Chapter 85: Free At Last

I was sneaking around at dawn because I didn’t want to get involved with Mayer like that anymore. Now August was in the mix and it wasn’t like the rumors with the captain had even ceased! I was in knee-deep trouble, alright. All the things I’d been fussing about now seemed absurd in comparison. Now that things came to this, I actually felt as if I could stay serene no matter what rumor was put on my name. I grinned as I jested, “I’ll be in your care then, Mr. Lover Number 2.”

“Horrible…” August clicked his tongue quietly. If there was any relief in all this, it was that holding secret dawn meetings with the priest soon became unnecessary.

* * *

Mayer began to take control of his mana circuit. He no longer lost his senses from the pain. No more kisses and harsh clinging. I continued to watch over Mayer as he controlled his mana circuit alone. He was making faster progress than I had expected. Day by day, he grew more proficient in bending mana to his will. After observing him many times and confirming that there was no danger of him going berserk, I told Mayer, “At this point, I think you can train on your own.”

“At last, you are free. I appreciate all you have done.”

“There’s still much to be done. You’ll have to try putting mana to practical use.”

“Will it not go out of control?” Mayer asked anxiously, still seeming concerned.

I answered confidently, “Your now wider mana circuit will greatly reduce the danger of that happening. Don’t worry about it.”

“If you say so.”

Trust oozed from Mayer’s eyes. He had a lot of trust in me before as well, but it was clear I had gotten myself printed in his good books this time. I just had to hide that we had kissed, or else there would be more nonsense to deal with… That would complicate things. All I had to do was button my lips since we wouldn’t need to stay close so often anymore. And on that note, I raised my voice in a peaceful tone. “But it’s premature for you to enter a dungeon alone, Captain. I ask that you work on controlling your mana circuit only, for the time being.”

“Until when?”

“Until the next performance report meeting.”

“The meeting? It will take quite a while then.”

“I think I’ll only manage to have my level up to standard by that time.”

“Can we not go faster?” Mayer showed a trace of impatience, his face rigid. I supposed it was natural to try using his newfound power, like feeling the urge to open a box of goods you’d just bought. But while I empathized with his feelings, now wasn’t the time. More than anything, I wasn’t ready. I hadn’t expected him to stabilize his mana circuit so quickly. Sure, he would carry me through any dungeon we entered together, but I still needed to level up to some extent. I was no tougher than a hamster in a mid-level dungeon.

Actually, I might die faster even than a hamster, since I made for a bigger target. And if Mayer took me to dungeons suitable for me, the mob levels would be too low. That would render his mana training meaningless. I had to reach at least level 50, no, 40 at the minimum. Since I hadn’t entered any dungeon since the Blue Flames incident, my level was still in the middle of the 20 range. “It’s because my level is still low… I’m sorry.”

“No. It is my fault for keeping you these days. I was being too hasty.”

“There’s still some time until the demon lord dungeon will appear, after all. I’ll try to level up the fastest I can. The special unit is expected to go into action soon too, so…”

“The special unit?” Mayer asked.

“Yes. They’re almost ready. I’m telling you now before I send in the report.”

I had thought Mayer would be happy to hear this, but his expression was conflicted. It looked like there was something he wanted to say but couldn’t bring himself to. Was he troubled about when he should reveal his mana to the others? It was possible. As a capable advisor, I decided to solve my superior’s worry. “Come to think of it, we’ll have to eventually reveal your awakening of mana, Captain. To our elites, at least.”

The sensitive topic made Mayer’s face stiffen instantly. He always showed me goodwill and I often acted presumptuously, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t concerned about offending him. I continued hurriedly, “Don’t worry too much. I’ve thought up an excuse for you.”

“An excuse?”

“We can say that Your Excellency has manifested holy power.”