Chapter 67
Chapter 67
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 67
Chapter Title: Demonkin Pursuit
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A bit of a strange feeling, but...
Including my past life, I've probably lived just over 330 years.
...And.
"..."
Though it's a little embarrassing for me to admit this fact.
From a somewhat objective viewpoint, I'm probably someone who doesn't quite live up to their age.
Most people imagine someone who's lived over 300 years as having achieved enlightenment or possessing vast sage-like knowledge.
At the very least, they'd picture someone whose actions exude wisdom, someone worth emulating...
"I'm no such great figure."
I curled the corner of my mouth and gave a wry smile.
Well, that doesn't mean I have nothing to say for myself.
The kind of adult who lives up to their age in society's eyes is someone appropriately mature.
Maturity comes from experiences in social life, but...
As you know, I've spent my entire life swinging a sword, so I couldn't develop it even if I wanted to.
...If anything, my social skills have regressed compared to my past life.
I wonder if I can even presume to judge with my shallow social experience.
But based on what I've directly experienced in both lives, if I dare say something...
Misunderstandings between people all share one common point, no matter what.
That is, when a misunderstanding arises between people.
If you dismiss it as unimportant and fail to resolve or address it in time.
By the time you realize something's wrong, it's already too late, and it snowballs out of control.
I explained that at unnecessary length.
The point is, if there's any discomfort or curiosity between you, don't jump to conclusions on your own—have a proper conversation.
Don't regret it later.
Right after Nameless left the room.
I hurriedly followed after him.
Leaving Lucius and Elia mid-conversation behind, I stepped out and looked around for Nameless.
In a corner of the corridor, I spotted him with his head down, spacing out.
This Nameless kid, sulking because that damn brat said something weird to him.
...He should just brush it off lightly.
I smirked at the sight and approached with quick steps, peeking in slyly.
"What's got you rushing off like that?"
Nameless gave me a dazed glare, then his eyes gradually lit up.
Hmm.
Fortunately, he doesn't seem as upset as I thought.
"Ah... Master."
"Yes, my disciple."
I smiled at the hesitant Nameless and patted his head.
"Speak when you feel like it."
Just moments ago, this guy had my head in a whirl...
Somehow, it reminded me of when we first met, and it didn't feel bad at all.
Taking the head pat obediently, Nameless widened his eyes at my words for a moment, then let out a deflated chuckle and spoke.
"It's nothing... I just felt embarrassed being called that by Lady Camilla..."
"Hmm... Fair enough."
I rested a hand on my chin and nodded.
In that situation, denying it would have been tough since Nameless was the one who called Camilla over first to relay the message.
And everyone knows Camilla's rough around the edges, right? Lucius and Elia too.
If they took it seriously, it would've meant Nameless committing—or attempting—pedophilia, a grave crime.
Would the Saintess and Hero just sit idly by?
Elia even deflated with a sound and held back laughter.
If we ignore Nameless's embarrassment, there'd be no issue at all.
...Probably.
I averted my gaze from Nameless slightly.
Then Nameless made a face like the world had ended.
Thud—
And promptly plopped down on the floor.
At the same time.
It was heartbreaking to see Lucius and Elia staring at the collapsed Nameless with bewildered expressions.
...Rest in peace.
I nodded solemnly in condolence.
...
After various big and small incidents passed.
Lucius clutched a paper tightly in one hand and hurried toward the castle gates.
I pursed my lips at him and spoke softly.
"Lucius, what's got you in such a rush...?"
Really, this Lucius is too impatient.
As the ancients said, "When in a hurry, go around." Rushing like that would surely end in striking out.
I muttered a quiet curse and twitched my brow.
...More than that.
Doesn't this guy ever get tired?
Just this morning during sparring, he was crawling on the floor like a worm.
Now he's grinning refreshingly, no sign of fatigue—like he ate something.
Annoying...
Maybe I should've really hit him once.
...And.
A bit shameless, but consider my position too...
Not that I'm tired from sparring, of course.
With Lily's "request" dragging out time, seeing Lucius rush like this was burning me up inside.
Regardless, Lucius shook the paper lightly, turned to us, and spoke.
"Lady Camilla's intel points to a location suspected to have demonkin."
Lucius's face hardened.
"If we delay even a little, who knows when this demonkin might flee."
"Hmm..."
"So, even if you're worried about your disciple, please bear with us just this once."
As I pouted at the unyielding situation.
I tilted my head at Lucius's next words.
Disciple? Worried about Nameless? Why would he...
"Ah..."
"...?"
Then a memory flashed through my mind with a sigh escaping my lips.
Come to think of it...
Nameless sparred today too.
I'd completely forgotten amid Camilla's words to him and Lucius's haste.
Cold sweat began to trickle.
"W-Well, no helping it. I was truly worried since Nameless must be exhausted from sparring..."
Excuses poured from my mouth in a jumble.
...Please don't notice.
I spouted plausible lines and creakily turned to look at Nameless.
"...Master."
Nameless, figuring something out from my attitude alone, grimaced and put on a sullen face.
His usual sharp insight, which I'd love, was now utterly hateful.
...This is bad.
When Nameless sulks, he won't take strawberries for a while...
I sidled up to him and tugged his sleeve lightly.
...Why won't he look at me?
Normally, he'd face me with a smile...
Anxiety slowly swelled in my chest.
But showing it would be amateurish.
I kept a calm face, cleared my throat lightly, and spoke.
"Ahem, Nameless."
"...Yes."
To my call, Nameless responded in a low, sunken voice without turning.
I flinched slightly.
But I sighed in relief that he answered at least.
This was a serious situation, sure, but if he were truly furious, he'd ignore me and do his own thing.
I reached out, clasped his hand, and slipped my fingers between his.
I don't know why, but.
This always raised the odds of him calming down, so it was a calculated move.
And...
I lowered my head slightly, pouted my lips, and widened my eyes as much as possible.
...Perfect.
Operation: Smooth Things Over.
A combo of everything that makes Nameless's heart race when I do it.
I smirked inwardly and glanced up at him slyly.
Then.
Twitch— I felt Nameless's body tremble.
I pinched my thigh to suppress my twitching lips and spoke.
"You think your master, who treasures her most precious disciple Nameless above all, would forget your sparring?"
"..."
To his silent reaction, I turned my head slightly and clicked my tongue lightly.
Tsk, not enough yet?
Normally, he'd flush red with annoyance and say something.
...No choice.
A bit of a gamble, but better than no strawberries.
I pulled my hand from his tangled one.
I felt his head start to turn slightly, but it stopped.
But.
What I planned wasn't some minor gesture.
Try enduring this too!
I quirked one corner of my mouth.
I overlaid my hand on his again.
"...Ugh?! Master?!"
I began tickling his palm gently with my fingers.
I raised my index finger, grazing his palm lines with my short nail.
Not stopping there, I straightened my middle and ring fingers, stroking from the base upward smoothly.
I felt him tremble.
His irregular breaths reached my ears.
How's that? Can't hold back, right?
Imagining Nameless itching intensely, I grinned and looked up.
...Huh?
His already red eyes were bloodshot, staring wide at me.
I meant it as light teasing.
But it feels like I just stoked his anger more...
-Gulp
I heard a swallow.
Only then sensing something off, I looked around.
Elia stared at me, face flushed beet red.
After fumbling her lips, she squeezed her eyes shut and yelled.
"Wh-What are you two doing in broad daylight?!"
"..."
I couldn't comprehend it from start to finish.