Chapter 133
Looking as if deep in thought, I gazed up at the sky and said,
"I seem anxious... Perhaps that might be the case."
My eyes, filled with melancholy, were a bonus.
Ah, it's hard to see because of my slit eyes.
"As expected. I knew it. Is there something bothering you? Feel free to open up to this senior."
Rodelin spoke with confidence, as if to say she was the only one to be trusted.
Could it be that solving the juniors' worries is also part of a senior's duties?
Well, she wouldn't have been able to resist helping.
After all, I'm Rodelin's particularly cherished, adorable (?) junior.
"Keke, lately, I've been blocked by a wall. Because of that... I've been tormenting myself and my colleagues."
"Hmm, is that so. I can't just stand by as your senior. I'll help you out."
Rodelin headed towards the weapons display at the training ground.
After a moment, she returned with a large club in her hand.
...What? Is she planning to knock some sense into me by beating me up?
"Through sparring, you'll gain enlightenment. A light session of about 3 hours should do."
Since when is 3 hours considered light by any standard?
And to me, sparring meant nothing short of getting beaten up.
There's not only a difference in levels, but I don't even know the basics of swordsmanship.
I was perfectly set up to be beaten up.
"Keke, isn't the Vice President of the Student Council busy? I cannot waste such a person's time."
"It doesn't really matter to me."
It does matter to me. And it's a matter directly related to my life!
"Hmm... then what to do. Ah, how about waterfall meditation? Meditating under a waterfall should wash away anxieties like them. You'll be able to feel the mana of nature too."
...Waterfall meditation? Isn't that something old people do?
That was the moment I became curious about Rodelin's mental age.
"Keke, that sounds good, but... there's a much simpler way to relieve my anxiety."
"What would that be?"
"I need your help... Will you listen?"
Rodelin twitched.
"...If it's something that can help a junior, of course, I should. But! No weird requests."
Was she recalling all that had happened till now? Rodelin firmly said.
What does she mean by weird requests? What does she take me for?
I'm not some pervert.
"Keke, don't worry. It's a perfectly normal request."
"Then, speak. I'll help as much as I can."
Keke, that's what I like about our Rodelin, she's unwittingly careless.
Taking a step forward towards Rodelin.
"Isn't there something we need to settle between us?"
"Settle what?"
"Yes, about what happened after the battle with the Demon. It got brushed aside because of the nanny's arrival... But you had promised to heed my earnest request."
"Hmm... I don't quite remember."
"Keke, think of the word 'bond'. Does that ring a bell?"
After a moment of thought, Rodelin's eyes widened.
"Yo, you don't mean...!"
Unfortunately, that's exactly what I mean.
The time I was about to make a 'contract with a Demon' to protect the children.
Rodelin, who scolded me to never do such reckless things again.
I had requested 'stroking' as a payment for that.
If such an event were to occur again, I would remember the sensation of stroking Rodelin's head as she resisted, along with some nonsensical talk.
You don't understand what I'm talking about just by hearing it?
You would understand the situation if you checked it directly.
Well, it's probably around episode 115 of the novel, isn't it? (TL Note: Yes, the author is breaking the 4th wall)
'I couldn't succeed back then because of the nanny's interruption...'
But this time, I will surely succeed.
In summary, a nonsensical logic to secure what's known as a 'stroking coupon'. And I intend to use it now.
"Well, I... I have no idea what Zero is talking about?"
Rodelin desperately avoided my gaze.
She's pretending not to remember.
That could be considered very cheeky.
"Keke, you don't remember? Then, there's no choice but to recreate that situation."
"Recreate?"
"Yes, if we recreate the same situation, you'll remember. Very clearly."
As I took a step forward, Rodelin hesitantly stepped back.
Step forward, step back, step forward, step back.
Repeating this process naturally cornered Rodelin against the wall.
Confused, Rodelin was trapped by my arms.
A perfect wall-slam situation. Just like back then.
Not knowing what to do, Rodelin hung her head low.
"Keke, do you remember now?"
"Ah, aah... yes, yes! I remember! So, so stop...!"
Rodelin's cheeks were flushed red.
Was she unsure where to direct her gaze?
She moved her eyes here and there, trying to avoid mine.
Of course, by tilting my head slightly, I made it impossible for her to avoid further.
"Now it's time for you to keep your promise."
"No, it's not right! Even back then, but how can such an act help Zero in any way?"
Desperately trying to regain her composure, she logically objected.
But that's okay. I'll counter illogically.
"This is a very important matter that can solve my worries in one go."
"How can stroking my head solve your worries!"
"Didn't I tell you last time? 'Bond'. If it proves the bond with you, then worries like anxiety will melt away like snow."
"Ugh, ugh..."
"Not just that. It will also give me the confidence to form bonds with Luna and Rezé. But surely..."
I whispered into the burning red ears of Rodelin, bringing my head closer.
"You wouldn't refuse, right?"
As I slightly pulled back my face, Rodelin was already in a state of surrender (?).
Her eyes were spinning.
Rodelin turned her head sideways and muttered.
"...Just this once, then."
As soon as I got the permission, I reached out my hand.
Because who knows, the nanny might attack again.
Stroking.
The hair, dark as the night sky, swayed back and forth under my hand.
It was surprisingly soft.
Every time I stroked her hair, a pleasant scent wafted through the air.
'Of course, the most amusing part is Rodelin's expression.'
The situation is unbearably embarrassing, but she's enduring it for the sake of her junior.
Seeing her unable to do anything with her face turning bright red, a smile naturally forms on my face.
It's like looking at a child.
'It would be nice if she showed this side of herself more often.'
Rodelin is only sixteen.
It's an age where it wouldn't be odd for her to be freely laughing and playing with friends.
However, all of Rodelin's attention is directed towards the duties of the Vice President of the Student Council, the student council itself, her studies, demons, and her family.
It's as if she has no time for herself.
'She should act a bit more like a child.'
Knowing that only a thorny path lies ahead for Rodelin, that she's heading towards a sad ending all by herself, made me feel even more concerned.
Perhaps that's why. Seeing the child-like side of Rodelin made me wish.
I hope this time.
'Can be a little break for Rodelin.'
Stroking.
Meaning, what I'm doing now isn't some perverse action for my own satisfaction.
It's all for Rodelin.
Absolutely, exactly!
"St, stop now!"
Perhaps she couldn't endure it any longer. Rodelin pushed me away.
It's a bit disappointing, but I decided to be satisfied for today.
'There will be another opportunity next time.'
The first time is always the hardest.
The second time will be easier than now, and the third even more so.
'Stress... completely gone.'
As I was fidgeting with my hand, recalling Rodelin's touch and expression.
Rodelin, having tidied up her hair and clothes, approached.
"Hmm, has your anxiety lessened a bit?"
"Keke, if there's still some left, may I stroke you again?"
"...You're back to normal. No, should I say you've returned to abnormality as if it's normal? I'm not sure."
Delin, what are you talking about?
It's as if you're saying I was abnormal from the start.
People will misunderstand.
"Anyway, it's good that it's resolved. I hope you reconcile with Luna and Rezé as well."
Ah, speaking of which, the prickly cat and the puffer rabbit ran away.
Well, it's understandable. They were forced to train even when they were completely exhausted.
'This is all because of that damn Lucia.'
After the attack by the Fourth Grade Demon Bineus, Lucia stayed at the academy for a month to guide the children, a hidden piece of Lucia.
Having the opportunity to be taught by a high knight was one thing, but the quest increased their desperation.
But look at the situation now. Not only the quest but they hadn't even learned how to hold a sword properly.
Especially since she was always in sight, it was to the point of being burnt out.
And the stress that built up was taken out on Luna and Rezé.
'I thought Lucia would be moved by our hard training and decide to guide us...'
It seemed like such a moving development was unlikely to happen.
'We're only in the early chapters of the second volume. I thought it would be an easy condition... Was it the opposite?'
Certainly, it wasn't a typical hidden piece.
A linked hidden piece starting from a fragment of a demon. Moreover, it was activated only after fighting the Fourth Grade Demon Bineus.
A hidden piece of a hidden piece of a hidden piece.
It would be more surprising if Lucia easily taught us.
'Then... I need to find another way.'
Lucia's hidden piece, something I've never experienced in the game.
Lacking too many pieces of the puzzle, I had no clue how to proceed.
In such cases, as expected.
"Do you know about the Lester family, senior?"
Gathering information is essential.
Rodelin, after a moment of thought, opened her mouth.
"Um, the Lester family? It was a distinguished family. Although we had little interaction because they were so reclusive."
I narrowed my eyes slightly, lost in thought, because Rodelin's reaction was different from what I expected.
Justice, faith, the sword, and shield that protect the emperor.
That's the Lucid family to which Rodelin belongs.
Moreover, Rodelin is known for her upright character.
Normally, if a traitorous family is mentioned, it would be natural for her to burst into flames.
But this reaction?
"You're not angry? Considering it's a traitorous family."
"There were many dubious aspects to that incident."
"Dubious aspects?"
"As I mentioned, the Lester family was outstanding, but too reclusive. They weren't a family flexible enough to build power. A rebellion by the Lester family alone? Physically impossible."
Meaning, they didn't have the influence to incite a rebellion.
Overthrowing a powerful empire with just one family isn't possible.
"There are several other issues... but I don't know them in detail. It wasn't information I was allowed to have at the time."
"The Lucid family judged that the Lester family couldn't have done it?"
"Internally, that's the conclusion. The evidence found recently... Uh!"
Rodelin raised her hand and covered her mouth.
A member of the Lucid family, one of the pillars of the empire, defending a traitorous family.
An action that shouldn't be done even in an unofficial setting.
"...Forget what I just said. It's merely a personal opinion, after all."
"Keke, for a personal opinion, it seemed quite emotional. Including the 'internally' part."
"Zero must have heard wrong. Spreading rumors will only lead to punishment, won't it?"
Hm~ I see. The noble Rodelin is threatening me?
'Such a cute way of threatening.'
A threat I can't endure without stroking.
It was when I slightly extended my hand. A flash appeared in front of my eyes.
Thwack!
Rodelin's fist was already touching my forehead. She gave me a flick on the forehead.
"I'll give you a demerit point."
"Keke, for what reason?"
"For attempting to deceive a senior."
Rodelin stuck her tongue out slightly and fled the training ground as if running away.
Did the senior just stick her tongue out at her junior?
I firmly resolved in my heart.
Next time, I have to tease her more fun(?).
* * *
Alone in the practice field, I was diligently swinging my sword.
"Ah~ That's not how you do swordsmanship."
Rodelin's sister, and one of the empire's Ten Swords.
The source of my stress.
Lucia appeared before me, as evening approached.
"Where are the others?"
"Keke, they went to rest. They got minor injuries."
"Injuries? Ah, the kids these days. Back in my day~ even if an arm fell off, we kept fighting."
Lucia's lecture like an old fogey.
The stress that had dropped to zero because of Rodelin shot back up to 100.
'Let's stay calm.'
I calmed my mind.
After the conversation with Rodelin, I decided to change the strategy.
"Would you like to make a bet with me?"
"A bet?"
"Yes, if I manage to surprise you, then you'll agree to guide us."
"Hmm~ And if you fail?"
"I won't report to Miss Rodelin that you're slacking off here."
If she finds out Lucia is loafing around here, Rodelin will be furious.
Maybe realizing she was at a disadvantage, Lucia clicked her tongue.
"It's a bet I can't refuse, isn't it? You're quite cunning."
Cunning? Where else would you find someone as pure as me!
"Fine, it's impossible to surprise me anyway."
"Keke, is that so?"
"Yes, yes. Of course~."
Lucia yawned with her mouth wide open.
She looked like a sick lion.
Ignoring her, I assumed the stance.
Leaning forward slightly, I charged.
Accelerating with a large step forward in an instant.
The left knee slightly bent, matching the scabbard set at a right angle.
Explosive rotation of the ankle and wrist.
The angle of the wrist drawing the sword.
Yes, this is it.
The first secret technique of the Lester family style.
One Flash.
Boom!!
One Flash collided with the training ground wall, causing a loud noise.
Meaning Lucia had dodged.
The moment I tried to look for Lucia.
Zing!!
Lucia appeared in front of me, crossing swords.
"You... What exactly are you?"
The sick lion was nowhere to be seen.
Now, the look in Lucia's eyes was that of a lion with its prey in sight.
--TL Notes--
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