Lancelot Episode

Thanks for sparring with me, as always.

Hehe, don't mention it, I'm having fun.

Hah! Haa!

..!

You've improved a lot in such a short time. Sparring with you's always a thrill.

That's only because we're using wooden swords. With real ones, I'd be toast.

Heh. Always so modest.

You down for another round?

Hmm... let's take a short break.

You're doing your makeup? Now?

You never know when you'll meet your fated partner.

Gotta always be ready.

Hehe. Are you trying to flirt?

That line's a bit cliché... but not bad.

W-Who said anything about flirting?!

Hehe. Then maybe you should try learning makeup, Ethan?

I bet you'd get the hang of it in no time.

Uh... I think I'll pass.

Kyaaah!!!

..! Lancelot... That scream...

Thank you miss!

Hehe. The forest is dangerous, you know. You shouldn't come this far in. Promise me you'll be more careful next time, okay?

Okay! I promise!

Here, a gift from me.

If you keep your promise, I'll give you something even better next time. Got it?

Thanks, miss! Hehe!

You suddenly want to spar at the beach? What's going on?

I got tired of looking at nothing but trees. Sometimes, you need a change of scenery.

And I've always wanted to visit a beach like this.

In novels, there's always a scene where everyone goes to the sea.

And every time I read those scenes, I get so envious. It's something we never get to experience in real life.

Especially now of all times, with all the monsters and Merfolk near the shores.

Ordinary townspeople could be put in danger simply by visiting the beach.

Hehe. So now... should we practice?

Practice...? What?

We wear swimsuits... run along the shore till sunset...

And when night falls, we have an unforgettable evening at the inn...

Wha?! H-Hey! What are you talking about all of a sudden?!

Huh? Why are you reacting like that? What were you imagining?

The moonlight glistening on the waves... soaking in warm water as we gaze at the sea...

I just thought it'd make a wonderful memory.

Hehe. Did you have something else in mind?

......

If there's something you want... just tell me. I'm always ready.

Ahem... L-Let's just find a place to spar before it gets too late!

Ethan. Over there, look. A big rock.

Whoa... How'd a boulder that size even get here?

Hehe. How about this as our battleground?

Not many monsters around, either...

Here, no one will hear us... no matter what we do.

Nice try, but that trick won't work anymore.

Hehe. Worth a shot. Well, then... let's spar, ngh!

...Huh? What's wrong?

N-No, it's nothing.

That face says otherwise. Show me. What happened?

......

...! You're bleeding. We need to treat that right away!

The cut's deeper than I thought... and we've got no clean water to disinfect it...

Lancelot. I'll carry you back. We don't have time to waste.

..!! It's nothing. Just a scratch. I'll be fine after resting a bit...

Don't say that!

It might look minor now... but you never know what could happen.

So just get on my back.

...Okay. Thanks.

And I don't want to fight unfairly.

Let's go. We can spar another day.

...Okay.

Lancelot, can I ask you something?

Huh? Don't tell me I'm too heavy...

No, that's not it. Don't worry. It might be a bit of a serious question...

How did you get so strong?

Hehe. If I tell you, you might be disappointed in me.

That's fine. I want to know, that's why I'm asking.

......

The truth is, my sword... it's not noble or righteous like yours, Ethan.

It's a blade for revenge. In other words, it was made to take lives.

Revenge?

Ten years ago, the kingdom I lived in... was destroyed by the Empire of Ygritte.

The emperor wanted to take me as his concubine, but my father refused... So the emperor made up a false excuse and invaded the kingdom.

So I... had no choice but to run away with my mother.

...So that's when you started practicing the sword.

I swung my sword not with pride or conviction, but purely for revenge.

My strength is the result of that dark obsession.

Well? Are you disappointed?

Huh? Why would I be? Wanting to become strong for your own sake is perfectly natural.

..!

And... you think my sword is noble and righteous? It's not like that at all.

I only picked up a sword to find a way back home. It wasn't for anything admirable.

So... uh...

Stop putting yourself down so much.

......

Looks like we're already here. Come on, let's get that cut treated first.

Get plenty of rest for now. If you move around too much, it'll scar.

Hehe. I got it.

Alright, I'll be going now...

...! Wait!

Um... t-thank you. For today.

It was really... an unforgettable day.

...This time, I meant it.

Hm? What?

Hehe. It's nothing. Princess Elizabeth might be worried, you should hurry back.

Hehe. You really are...

Hm? What?

It's nothing. I'll send you another letter once my foot's healed.

What? Where's your sword?

Huh? I didn't bring it, obviously. I didn't call you here for a spar today.

Then why did you...

When a man and a woman meet up alone, there's only one reason. It's a date.

A... date?!

I read about dates in a book yesterday... and it left such a strong impression.

It stuck with me so much, I wanted to try it for myself. That's why I called you. You're the only guy I know.

Even so, a date's a bit...

Hehe. Ethan, did you forget already? You said if we became comrades, you'd make sure every day was exciting.

If we don't go on this date today... I might not be able to keep my end of the promise.

...Ahem.

...Just for today, okay?

Hehe. Thanks. So, where should we go first?

Can I choose our last stop?

I don't mind.

Then... I want to see the ocean.

The ocean? Didn't we already go last time?

I mean... the real ocean. The vast one, seen from a ship. That's what I want to see.

Hmm... it's a bit far, but we've still got time.

Alright. Let's go.

Hehe. Thanks, Ethan.

Lancelot? Is something wrong? You don't look so good.

Hehe... Actually, I came here to visit my father.

Your father?

"My beloved daughter. You don't have to be sad."

"I'll become the very wind of Britannia, and always be by your side."

That's what he told me the day I fled the kingdom.

Years later, I went to find him again... but I never could.

So I decided this place would be his grave. It's where the warmest breeze blows.

......

Sorry, Ethan. The date today... it was a lie.

It's just... it had been so long, and I was too scared to come here alone.

Thank you... for coming with me.

No, I should be the one thanking you. Because...

Hehe. That's right. You're the most trustworthy person in the world.

Yeah... important enough that I can't imagine ever meeting someone like you again.

Maintaining public safety is boring... but necessary.

Hey there, cutie...! You lookin' real fine.

Kekeke, how 'bout a little fun with us?

Yeah... Case in point.

Hey. You guys might wanna back off bef, wait, Lancelot?!

Oh, it's you? Ethan!

You came to ask me on a date, did you?

Not even close.

Hmm? Then maybe you're here for another beachside sparring session like before?

I'm just patrolling. Got a request from the kingdom to help keep order in the newly restored towns.

What about you? What's with the serving tray?

I'm working. Cute, right?

You're part-timing? Why?

I ran out of money for skincare. And... I saw these shoes I really want... hehe.

....

No need to deal with idiots like them one by one.

Who knows? They could've been good people.

Not a chance. Their intentions were written all over their faces.

You're working, after all, better to keep that kind of trash away.

Hmm... Ethan, what kind of juice do you like?

...Are you even listening to me?

You don't need to be so uptight. I heard a lot of relationships start with this kind of thing.

Not that it matters. I already have you.

W-What do you mean "relationship"? Those guys weren't even serious.

Then why were they hitting on me?

Well...

You're way too cautious, Ethan. People meet naturally, it doesn't always have to be a big deal.

I mean, for some reason guys have been hitting on me lately.

Can't imagine why...

Hmm... are you jealous, Ethan? Worried I might go off with someone else?

W-What kind of nonsense is that?!

Fufu...

Anyway, I'm going to make another round. Can't let anything ruin the mood of this brand-new beach market.

Okay. I'll have a cold drink ready when you're back.

Haha, thanks. Good luck with work, Lancelot.

Huh? She done already?

Come on, sweetheart. You'd rather hang out with us than waste your time here, right?

Yeah. That body of yours deserves better than handing out drinks at some stand.

Hmm... This is awkward.

Pushy guys aren't much fun. And sorry, but I'm working right now.

Then we'll buy everything on the menu. Come on, quit playing hard to get.

Don't be so rough. I said no...

Are you seriously gonna keep blowing us off? Huh?

That voice...

Back off. Now.

Huh?! Who's this guy?

Y-You'll regret this!

Ugh...

Lancelot, you okay?

Thanks, Ethan. I was kinda stuck...

Didn't know what to do, but then bam!, you showed up and saved me. Fufu.

You did the right thing not fighting back. If they caused trouble later, it could've turned into a huge mess.

So you were worried I'd get in trouble? Wow... Is there anyone more thoughtful than you?

I just didn't want this market, or that stall, to get wrecked.

I'm actually pretty close with the stall owner. It's fine.

Oh?

Yeah, probably someone you know.

Who?

It's a secret! It's more fun to find out later, don't you think?

Hey, are you working alone? Seems like a lot to handle with this many customers.

I'm on my own, but it's not too bad. It's a good workout, actually.

Training through daily life, huh?

Exactly. I may have lost direction for a while, but if you ever need help, I want to be there.

Can't let myself get rusty.

Still, the owner really left you alone here?

They're just off checking the other stalls.

Even if you are really close, they're really asking a lot from you...

It's really okay. Besides, the owner begged me to work. Said I'd bring in a crowd.

Why's that?

Said my outfit was perfect for the beach, and thirsty men.

Honestly, I don't get it. This much skin is pretty normal, right?

...Nope. That stall owner was spot-on.

So... are you working for the money? Or because the stall owner talked you into it?

Hmm... Both, I guess?

Lately, things have just been so boring. Would've been nice to have someone to spar with, but everyone's busy.

Fighting with you now and then is fun, though... Fufu!

I've got one. A fiery, passionate romance. Just like in the novels.

Sweet life, huh? Nothing wrong with that. But... not like this.

Hmm... I actually have a great idea...

You don't need to live with blood on your hands. Honestly, working like this in a cute outfit suits you.

Oh?

And hey, if you ever find a partner, even better.

But if you want someone serious, you might wanna tone it down a little.

Tone what down?

Uh... stuff like your outfit. And those... provocative comments you make sometimes.

Most guys wouldn't mind, sure. But someone with serious feelings might get the wrong idea.

They might think you're not being genuine. Or feel like you're way out of their league.

Wow... Ethan, you're... really something. You feel different all of a sudden.

Do I...?

Is it because you're a guy and just know these things?

I thought... if I just flirted, licked a little, maybe sucked on...

STOP! That's exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about!

Huh? That's what the novels said.

People misunderstand when they hear stuff like that!

Ugh... I don't even know what counts as "too much." How am I supposed to act normal?

...Maybe you should keep doing this job.

When you serve customers, you meet all kinds of people. You might get used to regular conversation. You might even pick up a thing or two from watching couples interact.

You think this job is helping me?

Probably. Elizabeth and Bedivere both got a lot better at talking to people while working at the inn.

Phew... If you say so, it must be true.

That's why I like you the most, Ethan.

Here. Your blueberry juice, as promised. I even crushed the ice for you.

Thanks.