Chapter 132 Don't Look Back In Anger (4)

Chapter 132 Don't Look Back In Anger (4)

Maximin looked calmly at his daughter.

A glint appeared in his eyes.

"Why do you need 'it', Piel?"

"...Excuse me?"

"Why are you so desperate for 'it', even if it leads to your own ruin? After what happened with Markvern, you weren't doing very well. You underwent treatment for a while, but it must still be painful to even think about that time."

Piel remained silent.

Watching his daughter, Maximin continued.

"Yet you still want 'it'... You know very well that 'it' should never be taken outside. The only time 'it' should leave is when the entire continent is in danger."

"...I know."

Maximin spoke in a hushed tone.

"Besides, Piel, aren't you a student at Elinia Academy? And just a freshman at that. You can't bring in external artifacts. You know already what happened to those who tried to use 'it'. Even the continent's greatest heroes would not be able to handle its power."

He wasn't wrong.

– A power overwhelming even for the continent's greatest heroes.

It was a statement only he could make.

Maximin de Chalon.

Although now retired, up until his retirement, he held the position of the second-ranked hero across the entire continent.

Known as the 'Demon Hunter', Maximin had defeated a demon that descended into the mortal realm twice.

Not once, but twice.

He was also the one who identified and defeated Markvern, who had made a pact with a great demon.

However, his words seemed to have no effect on Piel.

"...I understand, Father."

Piel's expression remained resolute.

"For what do you need it so desperately for, Piel?"

After a moment's hesitation, Piel spoke up.

"...For a friend."

"A friend?"

Maximin, who had been impassive until now, leaned forward with interest.

"Yes, someone I consider... a friend."

"Hmm, that's unexpected. You've never been close to anyone other than Markvern. Someone from the academy?"

At Maximin's question, Piel gave a slight nod.

"I see. Is it Neike?"

"...No."

Piel shook her head.

A hint of curiosity appeared on Maximin's usually stoic face.

"Then who? Aisha of the Waldeurk family? Or perhaps Andrew, who's recently hailed as a genius mage? Maybe Eshild from the Orgamin family?"

"...It's not them." Rêađ latest chapters on no/v/e/l(b)in(.)com

Piel firmly closed her mouth, offering no further information.

Maximin wasn't angered or annoyed.

Instead, he was even more curious about who she so protectively spoke about.

When Piel had first entered the academy, even the attendant he had sent with her said she rarely spoke of her personal matters.

A friend she's determined to help, even if it means her own ruin.

If it's not one of those students...

Who could it be?

"..."

Look at how quickly he shifts gears. Why is he so spineless?

"By the way, Theo... What's the name of this little one?"

Sally looked down at Little Fist, who was nestled happily in her arms.

"Little Fist."

"Huh? Little... Fist?"

"Yes, it's just a fistful, right?"

"Aww... both the name and its appearance are so cute. Theo, how did you come up with such an adorable name? Haha, how cute, Little Fist!"

Sally broke into a sincere, cheerful laugh.

Her voice was so soothing it could lighten one's heart.

Andrew, looking somewhat embarrassed, cautiously chimed in.

"Let's be honest, Theo. It's a good thing that puppy doesn't understand human language. If it did, it'd probably bite you for naming it that."

"..."

It had already bitten me countless times.

Thankfully, its teeth weren't sharp yet.

"Oh, Andrew, why would you say that? 'Little Fist' is so cute. It fits perfectly with its appearance."

"...Hahaha."

"Am I wrong?"

Seeing Andrew's evasive smile, Sally's face fell a little.

Andrew hastily replied.

"No, no! Of course not! I was just making a light joke, Sally. Naming it 'Little Fist' is really unique! When you think about it, it's quite an insightful name."

"Really?"

"Of course, Sally. Heh, Little Fist, come here."

Saying so, Andrew tried to pet Little Fist, who was still snug in Sally's arms.

—Pew, pew, pewww!

Quickly dodging Andrew's hand, Little Fist leaped out of Sally's embrace and snuggled up to Aisha.

"Oh, my dear Little Fist. Missed my arms already~?"

Aisha teased Little Fist by tickling its head with her slender fingers.

After glancing at Amy, Irene, and Sally, Aisha beamed proudly.

"Hehe, so cute. But, Theo, I never expected you to be raising a pet. Especially such a tiny one. You used to dislike animals as a kid, remember?"

"People change."

I said, looking at Little Fist cuddled up in her arms.

For some reason, Little Fist snuggled even closer, making a contented 'kiiing?' sound.

Ugh.

That little traitor.

I've figured out that pup's habits.

It avoids Noctar, Andrew... It never approaches men.

Oh, and it didn't go to the buff Julia either.

Now, I'm sure of it.

That little one is definitely male. And quite the flirt, too.

While we were all relaxing and talking, there was a knock at the door.

"Theo and Irene, the final match will begin soon. Please prepare to enter the arena."

...It's finally starting.

It's time to put an end to this tournament.