Elf Tensei Kara no Cheat Kenkoku-ki

Book 3: Chapter 3-1: Elite Unit 『Nettle』

A few days after we decided to create an Elite force. We decided to accept volunteers and select from among them. They knew this as well. Today we gathered all the candidates together to make our selection.

I was trying to build up my motivation for the big job ahead of me as I ate the soft bread that Lucy baked for my lunch.

Strangely enough, Lucys bread tasted better than the one I baked myself. My technical skills shouldnt be worse then hers but.is it because the secret ingredient is love? As I was thinking that Lucy opened her mouth to speak.

Cyril the group that youre putting togetherIm applying to join the Elite Unit.

I saw the light of determination in her eyes.

As I thoughtLucy brought it up. Actually I was surprised she hadnt brought up the topic before today.

If you want to know my honest thoughts, I do not want you to apply Lucy.

Un, I know you dont. However, I am going to apply.

Then, with my authority Ill refuse it.

Is it because I dont have the aptitude?

I couldnt reply to that.

If we were talking just about aptitudethen Lucy truly did have talent. It hadnt taken her long to learn the difficult Perception Expansion and amongst everyone in Erucy, her archery was top class.

Most likely if I were to teach her Body Enhancement she would learn it just as quickly. Unlike with the other Elves I probably wouldnt have to use special tricks to teach her either.

If its because my strength isnt enough then I can understand it. If youre refusing because of other reasons then Ill get angry. Ill hate you Cyril.

..its not a question of your abilities. But I will state how I feel. I dont want to place you in dangerous situations Lucy.

I want to fight with you to lessen the danger you face Cyril.

Im happy you feel that way. But Id hate for your pretty skin to get any wounds or scars and Id hate it if you got too much into training and got all big and muscular. I also dont want you to walk too much and cause your toenails to warp and more importantly if you enter serious training then we wont be able to spend as much time together. Plus your beautiful hair and healthy skin would get hurt by such exertions. I hate all of that.

Cyrilyoure unexpectedly sensitive.

Lucy said with a wry smile on her face.

I got too heated and said some strange thingshow embarrassing.

More than that, I love you Lucy. Ill tell you right now, but to fight seriously means many of those things. If you wish for happiness as a girl then you should really focus your efforts elsewhere.

Cyrilif I truly was covered in scars, with big muscles, and weird toenailswould you hate me?

No.

I answered instantly. I really liked Lucys appearance, but that was nothing more than her superficial charm. Even if it was to be damaged I would not come to dislike her.

Then Ill still volunteer. Its already decided.

As always youre so stubborn

You dont get to say that Cyril.

We were both just as stubborn and couldnt help but smile a bit at each other.

When Lucy and I truly decided on something, neither of us would bend.

For my part, if Lucy truly entered the Elite Unit, then I would pound all of the necessary magical knowledge into her head in order for her to protect her beautiful skin.

I understand. I will choose fairly then. Im sure you know, but this afternoon we will gather all the applicants and choose 20 from the lot of them. Fairness means that if there are people with more talent than you, then I will drop you without hesitation. Prepare yourself for that.

Un, I know.

Also Lucy, as one of the only women to join in youll be at a disadvantage. It will be difficult to choose you, so keep that in mind.

Is thatan issue of your preferences Cyril?

I shook my head.

It is a fact that womens strength and endurance are usually lower than that of a mans. Because of female physiology your health and physical condition is not as stable. It is also best for a unit such as this to not have any division based on sex. Because you will spend so much more time outdoors, changing and toilet breaks will be more easily accomplished if the group is just men.

Un, even sotheres still a chance I will be chosen right?

Indeed. It is not zero.

Despite what I said, it was almost definite that Lucy would end up chosen if things were fairly decided. Despite her disadvantages, her talent was enough to overturn it. Furthermore for scouts and snipers the issue of endurance was less important than other sections.

After that, we didnt speak anymore about the matter and simply finished our lunch.