kscans

Chapter 177 - Playful Teasing

“Master?”

“Yes, Haru-kun?”

“Don’t ‘yes’ me. Regarding the fact that you just unleashed a guaranteed-kill combo on me without a shred of hesitation, I would like an explanation.”

“I’m not quite sure what a ‘guaranteed-kill combo’ is… but for me, it was a battle I could not afford to lose for the first time in a while, so I suppose I got a bit carried out.”

How embarrassing, hee hee—my master smiled at me.

As for the loser (me), at the victor’s command, I was once again imprisoned on her lap on the usual veranda, and had finally reached the point where I could only give her a half-lidded glare without any reservation.

Ever since becoming her disciple, a certain quality of hers had begun to surface… and at this point, I was certain of it.

This person, she gets it—she knows.

She probably understands everything about what ‘others’ think of her, what parts of her they find charming.

That I was flustered by the calm, older woman vibe she had,

that I held my breath every time she smiled,

that my body temperature rose in a blush whenever she touched me,

that I was captivated by the gap between her usual self and when she held a sword,

that I always thought her being a doting granddaughter was a cheap shot,

and that—setting aside things like guilt and common sense—of course I had no complaints about being doted on so much as her disciple. She knew all of it, right down to the feelings I was trying to suppress in my heart.

And that’s why she wouldn’t back down, right?

Because she knew perfectly well that I could never truly reject her from the bottom of my heart.

And probably—because she was confident that she could protect my dignity.

“My master is too strong…”

It was true, in every sense of the word.

“Hee hee… You’re only just realizing that now?”

Not figuratively, but literally, she who basically has no openings, didn’t miss even my smallest whisper…

“After all—I am called the [Sword Saint].”

My invincible master maintained her smile, and this time… I finally raised the white flag from the bottom of my heart and closed my eyelids.

Whatever, let her do what she wants.

“Oh…?”

“My…”

“Ah…”

I thought ‘let her do what she wants,’ but really? Of all people, did the one who seems especially troublesome have to show up first???

“I see… so that’s how it is. I see… By the way, I’d like to ask one thing.”

“W-what is it…?”

“Vertically or horizontally, which do you prefer?”

“He’s asking which way he should slice me…!?”

As the Blonde Samurai standing beside us directed a gaze of absolute zero at me, I lost my chance to get up—no, that’s not right.

My head and shoulders are being held down, I’m physically restrained!!

“I’m sorry, Irori-kun. This is my own selfish request.”

And so, my suspicion that she was indirectly trying to have me assassinated turned out to be unfounded. My master, still holding her disciple captive, immediately came to my defense, and Irori blinked at her words—

“I see. Understood.”

…without a single reaction like that, he went from instant understanding to instant acceptance at lightning speed.

What is with your ‘Sword Saint Fanboy’ or rather, ‘Total Affirmation Samurai’ thing? What kind of backstory do you need to reach that level of devotion?

“Well, that aside… it’s almost time. Are you ready?”

“Ah… it’s that time already—Okay, no problem.”

A glance at the system clock in the corner of my vision confirmed that it was indeed almost time for our meeting.

Irori showing up here was just as planned; I had received a message from Goldow saying he would send someone when the time was right.

If that’s the case, then as much as I hate to leave—no, I should take this opportunity to get up………… up, get up…… getting up, get…—

“What are you doing!?”

“Hee hee… I’m sorry.”

To my master, who had been trying to obstruct me by pushing my shoulders down every time I tried to get up, I couldn’t help but let out a truly unrestrained retort.

She wasn’t usually one for such obvious pranks, so she must rarely have the opportunity to be on the receiving end of such a sharp comeback.

After a slight flinch and a jump of her shoulders in surprise—Ui-san elegantly covered her mouth and giggled with amusement.

…Th-th………………is woman, honestly…!!

“Hey, Irori…! This woman is dangerous…!! She has no limits, I’m telling you…!!”

“You’re right. In any case, I’m slicing you into pieces, so be prepared.”

“Bring it on, you bastard…! The corner of your mouth is twitching, you know!!”

Also, could you let me go already!

How long do I have to play the part of a fish flopping around on land!!