Chapter 65: The Existence of a Mistress
Ren in the form of acknowledging Shizuru.
However, this did not mean that his attitude had changed drastically. Ren was as strict as ever with Shizuru.
"Have you never trained before?"
Ren's question to Shizuru's question about how to train magic was this.
"I have."
"Then you should do that. That should be the training that suits you."
The church should have trained them according to their talents. Thinking so, Ren replied. Even if asked, Ren doesn't know the training necessary for a saint.
"Yeah, but I'm not sure if what I've been doing is the right thing."
"Why?"
"Because the training everyone is doing is very tough. I have never done anything like that."
Not only Shizuru, but also other hero candidates didn't train until they fainted. It's the same thing with the knights of each country.
"What is your suitable occupation?"
"Healer"
"It's not a combat occupation. It's different from us."
Ren's training is mainly training as a swordsman. Ren also trained as a mage, but he hid it from Shizuru.
"Even Ren isn’t a combat class."
"I don't have the talent, so I'm just trying harder than anyone else."
"Yes, but... are you hiding something?"
No talent. If that's the case, Ren's training seems even more abnormal.
"I don't need to tell you"
"...Ren is stingy"
"Don't get too familiar."
"I'm sorry"
Responding to Ren's cold gaze, Shizuru apologized. It's already like a conditioned reflex.
"What should a healer train in the first place?"
"What is it?"
"...What have you been doing for three years?"
"……Many things?"
Towards Ren who asked with an astonished face, Shizuru replies in a slightly amused tone.
"Like I said, don't get too familiar."
"I'm sorry"
Perhaps what Shizuru has been trained the most since coming to this place is her mentality. Shizuru, who has gained a greater boldness than before, no longer feels deeply depressed even when Ren gives her a hard time. On the contrary, she is frankly happy to be taken care of.
"Why don't you ask Babaa?"
"Babaa-san? Why is that?"
"Because Babaa is a former nun. She used to be a rival of the Director."
"Eh?"
"They are rivals. There's also a possibility that Babaa became the Director."
"I see……"
It was the first time Shizuru heard about Babaa's past. When it comes to the monastery, Shizuru, as expected, looks a little depressed.
"Babaa doesn't hold a grudge against you. The Director chose to die herself. And you were just used."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't need to explain in detail. For now, let's go to Babaa."
"Ah, wait"
Shizuru happily follows Ren as he walks back. Each slight change of mind. So their relationship changed.
On the other hand, Rin's feelings are deeply depressed when she sees such two people.
"...It's pretty complicated."
"It was a miscalculation that it would turn out like that."
The current situation was surprising even for Luna. Although Luna's calculations were insane from the beginning.
"It's like she's giving her body and soul to Ren-sama. I'm still not wanted."
"That's……"
"I was supposed to be just the comforter, wasn't I?"
"No, Rin. It's weird to ask for that position."
"Yes, but..."
It was Rin who felt a strong sense of crisis about the value of her existence.
Ren returned back with Shizuru and immediately started talking about training with Baaba, who was in the room.
"How to train?"
"If you're a nun, you know how to train a healer, right?"
"It's not that I don't know."
"Then, please teach this one."
Ren's answer was just as he had expected. Ren thought that this was the solution.
"Does it mean anything?"
"What do you mean?"
"I don't think monastic training is the best."
"Maybe so."
"The training you are doing. The basics. Shouldn't you teach her that?"
Babaa knows in detail how Ren trained. Ever since the day Ren started training for the first time, she had been watching him from afar.
"What's the point?"
"I think all magic is the same as far as control is concerned. Especially when it comes to healing, you should know how important control is."
"...That thing?"
Ren doesn't have the power to heal others. But he can explore other people's bodies. This is the ability that Ren used when Jin was injured by a suicide bomber.
"What was that?"
"Have you ever done magic control training?"
"Of course I have."
"Then try it."
"Now?"
"If not now, when?"
"……Yes"
Shizuru showed a slight appearance of concentration. Ren could see that the mana in her body was activated at once. From there, the control of mana. In terms of where Ren was taught, he will move it by circulating it.
"Do it a little more carefully."
"Eh? No good?"
"Not at all"
Shizuru's magic control was completely unacceptable to Ren.
"But I transferred the mana to my right hand."
"Anyone can do it if they just move it."
"...I wonder what's wrong?"
Shizuru didn't understand what Ren was saying was no good. It's proof that she has only had that kind of training.
"What kind of magic were you trying to use just now?"
"I haven't decided yet."
"Huh?"
"Because Ren said control."
"How can you decide how much mana to control if you don't know what magic you're going to use?"
"......Ren, that's automatically determined during the chanting."
It is common sense to say that the first half of the chanting is there for that purpose. Shizuru had been taught that common sense. However, such common sense had nothing to do with Ren.
"Everyone uses the same chanting. Does that give the individual control?"
"That's……"
"Can you do this?"
"Eh?"
As soon as he asked if she could do it, a lighter-sized flame floated in Ren's palm.
"From here"
The flame, which was about the size of a lighter, suddenly swelled into a fist-sized fireball and disappeared.
"That's... can you do that?"
What Ren showed off was beginner-level magic. However, the beginner magic that Shizuru learned had no change in power. She was taught that it always works a certain way, and that a good mage is the one who makes it so.
What surprised Shizuru the most was not the change in power.
"If you can adjust the amount of mana, you can also change the power of magic."
"That's not it. Can you use chantless magic?"
"It's basic magic. It's nothing special."
"Is that so?"
Chantless magic. Shizuru wanted to be able to do that as well. But she gave up after being told that she couldn't do that no matter who she asked.
"You actually did it, didn't you? You said there's chanting for control. If that's the case, then if you can control it yourself, you don't need the chanting."
"…That’s true."
"If it becomes advanced magic, it will be difficult to control. That's why I need help with chanting."
True, but not true. In other words, if advanced control is possible, even advanced magic can be activated without chanting.
But this is just a matter of theory. Besides, controlling without chanting doesn't necessarily shorten the time.
"How can I do that?"
"From the activated mana, you extract the amount of mana that you want. Circulate it. You just repeat it over and over again."
"Will it be possible?"
"There are applications. You can use it to create multiple amounts of magic and circulate it at the same time, or you can divide it further."
"...Ren can do that, right?"
Shizuru's gaze turns meaningful. She had known for some time that Ren was hiding something from her. Now she knew what one of them was.
"...Still training"
"I get it. I'll try that. How do I start?"
"How, huh... First, activate the mana and spread it all over the body. In doing so, you will get the sensation of touching the mana. It's difficult to explain with words."
"I'll try it. Activate it... spread it... spread it... expand it?"
"No. Have you never done this before?"
"……No"
"Then how do you use magic?"
For Ren, this is the basics, if you can't do this, you can't do magic. He is surprised that Shizuru cannot do it.
"By chanting."
"...One more time. Like extending a tentacle of mana. What about this image?"
"Tentacles... tentacles... the image is weird."
"...Then let the water permeate your body."
Ren tells Shizuru another different expression. The image of circulation is different for each person. Ren knows that there is an image that suits each person.
"Permeate... permeate... permeate... The image isn't bad, but it won't spread."
"...You don't feel it? Don't make me go through all that trouble."
"I'm sorry"
"Is permeation easy to imagine?"
"Yes"
"Then imagine that. From now on, I will permeate mana into your body. Grab that feeling."
"...I understand."
Despite replying, Shizuru doesn't quite understand what Ren is trying to do.
"Where are you focusing your activation?"
"Abdomen."
"Is that the same for everyone? Then I guess it starts in the belly area."
"Eh, yeah"
Ren's hand moves to her back and rests on Shizuru's side. That alone made Shizuru's face red, but then something warm started to rise up from inside her.
"It's warm……"
"Grasp the sense of expansion, not the temperature"
"Sensation... hey, a little stronger."
"Then I'm going to start again from the beginning."
"Yes"
Shizuru grasped the feeling that something was flowing from her side. It slowly seeps through her body. Even every corner of Shizuru's body that she usually wasn't aware of.
"Ah... nfuu..."
"Don't make strange noises"
"Hey, for some reason, it seems like Ren's hands are searching my body."
"That's the image of the tentacles."
"But... nhh... ahh..."
"You... ah, is that what you mean?"
"Eh, what?"
Aside from Ren's mana groping her body, Ren's actual hand began to grope Shizuru's body from the hem of her clothes.
"W-wait a minute, Ren?"
"Isn't this what you want?"
"What do you mean?"
"I didn't mean to forgive you, but I think it was a little too cruel."
"Yes"
"That's why I decided to make you happy once in a while."
As Ren said this, his hand moved to Shizuru's chest. Then one of his hands slowly slid down her lower body.
"I-I'm happy about that... but now, Babaa-san is..."
Worrying about Babaa's eyes, Shizuru held back her gasps. Shizuru said she was happy, but Shizuru thought that this was the same bullying as before.
"Because you like being seen by people, right? You're into that kind of thing, aren't you?"
"…………"
Shizuru was at a loss for words with wide-eyed eyes. Without worrying about Shizuru, Ren continued talking.
"I was wondering what it was because you were inviting me. I didn't expect it here."
"Ren, if you do that, Baaba-san will."
"I don't mind. It's a good stimulus."
"Babaa-san... please..."
Shizuru complained with teary eyes at Babaa's unexpected words. But the words that came back
"Yeah, I got it. I'll take care of it. I'll make sure I'm watching your perversions."
"...No way. Ahh... Ren... no..."
"Are you feeling good? Because this is special. Don't think it's always this way."
"……Ren"
"What?"
"I'm happy, but what about now?"
Now that Baaba has her eyes on you. As expected, even Shizuru couldn't get used to the feeling of being swept away.
"Why?"
"Training is more sacred. In the middle of it, this kind of thing."
The reason why Ren tries to stop the act. The reason Shizuru came up with was this.
"...That's right. But you're the one who asked for it, right?"
"That was... my fault. That's why now."
"Is that okay?"
"Ren's feelings are enough for me."
"I see. Well then, let's do it at another time."
"Y-yeah..."
Shizuru couldn't clear up Ren's misunderstanding.
"Well then, continue. Don't invite me next time and do it seriously."
"……Yes"
Also, Ren's mana spreads through Shizuru's body.
"The sensation."
"Yes. I can feel it."
"Can you put your own mana on it?"
"I can."
"Shouldn't we mix them together?"
"...Mix."
It was a word that Shizuru could easily imagine. As if clinging to Ren's mana, Shizuru entwined her own mana. The feeling spread through her whole body.
"...Nhh"
Ren behind her didn't notice how Shizuru was enduring something with her eyebrows frowning painfully.
"Has it spread?"
"Nhh, yeah"
"Well then, next time Do it yourself"
"Ahh"
The sensation of rapidly withdrawing from the body unintentionally caused a voice to escape from Shizuru's mouth.
"Didn't I tell you not to invite me?"
"No. I feel like I've lost my strength."
"Ah, it might be. I may have poured too much mana into it."
"Yes"
In order not to be noticed by Ren, Shizuru struggled to endure her crumbling body. Babaa, who was in front of her the whole time, could understand the situation.
"I see. Is this what you're into?"
"Babaa-san..."
"Just kidding"
"What are you talking about?"
"It's nothing. Next time, alone."
She activates her mana and spreads it throughout her body. In her current state where she still has a strong sense of Ren's mana, it was as easy as if she had lied earlier.
"It looks like it's working."
"Yes……"
However, Shizuru strongly felt something was missing. Ren and her own mana intertwined, and the sensation that ran through her entire body was a pleasure that made her head go blank.
◇◇◇
If Shizuru feels happy, there are those who feel sad.
Rin's skin, which was illuminated by the full moon, glowed white, and her slit eyes also glowed red. It's time for her to show off her charm as a vampire.
However, that charm is of no use. That fact makes Rin's heart empty.
"...As usual. Rin on a full moon night is very attractive."
Even such words from the person she loves seem so empty.
"What's wrong?"
Staring at the moon, Rin asks Ren.
"The moon... I've been drawn to it too."
The full moon enhances not only Rin's power, but also Luna's power. The full moon is also affecting Ren, who is under the influence of Luna.
Even if it wasn't, Ren had always liked the moon.
"Ren-sama"
"What?"
"I want to ask you one thing"
With a thoughtful look on her face, Rin turned to Ren.
"……Go ahead."
Ren flinched slightly at the sight that Rin seldom shows.
"Do you need me?"
"Eh?"
"Does Ren-sama need me?"
"I need you, you know?"
"Then why don't you seek me?"
"Yes?"
"I know it's embarrassing to say something like this. But even if Ren-sama asks for her, you won't ask for me."
"Are you referring to Shizuru?"
"Yes"
"I see, that's what you're talking about?"
"……Yes"
Her white, glowing skin was tinged with a faint red color, and if he was a normal man, he would definitely lose his sanity.
"Can I ask you a question too?"
"What?"
"Does that mean that Rin is saying that it's okay for me to hold you?"
"……Yes"
The white skin is dyed red. Rin's shame had reached its peak.
"Does that mean it fulfilled the terms of our original promise?"
"……Eh?"
Realizing the meaning of Ren's question, Rin let out a voice of surprise.
"Ah, is it wrong?"
"No, it's not..."
The ultimate insensitivity of not knowing love. Rin did not properly understand Ren's insensitivity.
"Then what?"
"Do I have to say that?"
"It would be helpful if you could do that. I don't understand what Rin is thinking."
"……I."
"……I?"
"I love you!"
(TN: [お慕い申し上げております], Oshitai moshiagete orimasu. It means [I love you] but with a very polite expression)
"Um... can you put it a little easier to understand?"
Ren didn't understand Rin's courageous confession. Ren is strangely stupid when it comes to love.
"...I like Ren-sama."
"You're kidding, right?"
"Why are you reacting like that?"
"I don't understand why you like me."
Ren can't think of a reason why she showed affection toward him. Her feelings of love cannot be explained logically, without logic, Ren can't understand them.
"...Even if there is a reason, this kind of thing can't be explained."
"I don't know if I can explain it, I don't even know what it is."
"I see."
"In that case, I have to say one thing. I don't know if I like Rin."
"……Yes"
Does not like. Rin knows that.
"I don't know what it's like to love someone. I've always wondered if Kazuki is close to that. But I have a feeling it's different."
"Is that so?"
"I think Kazuki is probably someone who understands. Kazuki understands my feelings like this. There is no other person like that."
There is no meaning in analyzing his feelings for Kazuki like this, but Ren doesn't understand that there is no meaning.
"I'm sorry. If only I could understand."
"Rin's not at fault. I'm abnormal. There's no need to understand the feelings of an abnormal person."
This futile self-awareness is also the reason why Ren is insensitive to love. It is impossible for anyone to love him. This is the thought that lies at the root of his feelings.
"…May I ask you something strange?"
"I don't mind"
"What about Shizuru?"
"...I don't understand. I don't even try to understand."
"I see."
"That's why it's easy."
"Easy?"
Rin was surprised at the unexpected expression that came out of Ren's mouth about Shizuru.
"I just realized this. It's trying to be itself. It doesn't matter what I do. So I don't have to worry about how I feel. So it's easier."
"...I've lost to her too."
"No. I'm not going to compare her to Rin. I'm not going to compare it to anyone else. I don't think there's any point in doing that. Rin is Rin. Not someone else, but Rin is Rin."
"So, can I stay by Ren-sama's side?"
"You're already by my side. I want Rin to be by my side. The only people I think like that are Luna and Rin. I can definitely say that."
"……I'm happy"
Rin doesn't have the arrogance to put her in an absolute relationship with Ren and Luna. Even so, Rin couldn't stand the fact that she was next to them.
"But I still can't hold Rin."
"Ah……"
"I know this is selfish of me, but I wanted Rin to be a mistress, not a comforter. A mistress is a mistress because she is someone you love, not because you have a physical relationship with her."
"Yes……"
"In other words... if I'm going to love someone, I want to love Rin."
"Ren-sama?"
"This isn’t a confession, it’s a declaration. But is it strange to declare it? To love someone is not to love them with the intention of loving them. But, after all, I want it to be Rin......"
He tries hard to explain his feelings for Rin, which he himself does not understand. The opposite of the ruthless and cunning Ren is the sincere Ren. Rin is irresistibly fond of this Ren.
"U-um, I already understand."
"Understood? With this?"
"Yes. At least I understand that Ren-sama thought of me far more than I thought. That is enough for now. That will reward me."
Don't ask for too much. She has known that for a long time. With that in mind, Rin tried to be satisfied with her current situation.
But Ren realized that it was never a heartfelt acceptance. He was able to realize it.
"…Rin. I don't want to make you uneasy down the road, so I'll tell you."
"What?"
"I don't know when the day will come when I can think that I love Rin. It may not come. Even so, will you stay by my side and wait for me?"
"...Yes. I will wait. Even if that day never comes, I will continue to wait by your side for the rest of my life."
"I see. Thank you."
Whether or not this can be called a proposal is questionable. He didn't even promise to love her, let alone marry her. But for Rin, it's like a proposal. She swore that she would stay by Ren's side for the rest of her life.
Whether this is the day of their engagement or not, that will become clear in the future.
For the time being,
(T-that's good. If Rin's position were to disappear like this, Luna would be in trouble. But with this, we now have both a comforter and a fiancé. Luna's strategy was a great success.)
The closest and most important person to Ren admitted that he was engaged. That was enough.
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