Chapter 9 (1/2)

Ex Strongest, Reunion with an Unknown Name Girl

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation)

After viewing the retreating figure of Camilla who left because of a job, Soma lied on his back on the spot.

He wasn't tired.

If anything, it was because of disappointment.

On the last moment when she was about to receive the blow, his mind lost focus.

It was a moment of negligence. To tell the truth, Soma would originally had no problem, but… the current Soma was far from perfect condition.

In the first place, Soma wasn't use to swing a sword by using this body.

He could actually handle the match if it was with simple and light swings. But it was the first time for him to swing it until that extent earlier.

He finally got used to that level little by little while doing swings. However, even though he was in such a state, he was careless, and he lost the match because of that. It was something out of question for him.

”Although I can say many kind of excuses, it is meaningless if I do such a thing. I'm still too early — don't you think so?” (Soma)

”…!?” (??)

The moment he said that, the trees behind him slightly shook.

The shook immediately settled down, but… oh well, it went without saying that was also meaningless.

Since there was no reaction after waiting for a while, he thought that there was a meaning from 'that side', but…

”As I have said before, you have been found out. It's meaningless to keep hiding, you know?” (Soma)

”…H-how do you know…?” (??)

The one who showed the face from behind the tree while saying such a thing, was a girl familiar to him.

A girl with red hair and red eyes.

She was about the same age as Soma, and she had a figure which could be said as a figure of a child.

From the face with slanted eyes, he received a strong impression, but it seemed that there was no way for her to conceal anxiety. However, the feeling gradually became dim.

The reason why she had an anxious expression was probably because he opened mouth just now.

The person herself somehow didn't realize that she had been perceived.

However…

”Hmmm… even if I tell you why, it's troublesome to say it. I can't say anything other than 'if I notice it, it means I notice it'.” (Soma)

”But… the other person earlier seemed didn't notice me.” (Girl)

”Well, Sensei… Camilla apparently thought that no one else would come here. And she probably didn't pay much attention to the surroundings.” (Soma)

”…Does that mean that the difference is because you know that I will come?” (Girl)

”Yes, of course.” (Soma)

As she nodded, she showed an expression that still couldn't accept the reason, but since that was the truth, it couldn't be helped then.

However, the truth about this situation was like what Soma said, he just knew it.

Well, practically, it was a coincidence that Soma noticed her.

At the last moment when he lost concentration during the match with Camilla, the reason was actually because he noticed her.

However, he was able to notice it because he knew her existence.

Even if Soma didn't know her, n.o.body could tell whether Soma would notice her or not.

Anyhow, since Soma was keep talking while facing up, he got up, turned around and he greeted her again.

”In any case, it's been a long time. Is this the first time in a week?” (Soma)

”Y-yes… long time no see.” (Girl)

”Hmmm. Although it may be late, thank you for helping me at that time.” (Soma)

In a week before, Soma was helped at that time.

As it could be seen from these conversations, it meant that Soma knew the girl… or perhaps it should be said that the encounter was a week ago when he collapsed.

Without being able to think of anything in that moment and became unable to move, Soma, then, was rescued.

To be exact, the girl lent her shoulders and thanks to that, he somehow managed to return to the backyard.

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation)

”It-it's fine. For such a grat.i.tude… I just did what I wanted to do.” (Girl)

”No. I feel indebted. No matter how it objectively looked, you still saved me. It doesn't really matter much with what were you thinking. Therefore, I am obliged to say thanks to you, and you have the privilege to accept it. Well, since it is your right to accept my grat.i.tude, of course, you can throw it away.” (Soma)

”…Although you thanked me, why does it sound that you are so proud about it? Oh well… if that's really the case, I'll accept it.” (Girl)

”Hmm, that's a G.o.dsend.” (Soma)

”…I still can't really accept it though.” (Girl)

She looked at Soma with a dissatisfied expression, but Soma just shrugged his shoulders.

He was aware that his behavior looked so proud, but there was no way for him to change that.

So, she got no choice, but to give up.

”That's the truth, you know… Hmm? Leaving that aside, I haven't heard of your name.” (Soma)

”Well, this is not the situation to give my name… and there is no need for me to do so.” (Girl)

”It is necessary, so tell me your name. Aah, by the way, my name is Soma. You can call me the way you like.” (Soma)

”…Somehow I am still not satisfied, but… well, whatever. But name… name huh.” (Girl)