Chapter 36

Judith’s unexpected transfer to the swordsmanship club meant that the club had to welcome a new member in the middle of the semester.

And this fact was enough to draw the interest of the club members.

All the members cast curious glances at Judith, and Chase, feeling displeased by their persistent gazes, had to twitch his eyebrows in annoyance.

Why are they looking at her like that? Could they possibly be interested in Judith?

Chase glared at a few who seemed particularly interested in Judith, as if to eat them alive with his eyes.

Those who suddenly received Chase’s fierce glare directly had to rack their brains, bewildered, wondering if they had done something wrong.

Seeing this, Chase made a decision.

It seemed he needed to make it clear to the members about Judith. Not for any other reason, but to establish order.

Chase, standing next to Judith, opened his lips.

“Judith is my fiancée. You all know what that means, right?”

As soon as he finished speaking, silence filled the training hall.

Everyone was busy glancing at each other, trying to read the room.

It was more an instinct to avoid Chase’s notorious temper than understanding the meaning of his words.

But Chase, unaware of their thoughts, was soon satisfied with the subdued reaction and smiled contentedly.

That’s when it happened. Contrary to his expectation that no one would have any objections, someone raised their hand and shouted.

“What does that mean?”

It was Jayden, a boy with shaggy hair who looked innocent like a potato.

Ignoring the sound of surprised gasps from around him, Jayden focused his light brown eyes on Chase.

Chase gritted his teeth at the sight.

He had allowed Jayden to join despite his lack of swordsmanship skills because of his effort and enthusiasm, but he didn’t expect him to be so clueless.

Though displeased, he couldn’t show his anger with Judith beside him. Chase crossed his arms and spoke threateningly.

“It means that when I’m not around, Judith is the head of the swordsmanship club.”

“Oh, I see.”

Jayden nodded as if he understood, and Chase’s slightly displeased mood eased a bit at his innocent reaction.

However, it was Judith who objected to Chase’s words.

“What kind of nonsense is that?”

“Why is it nonsense?”

“How could I do that when I don’t even know the first thing about swordsmanship?”

Was that her concern? 

Chase, looking down at Judith who was rolling her eyes in confusion, spoke.

“Don’t worry. You’ll never really have to take on my role.”

Whenever Judith was in the swordsmanship club, Chase would always be by her side. So Judith wouldn’t have to bear Chase’s burdens.

But explaining this in words felt awkward, so Chase scratched his cheek for no reason.

Judith glanced around, then frowned and whispered urgently to Chase.

“Still, correct it. I don’t like being the center of attention.”

She had planned to quietly pass the time and leave, but things seemed to be getting bigger than expected, and Judith pursed her lips in discontent.

Her expression was so adorably rabbit-like that Chase’s heart pounded.

“…Alright.”

Chase barely managed to reply and then averted his gaze. His ears, peeking through his silver hair, turned red.

From earlier, even he didn’t know why, but his heart wouldn’t calm down.

* * *

Under the bright magical lighting, his silver hair sparkled like stars.

Whoosh, the sound of the blade slicing through the air sharply echoed in his ears.

Judith feigned admiration as she watched Chase demonstrate with the sword.

“Wow, thanks for showing me. That’s amazing.”

Even though it was a cliché compliment, Chase’s shoulders rose as if they could pierce the sky.

Watching him, Judith couldn’t help but chuckle. At the same time, she felt sorry.

She had asked him to teach her, claiming to be interested in swordsmanship, but seeing Chase teach, she lost confidence in her ability to follow along.

He was sweating and working hard, but she worried she might disappoint him by not keeping up.

Moreover, Chase was considerate enough to use a wooden sword for the beginner Judith.

But the wooden sword, when stood on the ground, reached her waist and looked very heavy.

Could I even lift it, let alone swing it?

Judith had never been involved in sports in her life. The heaviest things she had lifted were a few thick textbooks. This made her even less confident.

“Watch carefully. This is the basics. It looks easy, but you have to practice the basics. A solid foundation allows you to perform more complex moves.”

Chase explained in a rather friendly tone as he skillfully handled the sword.

Surprisingly, he seemed quite enthusiastic about teaching Judith swordsmanship.

Chase might be the type to feel fulfilled by teaching others what they didn’t know.

As he kept asking, “Got it?” and demanded answers, Judith, with a complicated look, could only respond with a soulless “Yes.”

Suddenly, Chase turned to Judith and said.

“Want to try?”

“…Huh?”

“Trying once is much more helpful than watching a hundred times.”

Seeing Chase’s eyes sparkle with anticipation, Judith reluctantly nodded.

“Here, try holding it.”

Chase handed her the wooden sword excitedly.

Unlike her troubled self, why did Chase seem to be having so much fun?

Maybe he saw it as a legitimate opportunity to nag her. After all, Judith was usually the one nagging, so perhaps he was seeking revenge.

Judith awkwardly took the wooden sword Chase handed her. Chase scrutinized her posture with hawk-like eyes.

“First, tense your stomach and straighten your back.”

“Got it.”

As Chase instructed, she obediently tensed her stomach and straightened her back. But Chase still tilted his head, squinting slightly.

Honestly, Judith couldn’t tell how her current posture differed from the one Chase had shown earlier. But it seemed different to his eyes.

What was Chase thinking now? Was he regretting his offer to teach me swordsmanship?

Judith glanced at the silent Chase and asked in a slightly deflated voice.

“Am I doing something wrong?”

“No!”

Startled, Judith widened her eyes at Chase’s sudden shout, and he quickly added.

“For your first time, you did well. You have talent. Just a little more practice will do.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, you’re much better than I was when I first held a sword.”

Could it be that Chase prefers giving carrots over stick?

(The idiom “carrot and stick” is a metaphor that refers to a system where people are rewarded for some actions and threatened with punishment for others.)

She didn’t know, but it seemed he was quite generous with praise.

As Judith marveled at this unexpected side of Chase, she suddenly had a thought.

Maybe, just maybe.

Could I really have a talent for swordsmanship…?

Judith’s face turned rosy, like petals absorbing water. Feeling a surge of motivation, she tightened her grip on the sword.

Unable to contain her curiosity, she cleared her throat and asked.

“When did you first hold a sword?”

She didn’t think it was a difficult question. But Chase only moved his lips silently, unable to answer easily.

Only after Judith watched him with curious eyes did he finally mumble softly.

“At my 100-day celebration.”

“…I see.”

The 100-day celebration was a ceremony held 100 days after a baby’s birth.

The baby was placed on a table with various objects, and people watched to see what the baby would grab, wishing for good fortune.

Apparently, Chase first held a sword then.

So, the praise he gave earlier meant—

“…You mean I’m better than you were at 100 days old?”

Chase awkwardly cleared his throat. He didn’t deny it.

She thought he was genuinely praising her.

Seeing Judith show signs of being discouraged again, Chase quickly tried to console her.

“With just a little more effort, you’ll be fine. I’ll help you along the way.”

“Thank you.”

Of course. There’s no way I’d have a talent for physical activities.

Since she wasn’t particularly interested in swordsmanship, it wasn’t a big blow. But she appreciated Chase’s effort for her sake.

I should repay him later. Maybe give him some accounting practice problems as homework?

While Judith was thinking something that would make Chase shudder if he knew, a cautious voice came from beside her.

“Judith, by the way.”

Turning her gaze to Chase, she saw him looking down at the floor.

“It’s hard to explain just with words….”

Chase cleared his throat and unfolded his crossed arms as he continued.

“Can I adjust your posture directly?”