I Will Eventually Embark On The Path Of No Return Called A Hero

[Arc4] - 8. This World is Gentle

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Today is the second day in Fuyuki City.

El-Melloi II is wrapped in a blanket, staring at the screen emitting a faint glow in front of him. Beside him sits a cup of coffee, releasing a gentle steam—clearly…

This man stayed up all night.

"Knock, knock, knock. You didn't die from overwork, did you?" Cyd pushed open the door.

"How could a human die so easily?" El-Melloi II stretched and slowly pulled his head back into the blanket. "I'm going to sleep now."

"Hey, it's only eight in the morning," Cyd said, the corner of his mouth twitching.

"Anyway, we won't be moving until the evening. The daytime is completely free, so…" El-Melloi II's voice grew softer. "Let me sleep…"

"Then why don't you sleep at night," Cyd scratched his head, bent down, and picked up El-Melloi II's cup and the plate with senbei. With a black dragon claw, he pressed the save button and unplugged the device.

The only response was El-Melloi II's muffled mumble.

"Good night," Cyd sighed lightly and closed the door.

"Is the master not getting up?" Gray tilted her head. "Breakfast…"

Usually, she would have pulled the reluctant El-Melloi II up, helped him dress, and comb his hair, but this time it was Cyd who went in, and evidently… El-Melloi II didn't get up.

"Today El-Melloi II doesn't have class. Let him be a bit willful," Cyd patted Gray on the head.

"That's… true," Gray glanced at the tightly closed door. He, who usually fretted over his students, could finally sleep in without being reminded to get up after five more minutes.

"Let the master sleep a little longer."

"Actually, he just fell asleep," Cyd shrugged. "What are your plans for the day, Gray?"

Gray paused, then fell into deep thought.

Usually, she listened to El-Melloi II's lectures. When he wasn't teaching, she served tea and water. She was quite content with that routine, but if it were just her alone…

What should she do?

"Help the master clean his shoes," Gray said weakly.

"Ah… he already sent his shoes to a specialized shop for maintenance," Cyd patted Gray on the shoulder.

"Hmm…" Gray lowered her head, a bit disappointed.

She had specifically brought a full set of shoe-cleaning tools.

With no clothes to wash and no shoes to clean, she could only sit there in a daze.

"Why don't you accompany me for a stroll?" Cyd suggested.

"But what about the master?" Gray hesitated. "What if he wakes up hungry?"

"Gray, El-Melloi II isn't disabled. Don't pamper him too much," Cyd stepped around Gray and gently nudged her.

It would be too pitiful for her to sit alone on the sofa waiting until evening!

"Alright… fine," Gray nodded.

"Then take off that cloak," Cyd smiled as he grabbed Gray's cloak.

"Wait…" Gray hurriedly reached for the cloak, but it was too late.

As the cloak lifted, her silver braid fell gracefully over her chest.

"Please give it to me, Mr. Cyd," Gray said, her face flushed, reaching for the cloak, but Cyd skillfully dodged her grasp.

"It's fine, no one will mind," Cyd tossed the cloak in the air, black scales erupting and swallowing it.

Gray stared blankly at the slowly descending scarf.

Why did this scene feel so familiar?

"Perhaps… perhaps I should just sit on the sofa and daze," Gray retreated, as she hadn't brought a spare cloak.

"But what about El-Melloi II's shoes~?" Cyd feigned regret, pulling out a receipt from his pocket and waving it. "If I accidentally lose it, it seems like those shoes were bought with El-Melloi I's first salary. He would probably try to suppress his sadness and say it's nothing~"

In the end, Gray gave up resisting and obediently followed Cyd out without her cloak.

It's fine, as long as they get the shoes and leave quickly!

However, Cyd seemed to see through Gray's thoughts, not mentioning where El-Melloi II's shoes were, as he leisurely walked down the street, smiling and greeting everyone naturally.

"I'm telling you… Gray, acting like this only draws more attention," Cyd stopped helplessly.

"Sorry…" Gray timidly gripped the hem of Cyd's clothing, not daring to look at the people around her.

"Believe in yourself," Cyd raised his hand to press gently against Gray's waist, helping her straighten her slightly hunched body. "You don't need to bow your head in front of anyone; this world is gentle. Go ahead and greet those around you."

Will they find me strange?

Gray hesitated as a violet-haired girl approached, looking at her with a puzzled expression.

"You… hello," Gray stammered, waving her hand.

Cyd winked at the violet-haired girl.

The girl seemed to understand something and nodded, extending her hand to shake Gray's, revealing a gentle smile. "Hello, I'm Sakura, Matou Sakura. What about you?"

So warm…

Gray stared blankly at Matou Sakura.

"Ahem," Cyd lightly cleared his throat.

"I… I'm Gray!" Gray blinked in surprise, realizing and a bit flustered as she introduced herself. "I just moved here! Nice to meet you!"

"Mm, nice to meet you," Matou Sakura smiled gently and nodded.

That was successful…

Cyd nodded. Although he wanted to help Gray overcome her shyness, she had a clear inferiority complex, and without her hood, it was even more apparent; she almost refused to make eye contact with others.

But it was truly wonderful to meet such a gentle person.

After parting ways with Matou Sakura, Cyd patted Gray on the shoulder.

"How do you feel?"

"Ah! I'm sorry! I left Mr. Cyd hanging!" Gray blinked and then lowered her head in a bit of panic.

"No, I'm actually very happy," Cyd raised his hand to point at the sky. "It's dazzling, isn't it?"

Gray followed Cyd's hand and looked up at the sky, her azure eyes slowly lighting up.

That was a dazzling sky she could never see hidden beneath her hood; the soft sunlight spilled over her face, making her instinctively relax her expression.

"Occasionally basking in the sun is good for your health," Cyd chuckled, tugging playfully at the little tuft of hair that was slightly raised on Gray's head.

"Mm," Gray's lips unconsciously curved upward.

"Ah, what a coincidence~"

A head of hair shining like gold, more dazzling than the sun, fluttered in the wind, and a fan embedded with jewels slowly unfolded in front of its owner's face.

"The pleasant shopping time has come to an end," Cyd sighed regretfully. "I wanted to introduce you to more people, Gray."

"It's okay, I'm already very satisfied," Gray smiled lightly as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you."