NABC Chapter 239
Chapter 239
Special Training with Juma
I’ve arrived at the training grounds! I was so nervous the first time I came here. It was with Schlie-san, and we ate cream puffs... It wasn’t just about eating sweets! We did an important ritual so I could see spirits!
I still remember it. How moved I was when the world seemed to sparkle. From that day on, spirits became close to me, and Schlie-san became my mentor.
Dad, Gil-san, Kei-san, Juma-nii, so many people have taught me various things, but Schlie-san’s the only one I have a bond with that allows me to call them “master.” I think it has a lot to do with being the same race. Well, technically I’m a High Elf, but details, details.
“Oh, Meg! You’re here!”
“Juma-nii! I’m in your care!”
“Yeah, be prepared today!”
And so, today’s instructor is Juma-nii. You know, everyone was against it, having Juma-kun as my instructor. He can’t control his strength, and doesn’t really hold back even though it’s me, he gives orders without hesitation. Basically, his training method was considered too harsh for a little girl, and I wasn’t allowed to train with him for a while.@@@@
But actually... I wanted to be taught by Juma-nii. Because everyone else is too kind. They’re all so kind to me that they won’t let me do anything unreasonable, and they keep trying to make me take breaks, so it wasn’t really training.
Dad’s the one who’s the most balanced in his teaching. But he’s also the Don of Ortus. He’s busy, so he can’t train with me every day. It can’t be helped. I can’t be too selfish. ...But lately, I haven’t even seen his face, let alone trained with him, so I’m a little lonely. I’m not crying though!
“Okay, then let’s start with the warm-up.”
“Okay!”
So the instructors change daily, but I had them add Juma-nii a while back. It only happened because I begged Saura-san. She was reluctant until the very end.
And because of that, or maybe for some other reason, Juma-nii gets scolded relentlessly whenever I get even a small scratch. Even though he’s the “oni”! I feel bad, so I’m being extra careful.
“You should actually get hurt every now and then. Scars are a badge of honor, right?”
“I guess a little injury is fine, but it’s not a badge of honor!”
But Juma-nii himself never learns, even after being scolded, so it’s probably pointless to even worry about it!
We do a thorough warm-up, since it’s after lunch. We had a 30 minute break, so I think it’ll be fine, but Juma-nii’s training is intense. It’ll be rough if I don’t get my body used to it. However! His training is harsh, right from the warm-up.
“Come on, you can do better than that. 10 more!”
“Uwaaaah, this isn’t even a warm-up anymore!”
I’m starting to wonder if we’ve transitioned to actual training without me noticing. What’s going on? I was just doing stretches, and now I’m doing sit-ups? And even though my stamina’s improved, I’m still a child, so even if I try my best, my limit is 20. You musclehead!
“Are you serious? That’s only five push-ups!”
Juma-nii said this as he carried me out of the training grounds. I see, so that’s his intention with this training. Please forgive me for thinking it was just an extension of playtime, since you’re always getting so fired up when you’re targeting me, Juma-nii.
“But, conversely, it means that you’re done for if you even get hit once. You have a lot of barrier magic tools, so it’s unlikely your life will be in danger, but you shouldn’t rely on those too much. Depending on the location and opponent, magic tools don’t always react properly.”
I’m honestly surprised he was thinking that far ahead. No, seriously, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for thinking you were just bullying me! You’re so right I have nothing to refute!
I haven’t forgotten about that incident when I was teleported to the human continent, about twenty years ago. I was incredibly frustrated back then. I can’t count the number of times I thought... if only I was stronger.
“You can dodge attacks from weaklings now. You don’t have stamina or strength, but you’re incredibly agile. So be confident!”
Juma-nii’s saying this as he laughs, “Uhaha,” but I can’t believe it. Because I’m always losing. It’s only natural, since it’s Juma-nii I’m up against, but I won’t know how well I can actually fight unless I’m in a real battle.
But that’s right, Dad said I’d be allowed to do practical training soon. I need to brace myself, so I’m ready when that time comes! Slightly recovered in Juma-nii’s arms, I clenched my fists.
“Juma, you brought Meg back like this again...”
“Well, I can’t use magic.”
“There are many ways. Like wrapping her in a towel.”
When we arrived at the guild hall, I was transferred from Juma-nii to Schlie-san’s arms. Juma-nii was cheerfully laughing, unfazed by Schlie-san’s icy tone. As always, he has such a strong heart.
The moment I was embraced by Schlie-san, I was enveloped in a warm breeze. And thanks to that, my soaking wet clothes, even my underwear, were instantly dry. It felt as pleasant as basking in the sun, under gentle sunlight. As expected of Schlie-san. It’s probably a combination of his wind contract spirit, Nephry-chan, and the heat of a fire spirit.
“Schlie-san, thank you.”
“It’s nothing, Meg. But make sure to take a bath. I can’t warm you from the inside.”
“O-Okay...”
He’s cradling me so gently, I feel like falling asleep before I can even get to the bath. I couldn’t help but to yawn as I answered, opening my mouth wide. Sorry for the bad manners.
“Oh, dear. At this rate, should we have Maryla give you a bath again today?”
Schlie-san chuckled. Getting bathed by Maryla-san has also become a regular thing after Juma-nii’s training. I feel bad, but she’s incredibly happy about it. She even has it marked in her schedule as “Bath Day,” so I’ll gratefully accept her kindness.
“Yesh... pwease...”
“Fufu, it would be my pleasure. You’re always adorable, but the exhausted Meg is even cuter, like you’ve regressed back into a child.”
Because my words are slurring. I’m probably going to fall asleep without even dreaming today. It’s a shame that I probably won’t be able to eat dinner, but sleepiness wins out over hunger. Another common occurrence.
And so, I dreamily took a bath with Maryla-san, was diligently taken care of, and then before I knew it, I was tucked into bed, fast asleep. This is how quickly my day ends. Good night!