The Sequel to the Romance Fantasy Was a Zombie Apocalypse – Chapter 69

“What? Training?”

Esmela tilted her head.

It seemed like she didn’t understand my words at all, starting from the level of the vocabulary.

“…Me?!”

Finally grasping the meaning, she yelled, slamming her hands on the table, though at least ten seconds had passed since I made my suggestion.

“Yes.”

I merely nodded calmly, my expression neutral as I maintained direct eye contact with Esmela.

“You, me? A butler teaching his master?”

“It might be an unexpected proposal, but isn’t it something not so shocking? I’ve heard you were educated on noble etiquette by the head butler during your childhood.”

Right. In fact, it’s common for high-ranking nobles to hire retired lower-ranking noblewomen from the social scene as tutors for their children or to employ seasoned servants who can teach manners to correct their children’s behavior, making them dedicated instructors.

“That may be true, but…”

“Then it shouldn’t be a problem, should it?”

“…I can’t believe it. Renit, how dare you propose to teach me?”

“Swordsmanship.”

“Swordsmanship?”

“And while I’m not as skilled in other physical combat techniques, I plan to teach you those as well. To learn those, you’ll first need to train your body. Therefore, I think I should help improve your basic physical abilities.”

“…”

Esmela maintained her frown as she stared at me incredulously.

But I wasn’t about to back down from what I’d said, not for my sake but for hers.

“We promised to survive together, Lady.”

I reminded her of the promise we exchanged on the first day we were trapped in the Royal Capital.

“Your innate mana amount and ability to control it, as well as your extensive knowledge of magic, are unmatched. On the other hand, your physical capabilities are hardly better than a typical D-rank hunter.”

“Ugh…”

I recalled Esmela’s stats from this morning.

Both her mana amount and mana manipulation were S, while her strength, agility, and durability were each only at D, C-, and C-.

“I know you’ve taken up fencing as a hobby, but that’s simply not enough. To survive against zombies, not only magic but basic physical abilities must be assured. Remember? Just before escaping the mansion, when the mutant zombies attacked you.”

“…”

Esmela’s expression turned serious. Perhaps something in my words was resonating with her.

“At that time, you shot a fireball at the zombies, but they dodged it all and charged at you. If the head maid hadn’t intervened in time, you could have been seriously harmed.”

“So you’re saying if I had learned martial arts back then, things would have been different?”

“At the very least, you wouldn’t have been completely helpless that your magic was neutralized. Though you might not have been able to fully subdue them, you could have at least bought time dodging until either I or the head maid could assist.”

“…”

Esmela’s expression wavered with hesitation. She must have understood what I meant and was seriously contemplating my proposal.

To cement her decision, I stood up from the table and took her hands.

“Ah! Wh-what are you doing…?”

“Lady, please. Can you conform to my unreasonable request just this once?”

“Ugh…”

I communicated my pure intentions, my concern for her shining through my eyes.

“This is a suggestion made for your survival, to avoid a miserable end at the hands of those zombies.”

“You promised you’d protect me.”

“Of course. That is natural. However, it’s quite embarrassing, but… I’m not a fairy tale prince, swooping in on a white horse to cut down the foes threatening the princess, vowing eternal love in the aftermath. I’m just an ordinary person. It’s only through constant self-discipline that I’ve earned the right to stand by your side.”

The warmth radiating from Esmela’s hands reached me, even through her gloves.

“So, regrettably, I want to discuss reality. I want to help you be able to face the threats that I cannot protect you from with my arms alone.”

“…”

Esmela began to shyly avoid my intense gaze as if finding my stare too much to handle.

“Of course, I understand your feelings as well. Having someone like me as a teacher would be hard on your pride.”

“…No, um, what I mean is learning from you isn’t bad…”

“Are you accepting my proposal then?”

“…Alright! Just let go of my hands and let’s talk.”

She managed to pull her hands from my grasp as she said that.

Perhaps she was slightly flustered, a faint flush spreading across her pale cheeks, just slightly lighter than her eyes.

“Thank you!”

Finally, I had managed to persuade her. The thrill of that achievement brought a smile to my face as I bowed slightly in gratitude.

“…I still can’t predict this guy’s actions…”

I think she muttered something, but well, it’s not that important.

“Ha.”

Esmela slumped back into her chair as if worn out.

“So, what do you plan to teach me? Is there a plan?”

“Absolutely. I will prepare a very thorough curriculum.”

As I began to ponder various training programs for her, I felt a surge of excitement already.

The goal was two years. Within that time, I would elevate her combat abilities to at least B-rank. I would ensure she reaches the level I attained just before entering the House of Herta.

“…Your expression seems a bit sinister, as if you’re hiding something.”

“Of course not.”

“Hmm…”

Esmela crossed her arms, seemingly displeased, and fell into thought.

“Then let me also offer you a suggestion.”

“A suggestion? What is it?”

“I’ll teach you magic.”

“What?”

Taken aback by her unexpected words, I accidentally replied in a high-pitched voice.

“Why are you so surprised? You suggested teaching me martial arts, so I can teach you something, right?”

“Well, that is true, but…”

“Perfect timing then. You said you were going to teach me how to survive against zombies? That logic applies to you too, doesn’t it? While your physical abilities might be somewhat passable, your magic skills are pitiful.”

“Ugh…”

Her sharp observation hit home.

As she said, I had no talent for magic.

In my small island village, there was no one who could teach me how to sense the mana within me or how to increase it.

So I had no choice but to cling to physical training I had learned in my previous life, resulting in me attaining exceptional physical abilities compared to others my age, but conversely, I fell far behind my peers in magic and mana matters due to the lack of formal education.

It was only after joining the House of Herta that I struggled immensely before I could finally learn to control the Flame of Herta.

Helinante had to tutor me for days on end, and it wasn’t until the head butler stepped in, that I managed to convert my mana into the form of a sword using the Flame of Herta.

Moreover, the innate talent and the training I received in childhood were the two most crucial factors determining mana amount…

I had tried every means to enhance my mana suffering through the pain of late training, but being too late, I couldn’t elevate my mana amount beyond rank C.

“Would it even be effective for me to learn from you? The head butler gave up on instructing me…”

“Don’t worry about that. It’s me! The genius of magic, Esmela, who is unparalleled in the kingdom; of course, I’ve got it all figured out.”

With her head held high and hands on her hips, she confidently mentioned that embarrassing title, showing the characteristic audacity of a villainous noble lady from a ducal family.

“…Well, then I guess that puts me in the position of having to humbly ask for your guidance. I was just realizing the limitations of relying solely on swordsmanship against a horde of zombies.”

That’s certainly true. While I may not be as capable as Esmela, if I could wield area-effect magic, I could easily subdue hordes of zombies that cannot be countered in close combat.

“Then it’s settled. I will teach you physical training while you teach me magic. But when do you plan to start training?”

“Why delay? Let’s start tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? Isn’t that a bit soon? You do have an actual plan, right?”

Esmela checked again, looking concerned.

“Of course, Lady.”

I smiled brightly to reassure her.

“You only need to trust me and follow my lead.”