kscans

Chapter 134 - The Untouchable as Gentleness

The wide grounds, paved with stone and gravel, were reminiscent of a shrine or temple. Along the wall stood a single-story building, appropriately large and dojo-like in its appearance. Next to it, a smaller, cozier house was built, likely the living quarters.

Most of the grounds were open-air stone pavement—or rather, this was likely an outdoor martial arts hall. White stones laid in the center of the grounds formed a large circle, like a stage.

And now, at the residence of the [Sword Saint].

I was guided to the veranda of the overly atmospheric dojo, where I sat down. With a cup of tea personally prepared by her—Ui-san—in hand, I was frozen stiff with reverence.

"Is that so... Then I shall look forward to it again this year."

"I will do my utmost not to disgrace myself."

Beside me, the gray and blonde—the Eastern and Western—swordsmen were engaged in pleasant conversation. They seemed to get along well... or rather, it looked like Irori was particularly considerate of Ui-san.

Respect? Veneration? In any case, it was clear even to me, a stranger to their relationship, that he cherished her. She, in turn, seemed to be treating the [Sword Protector] with a corresponding level of courtesy... and their unique bond was palpable.

"Now then—hey, how long are you going to stay frozen?"

Ah, damn it... I was trying so hard to erase my presence. Couldn't you have given me a little more time to relax—

"Haru-kun—may I call you that?"

"Yes...!?"

Ugh, what a weird noise that was...!!

Addressed from two seats away, past Irori, I instinctively let out a strange yelp and mentally collapsed. The person next to me shot me a look as if I were some strange spectacle, but I didn't have the composure to glare back.

"I was unable to attend the match, but I heard you were very successful. I was aware of the system's notification, as I received it as well."

It would be rude to keep looking away while being spoken to. In an attempt to laugh at myself for being so nervous, I forced my gaze toward her—

"Congratulations on entering the ranks. I may be living in seclusion, but... as fellow members of the Ten Seats, I hope we can get along."

She offered a gentle smile, one completely devoid of fear, tension, or any sharp edges.

"Ah—..."

Um, uh... sorry, I—I think I might not be good with this person...!!

I can't help it, I've always been like this...! When I'm in front of an older sister type who's the embodiment of purity, or a picture-perfect Yamato Nadeshiko—basically, a really gentle adult woman? I get inexplicably nervous...!!

I overreact to every little thing, I start thinking stupid things like, what if I do something to make her sad...—

"............L-Likewise."

I didn't even know what I was saying "likewise" to. In response to my words, Ui-san smiled happily—which was another fatal blow for me.

"............Hey. I hope I'm wrong, but are you..."

"N-No... I know what you're thinking, but you're wrong."

My constant strange behavior must have made him suspicious. Irori lowered his voice and started to ask me something. Um... what? Maybe a little? I'll admit I have a tendency to like older women. So Irori probably suspected I was nervous because I was looking at her in that way—but this is different. I just can't interact with her properly.

"...?"

Still, I couldn't keep making a fool of myself forever. I raised my head again and faced 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—but her demeanor emphasizes her mature, womanly atmosphere. I have to stop focusing on that.

I need to see her as the second-ranked member, a swordsman in a league far above my own.

"—My apologies, I was a little nervous... I've shown you an unseemly side of myself."

Fortunately, I had a perfect example of how to act right beside me. Irori, probably sensing that I was copying his behavior, gave me an exasperated look 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, [Sword Saint]-dono..."

............I-Is that too stiff? Did I go too far?

As I broke out in a cold sweat behind my poker face at my own words, which sounded like something I'd say to a boss at work—

"My, how polite of you... In that case, I shall reintroduce myself as well."

With a soft, gentle smile, she straightened her posture once more and faced me.

"I am Ui, the second-ranked member of Istia—the [Sword Saint]. I, too, would be honored to learn a great deal from you, [Acrobat]-sama."

Just as I steeled myself for this, she performed a magnificent bow that left me utterly captivated again—

"............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 us, muttered under his breath.

◇◆◇◆◇

"I see... so that is why you need 'training.'"

"Yes. More than anything, he is overwhelmingly lacking in experience."

After the greetings were out of the way, and as soon as it was confirmed that I could behave somewhat normally, the conversation moved to the main topic. Irori took the lead in explaining, with me chiming in from time to time.

"His abilities against enemies are an unknown, but for now, we need to focus on PvP experience for the upcoming war—which is why there is no one more suitable for the task than you."

In conclusion, the idea was for her to train me... I suppose that was the plan. Irori stated it without hesitation—and for the first time, I felt like Ui-san's expression clouded over just a little.

"...Irori-kun, I am—"

"Sensei."

He cut her off, his voice carrying a strength that was slightly different from his previous tone.

"Look at me—it is because I learned from you that I am who I am today."

"—............"

...This was an exchange I couldn't understand. The only thing I knew was that I shouldn't interrupt right now.

"...You are right. I was fortunate to have you as a student."

She let out a small sigh and her smile returned. Seeing this, Irori's expression and tone softened as well.

"You are too kind. To be honest, I am a little reluctant... to give up the title of being your last student."

He paused, then moved aside from between me and Ui-san, gesturing toward me with his eyes.

"Please, take a look at him—he is an interesting one."

After an exchange like that, what kind of face was I supposed to make? I hid my confusion and turned a serious expression toward her—

"............Very well."

Her gray eyes were staring straight at me.

"—I accept."