Atelier Tanaka

Book 4: Chapter 3 (8)

Territory Pioneering 3

That same night in one of the bathhouses

The noble mage and I had left the others and entered the bath on our own. With no one else here, and the bath being so large, the silence filling the room created a strangely serene atmosphere. It was nice just allowing my body to slowly sink into the water.

This must be what its like to have your own private bath.

Today went well.

I may have been trying to force things.

No, youve helped set a clear goal for me. It was a good start.

Well, Im glad to hear that.

And the reason for the noble mage and I bathing alone together is none other than Christina. Part two of the noble mages love consultation where we evaluate what has happened so far and how we can continue to progress their relationship. We were both soaking in the water a few meters away from each other, conversing through the steam-filled room.

If its you, Fahren-san, I know you can do it.

I hope so. There was also one other thing Id like to confirm with you.

Whats that?

Have you tested out the strength of those walls yet?

No, I dont think thats necessary.

I see.

I dont intend on challenging her claim.

I dont want to admit that I already tried once and failed miserably.

That would just make me more insecure which isnt what I need.

Ive noticed a glimmer in the noble mages eyes that Ive never seen before. I can tell hes been holding back how excited he is at the prospect of being with someone he cares about. Love is a scary thing. It can turn a middle-aged man into a young and pure maiden.

Love truly is scary.

Thank youfor everything.

You dont need to thank me. We made a promise after all.

I have to keep my promise to support him.

This is a nice feeling. Two guys hanging out in a bath talking about love. Its about twenty years too late but Im finally experiencing a true youth. I didnt think the thought would affect me so much, but I really would have given anything to experience a moment like this a decade ago in my previous life.

.

.

No, this is even more than I couldve asked for.

This is more than this busamen deserves.

An unattainable dream that I could only experience vicariously through movies or TV shows.

Although, the hymen is the true unattainable dream worth reaching.

But wings, a horn, a tail, and enough destructive power to destroy city gates. Nothing is out of the realm of possibility. Its now just a matter of deciding which method is best to achieve these requirements.

Thats just what Id expect from you.

If I possessed enough magic power, I couldve impressed her with my destructive power right then and there.

I know youll eventually reach your goal, Fahren-san.

I dont think it will be that simple and I know myself best.

Because shes a dragon? For someone normal, I dont think I could ever see it working out. A human and a dragon are two very different beings that under normal circumstances would never coexist, but this is exactly why I believe only someone as eccentric as you would ever have a chance of making it work.

.

I dont think it will be possible for him to convey his feelings to her unless he goes into this with a strong will. Its possible Christina wont notice how he feels until hes pushed himself to the very limit. This isnt the type of problem that requires a simple solution.

Dont you agree?

yeah, Im sure youre right.

I know it will work out.

Yeah. I have been feeling nervous. Whenever Im around her, whether consciously or unconsciously, Ive been holding myself back.

Thats not at all like you.

I dont want to hear that from you.

Am I wrong? Youre a completely different person than when we first met.

I guess thats true. Thank you.

Its not something I need thanks for.

Its not for that. I can feel my heart opening up to others more, and its not just for that dragon.

So theres still some life left in you.

Fufu~n, I cant lose out to all those youngsters.

If theres anything else I can do to help you, just ask.

I know youre always willing to helpbut, I think Ill be alright on my own.

Eh?

I can see my goal before me and I know Ill reach it some day. If I cant do it on my own, then I dont believe I deserve her anyway. Sometimes it gets to a point where you have to realize that you need to push on alone and the help being offered to you that used to act as a crutch now only serves to hold you back.

We fell into silence for a moment after this. The only sounds were the water occasionally dripping from the faucets and the occasional ripple sent through the bath whenever we moved.

Youre much closer to being her equal, but Ill never allow myself to quit. I know Ill reach her some day.

The noble mages powerful declaration reverberated off the walls of the bathhouse.

Im sorry.

I cant argue against that. The loligon and I are closer to being equals.

You dont need to apologize. This is the choice Ive made and I wont give up.

Because youre strong.

Its the same way I feel about Sophia-chan. I know shes in love with Allen, but that hasnt changed how I feel about her. You cant help who you fall in love with and you dont need a reason to love. However that person you love may feel, the feelings you hold for them are real, even if they arent reciprocated.

The noble mage loves the loligon with all of his heart.

Isnt that what makes youth beautiful?

This may be the first time in my over thirty years of existence that Ive fully understood why high school girls enjoy talking about love.

And you cant start holding back either. Keep pushing forward to whatever dream you wish to achieve. And know this: no matter what hardships you choose to take on or how dangerous the path you choose to walk becomes, I will always be by your side ready to offer you my hand. That is until Ive surpassed you, fufu

I guess hes declaring me his rival in love.

Ill just have to do my best to make sure that day never comes.

And I gave him an appropriate response.

Whatever the case, I think this will be good for him. Ive learned over the past couple weeks that having someone to compete against acts as a wonderful driving force.

Click for two bros just bein bros in a bath

I wouldnt expect anything less.

A confident reply.

The noble mages love, first act complete.

Even though he said he no longer needed my help, Ill keep doing whatever I can to support him.

After all, a promise is a promise.

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