Chapter 40

It was a wonderful day outside. There wasn't a cloud outside that dared show itself and the cool breeze blowing made the sun rays seem like barely a hassle.

One could do many things in this weather. For example, a nice picnic would be a great afternoon activity or even some exercise would feel lovely on a day like this. In fact, Elizabeth was working a nice sweat and seemed like she was really enjoying herself on this particular day.

Unfortunately, there was someone at the manor who wasn't enjoying themselves as much.

Laying on the bed in his room, Tibaut was starting to feel a bit antsy. It had been a few days since he had gained his injuries and much to his chagrin, Elizabeth truly didn't seem like she was going to fully heal him. While he was glad he wouldn't have to go through her daily training (torture) pretty much everything else about this situation sucked.

While he was now able to rest on his back, his feet were still a bitch to walk on. This left him with only one action he'd actually take, staying in bed all day.

He wasn't sure if it was because of the injuries or the food he's been eating recently has been very hearty but he found himself easily falling asleep and taking naps all the time. He found it quite annoying as this would consist of more than 75% of his day.

Even more so was the fact he finished reading through the ki parts of the martial arts book. While this in and of itself wouldn't be something to be annoyed about it was the fact the book clearly stated that using ki wasn't something that was learned through a book but through practice that nearly made him burn the thing. 

"Tch, what a pain in the ass. Why the hell even write about it if 'you can't learn it in a book'."

He soon noticed the sounds of Elizabeth practising had now stopped for a while now. He then heard footsteps approaching his door. The one behind it didn't seem like knocking as they quickly opened the door.

("I can't tell if it'd have more of a negative impact on her or me if I was jerking off. Has she never lived with a guy, nay, another person before? I don't mean to shit-talk Vanessa, but she sure as hell doesn't seem like someone you'd just randomly open the door on.") Tibaut thought to himself as Elizabeth approached him with a wooden bowl in her hands.

"Here's lunch, can't guarantee the taste though."

"I've had worse."

I can't go into detail about how much worse he had but I can say he does consider a raw worm a solid 4.5/10.

He then grabbed the bowl from her and downed the soup out of it like it was a glass of water despite it having the texture of a stew.

Over these days Tibaut had gained a new ritual he'd go through when Elizabeth gave him food. First, he would get into the lowest kowtow he could manage. He would then throw away every shred for those few minutes then beg her to heal him with all his might. He cried without restraint (well, faked crying the best he could), and he kissed her feet, as long as he thought it had a chance of swaying her mind he'd try it.

As soon as he tensed his body in preparation to jump to the floor Elizabeth put her hand to his chest and fully healed.

("Huh?") He thought.

His mind blanked. Although he did all that stuff to get her to heal him, he didn't actually think it would work. And even if he did he didn't think it would be this quick.

Before he could ask her why Elizabeth simply said these words.

"You're needed."

Her face was incredibly stern when she said that. What the hell did she mean? Were they finally gonna attack the cult? Were the kobolds invading towns hoping for a round two with Tibaut and friends? Was there a nationwide fight for survival he was going to have to take part in? What the hell could it be?

Without changing expression, she continued 

"The mansion has gotten quite dirty."

When she looked back to Tibaut all she saw was an empty bed and an open window.

A smile then crept across her face.

"I suppose starting with training couldn't hurt." 

She then jumped through the window and started the hunt for her prey.

("I suppose I should take it easy on him.")

She thought as she landed on the ground.

As she looked for him she began thinking about the past few days. She then sighed.

("What the hell was I thinking sending him out like that? Am I an idiot? Sure that idiot could have stopped him, but it shouldn't be his job to stop him. What was I expecting to happen to him if he was supposed to deal with monsters without armour?") Despite how she treated Ezekiel a few days earlier she didn't consider herself blameless in the injuries Tibaut received.

In fact, these past few days were her giving the boy some time to rest. Sure he couldn't walk around as freely as he wanted but at the same he wasn't in pain when rested. The boy's back was something she healed stealthily when she noticed he was avoiding lying on his back. Even the soup she brought was something she cooked, (while ensuring Vanessa didn't notice her) and delivered it herself. 

While running through the forest she finally found him.

("While this isn't enough consolation for nearly sending you to your death, I suppose a spar without dodging any of his punches is a suitable punishment for your leader's incompetence.")

She then gave him the easiest sparring session he was going to have for the whole year. 

Unfortunately for Tibaut this just resulted in the both of them being black and blue when they were finished.