Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage
Character page: Here
Chapter 144 – I encountered the girl I like while she was on a date
“…Hmm.” [Youki]
I turned the corner, and there she was – the girl I like, standing next to a handsome guy who wasn’t me. On top of that, I was, at the moment, Magic Knight of Black Lightning, and not Youki. Our relationship was probably… similar to that of coworkers.
When Cecilia saw me, she was initially surprised, but her expression quickly shifted to one of scolding. It occurred to me that I did not inform her that I would be patrolling with Raven. It couldn’t be helped since I couldn’t find the chance to tell her. On the other hand, Soleil, her matchmaking partner, was giving me a scrutinizing look. After we ran into each other, we only stared at each other for a moment. No one had spoken a word. In the end, the one who broke the silence was…
“Oh, it seems I’ve blocked your path. My apologies. How careless of me to halt the progress of the young.” [Youki]
…me, Magic Knight of Black Lightning.
Considering Cecilia’s situation, it was probably best if I acted like a stranger here. Everything would be resolved once I step aside and leave.
“Please wait.”
The one who stopped me wasn’t Cecilia, but Soleil. Why did he stop me? There was no need for that. It wasn’t like we knew each other. However, it would seem suspicious if I were to ignore him. Not wanting to attract unnecessary attention, I turned my head slightly to face him.
“Is there something you need?” [Youki]
“You seem to be an adventurer, but may I ask why you’re dressed like that? It seems to me that it would only bring disadvantages.” [Soleil]
His cold gaze pierced me through his glasses.
Is he criticizing my costume? Fine by me. I won’t back down. I’ll switch to my chuunibyou mode.
It was a shame for Cecilia, but as Magic Knight of Black Lightning, I couldn’t overlook this.
“Heh, don’t say such ridiculous things. I’m doing this because I want to. That’s the reason. Whether there are benefits or disadvantages is irrelevant.” [Youki]
“I find it hard to understand to carry a weapon with no practicality and wearing an outfit that attracts excessive attention. Those are not convenient for battle.” [Soleil]
“It’s not good to impose your values on others.” [Youki]
“No, what I’m saying is a general opinion. You’re just the exception.” [Soleil]
“I’m fine being the exception! I am this way because I want to be unique. Blending in with the crowd just to fit in is foolish. I will walk my own path.” [Youki]
“Such selfish thinking is the cause of disorder.” [Soleil]
“Heh, sorry, but my job right now is to restore that disrupted order. What you said was quite the opposite of what I’m doing now. So, do you have further comments?” [Youki]
Both of us were getting increasingly heated, and the argument showed no signs of stopping. None of us had the intention to step down. When things got out of hand like this, the only one to rely on was…
“Please stop it!” [Cecilia]
Cecilia’s voice made us come to a complete halt. She took control of the situation as always again.
“Soleil-san, what are you doing getting so worked up when you’re usually so calm? Think about your position. If you cause disturbance in town, your precious break will be ruined. Are you going to disregard the lord’s consideration? He has given you this vacation with you in mind.” [Cecilia]
As I watched Cecilia lecturing Soleil, I couldn’t help but see myself in that situation. The ones who were lectured were usually me or Yuuga. As those thoughts floated through my mind, Cecilia switched her focus to me.
“You too, Magic Swordsman-san. There is a point where you could have stopped. So, why are you continuing your argument so pointlessly? You must have realized halfway through that it was futile. Anyway, please do not argue in a place where so many people are passing by.” [Cecilia]
“…Right. I suppose I wasn’t acting like myself. My apologies, Cecilia-san.” [Soleil]
“Hmm, indeed. My job today is to settle disturbances. To think I’ve caused one myself, I must reflect on this. I’m sorry.” [Youki]
Both of us apologized to Cecilia. On the other hand, Soleil and I didn’t make eye contact with each other, and there were no apologies exchanged between us.
Soleil might not know it, but he’s my rival for Cecilia’s affection. If he shows any hostility, I’ll gladly confront him.
“Well then, Soleil-san. Shall we move on? As for Magic Knight-san…” [Cecilia]
“Rest assured. I am currently on a mission with a friend. At the moment, he’s probably enjoying the homemade bento made by his girlfriend. It’s been a while since they’ve met each other, so I’m sure he’s deeply moved by it.” [Youki]
I was hesitant to mention Raven’s name as Soleil was around, so I conveyed it in a way only Cecilia would understand. It would probably be clear to her who I was with once I said that.
“Oh, in that case, it’s fine.” [Cecilia]
“Well, if you’re reassured, I’ll be off. Someone I haven’t yet met might be waiting for my help…” [Youki]
With a dramatic flourish of my cloak, I prepared to leave.
“…I have one last question. Even if you are denied by all, will you continue wearing that outfit? Won’t you think that there are only a few people who can understand you?” [Soleil]
“That’s a trivial question. As I said earlier, I follow my own path. Is the evaluation of others that important? Can one truly be said to be living if they are pretending to be someone they’re not? Living as one wishes may bring unhappiness to many people other than oneself, but I will still walk the path I have chosen. Fortunately, if I do get carried away, I have friends who will set me straight!” [Youki]
Though it turned into a somewhat lengthy speech, I said what I needed to say. Soleil narrowed his eyes and furrowed his brow, probably in deep thought, but that was not my concern. As I struck a final dramatic pose, I leaped away and ran across the rooftops, returning to Raven.
“Magic Knight of Black Lightning, reporting in!” [Youki]
“…You’re late. Did something happen?” [Raven]
“You needn’t worry. It’s just… I couldn’t avoid it, I couldn’t suppress myself, that’s all.” [Youki]
“I see… I’m not sure I understand, but let’s end the lunch break and start our afternoon patrol.” [Raven]
“Yeah. I can hear it – the voices of those who need me! Let’s go, Raven!” [Youki]
“Duke said something about needing to think about the aftercare when we return, or it could be dangerous. Well, I don’t think we need to worry about that.” [Raven]
During the afternoon patrol, we encountered and resolved several minor disturbances. Sometimes, people would pick a fight, but rather than settling it with fists, Magic Knight of Black Lightning would negotiate peacefully. Even when the other party was intoxicated or too heated to listen, I managed to persist in a unique way that only Magic Knight of Black Lightning could manage and led them to a resolution.
Finally, the patrol ended successfully. Raven invited me to dinner, so I shifted from Magic Knight of Black Lightning back to Youki. But then…
“This… this is what Duke was talking about?” [Raven]
“Sorry, Raven. Just give me a moment… I just need a little time!” [Youki]
Raven’s kindness touched me deeply. I had gone overboard with my chuunibyou antics all over Minerva. How long would this last? Fortunately, I recovered quickly enough that evening, so I was able to join Raven for dinner.
RinkageTranslation 
Thank you!
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