368 Cecil's True Feelings

The room was about eight tatami mats wide and surprisingly spartan.

Between the plain lamp and the bed that screamed "budget" at a single glance, it was far from luxurious. It was technically a double room, but the bed looked like it could barely fit a single person.

"I’ll take the floor—"

"This mission carries everyone's expectations," Cecil interrupted. "I don't want to hear 'I was sleep-deprived' as an excuse later. Sleep properly. It's fine. I trust you, Fansent."

Cecil was shockingly composed. As if to highlight how much I was overthinking things, she took off her coat and hung it on the wall with her usual tone and expression.

...Right. I mean, yeah. We’re comrades, regardless of gender. We’re here to make contact with someone involved with the Demon Race; I’m let my mind wander way too much.

"...Yeah, you're right."

I should just get to sleep early. We’d probably be taking the first ship in the morning anyway, and I was tired enough that drowsiness would likely hit me the moment I closed my eyes.

The bath, though... I couldn't exactly skip that.

I assumed there was at least a shower, but did it even have a lock? I wasn't worried about myself, but I was worried for Cecil.

"I'm going to go wash off the sweat first. Sorry, but could you keep an eye on the luggage?"

"Yeah. Scream if anything happens."

"Fufu, I'll do just that."

Despite my lingering anxiety, she disappeared into the bathroom.

She was a student of Noblesse Magic Academy, after all. These days, she didn't just have the brains; she had the Physical Ability to back it up. Treating her like a helpless damsel was probably insulting.

Still, she really is strong.

In the end, I still hadn't managed to beat Cecil in Battle Universe even once.

I wasn't originally the competitive type, but maybe Teacher Milk’s influence was rubbing off on me. I’d become annoyingly sensitive to the word "defeat."

I’d even lost to the faculty members. Was I really okay staying this way?

Crap, I’m spiraling into negativity again.

That was it. I’d use this trip to figure out Cecil’s habits.

Maybe I could find a hint in her daily life that would help me win at Battle Universe. It was the same as walking, running, or the way someone swung a sword. People always have certain inclinations that defy pure logic.

Even someone as perfect as Cecil shouldn't be able to make the absolute best move every single time. There had to be a second-best option—a gap in her armor.

I would find it.

Thinking about it like that, the purpose of this trip suddenly felt a lot more vital.

"—Kyaaaaaah!"

A woman's scream pierced the air.

Wait, that voice—

"Cecil!?"

I bolted off the bed and rushed toward the sound.

I skidded to a halt in front of a wooden board with "Shower" carved into it in Otherworld Language.

I couldn't exactly just barge in—no, I had to!

"What's wrong, Cecil?! What happened!?"

A monster? No, that was impossible. This was technically an adventurer's inn. There was no way one would just—

The door flew open.

Cecil, wrapped in nothing but a single towel, lunged at me and clung to my chest.

...Huh?

Good lord, her skin is so white—wait, what am I—?!

"Bug! B-b-b-b-bug!?"

"...A bug?"

I peered past the door into the cheap-looking shower.

Water was spraying everywhere, and there, clinging to the wall, was a black Monster Insect.

These things showed up everywhere. Even in the most pristine noble estates. They were a type of insect, but unlike the "pests" from my old world, these looked more like stag beetles. Of course, to the people of this world, they were viewed with the same level of disgust.

Even the incredibly powerful Lilith couldn't stand them. I remembered Zebis always having to deal with them back then. Come to think of it, I wonder if Zebis is doing okay?

"Fansent, please..."

"On it."

Focus! Now is not the time to be wondering about my old buddies.

I gathered mana at the tip of my finger. I fired a spell straight at the Monster Insect. It was a direct hit, and the creature dissolved into mana fragments.

"It's over."

"...Ugh, thank goodness."

So even Cecil had things she was afraid of.

Maybe if I sneak a Monster Insect into the next Battle Universe match... No, I'd rather die than stoop that low.

"You're going to catch a cold. Well, I'll head back—"

"Stay here, please. I just need to wash off and dry myself."

"Huh? No, well, at least let me wait outside."

Just then, I heard voices from the hallway. Probably other adventurers. Cecil grabbed me and yanked me inside.

We were suddenly alone in the tiny changing room. It had been a closed space before, but now we were at a distance where I could hear her every breath.

"...Put some clothes on."

I turned my back to her. Cecil gave a quiet, apologetic "Okay" and reached for her clothes.

If Senior Cynthia saw this, she’d probably keep me frozen in a block of ice until mid-summer.

"Fansent, thank you for saving me."

"...Don't mention it. You're always the one saving me. This much is nothing."

"No. I'm always the one being saved by you. I've just been trying to repay that debt this whole time."

"...Whatever you say. Just let me know when you're decent. We're leaving."

Suddenly, Cecil tapped me on the back. When I asked if it was okay to look, she whispered, "Yes."

I turned around. "...Why are you staring at me?"

"I—"

Cecil was looking at me more directly than I had ever seen before. And then, her lips moved.

"I love you. Fansent, ever since we first met, I've thought of nothing but you. I know you're engaged to Lady Cynthia. Even so... I love you."