Chapter 59: What is Known on the Surface

“What do you think of her?”

Rebo looked a bit helpless as Simon brought up the shop owner during casual conversation.

Whenever Simon mentioned the shop owner, a glimmer of light would flash through his dark eyes, followed by a smile called happiness.

‘This guy has completely fallen into love,’ Rebo judged.

She rolled her eyes, sighing inwardly.

‘This idiot’s feelings are way too obvious, every time he talks about the shop owner, it’s like he becomes a different person, all his usual restraint and calm disappearing without a trace.’

‘Too bad it’s just unrequited love.’

“She really is beautiful, like a flawless deity. Her posture is elegant, her tone gentle. She can put herself in others’ shoes and treats everyone equally with kindness.”

As Rebo lazily circled Simon in the air, she spoke in a casual tone.

“Though personality-wise… she’s no less impressive.”

Clearly, she was still holding a grudge about being caught by the shop owner’s crow, her cheeks puffed up in anger.

“Rebo.”

“Alright, alright, I get it. Her personality is perfect too, okay?”

Rebo waved her hand helplessly, spinning quickly in midair to vent her emotions.

She was certain Simon could fight anyone for her, except that shop owner.

Well, just as she said, the shop owner really was almost perfect.

If Rebo were the same age as Simon, she’d probably have dragged him to a hospital already. Even if she wasn’t a doctor, she could diagnose his condition.

Love-brain.

“But Simon, you have to understand, there is no such thing as a perfect person in reality.”

Rebo spoke in a tone of advice.

Yet Simon still looked unconcerned.

Rebo sighed and continued.

“Don’t you think it’s strange? In reality, no one can truly be perfect. Otherwise, they’d be some kind of saint without desires.”

“In all the long years I’ve lived, I’ve never even seen the shadow of a saint. Saints are probably just tools people use to project their beliefs.”

“As long as someone is living in this world, in order to survive, they can’t just think about giving. They must have their own selfishness and desires.”

“Whether it’s personality, morality, or daily habits, everyone has flaws. Perfection is just a fairy tale humans made up to comfort themselves.”

This time, Rebo didn’t say everything in one go. Instead, she flew in front of Simon and stared into his eyes, which were like a huge mirror to her.

Then she said,

“If someone really seems perfect, then it must be a disguise. Only that would explain how they can appear so flawless in front of others. If what they do doesn’t match what they truly feel inside, then it all makes sense.”

After saying this, Rebo flapped her wings.

She expected something like,

“She’s special.”

Some kind of response like that.

But the result wasn’t what she hoped.

“I know.”

Simon said calmly.

Rebo flew back a little, carefully observing his expression.

What she saw was a warm smile. The heavy emotion in his eyes hadn’t diminished at all because of her words.

“If that gentle feeling is a disguise… then I still want to get closer to her. I want to approach her, to know her story, to understand what she hides.”

Simon paused, his eyes filled with determination.

“Even if it’s pain… even if it’s a hidden darkness no one knows… I still want to stay by her side.”

Rebo froze, then nodded blankly before letting out a delayed sigh.

“I really can’t do anything about you… seriously.”

She shook her head helplessly, wings flapping lazily.

“Anyway, I don’t have the right to stop you. Go do what you want.”

“Then I’ll be counting on you from now on.”

“You’re the one I chose. No matter what happens, I’ll help you.”

There was a hint of resignation in Rebo’s tone, but her words were sincere.

She would help Simon, because he was the one she chose.

****

No matter how complicated one’s thoughts are, whether filled with hope or sunk in disappointment.

Time shows no mercy to anyone. As long as something is alive, it will inevitably be swept forward into the future.

So even with reluctance, Simon still arrived here.

At the center of the training ground, an empty space stirred with strong winds, blowing long crimson hair into the air.

It wasn’t like flames.

More like the departing sunset.

Not as intense, but still carrying warmth.

“You’re here.”

Lila nodded slightly, speaking calmly.

This had always been how they interacted, Lila would speak first, and Simon would never initiate conversation.

Lila lowered her gaze slightly.

“Today’s training is canceled.”

“My lady?”

Simon glanced at the witch’s side profile. Her expression was colder than ever before.

In the past, Lila often looked at him with disdain or disgust, even frowning while speaking, always with strong emotional bias.

But now, that unusually cold expression felt as if all previous connections had been erased.

He couldn’t tell if it was good or bad, but it felt unfamiliar.

He didn’t know what had happened.

“The tournament is coming soon, isn’t it?”

Lila tilted her head slightly, looking into the distance, her voice carrying an unreadable tone.

“There are three days left, my lady.”

Simon replied respectfully.

Lila let out a soft laugh.

“Then after today, I’ll give you a break.”

She kicked the iron sword at her feet toward Simon.

“On one condition, defeat me. If you can’t, don’t blame me for increasing your training. Until you beat me, don’t even think about entering the tournament.”

That domineering tone instantly made Simon realize, this was the Lila he knew.

Simon lowered his head and picked up the iron sword. For the first time in front of Lila, he held a weapon capable of killing.

Even if it was just an ordinary iron sword, against steel’s edge, flesh and skin were nothing but fragile things that could be pierced easily.

“I’ve taught you seventy-five times, no, seventy-eight times. And you’ve never beaten me once. The score is seventy-eight to zero.”

Lila crossed her arms, a mocking smile on her lips.

“Even now, you can still imagine defeating me. But once the fight starts, you won’t have the luxury to think.”

Her voice was cold and sharp.

Simon took a deep breath, forcing down his nervousness and excitement.

“I will win.”

He said quietly, but with unquestionable determination.

Simon couldn’t guess what Lila was hiding.

But if she wanted him to defeat her…

Then he would go all out, without retreat.