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Chapter 71 Part 2 – Mother and Countess Rosenthal. The destinies of two people who had misgivings with each other are intersecting again after time had passed.

Amongst mother’s techniques, there is the 「Thunder Crawl」, an arrow acceleration technique with a stun effect.
And other than that, there are many other superb techniques.

If such powerful techniques are added to Arnold’s current strength, a monster with great power and technique would be born. It would be extremely troublesome if he could achieve a lightning arrow that could leap over obstacles from far away with unparalleled accuracy, or a six consecutive arrows that could evade obstacles.

Recalling Arnold’s incredible aerial view archery that almost defeated even Addis the Faceless, I shuddered.

That really freaked me out.
It reminded me of Arnold’s prowess with the bow when he was an adult in the previous 「108 times」.

However, right now, he is just a child. It seems that he was only able to display that extraordinary power because of doping-related circumstances. Below is the reason he said.

「…… Well, a lanky brother around 20 years old that is wearing a pince-nez glasses gave me a strange medicine. After I drank it, I felt so much power overflowing inside my body. Then I thought to myself. Wouldn’t I be able to freely handle the teacher’s iron bow with this much power? If that’s the case, I have no choice but to go. Now you get it right?」

…… I don’t get it at all.

In the first place, who the heck is 「teacher」?
Besides, pince-nez glasses …… and medicine ……
No way. Could it be that it’s Solomon? One of the Five Heroes, Solomon the Great Scholar ……
But well, that guy is the same age as Arnold, so I guess it’s impossible considering his age ……

「A young man that looked like a scholar? How reckless of you to dare to drink such a dubious drug.」

With an exasperated expression, Seraphy said so to Arnold.
But Arnold responded without showing any remorse.

「After all, I have a partner I can rely on. Someone who can judge whether it’s poisonous or not.」

Then he winked at the white owl.

Instead of nodding, the white owl proudly flashed its golden eyes.

Come to think of it, this white owl has an eye that can see through truth and falsehood.
I remember being fed up with this owl that repeatedly saw through my disguises while I was on the run in the previous 「108 times」.

「So, after getting the power-up, I changed the plan from rushing to the scene together with Seraphy to taking up a position on high ground. Because it’s only when I keep my distance that I can show my true worth. You see, I did a good job of providing cover fire.」

He proudly puffed up his chest.
Well, it’s frustrating, but it’s true.
Addis the Faceless was a close-combat monster that surpassed even Bradd.
If Arnold had rushed to the scene of the battle, there is a high possibility that Addis would jump close to Arnold and block the arrow from flying.

But still, this guy, Arnold, really talks a lot.
In the previous 「108 times」, I usually met Arnold after his family had been burned in execution, so all I remember was the look of terrible hatred in his eyes.
But looking at him now, he’s just an excited, easygoing older brother character.

After the seven phantoms retreated and I was screaming because Alisa stuck her face up into my skirt, Arnold appeared together with a white owl. Then without being asked, he began to talk by himself.

When I saw his face, I tried to throw out my usual traumatic flashback shout, 「Owaaahhhhh」, but it ended in failure.

During the part when Arnold talked about how he ended up obtaining that weird drug, I heard an extremely threatening murmur.

「…… A guy with glasses. Heh ……」

It felt like that murmur came from inside my skirt.

I-It’s so cold. For some reason, I feel awfully cold.
To the point that I’m trembling ……!!

Fortunately, the cold air only lasted for a moment and the rest of the time I was writhing in agony from the tickling of Alisa’s nasal breathing.
It must have been the night wind blowing into my skirt from the opening.

「…… I have long heard of your outstanding reputation. Duchess Wilhelm, Cornelia-sama. It’s an honor to meet you. I’m glad Seraphy forced me to come. I’m very happy that I was able to help you, even if only a little.」

After waiting for Seraphy to introduce him to us, Arnold spoke and bowed respectfully to my mother.

Ahh, even though he acts like a rascal, he still has these manners.
He is the son of an upper class noble, after all.

「…… I …… no, I guess this will be faster than talking.」

With a sudden change in tone and a grin reminiscent of a bird of prey, Arnold suddenly took the iron bow that he carried on his back and nocked an arrow in it.

W-What is this guy doing!?
Is he an enemy!?
That explosive archery power at such a close range is too dangerous!!

「Mother!!」

Even before I could shout, mother already nodded at him and nocked an arrow in her bow.

「Indeed. Even if words can be deceiving, a bow cannot lie. I accept that greeting of yours.」

The two of them faced each other with their bows drawn and glared at each other.
Then they smiled at each other, relaxed their stances, and put the arrows back in the quiver.
It was a bit of an anticlimax for the tense and suffocating atmosphere that made me hold my breath.

Eh, is it over already?

「…… As expected from Cornelia-sama. I can’t believe that you were able to show such an intense stance with a short bow. I can’t see any chance of winning at all. It seems that the rumor that you defeated the demon dog Gallam that had been terrorizing the continent was true.」

「We were able to achieve that thanks to everyone’s strength, especially Bradd. I’m just one of the many. Leaving that aside, I’m really impressed with the strength you have at such a young age. I wouldn’t be able to handle that iron bow as I’m a woman. But compared to when you helped us earlier, the pressure has decreased. Did you injure your arm?」

Arnold and mother began to talk to each other in a friendly manner, as if they had known each other for a hundred years.

Mnnn, was that something like two sword masters standing face to face with each other and understanding each other’s skills from a confrontation?

「Amazing」, 「What a great match」, said the imperial guards passionately.

I-Is that right?
I don’t really understand the world of archery enthusiasts ……

I looked at the others for help, but Bradd and the 「Lawless Crew」 folded their arms and nodded their heads in understanding, while Seraphy was the only one with a confused expression that said 「Ehh? What’s going on?」.

Ohh, I’m not alone.
In the world of muscle-brains, I finally found a fellow minority!!

「I told you right. The power of the aerial view archery done with the iron bow earlier was thanks to a strange medicine. It’s impossible for me to do it now that the efficacy of the medicine has run out. Your real weapon is a compound bow, right? I would be no match against you in a real fight.」

Arnold looked very happy, even though he seemed to hate losing.

And I had a very bad feeling.

Arnold clenched his right fist and thumped it against his left palm.

「…… Alright, I’ve decided!! Cornelia-san, I have fallen in love with you!! A man should act immediately once he falls in love. I have no choice but to become your apprentice!! I’ll call you master starting from today. No, please allow me to call you master!!」

His eyes twinkled as he tried to persuade my mother.

「Please call me Arnold. I will endure no matter how rigorous and intense the training is.」

「Wait a minute!!」

I screamed at the sudden turn of events.

What is this Hunter of Darkness doing!? Why is he trying to become mother’s apprentice!?
What the heck is going on in this short-circuited idiot’s head!

If this guy comes into our house, he will be an eagle within Scarlet’s body, not an insect within a lion.
My plan to become a shut-in will be overturned from the very foundation.

Mother, your beloved daughter would be in trouble!!
You must firmly refuse him!!

「…… Disciple …… special training …… my heart is getting fired up ……」

Ehh, mother!?

She clenched her fists, closed her eyes, and looked up to the sky.

…… Is mother actually interested in agreeing!?

I turned pale.

Oh no.
Despite her dainty appearance and reserved personality, mother would have a tenacious attitude whenever bows were involved.
In a situation like this and a guy like Arnold, who is extremely gifted in archery, it’s impossible for her to not get fired up. Moreover, they are both strangely compatible with each other. It felt like I could see the silhouettes of the two of them doing their intense training with the setting sun in the background.

What should I do now?