Chapter 136 - Innocence
"—I am so sorry..."
"No, no, no! Please don't worry about it...!"
The entire grounds were apparently a special safe area. I respawned on the spot without any penalty, only to be met by the sight of the [Sword Saint] bowing her head, looking somewhat ashamed.
I understood why she was apologizing... I mean, I certainly thought she'd be sizing me up at first, so to say I wasn't shocked by her ferocious, relentless assault would be a lie.
Then again, I had also gone into it with my own tension cranked up to the max from the start.
If anything, I was just embarrassed by my own lack of skill, getting beaten so helplessly... or rather, after getting so thoroughly and refreshingly thrashed, I was honestly more filled with admiration.
Seriously, isn't that insane? From start to finish, I was on a level where I couldn't even tell what was being done to me.
So that means players in this world can get that strong if they master it, right?
—Doesn't that just get you incredibly hyped?
"Haru-kun...?"
"—Ah, uh, no, really, please don't mind it. If anything, I'm just genuinely impressed... It was a great experience for me."
As I was trembling with excitement at the endless path of the strong, Ui-san, still holding her sheathed odachi, peered at me with a worried expression.
Determined not to let her expression cloud over any further, I quickly offered reassurances... She didn't dwell on it for long, replying with a simple, "Is that so?" and smiling in relief.
Hmm... —This person, too, has such a gap.
During the fight, she embodied an otherworldly strength, yet the moment she sheathes her sword, she has this fluffy smile... Goodness, this person is dangerous.
"It may sound like an excuse, but... I intended to just observe at first."
While I was lost in my own foolish thoughts, she began to speak hesitantly, her cheeks faintly tinged with red from embarrassment.
"I threw the first strike as a feint, just to see your reaction—"
"Oh... huh, wait, what? A feint?"
Well, I couldn't track a single thing with my eyes, so it's no wonder I didn't notice, but—seriously?
So what, does that mean I panicked and dodged so excessively that I threw my own arm into a strike that was never meant to hit?
"—..."
..................Oh god, that's so embarrassing!!!
"It's no excuse if you think I was underestimating you, but... after seeing such a splendid reaction, my curiosity got the better of me."
Splendid...? It wasn't splendid...!! It was just self-destruction...!!
"And when I tried a second strike, you managed to parry that as well."
I didn't parry it...!! It took off thirty percent of my HP right through the [An=ri Galta] I used as a shield...!!
"In the end, I got carried away and ended up chasing you—It's truly quite embarrassing."
............I see. So you got carried away, chased me down, and lopped off my head. I see.
Setting aside my own unspeakable incompetence for a moment... From her words just now, I understood perfectly.
—This woman is definitely the [Sword Protector]'s master.
..................And so.
"Haha... Well really, don't worry about it—so, what's with that look on your face?"
While offering support to the genuinely remorseful [Sword Saint], I shot a glance at Irori, who had been standing there silently with a sullen expression.
".................."
Hey, say something. What's that emotion?
"...Come to think of it, I made the same mistake with you too, didn't I, Irori-kun?"
Ui-san said, a hint of nostalgia coloring her lingering embarrassment.
He must not have intended to ignore his 'master's' words. With a complicated expression, he nodded, "Yes"—
"But I was only able to withstand a single strike."
—...Hoh hoh?
What's this? Are you sulking because I managed to weather two strikes?
Not that I really weathered them, but let's put that aside for now.
It's not that he lost to me, but that he lost when it came to something related to Ui-san, right? That's the nuance. Is that why you're sulking?
What are you, some kind of Sword Saint fanboy samurai?
"...Hey. If you don't wipe that smirk off your face right now, I'm going to mince you until you cry and beg for forgiveness."
"With that broken sword of yours?"
"Won't be a problem at all, junior (Ninth)."
Oh, you wanna go, tough guy? I still don't think I can win yet, but if you're up for it, I'm always ready—
"Heehee..."
""—...""
A soft, rolling laugh, like the gentle bounce of a traditional Japanese handball.
The two guys, who had abruptly stopped their bickering, glanced sideways—to see Ui-san, looking on with a delighted, warm smile.
"You've made a good friend, haven't you, Irori-kun?"
"...It's still more like we're partners in crime."
Hah, 'still,' huh?—A teasing retort came to mind, but in the face of such a tender, almost loving smile, I lost all desire to mess around.
I could only stand in awe of her overwhelming healing aura, which could instantly quell even the most pointless squabble between two guys—
"Heehee... Now then, Haru-kun."
"Ah, yes."
After thoroughly pacifying the flustered Irori with her gentleness, Ui-san turned to me, who had been watching them from the side.
"So, with that said—shall we begin the continuation?"
"Yes—... Yes? Wait, what?"
What?
"I may have acted unskillfully, but it will be fine this time. I will be sure to exercise self-control."
"No, um..."
"Thinking back, your reaction speed was truly wonderful. I'm very much looking forward to seeing what kind of movements you'll make when you use that speed on the offensive."
"Ui-san?"
"Irori-kun, you have plenty of time, don't you?"
"Of course. He's free for the rest of the day."
Irori smiled brightly. I have his word on it, he seemed to say.
I mean, I did say it, right? When he asked if I had plans later, I did say "No," didn't I?
"Um, actually, I'd really like to take a break soon."
"You're free? That's wonderful news."
You can hear me, right? Both of you can definitely hear me, right???
"Haru-kun."
"Y-Yes?"
As I stood there, bewildered by the Sword Saint's sudden playful streak, she herself beamed at me—with a smile so beatific it could rival a celestial maiden's.
"It's embarrassing to admit, but it's been a long time since my heart has pounded like this—Please, let's have a proper match, to our heart's content."
There was no way I could shake my head 'no' to her joyful request.
"..............................Yes."
And so, probably until Ui-san was satisfied...
My remaining schedule for the day was instantly filled with sparring against the strongest player in the East.