Chapter 88
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 88
Chapter Title: Tacit Permission
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"Have a seat."
This was no joke. Seeing Rike's serious expression, Eclair took her seat.
"Have you ever had any sex education as a knight?"
"No... I know the basics."
Her face burning red, she forced out the answer. Discussing a topic like this with someone else was a first in her life.
As the leader of a knight order full of vigorous men, she'd heard her share of vulgar jokes, but being directly involved was mentally draining in a whole different way.
"Think of this as an extension of that education. Swordsmanship is the same—there's a vast world beyond the manuals, right? Everyone's details differ... It's like sharing coping strategies and weaknesses based on my battle experience."
The swordsmanship analogy made sense in her mind. Still, with no experience of her own, Eclair had nothing to say.
"Hmm..."
"The time I'm thinking of clearing... is until lunch the next day. You planning to just kiss the whole time we're together? Your body will heat up and you'll die of frustration."
"D-Die?!"
Rike looked a bit troubled at Eclair's reaction and scratched her chin, mimicking Roman's habit.
"Hmm—where to even start..."
"S-Sorry. I'm clueless beyond basic training on this stuff."
Eclair's voice came out muffled, her blush spreading from face to her entire body.
Rike gave a gentle smile, stood from her seat across the table, and sat down beside Eclair.
"...I might have been a bit too forward. My only experience is with my bro, and there won't be anyone else, so trying to teach someone out of impatience is probably a mistake too."
"Sigh... It must be me that's weird. I never paid attention to something most people care about... Living my life swinging a sword until this age as a muscle-headed fool—my ignorance is embarrassing..."
Tapping her slender jawline, Rike flashed a pure smile that didn't quite fit the topic.
"Shall we change the approach? Direct descriptions might be too stimulating, and for a first time, I think my bro's lead would be more accurate than my guesswork. So, let's shift the conversation direction a bit."
Eclair's complexion had improved somewhat, and she nodded in agreement.
"I'm aware it's problematic to be completely ignorant... Better to follow your lead. What do you mean by changing direction?"
Warmth crept into Rike's previously neutral voice, tickling Eclair's ears.
"Knight. I think humans, without exception, always want to sit when standing, and lie down when sitting."
It was obvious, but it pierced her heart.
The old her would've thought getting close to Chloe left nothing more to desire in the world... How much time had passed for her to now agonize over feelings of love?
"Once hearts are confirmed and the relationship advances, kissing in the right mood would make that day an unforgettable, romantic milestone."
"..."
Just thinking about it made her heart pound so hard she worried the sound might leak out.
"Unlike me, you might be satisfied with that. Everyone's different. But would my bro be?"
"That's..."
"If you have a dreamed scenario or ideal timing for skinship, sorry to say, but my bro's satisfaction comes first for me. Even if we both love the same man and become his lovers, that priority won't change, not even in death."
Eclair's hesitant fidgeting stopped. Understanding Rike's intent, a clear light returned to her eyes.
"Truly... a resolute mindset. That's why it's convincing. Stronger than any sisterly bond—it's the unified goal. I wouldn't dream of selfishly satisfying myself alone either."
Watching Eclair ignite with a strange competitive spirit, Rike covered her mouth and laughed. Even though Eclair was older, she found the display adorably innocent.
"I guarantee my bro won't force you into bed or pressure you, even if you give him your heart. No need to push yourself. If you spend intimate time from dinner till the next day, I can handle his pent-up desires."
"..."
Leaving Eclair in silence, glaring death at an innocent teacup, Rike stood up.
"Before heading back, I should see Chloe too. Greet her and set things up..."
"...Set things up?"
"If you want to 'compete,' I need to clear out of the house for the day, right? That day, can I call Seria over to stay with Chloe at the mansion?"
The word "compete" made Eclair's eyebrow twitch.
"If that's what Chloe wants too... I'll make the request. Use the mansion as you please."
"Oh! And can you escort me near my house?"
"Wait a moment. There's a carriage at the mansion; I'll arrange it."
As Eclair rose to leave the reception room, Rike's words stopped her in her tracks.
"No. Have the knight escort me personally."
"...Why? The carriage is faster."
Eclair eyed her with confusion at the odd insistence.
"My bro said it's dangerous for me to go alone at this hour, so ask the knight directly."
"..."
Knowing Roman's skills roughly, Eclair found his overprotectiveness exasperating.
"And since you're here, why not see my bro's face before you go?"
She knew she was being led around by the nose by Lady Skadi right now.
She recognized it coldly! But hating to admit it, that one sentence held an irresistible charm—she was going mad.
"...I should inspect the capital guard's patrols unannounced. Get ready quickly; finish talking with Chloe and meet at the main gate."
Despite Eclair grumbling about his sappy overprotectiveness, I ended up escorting her back to the mansion myself—an inefficient hassle.
Two days had passed since Rike returned from staying overnight at the mansion, personally guarded by one of the Empire's Five Knights.
Lately, the mailman had been rushing around busily several times, and Rike informed me of a new schedule.
"All three of us?"
"Yep! Seria, me, and Chloe."
"Eclair approved?"
"She even requested it for Chloe's sake."
Of course! That alone convinced me.
Academy cadets were students too, in a way—maybe like a girls' pajama party?
Gathering at a friend's house for a day of fun... I was genuinely touched by Rike's smooth friendships.
⋯
⋯
The day arrived.
Dressed neatly yet comfortably, Rike finished preparing and said she'd meet Seria en route, so no need for me to go together today.
"Bro! Ah~"
"Yeah?"
Quizzical, I reflexively opened my mouth as she offered something.
A round pill rolling from her fingertip. The familiar bitter taste melting on my tongue.
It was the conception suppressant I took like daily vitamins.
Wondering if she'd checked if I forgot, but with no reason to take it today, doubt naturally arose.
"I took it this morning? And you're coming back tomorrow, right?"
"Heehee—You're smart, bro, so you'll figure it out quick."
Mwah!
"See you~"
Before I could say more, she grabbed my cheeks, kissed me, and headed out.
'But I'm not that smart...'
No answer came from pondering the lingering sensation on my lips.
"...Time for training."
I'd told Rike I'd train all day, so until lunch, I handled weapons using only my body, no mana.
Lunch was light, then back to the Breathing Technique.
I lost track of time, but when I opened my eyes, the sun had set outside the window.
"Hoo..."
I wiped the sweat dripping from my hair and stood.
'Hope Rike's having fun.'
Throwing soaked clothes in a basket, I showered. Alone without Rike, it took just minutes.
As I roughly dried my hair, a familiar presence appeared in the courtyard where no one should be.
This restrained aura existed only one place in the Empire.
'...?'
Grabbing a short-sleeve shirt and long pants in haste, a knock came at the door right then.
Knock- knock- knock-
Creeeak—
I opened the door without asking who it was.
"What? Why are you here?"
The mansion owner where Rike was crashing for the day—Eclair Dreitna—stood there, holding a bottle of liquor in one hand.
"...From my position, being there draws eyes too."
"Fair enough, but..."
Not an incomprehensible reason. But her vibe—avoiding eye contact unlike usual—sent my brain spinning wildly.
"Have a drink. Got something to talk about. Mind if I come in?"
Recalling Rike's actions before leaving, I let Eclair inside.
"...Come in."