Chapter Text 正文
The trek to Luxian, the nearby town, was not too far but Ichika knew that many nobles were not used to it, often taking carriages everywhere. Ichika’s family was not rich enough to own one outright so they only rented during long journeys (or the royal family would send one to attend their parties and gatherings) so walking everywhere was not necessarily new to him.
前往邻近小镇卢克仙的路途并不算远，但一花深知贵族们大多不习惯徒步，出行总是乘坐马车。一花家并不富裕到能拥有专属马车，只在长途旅行时租赁（或是皇室会派车接送他们参加宴会聚会），所以对他来说步行倒也不算新鲜事。
It was an easy walk at least. They made the pathway easy from the academy to the town. It was good for a relaxing stroll.
至少这段路走起来很轻松。学院通往小镇的道路修整得宜，正适合悠闲漫步。
“They could at least let us take the horses out once in a while.” Rin said as he glanced around. It was mainly trees with the town in the distance. “It’s such a waste of time needing to walk to the town and back.”
「他们至少该偶尔让我们骑马出来。」凛环顾四周说道。沿途多是树木，远处可见小镇轮廓。「往返小镇都要走路，纯粹浪费时间。」
“Just think of it as getting some exercise.” Ichika said as he nudged Rin’s shoulder. “If you’re planning on being a knight, there will be times when you don’t have a horse and will be forced to walk on your own. It would be a shame if you get tired from just a bit of walking.”
「就当是锻炼身体吧。」一花用肩膀轻碰凛说道，「若你想成为骑士，总会有无马可骑必须徒步的时候。要是走点路就累倒，那才叫丢人呢。」
“I get plenty of exercise and my endurance is more than enough to handle just
walking.”
Rin responded indignantly, Ichika noticing a cute pout on his face. “Aren’t
you
tired?”
“我的运动量很充足，体力应付走路绰绰有余。” Rin 不服气地回应道，Ichika 注意到他脸上带着可爱的嘟嘴表情。“你难道不累吗？”
“No. Why would I be? I train too.” Ichika pointed out and Rin was aware of this. After all, they often trained in sword fighting together at the academy.
“不累。为什么会累？我也在训练。” Ichika 指出这点，Rin 也心知肚明。毕竟他们经常在学院里一起练习剑术。
“Well, if you’re tired, we can’t get a carriage or horse back so I’ll have to carry you.” Rin said, a light blush on his cheeks. “It would look convincing to everyone…”
“好吧，如果你累了，我们又没法叫马车或骑马回去，那我就得背你了。” Rin 说着，脸颊泛起淡淡的红晕。“这样在大家眼里会更可信...”
“Are you calling me weak?!”
“你是在说我弱吗？！”
“What?! How did you get
that
from what I said?!”
“什么？！你从我的话里是怎么得出这个结论的？！”
Luxian was bustling with locals shopping, working, or having excursions since it was the weekend. Students that left earlier were also there, enjoying their day out. Some recognized Rin and Ichika, turning away to whisper as they passed by which made Ichika feel a bit awkward.
由于是周末，鹿仙镇熙熙攘攘，当地居民或购物、或工作、或出游。提早离校的学生们也在此享受闲暇时光。有人认出了凛和一花，经过时转身窃窃私语，让一花略感尴尬。
“Stay close.” Rin said as he grabbed his hand. He didn’t look directly at Ichika, keeping his eyes forward. “After all, we’re supposed to be on a date.”
“跟紧我。”凛说着握住他的手，目光始终直视前方未看一花，“毕竟我们现在可是在约会。”
This was an awaited ‘date’ they had planned in order to look like a ‘real’ couple. After all, Rin did his proposal in front of everyone so they had to be convincing. Theoretically, Ichika had an idea of what a couple was supposed to act like but even in his memories of his life before this novel…
这是他们为伪装成“真正”情侣而筹划已久的“约会”。毕竟凛当众求婚后，两人必须表现得令人信服。理论上，一花对情侣应有的相处模式有所概念，但即便追溯到这个小说世界之前的记忆里……
He never had a girlfriend.
他从未交过女朋友。
In his sad life before, he was single for the entirety of it. Romance was only a small part of the media he consumed, a fantasy that could never happen to him. He didn’t even have his first kiss! Not even a childhood one some kids might have with their crushes!
No one
had a crush on him!
在他可悲的前半生里，始终保持着单身。爱情只是他消费的媒体内容中微不足道的一部分，是永远不可能降临在他身上的幻想。他甚至连初吻都还保留着！连有些孩子会对暗恋对象做的童年之吻都没有！根本没人暗恋过他！
He was completely clueless to
actual
dating. He didn’t even read any romance novels, preferring more action and adventure, so even if there was a love interest, it’s not like the main focus was on the protagonist and them becoming a couple.
他对现实中的恋爱完全一窍不通。他甚至从不阅读爱情小说，更偏爱动作冒险题材，所以即便故事里有爱情元素，重点也绝不会放在主角们如何成为情侣上。
His knowledge was minimal. And he knew that Rin’s was probably worse than his, especially since he rejected potential fiancées left and right.
他的恋爱知识贫瘠得可怜。而且他知道凛的情况可能更糟——毕竟那位可是把潜在未婚妻们接二连三地拒之门外。
How were they going to make their date convincing if both of them were clueless?!
两个感情白痴要怎么才能演好这场约会啊？！
They entered the cafe they frequented and were instantly greeted by the staff. They managed to find a seat and took a look at the menu even though they both knew everything there already.
他们走进常去的咖啡馆，店员立刻热情招呼。好不容易找到座位后，两人装模作样地翻看菜单——虽然对上面的内容早已烂熟于心。
“When you’re on a date, you should go out for a meal and enjoy each other’s company.” Rin explained quietly, placing the menu upright on the table, blocking his face as he talked to Ichika.
"约会就该一起吃饭享受二人时光。"Rin 轻声解释着，将菜单竖在桌上挡住脸，只露出眼睛和 Ichika 说话。
Ichika followed the action, placing the menu up. He also spoke quietly. “Okay, but we always do this so it’s not really a date, right?”
Ichika 有样学样地竖起菜单，同样压低声音："可我们平时不也这样？这根本不算约会吧？"
“What do you mean?”
“你什么意思？”
“Like…this is normal for us and that was before we were ‘engaged’. This isn’t really a ‘date’ for us.”
“就像…这对我们来说很正常，而且那还是在我们‘订婚’之前。对我们来说这算不上真正的‘约会’。”
Rin frowned, his eyebrows furrowing at the same time as he contemplated his words. Ichika laughed, gently poking in between them.
凛皱起眉头，在斟酌措辞时双眉同时拧紧。一花笑着用手指轻轻戳了戳他紧蹙的眉心。
“Relax.” Ichika said as he lowered the menu. He raised a hand for the waiter. “Do you know what you want?”
“放轻松。”一花边说边放下菜单，抬手示意侍者。“想好点什么了吗？”
“Yeah.” “嗯。”
They ordered their food and it wasn’t long after that it was served, probably putting all their focus on their order to give Rin the best service. Ichika felt a little embarrassed, knowing that they had entered later than some of the other customers, but it was a normal occurance whenever he was out with Rin.
他们点完餐后不久食物就上桌了，餐厅大概是把所有注意力都放在这单上，想给 Itoshi Rin 提供最好的服务。Ichika 有些不好意思，明明比部分顾客更晚入座，但每次和 Rin 外出时这种情况总是难免的。
As they ate, they began to chat, the topic of their conversation being about the school festival in a few months. Although their class was organizing an event, because Ichika was in the magic class, he had to do something with them too.
用餐时他们聊起了几个月后的学园祭。虽然班级有集体活动，但由于 Ichika 就读魔法科，他也必须参与本专业的项目筹备。
…even though Meguru had been absent for so long!
……明明 Meguru 已经缺席这么久了！
“I feel so much pressure.” Ichika began, eyes going wide as he stared at his food. “Where is Meguru? What if he doesn’t make it back in time? Do…do I have to do everything on my own when the time comes? I’m not skilled enough for that!”
“我感觉压力好大。”一花开口道，眼睛瞪得大大的盯着面前的食物。“芽留去哪了？如果他不能及时赶回来怎么办？难道…到时候所有事都要我一个人扛吗？我还没那个本事啊！”
“Then get better.” Rin stated bluntly and Ichika knew there was no malice in his voice when he said that. He still felt annoyed.
“那就变强。”凛干脆利落地说道。一花知道他话里并无恶意，却还是感到一阵烦躁。
“It’s like asking you to face a dragon at your current level.” Ichika reasoned, trying to get Rin to see the issue with the skill level.
“这就像要求现在的你去单挑巨龙。”一花试图用实力差距让凛明白问题所在。
“I'd be completely fine though?” Rin replied with such an unnecessary amount of confidence. Ichika was highly aware of his skill and knew he had been working on his aura, but he still doubted Rin, at his current level, could take out a
dragon.
“我完全没问题啊？”凛回答时带着毫无必要的自信。一花清楚他的实力，也知道他一直在修炼气场，但仍怀疑以凛目前的水平能否屠龙。
“Rin, you’ve never even fought a monster. How can you say you’re fine against a dragon?”
“凛，你连魔兽都没打过，怎么敢说自己能对付龙？”
“Because I’m the best.”
“因为我是最强的。”
Ichika shook his head, knowing he couldn’t convince him at this rate.
一花摇着头，知道这样下去说服不了他。
“You say that but you haven’t beaten Rensuke in the last few years.”
“话虽这么说，可你这几年都没赢过莲介。”
“Y-You haven’t either!” “你、你还不是一样！”
Ichika laughed at his flustered expression. He knew it was a bit of a sore spot for him considering Rensuke had grown in height and in muscle since entering the Military Academy. Although Rin had also developed in muscle and height, he was not at Rensuke’s level.
一花看着他慌乱的表情笑出声来。她知道这是他的痛处——自从进入军事学院后，莲助的身高和肌肉都增长了。虽然凛的体格也有所发展，但仍不及莲助的水平。
And Ichika was far from it too, which upset him even more.
而一花更是远远不及，这让他更加懊恼。
“Lighten up.” Ichika said as she reached over for his napkin and wiped away the bit of sauce on Rin’s cheek from his food. “Aren’t you your father’s son? Remember, he was the youngest commander in history. You definitely inherited his skills.”
“放轻松点。”一花边说边伸手拿过他的餐巾，擦去凛脸颊上食物残留的酱汁。“你可是你父亲的儿子啊。别忘了，他是有史以来最年轻的指挥官。你绝对继承了他的才能。”
“O-Of course!” Rin squeaked, recoiling and grabbing Ichika’s wrist. Ichika thought that he was offended that he was treating him like a kid again but Rin didn’t say anything nor did he release his wrist.
“当、当然！”Itoshi Rin 尖声回答，猛地缩回手抓住 Ichika 的手腕。Ichika 以为他又因被当作小孩对待而生气，但 Rin 既没说话也没松开他的手腕。
Strange. 奇怪。
They came out of the cafe after finishing up. Nothing about eating at the cafe screamed ‘date’ for him so he was a bit perplexed by Rin’s plan. He followed Rin as they walked through the town.
他们在咖啡馆用完餐后走了出来。对 Ichika 而言这顿饭完全不像“约会”，因此对 Rin 的计划感到困惑。他默默跟着 Rin 穿过城镇街道。
“I heard girls like to go shopping.” Rin stated as they made their way down a street full of shops. He held out his hand, making a circle with his thumb and pointer. “I’ll pay for everything.”
“听说女孩子都喜欢购物。”Rin 说着走向商店林立的街道，伸出拇指和食指比出圆形手势。“今天全部由我买单。”
“Eh? Why?” “诶？为什么？”
“Because that’s the right way to do it.”
“因为这才是正确的做法。”
Ichika stared in confusion. Rin knew just as much as him that he didn’t really like shopping in the first place, especially when they were on a street filled with women’s clothing. And if he did buy something for himself, he always paid with the tiny allowance he had.
一花困惑地瞪大眼睛。凛和他一样清楚，他本来就不喜欢逛街，尤其是这条满是女装的街道。就算真要给自己买东西，他也总是用那点微薄的零花钱支付。
“It’s fine. You paid for lunch.” Ichika said. “I should pay for you next. But you have to be reasonable.”
“没关系，午餐是你请的。”一花说道，“下次该我请你了。但你要适可而止。”
“Eh? The guy is supposed to pay for the girl on a date…”
“诶？约会时不是应该由男方付钱吗…”
I’m not a girl!
Ichika wanted to yell but refrained from doing so.
我不是女孩子！一花差点喊出声，但最终还是忍住了。
“But that doesn’t seem fair, right?” He didn’t want to be in debt to Rin. “Both of us are trying to have fun together. Why should only one carry the financial burden when we can keep it even? We should be equal in that sense.”
“但这样不太公平吧？”他不想欠凛的人情。“我们是一起出来玩的，既然可以平摊费用，为什么要让其中一方承担全部经济压力？在这方面我们应该保持平等。”
“I mean, I don’t mind. I have the money.”
“我倒无所谓，反正我有钱。”
‘Goddamn prince.’ Ichika silently cursed at him.
"该死的王子。" 一花在心中暗暗咒骂。
“Let’s say I’m buying a gift for you as a thanks.” Ichika suggested. He grinned cheekily. “Not a sword though.”
就当是谢礼，我给你买件礼物吧。" 一花提议道，顽皮地咧嘴一笑，"不过可不是剑哦。
“Come on! When will I get my sword?!” Rin complained as he grabbed Ichika’s hand. They continued walking down the street, not paying attention to the shops around them. “Even grandfather says I shouldn’t get one yet…”
喂！我什么时候才能拿到我的剑？！" 凛抱怨着抓住一花的手。两人继续沿街走着，对周围的店铺毫不在意。"连爷爷都说我现在还不能要...
“Rin, you’re fourteen.” 凛，你才十四岁。
“And a swordsmanship prodigy!” He added with a scowl. “That means I can handle a real sword. It’s easy enough.”
“还是个剑术天才！”他皱着眉头补充道。“这意味着我能驾驭真剑。这很简单。”
Ichika stared. “Didn’t you cut yourself the first time you used a real one?”
Ichika 盯着他。“你第一次用真剑时不是割伤自己了吗？”
“I-I did not.” “我、我才没有。”
“I remember it. Everyone made such a fuss about it.”
“我记得这事。当时大家可都大惊小怪了一番。”
“That wasn’t from the sword! I just…accidentally cut myself.”
“那不是剑伤！我只是…不小心划伤了自己。”
“On what?” “被什么划的？”
“…the…the…the rock!” “…那…那个…石头！”
“We were on the training grounds. There weren’t any rocks.”
“我们当时在训练场。那里根本没有石头。”
Rin kept
insisting
that he was perfectly fine with a sword but Ichika knew him. He knew how excited he was when he first got his hands on a real one, remembering how his eyes sparkled and immediately wanted to try it out. The memories of him trying to be strong when he accidentally cut himself and the panic of everyone around him made his chest hurt a little but seeing as how he was currently arguing against it amused him.
凛坚持说自己用木剑就足够了，但一骑太了解他了。他清楚记得凛第一次摸到真剑时兴奋的模样——那双闪闪发亮的眼睛，迫不及待想要试剑的神情。回忆里他割伤手还强装镇定的样子，以及周围人手忙脚乱的场景，让一骑胸口微微发疼。不过眼下看他为了这事争辩的倔强模样，又觉得有些好笑。
“No real sword until you’re older!” Ichika said with a click of his tongue, preparing to scold him again. “And you can’t own a real sword until you reach knighthood or you get permission from the king anyways.”
「成年之前不准碰真剑！」一骑咂了下舌准备继续训话，「再说要获得骑士头衔或国王特许才能佩带真剑，这是规矩。」
“But Rensuke—” 「可是莲介——」
“He gets to use it because he’s in the Military Academy and it’s part of their training, approved by your grandfather.” Ichika reminded him. Rin deflated at that.
「他能用真剑是因为在军校受训，而且得到你祖父特批。」一骑提醒道。凛顿时像泄了气的皮球。
“I should’ve gone to the Military Academy instead.” He muttered. Ichika laughed and elbowed him.
“我当初真该去军事学院的。”他低声嘟囔着。Ichika 笑着用手肘捅了捅他。
“Nope! Forced into the Royal Academy like me, so we’re stuck together!”
“想得美！和我一样被塞进皇家学院，这辈子就绑定了！”
Rin stayed quiet at that but Ichika did feel him hold his hand tighter.
Rin 闻言沉默不语，但 Ichika 确实感觉到他握紧了自己的手。
Shopping was neglected as neither had any interest in anything there. They just wandered around, and chatted, reminiscing about past memories, discussing what kind of swords they wanted when they became knights, and figuring out a plan to take Rensuke down during their break.
购物计划彻底泡汤，两人对市集毫无兴趣。他们只是漫无目的地闲逛，聊着往事回忆，畅想成为骑士后要配什么样的佩剑，还盘算着假期里如何联手扳倒 Rensuke。
It was just a normal outing for them.
对他们来说这只是一次普通的外出。
“We’re supposed to be on a date!” Rin suddenly realized when they sat on a bench in the town square. “We haven’t done anything date related and it’s almost time to head back!”
‘我们这应该是在约会吧！’当他们在城镇广场的长椅上坐下时，Rin 突然意识到，‘我们根本没做任何约会该做的事，都快到回去的时间了！’
“It’s fine.” Ichika said as he yawned. He placed his head on Rin’s shoulder, feeling tired from just walking around and chatting. He didn’t realize how much time had passed.
‘没关系。’Ichika 打着哈欠说道。他把头靠在 Rin 的肩膀上，光是散步聊天就让他感到疲惫。他没意识到时间已经过去了这么久。
He also didn’t realize how, even though it was just the two of them talking about nothing all day, he didn’t get to tell him about his plan for after the academy. He knew he should tell him soon enough because they talked about their future knighthood…and Ichika had to delay that.
他同样没意识到，尽管他们一整天都在漫无边际地闲聊，自己却始终没机会告诉对方关于学院毕业后的计划。他知道应该尽快说明，毕竟他们讨论过未来骑士的生涯……而 Ichika 不得不推迟那个计划。
Rensuke would be a knight by the time they entered as squires and they wanted to do the training together. Ichika didn’t know how long it would take to improve his magic since he was already so slow. It could take him years and years and by that time, one of them could be the new commander.
等他们以侍从身份进入骑士团时，莲助早已晋升为正式骑士，而他们还想一起参加训练。一花不知道要花多久才能提升他那本就进展缓慢的魔法能力，或许需要经年累月——到那时他们之中可能有人都当上新任指挥官了。
He should tell Rin.
他应该告诉凛。
He
needed
to tell Rin.
他必须告诉凛。
Yet, he didn’t want to break this relaxed atmosphere. Simply leaning against Rin’s shoulder like that made him want to stop time, resisting ruining the moment. He knew that Rin would react strongly to it and would be upset but just feeling how Rin’s arm curled up on his back, hand in his hair, playing with the ribbon that he had given him years ago, he didn’t want to say anything to disrupt it.
可他又不愿打破此刻闲适的氛围。仅仅是像这样倚靠在凛的肩头，就让他希望时间静止，抗拒任何破坏这一刻的举动。明知凛会反应激烈且感到不悦，但感受着对方环住自己后背的手臂、手指缠绕着他多年前送的那条发带把玩自己发丝的触感，他什么也不想说，生怕惊扰这温存。
“We have to go on another date.” Rin said quietly but determinedly. Ichika peered up at his face, cheeks flushed pink. “Because this one was such a failure, we need to try again so we can look more convincing.”
“我们得再约会一次。”凛低声却坚定地说道。一花抬头望着他的脸，双颊泛起粉红。“因为这次太失败了，我们需要重来一次才能显得更可信。”
Ichika had to remind him that their engagement was to be broken (whenever Rin got to that damn letter to his grandfather – hopefully before he came to the school festival). The fake dating could only go on until his grandfather got him to meet more potential fiancées.
一花不得不提醒他，他们的婚约是要解除的（只要凛能搞定那封给他祖父的信——最好能在学园祭之前）。假扮情侣只能持续到他祖父安排他见更多潜在未婚妻为止。
But that was trouble for another day.
但那是改天要操心的麻烦事。
For now, Ichika would just let this moment pass.
现在，一花只想让这一刻静静流逝。
The tavern was old and dusty, falling beyond repair, and the last place Meguru would ever expect to see any nobles in. There were few people in there, many hooded so their faces were hidden in the shadows, lurking in the corners with their backs against the wall as if afraid someone would come up from behind.
这家酒馆陈旧而布满灰尘，破败得无法修缮，是 Meguru 最不可能想到会遇见贵族的地方。馆内人烟稀少，许多人都戴着兜帽将面容隐藏在阴影中，蜷缩在墙角背贴着墙壁，仿佛害怕有人从背后接近。
Meguru was often considered fearless and, according to Ego, stupid at times. He admitted he was carefree in many ways, wandering around wherever he wanted whenever he was free, and sometimes running into trouble when he didn’t expect it.
Meguru 常被认为无所畏惧，按 Ego 的说法有时甚至算得上愚蠢。他承认自己在很多方面都随心所欲，有空就四处游荡，偶尔会意外惹上麻烦。
But this place creeped him out.
但这地方让他毛骨悚然。
As a cat, he couldn’t even follow in the tavern. When he was spotted, he was immediately shooed away with a broom by the tavern keeper. He didn’t really want to step into such a place, fearing what would happen if he was caught.
作为一只猫，他连跟进酒馆都做不到。刚被发现，店主就用扫帚把他赶走了。他实在不愿踏入这种地方，生怕被抓到会遭遇不测。
“Monster.” Meguru called out and against the wall, the shadowy figure appeared. “Go.”
“怪物。”芽呼唤道，墙角的阴影里浮现出那道身影。“去。”
Monster did what it was told and seeped between the gap under the door as Meguru remained safe outside, concentrating on Monster’s surroundings. Although the nobles were harmless, there was something unnerving about this hooded figure they picked up. Usually, Meguru would be unfazed or aware of the dangers of people because he could sense their magic level. Most humans had very little unless they were studying to be mages. There were occasions when he could sense a large amount of potential but they were often raw, unpracticed, and usually in children who didn’t know any better. This figure was different.
怪物依言而行，从门缝下渗入，而芽安全地留在门外，专注感知着怪物的周遭。虽然贵族们并无恶意，但这个披着斗篷的身影总令人不安。通常芽不会为人类感到惊慌——他能感知对方的魔力水平。除非研习法术，多数人魔力微薄。偶尔能遇见潜力巨大者，但多是未经雕琢的孩童。眼前之人却截然不同。
Meguru couldn’t sense any magic on him.
芽在他身上感知不到丝毫魔力。
He didn’t even sense any divinity. It was vastly different from Ichika who had a balance of both but to have
none?
甚至连神性也察觉不到。与兼具二者的 Ichika 形成鲜明对比——但全然空白的存在？
Something was wrong. 情况有些不对劲。
“You didn’t just call for me out of nowhere. No one does.” The hooded figure the nobles called out for said. “If you’re asking for me, then I assume you know my terms.”
“你们不会无缘无故召唤我。没人会这么做。”贵族们召来的兜帽人影说道，“既然找上我，想必你们清楚我的规矩。”
“Of course,” The leader of the two nobles said with a huff. “The payment is more than sufficient. It has to be if you’re as good as people claim you are.”
“当然，”两名贵族中为首者嗤之以鼻，“报酬绝对丰厚。若你真如传闻那般厉害，这价钱必须配得上。”
The hooded figure snorted. “So what do you want? This better be worth my time.”
兜帽人影冷哼一声：“说吧，想要什么？最好别浪费我的时间。”
“The location is the Royal Academy.” Meguru’s ears perked up at that. He slowly got up from his spot to creep a little closer to the door, curiosity brimming.
“地点是皇家学院。”听到这句话，芽留的耳朵立刻竖了起来。他缓缓从原地起身，蹑手蹑脚地向门边靠近，眼中满是好奇。
“The academy?” The figure questioned, voice indicating no amusement. “Do you know the security of that place? Even more so since the little princes are there. And there’s a mage too. You’ve gotta be insane if you want me to step foot in there.”
“学院？”那人质问道，声音里毫无笑意。“你知道那地方的安保级别吗？更何况现在还有小王子们在。更别提还有个法师坐镇。想让我踏进那里，你简直是疯了。”
“In the next few months, they’ll be preparing for the school festival.” The noble explained. “They will have a day for the public and that would be the best chance.”
“接下来几个月，他们会筹备校园祭。”贵族解释道，“届时将开放公众参观日，那才是最佳时机。”
“That’s even worse. The academy is filled with nobles’ kids so there would be even more security.”
“那样更糟。学院里全是贵族子弟，安保只会更加森严。”
“Then, isn’t it better to blend in?” The noble proposed. “Aren’t you a master of such things?”
“那么，融入其中不是更好吗？”贵族提议道，“这不正是你最擅长的事？”
The hooded figure was silent as if contemplating the situation. “This isn’t something I can accept easily. The risks are too high.”
戴兜帽的身影沉默着，仿佛在权衡局势。“这不是我能轻易接受的。风险太高了。”
“I see.” The noble said. He took out a bag and threw it on the table, the familiar sound of coins causing others around them to look. “Paid in advance.”
“明白了。”贵族说着取出一个袋子扔在桌上，钱币熟悉的叮当声引得周围人纷纷侧目。“预付金。”
“Hoo?” The hooded figure sat up straight and opened it up, taking one of the gold coins. He held it in his hand, clenching it silently as if he was using magic. “Seems fine.”
“哦？”兜帽人直起身子打开袋子，拈起一枚金币握在掌心，沉默地攥紧，像是在施展魔法。“看起来没问题。”
But he didn’t know magic…right? But how else could Meguru explain it?
但他明明不会魔法…对吧？可除此之外，芽琉还能怎么解释呢？
Yet he didn't feel anything again.
然而他再次毫无感觉。
“Then, the details—” “那么，具体细节——”
“Wait.” “等等。”
Meguru felt a chill go down his spine, the hooded figure’s voice resounding in his bones. Instantly, he made Monster retreat, rushing him out of the tavern and immediately running as fast as he could away from the building.
芽琉感到一阵寒意窜上脊背，兜帽人影的声音在他骨子里回荡。他立即让怪物撤退，冲出酒馆，以最快速度逃离那栋建筑。
He had no idea what was about to happen but he could sense the threat in his voice, and could see his eyes on Monster even though he was supposed to blend into the shadows of the room. Meguru knew that it was wrong if he could see it.
他不清楚即将发生什么，但能从那声音里感知到威胁，甚至能看见对方盯着怪物的视线——尽管那人本该融入房间的阴影中。芽琉明白，既然自己能看见，事情就不对劲。
He didn’t have all the information as they didn’t move onto the main details but he knew that whatever they intended to do would be happening at the school festival in a few months. Meguru had to get back so he could tell Ego and they could prepare—
由于未涉及核心细节，他掌握的信息不全，但知道他们计划在几个月后的学园祭上行动。芽琉必须赶回去告知绘心，好提前准备——
He felt something grab onto his back legs and he fell, rolling on the ground before abruptly stopping as if something was in the way. He slowly stood back up but he could sense magic surrounding him. He saw a faint glow and when he tried to pass through, he was unable to.
他感觉后腿被什么东西拽住，摔倒在地翻滚着，突然像撞上障碍物般停住。他慢慢爬起来，却察觉到周围萦绕着魔法。微光闪烁间，他试图穿过屏障却动弹不得。
Closing his eyes, he tried to break the barrier but he couldn’t.
他闭上双眼试图冲破屏障，却无能为力。
He was trapped. 他被困住了。