Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage
Character page: Here
Chapter 106 – I camped out with the girl I like
The sun had completely set, and darkness reigned over the land. The campfire’s light was our only source of illumination. In such a situation, being alone with her would usually make my heart race, and I would be filled with impure thoughts – to make this a memorable night.
“I’ve secured the area. In case any thieves or demons attack, they’ll get caught in the traps I’ve set. Also, I’ve gathered some edible wild herbs.” [Youki]
“You’re very efficient. I think the meal’s almost ready. I’ll add the wild herbs you’ve gathered to the soup.” [Cecilia]
I handed the wild herbs to Cecilia and sat myself down, facing her. The knowledge of traps came from Duke while the knowledge of edible wild herbs came from Sheik. Having good subordinates was a great help in times like this.
“Hmph, this is the power of my retainers.” [Youki]
“Ah, Duke-san and Sheik-san, right?” [Cecilia]
“Yeah, I inherited the power from those two…” [Youki]
“The meal’s almost ready, so why don’t you take your helmet off?” [Cecilia]
“I can’t do that. Until the mission is over, I’m Magic Knight of Black Lightning.” [Youki]
The helmet was designed in a way that still allowed the mouth and jaw to open so that it was not necessary to remove the helmet to eat or drink. That, however, did not seem to satisfy Cecilia and, even though we were seated facing each other earlier, she moved to sit next to me.
“It’s bad manners to have it on while you’re having a meal. Please remove it.” [Cecilia]
“But, I’m Magic Knight of…” [Youki]
“Are there signs of any humans or demons around now?” [Cecilia]
“Hmm, it’s clear. There is no presence nearby.” [Youki]
With my enhanced sense of smell and hearing, stealthy movements won’t work on me. I’m certain that there are no other living beings around aside from Cecilia and me.
“Is that so? That’s a relief. Let’s remove it then.” [Cecilia]
She grasped my helmet firmly with both hands while I tried to stop her by taking hold of her hands.
“No matter how many times you demand that of me, that is…” [Youki]
“Youki-san?” [Cecilia]
“Ah, I’m sorry. I’ll take it off.” [Youki]
My strength suddenly left me. I had forgotten not to go overboard. Realizing that I had relaxed, she slowly lifted my helmet while my hands were still on hers.
“…I can’t set the helmet down while you’re still holding my hands.” [Cecilia]
“Ah, sorry.” [Youki]
Having taken off the helmet, I returned to my original personality.
Welcome back, Youki. Just rest for a bit, Magic Knight of Black Lightning.
While thinking of such stupid thoughts, I let go of Cecilia’s hands.
…I’ve been holding her hands so naturally. Somehow, I can still feel the warmth of her hands lingering.
Cecilia didn’t seem to mind. She gently set down the helmet and proceeded to serve her homemade soup. It was a pleasant feeling to have someone you like serve you food like this.
“Here you go. I’m not sure if it suits your taste.” [Cecilia]
“No, no, no. It’ll definitely be tasty!” [Youki]
There is no way Cecilia’s cooking could be bad. I have my reasons, so I can say it with confidence. Just one sip and it sends my taste buds to heaven~
Cecilia, though looked slightly flustered, served herself some soup and started drinking. All I did was praise her… Did I perhaps just say something embarrassing without realizing it?
“Ah-!?” [Youki]
“What happened?” [Cecilia]
“No, I just realized that snapping out of it actually makes me even more vulnerable.” [Youki]
Turning back to my normal self makes me feel even more embarrassed. Worse, I feel naked without my trusty helmet covering my face. The more I think about it, the more embarrassing it gets. Not to mention, I was also holding Cecilia’s hand so naturally earlier. And now, we’re alone in the dark with no one else around.
My heart started pounding like crazy the moment I was made aware of it. I deeply regretted taking off my helmet earlier.
“…Are you okay?” [Cecilia]
“Yeah, I’m fine.” [Youki]
I desperately suppressed the worldly desires that were consuming me as I finished my soup and put my helmet back on the moment I was done with my meal. There was no way I could remain as ‘Youki’ any longer. Sitting next to her was also one of the contributing factors that made it hard for me. Although, my heart would probably be sent flying if we were seated facing each other as well.
“Fuhahaha. My soul, be still!” [Youki]
“But you’re clearly agitated.” [Cecilia]
Cecilia’s retort was both accurate and off the mark. I was only trying to calm myself down so I wouldn’t be overwhelmed by worldly desires.
“Now I feel safe.” [Youki]
“What exactly were you worried about?” [Cecilia]
“It’s a fight with myself. I’m trying to see if I can control myself.” [Youki]
The battle with my own desires has no end. If I don’t keep winning, only death awaits.
“…You are probably tired. Why don’t you go ahead and rest first? I’ll be the first to keep watch.” [Cecilia]
“Me first? Not possible. Rather, I don’t mind keeping watch all night… No, let’s take turns.” [Youki]
If I had said that I would keep watch alone, it would mean that I didn’t trust her. I might be overthinking it, but Cecilia probably didn’t want that either.
We need to be equals. Still, I won’t budge on this. She definitely needs to take a rest first.
Even though Cecilia looked like she wanted to say something, she kept silent probably sensing that I wouldn’t concede. In the end, she said “understood”, cleaned up, and went to sleep immediately.
It suddenly feels quiet without someone to talk to… Maybe I could take a peek at her sleeping face now?
“Hmph. I will never sneak a look. Never, you hear!” [Youki]
Once we become close enough, then it’s fine. Although, I do want to look at her sleeping face…
While moderately battling my worldly desires, I stayed vigilant and added firewood to keep the fire from dying out.
After a while, I switched shifts with Cecilia and fell asleep immediately. Staying awake would have been a betrayal, after all. I had told her that I could sleep peacefully knowing that she was nearby as I trusted her as a comrade. But the actual reason was that I could fall asleep happily knowing the person I loved was nearby. If only I could be more honest with myself.
…..
The next day, we arrived at the ruins as planned.
“It’s quite a wreck.” [Youki]
Grass and flowers were growing thickly, and vines were rampant. The ruins were made of stone, but there were cracks here and there. The scope of our mission was beyond just confirming the safety of the ruins. It was doubtful if any demons were even living in such a place.
“What should we do here?” [Youki]
“First, we need to determine the specific size of the interior. If there are any demons, we need to find out what kind they are and how dangerous they are. Also, we need to check for signs of disturbance.” [Cecilia]
“So we’re going inside, huh? On top of that, we can’t damage anything either.” [Youki]
That’s an A-rank request for you. They’re really pushing unreasonable demands on us.
“It’s the guild’s responsibility to satisfy the client’s wishes to the fullest extent.” [Cecilia]
“Hmph, indeed. With all these demands, we might as well make a lot of money from it.” [Youki]
I decided to use the reward from this request to treat Cecilia to a lavish celebratory feast.
“Magic Knight-san, it’s fine to be enthusiastic, but please calm down a little.” [Cecilia]
As I was about to enter the ruins with high spirits, she cautioned me. Well, charging into an unknown place without knowing what might happen, or who might be there is foolish.
“Don’t worry, Cecily. This is my natural state. I am calm!” [Youki]
“Ah, is that so… Now I’m suddenly feeling anxious.” [Cecilia]
“There shouldn’t be any problem. Come on, Cecily. Unseen adventures await us!” [Youki]
Despite Cecilia’s persistent anxiety, I led her into the ruins.
RinkageTranslation 
Thank you!
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