NOVEL WEB Chapter 8: Temp, Re...?
“———So, it looks like I have to take on this request with Eresdia-Sama as a pair. That’s why I’m thinking, maybe we should come up with a little escape plan together?”
“As much as I hate to say it… you’re an idiot, aren’t you?”
“What a fool. There’s no way that’s going to work.”
“Your spirit is admirable! But sometimes in this world, there are things you just can’t do, no matter how hard you try!”
As I seriously suggested this with a straight face, the others started talking however they pleased.
Do these guys have no sense of empathy?
“Don’t give up from the start, guys! There’s got to be something… if we don’t figure this out, we’ll be marching straight to our deaths without being strong enough!”
The reason for this is that the request Eresdia-Sama and I have to take on… is to defeat some high-level monsters that were spotted in a territory of the Azbelt Kingdom.
Not just one or two, but multiple creatures. From what I’ve heard, they seem similar to wolves in behaviour.
…But I’ve never fought monsters before.
And now I’m supposed to fight coordinated, pack-hunting monsters like wolves? Isn’t this just an insanely unfair game for me?
I mean, that’s why I’m trying to run away, but these guys…!
“You heartless monsters! Devils! You’re not even human!”
“That’s harsh! If you’ve got such a big mouth, do you have some brilliant plan to escape from Instructor Lowe?”
“Nope!”
“I’m gonna kill you, you idiot!”
Just as Fei and I were about to start brawling…
“———You filthy commoner, did I just hear something unacceptable from you!?”
Suddenly, a blond-haired, red-eyed youth—probably one of my peers—shouted insults at us. Surrounding him were a few others with blond hair and blue eyes, looking like his entourage.
Uh… what’s going on?
Wait, seriously, what’s going on? Why am I suddenly being called a commoner?
Caught off guard by the out-of-nowhere insult, both Fei and I stopped our fight and stared blankly.
“You, commoner… Yes, I’m talking to you. Did you just say you’re going to pair up with Eresdia-Sama? Ha! It’s impossible for a lowly, brainless commoner like you to be paired with the beautiful Eresdia-Sama, don’t you think?”
“Who is this guy? This is our first time meeting and he’s being ridiculously rude.”
His sleek, middle-parted hair fluttered dramatically, and with his perfectly chiselled face, he put on a smug look while continuously spewing insults without any hint of restraint.
Honestly, I feel pretty sorry for myself that I’m getting trashed this badly when I haven’t even done anything.
By the way, Fei, who was fighting with me just moments ago, quickly hid behind Eresdia-Sama, the strongest among us. That’s so unfair, I wanted to do that too.
While I was feeling resentful toward Fei…
“Oh, it’s you…”
Eresdia-Sama, with a very displeased expression, stepped back.
The young man’s grin deepened, clearly pleased, and then he spoke with an infuriatingly soft tone that made me want to punch him.
“It’s been a while, Eresdia-Sama. I, Arnold Evans, have come to greet you. Come now, let’s partner up for the trial.”
Where did that sharp tongue he used with me go? He was talking to Eresdia-Sama in a ridiculously soft manner.
Eresdia-Sama frowned even more, but I saw a glimmer of hope in this situation.
…Wait, could I pawn this request off to him instead of running away?
Isn’t this, without a doubt, a golden opportunity sent to me by the gods?
This would be way easier than trying to escape.
With that thought in mind, my disdain for this snobby noble-looking guy disappeared in an instant.
After all, he’s my saviour here to rescue me.
———So…
“———What a brilliant idea, Arnold-Sama!”
“「「「!?!」」」”
Time to start the full-on flattery.
“Ze-Zero?”
“Wh-What are you saying…?”
“You… Wh-what’s with the sudden respect…?”
“No, I am simply deeply moved by your noble and sophisticated plan, Arnold-Sama. Indeed, it would be unthinkable for a mere commoner like me to pair with the great Eresdia-Sama. She deserves someone sharp, noble, and strong… like yourself, Arnold-Sama!”
As I heaped praise upon him with all my might, the young man called Arnold clearly grew pleased, and the negative feelings he had towards me rapidly diminished.
“Hahaha! For a commoner, you understand things well! Knowing your place, you are no longer a mere commoner, but one of the citizens who supports this kingdom! Hmm, even in this garbage heap full of lowly commoners, there are some who stand out!”
“Thank you for your most gracious words!”
I don’t really understand what he’s saying, but I’ll just play along.
It’s amusing how easily he falls for this.
But… Please stop looking at me like I’m trash.
Avoiding the disdainful, almost disgusted looks from Eresdia-Sama and the others, I quickly averted my gaze.
This is my defence mechanism, to avoid being sent to a death trap.
Besides, this guy Arnold must be from a high-ranking noble family, and since he can talk to Eresdia-Sama so casually, his title must be pretty high.
People with high titles tend to be naturally talented, so he probably won’t drag Eresdia-Sama down.
That means everything will be fine if I just pass this off to him.
As I desperately tried to justify my actions to myself…
“…Wait, Arnold-Sama.”
Eresdia-Sama suddenly spoke up, with a complicated expression on her face.
W-What’s this all of a sudden…?
Everything was going so smoothly, why are you ruining it now?
I frantically tried to figure out what she was planning.
But before I could make sense of it, Eresdia-Sama took a step forward and stood right beside me.
“…Sorry,Arnold-Sama. I… already belong to him…”
“「「「「!?!」」」」”
With that explosive statement, she intertwined her arm with mine and leaned into me.
Because of that, I could feel a soft, modest warmth against my arm… wait, what the heck are you doing?!
I widened my eyes in shock and looked at Eresdia-Sama, but she just shot me a victorious smile and gave me a sidelong glance, entwining our fingers in what could only be described as a lover’s hold.
“W-Wha-Wha-WHAT are you doing?! What exactly is the meaning of this?!”
“Hey, Zero… when did you two get so close…!?”
“Ooooh…”
Both Arnold, with his face reddening in rage and disbelief, and Fei, with tears of blood dripping as he ground his teeth, reacted fiercely. Even Zurg wore an expression of astonishment that I’d never seen before.
At that moment, time seemed to restart for me, and I tried to explain myself—
“Th-this is a mi—”
“———What’s the meaning of our relationship? Heh, that’s an interesting question, isn’t it? But isn’t it obvious? Though if you insist, I could explain…”
Eresdia-Sama, cutting me off, gave a sultry smile—far too mature for someone around 15 or 16—and delivered an even more devastating line.
“Every single night… We sweat together in physical exercise until morning. Surely that makes it clear?”
At that moment, time froze for everyone.
Not just Arnold-Sama and Fei, but even the onlookers and instructors who had gathered around were left speechless.
And in the midst of it all, I could only defend myself in my heart.
…Everyone, what Eresdia-Sama was talking about… is just hellish training…”