Nurturing the Hero to Avoid Death
chapter-23-6-30041322

I watch their exchange of words, secretly relieved.

Thank goodness Instructor Granza agreed to teach Alfred his sword techniques.

Just now, cold sweat clung to my body, and I was apprehensive for a moment.

Oh, it seems like they’ve finished conversing. This counts as a successful first meeting, right?

Heaving a sigh of relief, I head towards Alfred, who is still sitting on the ground.

Instructor Granza really doesn’t know how to go easy on other people.

If Alfred still didn’t stand up, then he may have been injured somewhere.

I crouch beside him, gaze falling upon him. “Alfred, are you okay? Can you stand?” A frown still remains on his face, but his complexion doesn’t look bad.

His blue eyes shift to me, a bit of embarrassment and frustration sprinkled within.

All of a sudden, I have a slight urge to laugh out loud. His loss must have been frustrating for him. After all, he was doing so well at the beginning.

“You may have lost today, but you can still grow stronger. I believe that you’ll be able to defeat him in the future.”

If it’s you, then it’s definitely possible.

After all, you are the future hero who hates losing.

“…I see.”

“That’s right. So if you want to win, you should work harder from now on. Setting that aside, does anything hurt?”

“…No.”

“Uh huh. Sure, I believe you.”

I can spot some painful-looking bruises on his body, as well as that deep and still-bleeding laceration on his upper right cheek.

And yet he is still unwilling to admit it.

If the cut were a bit higher, his vision could’ve been impaired. How dangerous.

Well, there are potions and magical ointment in this fantasy world. Though quite painful a process, small injuries can be easily healed. Still, if the wound is too severe, there will be some scarring even after using the ointment.

I slip my hand into my pocket. Pull out a mid-rank ointment with a blueish-white container and open the lid.. I always have this on me in case of emergencies, like right now. After scooping a dollop of the glittering cream with my finger, I gently apply it to the wound underneath Alfred’s eyes.

The wound disappears in an instant. As if it never existed in the first place. It’s likely because Instructor Granza cut Alfred’s skin cleanly.

A sigh escapes my lips. Then I take out my handkerchief to wipe the blood on his cheek. “Anywhere else hurts?”

“No… The rest of my wounds are just slight scratches. They can easily heal on their own.”

“How about your stomach?”

“It’s fine.”

“I see… That’s good then.”

Even though Instructor Granza’s kick was powerful enough to send him flying, it looks like he’s fine.

Well, his outer garments could absorb the impact. Plus, his body is stronger than that of the average person.

“…Hm, I see,” murmurs Instructor Granza as he looks in our direction.

I turn to him, wondering what he meant. Instructor Granza focuses his gaze on me, then on Alfred before returning to me. The right corner of his mouth rises, giving him a mischievous look.

“Ah, I see it now. Are you trying to nurture him until no one can complain about him, Lilie?”

“What?”

“I’m right, aren’t I?”

“What are you talking about, Instructor?”

“Like I said, you want to nurture him. Enough so that your father will approve of him. Am I right?”

“Huh?”

“That guy. Your boyfriend.”

“H-huuhhh?!”

What is he saying?

No, I must’ve heard it wrong. When it comes down to it, I’ve been quite tired recently.

“Well, he has some guts and doesn’t seem to be a bad guy. It shows in his swordsmanship. Naively honest and unwavering. But if he gets too excited and does something foolish to you… I won’t forgive him.”

“Uh…”

“You don’t really understand the outside world, after all… You’ve never seemed interested in anyone before, but I guess you’ve changed, huh?”

Instructor Granza picks up his neon yellow backpack, which he previously threw on the ground, and swings it over his shoulder. “Anyway, we will start tomorrow at noon. Is that okay?”

“Huh? Ah, yes. Sure.”

“Okay. I fished yesterday night, so I’m still sleepy. I’m going to take a nap until dinnertime. See you later, Lilie.” Instructor Granza waves at me before turning to Alfred. “Hey Fram. Don’t be late, you brat. Or else, I’ll punish you. Also, Lillie is my precious disciple… so if you make him cry even just a little… I will personally end you. Bear that in mind.”

After saying his piece, Instructor Granza immediately returns to the mansion.

Wait a minute.

Doesn’t it seem like there’s a very big misunderstanding?!

Instructor Granza just casually called Alfred my “boyfriend.” That isn’t something I can just ignore!

What in the world is going on?!

No, wait. Maybe… homosexuality is a normal thing here?

Now that I think of it, I’ve received letters from several male schoolmates before. And their faces were all red when handing them to me!

I wasn’t able to check the contents of those letters since the trio immediately snatched them from me. Could those be love let—

No, no, no.

No way.

I say this, but I’ve also seen several same-sex couples in school!

So that’s really a normality in this world?!

So because a lenient Goddess created this world, its societal norms are lenient too?!

“Lian?”

Alfred’s voice snaps me back to my senses. Our eyes meet, and at that moment, I notice his gaze is full of wonder.

“N-no, t-that’s not it.”

But then, how do I explain this? I don’t know how to label my relationship with Alfred.

At the very least, I’m sure that we’re not lovers.

…I think.

However, it has never been my intention for Alfred to gain the approval of Lian’s father. I didn’t ask Instructor Granza to teach him for that reason. I absolutely didn’t!

Alfred arches his brows. “Hmmm…”

“What’s with your response—woah!”

Still sitting on the ground, Alfred suddenly pulls at my arms, causing me to fall onto his lap and into his embrace.

He really has been doing whatever he wants lately!

I have to cut in a word or two here. I have to.

Because I inexplicably lose all the strength in my body whenever he starts kissing me. Or even biting me.

Alfred gives me a peck on the lips, and smiles in glee.

Looks like he’s finally in a good mood now.

…Exhaustion once again seeps into my bones. Looking up at Alfred’s joyful face, I let out another sigh.

The intructor really knows what’s up, fufufu~~ And I like how Lian isn’t sure if they’re lovers or not~~ Just admit that you’re in love! 😀

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