Chương 71: Chapter 60. Hidden Talent?

Sarah, Sharon and I arrived at the balcony to enjoy our lunch and we were greeted by Anna, Asha and Cynthia who were already waiting for us. Seems like they were all used to the schedule at this point. Sarah sat down on one side of the table and beckoned for me to join her. I ended up sitting with Sarah on my left and Cynthia on my right. Just like last night at dinner.

Lunch was pleasant, it seemed like whatever problems the sisters had, were worked out by now, as they both were enjoying each other's company while we all talked amongst ourselves. During the conversation, I asked a question I was mildly curious about to the people at the table." So, girls, what did you all do today after class?" Everyone was all smiles as they began to explain how they trained by themselves. Asha's day was the most concerning though.

She spoke about how she went through her forms and was practicing the motions, but she didn't mention anything about sparring, or her mana not being taken by the sword. I asked if we all were still going to spar today later like all of the last 2 months. Everyone was in agreement to do it. They all decided to get an early start and spar while I went and Meditated. Anna went with me to meditate; I asked if she wanted to spar instead, but she said she enjoyed the time she had to rest while I was Meditating.

After finishing up my Meditation, Anna and I proceeded to go to the training grounds. Anna was very conservative today. Seems she's still not comfortable with the Goddess watching us yet. We arrived at the training grounds to see Sarah and Sharon instructing Asha on her Swordsmanship. Cynthia was sitting on the grass a few paces away from them. I decided to join her, since I was still recovering my mana from my Meditation and earlier training session." Hey, Cynthia, mind if we join you?"

Cynthia was surprised to hear my voice; she jumped when I spoke to her. Once she saw it was Anna and me, she relaxed and smiled. I wonder if she will still be shy around new people? I mean, she's been pretty colorful in her emotions since we rescued Sarah. Granted, most of that was being angry at me for recklessness, but even still... During my silence, she answered my question even though I was concerned with pondering that thought in my mind." Sure! Why not?" We both sat down next to Cynthia.

I was sandwiched between them. I originally thought Anna would sit next to Cynthia, but instead, she wanted to sit next to me. I started a conversation with Cynthia by asking her what was going on. She replied to me with a bit of the same tone as Aqua had when she taught us." Basically, Asha isn't skilled enough with her sword to defend against us.

Because of that, Sarah and Sharon decided to spend their time teaching her Swordsmanship so she can be better prepared for the mana cost of the blade, as well as be ready for when we all actually fight the Hero Party."" I see. I was afraid of that happening. Hopefully she can improve a bit with the time we have left."" Why? Will you try to stop her from coming with us?"" No. I plan on bringing her. Her Skill with Magic make her a Valuable Member of the Team in my eyes."

Cynthia simply hummed at my words like she was just enlightened about something." You have quite a different tone compared to when we first wanted to fight." She brought up my different attitude that has developed since meeting everyone. The one regarding them fighting with me. I agreed with her, so I started to explain why." Well yeah, of course. I realized you're all quite capable Warriors in your own right. Heck, you guys beat the crap out of me during training daily.

If you'd ask if I'd rather have you with me or not though. I prefer you all being safe and sound instead of fighting the Hero Party because of my selfishness. But with that kidnapping, I started to see that my way, may not always be the right way. And maybe it's fine to accept your help. Heck if it wasn't for you snapping me out of that episode back when I killed those 2 guards, who knows what would've happened? Thank you again for that by the way, Cynthia. I really needed you in that moment."

Cynthia seemed surprised at my thanks. She started to blush at me. She began to respond, but was looking back and forth as she spoke." It makes it hard to tease you if you just agree and thank me, John. you're not being very fair." I cracked a smile at her. and started to speak." Well, all I can say is combat and speaking are 2 different Skills to have. But don't worry, I'm sure you'll get me eventually. I mean, I barely defended myself when you were lecturing me from before after all."

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. I must have hit a nerve, because Cynthia launched herself at me and spoke while staring a hole through me." Because you knew I was right! Seriously!? Don't ever do something like that again! If there is some kind of danger, work together with me instead of just sealing me away from it! You have no idea how scared I was when you ran at that man!" She began to complain to me at full speed.

I was reminded just how strongly she felt about the whole ordeal. Her eyes had some tears in the corner of them. Seems she really is remembering everything about that fight. Pat. Pat. Pat. I couldn't help but start to pet her head to try and calm her down as best I could." I'm sorry about that, Cynthia. However, I couldn't help myself, I was really worried about you being hurt. Even if you are a better Warrior than I am, you're younger than me and also a girl. But I did do wrong by you during that fight.

Next time, I'll rely on you as a Friend, I promise." At the petting and my words, Cynthia calmed down and stopped yelling at me. But now she started to squirm from my petting. Lift! GRIP! I lifted my hand thinking maybe it was unpleasant, as I lifted my hand it was grabbed. I looked and saw a pair of pink eyes staring at me along with a pout. I feel like I've seen this look before... As I was remembering a certain Fiancé, Cynthia spoke to me." Why'd you stop?"" I thought you didn't like it from your reaction.""

No, I didn't dislike it." Pat. The mood was beginning to get awkward. Cynthia was about to say something when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see a face that was smiling, but the purple eyes weren't." Just when did I say that you could pat my Sister's head, John?"" I just wanted to calm her down though." Sarah didn't seem to really care about the reason. When I was busy trying to figure out what to do, I saw the top of a head in my vision and a finger pointing at it.

At first, I was a little confused, but eventually I realized she wanted to be pet as well. Release. Pet. Pet. Pet... Not wanting to suffer her wrath, since I still don't think she was entirely joking about chaining me up. I asked Cynthia to let go of my hand, which she did with reluctance and I began to soothe Sarah as best I could. Before long, Sarah was laying down with her head in my lap as I pet her. At this point, everyone had gathered around us with disbelieving reactions to how Sarah was acting.

Sarah began to speak after getting her fill of my petting. Perhaps not wanting to fight a losing battle against Asha if she were to speak up about her behavior." Ahem! Cyn, while I understand the appeal, it is best not to get too lost in something while in public." Everyone just looked at her in disbelief as she began to act the part of an older sister." You're one to talk, Sarah." Sharon was the first to speak up. Sarah simply coughed and started to speak again."

We can all have a conversation about this at a later date. Until then, lets return to training." Following Sarah's lead, we all decided to just get on with our training. Asha was still struggling to get used to her sword. In time, hopefully she can figure it out. After training, we all went to the Dining Hall and were greeted by Warrick and Aqua who joined us today. It was always a surprise if they were going to join us because of the work they had to do.

I guess now that they have really put their noses to the grindstone, they've given themselves some leeway... Or at least I hoped they did... Warrick spoke as we all were sitting down." How was the day for you all?" We all looked at each other and I just started talking back." Nothing too crazy, we all did our own thing then met back up to spar after lunch. How was your day, Warrick?"" I see, seems everything will go well if you all continue to take your training seriously. My day way fine!

Aqua and I were able to nap for the first time in what feels like years." We all laughed at Warrick's expression while he spoke. He looked like he really accomplished something. And his eyes told me he was dead serious about the napping. Dinner was delicious as usual. After we finished, we all agreed to go and do our homework together on the balcony I have been using. We spent most of that night teaching Asha different things regarding Swordsmanship.

She asked me to show her how to use the Mana Blade Technique again, but Anna stopped her and whispered something in her ear that made her take pause and said to not mind her earlier request. After the training we all finished, I took a bath and made my way to my room. Anna decided to enter my room this time. After she closed the door behind us, she began to speak." John, would it be okay for you to pet me too?" I was a little surprised by her request, but I saw no reason to say no." Sure!" Pet. Pet. Pet...

Stroke... Pet... Before long we were sitting on my bed, and I was rubbing Anna's dark-green hair. She seemed to really like the sensation. Maybe I'm better at this whole thing than I thought I was? Anna was red like a tomato from my petting. But before long, she looked like she was immensely comfortable. After about 10 minutes of petting, Anna began to speak." I see why Sarah and Cynthia lost themselves in this." Since I didn't have much to add, I simply continued to pet her hair.

Before long, she asked if she could do what Sarah did earlier today. I said yes and like that, Anna was lying her head in my lap as I pet her. It was about 5 minutes after this, Sarah walked into my room. She did not look happy at seeing me and Anna. I simply beckoned her to come with my other hand and began to pet her as well. She began to speak to me." Don't think just because I let you pet me that it's a get out of jail free card!"

Her words would hold more weight if she didn't say that while beginning to lay on my bed and place her head on my free lap. And like this, time passed. Before long, it was time for them to leave. Sarah kissed and hugged me. Then Anna, perhaps not wanting to be outdone, hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. It was a nice day and night, and I slept well because of it.