Chapter 69: Trust (2)
"We're running out of time, so let's grab a meal at the school cafeteria. Although I do wish we could celebrate our first-place victory at a restaurant."
"Everyone has plans, so let's save that meal for later."
"Ugh, fine."
Theo and Aisha stepped off the carriage.
"...Where are you two going?" Piel, who was near the stop, asked.
Theo remained silent.
Flustered, Aisha glanced back and forth between Theo and Piel before speaking up.
"We have a club meeting."
"...I see."
Piel didn't say anything further. She cast a quick, intense gaze at the two.
"Let's get moving, Aisha. You mentioned you're on a tight schedule."
"Ah, yes, yes!"
Theo briefly glanced at Piel and briskly walked past her.
After dinner, instead of heading to the club meeting, I made my way to the training field of the Hero Department.
I wasn't there for a workout.
Whooooosh─
I came to take a shower.
Couldn't stand feeling dirty.
Walking into the training grounds, I thought back to Aisha's words.
[Oh my, you're more meticulous than me, and I'm a girl. You, the great heir of the Waldeurk family... Anyway, I'll wait for you, so hurry up and freshen up!]
······ It's not like I enjoy this.
Ever since my conversation with Rok in the cabin, I've been uneasy.
"Huff."
The shower was refreshing, relieving some of my stamina.
After the shower, I changed into a fresh academy uniform I had packed and spritzed some cologne.
Aisha and I arrived at the café where today's tactical strategy club meeting was taking place.
The spacious area had a simple interior with minimal decorations. I had been here before.
The other club members had already gathered.
"Nice to meet you."
"We're late. Ah, I see the discussion hasn't kicked off yet. Sorry for holding things up."
"We can't start without you, Aisha. Andrew refused to share any details, so, Aisha, could you fill us in? Tell us the thrilling tale of how you guys captured the culprit of the magic dungeon incident!"
Ah, that explains why Andrew had a sour expression on his face.
'But he hasn't denied anything so far...'
Not only Andrew, but now the others were trapped in my grasp as well.
Finally, the hardships have come to an end, and happiness is just around the corner.
I should also enjoy some of the perks.
'Hehe.'
I chuckled inwardly and took a seat.
"Oh, as I mentioned before, that's a difficult story to share. I apologize, but... it's a secret."
Aisha, drenched in sweat, also found her place.
The tactical strategy club meeting ended swiftly.
"Ah, I can't talk about it. If you keep asking, I'll get upset."
"Yeah, let's not push it. There must be a reason."
Aisha and Andrew refrained from discussing the magic dungeon incident, causing the atmosphere to grow cold.
Moreover, since Aisha and my team secured first place in the 'Artifact Exploration' practical evaluation, many club members bombarded us with questions, but I didn't say much.
Of course, Aisha followed my lead and remained tight-lipped.
We simply attributed our success to luck.
If the topic of the stone tower were to come up, it could become problematic.
A nobleman's son from a prominent family dancing a ludicrous shamanic dance in front of the stone tower?
Ugh, just the thought of it makes me dizzy.
"Alright, let's conclude today's meeting here. I'll inform each of you individually about the venue for our next gathering. You all did a great job~"
The words of the future club president, Aisha.
"Uh-huh, everyone put in a lot of effort. But since it's been a while since we've all been together, why don't we chat a bit more, not just about tactics?"
One of the club members suggested.
"Hehe, I've been itching to have a conversation."
"I agree too~!"
The majority of the club members were in agreement.
There's no need for me to interrupt.
"I have something to take care of, so I'll head out first. Great job, everyone."
I stood up from my seat.
Aisha's eyes widened.
"Uh, where are you going?"
"I'm going to the training ground."
Today, I had been observing Noctar, Ralph, and Travis's techniques.
Their weapons were different from mine, but their moves were worth attempting to integrate into my own skill set.
"I'll come with you! I want to learn more about swords. I think I'm rather lacking when it comes to close combat... I've had the intention to learn, but today I've firmly decided. Is, is that alright?"
Aisha looked up at me, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Of course, it's alright.
With Aisha's [Weapon Master] trait, she'll learn quickly even without a strong foundation.
While a bow suits her more than a sword, proficiency with a sword could be a game changer, providing an edge in close combat encounters.
"Alright."
It will also benefit me.
Training with Aisha will be more efficient than facing off against magic dolls, and she'll need to keep improving in the future.
Becoming stronger won't hurt.
"But there won't be any breaks, and it'll be challenging."
"Ah, let's just go already. You underestimate me too much, don't you? I have two master-level traits."
Aisha grinned widely and was about to follow me when,
"Aisha, do you have a moment?"
Andrew intercepted her.
Andrew felt a pang in his heart.
'Aisha...'
Merely looking at her caused his chest to tighten.
Theo, Aisha.
They had arrived at the meeting together, albeit late, and throughout the discussion, Aisha's attention was solely on Theo.
Even when Theo's words lacked warmth, she would laugh continuously, lightly patting his shoulder as if he had said something incredibly funny.
Of course, Theo was a man deserving of such attention.
Setting aside the halo effect of being a Waldeurk, he was capable and generous.
That only made the pain sharper.
The feeling of defeat, man to man.
"Aisha, do you have a moment?"
"Huh...?"
"Hmm, I'll head to the training field first."
Clink, clink--
Theo departed from the café.
"Ah."
Aisha's expression soured.
It was the first time he had seen her wear such a face.
"Let's step outside for a moment."
Aisha and Andrew exited the café.
The chilly October wind whipped against them.
"What's the matter? I'm short on time, so make it quick."
With a gaze colder than the wind, Aisha stared at Andrew.
'Ah...'
Andrew felt his heart shatter into pieces.
Nevertheless, he had to ask.
"Aisha, what is... Theo to you?"
Andrew held onto hope.
He hoped it was nothing significant.
Better yet, don't answer at all.
"He is someone I will be with, for the rest of my life."
However, Aisha's response was the complete opposite of Andrew's hopes.
With a soulless expression, Andrew aimlessly roamed around the Hero Department.
'Aisha took my heart.'
It felt as if he could never truly love another person.
Aisha had torn his heart apart.
...Someone to spend a life with.
Aisha's expression was far too serious. There was never any chance at all.
"Uh, uh-huh."
Andrew wiped away his tears with the back of his hand as he wandered.
His broken heart had nowhere to go.
Then, a hot dog shop caught Andrew's attention.
He didn't usually indulge in them since they were essentially fatty with little nutritional value, but... today, he felt like having something to eat.
Andrew entered the hot dog shop.
"Welcome~"
A female employee greeted him.
With his head bowed, Andrew spoke.
"One hot dog... No sugar. My heart isn't that sweet."
"Hmm~ One hot dog. But it won't taste as good without the sugar."
The employee remarked, offering Andrew a smile.
"..."
Andrew found himself captivated.
If there was an angel that could make one forget all worldly woes, wouldn't it be the owner of that smile?
"Here's your hot dog~ As per your request, there's no sugar. But I'd recommend having it with sugar... I've tried everything on the menu."
The employee smiled once again.
"Uh..."
Only now did Andrew have the chance to study her face.
Compared to Aisha, she had plain features.
Yet there was a tender warmth in her eyes that offered him solace.
Thump─!
Andrew fumbled, dropping his hot dog.
"Oh."
"You seem to be having a tough time."
The employee spoke with a gentle smile.
"Just wait a moment, I'll make you a new one."
And she handed Andrew another hot dog.
"If you've been crying until your eyes are red, it must be something hard. I don't know what it is, but cheer up. Oh, and this one's on me, from my part-time pay. But let's keep it between us... It'll be our little secret."
Andrew hurriedly opened his mouth.
"May I... ask for your name?"
He stuttered nervously, his words stumbling out.
The employee still wore a warm smile.
"I'm Sally, a first-year in the Knight Department."
"I... I'm also a first-year. Andrew from the Hero Department."
"Ah, I see you're wearing the Hero Department uniform. Alright, Andrew. Make sure to visit often. Stay strong!"
With that, she smiled radiantly.
Her comforting smile washed away all his concerns and melancholy in a blink.
"I, thank you... Sally!"
His heart rekindled with a newfound flame.
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