NOVEL NEXT Chapter 319 - A Peculiar Girl
A Peculiar Girl
Juma-nii ended up being scolded by various people. But there’s no need to worry, because, as usual, his mental fortitude is incredibly strong, and he was back to his usual self a few seconds later. He really is tough, both physically and mentally, it’s admirable! And thanks to that, I no longer feel guilty. Thank you, Juma-nii!
“Do your best, Meg!”
He grinned and held his fist out, so I also smiled and bumped my fist against his. Okay, I’m going to do my best! But first, I have to watch Asuka and Goot’s match.
Hmm, their match, huh? It’s hard because I want them both to win. I’m going to cheer for them, so they can try their best without any regrets.
『Sorry for the wait! The fourth match is about to begin, so contestants, please come to the waiting room! And the contestants for the fifth match too!』
And then finally, that cute announcer’s voice echoed throughout the venue. Heh~, I’m nervous!
“Okay! Let’s do our best! Ah, Meg, are you nervous? Just like me!”
“Eh? You’re nervous too, Asuka? I can’t tell!”
“I am! Not as much as my first match, though!”
Ugh, it’s different for Asuka, because he’s already experienced it once! He’s definitely teasing me, poking my cheek while giggling!
“It’s fine. Because I’m also going to the waiting room, and Schlie-san and Gil-san are also there.”
I looked up in surprise at his words. Then noticed that Gil-san and Schlie-san were staring at us, with gentle gazes. That’s right, I’m not going alone. I’m on my own during the match… but it’s the same for my opponent.
“Now then, shall we go?”
“Asuka, Meg-chan, do your best!”
“Asuka, win again!”
“Meg, I’m cheering for you.”
I’m so happy to be cheered on. My heart feels warm and fuzzy! Okay, I’m going to have a match that won’t embarrass Ortus! I clenched my fists, answered them, and then headed for the waiting room, with Asuka and the others.
“Wow, it’s quite spacious! Ah, there’s a monitor!”
A large room spread out before us, after we opened the door. There’s a sofa, a small table, and a simple bed, maybe in case of emergencies. And, as I’d exclaimed, a large monitor.
“Oh my, you knew about that? This is the latest monitor developed by Ortus. We’ll be able to watch the matches here. It’s incredibly convenient for those of us accompanying the contestants. Because we can’t enter the venue unless there’s an emergency.”
Schlie-san answered, and Asuka also sounded impressed. He doesn’t seem surprised because he’d seen it earlier, but he’s going, “Heh~,” listening to the explanation.
“My matches are right after the other, so I won’t be able to watch here. You’re so lucky, Meg! But how did you know about it?”
Asuka’s sharp question made me nervous. Only certain people know about my past life. Asuka doesn’t. He doesn’t know about Dad’s origins, or our relationship either.
I’d gotten careless, because I’m always with the same people, and they all know. It’s not like I’m hiding it, but it would take too long to explain now, so I’ll try to gloss over it.
“Um, I… I’ve seen it before!”
“When it was still being developed? I see.”
It looks like it worked. It’s not a lie! Just as I was letting out a sigh of relief, I noticed that Schlie-san and Gil-san were smiling wryly. Maybe because they’re trying to be considerate, it doesn’t seem like they’re going to say anything. I’m incredibly grateful.
“Excuse us.”
Just then, Goot and Ashley-san from Annulus entered through another door. That’s right, their match is next. Does that mean my opponent’s also coming here?
I approached Goot, thinking that I should at least say hello. I bowed to Ashley-san, who was standing beside him, and he nodded slightly. He’s hard to read because his eyes are narrow, and he doesn’t really talk, but he’s definitely a kind person.
“Goot, that match earlier was amazing! Good luck with the next one!”
I then turned to Goot and told him what I thought of his match. It really was incredible. He won in an instant, I couldn’t even follow his movements, and he even supported Pia, so that she wouldn’t get hurt, it was so cool!
When I told him all that, he blushed, maybe embarrassed from being praised. He’s so cute!
“Y-Yeah… thank you…”
“Meg!? He’s my opponent, you know!? You’re going to cheer for him!?”
Asuka interrupted. Hey, hey! I’m just telling him what I honestly thought, that I hope he’ll do his best without any regrets, so don’t be sulky! Hmm? But Asuka, surely even you know that much, right?
“Asuka! You know that’s not what I meant!”
“Ah, did I get caught?”
See? Asuka, sticking his tongue out, then held his hand out to Goot. He’s gotten so good at teasing lately. He’s incredibly sly. I wonder who he takes after, this little devil!
“Goot, let’s do our best! I’m not losing!”
“I’m not losing either!”
Seeing them shake hands made my heart feel warm. And they’re so reliable. It’ll be both happy and sad, no matter who wins. I’ll cheer for them here. For both of them, of course!
Just as I was watching them, I heard the door open again, so I turned around. Ah, that’s—!
“Epink!?”
“Ugh, I knew you’d say that! That’s why I didn’t want to come!”
Wow, it’s been a while! I was almost kidnapped by this person. His brown, messy hair is still long, and there’s still no light in those black eyes, but… he feels more approachable than before?
He’s a Bubble Kangaroo demi-human, right? I was scared of bubbles for a while after that. That’s also a good memory. It seems like he’s working hard under Mara-san now, so I don’t really mind, but… Gil-san and Schlie-san are glaring at him. Maybe that’s why Epink’s making that annoyed expression.
Mara-san must have been the one who told him to come. He couldn’t refuse, because it was an order from his leader. Oh, now’s not the time to be distracted by Epink. Because Heidemarie, my opponent, is also here. I have to properly greet her.
“Um, Heidemarie-chan? Nice… to meet you!”
I approached and called out to her, but she was just staring blankly into space, unmoving. A-Ah? Did I say something wrong? I’m sure I didn’t.
“Oi, Heidemarie. Someone’s calling you!”
“Hah!?”
Epink, seeing that, lightly nudged her back. Maybe thanks to that, she came back to her senses, bowed deeply, and then finally spoke.
“A-Ah, my name’s Heidemarie… that’s what you called me, right? You remembered, I’m so happy, you’re so cute, Meg-san, what should I do, I can’t stop imagining, you’re probably surrounded by tons of admirers, smiling, and that makes even more people fall for you…”
“O-Oi, Heidemarie, come back! Ah… this one’s a bit strange. She always gets lost in her own world and starts saying weird things.”
I finally managed to greet her! And then she started talking so quickly, without pause, I was so surprised! I didn’t know how to respond, so I just stared at her, wide-eyed.
S-So she’s a bit delusional. I understand, daydreaming’s fun, but it’s better to keep it to yourself… and I’m not really surrounded by admirers. What alternate world is that?
“Um, well, let’s have a good match! Let’s do our best!”
“Ah, you’re so kind, Meg-san, you’re cute and kind, are you an angel? I’m so honored to be able to talk to an angel, I’m so happy, let’s do our best…”
I don’t know what she’s talking about! W-Well, at least we were able to properly greet each other. Heidemarie, who I’d thought was a quiet beauty, is actually a bit of a peculiar girl with a tendency to daydream. But she’s interesting. I hope we’ll be able to become friends.
『Now then, it’s time for the fourth match! Please come out, contestants! 』
The announcement finally came. Asuka and Goot, when their names were called, stood up and glared at each other. It felt like the battle had already begun, a tense atmosphere filling the room. They might be friends, but it’s still a match after all.
“Hmm, that’s quite the focus.”
“It makes me happy to see how much they’ve grown.”
Gil-san and Schlie-san were staring at the two of them, looking moved. They have the faces of guardians. Well, they are guardians.
“Now then, Meg, you can sit over there. There’s still some time before your match. Let’s watch Asuka and the others on the monitor.”
“Okay! Ah, Heidemarie, come here! Let’s watch together!”
We, well, Schlie-san, Gil-san, and I, moved to the sofa. I called out to Heidemarie… and she screamed. Why!?
“Kyaah! Did you hear that, Epink-san!? Meg-sama asked me to watch… watch with her!”
“Aahh! You’re so noisy! You did the same thing earlier, with that girl with the pigtails! Stop it!”
The girl with the pigtails… he’s talking about Rune, right? It looks like he’s truly exasperated. And she even started calling me “Meg-sama.”
“I can’t help it! I love cute girls! Ahhh, this is incredible, the smell of a girl… C-Can I sit next to you? Meg-samaaa!?”
“…It would be better if you sat a bit further away… Heidemarie’s harmless… but she’s also a bit of a pervert…”
O-Oh. Even Gil-san’s a bit taken aback. I want to become friends, but… it would probably be weird in her case…
In the end, Heidemarie and I sat on the sofa, with one empty space between us, Schlie-san next to me, Gil-san behind me, and Epink behind Heidemarie. I didn’t really mind sitting next to her, but she couldn’t because she was too excited. Well, whatever, it’s fine. Though I can’t help but feel awkward!
“It looks like it’s starting.”
“Ah, you’re right!”
It looks like Asuka and Goot are now in position. I clenched my fists and stared at the monitor.
『The judge’s lowering her arm! The match has begun!』
The moment the signal was given, they both started moving at the same time. Goot’s as fast as lightning, I can barely see him! But I can tell that Asuka’s moving at about the same speed. Come on, Meg! Watch carefully! Concentrate!
It looks like Goot’s continuously moving towards Asuka, but Asuka’s barely dodging, right? Goot seems to be much more active. His attacks are mainly physical. It would be fatal if even one of them hits, because his fists and legs might be enveloped in lightning. And even if you do manage to defend, it might paralyze you.
That’s why I’m sure Asuka’s desperately trying to avoid them. It looks like he’s struggling, because Goot’s attacking non-stop. Goot changes direction the moment he’s avoided, his movements non-stop, like a bouncing ball.
Asuka’s only dodging, but… I’ve never seen him move so quickly. He can’t use magic to enhance his physical abilities, so he’s probably borrowing power from Shaio, his Light spirit.
But how? Just as I was about to ask, Schlie-san, who’d been intently observing the match, said, “Ah, as I thought,” without looking away from the monitor.