"Is this as far as it goes?"
Max relaxed his strength.
"Your movent was good. Now, there's nothing to criticize about the form itself. But form is just the surface. It's not enough. If you learn how to properly load the thread, then it can be considered complete."
Turk said.
"Is it far off?"
At Max's question, Turk shook his head with a faint smile.
"It's not far off. I can say that for sure."
The completion of Imperial Style 8. To others, it might seem like just mastering a basic sword technique, but its significance was special to both Turk and Max.
Especially Turk. His feelings were indescribable.But then… Suddenly, Turk's expression hardened.
"There seems to be a rat. I guess I'll have to catch it."
Whoosh!
He swiftly moved towards the window.
Thud!
He violently opened the window. And his gaze moved to check for the rat underneath.
"Uh, what…?!"
The father was surprised. The daughter bowed her head deeply.
***
"Ha ha, no, were you and my student from the sa academy? And in the sa grade? Well, this is sothing."
Although it was okay to speak informally to a fellow student, Turk remained polite. Having lived a life of deference to nobility, it would be awkward to suddenly speak down.
"I was surprised too, to think that the teacher's daughter was that Elaine."
I pretended not to know. Only her close friends knew about Elaine's father. It wasn't information that a guy like Max would know.
So I had to pretend.
"That Elaine? What do you an?"
Turk's voice rose. As expected, he was a doting father when it ca to his daughter.
"Well, she's quite a famous friend. That's what I an."
"Oh, is my daughter that famous?"
Stop it, man. Of course, I understand.
With such a wonderful daughter, it's natural to want to brag about her dozens of tis a day. I chuckled inwardly and told him what he wanted to hear.
"Of course. She's never missed being the top of the class. Everyone acknowledges her as the most outstanding talent in our grade. Of course, too."
"Ha ha ha, is that so."
Turk was pleased, even though he already knew. That's a father's heart. On the other hand, Elaine looked embarrassed to death.
A different kind of redness appeared on her cheeks than from the alcohol. Probably because it was in front of . I kindly decided to rescue her from the awkward situation.
"I have sothing to do, so I should leave first."
"Oh, that's a pity."
Turk looked genuinely disappointed.
It wasn't just because he couldn't hear more praise for his daughter. he probably hoped that his daughter and I, who he considered the de facto successor to Imperial Style 8, would beco closer friends.
But man, that's not it.
… What does your daughter think of ?
Elaine was still awkwardly avoiding my gaze. Just because she dislikes ?
That's not it.
If it were just that, such an awkward reaction wouldn't have occurred. Probably because she was mortified to have been caught secretly watching the duel.
And maybe…an interruption.
I pretended to straighten my disheveled clothes, and with my fingers, I dabbed so blood from a wound onto my palm and wrote sothing. Then I approached Elaine.
"See you next ti."
And with that, I briefly opened and closed my palm. It was a brief mont, but she surely saw the words written on it.
Her slight flinch confird it.
…Alright."
But outwardly, she didn't show any signs of being flustered. Probably because of her father.
"Then next ti, I'll co back stronger."
After leaving those final words with Turk, I left the place.
"Well, really, what a surprise. Who would have thought you two were classmates. I have so many questions…"
"Father."
"Hm?"
"I have dinner plans with a friend, so I'm short on ti. Sorry, but I have to go now."
"Oh, is that so?"
"Yes, I'll visit again next ti."
"Ah, okay. Enjoy your dinner."
Elaine hurried off without really listening to the farewell.
I treated my wounds with a potion in the carriage, waiting leisurely. Because I knew Elaine had to co. After a while. I saw her approaching with a complicated expression. I smirked.
The words written on my palm.
"You followed , didn't you? If you want to keep quiet, co out."
She had no choice but to co out. I hadn't noticed the tailing from the beginning. It was in the lower district that I beca certain. I felt the presence of soone following .
Uncharacteristically clumsy for her.
Probably because of the alcohol. Anyway, it worked out well. Thanks to that, I could also erase a mark from her.
"Welco, top student."
I greeted her with a smile.
"Stop hesitating and co in"
Elaine hesitated at my words but eventually climbed into the carriage. The luxurious custom made carriage was spacious enough for two. But Elaine sat as far away from as possible.
Naturally, I just chuckled.
"Good day, Miss Elaine, it's an honor to have you here."
Dolph quickly bowed in greeting. Having served the 'Max' for a long ti, he was quite familiar with the academy's affairs. It was impossible for him not to know a celebrity from the academy like Elaine.
"Thank you."
Even in such a situation, Elaine responded with a gentle voice. True to her nature, she was kind to everyone but .
"Where do you want to go?"
I asked.
"You're the one who called ."
Elaine's voice turned cold again. It was a natural response given my original sin. But today was different. I also had sothing against her now, so I could take the lead.
"So, can I decide as I please?"
"Do as you wish."
She seed resigned, probably thinking she had to follow my lead until this Stalking matter was resolved.
"Alright, let's get off than."
"Huh? You're getting off?"
At my words, Elaine's eyes widened in surprise. Getting on the carriage implied we were going sowhere.
But suddenly, I suggested getting off.
"What? We're getting off?"
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