<h4>Vol. 1 - Chapter 4.3: Hope And Despair (3)</h4>
Today, Nephira visited the training field. And as she stared from afar at Suzuki, who was hard at work in the training field swinging a wooden sword, Nephira was deeply impressed.
(His serious face is also adorable! He also does push-ups every day... ah, how I wish I could do something for the hard-working Suzuki!)
Incidentally, it had been almost a month since Suzuki joined the Thunder-Lance Charge. It would be a good time to mark it as an anniversary. That way, she would have a reason to celebrate with him and give him something.
......
After dinner that night. While sipping her wine, Nephira spoke to Suzuki.
"Suzuki. I have a gift for you."
"A gift?" Suzuki asked.
Then Nephira pped her hands. The door opened, and there stood Exce. Suzuki was astonished and eximed, "Exce!? ...Nephira! This is!?"
"Uh-huh. Ever since you joined the Thunder-Lance Charge, you have been working hard in your own way. Your reputation among the other soldiers is also good, with them praising you whenever they''re asked about you. You are still a rank-and-file soldier, but in light of the above, I have decided to gift you a ve. From this day on, Exce will be your ve."
Suzuki beamed upon hearing those words.
"Seriously? Thank you!! Nephira!!"
(<em ss="chakra-text css-0">Fufufu! He is delighted. He is pleased! I''m so d I gave him this gift!) </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> "I look forward to working with you. Lord Hero" </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> Exce knelt reverently and smiled at Suzuki. Then Exce slowly walked towards him with a limp. Suzuki noticed the bandages on Exce''s legs and spoke in a stutter. </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> "Hu, huh? Exce. That leg...?" </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> Exce looked troubled at his unspoken question and was embarrassed to answer. Nephira exined to him instead. </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> "Because she is a ve. I severed the tendons in both her legs so she can''t run. Walking normally will not be a problem for her, though." </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> "Eh...?" </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> From Nephira''s point of view, this was the natural way to treat ves. However, the air around Suzuki changed and felt tense. </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> "Why... such a terrible thing...!" </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> Suzuki''s face turned crimson red as he red at Nephira. </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> (Eh!? He is so mad at me!? Why!? I thought Suzuki would be pleased...!!) </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> Suzuki pped the table with both hands. The vintage wine Nephira was drinking spilled, producing a bright red stain on the tablecloth. </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> "What the HELL were you thinking!? Exce might never be able to run again!!" </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> "B-Bastard!! Who do you think you are talking to!! Shut your mouth! Know your ce as a familiar!!" </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> Normally, she would not have been so harsh. However, in the presence of other people, especially in front of Exce, a ve, Suzuki spoke harshly toward her, his superior, when his status was a familiar. Nephira had to save face and uphold her pride as themander of the Thunder-Lance Charge. </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> "Don''t get conceited!! You helpless worm!! How can a weakling who can''t even survive on his own proim such things with such pompous talk!!" </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> "Damn...!" </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> With a snarl, Suzuki kicked the chair away. He then ran straight toward the door. </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> "Lo--Lord Hero!! Please wait!! I don''t mind!!" </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> Exce shouted, but Suzuki threw the door wide open and walked out. </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> "You moron!! Fall in line!!" </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> Nephira spat out. But in her mind, she was screaming and panicking. </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> (Kyaaaaaaaaaaa!! I went too faaaaaaaar!!) </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> (How on earth did such a celebration end up like this? I am an IDIOT! Idiot, idiot, idiot, my blockheadedneeeesssss!) </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> She put her elbows on the table and clutched her head. Exce looked at Nephira, fixed up a smile, and spoke awkwardly to her. </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> "Su--Surely, he wille back right away!" </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> "Why... do I have to beforted by you..." </em>
<em ss="chakra-text css-0"> Nephira said to Exce, who was wiping the spilled wine with a rag, in a voice that seemed to be a whisper.</em><em ss="chakra-text css-0"> </em>