Chapter 134 - The Untouchable as Gentleness
The sprawling grounds, paved with stone and gravel, were reminiscent of a shrine or temple.
Nestled along the fence was a dojo-like, single-story building of considerable size. Beside it, what seemed to be a living space—a small, cozy house—stood as if leaning against it.
Most of the grounds were an open-air area paved with stone—or rather, it was likely an outdoor martial arts arena. White stones laid out in the center of the grounds formed a large circle, like a stage.
And so, at the residence of the [Sword Saint]…
I was led to the veranda of the overly atmospheric dojo, where I sat down and promptly froze, clutching the tea that she—Ui-san—had personally prepared for me, feeling completely overwhelmed.
"Is that so... Well then, I shall look forward to it again this year."
"I will do my utmost to avoid making a fool of myself."
Beside me, the gray and blonde swordsmen—a contrast of Japanese and Western styles—were engaged in pleasant conversation. They seemed to get along well... or rather, it looked more like Irori was being particularly considerate of Ui-san.
Respect? Adoration? In any case, it was clear even to me, a stranger to their relationship, just how much he cherished her.
She, in turn, seemed to be treating the [Sword Protector] with a corresponding level of courtesy... There was something about them, a unique bond that emanated from the two.
"Now then—hey, how long do you plan on staying frozen?"
Ah, damn it... I was doing such a good job of erasing my presence. Just give me a little more time to calm my nerves—
"Haru-kun—may I call you that?"
"Yes—!?"
Ugh, what a weird noise I just made! she called out to me from two seats over, past Irori, and I reflexively let out a shrill cry before sinking in shame. The person next to me shot me a look as if I were some strange exhibit, but right now, I didn't even have the composure to glare back.
"I was unable to come see the matches, but I hear you were quite spectacular. I'm aware of the matter, as I received the system notification as well."
It would be rude to keep looking away while she was talking to me.
What am I so nervous about? I tried to laugh at myself as I forced my gaze toward her—
"Congratulations on making it into the ranks. I may live in seclusion, but... as fellow members of the Ten Seats, I hope we can get along."
There was no fear of others, no tension, not a single sharp edge to her being.
Faced with that supremely gentle and soft smile,
"—..."
Oh, man... I'm sorry, I—I think this person... might be my kryptonite...!!
I can't help it, I've always been like this...! Women who embody purity, or are like a picture-perfect Yamato Nadeshiko—basically, in front of an incredibly calm, mature woman, I get inexplicably nervous for reasons I don't even understand...!!
I overreact to every little gesture, and my mind just endlessly cycles through stupid thoughts like, what if I do something to make that smile disappear...
"..................L-Likewise."
I had no idea what I was saying "likewise" to. In response to my words, Ui-san smiled happily—and that, too, was a fatal blow to me.
"............Hey. I know this is a long shot, but are you?"
"N-No... I know what you're thinking, but you're wrong."
My constant suspicious behavior must have finally made him wary. Irori lowered his voice and started to ask me something.
So... what? Maybe a little? I'll admit I have a tendency to like older women.
Irori must have suspected I was nervous because I was looking at her in that way—but he was wrong. I'm just genuinely bad at interacting with people like her.
"...?"
Still, I couldn't keep making a fool of myself forever. I lifted my head again and turned to face the [Sword Saint], who was tilting her head in concern at my strange behavior.
She's small—or maybe it's because she's small. Don't overthink the aura of a mature woman that's only further emphasized by her demeanor.
Just see her as the second-ranked player, a swordswoman in a league far above my own.
"—My apologies, I was a little nervous... Please excuse my disgraceful behavior."
Fortunately, I had a perfect model for how to act right beside me. Irori must have noticed me copying his demeanor, as he gave me a look of exasperation that only I could see.
"Allow me to reintroduce myself—I am Haru, the [Acrobat], recently appointed as the ninth-ranked member of Istia. I would be honored to receive your guidance and instruction, Lord [Sword Saint]..."
...Is that too stiff? Did I go too far?
I broke out in a cold sweat behind my poker face as words more suited for a business superior escaped my lips—
"How very polite of you... In that case, allow me to do the same."
With a soft chuckle, she straightened herself once more and faced me.
"I am Ui, the second-ranked member of Istia—the [Sword Saint]. It is I who hopes to learn a great deal from you, Lord [Acrobat]."
Just as I steeled my resolve, she performed a bow so perfect that I was once again captivated—
"..................I don't think this is a conversation you're supposed to have with someone sitting between you..."
The [Sword Protector], caught in the middle of our exchange, muttered under his breath.
◇◆◇◆◇
"I see... So, 'training,' is it?"
"Yes. More than anything, he is overwhelmingly lacking in experience."
The pleasantries were brief. As soon as he confirmed that I could act somewhat normally, the conversation shifted to the main topic.
With me chiming in from time to time, Irori took the lead in explaining the situation.
"His capabilities against enemies are unknown, but for now, we need to focus on his PvP experience for the upcoming war—which is precisely why there is no one more suitable than you."
In short, the plan was for her to train me... or so I gathered. Irori stated it without hesitation—and for the first time, I felt like Ui-san's expression clouded over ever so slightly.
"...Irori-kun, I am—"
"Master."
His voice, cutting her off, was stronger and carried a different weight than before.
"Look at me—I am the [Sword Protector] I am today because I learned from you."
"—............"
...An exchange I couldn't comprehend.
The only thing I knew was that I shouldn't interrupt right now.
"...You're right. I was fortunate to have you as a student."
After a small sigh, she regained her smile, and Irori's expression and tone softened in return.
"You're too kind. To be honest, I'm a little reluctant to give up the title of being your last student..."
Irori paused, then moved aside from the space between Ui-san and me, gesturing my way with his gaze.
"Please, take a look at him—he's an interesting one."
What kind of face was I supposed to make after an exchange like that?
I suppressed my confusion and put on a serious expression—
"............Very well."
Her gray eyes were fixed squarely on me.
"—I accept."