I ended my day in a different atmosphere and stayed away from Max until after school. It has become a habit for me to go to work soon after I enroll.
Today, we have a meeting at Impact. The work itself was finished well, but the conversation after that became obvious at the martial arts competition tomorrow.
"According to the newspaper's reputation, school students seem to be more active than the Knights."
"Well, there are four next Dukes. Guy Hunter and Ernest Ingram."
"I'm looking forward to the Langley and Orhoff family debuting this year. Especially if the owner's brother is absolutely cool ~"
The staff is more or less thriving like that. When I looked at the situation in the store, the customer's personal stories were the same.
Public appreciation is still focused on what we see so far. Especially women. I can't help it because I don't have a track record yet, and it's easier that way.
Max, don't even think about looking at me and making it easier.
I finished my day at work and managed to get home at dinner. Dinner with my uncle. Max is rarely present at it.
I keep working hard until late at night. Especially here these days.
A world with healing magic isn't half as rooted. Because fractures are treated as scratches, it is also convincing that it becomes stronger without abnormality.
My supervised training menu has kept my body under control, but I'm worried about my mental health now.
I've been watching my limits, but the tournament is finally tomorrow. It's time to follow up.
Max came back on time today without restraining his training.
Take a moment to calm down and head to the last encouragement.
"Max, can I talk to you for a second?
"--ahh......"
Max in the room opens the door and greets me.
Unlike usual, the nerves had already been sharpened like a blade, to the point of killing. That's why I came to see you.
"Fufufu, Rufus Avalon won at the age of 16 and 10 months. If we win tomorrow, Max's youngest record will be greatly updated."
Max answers me with a sharp look, daring to tease me with a light tone.
Of course I'm aiming for you.
"- That's not true."
Hold Max from the front. I was unusually confused, but I wouldn't let him escape.
"--Gladys...?
"Too much force. You can't win with this."
My words gave me breathtaking signs. A strong hand turns around my back. I can see you trembling slightly. It was tense enough.
As a successor to the Tristan of (...), I first appeared in the world. I wonder how much pressure that is.
The public's appreciation of Tristan is not very high.
But if you're a knighthood, everyone knows what you're capable of. Just by the side, so that you can feel its ability to be too isolated.
The implicit acceptance of Tristan passing through every tournament is essentially due to sound competition management. It's just a mix of monsters that are off track, so it's no longer a fair tournament.
The Tristan Langley's heir, Maximilian Langley. There are only two melons on your face and appearance.
So, what's your core strength?
--That's how Max gets his attention.
I'm sure you'll compare it as well as anyone you know. I don't know how close I am to that monster. Or is it just a person whose face makes a scene to ordinary people?
I can't say I don't care. Max is carrying it on his own instead of me. I'm only 15 years old.
As the tournament approached, I managed to keep my mind calm by training indifferently. I was pushing myself so hard, and I was stuck.
"Don't be so scared. Max is accumulating enough experience and power not to be despised by anyone. Tomorrow, just show it to everybody - show it to me."
……
Instead of words, Max put his strength into my arms. He buries his face on my shoulder and faces a storm in his heart.
I hugged him back gently and waited quietly for him to calm down.
Compared to a genius with prophetic abilities, like Tristan. Definitely the mightiest knight in history.
Not a genius, but a blood-connected father, an excellent knight with a balance of power, magic, skill, and thought, very similar to Lancelot. But Max's strength isn't just about his blood muscles and talents.
With that monster who knows no common sense or limits, I've been training before I realized anything. If I hadn't been a great prophet... at least if I had magic, I'd have fulfilled all the duties I was supposed to have.
I want to make Max's efforts and research known to the public.
That's why I don't think there will be a chance next year, and I would like you to aim for a record that can be targeted. To help you feel confident in pushing back pressure.
"The youngest winner in history - that sounds pretty good. I can't beat my proud younger brother if I do what I always do."
"--I agree that I can't lose, but my brother needs a correction."
Slowly, I found that I had returned to my usual condition, Max. Even if you aim for the same victory, it is completely different from what you have in mind. Absolute pride, not obsession.
Respond lightly, relieved.
"Unfortunately, I can't guarantee that."
"Well then, if you win, please reward me. I feel like I can win."
"Fufufu, unless it's naughty."
"--I won't say that!
"There was a time?
……
Max, who had been thinking silently for a while, raised his face and stared at me up close.
"Tomorrow, put on your birthday dress. That's why we'll beat the fuel. Then I want to give you the dress of my choice."
"Do I get it?
"It's okay because I'm motivated."
She knew she'd be kicked back even if she gave her dress. Not only Chiaran, but also my uncle. I don't know what to do with my raising parents.
"If that's okay with you."
"And then...."
"Do you still have it? You're a little greedy, aren't you?
I made a joke and stared lightly. Max said straight away.
"Tomorrow, I'll be the only one supporting you."
"Of course, right?
I didn't get lost, I answered immediately. No matter how many friends are there, I'm the only one supporting Max. One wins. We can't all pretend to work hard.
"That's too natural for me to ask."
"- Ha-ha. That's all right. It's a great reward."
Max laughed and said that, but the urgency of being chased away had disappeared.