16 I don't want to fight!

"I have a bad feeling about this," I said as I scratched my head.

It's just my gut feeling but it seems that a dangerous flag has been raised and why shouldn't I feel suspicious? After all, whenever Lapis had shown an interest to meet me something bad always followed. I wonder what it is this time? I have read some records about this. Whenever a hero is summoned, so is a villain. Could it be that unlike me, Lapis is the embodiment of evil? Whenever I remember her cruel smile and merciless fists shivers run down my spine.

"I don't know about that" replied Clair "but this time it's a good opportunity to play some tricks on her, don't you think," she said while grinning with a dark smile.

The dark miasma around Clair made me swallow my saliva. Was she affected by Lapis's evil embodiment as well?

But how can that be she was with me most of the time so her soul should have been purified by my holy brightness.

I don't know anymore.

I scratched my cheeks, "Yeah let's work according to how we planned." I reached out my arm which she wrapped around hers while leaning slightly towards me.

If not for the maid uniform and my tattered clothes we looked just like a couple strolling together. Her breast squished against my arm but I pretended to ignore it to not make her conscious.

At this point, something far important than teasing her is weighing on my mind. What kind of misfortunes would befall on me at this hour?

Following the manservant who was instructed to deliver them the message, they reached the central room of the mansion.

Mr. Whitworth along with Lapis was present at the scene. Witnessing the man he was waiting for, Mr. Whitworth raised his brows.

There was nothing odd with the man. But, who would have thought that this familiar would bring a woman along with him? Moreover, they definitely seem on intimate terms.

"Hahaha" he laughed while facing Lapis "is this the man you were talking about? it seems like your man is already stolen by your maid!"

Lapis ducked her head.

My hunch told me Clair was laughing within herself… no I am sure of it, I am sensitive to malicious vibes.

"Clair please leave, we have something important to discuss here," said Lapis.

Clair froze for her moment, even if no one noticed it didn't go past my eyes.

She grabbed my arm a bit more tightly. She ducked her head resting her head on my shoulder seemingly trying to hide her face.

I know intentions all too well. She didn't want Lapis to see her grinning face.

But, would the audience realize that?

To Lapis's order, she replied "Yes my lady"

Probably, finding the contrast in her actions and her words. Or, probably pitying her reluctance to let me go, the old man said.

"It seems that she is reluctant to leave," he turned to Lapis "why don't you let her be, it is not like we have something important to discuss, whatever was there to hide is already renowned across the empire"

Because her face was hidden behind me, No one perceived her grin.

Oh, that malevolent smile it's going to kill me someday.

"Okay" Lapis replied a bit annoyed.

'Congratulations Clair, today you have pleased your teacher. I have nothing to teach you anymore' I thought to myself

"Young man, come follow me".

At that point, I knew this was my chance to get salvation. At least this man can't be as scary as Lapis. Anything but her seriously. So, without making further ado. I chased after him dragging Clair along.

But, contrary to my expectations Lapis also followed behind us.

'Shoo, shoo get away from me.' I thought.

It was as if a mad dog is coming after my life.

"Hey, you there! come here" I stood behind him as he called out to his soldier. He seemed like an average soldier among the ones on the barracks.

"Yes, how can I be of your help?" the soldier inquired.

But the man didn't give any reply and turned to me.

'Hey that's rude' was what I wanted to say but then stopped.

This man no matter how crooked he was is saving me from the demon named Lapis. I can't thank him enough, disrespecting him was a distant thought.

Turning to me the man spoke, "I heard from Lapis that you can have defeated a ranked cavalry soldier before." He smiled "Then defeating this one here should be a piece of cake for you, isn't it? I am itching to see you fight you see."

"What the..." words slipped from my mouth but I stopped at the right second and then continued, "I am sorry but I have to refuse."

I am an advocate of non-violence you see.

If every person starts to fight then there will never be peace in this world.

The man seemed very annoyed by my answer.

Lapis was a bit surprised at the unexpected response of mine but didn't intervene wanting to see where things go.

Clair let go of my arm and stepped a foot away.

'What an ungrateful disciple I have. There is no sense of filial bonds.'

It wasn't until then when I realized that the old man's brows were twitching profusely. It was quite the sight.

He reminded me of my sister back on earth.

"Then let me ask you. If I raise my weapons at you, will you defend?"

It went without saying what that meant.

I smile confidently. At a point like this, you need to smile even if you are going to be beaten black and blue.

Why? Because it looks cool and girls like it.

Who knows maybe you could bang a girl or two before ending your life at the match at the hands of the butcher.

At least it much better than dying a useless death.

'Take your mind out of the gutter, Steve' I said to myself.

Whenever I am angry God knows why my mind goes thinking like a perv.

Lapis halted him, "In my opinion that would be going a bit too far, he is not that strong"

"Indeed"

But, my response completely caught everyone offguard.

What can I do? After he hurt my ego?

Someone can't just come to me and ask me to perform joker for their entertainment.

I did comply when Lapis asked me to fight.

But when it comes to her, things were a lot different. Even if she doesn't remember me, I love her and can't hurt her.

But against this old foggy... I won't hold back my punches even if it kills me.

--

Author's thoughts:

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