My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 177

“Is this a play?”

“Oh… Do you perhaps dislike plays?”

“No, I’ve never seen one.”

“Ah! Then you’ve missed out on half of your life! Plays are an entertainment easily enjoyed by people of all genders and ages!”

Is it really that great…?

“So, what genre do you prefer?”

“I’m not well-versed in plays, so it might be better for me to watch what you recommend.”

“Is that so? Then of course! How about romance?!”

Romance…?

At this point, I’m starting to get confused about the genre of this game.

I don’t even understand why I have to be on a date with Ella. Why do I have to create memories?

At this rate, am I just giving myself more reasons not to leave?

Since the compulsion of Expression Management Skill has weakened, my true self seems to be surfacing more often. Is it because these people approach me with a strength stronger than my attempts to push them away?

Whichever it is, I just hope that the human relationships I eventually need to sort out will come to a good conclusion.

The place I followed Ella to was smaller than the Duel Arena but larger than the surrounding buildings. It looked like a theater.

In front of the entrance, a person was introducing the play scheduled for today. Banners with titles based on pictures were hung up according to the time slots.

“Is the play you want to see that one?”

I pointed to a banner in the middle and asked.

“Ah, yes! That’s it.”

“Nobility Lady and Commoner’s Undying Love Beyond Status”

Who came up with that title…?

It was so absurdly lacking in naming sense.

Moreover, the title felt as if it was specifically targeting my and Ella’s social statuses. After all, I’m a commoner, and Ella is a Grand Duchess.

Ella, however, seemed completely uninterested, focusing on the person introducing the play.

“There’s not much time until the show starts, shall we go in?”

“Sure.”

There wasn’t much else to roam around anyway, so I went with her suggestion.

“By the way, doesn’t this play feel somewhat similar to our situation?”

…I guess I’m very conscious of it.

*

We paid the entrance fee and stepped into the theater. Once again, I had to experience people bowing their waists as soon as they saw Ella, but I pretended not to notice.

The inside of the theater was quite bright. With plenty of seats, it seemed that plays were quite a popular form of entertainment in Todiah.

“This is our spot.”

It was a private room.

Not a regular seating area, but a balcony that seemed to be used only by VIPs.

The interior was neatly managed, and a bartender was on standby in case anyone wanted drinks. There was even a bed tucked in one corner.

It was clear that this place was not simply meant for watching plays.

Stepping out onto the balcony, I found some sofas set up to allow for comfortable viewing.

“It seems we can see from here, but it’s a barrier that can’t be seen from the outside.”

Ella said, poking the railing. Are they using the same barrier from the Duel Arena here? Is this what it means to be a noble’s luxury?

“From here, I could do anything without anyone noticing.”

“I suppose so.”

“Looking at the bed inside, it seems like people bored by the play would do something else.”

Something else. She laughs.

That expression somehow looks mischievous.

“We’ll make our drinks ourselves, so please step outside.”

“Understood, Lady Todiah.”

Ella waved her hand, and the bartender politely bowed his head before stepping outside. It was only after the sound of the door closing that I spoke up.

“But won’t it cause misunderstandings that we’re in this secret room alone together?”

“Misunderstandings? Ah… I actually hope for some misunderstandings! Hehe.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Or it could become something real instead of just a misunderstanding.”

You’re being too straightforward!

If I didn’t have the perception that I was stronger than her, I might have been tackled down by now.

“Hehe, I wouldn’t want to make Lord Praus uncomfortable. Let’s save this for another time. And I want to have my first experience in a more atmospheric place.”

I never asked…!

Her blatant appeal made my head throb slightly.

Honestly, if I were to weigh the pros and cons, I’d say it was totally a good opportunity. Thank you very much.

But the implications of touching a Grand Duchess are painfully obvious.

The issue itself stems from the difference in our statuses, but the most critical part is that I am weak.

Would I be able to be forgiven for all the rudeness I committed once they realize that I’m weak?

Absolutely not.

“Lord Praus?”

“…What is it?”

“It seems the play is starting soon. The audience area and stage are darkening.”

Ella returned with some drinks from the counter and offered me a glass. More alcohol?

I knew she wasn’t trying to get me drunk, but as someone with a modern mindset, I couldn’t shake the feeling that she was trying to get something out of me.

Honestly, I rarely get the chance to go on a date with a woman as beautiful as Ella, and pushing her away when she’s approaching me like this felt like a huge loss. If I were stronger or had a slightly higher status…!

“Since we’re watching it, I hope it’s enjoyable.”

I tried to suppress my growing desires and said. Ella smiled and said, “It’ll be fun.”

*

To summarize my thoughts, the play was enjoyable.

The content itself had many elements I couldn’t relate to. Yet, the unique atmosphere and freshness of the theater, unlike movies, captivated me, and the use of magic for special effects enriched the stage. It felt like watching a circus.

“Indeed, it’s touching even upon a second viewing. Sacrificing one’s family for love is quite romantic, don’t you think?”

For those born into this world, living in it, this play must be a ‘fantasy.’ A relationship that could never be achieved.

The nobility uses their children in arranged marriages to increase their family’s power; how could they dare to marry a commoner?

It’s absurd.

In a world with established customs, who would allow that…?

“……”

Then again, wasn’t there a story about Glair granting marriage permission?

Is it real? Wasn’t it fantasy?

Sometimes it feels like reality is more far-fetched than a fabricated story…

I sighed as I covered my forehead. But how should I resolve this marriage foreshadowing?

“Excuse me, Lord Praus…?”

“What is it?”

“Were you perhaps not enjoying it?”

“No way! It was enjoyable.”

I absentmindedly patted Ella’s head, just like I did with the heroes. I hastily retracted my hand, but Ella was already smiling brightly.

“Really?! I’m so glad! I was worried that if it wasn’t enjoyable, I couldn’t create a good memory for you.”

“It was fun just watching your expressions change throughout the play.”

“Ah, ah! W-Why were you looking at that?! Just watch the play~!”

I saw Ella puffing her lips out and waving her arms. Then, as if she realized something, her expression shifted playfully.

“But that means you were interested in me, Lord Praus, right?”

“Huh?”

“Hehe~ So that means Lord Praus preferred looking at my face over the play?!”

Is she counterattacking me now?

Ella clung to me as if she had been waiting for this moment. I found myself in a daze, lost in the sweet blueberry scent emanating from her body. Is it the effect of the alcohol?

“What should I do, Lord Praus? I… I think I’m starting to like you more.”

Her body couldn’t stay still, as if she couldn’t contain her excitement.

“…Maybe we should save this for after we get down.”

Ella’s grip on my shoulder tightened. Her face was flushed, and her breathing was heavy. Her gaze was directed at my lips. I could sense her desire for affection. But I held back and started moving down.

“Am I being a nuisance?”

“…A little.”

“What a shame.”

She says that while not losing her smile.

“Shall we head out soon?”

“Sure.”

*

“Where should we go next?”

Once we exited the theater, the sun was now hanging low on the horizon, revealing a beautiful sunset. Ella turned around, looking at me with a bright expression.

“Would you like to visit a nice place I know?”

“A nice place?”

I followed her, feeling puzzled, while still linking our arms.

After walking for dozens of minutes, we arrived at a tall clock tower that was so high, I had to tilt my head back to look up at it.

“Lady Todiah!”

As soon as the knights of the Todiah family saw Ella, they saluted.

“Can we step in for a moment?”

“Of course! But who is this gentleman…?”

“This is Lord Praus.”

“Pr… Praus?!”

“Uh, um, may I ask about your relationship—”

“Get a grip! What are you asking?”

A senior knight hurriedly stopped the clueless questioning knight. Finally realizing, the questioning knight bowed deeply and apologized.

“I-I’m sorry!”

“It’s fine. We’ll be going in then.”

“Y-Yes! Have a good time!”

Seeing the knights’ promptness, I stepped into the clock tower.

“This place is originally used for watching over Todiah’s activities. From here, you can almost see the entire Todiah.”

Ella said as we leisurely climbed the stairs.

“Is that so?”

As we reached the top of the clock tower, I saw a structure featuring a massive gear. Two knights were stationed there, surveying the area around Todiah.

“Whoa! We meet with Lady Todiah!”

The two knights, realizing Ella’s presence, greeted her.

“I just wanted to talk for a bit, can you make some space for us?”

“Of course!”

The knights hurriedly descended the stairs. I felt a bit guilty for making them go up and down unnecessarily because of Ella and me.

“Come over here!”

She led me toward the railing.

As I followed her, my gaze was instantly captured by the picturesque sunset over the sprawling view of Todiah. Seeing that, Ella spoke with a proud expression.

“Isn’t it beautiful?”

“……It surely is a nice spot.”

As I was lost in the view, Ella quietly said,

“I created some wonderful memories today. Thank you for indulging my stubbornness.”

“Is that so? Then I’m relieved.”

“I won’t ask you to date me right now, and I won’t press for an answer on the engagement. I know that if I asked now, you would undoubtedly refuse. But could you leave one last memory with me today?”

“Is there anywhere else to go?”

She shook her head.

“……Then?”

At my question, she hesitated. Looking up at me, Ella took a deep breath.

“Why are you trying to build up a memory with such a deep breath—”

Peck.

Ella captured my face, pressing her lips against mine.

It happened so suddenly that I didn’t even comprehend what had occurred.

“I’ve held back for so long… Please forgive me just this once?”

She blushed shyly.

As I stared blankly at her face, a hologram suddenly appeared. Wait, why now…?!

[The skill “Expression Management” is temporarily deactivated.]

“I heard the first kiss is sweet, but this is not quite the case. Still… something feels enchanting.”

“R-Really?”

“……Really?”

Ella, feeling my tone of uncertainty, started to play with her lips before looking up at me. When she saw my flushed face, she blinked in surprise.

“Whoa! Lord Praus… Are you, by any chance, feeling shy?”

“Sh-Shut up.”

I covered my mouth with my hand and turned away.

“I see that Lord Praus has a pure side. Somehow, it feels like a side only I know, which makes my heart flutter. Hehe.”

As I calmed my racing heart, the hologram disappeared. Only then did I feel relieved.

“Is it appropriate for a Grand Duchess to kiss an unrelated man?”

“If I could marry Lord Praus, I believe I could throw away my Grand Duchess status. Just like in that play. Hehe.”

“Don’t talk nonsense. There’s nothing good about entrusting your life to emotions.”

“But what can I do? The person I like is Lord Praus.”

“Is that so…?”

I looked at Ella, who was linking her arm with mine, then turned my gaze over the railing.

It felt as though, even if everything ended, I wouldn’t be able to leave them behind.