Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage
Character page: Here
Chapter 149 – I tried saving the other chuunibyou
“The one I was saving… was myself?”
Could it be that he couldn’t understand what I said? Or was he just unwilling to accept it? He was clearly shaken, so much that it was apparent even with his face hidden in the helmet.
“Yes. What you were doing was nothing more than self-satisfaction.” [Youki]
“That can’t be true. In the first place, doesn’t everyone have some reason for helping others? You must have acted because there’s something in it for you too!”
“Hmph, I simply carry out my tasks swiftly and perfectly… that’s all!” [Youki]
“Don’t mess with me! If it’s just a job, then money is your goal, isn’t it?”
“Yes, that’s right.” [Youki]
“Wha-?”
He was at a loss for words, likely because I so casually admitted that my goal was money. He was overreacting. It wasn’t like I had said anything strange.
“I said I carry out my tasks swiftly and perfectly, didn’t I? Since I’m taking on jobs, I’m receiving compensation that matches them. But what you’re seeking is gratitude… and that’s not a form of compensation. That’s because…” [Youki]
“Gratitude is not something one should seek out for themselves.” [Cecilia]
Just as I was about to strike a cool pose and deliver the finishing line, Cecilia beat me to it.
Stealing the spotlight at the crucial moment… as expected of my partner.
The Steel Arms of Azure Flame remained silent, unable to argue. I cleared my throat once and continued the conversation.
“Hmph, as Cecily said, gratitude isn’t something you can seek. If you hadn’t been floundering, you would have received it naturally.” [Youki]
“That can’t be true. In reality, I was… constantly told that it was just expected of me…”
He clutched his head in agony, muttering to himself as he tried to deny reality. At that moment, Cecilia gently held his hands to reassure him. It made me slightly envious, but I decided to watch over them silently. This is who Cecilia is, in the end.
“It’s okay. Calm down. I’m sure there are people who were saved because of you. I don’t know you very well, but regardless of the reason, you were trying to help someone. There are definitely people who were saved by you, and they must have been grateful to you.” [Cecilia]
“Saved… by me?”
“By the way, I was saved by Cecily myself. You too can be saved by her, just like I was!” [Youki]
“Magic Swordsman-san, please… just be quiet.” [Cecilia]
I ended up getting scolded. But her face seemed a little red. Was she embarrassed by what I said? Or was she angry? Pushing it any further would risk angering her for real, so I decided to stay quiet.
“…Maybe I was overthinking things. I kept going with the flow until I didn’t know what I was doing anymore. I ended up focusing only on the negative aspects and didn’t see what was around me.”
“From now on, try to broaden your perspective, okay?” [Cecilia]
“…Thank you. As Magic Knight of Black Lightning had said, I have been saved by you.”
“That’s not true. It’s you who reflected on yourself, Steel Arms-san. I didn’t do anything…” [Cecilia]
She denied doing anything, but she undoubtedly gave him the push and led him to his answer. The title, ‘Guide of Compassion’, truly suited her. I could probably apply that title on her behalf at the guild. If I were to submit it to Clayman and spread the word, the name, ‘Guide of Compassion’, would become famous in no time.
“Hmm, this could turn into a grand plan.” [Youki]
“…I’ve been feeling your gaze for a while now. You’re plotting something, aren’t you? Your words just now confirmed it for me.” [Cecilia]
“What are you talking about? I was just silently watching over the situation as instructed. Anyway, now that everything’s been settled, how about we make our exit? We wouldn’t want to attract any more attention than we already have…” [Youki]
“…Huh?” [Cecilia]
“What!?”
I thought both of them – no, at least Cecilia – would have noticed by now. We started with a battle and ended with a peaceful resolution through conversation. And all of this took place on some rooftop in Minerva. With two people in eye-catching outfits and such a flashy fight, there was no way we wouldn’t have been noticed. The roof we were on… was a building, but it was already surrounded by onlookers and members of the knights’ order.
There was a tense atmosphere as if they could break in at any moment. Among the knights, there were some I had become acquainted with while working with Raven. It was probably thanks to those connections that we hadn’t been restrained yet. But it was perhaps only a matter of time.
“Looks like… we’ll have to comply obediently. We’ll just have to explain the situation.” [Youki]
If it’s Raven, they’ll listen to us, and we won’t be treated harshly. I’m not sure about Steel Arms of Azure Flame, who had caused all that commotion in Minerva, though. Actually, I’d like to be taken in so I can spread the word that Steel Arms of Azure Flame was reformed by the ‘Guide of Compassion’.
“Sorry, but I can’t go. I absolutely can’t let my identity be revealed. Contact with the knights’ order is too risky.”
“Hmm, so you have your reasons. Then at least take responsibility.” [Youki]
“And by that, you mean being detained by the knights and accepting the appropriate punishment, right?”
“Don’t worry… I have a good plan.” [Youki]
I ignored the nervous look on Cecilia’s face and proceeded to explain the plan to Steel Arms of Azure Flame alone. He nodded in agreement, accepting the idea.
All right, all that’s left is to put it into action.
“Um, Magic Knight-san, aren’t you going to explain the plan to me?” [Cecilia]
“…Don’t worry, Cecily. Nothing bad will happen. You’ll just become a little more famous, that’s all.” [Youki]
“What are you planning!? I demand a full explanation!” [Cecilia]
“Sorry, but we’re out of time. Let’s go. Our operation named, ‘Compassion’, will be starting… now!” [Youki]
Some people might not agree with it, and there might be those who try to detain Steel Arms of Azure Flame forcibly. But, I want to ensure that no grudges remain between the residents of Minerva, the knights’ order, and the Steel Arms of Azure Flame. Everything depends on the Steel Arms of Azure Flame and the Guide of Compassion now…
Read the chapters at rinkagetranslation.com.
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“Yeah, it all wrapped up pretty neatly, didn’t it?” [Youki]
A few days after that uproar, I reflected on the operation while lunching with Duke.
“You think so? The knights’ order had a hell of a time, you know… You just left us with those cryptic words and then disappeared.” [Duke]
Duke grumbled, but I knew how tough it had been for him, so I treated him to lunch. Well, I also wanted to talk with Duke, so it worked out perfectly.
“Sorry, but he had his reasons. He didn’t want his identity revealed and all. I get it too because I’m…” [Youki]
“Ah, yes, yes. Let’s eat quietly, okay?” [Duke]
As always, Duke knew precisely how to handle me. The only ones who could entirely stop me were Cecilia and Duke. Well, maybe there are others too… I’m pretty weak, huh?
“Fine. I’ll put away the chuunibyou talk while we eat.” [Youki]
“You should probably keep it sealed away for good. But, uh, was that really okay?” [Duke]
“What do you mean?” [Youki]
I wondered what Duke was concerned about. Did I do something to make him worry? Even as I chewed my food, nothing came to mind even after I racked my brain.
“Don’t play dumb with me. You came up with that whole plan, right? Raven and I could only laugh after we listened to it.” [Duke]
“So you were there too, Duke?” [Youki]
“Yeah, I’m just another one of the masses, blending in with my full armour and helmet.” [Duke]
Seeing Duke sulking in such a weird way, I wasn’t sure what to say. Although, it was true that he blended in with the knights. When all the knights were together, I could only recognise him by his voice, smell, or mannerisms. It couldn’t be helped, though. The armour helped keep his head on.
“There, there. So, how’s the knights’ order doing? Any complaints about that guy?” [Youki]
“Well, of course there were complaints, but only a few. Mostly, it’s like, was there really no other way?” [Duke]
This was what happened at that time…
…
“I am Magic Knight of Black Lightning. The Steel Arms of Azure Flame, who had caused the disturbances in Minerva, has something to say. So please hear him out.” [Youki]
I would have stopped them if they had tried to capture him forcefully. My role was to support him. It was his responsibility to take care of his own mess.
“I can’t let my face be known, nor can I allow myself be captured. However, I realise that what I did only caused trouble for those around me, and for that, I’m truly sorry.” [Steel Arms of Azure Flame]
The Steel Arms of Azure Flame then bowed his head at a perfect angle in front of the crowd. Even with so many people there, the place fell silent momentarily.
“If there are any requests related to him, I would take them on. The fee would be lower, with the Steel Arms of Azure Flame covering the differences as a penalty. Also, the one who corrected the twisted heart of the Steel Arms of Azure Flame and led him towards redemption with a heart full of compassion… is my partner, the ‘Guide of Compassion’. Her kindness has saved even me, so you can trust that he is all right now.” [Youki]
…
“Was the part really necessary? By the time you finished saying that, Cecilia had grabbed you by the collar. Then you wrapped things up with a ‘farewell!’ and vanished with a blast of flame, didn’t you?” [Duke]
The dramatic exit had been coordinated with the Steel Arms of Azure Flame. I left the explosion to him while I used wind magic to spread the smoke created by the flames over a wide area. Then, I escaped as I carried Cecilia far away while Steel Arms of Azure Flame made his getaway.
“After I escaped, Cecilia gave me quite an earful.” [Youki]
“I can imagine without needing to hear it.” [Duke]
“It completely ruined our day together.” [Youki]
“You brought it on yourself, didn’t you?” [Duke]
Duke’s harsh words pierced straight through my heart. After the lecture, I thought of inviting her out for a meal, but the whole town of Minerva was in chaos, so there was no chance of that. With a heavy heart, I could only say, “Thanks for today”, before bidding her goodbye.
“…even after Cecilia spent the whole day with me.” [Youki]
“By the way, I heard from Raven that a guy has been visiting Cecilia recently. Are you okay with that, Captain? I hear he’s quite a catch. Happiness mentioned his looks, wealth, and future prospects.” [Duke]
“That gal!” [Youki]
Was she trying to say that I fall short in those three categories? What should I do the next time I see her? Maybe… tickle her until she can’t breathe? No, that’d be too risky especially since I would risk provoking Raven. His revenge would be terrifying.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go today? Wouldn’t you rather have tea with Cecilia than lunch with me?” [Duke]
RinkageTranslation 
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