Chapter 9 - Chapter 9

Today is Saturday, and I'm currently training my swordsmanship. I've also been practicing the skills I remember from my time as an assassin.

After my training session, I decided to take a stroll around the estate. After a long walk, I opted to venture outside, so I took a bath and changed into fresh clothes.

Once I was ready, I asked Aria-sama for permission to go outside, and she kindly agreed.

As I walked through the town, I marveled at the variety of shops: clothing stores, armories, restaurants, and more. I paused to consider what I might buy, realizing I didn't have much casual clothing—just my butler uniforms.

I entered one of the clothing shops, where a woman with bear ears greeted me warmly. "Welcome to our shop! Is there anything you're looking for?"

I glanced around before replying, "Um... I need casual clothes, something that allows for easy movement."

The lady thought for a moment, her expression brightening. "Oh! I think we have just what you need. They arrived last week; let me get them for you." She smiled and headed off to retrieve the items.

As I waited, I looked around the shop. There were plenty of dresses, but I had never liked wearing them, even in my past life. I preferred suits, t-shirts, and hoodies—anything comfortable for working and lounging at home.

After a while, the lady returned with several wooden boxes. Inside each box was a different outfit. Everything looked appealing, but what caught my eye was a simple yet elegant black suit. It was different from the suits back on Earth, more like what nobles wore in manhwa.

I purchased the black suit, along with another in a different color and design. I also decided to buy five black and white long-sleeve polos and three pairs of black pants.

After leaving the shop, I strolled through the market, carrying my new purchases. I wandered into a weaponry shop, where I browsed through various types of weapons and armor. None seemed to suit me, so I continued to explore until I reached the far corner of the shop.

In that secluded area, I discovered an assortment of old swords, lances, and hammers, each with exquisite designs. I was fascinated until I spotted a box that seemed separate from the rest.

Curious, I opened the box and found a stunning white sword. Its blade was white with intricate black lines. As I grasped the hilt, I felt an unexpected connection to it. Eagerly, I went to the counter and asked, "I want this sword. How much is it?"

A stout dwarf with a muscular build stroked his beard, examining the sword. After a moment of silence, he replied, "I don't know if I can sell you that sword. You see, it's considered a cursed sword."

"A cursed sword?" I echoed, glancing at the weapon, which looked perfectly fine to me.

The dwarf nodded gravely. "All the previous owners returned it after feeling something strange about it. They reported seeing a black figure wandering around at night and sometimes found the sword moved from where they left it."

I didn't put much stock in his words, so I decided to buy it anyway. To my surprise, it was priced cheaper than a typical dagger in the shop.

Satisfied with my haul, I headed back to the estate. Upon arrival, I greeted Aria-sama and presented her with a book I had purchased earlier. She thanked me, and I nodded in acknowledgment.

Once in my room, I placed my new clothes in the closet and took a moment to admire the sword I had acquired. "Hmm... I wonder if what that guy said is true. Never mind," I muttered, yawning as I set the sword on my table.

I lay down on my bed and soon drifted into a happy dream. In my dream, I saw Aria-sama joyfully walking through a beautiful grassland. However, the dream was abruptly interrupted by an unsettling presence.

Annoyed that my dream had been cut short, I scanned the room, but found no one. Just as I was about to lay back down, a flicker of movement caught my eye. A black figure darted across the corner of my vision. Instinctively, I jumped up to pursue it.

I quickly realized I hadn't caught it, but I remembered what the dwarf had warned me. Turning to the table where I had set the sword, I discovered it was missing. Confused, I looked around and spotted the sword lying innocently on my bed.

As I approached it and reached for the hilt, I felt a strange energy surging through me. The moment I touched the sword, it began to wriggle in my grasp, as if trying to escape. I tightened my grip, using my physical strength to hold it steady until it finally stopped moving.

Just as I was about to place it back down, black smoke began to pour from the blade.

"What the hell is happening?!" I gasped, heart racing.