Disastrous Romance - Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Early the next morning, Elijah awoke and slipped away from the campsite, seeking solitude. The chaos of the fairy forest’s surprise quest hadn’t allowed her a moment to check her notifications, and Rike’s constant chatter since their escape had prevented any covert glances.
Finding a quiet spot, she settled down. ‘Hidden Story Access.’ The command echoed in her mind, and the desired window materialized.
[Hidden Story ‘Curse of the Continent’
An aura of misfortune shrouds the continent. Innocent beings, touched by an unknown revelation, have lost their reason.
The key to the curse seems to lie with the Knight of Vigor. As long as the curse remains, the continent cannot know peace.
*TIP: The rock city of Volaro is also affected by the curse.]
“…This is ominous.” The vague pronouncements, though numerous, offered no comfort. A happy ending seemed impossible in a world so troubled.
This hidden story clearly needed resolving. At least she’d heard of Volaro, though the thought of more wandering made her stomach clench.
“No. This is progress.” Speaking the words aloud bolstered her flagging confidence.
Unlocking a hidden story was encouraging. Perhaps she’d stumbled upon a crucial piece of her happy ending.
‘Status Window.’
Ding!
[Status Window
Name: Elijah Denvier (Sword Expert Beginner)
Class: Knight of Vigor
Level: 30 / Special Stat OP: 1
*TIP: Sword training can increase your level.]
[Continent’s Top 4 Peerless Men List:
1. Kai (Slave) Difficulty: Normal, Affection: 41%
2. ????, Difficulty: Normal, Affection: 0%
3. ????, Difficulty: Hard, Affection: 0%
4. ????, Difficulty: Hard, Affection: 0%]
“Yes!” The numbers had jumped significantly. Hope surged. Slow and steady wins the race. Renewed determination filled her as she rose.
‘Sword training, huh?’
Planting her feet firmly, she drew her sword. A white glow enveloped it. Ever since she’d witnessed mana coalescing around her blade, she’d been able to visualize it, and combat had honed her ability to wield it.
Elijah pictured an imaginary opponent. A swordsman. Sturdily built, much taller than her, with brown hair… The image solidified into Rike. A strange resentment welled within her. Glaring at her imagined foe, she swung.
Shwing—The blade sliced through the air with a sharp whistle. She’d cleaved through his torso, yet he still smiled. She struck again, a vertical slash. Glowing white mana split the illusion in two. He dissipated like smoke, only to reform instantly.
She lost herself in the exercise, her blade flashing. Vertical, horizontal, diagonal. Rike’s form scattered and reassembled dozens of times. With each reappearance, heat flushed her face. Was it the exertion, or something else entirely?
Suddenly, she spun, thrusting her sword deep into his center. “Ha!” Her breath hitched, her concentration wavered as the image blurred. Refocusing, a startlingly clear image of Rike snapped back into place.
But he was too far away. Elijah raised her sword to chest height, closed her eyes briefly, then opened them.
“Huh?” The distant Rike, catching her gaze, offered a faint smile. And he was walking… closer? Realization dawned. This was the real Rike. Her eyes widened.
“My apologies. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” He stood beside her, a slightly awkward smile on his face. She’d been so focused on the imaginary Rike that she hadn’t sensed his approach. The pre-dawn gloom had given way to a clear blue sky.
“How long have you been watching?”
“…Not long. Impressive swordsmanship.”
The excuse was amusing. Suddenly, Elijah wondered how her swordplay appeared to others. With no way to record it, she could only rely on verbal feedback.
“Thank you. It’s difficult practicing alone.”
“A good teacher is essential in swordsmanship.”
“I suppose so….” The chances of her finding a proper swordsmanship instructor were slim to none. Her main objective was capturing the male lead’s heart, not mastering the blade. A slight pang of regret, quickly dismissed.
“Perhaps I could offer some pointers?” Rike’s quiet offer sent a thrill through her. As a swordsman from the capital, he was undoubtedly more skilled.
“You use a sword as well?”
“I’ve received some praise for my abilities.”
“Oh… pfft.” His unexpectedly boyish boast made her laugh. This could be beneficial.
“Then I’ll gladly accept your offer.”
“With pleasure.” He stepped behind her, his familiar, weighty scent filling her senses. As she froze, he extended his left foot, aligning it with hers.
“Here. Your front foot, at this angle.” He gently nudged her foot, straightening her slightly outward-turned stance. His proximity emphasized his size; he could easily engulf her in a hug.
Even though Elijah wasn’t short, his chest pressed against the back of her head. She ignored her racing heart, focusing on the sword. Having adjusted her footwork, he intertwined his fingers with hers on the sword’s hilt. With each adjustment of her white-knuckled grip, her hold loosened.
