Chapter 49
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 49
Chapter Title: The Woman Who Dreams of Being a Knight (1)
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Someday, if I ever got to raise a puppy, there was one thing I really wanted to try.
It was none other than the "paw" trick. The owner holds out their hand, calls "paw," and the dog places its front paw on top—a classic training move.
But who could have imagined? That I'd end up in the dog's position instead of the owner's.
In truth, aside from not having a collar, what I was doing right now was no different from a dog's.
"Give me your other hand too."
"Milady, please explain what's going on..."
I said that, but still extended my remaining hand to Elena. Resolving my doubts came second to obeying her command.
In the end, with both my hands now hers, Elena gripped them firmly.
Unlike Shabel's rough hands, Elena's were soft and plush.
"Luke, I actually went to watch you train."
"Professor Shabel mentioned it. She said you had stopped by. I'm sorry I couldn't show you anything impressive despite your visit."
"No need to apologize. I wasn't planning to scold you anyway."
"Then why were you waiting for me in front of the dorm..."
"Well, that's because..."
Elena’s gaze dropped to our clasped hands, then rose back to meet my eyes.
Her blue eyes were so deep that losing focus even for a moment felt like I'd be sucked right in.
"No need to beat around the bush. I saw you holding hands with Professor Shabel. Don't you have anything to say about that?"
She saw that, of all things.
I'd half-expected it when she said she'd come to watch my training, but hearing it outright still left my mind blank.
Anyway, a question deserved an answer.
"Holding hands was just a necessary part of the training. No unnecessary emotions were involved."
"That was training too...?"
"Just as mages have mana, knights have a power called aura. Professor Shabel used her aura directly to help me wield mine more easily."
"I knew it. If that's the case, then I guess..."
Elena nodded slowly. Fortunately, she seemed to understand the physical contact.
But for some reason, her lips seemed to pout just a little.
I get it exactly.
Doesn't everyone hate those situations? Where something bothers you, but it's too vague to call out.
Nothing was technically wrong, but prioritizing Elena's mood was the right call now. It was my duty as her exclusive attendant.
"I'm sorry for letting you see that."
"It's not that big a deal..."
"No. If it made you feel unpleasant, then it was wrong, no matter the reason."
"Well, I just... You always stressed that guys and girls shouldn't have physical contact. And there you were, holding hands. In the sacred Academy, no less..."
Elena trailed off in a mutter, then suddenly stopped.
She let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping as she continued.
"To be honest, I misunderstood. You two were sitting face-to-face, holding hands. With all the romance rumors flying around lately, it hit harder."
"I'll be more careful from now on to avoid any misunderstandings."
"I'm sorry too. I should have trusted you from the start."
Elena smiled. It was a clear, unburdened smile, free of any lingering worries.
Our hands naturally parted, and she turned, showing me her back.
"Anyway, training's done for today, right?"
"Yes."
"Then get ready and come out. I feel like eating out today for some reason."
"Understood."
Looks like no rest for me.
Well, as long as Elena was in a good mood, that was enough.
The holiday ended, and weekdays returned.
During break time, Evie poked my shoulder from the side.
"Luke, I've got a question."
"What's up?"
"How do you use aura? I heard about it in class, but I just can't get a feel for it."
Aura, huh...
She probably wasn't the only one wondering. Most first-years hadn't used aura yet.
I hadn't been using it long either, relying purely on sensation...
But the feeling from my first time was still vivid.
"A strong will to do something. I think that's the most important part."
"Really? Just that?"
"That's how it felt to me."
I first sensed aura during the entrance exam against Yubel.
I'd planned to just get by, but as our clash intensified, my competitive spirit surged. Eventually, I desperately wanted to win.
Looking back, I have no idea why...
Anyway, that sensation right before Shabel stopped the spar.
I'd only guessed then, but now I was sure. That was aura.
Shabel probably halted it for that reason. An untrained aura aimed at an unprepared opponent could've been disastrous.
"The first time is hard, but after that, it's simpler. Just recall that sensation and act on it."
"Ugh—! It's so hard—!"
Evie slumped over her desk like she was sliding down. She turned her head to look at me.
"Luke, spar with me during afternoon training today."
"Sure, I'll do it."
"Thanks in advance, Master."
"Come on, Master? Really?"
I let out a chuckle, and Evie grinned back.
A bit more time passed, and afternoon training arrived as promised.
After physical conditioning with everyone, we faced off in a corner of the training grounds.
Hands on our sword hilts, we exchanged greetings. A sign of respect before the spar.
We took some distance. Our wooden swords soon left their sheaths, aimed at each other.
The spar began without a signal.
Evie kicked off the ground and charged.
Closing the gap fast, she swung her wooden sword from upper left to lower right.
I deflected it with the flat of my blade.
As I shifted to counterattack, her foot was suddenly right in front of me.
She'd anticipated the deflection, shifting her balance early for the kick.
It required insane flexibility, so she clearly knew her strengths.
Of course, I wasn't about to let it land.
I twisted away from the kick and swung my wooden sword.
Thwack—!
The wooden swords clashed with a dull thud.
The exchange continued.
Evie exploited my openings with unexpected moves, and I dismantled them effortlessly.
Thud—! Thwack—! Thud—!
Her wooden sword, fueled by the desire to win, moved like an extension of her body.
Sometimes fast and fierce, sometimes soft and slow. No wasted motion—just targeting gaps.
How much time passed? We'd clashed at least fifty times, more if you counted dodges.
"Urgh—!"
An opening appeared in Evie's guard. She'd held up well, but stamina and strength were catching up.
And I wasn't one to miss it.
My wooden sword shot forward swift and sharp, like a beast snapping at prey's neck.
I'd won. Instinct screamed it.
Thwack—!
Evie batted away my charging sword with explosive motion.
A jolt shot through my hand, nearly disarming me, but I gritted my teeth and held on. Still, my sword was fragile against her strike.
It shattered under her blow, wooden shards scattering like proof of its power.
With broken swords, the spar couldn't continue. We stood frozen, staring blankly.
"What the hell..."
"Evie?!"
She blinked in confusion, then staggered, losing balance.
I rushed to support her before she fell.
Her body burned hot. Just like when I'd first used aura.
Which meant that last strike was...
Aura, after all.
That moment, I felt proud for nagging her not to quit. Her talent exceeded expectations.
I reported everything to Shabel and was ordered to take her to the infirmary.
I carried Evie there, explained to the healer, and laid her on a bed.
The healer said it was common for first-time aura users—no need to worry. She'd wake in a few hours.
Relieved, I left the infirmary and returned after regular classes ended.
Maybe she's awake already?
Entering with that thought, I faced a stranger.
He resembled Evie but sharper overall.
His uniform bore the second-year eagle emblem.
"...Two medals in first year. You're Luke Nineheart, huh."
The man sitting by the bed like a guardian turned his gaze to me. A strange mix of hostility and curiosity.
Still...
Why's this guy talking down to me?
This world seemed full of rude bastards.