Shigeru Sagazaki – illustratör

Beryl Gardinant, a self-proclaimed “humble old man,” is a sword instructor at his dojo in a rural, backwater village. In his younger years, he dreamed of glory as a master swordsman, but those days are long behind him. Out of the blue, he receives a visit from a famous former pupil who brings him world-shattering news—he’s been appointed as a special instructor for the knights of the Liberion Order! With his life now turned upside down, Beryl travels to the capital and reunites with some of his former students: elite knights, an ace wizard, and even an adventurer who’s attained the highest guild rank possible. But why do they all want his tutelage?! As far as he’s concerned, they clearly don’t need him anymore. Can Beryl live up to his new position? And will he ever get a moment’s peace away from his adoring students?!

Self-proclaimed “old country bumpkin” Beryl Gardinant has finally settled into his new role as a special instructor for the Liberion Order. After breaking his sword in the fight against Zeno Grable, he seeks out a new blade and stumbles upon yet another of his former students—a skilled blacksmith named Baldur, who promises to forge a custom sword using the monster’s remains. Just one problem: this leaves Beryl without a weapon at his side. One night when Beryl is walking home alone, a young thief takes advantage of his unarmed state and launches a truly unexpected attack—fire magic! And when Beryl consults the commander of the magic corps about this wizard thief, he becomes embroiled in a plot of national proportions. Can Beryl help this young criminal turn their life around? And will any of his pupils finally realize that their “master” is nothing but a normal old man?!

Every year, Liberis’s neighbor Sphenedyardvania sends a diplomatic delegation of royalty to foster friendship between their two nations. Each nation’s knights are responsible for the security of their own diplomats, so naturally, Allusia sees this as a wonderful opportunity to introduce Beryl on behalf of the Liberion Order. Beryl worries endlessly about meeting with royalty, but once the foreign knights arrive, he is greeted by a familiar face—Rose Mabelhart, the lieutenant commander of Sphenedyardvania’s knights, is yet another former student of his! However, conflict arises when Rose claims to be Beryl’s favorite...right in front of Allusia! The knights begin their escort duty, but dark shadows are on the move behind the scenes. Can Beryl help thwart these sinister machinations against Liberis? And can he handle the jealousy brewing among his adoring pupils?

Following the hectic royal escort mission, Beryl settles back into his quiet life with Mui. Unfortunately, his peace is shattered by yet another unannounced visit from Lucy, and this time, the ace wizard Ficelle is with her. Beryl learns that Ficelle has become the instructor of sword magic at the institute, but there’s just one problem—she’s a terrible teacher! When Lucy asks Beryl to help with the class, he is bewildered. How can he possibly teach young wizards when he’s just an old backwater swordsman with no magical talent? Still, he agrees to sit in on Ficelle’s class, and what he observes is just as bad as advertised. Can Beryl help his former pupil learn to teach pupils of her own? After all, sword magic can’t be that different from the swordplay he taught at the dojo...right?!

Summer—a time when old men are forced to constantly wipe away sweat as they reflect on their declining physical strength. It’s also the season for the annual festival and hunt back in Beryl’s hometown, Beaden. Beryl receives a letter from the dojo asking for his help with the hunt, but his parents have another request as well: they want to meet his adopted daughter, Mewi! Henblitz and Curuni tag along to offer the support of the Liberion Order. However, what starts out as a peaceful visit home soon turns chaotic when a herd of saberboars goes on a rampage. To defeat them, Beaden will need every sword arm it can get—even Beryl’s retired father will take up his blade! City knights and country swordsmen team up to battle the boars, but will their combined strength be enough to keep Beaden safe?

Beryl has finally achieved a lifelong goal: He defeated his father in a one-on-one sword fight! And now that he’s beaten the greatest swordsman he knows, Beryl’s confidence finally starts to grow. Just as he begins to channel his newfound energy into teaching, Beryl receives a sudden invitation to a party being held by Margrave Flumvelk. Beryl isn’t at all comfortable among high society, but since his presence was requested by Princess Salacia herself, he has no right to refuse. So, he and Allucia set off to a noble’s mansion! Lavish meals, a dazzling party full of wealthy, influential people, and a warm welcome from a beautiful young lady—Beryl is faced with a level of luxury that makes his head spin. However, when a powerful new opponent appears before him, Beryl must brandish his blade and put his newfound confidence to the test!

After their encounter with the Verdapis Mercenary Company on the way back from Flumvelk, Beryl and the knights of the Liberion Order must prepare for another expedition: escorting Princess Salacia to her wedding in Sphenedyardvania’s capital. Beryl has never traveled outside Liberis, and though the road is long, he relishes the opportunity to experience the culture of another country. However, on the day of the wedding, dark shadows of rebellion come to light, threatening to destroy the burgeoning alliance between the two nations. Knights from both countries, veteran mercenaries and adventurers, monsters beyond human comprehension, and an unexpected ally—all assemble in the capital, bristling for battle. This will be the greatest test of swordsmanship Beryl has ever known. Will he be able to defend his allies against the onslaught?

A new year has dawned, and the chaos in Sphenedyardvania has been mostly resolved. There’s just one thing left for Beryl to do—replace Allucia’s broken sword! Beryl agonizes over what blade could be worthy of her exceptional skills as the knight commander, and after much deliberation, he decides to have one forged using material from a certain named monster. As spring blooms from winter’s thaw, the Liberion Order prepares to welcome new blood into their ranks, and Beryl watches over the fledgling knights as they take their entrance exams. Then, during an expedition to the north, Beryl renews an old connection with a childhood friend and...visits a hot spring?! With Allucia?! As Beryl relaxes in the heat of the hot spring, can he acknowledge the new feelings warming his heart?