Chapter 65
Chapter 65
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 65
Chapter Title: Serin's Misunderstanding?
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It had been a while, but the time had finally come for Serin's lessons.
The training spot was the same as always: her private training room.
She'd said that since I'd been bedridden in the infirmary for so long, we should start with light sparring to slowly awaken my bodily senses...
There were no urgent trials for the time being, and she'd lent me the recovery artifact [Miruen's Blessing].
As Serin suggested, I planned to hone my precise senses for better body control rather than pushing through grueling training.
Click, clack.
"..."
After class ended, as we headed to her training room together...
I couldn't shake the vague discomfort from Serin's unusually hurried footsteps.
'Why on earth is she acting like this...?'
She kept shooting me strange glances while walking, even flinching abruptly at times.
From that last lesson until now, the usual poised Serin had vanished, replaced by a timid version of her.
"Um... Professor Serin?"
"Y-Yeah?"
"...I was just wondering if you had something you wanted to say."
Even when I voiced my curiosity at her odd behavior...
She jolted like I'd poked her in the side, her shoulders trembling.
"...A-ah ha. What do you mean? I was just... checking if you were keeping up."
"..."
Hearing her response, I pursed my lips, feeling a bit miffed.
They say practice makes perfect liars...
Her voice cracked from overthinking, and she was spouting a lame excuse that even a kid wouldn't buy.
And why were those red eyes of hers quivering so much?
Even as she forced a relaxed smile, my suspicions only grew.
Click, thud.
In the strangely heavy silence, only our differing footsteps echoed.
She let out a small sigh now and then, covered her flushed face, and fidgeted with her fingers nonstop before finally stopping in her tracks.
"U-um, Rowen?"
"...Yes?"
She turned to face me, locking eyes as she spoke.
Her expression oddly excited, her face flushed red.
For some reason, her gaze was tinged with self-loathing and embarrassment.
'Ah, she's finally... going to say it.'
The bashful Serin was cute in her own way, but...
She was far more alluring when she exuded that composed aura.
Whatever was troubling her, it would be better if she just spilled it and went back to her usual self.
"Rowen... what do you think about... romance...?"
"...?"
After fumbling with her words for ages, Serin finally spoke.
She squeezed her eyes shut as if steeling herself, her voice trembling.
It felt just like watching a shy, clumsy girl confess her first love.
Of course, given how thoughtful Serin was, it wasn't some offhand remark...
But coming from her lips, it hit like a devastating blow, leaving me breathless.
"N-not like that...! I mean romance between students..."
Realizing her words were ripe for misunderstanding, she scrambled to clarify.
Her face turned as red as a ripe tomato as she sputtered excuses.
'Romance between students...'
The academy didn't prohibit relationships between students.
In fact, it even fostered an environment that encouraged them.
There were perks exclusive to couples, and date spots galore.
As long as it didn't interfere with studies, they didn't meddle much.
Of course, even casual romance came with physical and mental strain.
I hadn't given it much thought in my current situation anyway.
I had no room for romance until the Demon King was defeated—what could I do?
Besides, Serin herself wasn't fond of student romances.
I doubted I'd be dating anyone anytime soon.
"I... think it's fine."
"I knew it..."
"But right now, it feels like I should focus more on training."
With every word from my mouth...
A whirlwind of complex emotions flashed across Serin's face.
Who could blame her if she thought her first disciple had fallen head over heels for some girl...
Even so, I had no intention of letting the misunderstanding fester, so I hurriedly added,
"Professor Serin is giving up her precious time for me. The least I can do is show my best effort—that's basic courtesy."
"..."
As I voiced the gratitude I'd held for her all this time amid the awkward tension...
A sulky, grumbling voice came.
"...So then, what exactly is your deal with Lea?"
"...Pardon?"
"Staring at her with those lovey-dovey eyes, always holding hands whenever I see you two. What kind of friends do that...?"
Serin pouted, her face full of hurt.
Recalling how she'd eyed Lea and me with strange looks during lectures...
Her reaction now wasn't hard to understand.
'It was a bit much...'
We'd been glued together, all clingy, throughout class...
For some reason, I ended up showing a soft side to certain people.
Cluelessly snuggling into hugs, feeling oddly satisfied while stroking her hair... acts bordering on spoiled behavior.
Yet claiming no romance? No wonder she was exasperated.
"...The ring. The ring I slipped on your finger."
"That..."
"You once... said you'd make me happy, that you'd live for me."
Her gaze shifted to my finger before her voice choked up.
Watching her furrow her delicate brow in confusion...
My own lips seemed to tremble in sympathy.
A pang of conscience hit me, like my heart was wearing away to nothing.
And the ring in question had to be the [Miruen's Blessing].
The words I'd whispered to her to draw out its power.
Now, those black-history lines were unimaginable, but hearing them straight from Serin's mouth...
It felt like the memories I'd buried were peeking back out.
"Huh...? Isn't that Professor Serin?"
"Nah, no way... Professor Serin wouldn't say stuff like that."
"True, but... it sounds kinda familiar...?"
On top of that, whispers from nearby students drifted over.
A crowd was starting to gather from the far end of the hall.
Serin had her head down for now, so we weren't spotted yet...
But linger any longer, and weird rumors about Serin and me would spread like wildfire.
If that happened, my delicate heart would shatter into pieces...!
More than anything, I didn't want to tarnish her image.
Without thinking, I grabbed Serin's hand.
She looked dazed and startled as I pulled her along, dashing down the corridor.
What happens when someone feels extreme shame?
"......"
"......"
The answer: they break down...
We pushed through the stares and barely made it to Serin's training room.
I calmly explained everything to clear up the misunderstanding.
From why I'd removed the ring to all the facts she'd gotten wrong.
Once she knew the truth, Serin's face flushed crimson, and she was on the verge of tears.
"L-lie, right? Suddenly running into a dwarf in the academy cafeteria and fixing a broken artifact on the spot? That doesn't make any sense..."
Denial stage: rejecting the unbelievable reality.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner...! I couldn't even do anything to you, you little brat...!"
Anger stage: venting her grievances to the world.
"Hey, Rowen? How about we pretend this never happened? Wouldn't that be a happy ending for both of us...?"
Denial stage: avoiding reality...
"A-ah ha ha... I'm ruined... I showed everyone this side of me. How am I supposed to face the students now...?"
Depression stage: realizing she couldn't escape it.
And finally...
Shing!
"...Rowen? You should draw your sword quick. Even if it's just sparring, better to give it your all."
Acceptance stage: facing reality and preparing for the end.
Seeing her swing that razor-sharp blade as she approached...
I had a strong feeling today was going to be a rough one...