The Strongest Baggage (4): I'll Become the Bait Myself
Master's persuasion continued like that. Of course, I opposed it vehemently, and the result... Tia Master got completely sulky.
"Master, your disciple brought some delicious food!"
"No need. You eat it all, Dodo."
Telling someone who's sulking that they're sulking? Absolutely never do it. A slight hurt turns into a deep-seated grudge in the heart. It's taboo even between casual acquaintances. How could I dare do that to my sky-like Master?
I massaged Master's shoulders with the most affectionate voice I could muster.
"Come on, Master... You know your disciple is just worried."
A true man never acts cute. But if I'm a Confucian warrior from the East and Master's biggest fan? I'd even throw in a creepy nasal whine to turn the situation around.
That's right. This is no shameful act.
"Master, let your disciple feed you. Ahh..."
"...I said no."
Maternal Love [B]
Target's protective instincts and favorability increase.
Maternal Love has been nullified.
I'd thrown away all my pride. As I nuzzled and acted spoiled, Master's voice gradually softened. That trademark poker face of hers. It might fool others, but not me—even without a status window message.
I'm the world champion at handling Tia Master. Six years of professional experience!
I showered her with filial acts, gazing up with puppy-dog eyes mixed in. In the end, she fully surrendered.
"Child, enough. Come here."
"You know I cherish you, right?"
Less than ten minutes in, she opened her arms. I naturally laid down, using her lap as a pillow, and she stroked me as she spoke.
"Child, though this one cannot use most of her power, she has not lost her senses or her sight."
"I know... how strong my Master is."
"She has more than enough ability to evade threats coming her way."
"Yes, exactly! Master can handle it no problem."
Tia Master squished me as she continued.
"So, what you mean is you'll volunteer as bait to lure it out."
"No, Master!"
The conversation reset to the starting point. It flowed back to the uneasy origin. This wouldn't do. She was surprisingly stubborn on this, so I needed stronger persuasion.
I shot up just like that. And hugged her tightly from behind. Master looked pleased but puzzled.
"Child, what's this all of a sudden?"
"Master, can you escape right now? Give it a try."
She grimaced and grunted, trying to push my arms away, but it was no use. Master was weakened by the mark right now. Without mana, she couldn't budge.
"See? I didn't even use much strength, and you can't get free!"
But Master didn't change expression, brazen as ever.
"This one trusted you, Dodo, so she freely exposed her back. Normally, she wouldn't have been caught."
Damn... stubborn as a mule! If you're going to play it like that?
The moment I heard that, I let go of Master. Followed by my proposal.
"Fine! Master! Then try running away for real."
"Child, you're underestimating this one too much. Very well."
"Then... go!"
I drew up mana and swiftly pounced on Master. Contrary to expectations, she dodged my grasp...!
"What the hell!!!"
She rolled across the floor. Movement beyond imagination. I hadn't even considered this method! And she rolled extremely well!! If there was a god of pill bugs descended to earth, it was right here!
"Hngh!"
I drew up more mana. My muscles contracted instantly. Then, as they expanded, I threw my whole body at her. But she'd anticipated it. Master slipped under the bed!
Ha... I admit it. I'd already lost the psychological war. She escaped via an unexpected route, perfectly.
"Master!! Come out! No... why are you going into that dust pit?!"
Dark under the bed. Yellow eyes gleamed like a cat's.
"..."
No answer came. Iron will to never come out. She was forcing me to admit defeat.
Aah... I was the fool. Me, myself. Master was proving it to reassure me. Face or means didn't matter. I felt ashamed. Was my desire to protect her only this much? No! Absolutely not!!
Battle spirit slowly welled up. I pumped mana circulation to max.
"Hraaah!!"
With bear-like power surging, I lifted the bed clean off the floor. But she was gone.
"No way! Master? Where'd you go!!"
I looked around, but nothing.
"Right here."
Master was stuck to the underside of the bed I'd lifted. She grabbed me from behind like a ghost. Then smack—palm to the back of my head.
"This one... hah... wins. Child... whew..."
"Ow."
Total defeat. I admit it. Even suppressed by the mark, without mana operation, Master was strong. I'd only remembered her riding on my back up the mountain... complete delusion on my part. She was still above me.
I'll believe. Master is still someone to rely on.
"I lost. So, can I trust and leave it to you?"
"Whew... Child. Anytime... you can rely on her."
Tia Master panted, sweating. She'd swept the bed and floor. Hair disheveled, body covered in dust. Even in that state, she petted my head.
How could I not revere such a Master? Outwardly and inwardly. She was perfect. My idol, my salt, my light itself!
"Atchoo!"
Dust must've tickled her nose—a cute sneeze. That human side made my swelling chest even grander!
According to the notebook, the cannibal only kidnaps little girls. To lure him, Master volunteered as bait. Unsettling. But faith won out. Our Master can do anything... even perfect the bait role.
Frilly fluttering dress. Twin tails too much for commoners to digest. Topped with swaying ribbons? A picture-perfect rich little miss.
Strolling the cannibal killer's front yard like this? He'd drool and carry her off any second.
Of course, brutal retribution would follow first. From our drop point, I clenched my fist in cheer for Master.
"...!"
She noticed and clenched back. So cool and cute—cheating. A total ecosystem destroyer.
Our always-best-effort Tia Master is the greatest!!!
Opposite my感動, Master was serene. Inner peace. One with nature. Sinking deeper into the role. The elegant young lady waiting for her parents. Crouching to scratch the ground with twigs, or kicking stones in circles.
"Hoo..."
Sometimes a sigh of childish impatience. Meaningless kid steps—fidgety, inefficient... lively! Heh heh... ...What the hell! Our Master was a genius actress!!
I nearly jumped out to buy her candy! My god...!!
She performed the role beyond imagination. But the effect was too good... flies started swarming.
"Hey... wanna eat this?"
Wasn't some local brat offering Master candy?
"What the...? That little shit...!"
My hand naturally went to my sword hilt. I figured she'd refuse, but Master smiled with her eyes and took it.
"Thanks."
Grind grind... my teeth started gnashing.
The brat, gaining confidence, began his interrogation.
"I'm Bryno. What's your name?"
"Tia."
"Whoa! Pretty name!"
"Yeah, thanks?"
Acting aside... our Master really liked kids. She knew this squirt's intentions... damn it, she couldn't shove him off harshly...!
Frustrating, hands shaking. The crazy brat went into overdrive.
"Hey, wanna go out with me? I'm kinda big deal around here!"
What the fuck? Say one more word. You horny little punk...!
I loaded a brick in my right hand. This beast...! One excuse, and I'd make him a cripple.
Our smiling Master finally spoke.
"No manners. Do you know me?"
"Uh...?"
"Why would I go out with you? For what?"
That's right! Good, keep it up!!
The barrage continued.
"Your intentions are obvious, and it disgusts me. Go away."
"Uh... um..."
Perfect haughty young lady! My eyes misted at the touching scene.
"...Bitch."
"What?"
"Fuckin'! Bitch...!"
Th-that crazy bitch! Daring to curse Master?
Visibly displeased, Master's voice turned ice-cold.
"Did you just curse at me...?"
She furrowed her brow, the crazy brat trembling.
"So pretty, huh...? Actin' all high and mighty? I'm the boss here, you fuckin' bitch!"
Genre shift. The crazy kid reached for Master's hair.
But no chance. She'd dodged my full-sincerity ambush. Tia Master leaned back. Followed by a miss.
"Huh?"
No time to panic—Master's front kick landed. Shiny shoe to the solar plexus. Terrifying power. I'd secretly wedged steel plates in the soles just in case!
"Gahk!"
"Don't curse! You uneducated scum!"
As the kid bowed in pain, delicate hands slapped his cheek. The cocky brat face-planted on the street. Coins spilled with a clang.
Onlookers who'd been watching switched to opportunistic looting.
"N-nooo!!"
The kid wailed like Sonic losing rings. Onlookers started mocking.
"My money! Give it back, you bastards!"
Looters vanished like shadows. Ownership fully transferred.
Heh heh... felt so good. But it didn't end there.
"Eh, Bryno? What happened?"
"Heh heh... look at this loser."
Two more emerged from the alley like monsters. Bryno's face flushed red.
"G-guys...! Beat that bitch!"
"What?"
The now-ragged crazy kid charged again. I get it. Better a winning retard than a losing one.
"Raaah!"
Headlong rush. Master heel-kicked his chin upward. Leg stretched straight to the sky! Phew...! Good thing I'd made her wear bloomers. Brilliant, past me!
"Kek!"
[Oof!]
With surrounding winces, the kid flopped back again. Master crossed arms, snorted.
So damn fun. Wish I had popcorn...!
"Damn it! For Bryno!"
"Coward bitch!"
Loyal to their bro, the two flanked Master. Then rummaging pants... out came jackknives. Blue blades glinted in the dark.
"Crossed the line?"
Master's smirk vanished. I trusted she'd be fine. But if, just if... that blade nicked Master's fair skin...?
My head cooled. No more laughing. Time to intervene.
"Hup!"
I secretly hurled the brick from my fist. Crack. Front kid's ankle snapped.
"Aaaagh!"
Even with minimal force, skill correction plus strength made it devastating. Master seized the gap, finishing the last one. Crotch kick into eye poke. No mercy for armed thugs. Deadly girl-only combo.
"Kaaaaagh!!!"
Future killer kid lost something precious. More horrific scream than before. Master toed the dropped knife away to end it.
[Loot! Loot!!]
No cheers. Just looting. Rifled pockets, stripped shoes. Naturally. No one stopped them—three naked beggars done quick!
Then, Master picked something near the kid. Mana in my eyes for detail—familiar. Lily pattern. Matched the notebook's hairpin description.
A man approached Master naturally. Like he'd been waiting.
"Ah... that's mine."
"Yes, here."
Soft smile on his lips. Stink of malice wafted. Clear as day. That was the guy.
Master smiled innocently, but she'd noticed too. Expensive suit. Gentlemanly clothes couldn't hide... the repulsive gleam.
The man asked Master,
"Little miss, are you hungry by any chance?"