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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Lord Fourth
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“Ugh…”
At first, even lifting the sword was a struggle. Perhaps it was reckless for a frail girl to wield a piece of metal as tall as herself.
But she didn’t want to give up before she even started. She wanted to become a woman who could be of use to her beloved Master, even if she couldn’t be as strong as him.
“One… two…”
So, she decided to train her body first. She thought she needed to build up her stamina. She also studied swordsmanship books.
That’s when she learned that she could enhance her physical abilities using the magic power flowing through her body.
“Housework has become much easier now that I’m stronger.”
One day, two days… She could feel the effects of her training as she continued.
Thanks to that, she was able to start practicing with a sword sooner than expected.
“O-One! Whoa?!”
Of course, as a beginner, she couldn’t handle a sword properly from the start.
It was common for her to lose her balance and fall while clumsily swinging it.
That’s when her true training began.
“One, two, three!”
She practiced every night.
“Leave it to me, Master!”
During the day, she diligently performed her duties as his maid, striving for perfection. She could barely remember the last time she had properly rested.
“Hup! Is this the right posture…?”
She practiced her swordsmanship late at night, sacrificing sleep. Learning alone without a teacher was slow, and she wasn’t even sure if she was doing it correctly.
“I see. I should relax my shoulders in this stance.”
But she didn’t give up. She read books whenever she had a moment to spare, correcting her posture.
“Ugh… I’m sleepy…”
Every morning, she woke up feeling exhausted, her muscles aching with every movement. If she pushed herself even a little, her body screamed in protest.
Clang—
“I-I’m so sorry! Master!”
“I dropped the plate…”
There were days when she made unnecessary mistakes and caused trouble. She would apologize to her master, her heart pounding with anxiety.
“It’s alright.”
But her master never scolded her. He always encouraged her with a gentle smile and kind words.
“…….”
Every time he did, she felt it. That she had to persevere, no matter how difficult or tiring it was.
That she had to endure any hardship to become a woman worthy of her master—even if her body was worn down by fatigue and turned to dust.
She was determined to become someone he needed, rather than remaining a tearful, clumsy burden.
“Don’t be weak, Eilly. Stop thinking about resting.”
“You can’t give up. This is the path you chose…”
There was no compromise. There was no one to blame. This was her choice. She had vowed to endure, even if it meant exhausting her soul.
“One, two, three!”
She spent the first year teaching herself the basics.
“Ugh… Killing is more gruesome than I thought…”
In the second year, she practiced combat by hunting weak monsters.
“Ogres are certainly strong. I need to be faster and more balanced—”
In the third year, she became capable of defeating even large monsters.
“Huh?”
In the fourth year, she realized something.
“My body feels lighter…”
She had definitely changed.
She had become a completely different person from her past self, who only knew how to cry.
“Huu—”
Every movement, every swing of her sword, felt natural.
She had grown to the point where she could create her own techniques and movements, going beyond simply imitating what she had learned.
Clang—!
The results were evident in the academy entrance exam.
“I lost. You’re incredibly skilled. I’ve never seen such unique swordsmanship.”
Because she was the first student to defeat Instructor Lilton, whom no one else could beat.
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The rules of a duel in this world were simple.
The match was considered over when one opponent surrendered, became incapacitated, or lost their weapon, rendering them unable to continue fighting.
Unless otherwise specified, these three conditions were the generally accepted rules of a duel.
*Clang-! *
Heavy.
That was the only thought that crossed his mind.
Clang–!
“Ugh!”
Every time he parried Eilly’s attack, a tingling sensation ran through his hand.
“Let’s stop this! Why are we even fighting?!”
He tried to reason with her as he barely managed to block her sword. But the more he tried to show that he meant no harm, the sharper her gaze became.
“Because I love you, Master!”
“How can I just stand by and watch you be taken away by another woman? I’ll never allow it!”
Her relentless attacks were like a fierce storm, leaving him no room to breathe, let alone counterattack.
It was as if she was determined to pour everything she had into this short burst of attacks, as if the duel would end the moment her turn was over.
Clang!
A wide, horizontal swing. It was a blow aimed at ending the fight, but he managed to block it by the skin of his teeth. She adjusted her stance and aimed for his head with a vertical strike.
Clang!
A clean, powerful blow. He managed to block it, his right hand gripping the hilt of his sword and his left hand supporting the blade.
Clang, clang, clang, clang–!!
Her relentless attacks left him no room to breathe, let alone counterattack. He felt like he was trapped in a violent storm.
Clang-!!
The metallic clang of their swords clashing echoed through the meadow. Sparks flew as both were pushed back by the impact.
“Ugh…”
He didn’t even remember how long they had been fighting. Every moment was a desperate struggle for survival.
All he knew was that each of her attacks was heavy and swift.
“Haa…”
Eilly caught her breath and adjusted her stance. Her eyes gleamed like a predator’s for the first time. But her voice was filled with guilt.
“Why…?”
He tilted his head at her question. But before he could answer, tears welled up in her eyes.
“Why what?”
“You’ve been defending all this time! You haven’t attacked once, just focusing on enduring my tantrums… Did you think I wouldn’t notice?!”
He had been found out. He hadn’t attacked Eilly. He had opportunities, but to defeat her now, he would have to fight seriously.
She wasn’t an opponent he could take lightly. And that’s why… he couldn’t bring himself to attack her.
What if he lost control and seriously injured her?
“….”
That horrifying thought flashed through his mind, paralyzing him. He could do nothing but defend.
“Because you might get hurt, Eilly.”
He answered briefly. She glared at him with a mixture of love and resentment.
“As expected…”
A sigh escaped her lips.
Clang!
In the blink of an eye, she swung her sword with a dance-like movement.
Clang! Clang!
“You’re too kind, Master! Even though this insignificant maid is committing a sin worthy of a hundred deaths… yet you’re worried about me!”
Clang! Clang! Clang–!
“But… that’s why I’m anxious. Because you’re too kind, too naive, too soft-hearted!”
“That’s why I’m afraid you’ll be taken away by some other women!”
Her movements grew increasingly frantic. He was reaching his limit, struggling to defend against her relentless attacks.
Clang–!!
“Ugh?!”
He was struggling, especially because of her unique swordsmanship. For some reason, he couldn’t use [Parry] against her attacks.
It wasn’t just that he couldn’t react; her swordsmanship felt… different.
“…!”
Her swordsmanship was beyond mere technique; it was something he had never seen before, even in the original story.
“Master, you’ll never defeat me just by defending!”
Her relentless attacks were suffocating. But he couldn’t give up.
“Haa… Haa……”
Eilly was getting tired. The sweat pouring down her face and her heaving shoulders showed that she was reaching her limit.
“Just give up. You’re tired, aren’t you?”
“No. Not yet…. This fatigue… I can still fight!”
She was clearly exhausted, having relentlessly attacked without a break.
Unlike before, her swings were losing power. He had a clear advantage in a battle of attrition.
But despite his suggestion, she refused to lower her sword.
Clang…!
Her weakened attack struck his sword with a faint clang. Her previously sharp movements had become sluggish.
“I… I still… can’t give up…!”
Eilly tried to swing her sword again, gasping for breath. But her ragged breathing showed that she was beyond her limit.
Clang…
She tried to attack again, aiming for an opening, but her sword missed as she stumbled.
“Eilly!”
He moved without hesitation. He dropped his sword and embraced her as she faltered.
“L-Let go of me…!”
Eilly struggled, but her resistance quickly faded.
“It’s alright. I’m not angry. Calm down.”
He held her gently, patting her back. She initially resisted but eventually relaxed in his embrace.
“Oh… So this is how it ends…”
Her sorrowful voice made his heart ache. She was completely exhausted, but her arms, wrapped around his waist, didn’t loosen their grip.
“I… I can never defeat you, Master…!”
She finally burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably as her determination to defeat him crumbled before the harsh reality.
“Let’s go back.”
He said softly, trying to comfort her.
“No… I don’t want to give up on you, Master… I refuse to let you leave me for another woman.”
Eilly continued to express her feelings. But she didn’t resist anymore. She seemed to just want him to hold her, to understand her feelings.
“Let’s talk when we get back.”
He gently patted her back and was about to head back to the dormitory when she suddenly muttered,
“Then… will you continue your engagement with Lady Elisha?”
He paused, unsure how to answer.
The situation had become so twisted that he didn’t even know what to do anymore.
His original goal was to guide Varis towards the Harem Ending. But now, he wondered if that was the right answer.
Perhaps he could achieve his own happy ending?
“……”
Eilly let out a small sigh at his silence and spoke again,
“As expected, you’re going to cancel the termination…”
Before she could finish, he felt a sudden movement.
“Ugh?!”
Eilly pushed him away and leaped back.
“Then… it’s not over yet! I can still fight!”
She still held her sword tightly, refusing to give up.
“Two. I’ll swing my sword two more times. And that will decide the outcome.”
He sighed and nodded at her determination.
“Fine. I’ll accept your last two strikes.”
“Here I come…!”
Eilly raised her sword, her eyes unwavering. And then…
“One…!!”
Eilly moved. But something was wrong. Her sword wasn’t aimed at him. The tip of her blade was pointed at… her own neck.
“Eilly?!”
He instinctively ran towards her. If this continued, her blade would pierce her throat.
“Eilly!!!!”
He ran towards her with all his might. But… there was a strange look on her face.
“As expected… I knew you would do this, Master.”
She whispered with a smile. At that moment, he understood everything. His attempt to save her had left him vulnerable.
Clang!
A metallic sound echoed. When he came to his senses, he felt an emptiness in his hand. A chill ran down his spine as he saw a sword flying through the air.
“Two…”
She declared in a calm voice.
“I win, Master.”
Eilly smiled, a seductive smile filled with confidence adorned her lips.
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Hi Lord Fourth here!
I’m new to translating so if you find some mistakes or inconsistencies let me know about it on the dedicated channel on discord.
Low blow Eily