225.5 Cynthia’s Dissatisfaction

Foreword:

The word count for the main story has been a bit low lately, and with the appearance of the "boss" at the Academy, the narrative has been stuck in a somewhat gloomy rut.

Of course, I could wrap things up quickly, but I want to properly depict the characters as living, breathing people with their own feelings. I don't want to just force them off the stage for the sake of plot convenience. So, I’d be honored if you could stick with me for a little longer.

You might be thinking, "I’d rather you just increase the word count!" I hear you, but between the work involved in turning my newer projects into light novels and my actual day job, things are a bit hectic. Please bear with me ( ;∀;).

Since words alone might not convey my appreciation, I’ve written a short, heartwarming episode. I apologize for the timing—it’s not strictly related to the current plot—but I hope you can just relax and enjoy it.

Without further ado, here it is! (^^)/

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The Noblesse training ground.

I was sipping water after finishing my daily routine when I noticed Cynthia looking even more dissatisfied than usual.

No, it’s probably just my imagination, I told myself. She doesn't usually make faces like that.

"Weiss, let’s go on a date."

…Wait, what? Was it my imagination? I’m pretty sure I just heard Cynthia throw a 100-mph fastball right at my head. No, no, I must have misheard her. My brain must be fried from training.

"Are you listening, Weiss?"

"Ah, yeah."

"Let’s. Go. Out."

Okay, I definitely didn’t mishear that.

Looking closely, her cheeks were puffed out more than usual. She was looking up at me with those upturned eyes, yet she looked undeniably… grumpy.

What is this? What’s going on?

I searched my memory, but nothing came to mind. I was here at the training ground with her yesterday, and the morning before that, we went for our early morning marathon. We’re practically attached at the hip. There’s no way she could be feeling neglected.

Wait, come to think of it, what even is a "date"?

The word felt like a relic from a past life. But I understood the gist of her demand. It was true that we hadn’t really left the grounds lately. As her Fiancé, it was only natural for me to fulfill her wishes.

"I understand," I said, nodding firmly. "There’s a great hunting ground on the east side of the Royal Capital. Why don't we head over there and cull some monsters?"

Fighting the same humans over and over gets repetitive. Self-discipline is a grind that wears down the soul. Good grief, I was being way too insensitive! Obviously, she just wanted a fresh opponent for once.

Just as I was mentally patting myself on the back for being such a perceptive partner, I noticed Cynthia’s hand was glowing with a sharp, light-blue light.

"Weiss… do you happen to like things cold?"

"Please put the Ice Lance away!" I squeaked.

"A date! I mean a real date! I want to walk arm-in-arm with you, look at beautiful scenery, and eat delicious food! I have no complaints about our shared goal of reaching the top, but please, make some time just for us!"

Ah… okay. Even a blockhead like me gets it when it’s spelled out that clearly.

I’ve been so hyper-fixated on following the events of the Noblesse storyline lately. I was so desperate to prepare for the future that I’d stopped looking at the person standing right next to me.

"I’m sorry…"

"I don’t want an apology. I just—"

"Is right now okay? I’ll have a carriage prepped immediately. We’ll shower and head out."

At my words, Cynthia’s face broke into a radiant, sun-drenched smile.

Yeah, I have to protect this smile. That’s the whole reason I’m trying to flip the script on destiny in the first place.

"Hehe, in that case, why don't we shower together? I’ve worked up quite a sweat myself."

"…Good point."

We headed back to our room and shared a shower. After we… enjoyed ourselves for a bit, we changed into our finest clothes and boarded the carriage. I’d tried to invite Lilith as well, but she insisted that the two of us should enjoy our time alone. I can’t help but feel like I’m making her worry unnecessarily.

"By the way, how is your Healing Magic coming along? You seem to be burying yourself in it lately."

"It’s going well! Though, the structure of the human body is even more complex than I imagined. Teacher Coco has been helping me a lot at the Academy. She really is an incredible person."

Coco excels at healing and defense. Her desire to protect others is probably twice as strong as anyone else's. Then again, after that incident, anyone would probably end up that way.

"Still, it feels like forever since it was just the two of us."

Cynthia leaned over, resting her head gently on my shoulder. It was rare for her to be this clingy. I reached out and pulled her close, and she let out a quiet, content sigh.

"Once we graduate, we’ll have more free time. We just have to be patient until then."

"Hehe, I suppose you’re right."

Of course, graduation also means the direct confrontation with the Demon Race is looming. I can’t afford to let my guard down for a second.

Eventually, the carriage came to a halt. We’d planned to sightsee in the Royal Capital, but we’d ended up spending a bit too much… time in the shower.

"Cynthia."

As I helped her down from the carriage, she gave me another bright smile.

"What’s here? All I see is forest. Wait… are we hunting after all?"

"You’ll see. But we’re going to fly for the last stretch."

"…Okay."

She looked a bit nervous. The spot I wanted to take her to would take way too long to reach on foot. I manifested my Unnatural walls at regular intervals, using them as stepping stones to sprint into the sky. Combining that with flight magic, we eventually reached a vast, rolling grassland overlooking a shimmering lake.

As we touched down softly, Cynthia whispered in awe.

"It’s… it’s beautiful."

This was a secret spot I knew about from the Original Story. There weren't any specific plot events tied to it, but it was the perfect place to come when you wanted to enjoy some silence.

I spread a large cloth I’d brought along onto the grass, and we sat down side-by-side. We didn't say much; we just sat there, sharing the quiet happiness of the moment.

…Yeah, I needed this.

The realization hit me hard. I’ve been rushing. It’s not a bad thing to be desperate when your life is on the line, but it’s just as important to check the ground you’re standing on. Without realizing it, I’d been forcing Cynthia and Lilith to carry the emotional burden of my frantic pace.

"Cynthia, thank you. For everything."

"Hehe, the same to you, Weiss. The view from your side always catches me by surprise, but it’s certainly exciting."

In the Original Story, she was supposed to fall for Allen. She’s someone who hates hurting others and loves peace. And yet, here she is, supporting my selfish goals and giving me her unwavering love.

It makes me move-to-tears happy. No matter what trials await us, I will protect her.

And, of course…

"Lilith."

"…Eh? What is it? Why are you calling Lilith?" Cynthia asked, looking confused.

Then, a voice piped up from behind us.

"E-Ehehe… Ehehe. Weiss-sama, when did you figure it out?"

"Doesn't matter. Just get over here."

I’d known from the start, but I’d been debating whether to call her out. She’d likely been keeping watch over us. Lilith walked toward us looking incredibly sheepish, but Cynthia immediately scooted over to make room.

"Thank you, Lilith. But really, you don't need to hold back when it’s just the three of us."

"…Yes! I’m so happy, Cynthia-san!"

I’m a villain. I’m well aware that in this world, lives aren't created equal. No matter what happens, no matter what sacrifices I have to make, I will protect these two.

Well, I suppose if the cast of the Original Story manages to survive as a side effect, it’d make for a "perfect" clear in game terms.

Suddenly, Lilith reached into her bag and handed me something. It was Melo-Melon Juice.

"What’s this for?"

"It’s a snack! I brought it just-just-just in case! Here, Cynthia-san, one for you too!"

"Thank you, Lilith."

I took a sip. Damn, that’s good.

"Cynthia, Lilith—let’s try to do this once a month. Just the three of us going out somewhere. Whenever you guys are free, of course—"

"I’d love to! I’m so happy!"

"I’m in! But… is it really okay if I come too?"

Cynthia answered Lilith’s question with a firm, "Of course it is."

The more effort you put in, the more your Mana grows and the stronger you become. But human hearts don't change that easily; you have to face them head-on. No matter how busy things get, I can’t afford to forget that.

Today, those two reminded me of what really matters.