Chapter 29 - Ring (1/2)
The unstoppable flow of time advanced, uncaring of the mortals who could only accept the advance helplessly. Fourteen days had passed since Rio was resurrected in the Temple of the Holy Church in Tortus. Rio's slow and leisure life continued until a change graced the unchanging schedule for almost two weeks.
The location was the training field. Two dozens of students, the sole teacher from another world, and Rio were fixing their attention on Captain Meld. The afternoon training session for that day had ended, but they hadn't left yet. Captain Meld had told them before the training that there would be an announcement at the end of their training session.
”Attention!” Captain Meld's sonorous voice spread in the whole field, informing everyone to put their attention on his next words. ”Tomorrow, as part of your practical training, we will be going on an expedition to the Great Orcus Labyrinth. I'll prepare all the necessary equipment you guys will need, but don't think this is going to be anything like the monster hunts you've been going on outside the capital! You guys better prepare yourselves! Get as much rest as possible tonight so you're ready! That's all, dismissed!”
When the students heard the content of the announcement, they broke out into chatters. Rio seemed uncaring of this announcement, but he was actually very pleased with this inside.
'So it is still following the schedule in the canonical materials, huh? And here I thought that the schedule will change because of my meddling. Regardless, tomorrow is the true start of my second life!' Rio mused silently.
Afterward, Rio and the others left the training field. As they walked up towards the castle, Rio could be seen amidst a small conversation with Kouki's group. He would skillfully guide the conversation to be enjoyable. And before long, they arrived in the castle and broke up as they headed to their respective rooms.
When Rio arrived in his room, he discovered that Liselotte had been waiting for him. They exchanged a short greeting before Liselotte dragged Rio to his private bathroom. Afterward, well, no need to explain what they were doing in there. They left the bathroom half an hour later. Rio was carrying Liselotte in a bridal style and brought her to the bed. He'd dried both himself and Liselotte before coming out. Surprisingly, they didn't continue their play from the bathroom, opting to cuddle. Before long, they fell asleep in each other embrace.
When the morning came, Rio woke up alone in bed. He was confused due to Liselotte's absence but not for long. Liselotte came out of the bathroom shortly after Rio woke up.
”Good morning, honey,” Liselotte greeted Rio as she stood at the side of the bed.
”Morning, Liselotte.” Rio greeted her in return as he stretched himself.
”Well, today you are going to have an expedition in Great Orcus Labyrinth, are you not?”
”Yeah...” Rio replied shortly and became thoughtful. When Liselotte saw Rio's behavior, she tilted her head in confusion but said nothing. She wouldn't ask a question and chose to wait for Rio to tell him instead.
”Speaking of which, I want to ask you something,” Rio suddenly stated, grabbing Liselotte's attention. He feigned his troubled expression when he said that.