For better or worse, inhabiting Claude’s life has taught me that talent is a wild, bucking horse.
Ordinary people likely envy geniuses, but even a genius can be overwhelmed by their own potential at first. Claude was the textbook definition of that; he was jerked around by his own talent until he turned arrogant and began hurting everyone around him.
Having regained the memories of my previous life and triumphed over various hardships, I’d prided myself on finally being able to handle Claude’s talent. But perhaps even that thought was merely another form of arrogance.
In all likelihood, I still haven't tapped into the true depths of Claude’s potential.
The proof was right in front of me——.
"I can’t do it!"
My concentration snapped like a popping bubble, and I collapsed onto the ground, spread-eagled.
My shout echoed through the dense forest, where the trees grew so thick the sunlight could barely reach the floor. A flock of small birds perched in the branches took flight all at once. ...Sorry about that.
『...Are you alright?』
Zest’s concerned voice echoed in my head.
As if I could be alright...!
It’s impossible! No matter what I do, I can’t master it!
『The First Rank Magic... "Avatar," was it? Is it truly that difficult?』
Difficult doesn't even begin to cover it!
When I fought Reiji before, I managed to manifest the outer shell. But as soon as I tried to fill in the substance, the sensation I’d grasped back then slipped through my fingers. It feels like I’ll have to start from square one to learn it properly.
Because I’m failing to utilize Claude’s talent to its fullest, I'm stuck in this stalemate.
Otherwise... frankly speaking, this magic is simply beyond human intellect.
"Nnnnghhhhhhhhhhhh!"
"Gaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
『You are usually so unnervingly quick to grasp new concepts that I tend to forget... but normally, First Rank Magic is something the talented spend a lifetime of diligent study to master. Are you not rushing things too much?』
I’m not rushing anything.
To remain Reiji’s stepping stone, I have to stay one step ahead of him at all times.
You understand that too, don't you, Zest?
My battles with Reiji are always much closer than the results suggest. Even when we fought at the Royal Castle, I don't know how it would have ended if Reiji hadn't destroyed himself by exposing his own immature "Avatar."
『That may be true, but you have grown since then. Even if you have stumbled with "Avatar," the fruits of your training show that your proficiency with other magic has improved significantly.』
Well, I suppose. I’m confident that I’ve mastered the magic up to the Second Rank.
I’ve also grown accustomed to the Multiple Deployment of "Gate" that I used instinctively during the fight with Reiji. Now, I can deploy up to ten at once.
If I were so inclined, I could rain down a thousand "Lances" per second. I have enough power to turn this entire forest into a wasteland in less than ten seconds.
Even so, I can’t help but feel a sense of urgency.
Mostly because... I think about it sometimes.
To be blunt, isn’t Reiji’s Holy Sword... basically a direct upgrade to Zest?
『What!?』
Think about it. Zest can’t do anything unless he absorbs power from an external source, but Reiji’s Holy Sword is self-sufficient. On top of that, his seems much more convenient to use.
『I cannot let that comment slide! I can drain the power of my enemies, can I not?!』
Well, sure, but...
Given the nature of that ability, I’m forced to play the reactive role. That’s a pretty big disadvantage.
『The power of a Holy Sword grows infinitely depending on the wielder. Just like that "Overvoid" you unleashed at the end of your battle with Reiji. ...There must be power yet unseen sleeping within me.』
Then tell me about this sleeping power.
『That is............ for you to discover.』
Why the hell not?!
『I do not know it myself!』
What?!
Aren't your abilities supposed to be the same as the Holy Sword used by the First Savior? Then shouldn't the First Savior's techniques be your techniques?
『That is a possibility... but I cannot recall them clearly. It is likely the will of Lord Fate. He is telling you to carve your own path.』
You’re useless...
Wait... come to think of it, Zest actually can be self-sufficient.
That black-silver sword that activates by consuming my lifespan. The power that served as the precursor to "Overvoid" was absolutely terrifying.
『...Do not use that again. The burden is too great.』
I can't promise that.
But I'll do my best. I want to live a long life too, and I can't afford to die before I fulfill my role as Reiji’s stepping stone.
"Master, thank you for your hard work."
"Whoa!?"
『Hie!?』
Chesa appeared from the shadows of the trees, carrying a cold towel and a pitcher.
I think this every time, but I really wish she’d stop erasing her presence before approaching me...
"Are you training again today?"
"Training? Hmph, it’s just a change of pace. As if someone like me would ever need to put in effort."
『...Was that actually supposed to be a convincing excuse?』
Pipe down, Zest.
A stepping stone does not "strive." That’s why they are destined to be defeated by the hero who does. This beautiful narrative structure must be preserved.
"I have brought some tea. I would be happy to pour some for you, if you like..."
"Inattentive woman. Just hand it over."
"As you wish."
My stomach hurts, my stomach hurts, my stomach hurts... Playing the villain to such a devoted girl is pure torture. I’m desperately suppressing the urge to say, "Thank you, as always."
This is all for the sake of Reiji becoming a hero. And by extension, for the sake of saving the world. I have no choice but to endure it.
Though I questioned the logic of offering hot tea to someone who just finished a workout, I took the leather canteen from Chesa. I gulped down the chilled ice tea, letting it soothe my parched throat. The refreshing herbal flavor seemed to pull the heat right out of my body.
...It’s strange.
The tea Chesa prepares is always delicious. Beyond the taste, however, I could feel my fatigue physically receding. It felt as if even my depleted mana was being restored.
Does this country have some kind of concept like herbal medicine?
Curious, I glanced over at Chesa——.
She was sta-a-a-a-a-aring intently at my mouth.
As if she were confirming something.
As if she were savoring the sight.
In the dim light of the forest, her eyes looked strangely melted... and her slightly parted lips seemed to carry a certain sultry heat.
...What is this? A chill just ran down my spine.
"What are you looking at?"
"M-My apologies."
When I snapped at her, Chesa hurriedly averted her gaze.
It’s been a month since I was cast out of House Einhart. Every bit of food and drink I consume is prepared by Chesa. I don't know if that’s the catalyst, but lately, she’s been staring at me every single time I eat.
At first, I thought maybe she just liked watching people enjoy their food. But something was off. There was a suspiciousness to her gaze—a sort of raw intensity.
"Master, if you would be so kind, would you mind observing my training?"
"...Do as you please."
"Thank you very much."
This was the second change in Chesa.
Lately, for some reason, she’d begun training of her own volition.
I initially thought it was just her own version of a change of pace, but she was quite serious about it, and she’d been remarkably consistent. Right before my eyes, Chesa activated the Third Rank Magic "Aqua Arma"—a spell she couldn't use before—with effortless grace.
Honestly, she’s got a real knack for this...
It obviously pales in comparison to Claude’s talent, but she’s probably reaching a level where she could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Celestia or Irene.
But... why did she suddenly start training?
................Wait!
No way...!
Is that it...?!
『Did you realize something?』
I’ve figured out why Chesa is training.
There’s no doubt about it. Chesa... she’s planning her revenge against me!
『Huh?』
It’s obvious. I treat her so roughly every single day; it would be weirder if she didn't harbor a grudge.
But she knows she can’t beat me with her current strength. She doesn't have any other teachers to turn to, either. So, after much internal conflict, she swallowed her pride and decided to beg for my guidance.
All so that one day, she can sink her teeth into my throat...
Chesa is enduring my tutelage despite how much she must loathe me.
Well? Isn’t my deduction perfect?
『................I suppose so.』
What’s with that half-hearted response?
"Master, how was that?"
"Hmph. Why should I bother giving advice to the likes of you? Your movements are crude because you aren't channeling mana to your fingertips, and your mana distribution is so uneven that you aren't fully absorbing the recoil. I have nothing to say to a mediocre girl who can't even grasp the basics."
"Thank you very much."
She thanked me, even though I hadn't given her a single helpful tip.
However, if my theory is correct, her submissiveness makes sense. She is vigilantly sharpening her fangs for the day she finally strikes.
To have a girl as fundamentally good as Chesa pour her hatred into me—this is the true pinnacle of being a stepping stone. Perhaps one day she’ll join forces with Reiji and stand in my way. When that time comes, I’ll make sure to fall spectacularly. I should start planning a truly grand defeat.
『Good person............ A good person................?』
Zest seemed to be getting hung up on a weird point.
"We’re going back to the mansion."
"Yes. ...By the way, Master."
"What?"
"Another anonymous gift has arrived. There were four boxes this morning as well."
Again...?
Resting a hand against my forehead, I began the walk back to our mansion on the outskirts of the Royal Capital with Chesa.