This is a Romance Fantasy (3)
“Um? If you could go back in time, would you want to?”
It was a sudden question, but Zeke’s answer was already decided.
Honestly, if he could go back in time, what couldn’t he do?
If he went back to being the shut-in Lu Bu, the true gamer bum he was, he’d immediately throw his computer out the window for a 3-point shot and sleep like a log in his bed.
And even if he went back to right after he was summoned into the dark fantasy world, that wouldn’t be so bad either.
Starting over with all the answers was completely different from being a newbie with nothing but his underwear.
Back then, it took him a whopping 10 years to barely clear the game, but if he went back now, he could clear it in less than a year and return home right away.
‘At the beginning of the summoning, that crazy bastard is weak, so I could just take care of him then. Maybe a week, tops?’
And the time when he saved Dave Continent and returned to Earth?
What was there to say?
He wouldn't even glance at web novels and would just live an ordinary life until he died.
Yes, Zeke wanted to go back in time if he could.
He still hadn't figured out how to return from this world.
Zeke nodded.
“Yes, if I could go back in time, I would.”
Selena looked like she was about to cry.
“Even though you don’t remember anything?”
‘So, she doesn’t know that I’m a different person from this body?’
However, he couldn't tell her about summoning or possession.
It would be difficult to explain, and he’d be lucky if she didn’t think he was crazy.
“Yes, even so, I want to go back.”
“……Th-Then, the memories of when you left the military might torment you again, Instructor. You were in so much pain that you even lost your memories……!”
Selena pleaded with him to reconsider, her eyes glistening with tears.
‘Painful memories? Ah, the money I lost and being an academy instructor. She’s still worried about that. It wasn't even her fault. Well, it was all because of Iriel anyway.’
Only then did Zeke understand why Selena had suddenly brought this up.
This body seemed to be deeply involved with Iriel in the past.
And she was asking him if he really wanted to regain his memories, even though that same Iriel had hurt him.
Ha. Seriously.
She should take care of herself a little more.
Zeke found Selena’s delicate consideration both amusing and heartwarming.
It was moments like these that made him realize once again that this wasn't a dark fantasy world.
“I’m alright, Selena.”
However, Selena’s expression didn't improve.
Her lips were still downturned with worry.
Zeke placed his hand on Selena’s cheek.
He gently lifted the corners of her mouth with his fingertips.
She flinched and trembled, as if embarrassed.
“If I’m okay now, it’s all thanks to you.”
“……!”
Selena’s eyes widened.
“You filled everything I lost back there. It wasn’t Iriel, it was you.”
“……Ah.”
Zeke smiled softly at Selena’s concern.
At first, even an awkward smile was difficult for this body, but lately, it seemed to have become a little freer.
Zeke went on to add another sentence.
Filled with gratitude for the warmth he had never experienced, even in the dark fantasy world.
“Even if I go back to the past, there’s no way I could forget you, Selena. So don’t worry too much.”
“Uh……. Uh!”
Selena’s face turned as red as a ripe apple, all the way to her ears.
She stumbled backward.
‘Oops, did I overdo it?’
Zeke realized that he had said something a little embarrassing.
“H-How can you touch my face like that?!”
Selena said with her eyes tightly shut.
“I-I’ll be back in a bit!! M-Makeup…!”
Ah, right. You shouldn't touch a woman's face, especially after she’s put on a full face of makeup.
Zeke nodded.
‘It’s a romance fantasy world, after all. Makeup is a serious matter for women here. I should be careful.’
Zeke’s knowledge of romance fantasy increased by one point.
* * *
*Heave-ho.*
*Heave-ho.*
Selena stood outside the door, clutching her pounding heart and taking several deep breaths.
For a sensitive girl like her, Zeke’s words and skinship were too much stimulation.
‘Ah, ah, Instructor……….’
Her hand went to the cheek Zeke had just touched.
His large, masculine hand.
She could still feel the sensation on her cheek.
- It’s all thanks to you.
- It wasn’t Iriel, it was you.
- Even if I go back to the past, there’s no way I could forget you.
Zeke's words echoed repeatedly in her ears.
‘Ahh, why don't I have a recording crystal ball in my hand?’
If she did, she could have recorded Zeke’s voice and played it every night before bed, using it as a lullaby.
“Heek. W-What should I do…….”
Selena stamped her feet.
Her body felt light, as if she had taken a drug.
Of course, she had never done drugs before, but it must feel like this.
Her heart was so tight it ached, and her vision swam dizzily.
Her emotions showed no signs of calming down.
Just then,
“What are you doing here?”
Iriel, her makeup done, returned to the drawing-room.
*Slap—!*
Selena slapped her own cheek.
Her expression instantly returned to normal.
Iriel stared at her as if she had seen something strange.
Selena had suddenly slapped herself and then put on an indifferent face.
No, the way her lips kept twitching was unnerving.
‘Did she eat something bad?’
Selena turned her gaze to Iriel.
“Oh, it’s you, Iriel.”
However, she couldn't hide the excitement in her voice.
Besides, Selena had just heard those words from Zeke, so her jealousy towards Iriel had long since vanished.
Instead, a sense of superiority surged within her.
“Ah, you’re done with your makeup. Hehe. Ailey did a great job. Let’s go in together.”
“W-What’s gotten into you?”
Iriel flinched back with a disgusted expression as Selena smiled and addressed her in a friendly manner.
“Hehe. I have something to talk to the Instructor about. Hehe. About how Instructor Zeke hehe. became my benefactor.”
“…….”
"Hehe. And I'll make sure you can stay at the academy. Hehehe."
"……."
‘What's wrong with her all of a sudden?’
What in the world had happened while she was gone to fix her makeup?
Iriel couldn't adapt to Selena's sudden change in attitude.
“Hehe.”
“……..”
That idiotic laughter was extremely grating, but she was curious, so she followed Selena into the drawing-room.
*
Iriel and Selena returned to their seats in front of Zeke.
“First of all, since Instructor is here, I’ll speak to you first.”
Selena said, her eyes fixed on the Yohaiden emblem hanging behind Zeke.
Wondering if there was something there, Zeke turned his head slightly to look behind him, but there was nothing there.
“Instructor.”
“Hmm.”
“Would you be able to accompany me to Eustia’s banquet soon?”
Zeke’s eyebrows furrowed.
‘A banquet? That thing? Where nobles gather to sip alcohol and talk politics?’
Honestly, it was just annoying and not Zeke’s cup of tea, so he wanted to refuse.
But there had to be a reason why she brought this up.
“Why?”
“Well, I know you don’t enjoy that kind of atmosphere, Instructor. But this time, you’ve become a target of Eustia, haven’t you?”
“That’s true, but……”
“You managed to shake them off this time, but I’m sure Eustia won’t give up. Right?”
Selena looked to Iriel for agreement. Iriel nodded hesitantly.
“Mm. Zeke, you know better than anyone… Aunt Hela’s obsession is quite strong……”
Zeke stroked his chin.
‘Well, they’ll be busy chasing after that Lost Hope bastard for now……. Would they still bother with me……?’
He thought that Eustia wouldn’t bother with him for the time being since he had thrown them a big bone, but it seemed like this woman named Hella was quite persistent.
‘I don’t know what Selena is planning, but I should at least hear her out.’
“So, what does that have to do with attending Eustia’s banquet?”
“……There, I’m planning to announce that you saved my life.”
“Why?”
“If I declare you as Yohaiden’s benefactor in that setting, it would be quite difficult for them to touch you, even from their standpoint.”
‘Ah.’
Honestly, it would be easy for him to just crush Eustia himself.
But Zeke didn't want the work he did to avoid trouble to result in Selena or those precious to her getting hurt, and then have to deal with the consequences.
However, Selena’s proposal wouldn't hurt him, nor would it involve anyone around him.
‘This is just lending my name.’
The best she could do.
A level of help that wasn't burdensome.
Not bad.
‘She’s pretty good.’
At that moment, Iriel intervened.
“What do you mean Zeke saved your life?”
“Right, Iriel, it’s better for you to know in advance. I’ll tell you. It’s alright, right, Instructor?”
Selena glanced at Zeke.
Zeke nodded.
This plan was Selena’s strategy.
He decided to observe how far his student had thought and how she would handle things.
Selena turned to Iriel and opened her mouth.
“First of all, let me start by saying this. Instructor Zeke doesn't remember the past.”
“What?!”
Iriel’s eyes widened as far as they could go.
Zeke was the same.
‘Hey, you’re telling her that here?!’
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even HE could tell that that was quite a bad time
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chapter
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