Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage

Character page: Here

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Chapter 172 – I spent a relaxing time on the mountain with my girlfriend

“That was a good training.”  [Quinn]

“I’m exhausted~”  [Sheik]

“So hungry…”  [Fiora]

Their playful sparring – which was relatively high-level – ended, and it was time for lunch. Cecilia’s special bento and some baked goods I bought from the macho pastry chef were on the menu for our picnic.

However, as their fight was quite intense, all three of them were covered in dirt and bruises. Just as I was about to offer them treatment before we started our lunch, Sheik swiftly pulled out medicine from his backpack and began treating himself.

He’s well-prepared.

“Disinfect, apply medicine, wrap the bandage, and done. Food, food!”  [Sheik]

After the quick treatment, Sheik was the first to sit on the mat. But before he could start eating, someone else tried to catch his attention.

“I’m hungry, but you need to treat me first. Can you help, please?”  [Fiora]

“Yeah, sure~”  [Sheik]

Sheik responded casually and quickly took care of Fiora-chan’s treatment. He was never the one to hesitate when asked for help. Becoming friends fast with others was also one of his talents. After treatment, Fiora-chan settled beside Sheik, making it quite a heartwarming scene.

Meanwhile, I was treating Quinn-kun.

“Just now, I was thinking, Sheik-kun, you’re knowledgeable about pharmacology. So, you used to live in the mountains? It’s hard to believe you learned it by yourself. Maybe you had a teacher…”  [Quinn]

Quinn-kun started making speculations about Sheik again. Well, Sheik learned pharmacology on his own by reading the books at the Demon Lord castle, and I ended up being his test subject. I had lost count of the number of times I had been hit by the weird side effects of his medicine. As I recalled those bitter yet nostalgic days, I took a bite of the bento. Yep, delicious.

“Sheik and Fiora-chan seem to be getting closer…”  [Youki]

I had been observing them after the treatment, but the distance between them seemed to grow smaller for some reason. What happened? Sheik probably wouldn’t mind it, though, since he was already used to Tiel-chan. Besides, Fiora-chan’s quiet nature would give a good impression. Normally, Tiel-chan would only talk endlessly about her passionate story with Gai, so this would be a refreshing change.

“Fiora won’t stop once she’s interested in something. If she’s fascinated by medicinal herbs, she might be genuinely curious about Sheik-kun himself.”  [Quinn]

“You mean as a subject of observation?”  [Youki]

“Fiora acts on instinct, so I can’t say for sure. But she won’t leave until she’s satisfied. I wonder if Sheik-kun will be okay with that.”  [Quinn]

“Don’t worry, he’s used to that sort of thing.”  [Youki]

“Fufu, that’s true.”  [Cecilia]

Cecilia must have seen Sheik and Tiel-chan talking with each other many times as well.

Sheik will be fine. Cecilia and I can vouch for that.

“Well, I’ve also taken an interest in Sheik-kun in a way, so I’ll be sticking with them. In that way, I can manage the distance between those two.”  [Quinn]

“Hmm… I don’t think you need to overthink it. Since he doesn’t have many friends his age, it’s helpful if someone just gets along with him.”  [Youki]

“Is that so? I feel like Sheik-kun could easily make a lot of friends. As for me, I’d gladly become his friend if he becomes a good training partner.”  [Quinn]

I was very happy to hear that. It felt as if my son had made a good friend. However, while I felt glad, the person in question was planning something dubious right next to me.

“What is this herb used for?”  [Fiora]

“This one is for Captain~ Once I mix it, I’ll secretly give it to him.”  [Sheik]

“Hey, don’t plan an assassination right next to me. I can hear you, Sheik!”  [Youki]

“Don’t worry, the finished medicine will just make harmless blue smoke come out of your mouth for half a day~”  [Sheik]

“Don’t mess with me. What am I supposed to do during that time?”  [Youki]

I wished he would stop making trouble-causing medicines like that. Even if it was harmless, anything that would cause smoke would be strictly forbidden indoors. I’d just have to go outside and wait for the effect to disappear. Just thinking about dealing with it was a hassle.

On the side, Cecilia smiled as she watched the two of us bicker. When I asked her about it later, she said, “It’s peaceful, isn’t it?” I couldn’t help but agree with her.

Once we finished our bento, everyone went off to do their own thing. I relaxed while idly gazing at the scenery.

“Is something wrong, Youki-san?”  [Cecilia]

“Hmm, oh, Cecilia. Well, no. It’s just that, considering all the recent incidents, I was just thinking about how peaceful it is now.”  [Youki]

Someone got engaged, someone started dating, and someone confessed their feelings. It’s been nothing but happy events lately.

“That’s true. Happiness-chan confessed her feelings to Raven-san, and Hero-sama and Mikana’s marriage has also been decided…”  [Cecilia]

“Yeah. It feels like it’s been all good things recently. This isn’t some kind of omen for something happening, is it?”  [Youki]

“…When you put it that way, it makes me uneasy.”  [Cecilia]

“Why!?”  [Youki]

That stung a little, Cecilia. Unfortunately, I do have a track record.

When I made a prediction to my reflection in the mirror, it came true. It was probably just a coincidence, though. I hated it when my strange premonitions turned out to be correct. I wanted today to end peacefully, if possible, with casual flirting.

It’ll be fine to sit close enough for our shoulders to touch, right? We’re just sitting next to each other naturally, aren’t we?

“…Sheik-kun and the others went into the forest, didn’t they?”  [Cecilia]

“Yeah. It seemed the two of them were following Sheik.”  [Youki]

“Sheik-kun looked like he was having fun. He must be happy to have friends his own age.”  [Cecilia]

“Well, yeah. He’s been through many lonely times, so I’m relieved. I hope he values these connections.”  [Youki]

Cecilia seemed to be worried about Sheik as well. Although, considering her kindness, it was only natural.

That’s one thing I like about her. I wonder if it would sound creepy to say that to her.

“Youki-san. I’m happy to be here like this.”  [Cecilia]

“Eh!?”  [Youki]

Her sudden statement startled me, so I let out a weird noise. Did she mean being with me? Or was she referring to everyone going on a trip together?

Calm down, calm down, and take a deep breath. Hearing her say so makes me really happy. She doesn’t seem to be joking. If that’s the case, I need to respond sincerely, too.

“Um, ahem… I think I’m happier than you, Cecilia.”  [Youki]

“…”

Cecilia-san? Could you say something, please?

She seemed stunned into silence. Was what I said that strange? I just didn’t want to miss the opportunity to convey my emotions. However, my worry was short-lived as her frozen expression turned into a smile.

“Hehe, then let’s say I’m even happier than that. I won’t lose to you, Youki-san.”  [Cecilia]

“No, no, no, no. I’m definitely happier than you.”  [Youki]

“Is that so?”  [Cecilia]

She suddenly seemed deep in thought, then looked straight at me.

“…After you cooperated with the knights to quell the turmoil caused by the Steel Arms of Azure Flame as the Magic Knight of Black Lightning, you’ve become quite the topic of conversation in Minerva. You’ve also made a name for yourself in the guild. And as for our relationship… if everything were to go public, your fame would rise significantly.”  [Cecilia]

“Yeah, that’s true. What I did as Magic Knight of Black Lightning was pretty flashy. And if our relationship were exposed, that would definitely be the case.”  [Youki]

“While I feel reassured because it’s you, I also feel uneasy. Like, what if you suddenly disappear?”  [Cecilia]

If my true identity were revealed, I might have to go into hiding. That would cause a lot of trouble for the people around me. More importantly, Cecilia would likely be in the toughest position.

“If you disappear… that would be the same as running away. That would mean you lied to me. I’ll be angry if that happens.”  [Cecilia]

“…I’d really rather avoid that. I’d probably get lectured for hours if it came to that.”  [Youki]

“If you don’t want that, then you’re forbidden to disappear without notice… or, I might cry.”  [Cecilia]

She expressed her feelings as she wrapped both of her hands around mine.

Wait, wait, wait, wait, what’s going on here? What am I supposed to do!?

“This is how I feel.”  [Cecilia]

“…”

She got me. What would I do if I actually disappeared? Such a situation would probably not happen, but you’d never know what life had in store. I knew that in life, nothing was ever certain. Even so, her anxiety was real. It wouldn’t be cool if I were to remain silent. Above all, I needed to prove that my feelings were stronger.

Let’s show her the real me.

“Hmph, do you think I can disappear like that? My place is here. I have no intention of leaving Minerva. My castle, my troublesome former subordinates, and my first friends are also here… and I have someone I don’t want to let go of.”  [Youki]

I freed my hand and struck a pose for the first time. I would remain the same old Youki, as always. Cecilia only gave a slight smile – business as usual.

“It’s impossible for me to abandon this place on my own! However, if you’re that worried, I have no choice. I’ll show you my sincerity in my own way.”  [Youki]

I spun around pointlessly and stood in front of her. She probably had enough by this point, but the real show was just starting.

“If I ever go somewhere, I’ll tell you, and if you want to come along, I’ll take you with me.”  [Youki]

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