Disappointing Teleportation Magic ~ Even Though The Movement Distance Is Only 1 Millimeter, I Will Rise Through Ingenuity ~ - Chapter 26.3

“Then toughen up.”

“Understood.”

Mauroni’s training continued until I was utterly exhausted and unable to stand. On the way back, I had to lean on the shoulder of a soldier who served as my guard to walk, but before entering the dormitory, I stood on my own and straightened my back to open the door.

I’ve shown many pathetic sides of myself, but still, as a man, I want to maintain my dignity.

“I’m back. It was tough today as well.”

“Welcome back, Yuto-sama. The bath is ready, so please wash off the sweat.”

“Thank you.”

I managed to make it to the changing room in style, but taking off my clothes was a struggle due to the bruises and muscle pain. While fumbling around, Araseli, who had brought my change of clothes, found me.

“Yuto-sama… let me help you.”

“No, I’m alri… ugh.”

“You seem to have had a rough time.”

“Well, it can’t be helped. If I stay weak, I won’t be able to protect you, Araseli.”

“Yuto-sama… you are misunderstanding something.”

“Huh, misunderstanding…?”

I thought saying I wanted to protect Araseli would make her happy, but instead, she seemed slightly displeased.

“It’s my duty to protect you, Yuto-sama. It doesn’t matter what happens to me. It’s wrong for you to put yourself in danger to protect me.”

Indeed, Araseli’s mission was to guard me, and she had risked her life to protect me when Dorotheus and his men attacked. I understood that, but my feelings were a separate matter.

“No. No matter what anyone says, I would risk my life to protect the one I love.”

“Yuto-sama… but…”

“I may not be able to match you in hand-to-hand combat, Araseli, but with magic, I can protect you. I don’t want to lose you… In this world, life is valued too lightly compared to Japan. Let me protect the person who supports my heart in such a world.”

“Yuto-sama…”

Even after expressing my true feelings, Araseli’s expression did not clear up. It was probably her sense of duty causing this.

“Then let me protect you. In return, you protect me.”

“Yuto-sama… I understand. Even if it costs me my life, I will protect you.”

“And I will protect you, even if it costs me my life.”

“Yuto-sama…”

“Araseli… ouch!”

Just as I was about to pull Araseli into a comforting embrace, the pain from my bruises struck again. Damn you, Mauroni, you old man. I’ll get you back for this someday.