood being carved.

The smell of dye filling the air.

The rhythmic thumping of cloth being beaten.

This place was busy enough to feel like its own kind of battlefield.

Captain Brigitte had already informed me that my personal workshop was finished, but I hadn’t had the chance to visit yet. So I decided to stop by.

The underwear workshop stood a few buildings away from the Fifth Unit’s barracks.

When I peeked inside, clothes and bras were hanging everywhere.

“Big brother!”

The dwarf girl Fururu rushed over to greet me.

She was busily giving instructions while a group of female dwarves worked all around the workshop.

“Fururu, is it okay if I come in?”

“Of course it is!”

The owner of the workshop herself—Fururu—ran over and hugged me while still holding a bundle of fabric.

“I’ll make some tea! Come upstairs!”

She grabbed my hand and began pulling me up the stairs.

The second floor had a small meeting room for discussions, along with Fururu’s private room.

“There’s even a guest room where you can stay, big brother! If you ever quit being a knight, you can live here anytime!”

“I’m not planning to quit being a knight yet. I just got a day off today, so I’m walking around the city.”

“If you had a day off, you should’ve come earlier! My head’s about to explode from working on new prototypes!”

“Then maybe the timing is perfect. I was actually thinking about a new design too. A bra with a golden shine… something elegant enough for even a noble lady to wear.”

Instead of lace or frills, I explained the design I had in mind—the kind of bra that would suit Lady Lumina.

Fururu carefully looked over the blueprint I drew, adding small notes and checks here and there with her own hand.

“Wow… big brother really is amazing! This design is both gorgeous and elegant!”

Fururu stared at the blueprint with sparkling eyes, clearly excited.

Watching her like that, I felt the same thing again.

This work supported people in a completely different way than a sword did.

And honestly… it made me happy to see something I created being appreciated like this.

This was the special piece Lady Lumina said she wanted.

I designed it as a one-of-a-kind item that would suit her perfectly.

But it shouldn’t stop there.

I wanted Fururu to refine the design later so ordinary women in the city could wear something similar comfortably.

Suddenly, Fururu leaned closer and peered right into my face.

“Big brother! Is something bothering you?”

“Huh?”

“You were making such a serious face! Even though you just drew such an amazing design!”

She plopped down beside me and kept staring at my face.

“Someone asked me to think about the future of the country. Honestly… it just feels way beyond me.”

I didn’t really expect Fururu to understand something like that.

And even if she could, I couldn’t explain the details anyway.

But Fururu simply smiled.

“I don’t really understand what’s worrying you, big brother. But I think I understand a little about the country’s future.”

“The future?”

“Yep! Ever since you invented bras, big brother… a huge trend has been spreading everywhere!”

“What?”

I couldn’t help tilting my head in confusion.

“You wouldn’t notice since you don’t wear them. But once bras appeared, women’s lives started changing. More women want to look beautiful now. I think that’s the moment when a country starts to change!”

“The moment a country changes?”

“Yeah! When an era shifts, it’s usually because something new appears. If nothing new shows up, nothing grows. Everything just stays the same. But when something useful is created… or something that helps people move forward… everyone starts thinking about how to use it better!”

Fururu spoke with surprising confidence.

Even if our roles were different, everyone was working. Everyone was fighting in their own way.

Protecting something didn’t always mean cutting down enemies with a sword.

Maybe progress actually came from craftsmen and merchants.

Making everyday life better.

Making work easier.

Helping people move around more freely.

Helping them do their jobs.

That was another way of protecting things too.

Looking down at the blueprint, I couldn’t help smiling a little.

“Is it really that big of a deal?”

“Of course it is! Big brother is the Bra Knight! That’s amazing!”

“B-Bra Knight?!”

“My mom said so! A knight who makes bras and protects the future of women!”

Fururu was grinning brightly, but all I could do was give a helpless smile.

Still…

A changing era.

Something new being born.

Those were things I could actually think about.

♢

After saying goodbye to Fururu, I stepped back into the royal capital.

The sun had completely set, and the city now had a different kind of liveliness.

Some people were drinking and making noise.

Others were eating dinner outside with their families.

Workers were changing shifts between day and night.

Even at night, the city never really stopped moving.

“Hort!”

When I turned toward the voice calling my name, I saw Nagi waving while carrying a large backpack.

Her clothes were covered in dirt and mud, and her hair was messy.

But her eyes were shining with energy.

“Nagi! Just got back from an adventure?”

“Yeah! I just returned! I saw you and ran over!”

Compared to when we first met, Nagi showed far more expressions now.

Right now, she looked like she wanted to be praised.

“You spotted me pretty quickly. Impressive.”

“Of course—Nagi is amazing!”

Without thinking, I reached out and patted her head.

Nagi was from the oni tribe and had horns, but I carefully avoided them while patting her head.

She made a happy face.

“Have you eaten yet?”

“Not yet! Let’s eat together!”

“What about Uru and the others?”

“They’re trying to save money lately, so everyone cooks for themselves.”

“Cooks for themselves?”

Nagi and her party had recently been promoted to A-rank adventurers, so the four of them rented a house together as their base.

“I liked the inn more, but having a kitchen is really convenient.”

Apparently, she had started missing the home cooking from her hometown, so she agreed to live together with the others.

“I see. Then how about we eat together? My treat today.”

“Really?!”

“Yeah. I’ve been working nonstop lately, so I haven’t spent any money at all. And I earned quite a bit during my time as an adventurer too. Basically, a whole year’s worth of earnings is just sitting there untouched.”

Honestly, I hadn’t used the salary I received.

The cost of upgrading my weapon had been covered by the bra business, so I was never charged for it.

The orphanage and the temporary clinic were also funded by Lady Lumina’s support money, so the only time I had used my salary was long ago—when I helped with food distribution in the slums.

“I’m happy! Let’s go!”

Since Nagi said she needed to get ready first, we headed to the house she shared with her party.

After she changed clothes, we walked back into the city together.

Now she was wearing a black hakama with a green haori over it.

Compared to her usual childlike look, she seemed calmer and more mature.

“So, Nagi… are you getting used to life in the royal capital?”

“Yes!”

For dinner, we ended up buying skewered meat from a street stall and eating outside.

Nagi said she’d rather walk around together than sit in a fancy restaurant.

“But…”

“But?”

“Sometimes… I miss my homeland.”

Nagi had come to this kingdom from another country.

I wondered what this kingdom looked like through her eyes.

“The royal capital is a good place. There’s trade, and the city keeps developing. But the safety isn’t great… and prices are high.”

“Sounds tough.”

“Yeah. It is tough. But that’s also what makes it fun. The kingdom accepts people like me who come from other countries… even people from different races. There are dangers, but the country still feels relaxed and welcoming.”

A relaxed feeling.

Did that simply mean the laws weren’t enforced properly?

“And besides… Hort is here.”

“Huh?”

“You helped me when I needed it. You introduced me to Uru and the others. And I’ve seen how hard you’re trying to make this kingdom better. That’s why… this place has become my second home. I really love it.”

Nagi lifted her face and smiled at me.

It was a beautiful smile.

Compared to a few months ago, it was clear she had grown a lot.

“Thank you.”

“Why are you thanking me?”

“Because your words helped calm my heart. And walking around the capital with you reminded me how full of life this city is.”

Merchants were working from morning until night.

Families were eating together outside, laughing and enjoying themselves.

Those everyday scenes suddenly felt incredibly important.

And then there was the kingdom’s kindness—accepting people from other countries.

But that same openness also created gaps that could lead to trouble.

I didn’t understand politics.

But I could still think about how to help people live better… and work to protect them.

“Your words gave me courage, Nagi.”

“I don’t really understand… but I’m glad!”

Spending time talking with Nagi felt strangely refreshing.

And valuable.

Chapter 101: A Single Sword is Beautiful

After finishing dinner with Nagi, I walked her back.

“Hort.”

“Yeah?”

“I really love this country. The time I spent with you… and with Uru, Ramune, and Zina… all of it means so much to me.”

“I’m glad.”

“Good night!”

At the end, Nagi suddenly hugged me tightly, then quickly pulled away.

Caught off guard, I just stood there, watching her as she left.

“Good night, Nagi!”

When I called out to her one last time, she turned and gave me a deep bow.

♢

All kinds of people were living in the royal capital.

Natasha—doing her best while supporting children through difficult lives.

Fururu—working toward a future where women could feel happy and confident.

Nagi—coming from another country, yet growing to love this kingdom.

The streets of the capital were lively, changing little by little each day.

And protecting that… was a knight’s duty.

As I walked through the city, I ran into members of the Third Knight Order.

They looked busy—short-handed because of the demon subjugation.

Seeing them working so hard, I quietly bowed my head in respect.

There was someone I wanted to see.

So I headed toward the Second Knight Order’s base.

The atmosphere there felt different.

Not like the quiet inside the royal castle… and not like the noisy streets either.

Maybe it was because I first worked there as a trainee, but this place held a special meaning for me.

After giving my name to the knight at the entrance, I was allowed inside.

When I stepped into the training grounds, I saw Commander Adelheid practicing her sword alone.

Just like back when I worked as her secretary—she still trained by herself after everyone else had finished.

Back then, I used to stay and train with her too.

She hadn’t changed at all.

Even just standing there, she felt like a sword.

“Excuse me!”

“Hort!”

“Commander Adelheid, do you have a moment?”

“Pick up a sword.”

“Yes.”

With her… words weren’t needed.

I grabbed one of the swords hanging on the wall.

It had been about half a year since I left the Second Knight Order.

Back then, I could only get beaten down one-sidedly. Just landing a single hit took everything I had—I couldn’t do anything else.

After facing life-and-death situations in the Third Knight Order… and training relentlessly under Dame Haua…

“I’m ready anytime.”

“Good.”

She was like a single, perfect sword.

Haua once said that Commander Adelheid had already surpassed her.

I let mana flow through my entire body.

That much had become second nature to me now.

“Good spirit.”

“You can tell?”

“You’ve gotten stronger.”

“Thank you.”

We exchanged blows—one, then another.

If she countered properly, I could be taken down instantly.

Even so, inside the training ground lit by moonlight and a few dim lights…

I kept swinging my sword at Commander Adelheid, almost like dancing.

She gave a faint smile.

That was rare.

“Nice form.”

With every strike, I could feel it more clearly—

Her strength… and her beauty.

Her sword felt like facing an unshakable giant tree, something that would never break.

And more than anything… it was beautiful.

“I’m going on the offensive now.”

“Yeah!”

She stepped forward slowly—at least, that’s how it looked.

But when her sword came down, it was so sharp I could barely block it.

Even so…

I was still holding on.

“Hm. Then let’s take it one step further.”

“Yes!”

I kept taking on Commander Adelheid’s attacks as they grew even faster.

It felt just like back when I trained under her.

Her sword moved as if guiding me… but the speed kept increasing.

Before, I couldn’t even exchange ten blows with her.

But now… twenty, even thirty—I could keep up.

“This is fun, Hort!”

“I’m barely keeping up here!”

“It’s been this long since I last had a proper exchange—since my grandmother.”

Her sword suddenly stopped.

Her breathing shifted.

The air itself changed.

Under the moonlight, only her silver-purple eyes remained, piercing straight through me.

“…Next, I’ll strike for real. Try to take it.”

“Yeah!”

My heart started pounding faster.

It was terrifying… but I didn’t want to run.

I tightened my grip on my sword and planted my feet firmly.

I gathered the mana flowing through my body into my legs and arms.

It felt like heat rushing through me, sharpening all my senses.

Commander Adelheid stepped in.

My vision split.

The air tore apart.

Her sword vanished.

Before I could even process it, the impact hit.

“Gah…!”

The moment I blocked it, my training sword shattered, and the shock ran deep into my bones.

My arms went numb, my footing slipped, and my body was thrown into the air.

I slammed into the wall behind me, the breath knocked out of my lungs.

My vision turned white.

It hurt.

It hurt so much… I almost laughed.

So this was her true strength.

I couldn’t even see it.

This… was the wall I had been chasing all this time.

Gritting my teeth, I pushed myself up with my elbow.

Slowly, I stood.

My legs trembled.

My lungs burned.

My ribs creaked.

I couldn’t win.

But getting back up… that was my pride.

I picked up the broken sword.

“…You’ve got a good look in your eyes now.”

Commander Adelheid smiled.

“With that kind of stubborn spirit, you’ll be fine.”

She lowered her sword and stepped closer.

Then—tap—she flicked my forehead with her finger.

It was such a light gesture… but it struck deeper than that last blow.

“Feeling better now?”

“…Yeah.”

The moment I said it, even I was surprised by how light my chest felt.

Everything had been piling up inside me—the things I saw during my day off, Nagi’s hug, Natasha’s care, Fururu’s words—all mixed together and weighing me down.

But now…

After being blown away by that sword…

It felt like all that excess weight had been knocked out of me.

Commander Adelheid looked straight into my eyes.

“Thinking about difficult things matters. You’ve got the ability—and you’re good at organizing your thoughts.”

“…Thank you.”

“But there’s one thing I can say for sure.”

Her voice dropped lower than usual.

Not as a master of the sword—

But as a person.

“If you’re struggling, follow your own beliefs!”

“…!”

“Don’t use others as an excuse. And don’t act just because someone told you to.”

Her words cut into me like a blade.

She saw right through the weakness inside me.

“Do what you truly want to do!”

“…Yes!”

My voice came out louder than I expected.

Commander Adelheid nodded, satisfied.

“Good.”

“I…”

Still holding my sword, I looked inward and faced what was in my heart.

I had a reason to become stronger.

And I had my own dream.

I didn’t want to blame it on anyone else.

I wasn’t going to do it just because someone told me to.

“I’ll swing my sword for my own purpose.”

“Not because you were ordered to?”

“Yes. I’ll see things with my own eyes… and decide for myself.”

I had seen the streets of the royal capital.

I had seen the people living there.

Commander Adelheid stepped closer and placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Then I’ll support you with everything I have.”

“Thank you!”

“But become strong enough to die for it. Strong enough to stand beside me.”

“Yes, Commander!”

I bowed deeply.

The pain from being blown away earlier still lingered in my body.

But I didn’t hate it.

It felt like my resolve had been carved into me.