"What should we do now, Nessa?" Arthur sighed in exasperation as he massaged his forehead.
This was the first time he had seen Scáthach with that expression; without a doubt, she was truly angry this time.
This could have very serious consequences.
What if I shift the blame onto her…? Arthur thought, casting a furtive glance at Nessa.
However, Nessa noticed his look and smiled faintly. "Arthur, you're not thinking of putting the blame on me, are you?"
"N-No… how could I do that?" Arthur averted his gaze, smiling awkwardly.
"Let's make one thing very clear: you agreed to steal the dragon's blood when I suggested it earlier. If you say anything else, we're both screwed," Nessa said.
"It can't be that bad… At worst, I'll just get scolded." Arthur sounded noticeably less confident by the end.
He himself didn't really believe what he was saying.
"That's only because you've never seen Mom get angry," Nessa said seriously. "Once, when she was furious, Mom impaled a dragon on the city walls. Cú Chulainn was also severely punished by her for speaking rudely. Ever since then, he's never dared say the word 'old woman' in front of her again."
"I've seen Cú Chulainn say that in front of Master before, and nothing happened…" Arthur replied.
"That was only because you were there. She didn't want to resort to violence. Let me ask you something—who in the Land of Shadows would dare ask her age?"
Arthur: "…"
"So… that previous lesson from Master was actually very lenient…? I even mentioned it to her before, but she ended up just training me again after our usual session was over."
"You mentioned her age too?!" Nessa's expression darkened when she heard that. "Remember this—never bring it up again, or your punishment won't be as simple as just another training session."
"Yes, I understand." Arthur nodded solemnly.
"By the way, should we go see Master now?" he asked.
"Hm… let's wait a bit longer, until Mom calms down," Nessa thought for a moment before continuing. "How about you go first?"
Arthur frowned and looked at her with displeasure. "No way. Who's trying to screw over whom here?"
"I'll help you if anything happens," Nessa said solemnly. "I'll never let you be in danger."
"Really?" Arthur asked, still somewhat skeptical.
Nessa affectionately hugged Arthur's left arm and said softly, "When have I ever lied to you?"
Feeling her chest press against his arm and meeting her enchanting gaze, Arthur sighed and agreed. "Fine, I'll go."
"That's great! Thank you, Arthur—I love you!" Nessa beamed, kissing his cheek.
"If you didn't get me into so much trouble, maybe I'd believe you," Arthur teased.
---xXx---
In the main hall.
Arthur approached Scáthach and bowed slightly in respect. "Master."
Scáthach sat upon her throne, looking at Arthur as he stood before her. "I've already said you don't need to be so formal. Come closer."
Arthur was slightly surprised, then looked at Scáthach.
She was wearing a light lilac robe, with semi-transparent purple stockings covering her long, slender legs. Crossing her legs, she looked at Arthur with a faint smile, appearing quite friendly.
That's strange… Didn't Nessa say Master was angry? Why don't I see any sign of anger on her face? She's not only not angry—she's actually smiling.
Could she be happy because she knows we stole the dragon's essence?
While Arthur pondered these trivial thoughts, he slowly walked toward Scáthach.
"Sit wherever you like," Scáthach said calmly.
Arthur looked around, then sat down on the floor.
At that instant, he felt Scáthach's completely silent gaze upon him.
There was no other option—aside from the throne Scáthach was sitting on, there were no chairs. Since she wanted him to sit, he had no choice but to sit on the floor.
"Are you alright?" Scáthach asked.
"I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, Master," Arthur replied politely.
He had no idea what his master was thinking, so he could only answer what she asked.
Still, it was strange—why hadn't Scáthach asked where he had gone, or why he had been chased by the Black Dragon?
"I more or less know where you went, so don't look so surprised," Scáthach said calmly, as if she could see through Arthur's doubts.
"Did you obtain the Dragon Blood?"
Arthur nodded.
"Was it Nessa who persuaded you to go with her?" Scáthach asked.
Arthur hesitated for a moment, then calmly shook his head, recalling what the girl had just told him. "I told Nessa that my physical strength is still very weak and that I don't know when I'll be able to improve it to an acceptable level. After hearing that, she wanted to help me obtain the dragon's essence blood, so I suggested going with her."
"So this situation is your fault, then?" Scáthach asked again.
"Yes."
"Very well." Scáthach's smile faded slightly. "In truth, even if you hadn't explained, I already knew it must have been that girl who convinced you to go with her. But since you said it yourself, I'll believe your words."
"Come with me."
Scáthach stood up as she spoke.
"Where are we going?" Arthur asked instinctively.
"Training." Scáthach looked at him. "Since you want to take full responsibility, you should be properly prepared, shouldn't you?"
Arthur's body trembled slightly. At that moment, he remembered the fear of being beaten by Scáthach once again. However, he had already prepared himself mentally before coming, so he gritted his teeth and stood up.
"Very well."
With that, he left the main hall together with Scáthach.
Half an hour later.
"With this level of skill, you dare attempt to steal the Black Dragon's essential blood from its nest?" Scáthach stared at Arthur, who was gasping for breath.
Is it finally over…? Arthur's mind went completely blank.
"Are you tired?" Scáthach asked her disciple, crouching down.
Arthur nodded with difficulty, his forehead drenched in sweat.
"Do you still intend to venture alone into the Forest of Ordeals?" she asked next.
Arthur shook his head quickly. "I won't go until I'm strong enough to protect myself…"
Scáthach nodded slightly. "Then we'll continue."
"Thank you, Master!" Arthur said gratefully—but then something clicked in his mind, and he suddenly grew alarmed, wondering if he had misunderstood.
What did Master just say? Continue…?
"The extra training you just received was yours. The extra training you're about to receive now is Nessa's. Since you want to help her, you must prepare properly." Scáthach raised a finger and chanted some kind of spell.
It sounded like a song—warm and comforting.
Arthur felt his fatigue vanish as his energy returned significantly.
Scáthach stood up and tossed her spear in front of Arthur. "I've restored most of your strength. It should be enough for another training session. If it isn't, I'll help you again. Don't worry."
Is my master a demon?! Arthur looked at Scáthach and saw the pleasure in her crimson eyes, making him howl inwardly.
"Get up, Arthur! It's time for the second round of extra training!"
Hearing Scáthach's shout, Arthur clenched his teeth and tightened his grip on his spear.
"Let's continue!!" he roared as he charged toward Scáthach.
(End of the chapter)