Poor Noble Nord’s Adventure

27. How To Spend A Day Off

The Iron Dragon Knights are composed solely of elite members. However, no matter how sharp a famous blade is, if neglected, it will rust, chip, and eventually break under accumulated stress. If even weapons made of steel, like swords and armor, require maintenance, then it goes without saying that living humans do too.

As part of health management, Iron Dragon Knights’ members needed to take a weekly day off. This rule also applied to Nord, who was receiving training from Iron Dragon Knights’ instructors to become a full-fledged dragon rider as soon as possible. Due to training schedules, it was often more convenient for Nord to rest when his instructor did. His instructor rested in the middle of the week, so Nord also took his day off then.

“Do you have any plans for your day off?”

In the barracks built within the Iron Dragon Knights’ garrison located in the northeast of the royal capital of the Hamill Kingdom, an Iron Dragon Knight spoke to Nord. The speaker, a young dragon rider in his mid-20s, was among the younger members of the order, except for Nord. He casually asked Nord about his day-off plans, without any particular reason. Perhaps he liked Nord because, despite tough training and harsh treatment from veteran instructors, Nord persevered without fleeing. Many other knights also acknowledged Nord’s determination, especially after he bravely entered the wyvern nests despite his youth. Though not formally appointed yet, Nord had unexpectedly found a degree of acceptance among the Iron Dragon Knights.

To the young dragon rider’s question, Nord replied energetically.

“Yes, I’m taking on a quest as an adventurer.”

“…Huh?”

Was it a mishearing? The young rider asked again. But Nord’s answer remained unchanged.

“No, no, no, what’s the point of working on your day off? Sure, I keep training too, but you need to rest when it’s time to rest.”

The young dragon rider waved his hands dismissively at Nord’s intentions. Nord understood the sentiment. Indeed, accumulated fatigue must be released through regular breaks. Injuries can be healed with recovery magic, but it doesn’t restore stamina. During wartime, dragon riders face extreme missions. It cannot be assumed recovery magic will always be available, and in any mission, a poorly prepared body is unacceptable. Nord was expected to keep himself in peak condition.

“I know that much.”

“Then all the more reason to rest properly.”

But Nord had his reasons. The debt owed by the Ferris family still lingered, and he wanted to earn more for his family beyond debt repayment. Driven by this desire, he had persevered for over a year with an unyielding spirit. He had taken on quests nearly every day. Perhaps this was why.

“I’ve just gotten used to it; I feel restless if I’m not working.”

“……”

The young rider fell silent, unsure how to respond to his workaholic junior.

§

On his day off, Nord, freed from dragon rider training, sought to earn money. Unfortunately, Nord’s options were limited to labor that utilized his body. If he could use magic or create alchemical potions, his earning potential would be wider. But Nord dismissed the idea as unlikely. Learning magic requires enrollment in the Royal Magic Academy or a direct apprenticeship under a mage. Both paths demand high magical aptitude, evident from childhood. Just as Nord intuitively understood sword movements through training, young magic users naturally wielded magic. This aptitude, displayed as talent, was the prerequisite for learning magic. Since Nord had never experienced such phenomena, he assumed he lacked magical aptitude.

However, lack of talent didn’t make magic impossible to learn. With time, even those less attuned to magic could master its basics. Though they may not use powerful spells like “Inferno” or “Frost Entombment,” they could at least light a fire. Still, finding a tutor willing to teach such mundane magic was rare. To learn forcibly, a large fee would be required.

To profit from magic, initial investments were essential. Nord reflected on this harsh reality as he entered the Adventurers’ Guild.

§

The Adventurers’ Guild was the same as ever. Bustling, energetic banter filled the air, resembling a market auction. Unlike the Iron Dragon Knights’ barracks, where noise served a purpose, the guild’s chaos was uncontrolled. Adventurers jostled and clashed. Though weapons stayed sheathed, fistfights often broke out. Guild staff merely shouted, “Take it outside!”

Avoiding the chaos, Nord selected quests carefully. Since he only had one day off from the Knights, he could not accept long-term or distant quests. Recently, he focused on quests within the royal capital or its vicinity.

As a Crystal-tier adventurer, Nord had access to a broad range of quests. Surprisingly, many were within the capital. Recent examples included “Guide Needed for Sewer Pest Extermination” and “Help Needed for Cargo Unloading.” Though initially skeptical, Nord quickly realized why trusted adventurers were hired for sensitive tasks. He efficiently completed heavy-lifting jobs, understanding the value placed on speed and trust.

The Adventurers’ Guild regularly posted new quests, but Nord knew to adapt if his preferred ones were unavailable. Today, luck was on his side.

With his chosen quest, he approached the counter.

§

Upon returning home, a shadow leaped at Nord.

“Whoa, careful!”

“Coo~!”

The shadow was Newt, a young green-scaled wyvern. Nord often left Newt at the Ferris estate when working.

“Newt! Where are you…oh, welcome back.”

“Thanks.”

“Coo~”

Chasing Newt was Nord’s sister, Iris, who adored the hatchling. Nord thanked her for watching over Newt.

“No problem. We’re friends, right Newt?”

“Coo!”

Iris, with her golden hair like Nord’s, was devoted to Newt. She had named him and spent the most time with him. The name Newt, which Nord teasingly questioned, had origins tied to her favorite dragon stories.

Their bond is evident, Nord watched Iris and Newt head to dinner before heading to his room to change.