ALL NOVEL Haven’t we created a pretty warm atmosphere until now?
A disciple blaming herself for her slow learning and a true Master comforting her, that was definitely a harmonious vibe, wasn’t it?
“Master, did you meet someone? I smell something strange.”
Just like that, the friendly atmosphere shattered at the mention of ‘strange smell’ from Nameless, turning the mood sinister.
‘Wait, what do you mean strange smell? Do you think you’re a dog? Why’s your nose so good?’
It’s only natural I’m flustered here; I mean, it’s pretty much destiny at this point.
After all, I didn’t inform Nameless about what had happened, my goal was to handle it quietly, so getting caught by her wasn’t an option I even considered.
The reason I got caught is ridiculous.
‘Strange smell, huh?’
How could I anticipate that as a possible reason?
So, it’s only natural I’m flustered, a predetermined sequence of events.
“What.”
Clearly not happy with my answer, Nameless clutched her chest as if it was too tight and frowned.
But even seeing her like that doesn’t give me any words to offer her. How could I say, ‘I just met the kidnapper who came to snag you and dealt with him?’
Nameless would definitely blame herself for the trouble I got into because of her.
‘What should I do?’
It’s truly a deadlock; cold sweat began to flow like rain from my anxiety.
Then a thought suddenly popped into my head.
‘Wait a minute.’
Why do I need to answer everything when the disciple asks?
I’m her Master, not a child she raises, so there’s really no need for me to respond.
Plus, I didn’t do anything harmful to her; in fact, it was quite considerate, so being a Master with secrets who looks out for her disciple—now that’s something cool.
‘Isn’t there something touching in that?’
Awesome, I’ll just roll with this.
“Ahem, a guest came to the mountain, and I went to see them.”
This should be sufficient.
It was a perfect answer, even I thought so; I wasn’t lying, and saying I went to greet a guest meant Nameless wouldn’t have anything else to say.
“A guest…? But didn’t you have no friends, Master?”
Her eyebrows twitched.
‘This kid?’
Sure, it’s true I have no friends, but agreeing with the disciple feels wrong somehow.
My heart is crumbling; I thought I delivered a flawless response, but there was an unusual flaw.
Plus, how dare a mere disciple question the friendless Master? This can’t stand.
I need to restore my dignity as a Master.
“W-Why wouldn’t I have friends? I have tons!”
As I thought about lying to Nameless, my tongue slipped, and a bead of cold sweat trickled down.
If it were the usual Nameless, she would’ve never missed my slightest reaction, but it seemed my shocking answer left her so stunned that she couldn’t catch my awkward lie.
However, Nameless just started muttering with deadpan eyes.
“Lots of men around…? But you, Master, haven’t… for years…”
Uh-oh, this seems to be getting more serious.
‘Why’s that?’
And I said I had lots of friends, never mentioned they were men.
But I didn’t bother to point out the mistake.
Anyway, there’s no way she’d listen to anything I say in her current state.
Feeling the atmosphere turn awkward, I carefully lowered Nameless from my lap to the floor.
And since my body felt kind of sticky, I needed to wash up.
“I’ll, uh, wash up since I feel sticky, so just rest for a bit.”
“Yes…”
As I stood up to wash, I tossed my clothes into the basket carelessly as usual.
After all, the important parts were covered with bandages, and every time I did this, Nameless always yelled, “Master! Even though it’s me, you’re with a man! Be careful!” but doesn’t a Master-Disciple relationship resemble parent-child dynamics?
I didn’t really care.
Plus, now that she knows I’m three hundred years old, would she really see me in that way?
I have my own reasoning for acting this way.
Even if Nameless is a prime young man, there’s no way he’d feel anything looking at an ancient grandma of three hundred years.
‘Somehow calling myself a grandma feels weird.’
It feels strange, and I oddly feel a sense of defeat.
sigh
And I figured that Nameless would start her usual nagging at this point,
naturally shifting the atmosphere.
This was my cunning plan.
‘Perfect.’
It should’ve been perfect.
But for some reason, the usual nagging I heard countless times didn’t come, and confused, I glanced back only to meet Nameless’s wide eyes staring blankly at my arm and waist.
So I lowered my head to see where she was looking,
Oh no,
The marks left by the chains binding my body were clearly visible.
‘Didn’t think of that.’
Seeing Nameless’s response, it seemed the fact that her Master was hurt without her awareness weighed heavily on her mind.
“N-Nameless, this is—”
I felt like I had to make an excuse, so I quickly spoke up.
“Master, I’m sorry. Just… I’d like to be alone for a moment.”
But Nameless stood up and fled the place as if escaping.
“Um…”
This is difficult; how do I explain this?
No, I’m the one upset here, being unjustly accused of harming Nameless.
Of course, from her perspective, realizing her Master was fighting while she fainted makes her reaction understandable…
“Haah…”
I must think slowly while I wash up.
Even if I chase after her and try to explain, it will sound like a lame excuse, and Nameless isn’t the type to lie, so she probably truly wants to be alone right now.
“This is tricky.”
Raising a disciple is truly challenging.
For now, maybe leaving Nameless alone and just finishing my bath would be best.
Slowly, I filled a large basket with water I had bought in the village.
“Uuuu… It’s heaven.”
Washing my troubles away with a good bath is the best.
Dressed up, I let my long hair dry in the natural wind when I spotted Nameless approaching from a distance.
While her expression still looked dark, she seemed much more relaxed compared to before she bolted, which eased my worries a bit.
I might have worried excessively by waiting here, but shaking my head, I got rid of those pointless thoughts.
I’m inherently a coward.
And due to that, I suffered greatly from communication breakdowns since my previous life.
So even if everything’s fine now,
Keeping things bottled up could lead to big trouble in the future.
“Have you come?”
I beamed a smile, trying to show I was guilty of nothing as I welcomed Nameless.
“The sun is setting, and the wind’s getting cold; why are you out here?”
As expected, that was the first thing she asked.
You always worried about me first, didn’t you?
I discreetly gauged her mood and let my excuse slip from my lips.
“Um, I went out to dry my hair since it was still wet.”
Hmm, just as I know Nameless, does she know me too?
She seemed to read my clumsy lie, and her stiff face relaxed as she took a step closer with a slight smile.
“Well then, I guess you should stay out a little longer and enjoy the breeze.”
“Indeed.”
“Since I can’t let Master be alone in this cold, I should be here too.”
“Your point is well made.”
We both made silly excuses to justify our presence here.
“So, have you shaken off all your worries?”
“Yes, I think I’m okay now.”
Hmm, I wish Nameless would continue the conversation, but she stood beside me and blocked the cold wind.
‘But I said I came out to dry my hair.’
At this rate, I won’t dry it at all, but I didn’t dislike this situation.
Instead of taking steps toward the purpose of our being here, we hindered each other just so we could spend a little more time together.
In hindsight, this might turn out to be a beautiful memory.
Enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, I cautiously opened my mouth.
“About that guest from earlier…”
“Yes, Master.”
I lowered my head, staring at the ground, biting my lip.
I pondered if I should tell Nameless about the person who came to kidnap her.
Surely, a kind-hearted kid like you, always considerate of me, wouldn’t be able to help but blame herself in such a situation, would you?
I was so sure I’d resolved my determination earlier,
but reason for concern was hesitating my words.
Perhaps sensing my heart, or maybe just with that intention all along, Nameless spoke.
“Master, I apologize for interrupting, but may I go first?”
“Um, go ahead.”
Nameless came in front of me, squatting down, and met my gaze.
“Surely what you’re not telling me is for my sake, isn’t it?”
Of course, I would never do anything harmful to my disciple, Nameless.
To avoid interrupting her words, I just nodded silently.
“The marks on your body were clearly signs of a fight.”
Well, I could think of no other reason for the marks on my body, but I kept my mouth shut.
I’m observant enough.
“I won’t apologize, as you’ve always told me, but I will say thank you.”
Nameless finished speaking and smiled.
“Well, I’m grateful that you understand.”
I returned her smile as well.
Just like that, we faced each other against the cold wind, sharing warm smiles.
I’m glad it got resolved; I was a bit worried about seeing that side of Nameless.
‘Indeed, Nameless is such a warm-hearted child—’
Before I could finish that thought in the cozy atmosphere, Nameless opened her mouth again.
“But Master…”
“Hmm? Do you have more to say?”
Nameless wore a slightly mischievous smile, opening her mouth.
“It’s true you don’t have friends, isn’t it?”
“…?”
“Don’t lie; I can tell.”
It was just our ordinary daily life.