All-Night Talks with My First Companion
"Well, are you alright? I'm sorry—I went and showed you something unsightly."
[N-no, it's fine! It was just a mistake. A-and... phew, unsightly...?]
"No, no need to mince words. It won't hurt my feelings. It was an accident caused by my own fault, after all."
[That's not it... then could you let me see it a bit more...? Then...]
"Hm? I didn't quite catch that. Could you speak up a little?"
[N-no... just know that I'm okay...!!]
For some reason, something like a video call had connected from my end to Nerin, leading to the mishap. Thanks to her understanding that it was my mistake, the trust we'd built as companions remained intact, thankfully.
"I'm sorry for troubling you so late at night. Well then..."
[Wait!! This is our first contact— you're not just going to end it like that, are you?]
"Is there... something more you wish to discuss?"
[It's our memorable first contact!! If you're sorry, talk with me a little longer!!]
"I'm fine with that, of course. Even idle chit-chat won't bore you?"
[That's why we call for those boring chats—to make them fun together. So don't hang up!]
In place of a formal apology, Nerin's compensation for the sudden blunder was this: continuing our rambling conversation late into the night with me, a mind-numbingly dull old man. My body rejuvenated and no longer weary under the moonlight, I had no reason to refuse her proposal to chat as companions closing out a lonely day.
What I hated most was the feeling of loneliness, after all.
"Very well. Then... if I place the communication orb like this, can you see my face better?"
[Y-you're too close...]
"Ahaha, should I move back a bit? Like this..."
[Wait! I didn't say it was bad!! I love it! Just leave the orb right there...!]
"Understood. You really are... quite excitable, aren't you."
[Ugh... Leban isn't doing it on purpose, but... it keeps making me flustered.]
After sitting at my desk and fiddling with the angle briefly, Nerin and I began sharing stories from our day since parting.
[Ta-da! This is the sandwich I mentioned! I got hungry after training, so I grabbed it right away!]
"Oh ho, it does look quite appetizing."
[Right? It might make me gain a little weight if I eat it at night... b-but I'll train hard, so it'll be fine!]
"Don't worry about that—eat up and enjoy."
[Hehe, got it. Hearing you say that makes the guilt fade a bit!]
We started with trifling topics like the bakery and sandwiches from our first meeting.
"That book on mid-tier monsters you said you read and memorized before—could you show it to me?"
[Oh, that? Hold on, where did I put it... Ah! Here it is!]
"...You memorized that entire thick tome?"
[Yep! And this one too... oh, and this book as well! I figured they might come in handy someday.]
"You truly are remarkable."
[But why ask about that all of a sudden?]
"It might be meddlesome of me, but... there's a small tale not in that book I'd like to share with you."
[Whoa...!! I'd love that! Pencil and notebook ready!]
We spent time exchanging knowledge we each knew.
[Oh, did you turn in the basilisk scale alright?]
"I didn't forget. It would've been nicer if we'd submitted it together."
[No way. Passing with Leban because of that scale would've felt even more sour.]
"I understand your feelings well enough... but I still believe you have every qualification to pass, Nerin."
[Thank you so much for saying that. But don't go easy on me during training? I want to pass for real next time!]
"It may be inadequate teaching compared to your effort and grit... but I'll do my best, Nerin."
We also dwelt at length on the exam that had made the day so grueling and long.
Three hours had passed since we began facing each other through the communication orb.
"Nerin, you look quite sleepy."
[Yeees... not... sleepy... at all...]
"Hohoho... End the call now and get some proper rest."
[Nooo... not... sleepy... at all...?]
Charmed by her adorable half-asleep state, I prepared to end the call and send her to bed.
[Then... um... one more... story...? Please...? Leban...?]
"Hm? What story?"
[Earlier... what did you and Ceres... talk about...? Tell me... everything...?]
At Nerin's question, I paused for a moment.
Should I tell her that Ceres—her idol—was my disciple? That this precious student I hadn't seen in three years was like family after twenty years together? And that my body had reverted to its youthful prime?
It's just the facts for me, so no issue... but would Nerin easily believe it?
It was a hard-to-believe tale, so I hesitated briefly. But...
Still, she's my first companion. Hiding it would be foolish.
Rather than excuses and concealment, I decided to lay out the truth plainly and let her understand it on her own.
"It might be hard to believe, and a long story. Shall I tell you?"
[......]
"Nerin?"
[Mmmnya... curious... snooo...]
As if to make my worries unfounded, Nerin had dozed off soundly, face planted before the orb.
Smiling softly at the sight, I resolved to tell her next time and ended our long call.
"Sweet dreams, Nerin."
[Mmmnya...]
"...Wait, how do I even end this?"
Of course, not knowing how to disconnect the communication orb, I fumbled with it for a good thirty minutes, her sleeping face floating there.
The next morning.
"...What a refreshingly clear morning."
I rose from the cozy, comfortable bed, changed into simple yet neat clothes, grabbed the 5-gold communication orb I'd bought the day before and my lifelong companion—my weathered beloved sword—and headed out of the inn.
This early morning, dressed sharper than usual, I made for the Baekya Knights Headquarters, where my disciple Ceres awaited.
My steps toward the place brimming with things my long-unseen disciple wanted to show me were lighter and sprightlier than ever.
Crossing the vast city center, passing the training grounds from yesterday's exam, the massive Baekya Knights building came into view. I easily entered the building where Ceres waited...
Clang!!
"Outsiders are not permitted entry."
...or so I thought.
"Ah, I have an appointment with your captain."
"Hah, really. You expect us to believe that?"
"You look like some pretty boy, talk like an old fogey, and seem scrawny to boot—what appointment with the captain... give me a break."
"At least hear me out a bit more. You see..."
"Save your breath—it's falling on deaf ears. Go home quietly."
I explained I had business with Ceres, but as expected, they didn't buy it.
Truth be told, it was only natural.
For the knight order building—the heart of the empire's guardians—to let in some unknown young outsider on the word "I have an appointment with your captain" alone? Of course not.
Hmm... tricky. I can't very well call for Ceres from here. Have to wait...?
But loitering out front indefinitely, waiting for her to fetch me, was awkward too.
As I pondered and paced before the building...
"Master."
Ceres's voice came from behind.
"What are you doing out here? You could've waited inside."
"Ah, Ceres. As an outsider, I couldn't enter without you..."
Turning to explain and enter together, I froze at her unfamiliar attire, words catching in my throat.
"What's wrong, Master?"
"Ceres, your clothes..."
"Oh, this? It's just us two after so long—I couldn't wear armor."
Was it because I'd only seen her in simple casuals or plain, unadorned armor? Her black dress—light yet cute—paired with platinum-white silver hair tied tightly in a black ribbon was enough to halt every thought in my head, if only for a moment.
"How do I look? Does it suit me, Master?"
"It... suits you perfectly, Ceres."
My brief praise seemed not quite satisfying, for she stepped closer, asking again in a coquettish tone.
"Couldn't you praise me a little more specifically?"
"...Well."
Truthfully, I'd kept it light for a master's dignity. If I unleashed the full paternal praise my reason barely held back, a whole day wouldn't suffice.
Behold, everyone—my daughter! The cutest, most lovable firstborn in the world!
But before being my adorable, beautiful firstborn daughter, Ceres was this grand order's captain.
I stroked her head as composedly and un-demeaningly as possible, offering praise anew.
"You're so pretty and cute, Ceres."
"...I'm just glad it pleases you, Master."
Satisfied with the added pat, she smiled softly, gripped my stroking hand tightly, and led me inside.
"Let me show you around, Master. There's so much I want to share with you today."