"Thank you for your efforts, Lord Ethan."

"...Good job, Hero."

While I was chatting with Natalie, it seemed the sparring between Gethmojoshegikgat and Ethan had concluded. They sheathed their swords and exchanged a brief greeting.

As expected, Ethan won, but judging by his expression, he didn’t seem too satisfied. It was likely because he won against a Hero who wasn’t in the best condition.

After the brief exchange of greetings, they parted ways without another word, as if there was no reason to linger.

‘You’d think after sparring every week, they’d start to get closer.’

But it seemed like Ethan's principle of not trusting a guy who surrounds himself with so many women would make it impossible for them to ever be friends.

Once Gethmojoshegikgat defeats the Demon King and returns to his world, Ethan’s misunderstanding will likely clear up. But by then, there’d be no chance for the two to grow closer anyway.

If Ethan and Gethmojoshegikgat did manage to get along, I wouldn’t have to tread so carefully around him when talking about my "past life." But it didn’t seem like that was going to happen.

‘Well, in two years, I won’t have to worry about Ethan’s opinion anymore.’

Talking about past lives or anything else could wait until after graduation. I had the events of the fourth part of the story in my head, and running into him again after graduation wouldn’t be too difficult. After all, I planned to change my identity and live as an "adventurer," a profession that wouldn’t raise eyebrows no matter where I traveled.

That was one of the few benefits I’d gain after parting ways with Ethan.

"Thank you for your hard work, Lord Ethan. Your swordsmanship was outstanding as always."

"Yeah, thanks, Lilith. I saw you sparring with Natalie earlier. You handled it quite calmly."

"After a break, you have a duel with Professor Harold, right?"

"Right. I didn’t use up all my strength sparring with the Hero, so... I think I can win."

• Thump.

"...Is that so? I’ll cheer for you with all my might, Lord Ethan."

...This is ridiculous. The mere fact that Ethan thinks he might beat Harold is enough to make my heart race.

The thought of having an opportunity with Ethan crossed my mind, but the idea that my heart was pounding over something like this was absurd, even to me.

Of course, from a maiden’s perspective, the idea that a woman only has one man in her life to share intimate moments with makes the thought of enjoying as much as possible with Ethan before we part ways not entirely bad.

After the students' sparring, there was a brief rest, followed by individual duels with Harold.

• Clang!

"...Well done, Ethan."

"Hah, huff, huff..."

And just as expected, Ethan stood tall, winning a round against Harold right in front of me.

It was impressive that Ethan could now take a round from Harold, even when Harold was at full strength, as long as he was in good condition.

"Good job, Ethan. You didn’t hesitate at all when you wielded your sword today."

"...Thank you."

That’s because, over the past week, Ethan had been sparring with Karaham’s steady sword, my quick blade, and Lyria’s unconventional attacks, and he had grown a lot.

Not to mention, Ethan had thoroughly prepared for his duel with Harold, taking care of his condition ahead of time. So, today’s victory was essentially a given.

That also meant today was the day I’d reward Ethan. Just thinking about how Ethan might approach me tonight made my heart race in a strange way.

‘Last time... he forced his head between my legs.’

I think it was called "clam soup" or something. That’s what they call the position in this world when a man uses his mouth.

His lips and tongue had been relentless, making me come once before he even started, and then he proved his earlier words by drinking down all the clear liquid that came out of me... Just remembering it makes me feel hot.

‘...No, forget it.’

It’s probably best to let that memory go.

There’s something oddly embarrassing about recalling it. Besides, my preferences lean more toward something else.

Rather than Ethan serving me from below, I prefer it when he treats me like a maid for dealing with his urges, handling me roughly. It feels more sincere, like seeing Ethan’s true self in those moments of raw physical connection.

...What am I even thinking about right now?

‘Lately, my thoughts have been drifting in this direction too much.’

Is it because I’ve finally admitted my feelings for Ethan in my heart?

Before, I at least pretended to deny it, but now I’ve been thinking about how I can create more memories with Ethan. Even though it feels like my thoughts have been a bit too focused on the sensual side... well, anyway.

It’s not like intimacy is the only enjoyable thing. Just spending time together and creating memories is what makes me happy.

In fact, the Natural Studies Exploration class we had recently was quite fun. Even though we didn’t do anything intimate, those five days and six nights of surviving, eating, and sleeping together felt like a really enjoyable vacation.

‘You can't stay in wet clothes, so let’s take them off and dry them.’ ‘I’m going to take a bath now, so please stand guard, Lord Ethan. Of course, I don’t mind if you peek.’ ‘It’s cold tonight, so it would be good to stay close and share body heat, Lord Ethan.’

...Well, as long as we don’t actually do anything, it’s not really considered intimate, right?

Anyway, tonight will be the first night since the start of the new term where I get to sleep with Ethan again, and my heart is full of anticipation.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

That afternoon, after Ethan had won a round against Harold in the morning’s magical swordsmanship class.

Ethan and I spent the rest of the day acting as if nothing was out of the ordinary, waiting for the night.

The last time we’d been intimate was about a week before leaving the Blackwood estate, so by now, Ethan must be overflowing with desire for me.

There were no signs that he’d handled it on his own either. Since I took care of all his laundry, I would have noticed the scent of any lingering traces in his underwear.

It was pretty impressive that a young man in his prime hadn’t released his desires at least five times in a week. But that was probably because I spent almost 20 hours a day by his side.

In our second year, we had different classes and spent more time apart during the day, but now in our third year, aside from one major class, our schedules completely overlapped.

‘After holding back for so long, his desires must be even stronger.’

Still, it’s better to wait patiently. I don’t want to be the one to bring it up first—that would make it seem like I’ve been anticipating it more than he has.

No matter how comfortable I am with the idea of being intimate with Ethan, there’s no way my desires are stronger than a young man’s in his prime.

If I just stay still, Ethan will probably bring it up himself.

Or maybe, this time, he’ll start things off suddenly, without warning. I had already told him a few rounds ago that he didn’t need to ask me about rewarding him for his dueling victories anymore.

With that thought in mind, I casually tested the waters during dinner at the dormitory dining hall, wondering what kind of play he’d want tonight.

"Lord Ethan."

"Yes, Lilith?"

"Between the academy uniform, the maid outfit, and nothing at all, which attire do you prefer?"

"......"

At my straightforward question, Ethan blushed and quickly averted his gaze.

He must have realized the hidden meaning behind my words. After all, those were the three outfits I usually wore during our intimate moments.

"Wh-why are you asking that all of a sudden, Lilith?"

"It’s just a simple question, Lord Ethan."

"...Well, honestly, I like all three..."

"If you say you like all three, then I’ll assume your favorite attire is no attire at all."

"...Why does it have to be that?"

"Because saying you like all three means you don’t really care about the outfit, which means you just like the woman’s body itself."

"......"

Well, if he had really answered that way, I would’ve been willing to comply.

As much as I enjoyed the nervous excitement of having Ethan undress me piece by piece, starting off naked would save time, after all.

I was waiting for Ethan to choose an outfit, but the answer that came from his lips was something I hadn’t expected at all.

"...Lilith, I’m sorry to say this so suddenly."

"Oh, if you’d prefer a different outfit, I have a few more dresses in my dorm room..."

"Could we... just sleep without doing anything tonight?"

"...Why?"