Chapter 51
Chapter 51
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 51
Chapter Title: Disciple and Lover?
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Everyone was deep asleep in the predawn hours. I settled onto a suitable rock and closed my eyes.
The pleasant cool breeze of dawn brushed my cheek, while my ears filled with the rustle of grass in the wind, the crackle of the bonfire, and the chirping of insects.
After savoring the sounds for a moment, I slowly opened my eyes.
"Hmm, nice atmosphere."
How long had it been since I'd gazed at the night sky alone?
I stared blankly upward for just a short while.
For some reason, my body felt itchy. I lightly rested my hand on the wooden sword at my waist and stroked it slowly.
In a landscape this poetic, how could I resist swinging my sword?
I drew the wooden sword and hopped down from the rock.
Hmm, everyone should be asleep by now, right?
If I swung it too noisily, they might wake up, so I'd have to hold back a little.
I took my stance.
Slashed upward from below.
Fluttered my feet lightly and spun my body once.
Slashed horizontally.
And so, I began to dance.
Until the sun rose.
...
Suddenly, I came back to my senses.
The bonfire that had been blazing was gone, leaving only a pile of charred ashes in its place.
Hmm, how much time had passed?
I stared blankly at it before lifting my gaze to the sky.
It wasn't fully daylight yet, but light was brightening from the horizon. Morning was almost here.
...I'd completely lost track of time.
With a light sigh, I shoved the wooden sword into the sash at my waist.
Time to wake Nameless.
Leaving the now-useless firewood behind, I headed to the tent where he was sleeping.
I flung open the tent flap and poked my upper body inside.
Nameless must have been worn out from yesterday's exertions with me—he hadn't stirred even with me so close.
I watched him for a moment, then leaned close to his ear and whispered.
"Nameless, time to get up."
"...Yes, is it my turn?"
Nameless snapped his eyes wide open before I'd even finished speaking.
Hmm, he'd overdone it a bit yesterday, so he must still be tired...
But commendably enough.
Without me shaking him or repeating myself, he sat up right away.
I'd raised a fine disciple.
My lips curved upward naturally.
Nameless wiped his face once, then began tidying his sleeping spot—as if making it comfortable for me to lie down. I grabbed his shoulder and shook my head lightly.
"Watch duty's over. Now pack up."
"...Pardon?"
Nameless paused mid-pat of the blanket on the ground. His dazed expression shifted to one brimming with guilt.
"Then Master didn't get any sleep...?"
"Nonsense. My sleep is light. Your master doesn't grumble over a trifle like this."
Of course, I'd never planned to wake him in the first place.
It had been ages since I'd swung my sword like a dance, and I'd lost all sense of time.
With that in mind, I gave him a small smile, but his expression remained far from bright.
For some reason, the sight made a chuckle slip out. I roughly ruffled his now-neat hair and stepped out of the tent.
"Just handle the packing."
I'd originally planned to help with that too...
But in his current state, if I pitched in, he'd probably keep wearing that abandoned-puppy look.
Better to accept his thoughtfulness and rest easy.
Hmm, yes.
Absolutely not because I found it a hassle.
I sat on the large rock from earlier, idly gazing at the sky.
Sounds began to emerge from the coachman's tent and Elia's.
Hmm, looks like they're stirring.
Seems I'd woken Nameless at just the right time.
"Good timing."
I muttered softly to myself with a swell of pride—only for an unexpected reply to come.
"What's fortunate, exactly?"
...When had he approached?
I turned my head slightly toward the voice.
"Lucius, isn't it?"
"Greetings, Heaven Cleaver."
Lucius gave a slight bow and met my eyes.
"This is our first real conversation."
"...Indeed."
I narrowed my eyes and faced him.
...His aura felt utterly feeble. There was no way I wouldn't have noticed.
Off guard, was I?
No.
This Lucius might be concealing his presence from me.
Above all, wasn't he the Hero?
It made no sense for someone with such a grand title to be this weak.
Tension coiling slightly within me, I fiddled with my sash.
As if mocking my wary posture, Lucius showed no reaction.
He simply stared into my eyes with unwavering seriousness.
At this point, my needless caution felt embarrassing.
A little thought made it clear—he wasn't here for a sudden attack.
No reason to pick a fight here, either.
I'd overreacted just because he was the Hero.
"Tsk."
I clicked my tongue lightly.
I had no desire to prolong the talk, but...
I probably needed to get a bit closer to this man.
Still reluctant to look at his face, I turned away.
"So, what is it?"
"I came with a request."
His response forced me to glance back at Lucius.
A request?
"...You? To me?"
What did that mean?
No, it was plain as day.
But why?
Lucius nodded in lieu of an answer.
"Hah."
A hollow laugh escaped me.
A request? Wasn't he the Hero?
What could a child chosen by the gods possibly want from me...?
Curiosity flickered briefly at the prospect, but then I spotted Nameless approaching—packing apparently done—and waved him off.
"Not in the mood right now. Bring it up later."
"Very well."
Lucius bowed once more and returned to his tent, presumably to pack.
I waved dismissively and let out a sigh.
...I'd sensed it before.
Conversations with the Saintess or this Hero drained my mental energy in real time.
Though honestly, I wasn't sure how well I managed my expressions.
Couldn't let Nameless see this unsightly side, though.
That was why I'd put it off.
I let out a deep sigh and looked up.
"Unbearably clear skies."
My eyes stung.
...
Time passed. The sun was fully up now.
Everyone gathered for the carriage's departure, but one person's condition was off.
"Hic-! I, uh, suddenly need to go somewhere..."
I glanced around at Elia's words.
Obviously, we were in the middle of a mountain where we'd parked the carriage.
In other words, a forest.
I eyed Elia with mildly sour disbelief.
"...Where to, exactly?"
"Th, uh..."
Lucius glanced at Elia, who was making inarticulate noises, sighed softly, and spoke up.
"...Saintess, we depart once you're aboard."
"Ugh... right, yes... sorry..."
Elia fanned her flushed face repeatedly, stealing glances at me and Nameless.
Why was she like this...?
Seeing her persist made me worry for the health of someone so close to the gods.
With a small sigh, I boarded the carriage.
...
Fortunately, Elia had pulled herself together. She wasn't twitching her eyes or stammering when looking our way.
I'd wondered if her blushing stemmed from some divine message, but it didn't seem so.
...Overthinking it, perhaps.
But better safe than sorry, no?
I nodded to myself.
That said, Elia's state wasn't fully improved.
She still flushed strawberry-red every time her gaze drifted to me or Nameless.
I couldn't fathom the reason. Utterly baffling.
Judging by her condition, today would be much like yesterday.
The carriage would rumble on amid quiet, awkward silence.
With a small sigh, I turned my gaze to the ever-shifting scenery.
Just as the thought 'Should I just nap on Nameless's shoulder?' crossed my mind...
Elia's voice rang out.
"Bit late to ask now, but..."
I turned at the sound. Elia was staring straight at me and Nameless.
"Heaven Cleaver and Nameless—you two are lovers, right?"
"...Lovers?"
I frowned faintly at her question.
Lovers?
Did this girl not know a master and disciple becoming lovers was taboo?
Curious about Nameless's reaction, I glanced over. He was still gazing outside.
But he'd surely heard.
Proof: his ears were red.
From the look of it, Nameless was irked by Elia's tactless remark but holding back.
Hmm, understandable. Who wouldn't bristle at being romantically linked to someone my age?
For some reason, a faint ache tugged at my chest...
But I couldn't let the misunderstanding fester. Time to set her straight.
With a small sigh, I spoke.
"Didn't I tell you Nameless and I share a master-disciple bond?"
"Y-yes, but yesterday you two slept in the same tent..."
"...?"
What was she on about?
Wasn't it perfectly normal for master and disciple to share a tent?
No need to sleep apart.
And if sharing a tent made you lovers, then why hadn't Lucius and Elia bunked together?
That logic didn't hold water.
Intent on highlighting the flaw, I crooked one side of my mouth and replied.
"And didn't you sleep apart from that man?"
"...Pardon?"
Elia tilted her head, looking utterly baffled at Lucius's name leaving my lips.
My confusion deepened. I pressed on.
"Aren't you and Lucius lovers?"
"Ehh? No?"
Elia shook her head vigorously, cheeks aflame.
Lucius shot her a quick glance before returning his eyes outward.
Watching them, I pondered for a moment.
Oh ho. Not lovers yet, then?
Sorry for the Hero, but...
That meant it was fine to pair Nameless with this Saintess girl, right?