LIGHTNOVELWORLD Episode 62
Chapter 62
“――There have been things like that.”
“…Are you okay with that?”
Today marks the seventh day since the start of training with Edward, and it’s our first day of rest.
The training with Edward today wasn’t as intense as usual; after warming up, we each practiced our respective forms, and then had a light sparring session with Edward.
During the break, Edward asked me about my relationship with Alshade, probably just to pass the time. I confirmed with Vivian whether it was okay to talk about the events of that day and our daily life, but… I felt quite uncomfortable.
Edward, with an unusual twitch in his cheek, directed a worried look towards me.
“…? Ah, I did get beaten up pretty badly by Finbul, but as you can see, I’m perfectly fine. There are no holes in my stomach or anything.”
“No, I wasn’t talking about that. In the first place, the fact that you’re here, receiving my training, is proof of your well-being.”
“Well, that’s true… So, what are you getting at?”
I don’t recall discussing anything else that would be cause for concern besides getting beaten up by Finbul.
Maybe it’s related to training for avoiding honey traps?
“Rios, do you really not know?”
“Yes, is it about the decreasing self-esteem and shame I experienced during the honey trap training? I’ve been so exhausted lately that I don’t really pay much attention to it, so I’m fine.”
I think that, besides becoming stronger, developing resistance to such things is the next best thing about my training with Edward.
Honestly, I hope I can build up this kind of resistance naturally. What? There’s a possibility that it might get tough when I have more physical stamina? Well, I trust my future self to handle that.
“It’s just that you’re too inexperienced. Besides, if you want to build that kind of resistance, I know a good way.”
“Eh, what kind of method is that?”
Edward said something interesting with a confident look.
As expected of someone who’s much older and more experienced in life. It seems he has experience or knowledge in this area as well.
But what kind of method is he talking about? The only thing I can think of is achieving a state of mental calm through mental discipline, like reaching a state of Zen, but those things are often treated as secret techniques of mind and body in light novels, so it might take a while to master.
“Well, it’s a simple matter. Next time, I’ll take you to a place I recommend.”
“A place you recommend…?”
I understand the metaphor, but just to be sure, I ask. It would be rude to decline if it turns out to be something different from what I imagined.
I have a strong sense of foreboding since earlier, and Vivian, who was watching Edward with a very cold gaze, is approaching us with an unfriendly look on her face. I hope he gives me a different answer.
I hope he understands the intention behind my question…
“Why, it’s not what you think. I’m talking about the red-light district. When are you free? Today, maybe—oh, what’s with this chill!?”
“I apologize for interrupting your conversation. Edward-sama, please refrain from inviting Rios-sama to such places.”
“Why not? It would be reasonable to train with those who have expertise in such matters.”
I can feel the increasing discomfort, almost like a stray bullet, but the discomfort that Edward, the instigator, must be feeling should be even worse.
Despite that, is it really appropriate for him to flatly contradict Vivian’s advice or warning? I feel like if it were me, I’d nod immediately.
Otherwise, who knows what Alshade might do to me?
“I also have plans on my side. First of all, isn’t this kind of education outside of Edward-sama’s jurisdiction?”
“If you’re a teacher, you should guide your disciple in all aspects of life, I believe. Desire is one of the fundamental instincts of humans, and it’s not a bad idea to know how to satisfy it early. Moreover, experiencing it once can lead to psychological growth.”
“It’s not necessary, no matter what. This is Alshade-sama’s wish.”
The chills are getting worse, so I’d like Edward to give up soon.
Do I need to persuade him if he doesn’t?
Well, I’d probably just nod in agreement immediately.
Otherwise, I don’t know what Alshade might do to me.
“Well, young lady… Hmm, I suppose Orto would be a nuisance, so I’ll give up on this. Sorry, Rios.”
“No, I never had any intention of going.”
“Don’t lie. You were at least curious.”
“No, I wasn’t.”
I immediately refute Edward’s words and his smirking face.
I wish he wouldn’t try to involve me like this.
He’s really annoying.
Edward turned his face away, and I let out a sigh of relief.
Why am I so tense, even on a rest day?
I really feel like sighing.
“Rios-sama, you will never have any connection with such places in your life, and it’s not necessary. Please remember that.”
“I understand. I already said I have no intention of going.”
“I apologize. However, just to be sure.”
She emphasized the phrase “just to be sure” and then returned to her previous position.
“That chill earlier was something, huh?”
“…If you understand, then don’t drag me into this.”
“I can’t help it. I have a bit of pride too, and it’s a topic of conversation about you. It’s inevitable that you get involved.”
“Sigh…”
“If you sigh, your luck will run away.”
Whose fault is that?
I don’t expect my words to change his mind, but I can’t help sighing.
“So, what were we talking about?”
“You asked me about my relationship, and if the master was okay… that’s how the conversation started.”
“Oh, that’s right!”
Edward clapped his hands as if he had completely forgotten because of the earlier conversation. But I hope he doesn’t forget about that part.
“I meant to say that the young lady has extraordinary feelings directed towards you. And you’ve been talking about your daily life as if it were nothing.”
“I already knew that.”
Even if he tells me something I already know, it’s a bit anticlimactic.
I feel a strange mix of emotions, knowing that I felt that intense chill earlier because of this, and I don’t know how to express it.
Or rather, if he knew about this and was trying to take me to the red light district, he’s reckless to the point of being a hero.
“If you’ve realized the feelings she has for you, that’s fine. The problem is the latter part… A strangely naive kid like you casually talking about being hugged by that little missy or having the glasses-wearing one bathe you is strange, don’t you think?”
“Huh?… That’s… Yeah, it’s definitely strange. I mean, I couldn’t have said something like that so easily to my master before, even though it’s my master… So?”
The more I think about it, the more it bothers me.
At the very least, the me from that day when I first met Alshade should have given up on the idea of skinship.
It’s only been two weeks… What on earth happened to me?
“Well, maybe the standards for physical contact were raised due to the honeytrap training. As for the bath, it’s like you resigned and achieved enlightenment… In any case, your education is progressing smoothly. There’s no escaping it, and perhaps it would have been better not to realize it.”
“…You’re the one who made me realize it, right?”
“Heh, what are you talking about?”
Edward turned away in response to my point.
I feel like I used words that I shouldn’t have used against my master, but more than that, I want to punch the man in front of me.
“Sorry about that. I got carried away.”
“I’m going to hit you.”
“Sure, come at me! You better be ready to get your butt kicked!”
Edward apologized with an insincere look and a chuckle, clearly teasing me.
My patience had run out, and I charged at Edward with a wooden spear in hand—
“Phew, that’s enough. Well, if you ever become interested in the nightlife, just let me know. I’ll take you there.”
—Naturally, I lost consciousness after hearing those unnecessary words from Edward after getting thoroughly beaten up.
“Ah, you woke up. That’s good. By the way, Rio, you’re not interested in things like the red light district, right? You know, I’m here, so you shouldn’t be. If you were interested, it would be a big problem. You’d become a person without principles, and so I’d have to take responsibility and train you properly. I love you more than anyone else in the world, you know. Hey, Rio, are you—”
Ahh, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh…