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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: EP.6 1-4. The Next-Door Brat and the Red Cat.
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After the battle ended, I started tending to my sword.
Swordsmanship is great and all. But without mana, the durability drain is no joke for me. The edge was already slightly chipped.
"Academy... Pure Love? Black Knight...? What's that?"
"It's like a guardian angel who protects love."
"Like what you did with me and Ariel? Manipulating things from the shadows?"
"That's not it."
It's a bit different. You can't just change someone's heart outright. That's how emotions work.
I checked the gleaming blade, then headed into the water to wash my helmet.
"You really pick the weirdest stuff to do."
"The librarian gig is tough work."
Is it that strange? No need to mention it doesn't come off, then.
A splashing noise made someone rub their eyes and sit up.
"Kainel...? Why aren't you sleeping?"
"...Ariel?"
"Give it your best shot. Mr. Kainel."
"Hey!! Licht!!"
"The night's deep. Think about what I said."
I gave the hero a light shove toward the mage.
Expecting some change.
There'd be a bit of blood scent, but that might actually help. Good luck.
"...? Is this blood? Are you hurt?!"
"Nah, just wolf blood. I took it down with Licht."
"Whoa. For real."
Ariel's eyes went wide at the black fur pelt.
Good flag there.
"...You did that to protect me...?"
"Yeah."
"I woke up to the wolf howls, but..."
"You hate being woken up while sleeping."
"Thanks, Kainel."
The hero's changed demeanor. Now even he'd deny they're just childhood friends. I quietly submerged into the water.
"You two are getting along with that knight now?"
"Yeah. He's not as bad as you said."
"Right?"
"Oh, right. Licht! How'd you know I'm the hero..."
I'm never telling. Would that create a story contradiction? Let's keep it our little secret. Thanks to the perk, I could hear clearly even underwater.
"...He's gone."
"Let's actually sleep now. I'm scared of bugs..."
"Got it. But I have something to say."
"What?"
"Sorry for saying harsh things until now."
"What?!"
"And you look really pretty today, Ariel."
Oh, that's bold. You've grown, hero. You can head down the mountain now!
"Good! I knew you weren't sincere anyway!"
"Thanks."
"Hehe... Kainel's cute when he's not honest~"
"Calling a guy cute isn't a compliment... Huh? Ariel?"
The two vanished into the tent, her leading him. The one who wasn't honest with her feelings must've learned something tonight.
"About time I can come out."
I surfaced, eyes just above water.
My body was heavy with moisture. Water droplets started dripping down.
"Guess I'll stand watch while drying off."
The night was deep. Plenty of time.
The childhood friends' love story felt like it was starting right here.
I tossed a few logs onto the dying fire.
Swinging my sword hundreds of times,
dawn broke.
I stomped out the campfire thoroughly, then slipped into the tent where Kainel and Ariel slept together.
In the midst of it, Kainel cracked an eye open and met my gaze. Wait, this guy's already awake?
"Time to get up, everyone."
Playing dumb, I nudged Kainel awake. Why's the hero up already? Right then, the blanket beside him rustled noisily.
Like a chick hatching, her face peeked out.
"Ugh... just a bit longer... Kainel..."
I confirmed Ariel sleeping while hugging him. So the habit of clinging to something in her sleep was real.
His childhood friend was throwing a sleepy tantrum. That's why. Didn't seem like they'd done anything in the night. I'd have heard.
'Save me... Licht...'
Kainel mouthed a plea for rescue.
Hang in there, Kainel. It's the route you chose. I didn't even hope for that line. You've gotta keep it up till the confession event.
The childhood friend's assault continued. Her arms wrapped around his waist, constricting like a snake.
As she burrowed into his arms, Kainel mustered his courage.
He gently brushed her bangs aside.
"Ariel, it's morning. Time to get up. Not going to the academy?"
"For real? We don't have to go?"
"As if."
"I wanna stay like this with you forever."
The two exchanged calm banter.
A stable morning greeting between lovers. Add some fresh toast and fried eggs, and it'd be perfect.
"Hehe... Good morning, Kainel."
"Good morning, Ariel. Sleep well?"
"Thanks to you."
They smiled at each other.
Morning sunlight filtered through the tent. Just looking at their faces screamed happiness, even drawing little laughs from each other.
A faint lavender scent lingered.
'And I'm witnessing all this.'
The so-called event CG.
The meticulously directed scene left my mouth slightly agape. Seeing it in reality hits harder. Better than the game.
"Licht. Thanks for yesterday."
"Glad to hear it."
Kainel greeted me warmly.
No trace of yesterday's attitude, just friendliness.
Guess he sorted out his feelings. No harem drift like this.
Not becoming a pillar before [Knight Heart].
I boarded the carriage. No need anymore, so I repacked the luggage.
Have a comfy ride, hero couple.
"Careful, Ariel. It's a bit high here."
"You didn't help yesterday."
"Looking again, it might be high for you."
"Tch, finally noticing? Dumb Kainel."
The blond hero escorted her attentively. Like a princess and prince. The anxiety of losing her to someone else runs deep.
'Good thing. Thought it'd fail since he's never dated.'
My advice worked well.
"At the academy, there'll be prettier girls than me, right?"
"Dunno. Probably not."
"Why?"
"Gotta say it myself?"
"Yeah. Why do you think that?"
"...Not saying it twice."
Now they know emotions bounce back even after clashing. Her bold side's ramping up. Hope it holds till the academy.
Tsunderes are unpredictable.
"When we get to the empire, I wanna hit a famous dessert shop!"
"You're paying, right?"
"Split it~ You can eat some too!"
"I've already got one on credit."
Candy talk? Bought it thinking of the Saintess, no big feels.
Your love business matters more. Derailing the Saintess route would be a headache. Sorting thoughts, the carriage stopped.
"We're here, Black Knight."
The coachman addressed me.
"Just Licht, a commoner. Feel free to speak casually, sir."
Because of the black helm? I tried correcting him.
We've been through being night watch together. Why so formal?
"The one who protected us all through the night deserves the title of knight."
"There were others."
"Didn't expect trouble waking up at night. Impressive skills."
Busted.
The coachman smiled kindly and spoke softly. Must've woken when I went to wash.
"The other was the hero, it seems. A swordsman matching him can't be ordinary."
"Keep that secret, please. It's trouble."
I whispered as I slipped a few silver coins into his pocket.
Can't reveal the hero yet. Cult weirdos would swarm.
...Already busted?
If not, no Shadow Wolf would've shown.
"Understood. But no money."
"Pardon?"
"Instead, may I ask your name?"
A refined tone from his shabby look.
Something off. If a trap, my head would've rolled. Probably someone notable.
"This old man feels he's met a noble soul."
His eyes pierced right through me.
Fame event?
"Licht."
"...A fine name. I'll remember it, Black Knight."
No loss. Events you see depend on it. Meant to pay hero's share too, but failed.
Worst case, leave the wolf pelt. Enough for hush money.
Sorry, Kainel. For your safety.
"Oh, we arrived? Licht?"
"Seems so. See the statue?"
Talk over, hero called out.
Carriage stopped ages ago; only now they noticed the empire. Reactions too slow. What were you focused on...? You're holding hands.
She looked thrilled even at his sudden approach. True soulmates, huh.
"Definitely empire-level. Different from the village, right, country bumpkin?"
"Yeah. Tomboy sheep."
"...You're in for it later."
The two walked ahead, looking truly happy. Kinda stings. Gotta bolt before they notice the carriage fare. Left the pelt secretly.
"Keep straight, you'll hit the fountain. Straight on to the academy. See you at tomorrow's entrance ceremony."
One day till ceremony. Didn't wanna be the buzzkill ruining their date.
"See ya, Licht."
"Helmet guy at the ceremony too!"
"Safe travels."
Weaving through the crowd, I overheard their voices fading. They do get loud in fights.
Next-door newlyweds arguing would suck.
"Helmet guy? What's that?"
"Nickname for that old dude!"
"Ariel. Licht's our age."
"Still, Helmet guy's cuter!"
Watching them, I suddenly felt they'd easily reach a relationship without me.
A near-certain hunch.
I checked into an inn alone.
Didn't wanna be the newbie yelling about being late with bread in mouth.
That's too cliché now.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Night deepened, moonlight softly spreading in a certain study. A knock sounded.
The intruder was the coachman who'd brought Licht's group to the empire.
Gone was the ragged look; now a neat butler in dignified attire, exuding refinement.
He entered to find a girl with snow-white hair like midwinter, reading a book.
"Reading tonight, Lady Pine?"
"..."
No reply. The butler offered a box from behind. Labeled [Granasia Empire Patisserie], a slice cake.
"Brought strawberry cake. Cute as always."
"...Thanks."
"Disguised as coachman, made contact with someone named Kainel."
"How was he?"
"Seemed like an apprentice, still very green."
The butler recalled yesterday's battle. The blond with the holy sword who didn't know monster traits.
"Weak."
"When will you break that habit of judging solely by strength? How many times must I say no one your age matches you..."
"No. Absolutely not."
The girl cut him off with firm conviction. The butler sighed at the familiar line,
and mentioned a memorized figure.
"Instead, saw someone intriguing. The Grand Swordmaster among the Ten Heroes—remember Drake, the Dragon Slayer?"
"...Dragon Slayer, Drake."
"Yes. You met as kids. Seems he's taken a disciple. The grip and swing style matched."
The Black Knight's swordsmanship was unique. Cutting shadows without aura—only one technique like that.
The butler replied confidently.
"...Strong?"
"Likely stronger than the hero."
"Why."
"He gave all the practical orders in the Shadow Wolf fight."
"Appearance."
"Black knight helmet. Quite unique. Might make a good friend at the academy tomorrow."
"Name."
"Licht, no family name."
The butler's lips curved faintly. Hope flickered that this could sway his charge.
Knowing a tricky monster's weakness meant real skill.
"I'll remember."
"Then this butler, Dijur, retires. Good night."
The study door closed, candle flame flickering.
Alone, the white-haired girl's head bore unmoving white wolf ears.
Her golden eyes dulled, empty like a wind-up doll's, expression unchanging as she silently read on.
Only the hush of turning pages and thick rose scent enveloped the girl.