CCM 62 – Yo, Please Stop Giving me That Kind of Look

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Quite a few minutes have passed since the girl has awakened.

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The young girl’s just been crying herself out all this time.

This moment seems like salvation granted to her that has finally appeared after her years of suffering.

Like she has just received the warmth and affection that she had ever longed for.

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The young girl’s grasp on me is so tight I can’t help but return the gesture.

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To be honest, I was almost in a similar position as her until recently.

I was so lost and filled with despair as the people I have known as family abandoned me. But Rei, along with everyone else, taught me the warmth that I thought I would never again feel.

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That’s why, though just a bit, I can somehow understand this youngster.

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[I’m so sorry… I know it’s the first time we met but…]

[Haha… It’s okay.]

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I look at the girl crying on my chest with a bitter smile on my face.

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[Uhm, where did you come from….? Seems like you’re under some kind of special circumstance.]

[*sobs*… ah, yes… But I… uhm…]

[You don’t have to be afraid. Please tell me.]

[Okay… I- I was from the mansion of Euphias Ald-sama and… I ran away…]

[Euphias Ald..…]

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Rei whispers the name of who seemed to be the young girl’s master.

As someone from the royal family, Rei might have some information about him.

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But really — Kaya was right. It was indeed the Ald family.

A name pretty well known even amongst nobility.

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None of us spoke for quite a while so it seemed like the girl started to misunderstand something. She lowers her head while her voice trembles as she speaks quietly.

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[I’m sorry… Someone like me will only give trouble, won’t I… I can’t afford to inconvenience you guys any longer. I don’t know how to express it better but I am really grateful for your help. Thank you so much.]

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The girl stood up but I held her in place with my right hand.

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[No, it’s fine. I don’t think you can actually even go back home considering the situation.]

[Yes… Bu-but…]

[Fufufu, then do not worry any further.]

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It’s the first time Maeri has opened her mouth all this while but then she looks at the little girl with a mellowful smile.

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[The two people in front of you are of great character. Especially Arios-sama, just recently, against Dudley, he…]

[Now now. Refrain from speaking anything unnecessary.]

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I have to stop Maeri immediately before she starts saying something outrageous.

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[Eh… Arios-san, against Dudley… Don’t tell me…]

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Ah, seems like it’s already too late though.

The girl has already understood enough from those little words that came out of Maeri.

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[The Ald estate was in quite a ruckus as well just recently because… of the person named Arios… then, is it really…?]

[Haaaaaa….]

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I can’t help but let out a sigh so exasperated as I scratch the back of my head.

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[That exact Arios must be me. It was me who fought a duel against Dudley and… I was the one who got the victory.]

[Wowwwww!!!!]

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With speed and precision similar to the movements she had demonstrated before, my hands then got isntantly wrapped by hers.

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Just fast.

It was so damn fast.

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[Even someone like me knows of it as well! You’re the person who was banished from the Makuba estate but afterwards defeated the Silver Sword Saint and saved all of the audience, correct!?]

[Oh, yeah… I guess that happened.]

[You’re so amazing! Even though you suffered from different kinds of hardships, you still pushed forward and became the best you can be…]

[You’re exaggerating. I’m not someone that outstanding.]

[I- I’m not! I- I’ve always wanted to… meet you in person…ah.!]

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*slams*

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Her sudden movements earlier must have caused some repercussions to her injury as she stumbles in place and falls down.

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[Seriously…]

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I reach my hand towards the girl as I speak.

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[You’re body is in a much more vulnerable state than you really think. So be careful and don’t be that hasty… What’s the matter? Take my hand already.]

[eh… will that be okay?]

[Of Course it’s fine. I don’t really understand why you would think otherwise.]

[Th-th-th-then, please…]

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The girl’s cheeks then flushed red as she took a firm, hard, and strong grip of my hand.

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[Yatta… I was able to hold hands with Arios-sama….]

[What the heck are you saying…]

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But I wonder.

The vibe she’s giving me feels different from what I usually get from Rei and Maeri.

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[….Well, we still can’t really let you go all by yourself after all. So please stay with us for a bit more time. Is that okay?]

[O-oh… Rather, I’d like to ask you to please do so.]

[I- I see…]

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She started to switch to formal speech all of a sudden.

Why would she abruptly change the way she speaks when she hasn’t done it since earlier though.

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[Fufufu… Let’s get along well then, okay~♪]

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Rei then welcomes her as she clasps both of her hands on top of the young girl’s hands.

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[Still, I won’t let you have Arios just so we’re clear~♪ Fufufufufu~]

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And Rei, in her own way, acts weird as well all of a sudden.

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Translator’s Notes:

1. Hi, people!!!!! The plot of the second volume now moves~ But you don’t have to wait that looong! I actually celebrated my birthday this weekend that’s why the chapter got delayed. I didn’t really plan anything myself, my place just got ransacked by family and friends. My plans have changed, and the cleanup is so exhausting, but I unexpectedly enjoyed it. This is my apology chapter for yesterday’s delay. Anyway, that’s it for this weekend. happy weekdays ahead!
2. Oh, what I really mean by you don’t have to wait that long is I will publish additional chapters for the coming week in celebration of my birthday. It’s my way of giving back to you all who’s with me in this community. Yaaah, this is getting long. See yah tomorrow!

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