Chapter 49 Morning of Hope

The eighth day of training.

When I open the window, a fresh morning breeze enters the room. The sunshine pouring in from the cloudless blue sky seems to be welcoming us warmly. Its a comfortable awakening, and strangely enough, the frustration that has been building up has been lifted. I must give thanks for the most refreshing morning ever.

On such a refreshing morning, I and Nell are sitting at the small table, where we drank a lot of wine yesterday, with our heads in our hands. The floor was littered with empty bottles of wine that I didnt know who had emptied them, and there were so many of them that it was a bit disconcerting. Good grief, who threw such things into Nell-samas room? If you confess now, the super gentle Nell-sama will forgive you, you know? Come on, be honest.

You see, how should I put it sorry, I dont remember at all.

Un, me too.

Yes, we are the culprits. We dont remember how long we continued to drink last night and when we went to bed. Well, expensive wine is not good. Since its easy to drink, it makes you drink more than you can handle. Still, I didnt have a hangover and my head was really refreshed after waking up. And I cant forget what I saw the moment I woke up refreshingly.

Haru didnt sleep with me yesterday. For better or worse, Nells room was locked. I dont think Haru would even try to break into this room on the second floor through the window. Or rather, shes unexpectedly a disciple with common sense, so she wouldnt do that. My~, Im glad. The worst case is for this situation being seen by Haru and Chinatsu, but it looks like we managed to avoid it. Only on that point, good job, yesterdays me.

But hey, yesterdays me. This is not good, this is not good, you know? You vowed with a strong will not to make the same mistake that happened in the past by not drinking again, right? How is that? I cant believe that you got drunk and did whatever you want to the point you lose your memory. Think about your age! You are old enough to not make such a mistake, arent you?

I-Im sorry. The truth is, Ive stopped drinking since then, and since its been a while, my limit is, err

No, Im at fault too. Im really sorry. I havent had that much fun in a long time. Well, you see Im sorry.

Yes, its entirely my fault. No matter how you put it, its ultimately my fault.

Yeah, thats right. I woke up to find myself naked in Nells bed. So did Nell! You can guess the rest. Dont put any more sin on me. Im reflecting on it!

Knock knock.

!?

I and the Strongest Knight-sama jumped when we heard the sound of the door being knocked. We should never let Haru and Chinatsu see us like this. Our honor as a master is on the stake.

Nell-sama, the breakfast is ready.

It seems it was a servant. Oi oi, even though we are now dressed, its bad if we are being found together here early in the morning. I made eye contact with Nell. I know, just shut up! She gave me a powerful gaze.

Okay. I will go to the dining room later after I changed my clothes. Please tell so to the people who have already gathered there.

Understood. Also, it seems that Deris-sama isnt in his room. Do you know where he is?

This servant cant see inside the room, right? We are not being found out, right? I made eye contact again. Nell was a little troubled, but then she glanced out the window.

I dont know. Maybe hes going for a morning walk? Im sure hell be back soon, so just prepare the breakfast.

The servant, perhaps convinced by Nells words, said a brief greeting and left.

Nice excuse.

Haa, it was bad for my heart

Anyway, we have to go for breakfast. They will suspect us if we are too late. Ill be back after loitering randomly.

I cast Flage magic on myself, optically camouflaging my body. This should make it hard to find visually. Now I just need to jump down from the second floor and escape like a ninja. Lets go for breakfast when I find the chance.

Ah, right, Nell.

What?

How about we start over again?

I-I will think about it.

After capturing the image of Nell, blushing while turning away, in my mind, I jumped out of the window.

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I managed to get through the breakfast with the perfect alibi and disguise of a morning walk. I thought that my heart would stop when Haru made an awfully surprised expression, Shish took a walk in the morning!?, but I did my best to change the subject by talking about todays expedition. Nell didnt talk much for some reason, so I also did my best covering for her. What an exhausting morning.

After finishing the breakfast and the preparation for the expedition, we all head to the meeting place. Outside the walls of the Castle Town Dianna, they said that they have a carriage waiting there.

Ah, everyone, over here!

As we approached our destination, Canon greeted us while waving his hand. Hearing Canons high-pitched voice, Muno rushed from the back, and Elder Daganov came out a little later.

Im very sorry, Nell-danch! Ive shown you such an unsightly figure, I

Eh? A-Ah its okay. I had a mock battle with Haruna after that, but she was stronger than I imagined. Even Daganov cant win against her.

S-Shes that strong Haruna-dono, Im sorry for being so rude yesterday! Deris-dono, Im sorry for the trouble Ive caused!

P-Please dont mind about it! I also apologize for defeating you in an instant!

Haru, thats not where you should apologize.

Well, you are a big deal, Muno-kun. You can stick to your will and make such a statement to that Nell. I hope you can learn from him, Canon.

Deris-san, please dont be ridiculous

Canon is right. I am not the kind of person to be recognized. I heard about you yesterday. Deris-dono once worked hard as an adventurer with Nell-danch, and you were companions who polished each others strengths. To my shame, I was thinking that you have a despicable thought. Ah, I want to kill yesterdays me! Im embarrassed!

Yeah, Im sorry. I also want to kill yesterdays me. Im sorry for being a despicable bastard. Nell, dont suddenly stay silent! Someone might suspect us if you dont show your usual merciless attitude!

Well, Muno. Deris-dono is troubled, so leave it at that. Danch, we are ready to go. Shall we leave now?

Y-Yeah, lets go.

?

Shish, Im looking forward to it!

Thanks for your help, Elder Daganov.

Thus, the carriage runs on the road, taking Nell, whos being eroded by maiden mode, Chinatsu, who begins to suspiciously think about it, and Haru, who is operating normally. At this point, I can only feel uneasy.