Kensei 76.3

Chapter 76: Proving One's Strength
TL : Cnine
ED/PF :
R1[1-2], R2[3-5], R3[5.5- 7]

Part 5.5

　Then, when I looked at Meltya, she was frowning.

「... I see.」

「It seems I was a bit arrogant. I was harshly reminded of my limits. I couldn’t even manage to visually track Sheena’s sword's trail..」

　In the heavy silence that had settled, I returned to Meltya’s side.

　... I felt her sharp glare piercings my back.
　It felt as if a chill ran down my spine.

「Fret not, Shirayuki. Even I could not track that fellow’s blade with mine own eyes. Thou art not at fault.」

　Somehow, I’m being strangely overestimated.
　Unfortunately, there was nothing to be proud of. And I mustn’t be proud either.

　Boost Accel[Rising Acceleration]. This was a power granted to me by the goddess.
　It was not a power I gained on my own.

「I prithee forgive me, Sheena. It seems thou hast been burdened by Shirayuki’s selfishness.」

「It’s not really your place to apologise. I’ve gained a lot from sparring with her. If anything, I’m the one who should be grateful.」

　In fact, my gain was greater than loss.

　This power granted to me by the goddess was by no mean flawless.

　As long as it was used correctly, it could be wielded with minimal backlash. I’ve proven it could become a powerful trump card.

　Now, it’s just a matter of whether I could master it or not.

「Is that so? ’Tis a relief to hear thee say so.」

「I just stated the fact.」

　To hide the pain in my body after using my unique skill for a short time, I picked up the teacup and took a sip.
　Dammit, it was so fucking painful.
　I guess my body had yet to make a full recovery.

「…You all saw that, right? In this world, there are countless gifted individuals like Sheena who can be found in abundance. Now that you understand, break’s over. Pull yourselves together once again!」

「「「YES MA'AM!」」」

「Y-Yes...!」

　At Shirayuki’s sharp command, training resumed.

　I quietly watched their interraction while sipping from my cup.

　...Among the gazes I felt earlier, many of them were clearly did not have favourable impression toward me.
　It was strong enough to be called outright hostility.

　Well, that was only natural, but...
　It left me puzzled as of what to do.

===

「Would you be willing to teach me the language of this world as well along with Meltya-sama?」

　During lunch, Shirayuki suddenly moved her chair next to mine and, with an oddly formal posture, spoke.

　I was in the middle of savouring the boxed lunch Mia had prepared for me this morning, and I finished it in no time.

「Sure thing. Rather, did you never intend to learn it from the start?」

　I asked because I’d assumed everyone would be learning it.
　Thereupon, Shirayuki shook her head.

「Of course not. My intention is for you to become everyone’s instructor once Meltya-sama has mastered it to a certain extent.」

　Eh, this was the first time I heard about this.

「However, I’ve come to realise that won’t do. I have a nature that quickly writes off those I can’t communicate with... And at worst, I thought it would be enough to negotiate through force.」

　The use of force against those you couldn’t reason with.
　Hearing that, what came to mind was the Freedom Guild that had kidnapped Mia.
　They were the men I had cut down and killed.

「It's not exactly wrong, isn't it?」

「No, it won’t do. I’ve realised that must truly be the very worst, an absolute last resort. If we want to survive in this world, that is.」

　She had a serious expression.
　At the very least, it didn’t seem like she was joking.

「So, can I take it to mean you want to stick firmly to a policy of avoiding fights whenever possible?」

「Ah... I’m glad you catch on quickly.」

　...It seems losing to me has given her a lot to think about.

　Well, her deciding to stop trying to solve everything with force works out well for me too.
　If that was the case, it was more than welcome.

「And also... well. I’ve found myself personally interested in you. If possible, I’d like you to teach me directly, not just as an instructor... But as a friend. 」

　Eh?　
　Why was her cheeks suddenly turned rosy?

　She suddenly averted her gaze and fidgeted with her fingers... She seemed somewhat restless.

　... Eh?

　Come to think of it, I knew it seemed familiar... Mia used to make gestures like this quite often a few months ago, didn’t she?

「...Shirayuki. Come here for a moment.」

　Just as I was feeling a strange sense of déjà vu, Meltya suddenly stood up.

「Ah, yes.」

　Shirayuki quietly obeyed and followed after her.

　The two walked off together and stopped a short distance away, their backs turned to me.

「Hark, Shirayuki. I would fain think it not so… But hast thou begun?」

「Huh? By “begun,” you mean…? Ah. N-no… that’s not it. I already got through the last one just last month.」

「I see. Then what is it with that face? Are you aware of it? It’s not like you at all.」

「Y-yes... well. It's my first time, and like that... In such a way. I was handled as easily as twisting a baby’s arm, and to be honest, I...」

「Ah… I had surmised as much. Now, Shirayuki, thou dost ken well that Sheena is one of a foreign realm. Compose thyself, and keep thy wits. I know full well that thy White Wolf kin do favour the strong of the opposite sex, yet that one is forsworn thee. Thou dost understand, dost thou not?」

　What they were talking about?

　Oh well. This had nothing to do with me.

　But man, Mia really could do anything.

　I'll ask her to teach me the recipe of this soup once I returned.
　This soup was delicious.

「However, Meltya-sama… There might still be a chance I can bear a child. As proof, ever since that night, I’ve felt this aching tightness right here… In my chest!」

「What!? Th-th-thou blundering fool! What madness dost thou suddenly speak!? Come now, breathe deep! Take thy breath slowly and steady!! Compose thyself, I say!」

　I’ve had no idea what you’re talking about, but you need to calm down.

　You're way too loud.

「I’m a woman too. What’s so wrong with being drawn to someone strong?」

「Enough! Hold thy tongue! Wert thou not once a great hater of men!?」

「That’s not true! I just can’t accept men who are weaker than me, that’s all! But a man that strong is, well… Rather admirable, I suppose…」

「Argh, enough of this! Cease that blushing! Act not like some love-struck maid! Very well! I understand, I understand! But thou, go now, to the lake and cool thy head! Return not until the setting of the sun! Thou foolish knave!」

　Oh? They were back.
　Eh, what was happening?　
　Looks like Meltya was in quite a foul mood.

「... Huff.」

　With a heavy thud, Meltya dropped into her chair, buried her face in her hands, and let out a deep sigh.

「... Sheena.」

「And what is it?」

「I have a favor to ask. ’Tis selfish of me, I know… But… Pray, keep thy distance from Shirayuki.」

「Uhm? Yeah... Got it.」

　Seeing how truly serious she looked, I gave a silent nod without asking for a reason.

===

　Author Note: Originally, Shirayuki was conceived as a character who would have a much more hostile relationship and only cooperate out of mutual interest. However, a friend of mine who’s a furry happens to really like white-haired dog girls, so at their request, I changed her original concept.

　Given her appearance and manner of speech, she might come across as mature, but in reality, she’s actually quite childish.

　Imagine her with a high-pitched, cute-sounding voice as well.

　For reference, her appearance was kind of like that of a certain fox-themed idol, with slightly sharp eyes and an overall “kon-kon” fox girl vibe.

　She may be a bit of an airhead and totally head-over-heels for Meltya, but she’ll surely be a great help to Sheena in many ways.

　There are only a few episodes left depicting interactions in the village.