Dawn Sparring and the Duke's Daughter's Escort
As I'd felt while preparing for the interclass tournament, training with Silvena at dawn was rewarding in every way. I'd never played Go, but I figured it was like pro players reviewing their games after a match. She was cool toward others, but even cooler toward herself. That's why she never took advice lightly or spouted empty words.
"Hmm. Your sword aura is definitely much more refined now. But there are still some unnecessary movements here and there. For example…."
"Oh? I didn't even realize I had that habit."
Even after we'd both worked up a good sweat, Silvena and I kept pointing out each other's flaws and shortcomings, never letting go of our swords. Honestly, part of me had wondered if, having glimpsed the master's realm, I could now overwhelm her. But that was a huge miscalculation. As expected of an original heroine—what a difference. Our sword auras seemed equally mature now, but her overwhelming practical experience filled the gap, leaving me a paper-thin margin short in most bouts.
"Ugh, Silvena's advice is always spot-on and useful."
"I'm glad you think so."
Back at the Roze Tail estate, my swordsmanship teacher had been Lady Camilla. Here at the academy, it felt like Silvena had taken over that role. Professor Azela was more like an instructor building overall physical stats, so it was a bit different.
"Time flies. Since we barely touched breakfast, how about we head to lunch?"
Silvena sheathed her sword after checking the clock hanging alone in the corner of the empty training hall. We were both sword obsessives, so we'd wolfed down a single sandwich for morning fuel and swung our blades ever since. No wonder my stomach was rumbling—I was just hiding it better than most. Ugh, this calls for gukbap.
Gukbap. Even in my previous life as a gukbap fiend, after nearly twenty years reincarnated, hunger always made me crave it first. Maybe I should learn to cook it myself someday. But no recipe… damn.
"Sounds good to me. But are you sure it's okay to treat me?"
"I told you. The money and time I spend on you aren't wasted."
"Hmm…."
She seemed pleased with her own words, smiling contentedly. It felt like too much trouble, but if she insisted… Besides, one meal was easy—I could pay her back next time. I accepted her kindness.
"Alright then. Shall we change clothes at the dorms and meet back up?"
"That works."
We tidied up and left the training grounds. Yesterday was the summer break ceremony, but the outdoor air felt surprisingly chilly. Probably because I was soaked in sweat. Gotta get back, shower in cool water, change quick….
Swish.
"…Silvena?"
As I mapped out my plan, something draped over my shoulders. I turned to see Silvena had snuck behind me and slipped on a thin cardigan she'd brought. It was just the right weight—not too hot for the mild morning air—but why?
"Wear it back to the dorm. Even in summer, the wind's got a bite."
"I'm fine. I'm drenched in sweat anyway…."
She didn't feel the cold as much, so it seemed like she was giving it to me, but wearing someone else's clothes when I was sweaty felt rude. I tried to refuse.
"Don't worry about it. Just put it on."
But Silvena made a stern face and practically forced it into my hands. Then she strode ahead, scanning the path from the training grounds to the main building with sharp eyes before beckoning me.
"Hm, no one's around. You're good to come."
…Was I under protection detail or something?
＊
I returned to the dorm, washed up, threw on a simple shirt and pants, and headed to our meetup spot. No uniform requirement during break made this nice and easy. I arrived first—no one at the school gate yet. Since enrolling, I'd never ventured off-campus to the shops, so I felt a spark of excitement. We could handle most things on-site anyway.
"Ah, Aren. Sorry…! Did I keep you waiting?"
"No, it's fine. I just got here."
About five minutes later, Silvena arrived, black hair whipping as she panted an apology. Even after I said it was okay, she kept apologizing with a guilty look. She'd been fine arriving a bit late to training earlier—what happened in the interim?
"First time seeing you in casual clothes, though. They suit you."
"Y-you too. They fit you perfectly. It's… very you."
"Uh… is that a compliment?"
I'd just thrown on a shirt and pants without much thought, so hearing that felt suspiciously like flattery. When I asked awkwardly, she startled and waved her hands.
"Of course it's a compliment. D-did I offend you?"
"No, not at all…."
"Good. I'm not the most tactful, so bear with me."
"I'm not either, so we're good."
I lightened the mood with a joke and we set off. No idea where we were headed, so I trailed behind her. The off-campus shops were surprisingly flashy. I could see why classmates chattered happily about weekend trips there. Not that I'd bother—the hassle wasn't worth it.
"Hey, look over there."
"Ooh…."
"Eye candy in broad daylight."
"Tell me about it."
Amid the novelties, I glanced around and caught some passing women whispering. Too far to make out words.
Ahem.
After that, Silvena started clearing her throat repeatedly. Did she catch a cold virus from them?
"…Aren."
"Yeah?"
"Over there… uh, n-never mind."
"…?"
She kept starting and stopping, not like the grand duchess I knew.
"Ah, there it is. The restaurant I reserved."
"…That place?"
We arrived at her picked spot, and I froze. Er… that's a restaurant? More like a hotel. Its luxurious facade stood out even among the thriving shops. I'd imagined something like the academy's homestyle cafeteria. My jaw dropped at this three-star-worthy establishment.
"Come on in. I asked the chef to go all out since you like meat."
Silvena smiled smugly and offered her arm. A pose straight out of a romance novel, where the male lead escorts the heroine. I blanked.
Uh, so… I take it? Me?
"I'm good. I can walk myself…."
"…I see."
It felt like missing something important, so I didn't reach out. I checked her reaction, worried it'd offend, but she didn't seem upset.
"Welcome."
Another blank-out today as we entered; a sharp-suited waitress greeted us. Her poise screamed this wasn't some toothpick-chewing dive.
"Reservation for Silvena Bronheim."
"Lady Bronheim. We've prepared our best seat. This way, please."
Following her, we reached a table with perfect lighting and ambiance. Reserved sign up, utensils already set.
"Right here."
The waitress stepped back, and as I went to sit… swish—
"…?!"
Silvena pulled out my chair herself. I looked up at her, stunned.
"What's wrong, Aren?"
"N-no, nothing. Thanks, Silvena."
"No trouble. Basic etiquette for escorting a gentleman."
Whoa, I'd heard Tiabel say something similar back at the Roze Tail estate. Back then, it was a kid cutely boasting, 'I'm a girl, so I escort boys!' Now? Pure, relaxed adult grace. The disconnect was wild. Why do I feel like the romance heroine here?
"Pick whatever from the menu. Speak up if you want drinks."
"…."
No, I need water more than food or booze right now. Oh, here it is. Down three glasses first. Can't handle this sober.