Chapter 73: Caught

"Is this as far as it goes?"

Max relaxed his strength.

"Your movement was good. Now, there's nothing to criticize about the form itself. But form is just the surface. It's not enough. If you learn how to properly load the thread, then it can be considered complete."

Turk said.

"Is it far off?"

At Max's question, Turk shook his head with a faint smile.

"It's not far off. I can say that for sure."

The completion of Imperial Style 8. To others, it might seem like just mastering a basic sword technique, but its significance was special to both Turk and Max.

Especially Turk. His feelings were indescribable.But then... Suddenly, Turk's expression hardened.

"There seems to be a rat. I guess I'll have to catch it."

Whoosh!

He swiftly moved towards the window.

Thud!

He violently opened the window. And his gaze moved to check for the rat underneath.

"Uh, what...?!"

The father was surprised. The daughter bowed her head deeply.

***

"Ha ha, no, were you and my student from the same academy? And in the same grade? Well, this is something."

Although it was okay to speak informally to a fellow student, Turk remained polite. Having lived a life of deference to nobility, it would be awkward to suddenly speak down.

"I was surprised too, to think that the teacher's daughter was that Elaine."

I pretended not to know. Only her close friends knew about Elaine's father. It wasn't information that a guy like Max would know.

So I had to pretend.

"That Elaine? What do you mean?"

Turk's voice rose. As expected, he was a doting father when it came to his daughter.

"Well, she's quite a famous friend. That's what I mean."

"Oh, is my daughter that famous?"

Stop it, man. Of course, I understand.

With such a wonderful daughter, it's natural to want to brag about her dozens of times a day. I chuckled inwardly and told him what he wanted to hear.

Elaine hurried off without really listening to the farewell.

I treated my wounds with a potion in the carriage, waiting leisurely. Because I knew Elaine had to come. After a while. I saw her approaching with a complicated expression. I smirked.

The words written on my palm.

"You followed me, didn't you? If you want me to keep quiet, come out."

She had no choice but to come out. I hadn't noticed the tailing from the beginning. It was in the lower district that I became certain. I felt the presence of someone following me.

Uncharacteristically clumsy for her.

Probably because of the alcohol. Anyway, it worked out well. Thanks to that, I could also erase a mark from her.

"Welcome, top student."

I greeted her with a smile.

"Stop hesitating and come in"

Elaine hesitated at my words but eventually climbed into the carriage. The luxurious custom made carriage was spacious enough for two. But Elaine sat as far away from me as possible.

Naturally, I just chuckled.

"Good day, Miss Elaine, it's an honor to have you here."

Dolph quickly bowed in greeting. Having served the 'Max' for a long time, he was quite familiar with the academy's affairs. It was impossible for him not to know a celebrity from the academy like Elaine.

"Thank you."

Even in such a situation, Elaine responded with a gentle voice. True to her nature, she was kind to everyone but me.

"Where do you want to go?"

I asked.

"You're the one who called me."

Elaine's voice turned cold again. It was a natural response given my original sin. But today was different. I also had something against her now, so I could take the lead.

"So, can I decide as I please?"

"Do as you wish."

She seemed resigned, probably thinking she had to follow my lead until this Stalking matter was resolved.

"Alright, let's get off than."

"Huh? You're getting off?"

At my words, Elaine's eyes widened in surprise. Getting on the carriage implied we were going somewhere.

But suddenly, I suggested getting off.

"What? We're getting off?"