The study session began, focusing on test preparation centered on foundational studies.
Soon after enjoying a lavish lunch, it became obvious that Sharl’s energy was starting to drop.
“Alright? So, you see…”
Sharl began to space out.
“Sharl?”
“Huh? Oh, sorry. What was it again?”
It’s no good.
Of course, she hasn’t slept for more than three hours and is studying.
Even though we ate for lunch, it’s no surprise she’s getting sleepy.
Thinking I can’t handle much more myself, I glance at Chloe, who silently nods in agreement.
“Would you like to take a short break and perhaps have a nap?”
“Sleep? I’m fine, really.”
“No, no. Even a brief nap of 15 minutes can make a difference. It’s called a power nap, something now recommended in today’s business world. It’s like Spain’s siesta.”
Power nap?
Siesta?
“Really?”
“Yes. Some renowned companies even incorporate it into their daily routine.”
“Well… Alright, then. I’ll lie down just for a bit. Tsukasa, sorry, but I’ll just have some tea while you rest.”
Sharl seemed convinced and stood up.
“Alright.”
“I’m sorry, Chloe. Wake me up after 15 minutes?”
“Of course.”
Chloe agrees and Sharl leaves the living room.
“So, we wake her up in 15 minutes?”
I confirm with Chloe now that Sharl is out of earshot.
“Absolutely not. While a power nap is indeed popular and effective, in this case, she needs much more. She’ll be sleeping till the evening.”
“Hmm, that does seem best. Alright, I’m off to chill too.”
With Sharl gone, my motivation has disappeared, and I start packing away my study materials.
“Let me prepare some tea and snacks. Oh, I’m heading to the kitchen, but under no circumstances should you go to the farthest room at the end of the second floor—the Young Lady’s bedroom. Though, there’s no lock, anyway.”
“I’m not going there, don’t worry.”
“Alright…”
Why does she look so dissatisfied?
Afterwards, Chloe brought out tea and snacks, and we enjoyed them leisurely.
Around 4 PM, we started hearing steady footsteps from above.
“Ah, she’s awake.”
“She’s clearly predictable.”
Indeed, she is.
The sounds from the ceiling soon transformed into footsteps down the stairs, followed by the living room door being flung open. There stood Sharl, still in her sportswear, with her slightly disheveled ponytail.
“Why didn’t you wake me?!”
“Because…”
“You should have slept. It’s not good for your beauty either.”
While beauty may not be the primary concern, it’s undoubtedly bad for her health.
“Well, yeah… but…”
“Young Lady, effort is commendable, but don’t forget to take care of yourself. I might add, not only last night, but the night before you stayed up late. You’ll really ruin your health.”
She really isn’t taking care of herself, unlike me, who goes to bed by 9.
“Hmm… So, Tsukasa, how about the studying?”
“Today’s enough. Afterwards, you should review at home… or we can do it tomorrow.”
“Nah, I won’t do it at home anyway… Alright then. We’ll continue studying tomorrow. Let’s meet at the family restaurant.”
“Please do.”
You’re really the boss, Sharl-sama.
“Alright. It’s evening already, so let’s do some martial arts training, shall we?”
“Sure.”
With that, we headed to the courtyard to engage in our usual training routine.
◆◇◆
I watched their martial arts training with a smile.
Just now, the Young Lady tried to grab the arm Tsukasa had extended, but ended up getting caught on the other side and was thrown.
Young Lady… you’re so weak…
It was painfully clear that the move was a feint, and yet she fell for it so easily. Moreover, she was only focused on the extended arm.
I always knew her motor skills weren’t great, but to this extent?
Her movements are awkward, and to be honest, her reactions are extremely slow.
Hmm…
“How odd, I feel like I almost had it this time… ”
Sitting on the ground while hugging her knees, the Young Lady tilted her head as if deep in thought.
What basis could she possibly have for such a claim?
Honestly, I can’t even imagine a situation where the Young Lady would throw Tsukasa.
“Sharl, stop being so eager to throw. If you overcommit like that, you’re predictable. Remember what Toko did?”
I too was present during the last duel, and Toko was indeed extremely overzealous in her frontal attacks.
“It’s not like I saw through Toko’s moves or anything. I was just able to anticipate based on the same movements you have.”
“Normally, one would realize this in the beginning and adjust their movements, but she’s… well… kind of dumb that way. She’s academically brilliant, but too straightforward in personality.”
It seems Tsukasa is also hinting the Young Lady shares a similar trait.
“Still… isn’t it that you’re just too strong?”
“I think so too. During Mathias’ duel, it crossed my mind, too. He’s powerful. What stands out isn’t just his perfect defense. In any world, defenders who outclass the attackers are inherently stronger. And Tsukasa effortlessly sees through both the Young Lady’s movements and Mathias’ magic.”
In a battle against him, what would I do?
Of course, keeping my distance would be the first course of action. He’s a melee-style wizard with an excellent defense, so getting close would be suicide—Tsukasa’s strike with his enhanced magic could end the fight instantly.
Moreover, he also has exceptional dash speed, which closes the distance quickly…
I could imagine him launching a big spell only to take advantage of the gap created to close in and attack in a flash.
“Sharl, it’s not necessary to get this strong in melee combat, but having a way to deal with someone closing in is a good idea. You can rely on your powerful magic, but ideally, you should be proficient in both. A fight isn’t always on such an open battlefield.”
That’s true.
“Hmm, so like Toko, who’s good at both?”
“She isn’t. The foundation of her expertise stems from martial arts she’s been practicing since childhood. Hence, when learning magic later, blending it with martial arts never crossed her mind because her body is already accustomed to one thing. That’s why she cannot spontaneously switch gears. Remember how odd her fighting style seemed?”
“Ahh… I get it now. She had those seemingly lackadaisical movements, and I thought she underestimated or mocked the Young Lady…”
“Yeah, that’s right. Toko’s a genius, though as a wizard, she’s new to the game — only about 1 to 2 years, I’d say.”
“Before that, she didn’t need to, given her absolute superiority in both areas. But I reckon she’s probably finding ways to deal with that now… she hates losing.”
“Hmm. Perhaps it’s best to avoid fighting her anymore. Even if challenged, the only option would be dodging gracefully. No offense, but that’s the smart choice.”
It’s not that I don’t feel a little regret, but strength isn’t just about defeating someone in battle. Sometimes, running away is also being strong.
“Anyway, Toko won’t challenge you to a fight. Well, she might provoke you with insults, but that’s part of her character. We follow the rules from the Nagase family, and dueling is not allowed.”
“Huh… even you?”
When asked, Tsukasa looked off into the distance.
“Wow… you’re not allowed either?”
“Men sometimes have to fight. Besides, it’s my one redeeming quality. Don’t you think I should be proud of it?”
“You bet. Incredible, incredible… alright. Let’s do one more round.”
The Young Lady, shaking her head in disbelief, stood back up and faced off again. But this time too, she fell for a feint and was easily thrown once more.
The Young Lady is really weak…
She might even lose to a random grade school boy…
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