168 168. Usual Practice (1/2)

After school, I went to the back of the school building alone. It's time for my daily training with Iris, which has already become a routine.

My training with her has become much more skillful, and recently we have been having more and more mock fights.

I haven't lost to Iris yet, but I know better than anyone that she's growing every day.

When I arrived at the back of the school building, in addition to the usual members Iris and Aria, there was another girl.

”Miss Aena?

”Haha, you're finally here. You've got some nerve, keeping me waiting like this. I'll give you that.

Hey!　Dr. Alta didn't keep you waiting.

I'm not sure what to make of this.

I'm not sure what to do.　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

That's ......

I'm not going to blame you. It's not that I'm not a fan of your work, but it's just that I wanted to see how you guys train since I came to this school. You don't mind that, do you?　I have no intention of interfering.

It's not for me to decide, but...

Iris glances at me.

You will find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their lives. ...... This is a common sight these days.

It's a good idea to take a look at your own personal life.

However, especially during normal times ...... such as homeroom and class, Iris sometimes acts as if she is avoiding my gaze.

I wonder if I've done something to upset her, but I can't think of anything.

I have also asked Iris about it, but she only replied in a slightly flustered manner, ”It's business as usual. Since then, I have not asked her anything in-depth.

Well, as long as you are practicing properly, I think there is no problem at first.

It's fine for you to observe. But please don't tell the other students about it.

”Fine. I don't like to talk about it either.

Aena agreed and stepped away from us.

Now we can start practicing as usual.

By the way, Sensei.

I was thinking of ......, but Aria raised a small hand and opened her mouth.

What is it?　Aria-san.

”.......

I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it's a good idea.

Then, she quickly looked back at me. --It's the only way I can understand what she's trying to say.

I thought that if we were some distance apart, we would not be noticed.

In fact, Iris and Aena are unaware of her presence.

But it seems that Aria was different.

Helen was also aware of my current situation, having heard about it from Remyll, and she said enthusiastically, ”I'll be careful not to let the students find out! It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your vacation. Even though it's ......, I can't explain Helen's existence here and now.

What's wrong?　Aria.

...... No, it's nothing. Sensei, let's start practicing.

Aria shook her head in response to Iris' question. --She seemed to get the idea.

And at the same time, Aria could tell that something was going on.

When the swordsmen targeted me in the seaside town of Lelay, Aria was the first one to notice something was wrong.

She might make some kind of contact later. For now, I'll just thank her for not touching me.

Let's start as usual. Let's start with Iris.

”...... Yes!