Volume 1 Chapter 29 Assassin
After another week of training, there was still no noticeable change in Cosmos.
The level went up, but the divine blessing value barely changed.
No new abilities had manifested either.
Sure, there was some fluctuation in the Magic value, but since all she could do was throw pebbles with her magic, a slight increase didn't make her dramatically stronger.
There's still time until the promotion exam, so there's no need to rush.
Well, I'd like her to level up a bit more to get better rewards for training, though.
If I keep going on expeditions like this, it's going to get tough to make a living as a Nurturer.
I can't easily take on other clients, and I might need to rethink my methods and pricing.
With all that in mind, we returned to Hyamars town late at night after training at the ruins until the last minute.
When we reached the residential area in the East District, we were about to split up as usual.
"Alright, see you tomorrow at the same time."
"..."
Just as I was about to say goodbye, I noticed that Cosmos had a gloomy expression.
Actually, there was no light in her eyes.
Seeing Cosmos looking like a shell of herself, I couldn't help but ask.
"W-what's wrong, Cosmos?"
"...I wonder what I really am."
"..."
Ahaha, a dry laugh escaped from Cosmos.
She had fallen into some mysterious mental state.
I guess you could call it despair.
Well, it's understandable since she hasn't really grown much despite all her hard work.
While her calmness is really appreciated, it makes things a bit difficult.
For now, I should try to comfort her.
"There's still about a month until the promotion exam, so let's do what we can in the meantime. Depending on the exam content, I think if you train for another month, you'll be in a good position to pass."
"...But lately, my level hasn't been going up much. Compared to the beginning, now it's good if I level up once every 3 days."
"W-well, that's true, but..."
She has already taken down most of the ruins monsters.
Since she has leveled up past "20," it's only natural that she can't get the initial divine growth point, or else she'll start to lag behind.
Because of that situation, it seemed like Cosmos was getting more and more down.
But going after a different type of monster is tough too.
With Cosmos's current strength, she probably can't take down anything stronger than what we've faced so far.
My support alone has its limits, so for now, we have no choice but to keep hunting monsters in that ruins area.
I'm also thinking about some good training methods as a Nurturer, though.
"Is it really possible to become a top-ranking adventurer like this? It feels like a dream within a dream..."
Cosmos had lost her usual vibe and was completely self-deprecating.
Seeing her like that, I wanted to say something encouraging.
But just before I spoke, I swallowed my words and decided to say something else instead.
This might be more effective for Cosmos.
"Then, should you just quit?"
"Huh...?"
"It's tough to get any stronger. So maybe it's better to just accept that you don't have the talent and move on. It might make things a lot easier."
"..."
Cosmos turned to me with a look of disbelief, as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing.
I coldly conveyed a rather realistic opinion to her.
"Honestly, the plan to get back at your family was vague and lacked specifics. From now on, living as just adventurer Cosmos might be the happier path."
Just forget about revenge.
The chances of success are almost 0.
I simply told her that.
Cosmos stood there, stunned, and eventually clenched her teeth and looked down deeply.
Seeing her look so frustrated, I asked her again.
"So, I'll ask one more time: are you quitting training? Or not?"
"...I'm not quitting."
"I can't hear you; your voice is too quiet."
"I said I'm not quittinggg! Don't get the wrong idea just because I let out a little weakness! There's no way I'd give up that easily!"
Cosmos lifted her usual pouty face, regaining her confident demeanor.
Yeah, Cosmos has to be like this.
If she showed any weakness, it would throw me off my game too.
And even though I said that, deep down, I really want Cosmos to achieve her dreams.
It's only been a short time, but being with Cosmos has made me realize something.
This girl can't afford to lose to anyone.
She's not someone who should just keep losing.
Even if the odds are slim, I want her to charge forward towards her current goal with all her might.
"Well then, we'll be training in the ruins again starting tomorrow. Is it cool to meet up at the same time?"
"It could be even earlier! You challenged me, and now I'm totally pumped!"
"Wait, I didn't mean to challenge you..."
I actually meant to encourage her.
But it seems like that didn't get through to Cosmos.
Anyway, I'm just glad she's feeling better.
After we set the meeting time again, we decided to part ways for real this time.
"Hey, hey, isn't that my little sister Cosmos Etoile over there?"
"Eh...?"
In an instant, an unfamiliar voice hit our ears.
When Cosmos and I turned to see where the voice came from, we spotted a guy standing down the road.
He was dressed in an expensive-looking jacket coat and slim pants, looking quite put together.
He seemed to be around my age or maybe a bit older.
His skin was smooth and well-kept, with no signs of roughness.
He had a handsome face and a graceful presence.
His long purple hair, illuminated by the streetlight, had a captivating shine and luster.
He definitely gave off the vibe of a rich kid, but who the heck is this guy?
And wait, did he just call Cosmos "my little sister"...?.
"...E-Elder Brother Orkide?"
"Elder Brother?"
Cosmos looked stunned as she stared at the young man in front of her.
Since she called him "Elder Brother," he must be the brother she mentioned, who's 2 years older.
He looks somewhat similar, but also not really...
"I've been searching for you, Cosmos. I never thought you'd become an adventurer."
"Y, you were searching for me?"
Cosmos furrowed her brows and stepped back cautiously.
"Wh-why is my elder brother looking for me now? There's no reason to be searching for me..."
"It's our father's will. I've been ordered by him to bring you back to the Count Noir family."
"W-why would Father...!?"
I couldn't help but question that statement myself.
If what I heard from Cosmos was true, then she was...
"It was Father who kicked me out, not anyone else! So why is he trying to bring me back now? It doesn't make any sense!"
Yes, it was her father who had chased Cosmos out of the house.
So why, all of a sudden, did he want to bring her back?
With that question hanging in the air, Cosmos's brother wore a confident smirk.
"Your engagement has been decided."
"...Huh?"
"The partner is the heir of the Marquis Liche family, Lord Poncé Lourde."
"..."
Cosmos was once again left speechless, lost for words at the sudden news she had just heard.
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