Facing the tea placed in front of them, the two girls were stiff with tension.
While Kirin's tension was understandable, Einhart's character wasn't usually so tense... or maybe she was. She just appears cool on the outside, but she's actually a bit of a space cadet.
"Munch, munch."
"So, what brings you two here today?"
Sensing that the conversation wouldn't progress otherwise, Asuna, as the senior of the group, asked with a gentle voice. This level of adaptability for people she'd just met was truly impressive.
Next to me, Yo, who had just returned from her post-meal walk, was stuffing her face with the steamed buns we had for a snack. Our share was almost gone.
"N-No. I just happened to run into Todo-san. We didn't come together..."
Huh, so they each had a different reason for coming to my house? Come to think of it, didn't she want to talk about something the other day? It got lost in the shuffle because of the duel with Kirin.
"Um, well, my story isn't anything big, so, um, Stratos-san, please go ahead...?"
"My story is also trivial to others, so Todo-san, please go ahead?"
"No, no, Stratos-san..."
"Todo-san..."
"..."
"..."
Don't look at me.
I get that you don't want to talk first, that it's difficult for you to talk, but don't ask for help from me.
"Alright, how about Kirin goes first?"
"Eh?!"
"How about it?"
"Y-Yes! O-Okay then."
If they're asking for help, I can't do anything but push the conversation forward.
Kirin looked at us and bowed her head.
"Yozuki-senpai, Kasukabe-senpai, thank you very much for the other day!"
"Yeah. Has there been any violence since then?"
"It's okay. He's been holding back from raising his hand."
"That's good."
Hahaha, I guess it really had an effect. But it's surprising that Kirin's uncle has some pride.
The fact that she's okay with him "holding back from raising his hand" might mean Kirin and I have a warped sense of normalcy.
"...And?"
"Eh?"
"I mean, is that all?"
"Yes, that's all..."
"You're so serious, Kirin. You don't have to worry so much."
"No, I do! You two protected me, a stranger, from my uncle and even cared for me! I was truly happy!"
Yo, that's a nice sentiment, but...
"You need to be a little more serious. You're eating my share of the steamed buns!"
"Sorry, I couldn't help myself. There's a little bit left in the wrapper, so that's okay, right?"
I don't think I can forgive her for just a few crumbs.
"So, what about you, Einhart?"
I sighed and turned the conversation to Einhart, who had been listening silently.
I had Kirin speak first because I could predict her post-duel report, but I had no idea what Einhart would talk about. Well, 'no idea' is a lie. Maybe something about wanting to spar.
"Do you really not remember me?"
"...Have we met somewhere before?"
If we had, it would mean I was more than just oblivious. How could I have overlooked such a conspicuous girl?
"Yes. During the bank robbery a little over a month ago."
"Ah, that one?"
Is she talking about the bank robbery from my first emergency quest after coming to this world? That's understandable. It was my first incident, after all.
"And you, too, ma'am, we met during the bus jacking, didn't we?"
"I knew it! I thought I'd seen you before!"
The bus jacking was probably the Butei Killer incident. I was in a frenzy as Paradox then and didn't get very close to the bus, so that's understandable. It seems Asuna remembered her, though.
"So, you came to thank us for that time?"
"Yes, that too, but... I know it's rude to suddenly show up at your house, but would you please cross fists with me?"
Asuna, Kirin, and I froze at her sudden declaration. But the questions in our heads were different. For the two of them, it was the word "duel."
"You came all the way to my house because you want to fight me?!"
For me, it was "how much of a battle junkie am I?"
"N-No! I was actually going to ask you on the day you dueled with Todo-san! But..."
"Ahhh, I-I'm so sorry! It's my fault!"
"N-No way! Please, raise your head, Todo-san!"
Einhart flustered as Kirin stood up and bowed 90 degrees. She's not used to people like this. Or maybe it's weird to be used to them.
"So, why do you want to fight Sho-kun?"
"Sho doesn't fight without a reason."
Asuna and Yo calmed the situation. I don't know what Yo knows about me, but I have my doubts.
"...Right. First, let me tell you a little about myself."
Einhart's full name is Heidi Einhart Stratos Ingvaldt. She is a descendant of King Ingvaldt, who was known as the "Hao," or "Hegemon King," during the ancient Belka period of war.
In this world, events that happened in light novels and manga in my original world are mixed into this world's history in a way that makes sense.
The ancient Belka period is one of those. I'll omit the detailed story because it would turn into a history lesson.
"I'm not just a descendant of Hegemon King Ingvaldt. I'm a throwback, and I've inherited his eye color and... his memories."
Einhart traced the rims of her different-colored eyes and began to talk about herself.
----------
"Alright... and after that... is it that one?"
"Yeah, that's right."
Vivio, Corona, and Rio looked up at the book on the high shelf of the library. Vivio brought a ladder from inside the library.
Vivio, who had been dejected after losing easily in a sparring match against Einhart and then being hurt by Einhart's harsh words, was now fired up for a rematch.
The match was next weekend. She planned to train hard until then and put her all into it against Einhart.
That said, she didn't intend to practice martial arts in this place full of bookshelves, the library.
Today, she had come to research Einhart again, or more accurately, Einhart and her own ancestors.
"Be careful, Vivio!"
"Okay!"
She cheerfully replied to Rio and climbed the ladder to get the book. Getting it was the easy part.
"Ah...!"
She focused on the book as she climbed down and slipped her foot.
Even though the ladder wasn't very tall, falling headfirst could cause a serious injury.
Vivio instantly closed her eyes, but she felt as if she had fallen onto something soft, not the floor. When she opened her eyes, there was a girl. The girl's light-reflecting blonde hair had turned into a giant hand, preventing Vivio from hitting the floor.
The girl, Yami, didn't change her expression.
"Are you okay?"
"Eh... Ah, yes! Thank you!"
"..."
She transformed her hair back from the large hand and walked away without saying a word.
"Vivio! Are you okay?!"
"That was a surprise~"
"Ahaha, I messed up..."
"Geez, be careful from now on!"
What could have been a major accident turned into a funny story because it didn't happen.
They sat down at a table in the reading area and opened the book.
[The Age of Ancient Belka Kingdoms. It was an era of war aiming for the unification of heaven and earth. The 'Holy Princess' Olivie and the 'Hegemon King' Ingvaldt were kings who lived in that era. The relationship between these two kings is still not clear even in modern historical research.]
('Holy Princess' Olivie... the person I'm based on.)
Vivio wasn't a child born from her mother's womb. She was a clone created from the DNA of the 'Holy Princess' Olivie. There was a reason a clone of such a great person was created, but I'll skip that here.
(And 'Hegemon King' Ingvaldt is Einhart-san's ancestor, huh...)
Vivio sorted out what Nove had told her while apologizing for hiding it.
(According to Nove's story, King Ingvaldt and Princess Olivie were good friends... but because of the war, Princess Olivie died, and King Ingvaldt regretted it. Einhart-san has King Ingvaldt's memories, so...)
"...Does she not like me very much?"
"Huh? Did you say something, Vivio?"
"No, I didn't."
(Even so, if I go all out, I'm sure!!)
Vivio shook off her gloomy thoughts and turned the page.
----------
The tragic war experienced by the Hegemon King Ingvaldt. In Einhart, who was born with those memories, the ancient Belka war had not yet ended. She had to prove that the Hegemon King and the Hegemon King Style she created were stronger than any other king of Belka.
She had the vague goal of gaining the strength to avoid repeating the sorrow of not being able to protect what should be protected, and she challenged one famous strong person after another to a street fight.
"And I also challenged Nove-san to a match. The result wasn't a draw. I was dizzy from Nove-san's final attack and then collapsed... I woke up sleeping in Nove-san's older sister's house."
At this time, Einhart was caught because Nove had attached a tracker at the same time as her attack. It's a bit rude to say this, but Nove was many steps ahead. In the Vivid original, they were almost equal in a simple brawl.
"And you want to do the same with Sho-kun?"
"Yes. It's a promise with Nove-san, so I don't plan to challenge people to fights on the streets anymore."
"Then why are you so nervous?"
"W-Well, I'm visiting a man's house! A little bit of...!"
...Well, does that make sense? Einhart's purpose for me was to thank me for helping her twice and to request a match. The reason she came all the way to my house was because she had promised Nove that she would no longer act like a street fighter. The reason she was fidgeting was because she was visiting a man's house.
But there still seems to be something else.
"So, what do you say?"
"Huh? Ah, sure. After your match with Vivio-chan, though."
"...Yes."
When I mentioned Vivio's name, I could see her trying to erase her expression. She probably has a lot of emotions she can't show on the surface.
"Um... can I ask you a question?"
"Hmm? Go ahead."
I thought both of their business was over and they were about to leave when Kirin timidly asked.
"Yozuki-senpai, what kind of training do you do?"
"Night wrestling—no, it's nothing."
I hurriedly covered it up after Asuna glared at me. But unfortunately, it's not a lie. My most efficient training method is playing pro wrestling at night.
"Well, you see..."
I don't really do anything special. I've gotten this far with just the basic body movements from school training and my gacha weapons and abilities.
"You go running, don't you? Where do you run?"
Einhart seemed interested, too, glancing at me.
"More importantly, Senpai, you use swordsmanship! Where did you learn 'Renzuru'? Do you happen to know someone who's a disciple of the Todo-ryu!?"
Kirin became as talkative as a different person, but when she noticed everyone's eyes on her, her face turned red, and she cowered.
"S-Sorry. I..."
"You like swordsmanship, don't you?"
"Y-Yes!"
She answered with a face full of excitement, but it quickly turned sad.
"I can't do anything else besides swordsmanship."
"That's not..."
"It's fine. It's the truth. I'm not smart, I'm clumsy, stupid, and timid, and I can't even do housework properly. But when I'm holding a sword, I feel like I can be useful to someone. That's why I enjoy it and love it."
Her words conveyed a clear will. However, that will didn't seem to be based on what she believed to be right.
"And I have a wish that I have to, that I must, grant."
"And what is that?"
"To save my father."
Kirin's father is currently in prison. When Kirin was little, he was attacked by a random assailant and killed them in self-defense. It should have been ruled justifiable self-defense, but the fact that he was a member of the Todo family, a master of swordsmanship, backfired.
As a result, he is still living in prison.
This is a topic people don't usually talk about. Was it the atmosphere of the place, or was it because I naturally and immediately prompted her to continue, or does she trust us that much?
"So you listen to him for that reason?"
"My uncle is a very capable person. Unlike me, who is useless except for swords, he has money and connections. He told me that if I follow his instructions, he can get my father's crime erased. I could never have done that by myself. I'm grateful to my uncle."
"Even if he's using you to get ahead?"
If his actions were for Kirin's sake, he wouldn't be so harsh with her. It's more like a business relationship than a relationship between an uncle and his niece.
"He's showing me the way to grant my wish. In return, he gets the appropriate benefits. So, it's a fair trade."
"...I don't think you'd call that a trade," I said.
Kirin finished speaking in a resigned tone and lowered her face.
They both said their stories weren't anything special, so can they please not spill all their burdens at once? I have my limits when they all come at me at the same time.
It was Asuna who broke the heavy silence.
"Come to think of it, Sho-kun, you were saying you didn't have a training partner, right?"
"Huh?"
----------
Morning. A time when the temperature wasn't very high yet. I woke up an hour earlier than usual, put on my training clothes, and reached for the front door.
Some girls are still sleeping, so I moved quietly. Seen off by Asuna, another person and I started walking on the sidewalk.
I think you already know, but Asuna was the one who came up with this. She said, a little too obviously, "I wonder if there's anyone who can be Sho-kun's training partner~." You know the rest, right?
Kirin immediately bit, and then Einhart, and just like that, early morning training was planned. This means my sleep time is being cut short.
"Yo, you're coming too?"
"Yeah. To ○○ Park, right? My friend is an early riser, so I'm going to meet her."
"Your friend isn't human, is she...?"
"No. The bird I met yesterday."
She made a friend during her walk right away.
"Hmm? What's wrong?"
"Oh... I was just thinking that Yo seems to be doing well here."
"I'll be fine. Everyone's so nice."
We made small talk as we headed to ○○ Park, where we were supposed to meet. There were already people there.
"Morning, Einhart."
"Good morning, Yozuki-san, Kasukabe-san."
Einhart gave a slight bow. She must have come early and was moving her body, as she had a light layer of sweat on her.
"I'm going to meet my friend now."
"Alright, have fun."
Yo disappeared into the bushes.
"..."
"..."
"Let's work hard together from today."
"Yes, I look forward to it."
It's hard when there's nothing to talk about.
"I'm sorry! I'm late!"
After waiting for a while, Kirin came running, out of breath. At the same time, Yo jumped out of the bushes. Are you a Pokémon? A wild Yo appeared.
"Sho! Get away!"
I hugged Kirin and Einhart and jumped backward. Using Dark Shadow like a spring, I leaped 10 meters in an instant.
I looked at the bushes where Yo had jumped out of.
"Huh, what is that?"
It had two feet on the ground. Its forelegs were atrophied and hung like ghosts, a fairly long tail, and a reptilian face with sharp teeth.
In a word, it was a small dinosaur-like creature. There were three of them lined up.
"Hold on, hold on. I thought your friend was a bird? This isn't Jurassic Park, you know?"
"I don't know. At least that one was a bird until yesterday."
"A bird until yesterday? What do you mean by that?"
Then, a certain possibility crossed my mind. It was a bird until yesterday, and now it has changed into a dinosaur. In other words, a creature has turned into a dinosaur.
"Scary Monsters...?!"
The moment I understood the enemy, I felt an unpleasant presence from all directions. We were completely surrounded by dinosaurs.
"They really won't let me rest. Do I have to prepare for another fight?"
"CHUMIIIIIIIIIN!!"
Responding to me, the Fang Tusk roared.
----------
(Those eyes)
Einhart completely forgot about the embarrassing situation of being held by Sho.
(They're different from anyone I've ever fought.)
She wanted to be strong. Einhart had been putting herself in battles with strong people for that reason, but recently, she felt like "something was different." She felt like she was just marking time and not moving forward.
It was then that Einhart met Sho. To be more accurate, one of them had a one-sided encounter.
She felt something in Sho that wasn't just physical strength. Something that couldn't be expressed in words.
(This person can take me to the 'next level'...!!)
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