Chapter 36
Chapter 36
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: A Couple's Quiet Daily Life
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Ceria drew her sword.
I spoke without much expectation.
“How about we just rest today? The tournament is tomorrow.”
“Yes. That's why I thought we'd have a light spar.”
“...”
Huh? Do we have different definitions of 'light'?
The aura she was giving off was completely different. I could feel her sincerity just from her stance.
A ranker in the top 50.
But in reality, her skills were equivalent to the top 20.
My fiancée was hiding her strength.
At this point, almost no one knew that fact.
Innate potential.
A swordsmanship genius and his childhood friend of ten years.
Because of those factors, Ceria's strength was the real deal.
She instantly pierced through my domain.
Not to be outdone, I responded with equal force.
Sword met sword, weaving together.
Despite the relentless clash, the girl's movements were nothing but elegant.
She had learned her family's swordsmanship.
But she had gradually improved by taking Jace's advice.
Ceria was incredibly agile.
Fast enough to get me the moment I slipped up.
Her movements flowed together so smoothly that there was no room to catch my breath.
Every time I parried an attack, a chill ran down my spine.
It felt like the slightest mistake would get me seriously cut.
The sensation made me feel alive.
I didn't know why, but I was starting to enjoy it.
A thrill welled up from sparring with a strong opponent.
Hmm, that's a bit problematic...
Battle maniacs usually had issues.
Largo, who had recklessly challenged Aruru, was a good example.
I forced myself to calm down.
Jace's swordsmanship was most effective when executed calmly.
Slowly, I started to see through Ceria's swordplay.
When I launched a counterattack, she gave a faint smile.
I couldn't show weakness to her, of all people.
She would want me to be the best.
So it was only right to live up to that expectation.
The more our sword ki flew wildly.
A dormant memory surfaced vividly.
A little lady deliberately puffed out her cheeks.
It was because she had lost to her boyfriend again and again.
To soothe the pouting girl, the boy whispered sweet words along with a gift.
They reconciled quickly.
Followed by a bit of excessive skinship.
Seriously, those two were already rubbing it in people's faces when they were just kids...
Anyway.
Their bond was stronger than any other couple's.
There was a reason this body reacted to her so readily.
Even if there was a bit of a lie mixed in.
I wanted their love to continue.
Revealing the truth would be too cruel.
It was such an absurd story that no one would believe it anyway.
The way things are now is for the best.
Jace would surely agree.
After all, he considered Ceria's happiness his top priority.
Just trust me. I'll see your will done.
When you think about it, I'm his benefactor.
I protected his family's honor and saved him from a terrible fate.
“...”
My conscience was clear.
I was the one who was suddenly possessed, so if anything, I was the victim.
As if acknowledging that logic, my body's movements became much lighter.
Face Ceria's full strength head-on?
It was a tough request, but I had no choice but to accept.
I drew out all of my abilities.
And for a brief moment, I gained the upper hand.
A look of admiration was followed by a slight nod.
*This strong already? So amazing! That's my man. Hmm, I guess I can press him a little harder, right?*
Her eyes sparkled with that kind of thought.
With any other opponent, she would have hidden her intentions, but in front of me, she revealed everything as if she had nothing to hide.
“—!!”
She started using her skills in earnest.
A sudden sense of crisis heightened all my senses.
A heavy slash that could split the earth.
A flash-like thrust at the speed of light, leaving an afterimage.
And even a chain attack that unleashed ten strikes as if they were a single motion.
She freely rained down a variety of techniques.
It was a good thing I had a rough idea of them; if I hadn't, I would have been defeated long ago.
As I held on with all my might, Ceria looked pleased.
'Hm? He blocked this? Then just a little more...' She tested her lover's limits like that.
“...”
Somehow, even that act of hers was endearing.
I only wanted to show her my best side.
By steadfastly enduring that trial.
The levels of Mind's Eye and Sword Unity rose.
In addition, the techniques my body remembered unfolded naturally.
Before long, I fell into a state of selflessness.
The moment was very brief, but I had already gained much from it.
I felt like I was beginning to understand what enlightenment was.
In that instant, Ceria's expression turned to shock. She immediately dropped her sword and rushed over.
*Cough.*
I belatedly realized my condition.
I had completely exhausted my mana without realizing it.
As a result, I collapsed, coughing up a mouthful of blood.
I closed my eyes without a worry.
The scent of the girl supporting my body simply made me feel good.
***
I came to my senses quickly.
I could instinctively tell that not much time had passed.
My body wasn't injured in the first place.
It was just a side effect of using a bit too much mana.
“Are you okay?”
“...”
My little cutie.
Did you really have to climb on top of me to ask that?
Even though her master had collapsed, she was acting the same as usual.
Come on, hurry up and get teary-eyed.
Prove your innocence by crying!
As if to say 'not a chance,' she ignored my wish.
Aruru just wiggled her cute little fingers in front of my eyes.
“How many fingers?”
“...Three.”
“Who am I?”
“The cutest in the world...”
“You're fine. That's good enough.”
“...”
She was completely unfazed, as if she'd expected this.
She must have sensed the mana slowly refilling within me.
Aruru immediately went outside.
I got the strong feeling she was making way for someone.
The real event was about to start.
I cautiously raised my gaze.
“—!!”
Just as I expected.
The face of a girl who seemed to be insisting she was angry was waiting for me.
Ceria was giving me a lap pillow.
The angle from this position was indescribably wonderful. It stirred a boy's sensibilities...
“I'm angry.”
“...”
Of course you are...
Well, coughing up blood itself wasn't a huge cause for concern.
It was something most people experienced a couple of times.
In some cases, it could even have positive effects.
Upon reaching a certain level, the body would spontaneously regulate itself and expel harmful substances.
However, I had no room for excuses.
Because my dantian had been broken once, it brought up thoughts of 'what if' and 'no way'.
I gazed intently at Ceria.
In that short time, she seemed to have grown a little haggard.
She must have been burning with anxiety until she could confirm her lover's condition.
“I'm so sorry.”
It was unconditionally my fault.
I had no choice but to stick with that attitude.
Soon, the girl's delicate breath tickled my face.
“...You just used up all your mana; there are no other issues. Why did you go that far?”
She was pressing me about why I overdid it.
I could feel her emotions from where we touched.
It seemed she felt half-responsible.
“I couldn't just ask to stop in the middle of it.”
“I knew it. That's the kind of person you are. But even in front of me...”
“To be honest, I was having too much fun.”
“What?”
“It reminded me of the old days, so I couldn't stop.”
At those words, as if recalling a memory.
The girl's eyes grew hazy.
I continued speaking, slowly and deliberately.
“I was even in a state of flow for a moment. I think I caught a glimpse of enlightenment...”
“—!!”
“Anyway, this spar was helpful in many ways.”
When I feigned a smile.
She gently caressed my cheek, as if her anger had subsided.
Aaah, I think I'm going to melt!
A gentle touch filled with affection.
It was healing in a different way than with my little cutie.
“Are you really okay?”
“I'm fine. In fact, I feel more refreshed now.”
The human body grows stronger each time it reaches its limit.
The dantian was no different. By completely emptying the vessel, its capacity increases...
“Hmm, I don't believe you.”
Saying it seemed like I was bluffing again.
She told me to lie still and rest, that she wouldn't be fooled this time.
This was nice too, but I couldn't be satisfied with just this.
It was a rare chance for us to be alone together.
It would be okay to act a little boldly.
More than anything, I craved a reward.
The system window had gotten me addicted.
My skill levels had risen, and I'd acquired several techniques.
My dantian's capacity had even increased, but more important than that was the warmth of a girl.
“Can't you just take my word for it and believe me?”
“Not a chance. You need to rest for a full day...”
“Alright. I'll prove it.”
“—??”
I suddenly pulled Ceria into a hug.
Doing so seemed to fulfill something within me.
The more precious she felt, the warmer my chest became.
Having someone who loved me was a blessing in itself.
“Jace...”
The girl's breath brushed against my ear.
As if she had been waiting for this moment.
She wrapped her arms around my neck, responding naturally.
*Thump, thump.*
My heart was beating faster than ever.
That was proof I was perfectly fine, but Ceria's boldness was beyond imagination.
“I'm still not sure.”
“—!!”
She hugged me tighter, as if to say she needed to be closer to tell.
Perhaps because they'd been dating for a long time, she was very proactive, and I loved it!
The girl's comforting warmth was more than enough to accept all of me.
The excitement was building. At the same time, an unknown sense of comfort calmed my heart.
The perfect woman for me.
It was like I had found my own sanctuary.
Is this what life is?
I could feel the true meaning of life with my entire being.
“It won't be long now.”
I pictured a cozy newlywed life with her.
Of course, there were a few hurdles. Would it take about three years, give or take, to defeat the Demon King?
After that, happy days would continue.
As if she knew my heart completely, she whispered quietly.
“Yes, I believe in you. Soon, a hero of this era will be born. One who will become a light for humanity...”
Aaargh, that's too much pressure!
I was reminded once again how strange this body's fate was.
Originally, he was a traitor to humanity.
But because I possessed him, a path to becoming a Hero opened up.
At the very least, I planned to play an active role as a companion to the Hero.
“Still, you can't push yourself too hard. Because you're all I have.”
*I can't live without you.*
*No matter what, you have to take responsibility for me until the end!*
That was the feeling, and it matched my own heart exactly.
As time passed, the mood deepened.
Hmm, would it be okay to be a little greedier?
As I was going through this non-dilemma, Ceria spoke first.
“We made a promise last time, didn't we? Should we just go for it now?”
“—!!”
Huh? What on earth are you planning to "go for"?
The wording is way too provocative!
As if she had a lot pent up, she didn't wait for my answer.
The only being that the great Jace couldn't handle.
Ceria's acts of affection were quite serious.
Unrestrained hand movements.
Perhaps because she'd done it a few times, she skillfully targeted this body's weak spots.
“Come on, you hurry up and...”
“—!!”
The acts became more and more varied...
In truth, it was only at the level of playing around with Aruru.
Anyway.
We had a good time, staying within the bounds of proper student conduct.
***
The next morning.
I sat in the stands, chewing on some butter-grilled squid.
*Munch, munch.*
Aruru was happily munching on popcorn next to me.
Ceria had headed to the waiting room a little while ago.
This time, it was my turn to cheer for her.
'By the way...'
Being an A-rank tournament, the place was crowded with people.
There were students, of course, but also guests from outside.
Knight orders, mercenary groups, merchant guilds...
Their purpose was easy to guess.
To scout or sponsor outstanding students in advance.
Somehow, I could smell the scent of money in the air.
Hmm, if I play my cards right, maybe I can secure my little cutie's food budget with this opportunity?