Rival (3): Master's Unseen Blush
Hakodate Karin entered the dean's office alongside Eleonora. More precisely, it was with Seong Hyun-jin, who had tagged along insisting on giving her a massage.
"Master, I'll make it feel great!"
At Seong Hyun-jin's confident voice, Eleonora glanced back and forth between the two with a peculiar look. Having already witnessed Seong Hyun-jin's eccentric behavior toward Karin, she grew uneasy at the idea of frequent physical contact during a massage—it might carry some other meaning.
Eleonora cautiously asked Karin, "...Lady Karin, are you sure you're okay with this?"
"What sudden nonsense is this?"
"I hate to say it, but if Hyun-jin has impure thoughts toward you..."
"Think you I haven't considered that?"
Karin replied as she shrugged off her instructor jacket. "Worry not. When my disciple offers, he does it properly."
"Is that so?"
"Indeed."
In truth, back when they lived together at the mountain cabin, even during those playful tussles when Seong Hyun-jin was aroused by her body, he had always massaged her with sincere respect whenever she asked. Honestly, if he'd harbored lewd intentions, he could have groped her then—but he never did. He treated her like a parent, massaging with utmost care. That was why Karin had so readily agreed this time.
Eleonora nodded in understanding, and seeing this, Karin let out a light, cynical chuckle as she addressed Seong Hyun-jin. "Disciple, dost thou grasp thy usual conduct? Even the Demon Star worries for me now."
"Pardon? What were you worried about?"
"That thou might lay hands on me."
"Ka-Karin, how can you say that...!?"
As Eleonora shot Seong Hyun-jin a troubled glance, he grumbled with a sulky expression. "...You're too much, Dean. Is it fair to judge a student's actions by stereotypes?"
"Ah, no... sorry..."
In fact, Seong Hyun-jin had given plenty of cause for misunderstanding, but his point rang true. It was improper for an educator to presume guilt based on past behavior alone. At a loss for words, Eleonora bowed her head.
Karin, amused by the scene, chuckled softly. "Come in, disciple."
"Yes, Master!"
The instructor uniform without its jacket clung subtly to the body. It made sense— instructors often moved vigorously while training students, so it needed to allow free movement. Especially in the approaching summer heat, it had to be breathable and absorbent. Thus, the dignified jacket preserved authority, while the underlayer used superior moisture-wicking fabric.
Nothing odd so far. Functional clothing existed aplenty in this era, and wearing it was unremarkable.
The problem was Karin wearing it. Her overwhelmingly prominent—nay, destructive—breasts were hugged tightly by the form-fitting material, fully outlined. It was as stimulating as her usual near-nude attire.
Seong Hyun-jin, who had purely intended to relieve his master's fatigue without a hint of lust, faltered slightly. "Master, shouldn't you change first?"
"This is fine as is, disciple."
"......"
"Why the hesitation?"
"N-no, it's nothing. Please lie down comfortably."
Karin nodded and climbed onto the bed. She lay prone, her ample breasts squishing like soft pies and spreading across the sheets. Wrapped in the sleek functional fabric, it felt almost like seeing bare skin. He almost wished she'd worn her usual outfit—her smooth back exposed, yes, but at least it didn't display her breasts compressed so vividly.
Seong Hyun-jin swallowed unconsciously, forcing his tensed body to relax. "...Master, how shall I proceed?"
"Mm, just like always."
"...Yes."
Seong Hyun-jin took a deep breath and began with her shoulders, pressing with just the right force. Karin's breathing eased, a sign of relief. The familiarity evoked their mountain cabin days, steadying his mind for a mo—
"......!?"
He'd spotted something. The clinging fabric revealed the faint outline of her undergarment strap. Karin, who usually roamed near-nude, wearing underwear? Women wore upper undergarments as a matter of course, but for her, it was different. This rare glimpse of something concealed drew him in inexplicably.
"Disciple?"
"Ah, s-sorry. I zoned out for a second."
"Art thou weary too?"
"No. I'll continue."
He moved from shoulders to back, but his gaze lingered on the strap. Still, his technique remained flawless—Karin noticed nothing amiss. With his experience massaging her countless times, the pressure was perfect. To her, it felt refreshingly good, and she let out an unwitting pleased hum.
"Mm... ah... thou art skilled indeed, disciple."
"...Thank you."
As his hands paused, Karin assumed it was over and sat up. "Mm...! Feels much better."
She stretched her arms upward—
"Master."
"Mm? What is it?"
"...May this unworthy disciple speak freely?"
"Out with it."
Post-massage bliss made Karin amenable to his request, so long as it wasn't outrageous.
"Please refrain from removing your jacket outside because of the heat."
"And why must I?"
Karin, unashamed of her body even in her usual revealing attire, didn't mind the form-fitting outline. Jacket or no, it mattered little to her.
'Surely he's not about to say "don't show others, show only me" nonsense...'
But Seong Hyun-jin was blunt. "......Your underwear strap shows."
"......"
Karin froze. The unimaginable words left her flustered.
"H-how can it show?"
"...From behind, the shape is clear."
"......"
Her expression stiffened. She didn't blush like a shy girl, but for the usually stoic Karin, this reaction betrayed her shock.
"...Now that this disciple has informed you, please be cautious around other students, Master."
"......Ah, understood."
Karin nodded. She grasped his point. Yet oddly, she felt she wouldn't be that embarrassed if it happened again. But why?
'Wh-what... why do I feel this way...'
Being seen by him was mortifying—insanely so. She could scarcely breathe.
"...Rest well, Master. I have an appointment, so I'll take my leave."
"Y-yes... go on. Train diligently."
Once Seong Hyun-jin left, Karin exhaled shakily and rose. "...Haa."
Why this? Lately, she'd felt off. Like snapping at him over Serena Eldark's scent. She fixated on his actions, his changes—despite no shift in her attitude toward him. What was wrong?
She couldn't name it, but anyone else could: affection. Interest in that person.
"...My condition is truly peculiar."
#
Elena Apocalipse waited with Clarice Levatein at the training grounds for Seong Hyun-jin. She'd told Clarice to rest if tired and join next time, but Clarice's passion for the sword kept her there.
Sensing an approach, Elena sprang up. "Ah, junior!"
Only then did Clarice notice Seong Hyun-jin nearing.
'Her senses...'
Impressed by Elena's aura detection, Clarice eyed her admiringly.
Seong Hyun-jin waved lightly in greeting and descended to the grounds. "Sorry, I'm a bit later than expected."
"No worries."
"Yes, we haven't waited long."
Grateful for their consideration, he nodded and turned to Elena. "Can we use the training grounds freely?"
"Yes, I just got permission from the instructor."
Elena Apocalipse was Terastial Academy's star student. No instructor refused her training requests; she'd reserved the entire expansive grounds for this spar.
"We'll keep sparring here from now on."
"Ongoing?"
"Yes. They approved."
Her words highlighted her status at the academy. Talented students received fitting privileges, he realized anew.
"Shall we start right away?"
"Shouldn't you warm up first?"
"My body... well..."
Seong Hyun-jin tapped his sword hilt. "Clashing with you two will loosen it up."
"...I like the sound of that."
Elena smiled faintly in agreement. "Then, let's warm up first?"