Part 1 Noon (Weapon store)
Under the sun's embrace, Sakuya and I ventured into the weapon store, the air thick with anticipation. Rows of gleaming blades adorned the walls, each one a testament to the craftsmanship that had birthed them. Amidst the array, Sakuya's discerning gaze fell upon one, her voice a reflection of curiosity and consideration.
"What do you think of this?" Sakuya's words carried with them an air of suggestion, her finger gently tracing the outline of a finely-crafted sword.
My response was tinged with uncertainty, the weight of decision settling upon me. "I'm not sure. It may not be quite suited to me," I pondered aloud, my gaze lingering on the blade as if searching for an answer within its reflective surface.
It was a peculiar scene, reminiscent of trying on dresses during a shopping spree, yet here we stood, selecting a weapon instead of attire. I couldn't help but imagine how we appeared to the outside world—two students, perusing the weapons with a shared purpose.
Sakuya's next suggestion prompted action, her voice guiding my steps. "Try this one," she encouraged, the blade she presented carrying a heft that was both substantial and intriguing.
"This one is quite heavy," I observed, my grip tightening around the hilt as I lifted the blade. Its weight was a stark reminder of the strength required to wield such a weapon, a stark departure from the previous weapon's weightlessness. My eyes met Sakuya's as I playfully tested the sword's heft against her, the resulting *clank* echoing in the store.
A laugh bubbled from my lips, humor intermingling with the resonance of metal on metal. "Still, it can't cut you, Sakuya. Ahaha," I chuckled, the notion of injuring her as absurd as it was impossible.
Sakuya's response was a mixture of amusement and an acknowledgment of her own imperviousness. "That was quite funny. I don't recall ever being cut before. I've longed for that peculiar sensation," she confessed, a chuckle escaping her as she reminisced.
A twinkle of excitement danced in my eyes as I contemplated a dream that had taken root within me. "Perhaps one day, I'll come across a weapon so powerful that even you won't be immune," I declared, the aspiration vivid in my voice. The thought of besting Sakuya in combat was a thrilling prospect, a goal that fueled my determination.
Sakuya's response was one of encouragement, her words a subtle affirmation of my ambition. "Hmm, quite the dream you have there. I truly hope you get to experience it," she cheered, her hope for my success as palpable as her own calm assurance.
But our moment of camaraderie was abruptly interrupted by the shop owner's stern voice. "Hey, what are you doing, breaking the merchandise?" he admonished, his presence a stark reminder of the world beyond our aspirations.
The weight of my actions settled upon me, guilt and embarrassment intertwining. "I'm sorry! I'll pay for it," I apologized, my voice carrying a genuine sense of responsibility.
As my gaze shifted to Sakuya, a realization dawned—neither of us had money on hand. Panic flickered within me as I contemplated the consequences of our actions. How were we to rectify this situation? The thought of Blanc's reaction, if she were to find out, was enough to send a shiver down my spine.
A surprising turn of events unfolded as Lily's presence graced the scene. "Welcome, ladies," she greeted with a gentle smile, her appearance like a ray of hope.
"Lily?!" My voice held a mix of surprise and confusion as I stared at her, attempting to reconcile her presence with the situation at hand. "What are you doing here? I thought you were with Blanc," I questioned, the puzzle pieces slowly falling into place.
Lily's response was a reassurance, her voice calm and composed. "I am still with her. I merely wanted to handle the payment for your purchase," she explained, her words carrying the gentle assurance of support.
Gratitude welled within me as the shop owner's concern was laid to rest. "Thank you for your patronage," he offered, his tone a blend of gratitude and relief.
Turning my attention back to Sakuya, a sense of accomplishment washed over me. "Well, we have our sword now. It seems to have a good length," I remarked, satisfaction evident in my voice.
Sakuya's cautionary words, however, brought me back to reality. "Don't test it out on me, Tatiana. It's likely to break," she warned, her tone a mixture of practicality and gentle concern.
A surge of excitement bubbled within me, prompting me to inquire further. "You're right... But how are we supposed to test it out then?" I questioned, eager to explore the weapon's capabilities.
Sakuya's suggestion, offered with a playful glint in her eyes, signaled a new direction for our endeavor.
Part 2 Afternoon (Field near mountain)
The afternoon sun cast elongated shadows as Sakuya and I embarked on a quest of our own—a mission to confront the menacing creatures that had been wreaking havoc in the vicinity. My curiosity was piqued by the prospect of a "monster killing quest," and Sakuya's assurance only fueled my interest.
"Monster killing quest?" I echoed, a hint of excitement coloring my tone as the words left my lips.
Sakuya's response was a calm reassurance, her confidence unwavering. "Well, it's going to be an easy one. We'll handle it," her words held a quiet determination, a testament to her prowess.
My curiosity prompted another question, a desire to understand the nature of our adversaries. "What kind of monsters are we fighting?" I inquired, my voice carrying a mix of intrigue and anticipation.
Sakuya's guidance revealed the target of our quest—a threat that had been the subject of rumors. "There have been reports of spider monsters attacking in this area. That's where we'll find them," her words painted a vivid picture, a canvas of danger awaiting our intervention.
As I faced the challenge ahead, uncertainty clouded my thoughts. "What should I do?" My question was tinged with a mixture of anxiety and determination, a recognition of my role in the upcoming confrontation.
Sakuya's response was simple, a reflection of the training we had undertaken. "...Just do what we practiced earlier," her words held a note of hesitation, as if she was aware of the weight of our preparations.
An epiphany struck me, a realization that my newfound knowledge held practical application. "Ah! You're right," I exclaimed, a sense of clarity dawning within me.
The abrupt appearance of the spider monsters interrupted our conversation, their surprise mirroring my own. "***!!" their startled cries reverberated through the air, a testament to their shock at our sudden appearance.
With resolve in my heart, I faced the creatures before me, my sword slashing through the air as I engaged in combat. "Please forgive me!" My words were a mixture of apology and determination, my movements fluid as I swung the blade.
*Swing swing swing*
Sakuya's presence beside me was a comforting assurance, her steady presence a reminder that we were in this together. "Be careful, Tatiana. There are more of them," her warning carried a casual tone, a testament to her unflappable composure.
As I engaged in battle, I couldn't help but observe the scene—the two of us, side by side, facing off against a wall of spider monsters. The thought crossed my mind that our actions could be mistaken for a date, an amusing juxtaposition of danger and camaraderie.
With each strike, the spider monsters met their demise, their forms transforming into glittering stones. "Oh, Sakuya, they've turned into such pretty stones," my words held a note of excitement, a sense of accomplishment warming my heart.
Sakuya's caution, however, reminded me that the battle was far from over. "Be careful, Tatiana. There are more of them," her reminder held a sense of vigilance, a signal that our mission was far from complete.
A glance over my shoulder revealed a looming threat, a horde of spider monsters advancing upon us. Drawing upon the training Sakuya had imparted, I knew that I had to act quickly.
Determination surged within me as I summoned all of my focus and skill. "I'll do my best, ahh!" My voice carried a heightened intensity, my movements becoming more focused and precise.
In the midst of the battle, a realization struck me—the scene unfolding before us was not just about combat, but also about the bond Sakuya and I shared. We were a team, facing challenges together and celebrating victories side by side.
As the last of the spider monsters fell, I waved to Sakuya with a sense of triumph. "That should be all of them, right Sakuya?" My voice carried a note of victory, a triumphant feeling coursing through my veins.
Sakuya's smile was a testament to our success, her approval evident in her expression. "That's great, Tatiana," her words were filled with congratulation, a shared sense of achievement binding us together.
Yet, as we reveled in our accomplishment, a new threat emerged—an unexpected adversary that caught me off guard. "Oh, there's another one here!" My voice was a mix of surprise and determination, my attention turning to a mouse-like creature.
Confident in my abilities, I moved to take care of the creature with a swift thrust of my sword. "I guess a simple stab should do the trick," my words were laced with certainty, a readiness to face the challenge.
*Stab*
However, the outcome was not what I had anticipated. A gasp escaped my lips as shock and realization washed over me. "ACK!!" My voice was a mix of surprise and distress, my eyes widening in disbelief.
Blood—red and vivid—stained the ground beneath me, a shocking revelation that left me reeling. "What is this? There's blood? This is bad..." My thoughts raced, panic setting in as I grappled with the unexpected turn of events.
As the world around me spun, my body swayed, my balance faltering as I felt myself losing control. "Thump," the sound of my own fall reverberated in my ears, darkness encroaching upon my vision.
Sakuya's observation carried a hint of indifference, a shrug that conveyed a sense of detachment. "I guess it's still early for her," her words were laden with a hint of amusement.
Part 5 Night(Manor's Indoor)
The setting sun cast a warm glow over the grand manor, a haven of tranquility after the day's endeavors. Upon returning to the familiar surroundings, I found Blanc engaged in her usual responsibilities, diligently attending to paperwork and organizing matters of importance. Her efficiency was a testament to her dedication, a trait that both impressed and humbled me.
However, my return to the manor was not without its consequences. Lily, ever the stickler for propriety, expressed her dissatisfaction with my appearance. "You went out without changing your dress again, Tatiana?" Her scolding was laced with a touch of exasperation, a reminder of the etiquette expected of me.
Despite Lily's chiding, the night held promise and comfort. A hot bath awaited, a soothing balm for the fatigue that had settled into my muscles. In the company of Sakuya and Blanc, the bath became a shared experience—a chance to unwind, relax, and relish in the simple pleasures of camaraderie.
The atmosphere was serene as steam wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of our conversation and the gentle splashes of water. The camaraderie we shared transcended the boundaries of our individual roles, creating a sense of unity that was both comforting and genuine.
With the night deepening, a sense of tranquility settled over us. As if to crown the day's efforts, Lily stepped forward to offer a massage—a gesture of care and intimacy that spoke volumes of our unique bond. Her skilled hands worked their magic, kneading away the knots of tension that had accumulated over the course of the day. The sensation was nothing short of heavenly, a reminder that even amidst challenges, moments of respite and connection could be found.
-Chapter 32 End-