[Dylan's pov]
After we had our dinner, we wandered around the nearby park.
Rows of trees lined the path, their leaves rustling softly in the night breeze. A small lake lay still beneath the dim glow of streetlights, a narrow bridge stretching across it.
Peaceful.
Quiet.
In my old world, places like this didn't exist. Not after endless wars.
Lakes turned red.
Trees never grew back.
Nothing but desolation.
So this was a nice change of scenery.
But if I learned anything from my old world,
This was…
Too nice.
After that, Marie and I caught the train back, but we had to part ways.
I offered to walk her home, but she said that she needed some time alone.
*Click*
'I'm back, Eri.'
The house was silent.
Yet the lights were still on.
'Eri.'
'…'
I spread my senses…
Nothing.
'Shit.'
Just as I was about to go out to find her, I saw a note left on the table.
[Going out with my rival to spread my name to the citizens of the dark.]
'… That sounds like her.'
I pulled out my phone.
*Beep beep*
After a few rings, the call connected.
[Hello, boss.]
'Are you with Eri?'
[Yes. We've got her. Just like you said, boss.]
'Tell her not to stay out too late. She has school tomorrow.'
[…]
[She says her infamy has already spread among the populace and that she will return shortly.]
'Alright. Stop her if she does anything reckless.'
[Okay, boss.]
'Thanks for your hard work.'
[Anything for the boss.]
I hung up and headed to the shower.
'Let's test something out.'
While showering, I began experimenting with my magic.
Ever since that day with the principal, I've been trying to figure out what still worked as intended.
'Okay, it's still holding.'
Water gathered at my fingertip, trembling as it pulled itself free from the steam.
A small sphere formed; unstable, barely holding its shape.
'Let's make it bigger…'
I pushed more mana into it.
The surface rippled the moment I pushed mana into it.
Back then, this wouldn't have required thought. I could've expanded it endlessly, flooded an entire town without losing control.
Now…
The sphere swelled to the size of my palm.
My fingers tensed.
The pressure slipped.
*Pop*
The water burst apart, splashing uselessly against the tile.
…
I clicked my tongue.
Still not enough.
Not if something happened.
Stepping out of the shower, I heard the sound of the door opening.
'I'm back, my servant.'
I dried myself and put my clothes on.
'I heard you went out with Saki.' I stepped out of the bathroom.
'Indeed. Though we have our differences, occasionally we can see eye to eye.'
'Good.' I gave a small nod. 'Did you have fun?'
'It's exhausting being a lord…' She collapsed onto the sofa. 'But, yes… I did.'
'That's good.'
I grabbed a cup of water from the fridge and paused.
The sink was empty.
Her dishes were already cleaned.
'I'm surprised you washed your dishes.'
'Of course. As the lord, I possess many talents.'
'At least you're not lazy.' I smiled slightly. 'I'm going to go to my room. Call me if you need anything and remember to wake up early; tomorrow is your first lesson.'
I brushed my teeth and then lay in bed.
My eyes slowly closed and sleep took me.
——————————————
'Focus your breathing and empty your mind,' I told Eri. 'Try to feel the mana coursing through you.'
Eri sat cross-legged in front of me, eyes closed. She took a deep breath.
'I'm going to increase the flow. Don't resist it.'
My hand pressed lightly against her back. Mana seeped in slowly, then deeper, forcing its way through her channels.
Eri's body stiffened.
'AHHH!'
'Don't fight it,' I said, easing the flow slightly. 'Guide it.'
I forced more mana again.
Her breathing broke, shoulders trembling…
The flow stuttered.
For a second, it almost collapsed.
I slowed down the flow.
'Focus,' I said quietly. 'If you lose control here, it'll only hurt more.'
She took rapid breaths to calm her mind.
'You're doing well so far.'
Her mana vessels were dilating, allowing greater flow.
'Okay, that's it for today.'
I patted her back.
'Let's focus on control now.'
'Phew.' Eri wiped her sweat. 'That was exhausting.'
'You still got a long way to go, rookie.'
'Hey! At least I'm improving.'
'You are.' I smiled. 'I'm proud of you.'
'Y-you actually complimented me?!'
'Yes, now get up, so we can begin the lesson.'
Ever since the day I apologised to Saki, my mouth has been very loose. I became more willing to compliment them when they earn it.
'Ahh, okay,' Eri quickly got up.
'First, we'll start easy, which is controlling your form.'
'I did it already before.'
'Good. Today, we'll see how many times you can change between them.'
'Ahhhh…'
'Don't worry, just do your best. Are you ready?'
She clenched her fists.
'Ready!'
'Begin.'
Her demon form flickered in and out. At first, it was smooth, but by the seventh time, her pace began to slow.
*Pant pant*
By the thirteenth, she collapsed onto the ground.
'You did it thirteen times, well done.'
'I've never been this exhausted...'
She lay flat, staring at the ceiling.
'We will continue after dinner, as school will be starting soon.'
I reached my hand out.
'Thanks.' She grabbed it.
I helped her up and took her glasses out of the system inventory.
'Here.'
She put them on.
'Servant, this lord will now go into disguise.'
'Okay. I'll leave the room.'
I walked out of the room and changed as well.
'Ready?'
'This lord is always ready.'
'Then let's go.'
We left for school.
———————————————
As we walked to school, I noticed several boys visibly shaking at the sight of her. Some had bruises. Fresh.
'Eri… can I ask you something?'
'What is it, my servant?'
'Why are they trembling?'
'Perhaps they've recognised greatness,' she said with a smile.
'… Are you sure that's all?'
'Feel free to ask them.'
I approached one of the groups.
'Hey. Mind if I ask you some questions?'
They stiffened.
Their eyes flicked past me.
'S-sure. Anything.' They nodded enthusiastically.
'I couldn't help but notice the bruises. What happened?'
'W-we got them from… discipline…' one of them stammered. 'By someone ruthless— I meant merciful— no, very kind. We were… bad people.'
Their gaze kept drifting behind me.
Not subtle.
I glanced back.
Eri stood a short distance away, hands behind her back, quietly whistling as she watched the birds.
…
I turned back.
'Why are you talking like that?'
'We are tired. Didn't get much sleep.'
'… Then I'll leave you be.'
They bowed quickly and left.
'Such strange people.' Eri walked beside me, shaking her head.
'Eri… did you do something?'
'Why would you say that?' She replied innocently.
'Because they kept looking at you.' I rested a hand lightly on her shoulder. 'I won't get mad at you. Just tell me the truth.'
Her fingers twisted together.
'P-promise?'
'I promise.'
She leaned closer.
'Then… can you lend me your ear?'
I bent slightly.
'They were the forces of darkness that the Knight and I disciplined last night.'
'I see. Was this Saki's idea?'
A small nod.
Of course it was.
If she keeps this up…
This is going to cause problems.
I took Eri by the shoulders.
'As long as you don't drag innocents into it… and you stay safe… I won't be mad.' I gently smiled. 'Okay?'
'Heh… this lord protects her people.'
'Good.'
I ruffled her hair.
She flinched.
Just a little.
Then a faint blush spread across her cheeks.
'This… this lord permits you to continue.' Her voice wavered.
'I was about to—'
Her expression faltered.
Just for a second.
Her eyes trembled. Her breathing hitched.
'…'
'Sigh. Fine.'
I kept patting her head.
Her shoulders slowly relaxed.
The tension left her, little by little.
Then she leaned into my hand.
No act. No title.
Just her.
She shifted closer, pressing gently against my palm.
…
She'd told me once that both her parents were gone.
'Sigh.'
My hand paused for a moment.
Then rested back on her head.
She didn't pull away.
I said nothing.
It wasn't much. Just a hand on her head.
And for now, that was enough.