Chapter 9
Chapter 9
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: Unfamiliar Scent
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Wasn't our atmosphere super harmonious up until now?
A disciple blaming himself for learning slowly, and a true master comforting that disciple.
It was definitely that kind of warm, familial vibe.
"Master, did you perhaps meet someone? There's a strange scent on you."
The harmonious mood from just moments ago had vanished into thin air.
With one word from Nameless, it shattered completely, replaced by something downright scary.
'What do you mean, strange scent? Is he a dog or something? Why's his nose so sharp?'
My panic here was a natural progression—almost inevitable, really.
I'd aimed to handle this incident quietly without telling Nameless, so the possibility of him catching on hadn't even crossed my mind.
And the reason he caught on? Utterly ridiculous.
'A strange scent.'
How could anyone predict something like that and plan for it?
So yeah, my fluster was par for the course, a foregone conclusion.
"What."
Not liking my response, Nameless clutched his chest like it was stuffy, frowning deeply.
Even seeing him like that, I couldn't come up with anything to say. How do you tell your disciple, 'I met the guy who came to kidnap you and took care of it'?
He'd obviously blame himself again, thinking I'd suffered because of him.
'What do I do?'
True dilemma. Cold sweat started pouring down like rain from my anxiety.
Then, a sudden flash of inspiration.
'Wait, hold on.'
Do I really have to answer every question my disciple asks?
I'm his master, not some kid he's raising. No obligation to spill everything.
Besides, it wasn't anything harmful to him—quite the opposite, it was for his sake. A secretive master quietly looking out for his disciple from the shadows? That's kinda cool, right?
'Doesn't it have a touching ring to it?'
Perfect. Let's go with that.
"Ahem. A guest came up the mountain, so I went to meet them."
That should suffice.
Even I thought it was a flawless answer—no lies, and calling it a guest visit left no room for him to pry.
"A guest...? But Master, don't you not have any friends?"
My eyebrow twitched.
'This kid...?'
Me, no friends? Sure, it was true, but agreeing with my disciple on that felt wrong somehow.
My resolve crumbled. I'd thought it was perfect, but there was some weird loophole.
And for a disciple to boldly tell his sky-high master he has no friends? Unacceptable.
I needed to reestablish my master's dignity right away.
"Wh-what do you mean I don't have friends? I have tons. Tons of them."
Lying to Nameless made me bite my tongue a bit, twisting my words and breaking out in more cold sweat.
Normally, he'd catch even my tiniest reaction, but my answer must've shocked him stiff—he spaced out and missed my clumsy fib.
Instead, Nameless just stared blankly ahead, muttering something under his breath.
"Lots of guys around...? But for years, Master has..."
Whoa, he looks even more serious now.
'Why?'
I said I had lots of friends around—not guys specifically.
But I didn't bother correcting the misunderstanding.
No point talking to Nameless in this state; he wouldn't hear it anyway.
The awkward vibe made me want to bail, so I carefully lifted him off my lap and set him on the floor.
Plus, my body actually felt grimy, so a bath was in order.
"I-I'm feeling sticky, so I'll wash up. Rest for a bit."
"Yes..."
As I stood to head for the bath,
I tossed my clothes haphazardly into the basket, just like always.
The important bits were bandaged anyway, and whenever I did this, Nameless would always scold me: "Master! Even if it's just me, I'm still a guy! Be careful!" But aren't master and disciple like parent and child?
I didn't mind.
Besides, now that he knew my ridiculous 300-year-old age, he'd never see me sexually, right?
I had my reasons.
No matter how prime-of-life he was, no guy gets urges over a 300-year-old granny.
'Though calling myself a granny feels weird.'
Strange mood. Kinda defeatist.
Ugh.
By now, he'd usually launch into his routine nagging,
which would naturally lighten the mood.
That was my plan.
'Flawless.'
It would've been.
For some reason, the usual ear-wearing lecture didn't come. Curious, I glanced back and locked eyes with Nameless—wide-eyed, soul-vacant, staring at my arm and waist.
Looking down where he was fixated,
Oh crap.
The chain marks from earlier were stark on my skin.
'Didn't think of that.'
Seeing his dazed reaction,
he seemed bothered that his master got hurt unbeknownst to him.
"N-Nameless, this is—"
I opened my mouth fast, feeling like I needed to explain.
"M-Master, sorry. I... I just want to be alone for a bit."
But Nameless bolted from the spot like he was fleeing.
"Mm..."
Tricky. How do I clear this up?
I mean, I did it for him, so I'm the aggrieved one here, going insane with injustice.
Of course, from his view, realizing late that his master fought while he was out cold explains the reaction...
"Haa..."
For now, I'll bathe and think slowly.
Chasing him down to explain would just sound like excuses, and he's not one to lie—he really wants space.
"Raising a disciple is hard. So hard."
It really was.
Best to leave him be for now and finish my bath.
I filled the big basket Nameless had bought from the village with water.
"Ooooh... paradise."
Nothing beats a bath when you're stressed.
With my clothes back on, I let my long hair dry in the natural breeze when I spotted Nameless approaching from afar.
His face was still dark, but much softer than when he'd stormed off. That eased my mind a bit.
Maybe I'd worried too much and should've just waited here. I shook my head to dismiss the needless thoughts.
I'm basically a scaredy-cat.
And from my past life, I'd suffered plenty from communication breakdowns.
Even if it's fine now,
bottling it up could explode later.
"Back?"
To show I had zero guilt, I greeted him with my biggest smile.
"The sun's set; it's getting chilly. Why are you out here?"
Knew he'd ask that.
You always worry about me first.
I slipped out the excuse I'd prepped, gauging his mood.
"Mm, hair's still wet. Came out to dry it."
Hmm. Does Nameless know me as well as I know him?
He saw through my lame lie, his stiff face relaxing into a slight smile as he stepped closer.
"Then you need a bit more breeze out here."
"Indeed."
"Can't leave Master facing the cold wind alone, so this disciple will join you."
"Your words ring true."
We kept making up clumsy reasons to stay put.
"So, all worries gone?"
"Yes, I feel better."
Hmm, wish he'd keep talking, but he just stood by, shielding me from the wind.
'I said I came out to dry my hair.'
This won't dry it at all, but I didn't hate the situation.
Instead of rushing to our real goals,
we sabotaged them to stretch the time together a little longer.
This'll be a good memory someday.
Savoring the thawed mood, I cautiously spoke up.
"About that guest earlier."
"Yes, Master."
I bowed my head, staring at the ground, lips pursed.
Was it right to tell him someone came to kidnap him?
Kind-hearted you, always considerate—would you not blame yourself?
I'd resolved it earlier,
but worry made me hesitate.
Whether he sensed my heart or planned it anyway, Nameless spoke.
"Master, sorry for interrupting, but may this unworthy disciple speak first?"
"Mm, go ahead."
He came before my lowered gaze, squatting to meet my eyes.
"You're not telling me for my sake, right?"
Obviously. I'd never harm my disciple Nameless.
To let him continue without interrupting, I just nodded.
"Those marks on your body were surely from a fight."
Hard to argue otherwise about the marks, but I stayed silent.
I'm pretty perceptive.
"As you always taught, no apologies from me—just thanks."
He finished with a smile.
"Mm, glad you understand."
I smiled back.
There we sat, facing the cold wind, exchanging warm smiles.
Glad it resolved well. I'd worried a bit seeing that unfamiliar side of him.
'Nameless really has a warm heart—'
Before my heartwarming thought finished in the cozy vibe, he spoke again.
"But Master."
"Hm? More to say?"
Nameless grinned mischievously.
"You really don't have any friends, do you?"
"...?"
"Don't lie. I can tell."
It was just our ordinary daily life.