The Young Lady With the Most Powerful Specs Was Just Too Cute, so I Started Teasing Her—But Then She Tried to Trap Me With a Chain, so I Kept Running Away With All My Might - Chapter 13

Let’s Invite Oldie Outside

Before heading to Oldie’s room, I caught the Captain at the edge of the training ground.

“Captain.”

“What is it, Nil?”

“Is it true that the Duke is going on an inspection soon?”

“…Where did that come from?”

His sharp eyes snapped toward me.

Obviously, I couldn’t just tell him about the letter.

I tried to keep my face as natural as possible.

“Oh, well, since I became a personal knight apprentice, I was just wondering what kind of work I’ll be doing from now on.”

“I see.”

“Do apprentices ever go along on the Duke’s inspections?”

The Captain stayed quiet for a moment.

He was probably weighing my words.

But I hadn’t said anything weird… I think.

“They do.”

“I thought so.”

“There’s one coming up soon. Once the Duke finishes his preparations, we’ll be heading out within the month.”

“That soon?”

“It’s a routine check of the territory. It’s about the right time for it.”

“I see…”

Within the month. A cold sweat ran down my back.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Your face looks weird.”

“It always looks like this.”

“I meant in a different way.”

I guess I couldn’t fully fool him… but I didn’t think he’d believe me even if I told him what Katary said.

I scratched my head.

“The thing is, I was thinking about taking Oldie outside.”

“Ho? You want Oldie to come along on the inspection?”

“Is that a bad idea?”

“No. Based on how she was the other day, it’s not a bad plan at all.”

“So you agree!?”

“Mm. It would be a good chance to have her train the knights again, too.”

It seems the way the seniors got beaten the other day left quite an impression on the Captain.

“Anyway, I’ll ask her. Thank you very much!”

“Mm.”

I left the Captain.

So the inspection really is within the month.

I gave a bow and headed straight for Oldie’s room.

***

Oldie was sitting in a chair by the window with a book open.

But as soon as I walked in, she looked up and turned her gaze toward me.

“Excuse me, Oldie.”

“You came, Nil.”

“Yes, Oldie.”

“You’re late today.”

“Well, I had something I wanted to check with the Captain.”

“With the Captain?”

Oldie closed her book and stared at me.

She looked like she wanted to say something. She probably knew about Katary’s letter.

But first, I had to organize my thoughts. I couldn’t just tell her everything in the letter.

If it was just about the game stuff, that would be fine.

But I didn’t want to talk about “villainesses” or the Duke getting seriously injured. Telling her that would only make her more confused.

However, the Duke’s inspection is a real thing.

And if I’m thinking about “what if” scenarios, the only person with the power to stop it is her.

That’s why getting her to go outside is the best move.

If Oldie is there and can use her black chains, there will be more ways to protect the Duke.

Besides, if nothing happens, that’s fine too.

If Oldie can get out and have a change of pace, that alone is enough.

“Oldie.”

“What is it?”

“Would you like to play a game of tag outside next time?”

“Outside? We just played at the training ground the other day.”

Oldie’s eyes flickered slightly.

“I mean outside the mansion. Actually, I heard the Duke is going on an inspection soon.”

“Father is?”

“Yes. Let’s go with him and play tag together in a big forest or a meadow!”

Right after I said it, I realized what a crazy suggestion that was.

Playing tag while following the Duke on an official inspection?

Normally, I’d get scolded for that.

But Oldie didn’t get mad.

She just stared at me.

“…Go on an inspection and play tag?”

“Yes.”

“What are you even talking about?”

“I’m totally serious.”

Oldie was silent for a while.

Crap, was that too much? But I can’t back down now.

“Think about it, Oldie. The training ground is just too small.”

“Too small?”

“Yeah. Your chains and my running—they’ll both show their true potential in a much wider space.”

“…”

“Forests, meadows, hills. There are obstacles and places to hide. It’ll definitely be fun!”

“…Was that last part your only real reason?”

“It’s all my real reason.”

Oldie let out a small sigh.

I couldn’t tell yet if she was fed up or actually thinking about it.

“It’s my father’s inspection.”

“Yes.”

“It’s not a pleasure trip.”

“Of course. I understand that perfectly.”

“Then, why?”

“Because I want you to go outside, Oldie.”

Even to me, that came out more directly than I expected.

Oldie stopped moving completely.

I quickly followed up.

“Lately, you’ve been much more energetic than before. You can play tag, and you can go outside.”

“…”

“So, I think you can handle more than just the training ground. You can go somewhere much bigger.”

“That is…”

“Besides, wouldn’t the Duke be happy? If he heard you were coming along on the inspection?”

“…Father would?”

Oldie’s gaze wavered just a little.

“Yeah. He’ll be thrilled for sure. He’s been worried about you for a long time.”

“But, I might get in the way of the inspection.”

“I’ll make sure you don’t.”

“You will?”

“I’ll be there, and so will everyone from the knight order. So it’ll be okay.”

I couldn’t tell her everything right here.

“…Nil.”

“Yes.”

“You really are strange.”

“I get that a lot.”

“Normally, no one would think of going on an inspection just to play tag.”

“But it sounds fun, doesn’t it?”

“That’s not the point.”

That’s what she said. But her eyes were starting to consider it.

That was enough of a reaction for me.

“The tag is just a bonus.”

“Did you just say ‘bonus’?”

“A little bit.”

“So your true feelings came out.”

“Only a tiny bit.”

Oldie’s mouth moved, ever so slightly.

She didn’t quite smile. But it was a reaction she never would have had before.

“…If we go outside, it will be much easier for you to run away, won’t it?”

“Yes.”

“The forest and the meadow—both are an advantage for you, Nil.”

“That’s true.”

“Even so, you still want me to go with you?”

“Yes. I want to go outside with you, Oldie.”

“With me?”

Oldie reacted to my words and asked back.

Her face was expressionless as usual so I couldn’t read her, but she somehow looked happy.

“Because I have more fun when you’re there, Oldie.”

“…”

After I said that, the room went quiet for a moment.

Crap, did I say something weird? But it wasn’t a lie.

Oldie looked at me and didn’t say anything for a while.

Then, she softly closed her book.

“If my father gives his permission.”

“Eh?”

“I don’t mind going.”

“Really?”

“However.”

“Yes.”

“If we play tag, I will definitely catch you this time.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

“Whether it’s in a forest or a meadow, I won’t let you get away.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

When I couldn’t help but grin, Oldie narrowed her eyes just a little.

Alright! With this, maybe I can make things work.