What did you say, Elder Sister Sand?

It's because I became Martial Apprentice? But, I don't remember any boom or dogaaan happening? I also haven't cultivated a single bit on the way here.

Huh? You also don't understand? Well, it can't be helped then.

Anyhow, yay!

Miss, Miss! You have to hear this...!

I happily tug on Miss' sleeve.

"What's the matter, Latifa?"

"Awu! Awuwu!"

"... Oh, I see."

"Auuu..."

Miss, why are you averting your gaze?

Why can't you just admit that you didn't understand me...?

Then, let me show Miss my new muscles!

"Awu! Awa! Awuwu!"

This pose and this pose, how about this one!?

"Latifa... How dreamy... I think I might fall for you all over again...!"

Hmm... Miss is mumbling something with her hands placed on her cheeks.

I don't think she gets what I want to say though?

What to do...

... Ah! I know!

Let's show Miss the 'bug swatter' technique she taught me.

Take a stance... take a deep breath... aaaand bug swatter!

Whoosh!

A gust of wind passed by Miss, making her hair flutter for a little.

"Latifa you... you have become Martial Apprentice!"

"Awu!"

Yes, I did! Praise me!

"That's wonderful! Absolutely fantastic!"

"Awuwu~"

"Right, a reward. A congratulatory reward for your hard work... but what?"

Miss fell into deep thoughts.

Hello? Miss, are you home...? Miss doesn't react even if I wave my hand in front of her eyes.

Then, Miss suddenly made a weird gesture of hitting the palm of her hand with the fist of her other hand and shot her gaze towards me.

Umm...?

"Latifa."

"Awu?"

Yes? I wonder what it is?

"Would you like dinner first, or perhaps a bath? Or maybe... me?"

"...... Awu?"

Yes?

Well, it's too early for dinner and we didn't even have a lunch yet.

As for the bath... I would like one! We were on the road all the time and didn't stop in a single inn on the way here, so there was nothing aside from some quick river washing after all...

As for me? I mean Miss. What did she mean by that? Well, I like being with Miss...

What? Why are you laughing Elder Sister Sand?

Eh? She wants to give herself to me? Does Miss want to become my slave...? Unthinkable! Please stop joking with me, Elder Sister Sand...

Umm...? What do you mean I misunderstood? I don't get you.

"Awu?"

Miss...? Your face turned bright red for some reason. Are you all right?

"I, I will help you pick a new technique... so, let's go to the city's martial library after taking a bath... h, how about that?"

"Awu~"

Okay~ but, Miss? I can see steam coming from the top of your head, are you really fine?