Chapter 101
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 101
Chapter Title: The Lady Has No Intention of Letting Go of Her Servant. (2)
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It was the day after returning to the Academy.
As I slipped out of the dormitory for physical training, I spotted Evi warming up.
'She deserves at least a day's rest...'
Like me, Evi had arrived late last night, so she hadn't even had enough time to sleep, let alone recover from the journey.
Yet here she was, sticking to her training routine. Her dedication and obsession were downright impressive.
Not that I'm in any position to judge.
I stepped forward, having completely forgotten why she had developed such a habit in the first place.
"Evi, good morning."
"Luke...!"
Evi spotted me and flashed a bright smile.
This might be rude to think, but she looked just like an excited puppy. If she had a tail, it would've been wagging furiously.
I pushed those thoughts aside for the moment and continued.
"Shouldn't you take it easy today, at least?"
"I can't rest just because I'm tired. You're out here for the same reason, aren't you?"
With that, Evi stretched both arms straight up toward the sky, finishing her stretches.
But the sight was oddly captivating. Her clothes rode up, exposing her midriff, while her chest stood out prominently.
It didn't feel right to stare, so I quietly looked away.
Evi, oblivious to my consideration, didn't notice.
"Huh? What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Really...? Eek?!"
Realizing a bit too late what she'd done, Evi yelped and yanked her arms down.
I gave an awkward smile and glanced back at her. Her face flushed with embarrassment, she crossed her arms over her chest.
I understood her reaction perfectly. It just hit me anew that she was a girl, making things feel awkward.
Our eyes met, but I had no idea what to say.
Then Evi took a deep breath and slowly lowered her arms.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to make things awkward..."
"It wasn't awkward."
"R-Really? Good, then..."
Her voice trailed off until it was barely audible.
I watched her quietly for a moment, then reached out and patted her head lightly.
"Let's run."
They say moving your body clears the mind. Once we got running, things would go back to normal in no time.
Soon, Evi and I started jogging together, keeping a moderate pace along the outskirts of the Academy grounds, just like always.
By the time we finished, as I'd expected, the awkwardness had vanished completely.
Evi panted heavily as she said,
"Man, that really clears the head. People really need to move their bodies."
Elena would have glared and argued back if she heard that. She wasn't one for physical activity, and most mages felt the same.
Of course, as a knight aspirant, I agreed with Evi.
"By the way, Evi. What were you trying to say yesterday?"
"Oh, nothing much. I learned a lot from Baron Nineheart—your father. I was thinking we could spar sometime."
"He'd be thrilled to hear that."
Calling him 'father' felt strangely fitting. Nothing odd about it since he was my friend's dad, but still.
After chatting a bit more, I headed back to the dormitory, and right on cue, a voice echoed in my mind.
—Luke, meet me at the fork in the road in one hour.
What if I'd overslept? Her tone was so certain I'd be awake that I couldn't help chuckling.
Well, that was Elena for you.
I met Elena about 50 minutes later.
I'd left early, but she was already waiting.
"You're late."
"Sorry."
"I'm kidding."
"Sorry."
"It was a joke! I wasn't really going to scold you."
"I was joking too."
She probably didn't appreciate the wordplay. Elena grabbed my cheeks and stretched them out. I felt like the mozzarella in a cheese stick.
She released my cheeks and slowly shook her head as she started walking.
"You still seem like such a kid."
It sounded like nagging, but why did she look so pleased?
Unable to figure it out, I followed her.
Our first stop on the street was, naturally, the stall selling the Academy's famous treat.
I'd tried making it a few times since Elena liked it, but failed every time. Probably some secret recipe only the owner knew.
Anyway, something surprising—maybe predictable—happened when we arrived.
"Ah..."
"Elena, Luke, it's been a while."
There was already a customer at the stall: another secret friend. Erze greeted us cheerfully, sauce smeared on her mouth.
In stark contrast, Elena's face stiffened.
"You two are here for the Academy specialty too, right?"
"No, we were headed somewhere else."
"Oh? That's a shame. It's busy today—if you don't get it now, you might miss out..."
Elena, about to turn away, froze and furrowed her brow. Her expression suggested some life-or-death dilemma.
Meanwhile, Erze wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and approached me.
"Luke, how have you been?"
"Fine, I guess..."
"I've been counting the days until school started. Just to see you."
"If you're serious, it feels too good to be true..."
"Oh? You think I'm lying?"
"No, not at all."
That was what I said, but honestly, I couldn't tell. She joked around so much usually.
As I whispered with Erze, I suddenly felt myself being pulled back. Turning, I saw Elena glaring at Erze with a menacing smile.
"Worried I'll steal him away?"
"Of course not. I just thought you were too close and adjusted the distance."
"Oh, I see. But what now? I don't mind."
Erze stepped closer and placed a hand on my shoulder. No playfulness—just dead serious.
Unable to tolerate it, Elena yanked me closer to her side. Anyone watching might mistake it for an embrace.
Erze pondered for a moment, then shrugged.
"Eh, let's leave it here. This isn't like us. And Luke looks troubled."
"Yeah, let's. I got too worked up too."
"Then I'll be off. Enjoy, you two."
Erze waved lightly and left.
I stared blankly at her retreating figure before turning to Elena.
"My lady, you can let go now."
"R-Right."
Elena released my clothes. She'd gripped so tightly that wrinkles remained where her hands had been.
Still, it felt a bit odd...
'She wasn't like this not long ago.'
Elena didn't love Erze's teasing, but she'd never been openly hostile before.
Now they were like sworn enemies, showing real animosity—no joking around. Both of them.
Something must have happened between them, but I had no clue what. Frustrating.
'I'll ask Erze later.'
She could read Elena's mind, so she'd know something.
Pushing my worries aside, I said,
"My lady, how many do you want?"
"Five."
"Got it."
"Ah, no—make it six."
Not cutting back—increasing. Typical Elena.
I might need to get her exercising soon. Better than getting scolded later for not stopping her. Healthier too.
"Um... seven..."
...Where does she put it all in that little body?
* * * *
Time passed, and the next day marked the start of the new semester.
Nothing special about it, really—just a continuation of what we'd been doing.
The only change was the bracelet on my wrist, twisted from cloth bought at that stall. Something about it connecting fates or whatever.
I wasn't big on jewelry, but my lady had gifted it personally and ordered me to wear it every day. No choice.
What can I do? Gotta obey.
"Come in."
I knocked, and a voice came from inside.
I opened the door and entered.
"It's been a while, Professor."
"Has it? Didn't we see each other in class this morning?"
Shavel teased with a playful smile.
I'd met Evi and Erze over break, but not Shavel once. She never left the Academy, so it made sense.
Point is, it was nice to see her.
"As student and teacher, sure—but as disciple and master, it's been ages."
"Fair enough. Anyway, did you work on the homework I gave you? Better to see for myself than hear about it."
Shavel tossed me a training bokken from her desk. Half-broken, really.
Time to show the results of my break-time efforts.