Nathan and Selena walked quite far from the familiar so that they couldn’t hear what they were talking.
“Ehm…” Nathan didn’t know what to say. He should probably explain, but he also didn’t have any reason to explain.
Selena said, “Do you like women so much?”
“I don’t think there are any guys who don’t like one,” answered Nathan carefully.
Selena looked into his eyes and asked, “Then do you like me?”
Nathan looked quite surprised that Selena would be so blunt, but before he could say anything, Selena added, “I don’t think you have to answer that question. The question that I really want to ask is… Do you want to make a deal with me?”
“A deal? You’re not proposing something like becoming a fake boyfriend to push away any suitors, right?”
Selena shook her head. “After losing to that guy, I realize my biggest weakness. I am so stiff and traditional that I don’t even realize I will be losing.
“And that is probably why, even though I’m stronger than you, I still think I won’t be able to defeat you no matter what.
“I don’t plan to become a useless person who can do nothing but receive help. However, I also know that the way to move forward is you.”
Nathan contemplated for a moment. “So you want me to teach you?”
“No.” Selena denied it immediately. “I want you to play tricks on me. No matter how you annoy me or no matter how you take advantage of me, I will receive it. Even if you trick me into becoming your woman or even your wife. I’ll accept it.”
“You what?” Nathan widened his eyes in shock. This was the weirdest deal he had ever heard.
Selena basically said he could do whatever he wanted with her as long as he could trick her. She wanted to use it to break free from her traditional way of thinking and became even more flexible like Nathan. When she managed to do it, she could finally say she could defeat Nathan.
“Do you know what you’re saying right now? You are basically gambling with your life.”
“I don’t have anything other than my talent.” Selena hadn’t shared her story regarding her household, so Nathan didn’t know Selena’s current situation. “If you still think that a girl who has lost her expressions is attractive, I’ll probably feel glad?”
“Why are you asking me?”
Selena sighed. “I don’t know. Maybe with you, I can regain what I have lost. A noble, especially females like me, usually doesn’t have the choice but to marry someone else and end up becoming a political tool or another man’s accessory.
“I don’t like it. If I’m going to suffer in this world for tens of years or even a century before passing away from old age, I’d rather choose how I live and enjoy it as much as I can.
“To do that, I need strength. If I can gain strength while having fun with you, that’s probably good too. It’s just… I don’t want to force you.” Selena looked down.
Nathan blinked his eyes a few times, not believing what he had just heard. Nathan asked, “Are you sure about this? You might have a lifelong regret for gambling your future.”
“It seems I have to correct my statement. I feel like my emotions come back to me when I’m with you. I don’t know when I began looking forward to meeting you, even just for a class.”
“You are really bold, which leaves me speechless.” Nathan sighed.
“Ehm, sorry? I don’t know. My heart is also beating rapidly right now.”
“I want to make sure about this. If you do this, your reputation in the future will be in shambles, you know. You are a noble, while I am a commoner.”
“Not really. I have been abandoned by my household, and I have nothing… I might even be worse than you. Besides, the situation will be solved if you manage to trick me into becoming your wife,” said Selena in a flat tone.
Nathan chuckled before saying, “Alright. I’ll accept the bet, but don’t blame me if you end up being the one asking me.”
Selena nodded a few times. “I feel like I’m able to walk much further with you. A lot of things, whether it’s your way of thinking or your fighting style, inspire me a lot and allow me to become stronger.
“I do notice that you’re utilizing the curving bullets. I don’t know if it’s because of me or someone else. If it’s me, I’m happy.
“Inspiring each other, becoming a motivation for each other, and pushing us forward…” A rare smile appeared on Selena’s face. It was small, but it was beautiful.
That rare smile took Nathan’s breath away, as he could feel such a sincere emotion with what little she had. She said, “I hope we can continue getting along, Nathan.”
“This is really unfair.” Nathan didn’t expect that Selena’s bluntness would make him lose his initiative.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just feel like you are different from any women I have heard so far.”
“Hearing them from that community of yours?”
“Something like that. There are women who suddenly slap the guys for no reason or just because of a slight misunderstanding, or they would literally kill the guy when it’s their fault, like taking a bath when the guy is already there in the first place or because of an incident outside their control.”
“Huh? That sounds stupid. Why are they blaming others when it’s their fault?” She tilted her head.
“It’s fine, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.” Nathan shrugged. “I think it’s better for us to go back and take a rest. Tomorrow is going to be hectic.”
Before Nathan could go back, Selena suddenly grabbed his hand.
“Hmm?” Nathan tilted his head in confusion, misunderstanding her intention. “Should we go back together?”
“Risa probably needs your blood. I don’t know what makes your blood special, but it’s clear that Risa will need it. As her summoner, I should be responsible for her.” Selena shook her head. She brought his hand close to her chest before noticing something.
Selena lowered her head and fell silent for a moment before pouting. “Can you put it in my tab for now? They’re still growing. I promise I’ll pay it in the future.”
“Pfft!” Nathan couldn’t help but laugh, feeling amused by how different she was. He said, “Let’s go back.”