Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage

Character page: Here

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Chapter 104 – I saw the guardian deity off

“Magic Knight of Black Lightning is someone who cherishes his friends. Gratitude is not necessary.”  [Youki]

“That’s right, Gai-san.”  [Cecilia]

“…I see.”  [Gai]

The ambience shifted to a slightly strange vibe. Well, given that our three-person party was already unusual, maybe the atmosphere was weird from the beginning.

“We’re done for today, right? I think I’ll take a walk around the town a bit more.”  [Gai]

“Oh? In that case, I, Magic Knight of Black Lightning, will be accompanying you.”  [Youki]

“I’ll be coming along as well then.”  [Cecilia]

“No, it’s fine. I’ll be taking a walk alone.”  [Gai]

“What!?”  [Youki]

I didn’t expect that he would refuse our offer. It was probably still early for him to be moving around by himself.

“Gai-san, it’s dangerous to be walking around by yourself…”  [Cecilia]

Cecilia didn’t seem to agree either. If Gai had skills similar to mine – the ability to escape any situation – then it would be fine. But as it was, Gai would probably be caught by the knights on patrol.

“That may be true, but eventually, I’ll have to be independent as well. It’s just a matter of sooner or later. Besides. I won’t go out of my way to attract attention like you do, Black Knight.”  [Gai]

How rude. I don’t take any actions that make me stand out. It’s just that the chuunibyou within me can’t be contained and naturally draws people’s attention.

…

…Your penetrating stare hurts, Cecily. Even with my helmet on, it seems that my thoughts are transparent to her. That’s the Guide of Compassion for you.

Nevertheless, it seemed that Gai really wanted to walk around Minerva alone.

“Hmm, what should we do, Cecily?”  [Youki]

“What he said sounds reasonable too.”  [Cecilia]

“I’m sorry, but I won’t budge on this. It’s a matter of pride for me. I’m not rushing on things, but I just want to experience what I have not experienced before.”  [Gai]

It seemed that he was unwavering in his decision. Should he encounter any knights, he would probably be able to think of an excuse.

“If you get into trouble, just use my name. Mentioning that you’re a friend of Magic Knight of Black Lightning will resolve all issues!”  [Youki]

“It’ll only make things more complicated. Gai-san, if you run into trouble just rely on Duke.”  [Cecilia]

“Hmm… I got it.”  [Gai]

“Damn, I’ve been bested by Duke.”  [Youki]

To think that Magic Knight of Black Lightning would lose to a single knight. That’s my former subordinate for you. He’s one of the top three strongest people I’d call in an emergency.

“It’s not about winning or losing. Look, Gai-san’s leaving.”  [Cecilia]

“What!?”  [Youki]

When I came to my senses, Gai was no longer nearby and was disappearing into the crowd.

Leaving without saying anything, huh? That might be pretty cool in its own way. But I won’t allow it.

“Make sure you come back. But gain enough strength to stand beside us! I’m looking forward to it!”  [Youki]

It was the way of Magic Knight of Black Lightning to end things with flair. Gai did not turn around, but he must have heard my voice. The next time we meet, Gai will have gained a power incomparable to before.

“…Gai-san isn’t going off on a long-term journey.”  [Cecilia]

“A man said he wanted to grow and stand on his own. We need to send him off properly.”  [Youki]

“I think you’re being quite dramatic. Also, you’re attracting a lot of attention.”  [Cecilia]

Before I knew it, a large crowd had gathered around us. It seemed that my actions were rather noticeable. Apparently, Gai didn’t turn around because he didn’t want to be recognized and draw attention to himself.

“Hmph. Magic Knight of Black Lightning does not hide! But, it’s hard to move around with the peanut gallery. Let’s change location.”  [Youki]

“Eh!?”  [Cecilia]

I jumped onto the roof of a nearby building while carrying Cecilia with me. Naturally, I did not have her permission. We jumped from roof to roof several times, then descended into an alley before using the ‘Vanishing Wave’ to become invisible. With this, the crowd would have lost sight of us entirely. All we needed to do was make a move elsewhere before our invisibility effect would wear off.

“Honestly, your actions are always so sudden.”  [Cecilia]

“If I had taken the time to explain, the crowd would have only grown larger.”  [Youki]

It’s best to leave that place asap.

“…You made a valid point, so I’m not able to refute it.”  [Cecilia]

“Hmph. Right?!”  [Youki]

Magic Knight of Black Lightning managed to outdo Cecilia verbally.

“Okay, I understand. At any rate, let’s make a move before the effect wears off.”  [Cecilia]

“Got it.”  [Youki]

For the time being, we moved away from the crowd earlier. In truth, even if we got surrounded again, we could use the same method to escape, so there was no need to be in stealth mode, but Cecilia seemed to disagree with me. She strictly prohibited me from standing out too much.

“Hey, Cecily. We’ve already stood out, so it’s too late by now. Why don’t we just run proudly and boldly through the streets of the town?”  [Youki]

“No. Why do you always want to run instead of walking?”  [Cecilia]

“That’s because running is cooler!”  [Youki]

As Magic Knight of Black Lightning, I normally dash through places like a black lightning bolt. That is who I am.

“…Please refrain from doing that in crowded places. It could cause accidents.”  [Cecilia]

“There is no way I would make such a mistake.”  [Youki]

I proclaimed confidently. In reality, there was no way a collision would happen. Whenever I ran, I enhanced not just my physical body, but also my five senses. Even if someone were to appear all of a sudden, I could instantly change direction to avoid them.

“That may be true, but this is non-negotiable. No disruptive behaviour.”  [Cecilia]

“Hmm… if you insist that much, I have no choice but to comply. Fine… in crowded places, I’ll just leap from building to building.”  [Youki]

“Please just walk normally!”  [Cecilia]

“Your comebacks are as sharp as ever, Cecily.”  [Youki]

We managed to get away from the crowd while performing our comedy routine. The effect of ‘Vanishing Wave’ wore off at the same time, so the timing was perfect.

“Alright, we’ve shaken off the crows, so let’s part ways here. It’s getting dark.”  [Youki]

“Part ways… but Magic Knight-san, what are your plans now?”  [Cecilia]

“Naturally, I plan to take on an A-rank quest! It’s been a long time. Heh heh… I’m itching to get started.”  [Youki]

I’m Magic Knight of Black Lightning, after all. There’s no reason not to take advantage of this opportunity. I should take on the quest with this momentum… even if, in the end, a tragedy were to befall me.

“I’m coming with you.”  [Cecilia]

“Wha-?!”  [Youki]

“It’s been a while since I got to put my skill to use.”  [Cecilia]

It was a surprising statement coming from Cecilia. However, the fact that she planned to come along was even more unexpected.

“C-Calm down, Cecily. Is your family okay with it?”  [Youki]

“Yes, I thought something like this would happen so I have asked for a three-day leave.” [Cecilia]

“Y-You might stand out. Being with me will only draw a lot of attention. If we’re not careful, your disguise could be exposed, causing a panic.”  [Youki]

“I understand. Let’s head to the church we visited today. I’ve got the solution there.”  [Cecilia]

Cecilia was unwavering, as usual. I was also curious about what she said, so I ended up agreeing.

“Please wait here for a moment.”  [Cecilia]

Upon arriving at the church, Cecilia disappeared inside. As I waited for several minutes, I wondered what she was up to.

“Thank you for waiting.”  [Cecilia]

The moment she walked in, I was taken aback by her appearance. Gone was her nun’s habit, replaced by a shirt and pants that looked like something an explorer would wear. She had a simple chest protector and a backpack. Her hair was braided into three strands, and she wore a hat and round glasses. I was flabbergasted by how different she looked from her usual self.

“How do I look? I brought a spellbook to use as my staff, so my combat abilities are unchanged.”  [Cecilia]

“I see. You’ve even changed your weapon.”  [Youki]

To think she had prepared these in advance. It seems that she anticipated all my actions.

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