HBWnovel Chapter 255: Secret Research (1)
Chapter 255: Secret Research (1)
Chapter 255: Secret Research (1)“Slow.”
“Ugh!”
“Slow.”
“Gah!”
“Slow.”
“Ugh!”
Morning. In a corner of the Butterfly Garden.
Isaac was continuing his training to keep up with Gerald's movements.
Gerald moved with footwork, striking Isaac with a wooden sword whenever he failed to keep up.
Although the wooden sword wasn't swung with full force. Intentionally stopping the use of [Basic Protection Magic], Isaac felt pure pain. This was Gerald's instruction for training.
It was a method of education meant to instill an obsession with quickly mastering the technique by inflicting physical pain.
It was a violent but effective method.
Isaac focused on the flow of mana running through his body. He was gradually getting a feel for it.
Meanwhile, on the rooftop of the academic building overlooking the corner of the butterfly garden.
Dorothy sat on the railing with her white cat familiar, Ella, watching Isaac and Gerald.
She had flown to meet Isaac but stopped at the top of the building upon seeing Gerald.
“That person, isn't he the Sword Saint? What is he doing with Isaac?”
[It looks like they're training for something.]
“Ugh, that must hurt...”
Dorothy was appalled seeing Isaac being struck with a wooden sword.
She then stroked her smooth chin, looking at Isaac as if examining him closely.
“But Isaac, his movements are really irregular. One moment he moves like a drunk person, and the next he's swift and sharp.”
[It looks like he's trying to learn something new.]
Dorothy's range for sensing mana was extensive. However, she couldn't sense any mana from either Isaac or Gerald.
Just when he swung his hand, moved half a step, or turned his body.
"Is he training to infuse only the necessary parts inside his body with mana for movement? That would increase his mobility, but..."
Dorothy grasped it instantly.
She had never imagined trying it nor felt the need to, but she felt she wouldn't be able to do it even if she tried.
Such a technique wasn't achievable with just high mana mastery.
"He’s doing something difficult."
[We'd just get in the way. What do you say, Dorothy?]
"Hmm."
Dorothy pondered for a moment.
Isaac is training hard. Soon, he’ll probably get hungry.
Alright, she decided.
"Shall we secretly bring him a snack?"
Dorothy’s thought process was very simple, but Ella didn’t realize it was that simple and tried to guess Dorothy’s true intention.
[Are you trying to warn them that he’s your man?]
Dorothy glared at Ella.
"Goodness, that's absurd... Do you really think that's the case? Is this cat constantly making people feel creepy?"
[Hmph, is that so?]
Ella laughed slyly.
***Someone secretly left a basket with sandwiches. Along with a note saying, “Isaac! Enjoy your meal!”
Judging by the poor handwriting, it was clear that Dorothy had left it.
Gerald gave me a suspicious look. It sent shivers down my spine.
“Who sent this?”
“This is...”
“I'll ask again. Which 'woman' sent this?”
The interrogation began naturally.
I didn’t know how to answer. It was like finding out there were other women when one was trying to entrust their daughter to their son-in-law.
Since I wasn’t planning to mislead him and was hesitating, Gerald sighed.
“That’s enough.”
“Yes?”
“Considering your status, it’s not strange to have several women. I never thought you would only embrace Kaya.”
Surprisingly easy, huh?
Contrary to the rigid impression, he seemed to be accepting.
“Is that so...?”
“That's a strange reaction.”
Like she was handling a toy.
“I can’t help it, it’s because I have a lack of affection.”
Isn’t it a bit shameless to admit that?
...It didn’t matter. It was obvious she was lying anyway.
“Fine, keep touching them.”
“Really?”
“No... I mean, in moderation.”
“Oh, no.”
Kaya looked disappointed. If she lost her restraint, who knew what she might attempt.
Kaya still had her hair down, styled with half of it tied back. The golden earrings she wore peeked through her hair.
“You’ve changed your look a lot.”
“Oh, how is it?”
Kaya smiled, pleased that I noticed the change.
Seeing her up close felt different. She always wore her hair in twin tails, so it was even more striking. I’d say she looked more innocent than usual.
Of course, I wasn’t the only one changing.
Everyone was steadily growing, and those traces were naturally reflected in their appearance.
“You feel more mature...? You don’t look completely young anymore.”
“Are you saying I look old...?”
“I meant it in a good way. Now you look more like a second-year senior. It suits you.”
Seeing Kaya’s shocked expression, I hurried to smooth things over.
Maybe I should change the subject.
“And don’t worry too much. It’s not like I don’t understand your father’s feelings. I’ve received a lot of help thanks to him. It’s rather fortunate we can meet like this.”
“...You’re really kind, Isaac.”
Kaya naturally leaned on my shoulder and hugged my arm tightly.
“...What are you doing?”
“Showing affection.”
It was so random.
It was so out of context and straightforward that I didn’t know how to respond.
Kaya rested her chin on my shoulder and looked at me closely with a sly smile.
“By the way, Isaac. I heard you called my father ‘Father-in-law.'”
Kaya tilted her head and asked playfully.
She was testing me.
“Do you like me that much?”
“It just turned out that way. Are you teasing me?”
Kaya looked lovingly into my eyes.
After a brief pause, Kaya spoke in a sincere voice.
“I like you. I missed you.”
“...I see.”
As always, Kaya expressed her feelings without hesitation.
***Late at night.
A carriage, escorted by Ice Knights, passed through the guard post and arrived at the Hegel Magic Tower.
Under the protection of the Ice Knights, a petite woman stepped out of the carriage. She used telekinesis to effortlessly lift a luggage bag as big as herself.
Her reddish-brown hair was tied to one side. It was Aria Lillias, the master of Hegel Magic Tower.
The Düpfendorf forces that escorted the carriage all saluted sharply toward the silver-blue-haired boy standing by the tree.
Aria’s calm gaze also turned towards the boy.
“Welcome, Teacher.”
“I didn’t expect you to come out to greet me yourself. What is it that you wanted to see me for?”
The silver-blue-haired boy, Isaac, approached Aria.
The height difference between the two was considerable, so Aria had to tilt her head back to the point of hurting her neck to look at Isaac.
“...Ah.”
Realizing his mistake, Isaac bent his knees to match Aria’s eye level.
Aria frowned.
“There’s no need to match eye levels.”
“Pardon?”
Aria snapped. Her short stature was a complex for her.
Isaac’s consideration unintentionally made Aria feel humiliated.