I took my time explaining the basics of a woman's heart to Sebastian.
"So… sometimes when they say yes, it also means no?" Sebastian scratched the back of his head, genuinely baffled.
I stared at him for a moment.
Then laughed.
"Hahaha… welcome to the abyss of understanding women."
He flinched. "That bad?"
"Worse," I said solemnly. "When it comes to women, you have to abandon logic altogether."
He looked like his worldview had just shattered.
What I taught him were only the fundamentals, nothing fancy, nothing manipulative.
"You need to be a gentleman," I said, counting on my fingers, "but not over-gentlemanly."
Sebastian nodded slowly.
"You need to be possessive," I continued, "but not over-possessive."
His brow furrowed.
"And you need to take control," I finished, "but not over-control."
"So… a balance?" he asked.
"Exactly," I said, pointing at him. "Too much, and you look scary. Too little, and you look like a pushover."
I gestured at myself.
"And don't ask why I know this."
I paused.
"…I'm a 25-year-old virgin."
Sebastian blinked.
I coughed lightly. "Don't judge. It's a choice."
He stared harder.
"Y-yes. A choice."
Ahem.
Anyway.
We talked until the sky darkened, the streets slowly quieting as lanterns were lit one by one. When it was finally time to part, I clapped Sebastian on the shoulder.
"That's all I can teach you for now. The rest depends on you."
He exhaled deeply, nodding with determination. "I'll do my best."
"I'll keep an eye on things," I added. "If you need advice, you know where to find me."
With that, we went our separate ways.
When I returned to the inn, a familiar aroma greeted me.
Rabbit meat.
I blinked. "Right… there's still some left."
The innkeeper served it hot, lightly grilled, seasoned simply with salt and herbs. The meat was tender, slightly chewy, with a rich flavor that spread warmth through my body.
I ate slowly, savoring every bite.
I really need to hunt more.
After finishing my meal, I stretched and headed straight to bed.
The next day began as usual.
Morning run. Breathing exercise. Light mana circulation.
If you're wondering what's new…
I didn't see Sebastian.
Maybe he really was helping the orphanage in secret.
Good.
After class, I went straight to the Adventurers' Guild.
I needed a quest I could finish within the day.
The guild hall was lively as ever, laughter, arguments, clinking mugs, adventurers coming and going. Some were already posting kill confirmations, others scanning the board with tired eyes.
Most Rank D and C quests were already taken.
Then I saw it.
Blue Water Lilies are still in demand.
"I'll take this," I muttered.
I knew the route. I just had to be careful.
No one would be there to save me this time.
Before setting out, I stopped by the fruit market, stuffing a few apples and dried berries into my bag. Emergency rations.
Then I checked my equipment.
My dagger is at my waist.
Three more daggers were tucked securely, taken from goblins before.
I considered selling them.
…No.
Throwing knives could save my life.
With everything ready, I headed out.
The guards were patrolling outside the walls, their spears gleaming under the sun. Several adventuring teams passed me, chatting casually as they headed for the forest.
I followed the river, just like last time.
Slow steps. Sharp eyes.
Maybe I can get a horned rabbit today.
As I approached the area where the boar had died, I froze.
A goblin.
It was scouting alone, holding a crude stick.
I slipped into a nearby bush, holding my breath.
After observing for a moment, I steadied myself and whispered the familiar words, careful to keep my voice low.
"O Lady of Steadfast Ground, Goddess who bears mountains and soil, Grant me a grain of your strength. Gather, harden, and take form. By your blessing. Earth Bullet."
A small stone condensed in front of my palm and shot forward.
"Thud!"
It struck the goblin's head. The creature staggered, dizzy and confused.
I rushed forward and stabbed it cleanly.
Quick. Efficient.
Still takes time… but this combo works.
"Nice. One down."
I wiped the blade and continued.
The boar's body was gone.
Only bones remained.
"Looks like it got eaten…"
I picked up the remaining tusk, weighing it in my hand. "This should sell."
If monsters had gathered here, then danger was likely nearby.
I scanned the area.
Nothing.
Higher ground.
I climbed a tree and surveyed the surroundings.
Two goblins.
Drinking at the river.
Lilies nearby.
I climbed down, crouching low, and closed the distance.
I drew in a breath and began chanting, my grip tightening around the dagger in my other hand.
"O Lady of Eternal Flame, Goddess who dances in the heart and sun, Grant me a spark of your blessing. Gather, burn, and take form. By your grace. Fire Ball!"
The spell formed and launched forward.
"Boom!"
One goblin died instantly, its body collapsing into the river.
The other screamed and charged, swinging its club wildly.
I had just enough time.
I backed away half a step and chanted again, my voice firmer this time.
"O Lady of Eternal Flame, Goddess who dances in the heart and sun, Grant me a spark of your blessing. Gather, burn, and take form. By your grace. Fire Ball!"
The blast shattered the club and scorched its arms.
Before it could recover
Thunk.
A dagger pierced its chest.
Thunk.
Another hit its arm.
I rushed forward, sliding low, and threw the last dagger into its ankle.
The goblin fell face-first.
"Stab."
Silence.
Two down.
I exhaled.
Two goblins is my limit.
Anything more, and the noise would draw trouble.
I collected the ears, washed my daggers, and gathered the lilies.
That should be enough.
But before leaving…
I scouted further.
Climbing another tree, I froze.
"…A camp?"
A goblin camp.
At least twenty goblins.
I couldn't even see the full area.
"This is bad."
I descended carefully and retreated.
Why so many?
"…Is it because of the boar?"
Goblins multiplied fast.
Given time and food, they'd become an army.
I clenched my fists.
"I need to report this."
This wasn't something I could handle alone.