Frieren: Reincarnated As a Demon

Chapter 132: Sense's house

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After leaving home, Ash decided that going back anytime soon was not an option. With nothing else to do, he thought about heading to the Magic Association for the first time in a long while.

"But why do I feel like just looking at the plains is inviting disaster? I can't shake the feeling that I won't be able to go home today. It's as if… I'm completely at a loss!"

The more he tried to convince himself that enduring it would solve everything, the more it felt like the opposite. The longer he thought, the worse it became.

As he approached the edge of the Magic Association, he hadn't even stepped onto the stairs when he spotted Sense walking down from the building. Her long, flowing hair was so striking that it immediately caught his attention and oddly gave him a sense of relief. Without much thought, he moved closer and reached out, running his hand through her smooth hair.

Sense froze in place, her mouth slightly open, visibly confused. After a long pause, she finally asked, "...Master Ash, what are you doing?"

"I was planning to find a quiet place to read," Ash replied casually, "but now that I've seen you, I feel like having tea together or something. How about it?"

"...Why?" Sense asked, still bewildered.

"It just feels right. Besides, I'm sure you're free right now, aren't you?"

Before Sense could process what was happening, Ash had already begun enthusiastically inviting her along. After all, he was free anyway, and spending time with Sense might make even reading feel less dull.

However, compared to his easygoing attitude, Sense appeared visibly distressed. Following him instinctively, she couldn't help but voice her concern. "Master Ash… I'm overseeing the next exam. Isn't this a bad idea?"

"It's fine. As long as you don't tell anyone, no one will know," Ash said confidently.

"...It's bound to be discovered," Sense replied, frowning.

"If that happens, just push the blame onto Serie," Ash suggested without hesitation.

"...Lady Serie will be furious if we do that," Sense said, her lips pressing into a thin line. She seemed reluctant to even consider it, not wanting to face Serie's wrath.

Her conflicted expression was almost comical, making Ash chuckle. Unable to resist, he reached out and gently pinched her soft cheek.

"I'm just kidding. If there's any trouble, blame it all on me. I'll take care of it," Ash reassured her with a grin.

"…That doesn't feel right…"

"It's fine," Ash insisted. "I know my limits, so just leave it to me. If anything happens, I'll deal with it."

He smiled, patted his chest confidently, and slung an arm around Sense's shoulders, leading her forward as if everything were settled.

"…"

Sense didn't respond immediately, but she tilted her head slightly, looking up at him with an expression of surprise.

"What's with that look?" Ash asked, raising an eyebrow.

"…I'm just a little surprised," Sense admitted, tilting her head further.

"Honestly, I feel like you owe me an apology," Ash teased, smirking.

"…Sorry," Sense said softly, lowering her head with unexpected obedience.

Her sudden meekness made Ash feel as though he were bullying her.

Is this what guilt feels like? Ash thought, pressing a hand to his forehead in mild distress. After a moment of silence, he sighed, resigned, and decided to let it go. Together, they left the area without further incident.

…

Since walking around publicly wasn't the best idea—if anyone saw them together, it might raise questions about favoritism—they decided to head to Sense's house instead.

At least there, hidden from prying eyes, no one could accuse them of shady dealings related to the upcoming exams.

"But thinking about it carefully, if I were seen outside, I could explain it away. But if someone saw me entering your house with you…"

Ash glanced around the courtyard of the Sense family home. Finishing his thought with a teasing smile, he looked at the girl beside him. "I guess they'd think you're taking advantage of me, right?"

"Ah…" Sense froze, her wide eyes betraying her realization that this possibility had never crossed her mind. Her reaction made Ash laugh softly. "When you accidentally get yourself into trouble or feel cornered, you're always so silent~ Really… You haven't changed a bit in more than ten years."

"…"

Faced with his teasing, Sense pursed her lips, choosing not to argue. Instead, she pressed her hand against his chest, attempting to push him out of her house.

Unfortunately, as a magician with a petite frame, her strength was no match for Ash. He stood firmly in place, not budging an inch.

Before she could think of a better way to deal with the situation, a mature voice called out from behind them.

"Oh, Sense—?! What are you doing?" Sense's mother exclaimed, rushing over with a look of shock.

Hearing her mother's voice, Sense panicked and tried harder to push Ash, but he remained unmoving, leaving her visibly anxious.

"Master Ash… please leave quickly! If someone sees us, it'll become really troublesome!"

"It's fine," Ash replied with a nonchalant shrug. "If it's just a rumor about Sense using unspoken rules to her advantage, I think… it's okay!"

"I would never do that! And you're my superior! What nonsense are you talking about? What if people misunderstand you?"

"I don't mind."

"Please take this seriously!"

"I don't want to."

"You—what? How can you be like this?"

…

Faced with his blatant refusal to cooperate, Sense was left speechless.

Before she could come up with a strategy to deal with him—now less a guest and more an uninvited intruder—her mother had already taken the initiative. Enthusiastically, she grabbed Ash's hand and led him into the house.

"Sense, how rude! How could you try to push your senior away like that?" her mother scolded her, all while flashing Ash an overly bright smile.

As if one hand weren't enough, she placed her other hand on top of his. "It's been such a long time! Don't leave so quickly this time. Stay for lunch—and dinner, too, won't you?"

"Ah… No, I don't think dinner is really—"

"It's fine! Anyway, you must be here for something important, right?"

"Not really…" Ash scratched his cheek awkwardly. "I just thought I'd come to chat… I mean, discuss magic with Sense."

"Is that so? You're always welcome. I'll prepare some desserts first. Is there anything you'd like to avoid for lunch?"

…

Watching her mother, who was even more enthusiastic than Ash, Sense stood frozen, unable to get a word in. She stared at the two of them like a statue, completely unable to keep up with the rapid turn of events.

Before long, they were escorted to Sense's room.

Ordinarily, guests visiting a noble daughter's home would be directed to the reception room. The last time Ash visited the Sense family a few years ago, that was precisely where he had gone.

But now… they were in Sense's private room, and the door was firmly shut.

"…Your mother really isn't worried about something strange happening between her daughter and a man in the same room?"

"…"

More like mother is hoping something happens. Sense thought bitterly, recalling her mother's meaningful smile when she closed the door. The memory made her feel both awkward and uncomfortable.

Ash, however, paid no attention to her silence. He wandered around her room with great interest, his curious gaze taking in the details of her private space—a place no man outside her family had ever entered.

His casual exploration only made Sense feel more uncomfortable, the unfamiliar situation leaving her unusually flustered.

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Note: I have an offer for you—help me reach the milestone of 1,000 power stones this week, and you'll get 3 chapters a day next week.

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