A Story of a Male Knight (Not a Female Knight) in a Chastity-Reversed World ~The Girls Are So Afraid of Being Disliked That a “Kukkoro” Scene Never Happens~ - 5

Chapter 5: Training to Become a Male Knight

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It was a clear, refreshing morning. A faint mist still lingered, and the dewdrops on the leaves glittered as they reflected the morning sunlight. I ran through the garden with its green lawn. My breath came out white. It felt good to have the fresh air fill my lungs.

I was out of breath, and lactic acid was building up in my legs, making it painful, but I didn’t dislike it. Ever since the day I made my declaration of determination to Mother, I had been starting every day with a run.

“E-ho, e-ho.”

The garden of the mansion, surrounded by a tall iron fence and gate, was spacious. There was a fountain, a green lawn, and carefully pruned trees—just like the kind of garden you’d expect in a rich household. That said, since it was located in the middle of the city, it wasn’t ridiculously huge. It was still within the bounds of common sense.

Maybe when I grew bigger, it would feel a bit too small to run in, but for me, at seven years old, the garden was big enough. I ran back and forth from one end of the garden to the other, aiming for about two kilometers each day. Since I wasn’t allowed outside the mansion grounds yet, I ran many laps to cover the distance.

“E-ho, e-ho.”

Trailing behind me as I ran was Elsa-san.

“E-ro, e-ro.”

The way she pronounced “ho” sounded suspicious, but it was probably just my imagination. Elsa-san was supervising me to make sure I didn’t get hurt. Mother also stayed with me as much as possible to observe, but since she was busy, I spent most of the time with Elsa-san.

“Haaah. I’m so tired.”

“Good work, Ray-sama. Here’s your towel.”

“Thank you, Elsa-san.”

I wiped my face with the towel.

“Ah, you’re so refreshing today too.”

Elsa-san pulled out a toothbrush and started brushing her teeth. I wished she wouldn’t use me as a substitute for toothpaste mint. But I didn’t mind too much, because I had gotten used to it.

Today marked one week since my reincarnation. At first, I had been surprised by Elsa-san and Mother’s reactions to everything, but now I was already at the point where I felt nostalgic looking back on those days. There were so many odd behaviors that I’d grown used to them.

However, unlike the typical man, I wouldn’t become arrogant or conceited. After all, my goal was to become a noble male knight.

“Thank you, Elsa-san.”

“Yes, I’ll take the towel and wash it.”

“Okay. I’m happy it always feels like new. Thank you for washing it so carefully.”

“Eh? Ah, ahh, don’t mention it!! When Ray-sama’s sweat soaks into it, it becomes a blessing of rain that nourishes the earth, makes grass sprout, and trees grow tall! Of course I wash it carefully, yes!!”

Most probably, I should only trust the “don’t mention it” part. I’d also gotten used to dealing with Elsa-san over this past week. And it seemed Elsa-san had grown accustomed to me as well since she was becoming less reserved. That was surely a good thing.

“Oh? Did we finish earlier than usual today?”

“I really felt it today. My times are getting faster, and I can feel myself getting stronger.”

“Ray-sama, you’re dazzling! Is the morning light shining because the sun rose—or because you woke up!?”

“I don’t want to rush breakfast, so I’ll take a shower first.”

“Haaah, haaah. I’m sure after Ray-sama showers, a rainbow will appear… Haaah.”

Thankfully, Elsa-san didn’t follow me into the bathroom, so I took a shower alone. In this world, despite its fantasy-like appearance with magic and magical tools, showers could produce hot water, which made me happy. Though it seemed only wealthy households had them.

After showering and grooming myself, I headed for breakfast. In the dining hall, dishes were lined up along a long table, and the mansion’s servants stood lined up on the side.

“Good morning, Ray-sama.”

They greeted me with elegant bows.

“Good morning, everyone.”

I returned a graceful bow of my own, just as Elsa-san had taught me.

“Hauuuu, I could die happy right now.”

“Ray-sama, you’re too wonderful.”

“He’s just a child, but… Oh, how many women will he drive mad in the future?”

Over the past week, I had deepened my relationships with the mansion’s staff. It all started on the first day of my training. I went to the dining hall to have breakfast with Elsa-san after our training, and just like today, they welcomed me with polite bows. But I was so embarrassed that I lowered my head to them in return.

“I’m so sorry for appearing before you in such shabby attire, even though you’re all treating me with such courtesy.”

At that time, I was still covered in dirt from my run. I felt ashamed for not being able to return their respect with proper manners—a failure as a noble knight. After that, I made sure to clean up before meals, and the servants’ evaluation of me skyrocketed. 

Apparently, before, even being seen by me could mean they risked being fired, so my approval rating had reached the stratosphere. Now, whenever I ran into them in the mansion, we could at least exchange simple words. I hadn’t done it on purpose, so it felt awkward to be revered by them like this, but well.. I guess I should be glad that I no longer had to live in constant fear of upsetting them.

“How is today’s breakfast?”

“It’s very delicious. Thank you for the wonderful meals every day.”

When I replied to the chef, everyone clutched their chests as if they’d been shot straight through the heart.

“H-he’s just too wonderful.”

“I’m so happy to be working for the Kukkoro family. My past life must’ve been all volunteer work to earn this blessing…”

“He’s still a little boy… Just how many women will he drive crazy when he grows up?”

I’d gotten used to such reactions, so I didn’t comment. If I were to point anything out, it would be that while everyone called me a boy, only Elsa-san referred to me as a man.

After finishing breakfast, I took a short break before resuming training. I started with light strength training, then focused on core exercises for an extended period of time.

After working on my core training, I had lunch. Then I went for another run, took an hour-long nap, and followed it with more strength and core training. Before I knew it, evening had arrived.

“Thank you for your hard work today.”

When I finished my daily routine, Elsa-san praised me. I definitely felt stronger. What used to take me until night a week ago now finished before sunset.

What should I do? There’s still time left for training… Ah! That’s it!

“Hey, Elsa-san. Do you think someone could teach me swordsmanship?”

“S-swordsmanship?”

“Yeah. Knights are all about swords. I want to get better at swordsmanship too.”

“It’s dangerous, so you should stop… No, if it’s for the sake of fulfilling your wish, and for the Madam to observe your resolve… Hmm.”

“I can’t?”

“No! Then I shall teach you myself with utmost care for your safety!!”

Elsa-san said this and quickly brought out a practice sword.

“Please don’t swing it around recklessly, it’s dangerous.”

The practice sword was about half my height. Heavy and awkward, but made of lightweight wood so I could magic powerge to swing it.

“Fufu~ Elsa-san, allow me to show you the swordsmanship of a true knight!”

I posed like a gallant knight, my excitement rising now that I had a sword.

“Ohh, Ray-sama. For a first timer, your grip and stance are quite good.”

In my previous life, I had admired female knights and practiced Western swordsmanship. Elsa-san’s response confirmed that effort hadn’t been in vain, though it made me a bit embarrassed.

“Elsa-san, do you know swordsmanship?”

Since she spoke like an experienced swordswoman, I asked her that question and Elsa-san nodded.

“Yes. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been entrusted with serving you. Despite how I look, I’m a fully licensed master of Munenshindo Sword Style, one of the Three Great Sword Styles.”

What’s that? That’s so cool!!

“Please show me your swordsmanship!”

“For you, Ray-sama, of course. But how should I demonstrate?”

“Then I’ll attack you. Please show me how you handle it.”

“If that’s all you need… But Ray-sama, please be careful not to injure yourself with your own swings.”

Elsa-san’s relaxed attitude reminded me of a certain scene. A female knight was having a duel against a villain to protect the villagers, only to be overwhelmingly defeated and fell into despair under the villagers’ disappointed gazes—a classic “kukkoro” (defiant knight) situation.

Recalling that story, I spoke in a knightly tone.

“You won’t stay smug for long! Here I come! Witness my sword!”

I swung at Elsa-san, but she deflected my attack with ease. So strong. Her movements were sharp and graceful. Realizing her overwhelming skill with just one strike, I dropped my restraint and attacked her seriously with multiple swings.

“Ohh, very good. You have potential.”

“Ku…”

“Come on, more! You won’t beat me like that.”

I swung desperately at Elsa-san, but her expression remained completely composed. Eventually, she twisted my sword aside, leaving me totally defenseless.

“Ku… I can’t land a single blow…!”

Exhausted, I collapsed to my knees in a classic “kukkoro” pose.

“You did well… R-Ray-sama?”

I couldn’t believe Elsa-san was such a skilled fighter. I had watched many swordsmen in videos and at dojos in my past life, but she was the strongest I’d seen. Yes. I should learn from her. That would bring me closer to my dream of becoming a male knight.

When I looked up to ask Elsa-san, I noticed her face looked frightening for some reason.

“Haaah… haaah… Ray-sama is too defenseless, too provocative… I want to push you down… make you mine…”

Elsa-san was muttering something in a low voice. I couldn’t catch everything she said, but her face was flushed and her breathing ragged. Could it be…?

“Since she looks that tired, does that mean I put up a good fight?”

“Umm………………………Yes!!!!!!”

After a long silence, Elsa-san shook her head vigorously and nodded firmly.

“Do you think I have potential?”

“Of course! I’m sure you’ll master magnificent sword skills!”

“Yes! Then, Elsa-san, will you teach me swordsmanship every day starting tomorrow?”

“E-every… day…?”

“Yeah!”

“C-can I endure that? Can I resist my instincts…?”

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“N-no, nothing. Understood! I’ll do my best!!”

“Thank you! I’m counting on you, Elsa-san!!”

Yes! I had found a master! I was overjoyed upon realizing that I had taken one more step toward my dream of becoming a male knight.

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