Hi, I’m the Hero’s Father ～I’m Sorry For All The Trouble My Foolish Son Has Caused You～ - Chapter 72

Chapter 72   Two Disciples Began Training

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The next day, in the courtyard, stood Croix, Wiel, Mion, Neptune, and a very nervous Dona.

“What is this about…?”

“Well, one thing led to another, and I’ve decided to take him as my apprentice for a month. Mion, he’ll be your first junior disciple. This is Dona.”

“D-D-Dona, that’s m-me! I-I look forward to working with you!”

He was so nervous that his words were slurred. Understandably so, considering he had never been around women before and was now suddenly surrounded by some of the most stunning beauties. On top of that, one of them was Neptune, to whom he had sworn loyalty. Anyone would be nervous in his shoes.

Mion rubbed her temples to relieve her headache and took another look at Dona.

“Uh… Dona, was it?”

“Y-yes! Pleased to meet you, senior disciple!”

Dona greeted her with enthusiasm. Watching him, Mion gave a wry smile.

(There’s no way I can say, “Welcome to hell…”)

“Senior disciple? What did you just say…?”

“Oh, nothing, don’t worry about it.”

If she said anything more, he might run away. This hell was too much for her alone to bear.

Mion forced an awkward smile, and Dona felt a chill run down his spine. Then Neptune, recognizing Dona, clapped her hands in realization.

“Oh, I’ve seen you before. You were a foot soldier in the royal army, weren’t you? So your name is Dona. I’ll remember it.”

“I-I’m honored beyond words!!”

He never expected someone like her to know who he was. The situation overwhelmed him, and his thoughts turned to mush. At this rate, there was no way he could train properly.

Croix sighed softly, clapped his hands, and drew everyone’s attention.

“So, starting today, training will be for two people. This is a rare opportunity, so make sure you both work hard.”

“Yes, sir!”

“…Okay.”

Dona’s enthusiasm was high, even though he had no idea what lay ahead… the hell that awaited him.

“First, we’ll start with building basic stamina. Mion, you’re prohibited from using body-strengthening magic. You’ll both run around the courtyard at full speed.”

“Yes, sir!”

(Huh? This seems… surprisingly normal…)

“I’ll be chasing you from behind. If you get caught, you get a knuckle punch.”

“Wha—?”

“Of course…”

It wasn’t normal at all. Not even close.

“Keep running until you’re completely exhausted. Once you’re out of stamina, Wiel will heal you. We’ll continue until sundown.”

“Master Croix, what about water breaks…?”

“Hmm… Five seconds, maybe?”

“Thank you very much.”

“Thank you!? Senior disciple, aren’t you being brainwashed or something?!”

“This is just how it is, Dona.”

In fact, being allowed even five seconds was a blessing. Depending on the training method, it wasn’t uncommon to have zero breaks.

Seeing the deep darkness in Mion’s jet-black eyes, Dona silently regretted his decision.

He had definitely chosen the wrong person to ask for help.

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“Noooooooo! No way, no way, no way! This is terrifying, terrifying, terrifying!!!”

“Dona, shut up and run! You’ll get killed!”

“Y-yes!!!”

Mion and Dona ran for their lives at full speed, with two Croix chasing them from behind. These were the substantial afterimages he had shown before.

“I’m gonna catch you!”

“Just wait a sec!”

There was probably no other place in the world where “I’m gonna catch you!” sounded so terrifying. Croix kept up with his full-speed sprint, and if they slowed down even a bit, a knuckle punch awaited. Even knowing they wouldn’t die from it, they absolutely didn’t want that.

Weil and Neptune watched the chase while sipping tea.

“They seem to be having fun. I want to play tag with Croix too. Get caught and be held down with an irresistible force… swoon.”

“I’ll remind you that Croix would never force himself on a woman like that. He’s kind.”

“But, Weil, think about it. Croix, overtaken by lust, becoming a beast… doesn’t that excite you?”

“…Gulp.”

She couldn’t help but imagine it, even though it was completely impossible. But… it was an enticing thought, she had to admit.

Mion, overhearing their conversation, blushed, and her steps faltered slightly—grabbed.

“Gotcha.”

“Eek…!?”

Mion was caught by the real Croix, her blood running cold. Seeing this out of the corner of his eye, Dona slowed down in fear—and was promptly caught by one of Croix’s afterimages.

“Brace yourself.”

“Uh…!”

Thud! Thwack!

“Gah—?!”

In an instant, both of them were knocked unconscious. Weil immediately used healing magic, and they woke up moments later.

“Now,”
“Let’s continue.”
“Shall we?”

“No, no, no, no, noooooooo!!!”