Chapter 98 - Defenceless John
2 days before the entrance exam, after John's light stance training. His master received an unexpected visit.
"Yo" Said the guy as he approached the training field.
John's Master without saying anything, looked at him as if she had expected his arrival.
"Come on now, don't be so cold, Sister." He says with a smile.
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"John?!"
"H-Hey Eleanor!" John said with a nervous smile.
'H-How do I get out of this situation... She might misunderstand…' John thought, feeling embarrassed.
"W-W-What are you doing here?" She asked while flustered.
"W... Well... You see... You've been in your room for so long, and everyone was getting worried so... I came to check up on you..." John said.
'Crap... Who would believe that? I must look like a creep right now…' John realized.
"O-Oh... Thank you..." she said while she let out a sigh.
'What?' He thought.
"You're not mad?" John asked.
"N-Not really, It was a sort of my fault too... But! I didn't want you to see me like this!" She said with flushed cheeks.
'Phew... I thought for sure something bad was going to happen…' John took a breath of relief.
"Hm? I don't mind," John replied.
"But I do!" She said still embarrassed about what was happening.
"Why?" He asked.
"B-Because, I don't look very tidy right now... it's embarrassing!" She justified.
'Well, I guess a girl wouldn't want someone to see them while their hair is messy or when they're not at their greatest but…' John thought.
"I mean sure, your hair is a bit messy and you look a bit tired, but I mean we all have our days," John replied.
"Eh? You're not disappointed?" She asked.
"For what?" John asked.
"For what? You know... After seeing this side of me..." She muttered.
'Ah... Eleanor is the daughter of a noble, her mother must have been very strict about the way she looked.' John surmised.
"Not at all, no one is perfect, and besides, it's proof of your hard work so you should be prouder." John stated.
Eleanor, who heard this, started to tear up.
'S-She's crying? What did I do wrong this time?' John felt confused.
"I... I didn't get in with you guys... I was useless..." Eleanor spoke stutteringly.
John didn't know what to do when she started crying, but after hearing her call herself useless, he instinctively gave her a pat on the head, although they were the same height.
"I doubt those two thought you were useless, and if anyone thinks you're useless, just keep practicing and prove them wrong," John spoke.
Serena and Ariel have gone through multiple life-threatening situations. It was not unusual to think down on oneself when they get compared to them. Not to mention they had chant less magic.
Without saying anything, she wiped her tears. She then looked straight at John.
"I-Is there something on my face?" John asked.
"John... Are you really 12?" She asked.
'Ehhh, did I act too mature? I mean, I'm technically 14 but…' He wondered.
"W-What? O-Of course I am..." John replied.
She kept staring at him with a determined look in her eyes.
"Ha..." John let out a sigh, "To be honest, I'm not sure. I lost my memories."
"What? Your memories...? Does that mean you don't remember anything? Not even your family?" She asked.
"Yeah..."
"Ah... I'm sorry..." She said with a worried expression.
"But I'm fine, I'm sure one day, I'll remember and find them," John replied.
"Is that why you became an adventurer?" She asked.
"I-I guess... Although I mainly wanted to explore the world," He added.
And John also needed to make a living, of course.
"Exploring the world... So that's how you met Serena and Ariel?" She asked.
"Well, I and Ariel became adventurers at the same time, and for Serena, we met while we were travelling." John answered.
"Must be nice..." She muttered.
"Hmm... I want to show you something, but you have to promise to keep it a secret." John said as he grabbed on to her hand.
"Okay, I promise. But what are you-"
Before she could finish, John placed his finger on her lips and gestured her to be quiet. With flushed red cheeks she quickly nodded and John started fake chanting. He had also cast Silentium at the same time.
When the chant was finished, John muttered, "Furtim"
From their perspective, nothing had changed and they could still see each other, but from another person's perspective it was as if,
"Hmm... their presence disappeared..." Said the head maid as she entered.
She looked around the room and confirmed that there was no one there.
"Hm, if she's with him, they should be fine, and besides, it works in favor of the plan." Said Kurt
"Understood," Said the maid before leaving the room and closing the door.
Eleanor opened her mouth to say something but was surprised, since no sound came out. Seeing this, John pointed at the window while gesturing that they should leave.
Not being able to speak, she nodded.
They walked up to the window and opened it, at the same time, The door to the room opened once again.
It was the maid. She looked around the room once more as if trying to confirm something.
"I don't remember the windows being open, earlier. Young miss are you here?" She asked as she walked up to the window.
As there was no response, she looked outside of the window, but no trace of either of them could be found.
She closed the windows and left the room, but by then, they were already floating outside.
John deactivated silentium and propelled them further and further up into the sky.
"EHH!? J-John! W-Wait! Wait, a minute!" Eleanor spoke.
"Ah, are you afraid of heights too?" John asked.
"N-no not that! H-How?!" She replied.
"Ah, it's a long story, let's fly around for a bit first," John spoke.
He cast velox and propelled them through the clouds in the sky. The feeling of being in the air was as great as always, not to mention the nice cool breeze.
The nervous expression on Eleanor's face slowly changed into a happy one after they had flew around for a while.
From their location the moon was clearly visible, it was a beautiful sight, John was sure Serena and Ariel would've wanted to see it from here.
"Are you feeling better?" John asked.
"Better?"
"Mhm, you looked a bit down so I thought this would cheer you up, but you can't tell anyone." John replied.
"Why?"
"What?"
"If it's something that you're supposed to keep as a secret, why put it at risk by telling me?" Eleanor elaborated.
"Hmm... because you were sad?" John answered.
After she heard this, with a chuckle she asked, "That's it?" before she said "Serena was right... You're too trusting..." with a small smile.
"Haha... not really..." John muttered.
"Hey John..."
"Yeah?"
"Close your eyes." She asked.
"Hm? Why?" John asked as he closed them.
Shortly after, John felt the sensation of a flick on his forehead.
"Ow..." John said as he opened his eyes.
Her fingers right were in front of his face as John asked, "What did I do to deserve that...?"
"You were open," She said with a smile.
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