Chapter 147 – I want to start training with you, Mikoto.
Chapter 147 – I want to start training with you, Mikoto.
I looked at the mission and then at Mikoto. She's interested in me, but she's not in the process of falling in love yet. If she starts falling for me, this mission will become even easier.
Well, I can use the [Sexual Attraction] skill. I'm sure it would have a strong effect on her. But I think using that skill would take away some of the fun. The thrill lies in convincing her to give her body to me.
Not that the [Charming Aura] skill doesn't already make things a lot easier.
"Luan?"
"Oh, sorry, I was surprised to see you here."
"Are you going to the dungeon by any chance?"
"I'm without a weapon. I was going to buy one."
"Huh? What happened? Did someone steal it? Did you lose it in the dungeon or something?"
"No, nothing like that. It's more complicated than it seems. You might find it hard to believe if I told you."
"What do you mean? Now I'm curious."
"Why don't we talk while we walk?"
"But… I was about to head to the dungeon now."
"Who cares about the dungeon? You can go afterward. Aren't you curious?" I smiled at her. "I also want to make you a proposal."
"A proposal?" Mikoto tilted her head, confused. "What proposal?"
"Let's go." I put my hand on her shoulder and started walking. Mikoto stood still for a few seconds before following me.
"Wait a second, I'll go with you. Aren't you going to the tower?"
"I'll do that later; first, I need to pick up some money from the library."
"Huh?"
"You'll understand once we get there."
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While we walked to the library, I talked to Mikoto about the training I wanted to do with her. When she heard about it, Mikoto stopped walking, and I turned to her.
I smiled, and her face flushed. She averted her gaze and scratched her cheek.
"I'm not sure this is a good idea," she said.
"What do you mean? Wouldn't it be good to train together? I'm sure it'll be fun."
"It's not that… It would be great to train with someone strong like you, but…"
"But?"
"It's nothing, never mind." Mikoto resumed walking, and I followed her. "I'll think about it. About the training."
"Sure. If you decide to train with me, meet me in front of the tower in three days."
"..." Mikoto said nothing and continued walking beside me.
I led her to the library, and when we entered, Elma greeted us with a big smile. "Luan, you finally showed up. Who's this?" She looked at Mikoto. To my surprise, Elma didn't know her.
"Mikoto; she's a friend."
"Nice to meet you."
"Oh my, you only have beautiful friends! It's a pleasure to meet you." Elma extended her hand, and Mikoto shook it. Then Elma turned to me, seemingly wanting to say something.
"Go ahead, you can speak."
"Does she already know you're the author?"
"I'm not sure, but it's fine."
"Author?"
"Yes, I'm an author. Haven't you read any of my work?" I pointed to copies of Re: Zero on one of the shelves.
"Wait, you're the author of those books? Really? I thought it was just a coincidence that your name is also Luan. I read it, and it's really good!"
"No need to get so excited. I don't want the other customers to hear about it."
"Oh, sorry. But if you didn't want to be recognized, why did you use your real name? You could have used another one." She is right—I could have used a pseudonym.
But I couldn't think of one...
"Hahaha. But many people already know I'm the author."
"I see."
"Oh, Elma, I need some money. You have a lot saved up there, don't you? My share of the sales."
"Oh? This is the first time you've come for money since you took a big sum to buy your new house. What do you want to buy? Another house?"
"No, no. I'm looking for a weapon. My sword broke, so I need to buy a new one."
"Oh, right! I'd forgotten that you're also an adventurer. But Luan, why do you still do that?"
"What do you mean?"
"You already have enough money to live comfortably for the rest of your life if you keep writing. You don't need to risk your life in the dungeon."
"She's right," Mikoto confirmed.
"Nah, I don't want to stop. I enjoy doing this." Even though it might not seem that way since I don't go to the dungeon very often, I like fighting monsters. It feels amazing when I level up and go to the dungeon.
It's incredible to see my progress.
"..." Mikoto looked at me, seemingly pleased.
And that was also something Mikoto wanted to hear.
"I love fighting, I enjoy wielding a sword. But I still have a lot to learn! I don't want to stop fighting until I become a master. It'll take a long time, but I'll keep at it."
"I didn't know you were like that… A battle fanatic," Elma exclaimed, surprised.
"I'm not a battle fanatic. Don't exaggerate."
"Hahaha. Alright. Let's head to the back so I can get your money. And you, young lady? Aren't you coming?"
"I don't think I should. I need to leave now." Mikoto declined to join us, but I grabbed her hand. When I took her hand and pulled her along with me, she didn't resist.
In the back of the store, I grabbed a bag of money and stored it in my inventory.
After we left the library, Mikoto asked about my inventory. When I explained it to her, she became quite envious.
Unfortunately, when I invited her to come with me to buy a new sword, Mikoto declined and decided to go her way.
I hope she'll be in front of the tower in three days.