Chapter 288: The Boy and The Onee-san - Second Half

***Chapter 288 The Boy and The Onee-san - Second Half***

"This time, our primary objective is to explore more practical combat techniques beyond the confines of individual dojos and schools. At the same time, we aim to foster pure interactions among those who usually don't have the opportunity to connect, to improve our future relationships――"

They lined up at the edge of the forest and then the greetings.

Without showing any particular signs of nervousness, Mia, the director, stood on a platform and began to speak in front of the 320 people gathered.

Though she may be a little older, she has loosely tied chestnut hair and a cute atmosphere――if Krische was a next door Onee-san, she would be the neighborhood aunt.

The head of the dojo doesn't look very strong, but she greets the heroic warriors and swordsmen with ease, and natural manner.

She delivered a somewhat long greeting smoothly and calmly, without looking at anything in particular.

Her dignified form contrasted with her gentle appearance.

She didn't seem to be very respected by the other instructors even on a regular basis, and was often teased, but seeing her standing in front of them in a situation that made even Kyuris, who was standing in line, nervous, and speaking normally changed his perspective of her a little.

She was an adjutant of the Black Century and the second Commander of the Black Flag Special Company.

When he thought about it, she (Krische too) was older than the Merkes, and was a soldier who had always fought on the front lines and achieved success since the Civil War fifty years ago.

Realizing that the soldiers' gazes were also filled with respect, Kyuris began to wonder if his thinking had been shortsighted.

In the first place, the reason Mia looked weak was simply because he had never seen her swing a sword and she didn't look strong, and there was no other reason than that.

It was just an assumption.

"Looking at the director like that, she sure is amazing."

"Yeah, that's surprising..."

On the first day, they had a little social time and watched each school practice.

As an extension of their usual practice, each dojo separated a little and performed demonstrations and actual combat-like hand-to-hand sparring, and in the afternoon, they tried out the school that interested them.

It was a loose form of interaction, with participation being entirely voluntary.

The Elcafalest style was close to what was simply called 'orthodox swordsmanship' in the kingdom, a middle form with the tip of the sword pointed at the opponent's neck.

Orthodox swordsmanship was based on the premise of using a long sword held with both hands, but it was the foundation and center of all sword techniques, and was one of the first forms that Kyuris and the others learned.

The focus was on fending off and defeating all attacks with a single sword, and it seems to be favored by nobles as a noble sword due to its imposing form.

Elcafalest's style was very similar, with the difference being that the tip of the sword was slightly tilted downwards――a form that placed a slight emphasis on thrusting.

However, looking at it broadly, it was the same.

Only Zain and Lorka styles had clearly different forms, and although the details differ depending on the style, most forms were the same.

Kyuris was still unable to understand the subtle differences between styles, so he went around listening to Shelicia explanations, such as this one was different, or this part was unique.

In addition to having good eyes, Shelicia was also a theorist.

She was good at finding her opponent's habits, preferences, and openings, and this seemed to be the same when swinging the sword.

When asked about reflections after a match, she would answer with surprising clarity, saying things like, 'Kyuris second step in that one was a little short'.

The instructors praised her for being able to put her senses into words, and although Kyuris was trying to emulate her, it was not easy.

"So, Kyuris, which one are you going to choose?"

"Even if you ask that..."

As expected, there are many dojos that have been in operation in the royal capital for many years, and they all looked quite solid.

The Black Flag Swordsmanship Dojo seemed the most casual.

Each instructor had different swordsmanship styles. There was no standardization, with sparring being the norm――or rather there's only that.

Other dojos performed their form (kata: movement sequence) and demonstrations, but the Black Flag Swordsmanship Dojo's form varied from instructor to instructor. During sparring, for example, an instructor proficient in the Lorka style would teach Lorka techniques, while one skilled in martial arts would teach grappling and combat techniques.

The Black Flag Swordsmanship Dojo was not a single dojo, but rather a place where several small dojos come together, and the instructors always told the students that if they wanted to master one style, it was best to go to a dojo that specializes in that style.

"...I guess our dojo is unique, but the thought of endlessly doing kata practice is a bit..."

"Kyuris, you hate kata practice, don't you?"

"Because it's not fun... and besides, instructor Kalua doesn't really have any form."

Strength was justice at the Black Flag Swordsmanship Dojo.

Head instructor Kalua said that anything was fine as long as you win in the end.

She said that the charm of the dojo was being able to spar with opponents who use various swords as much as you want, and putting aside the other instructors, he had never seen Kalua teach from training.

Frankly, he didn't think kata was that important.

Sparring seemed more enjoyable and meaningful.

"Kalua-sensei has form. It's just that not everyone can learn it."

"Bu-Buck-san!"

Behind him stood a sharp-looking man with black hair tied back, lean yet muscular, with stubble.

One of the senior disciples, he guided others despite lacking the special talent of magic.

"Kyuris, try to strike me."

"Huh?"

"Try attacking me with that wooden sword."

Though confused by the suddenness, he nodded and readied the wooden sword he was holding.

He was used to these abrupt lessons.

Buck stood lightly in the Lorka style with his left hand forward, and when Kyuris slashed diagonally, Buck grabbed his right wrist with his left hand and brought him down face-first to the ground.

"Ouch."

Buck lightly tapped Kyuris's neck with the wooden sword, laughing.

"Haha, Kyuris, you're easy to read. That was a basic move of the Lorka style... but it requires a few tricks. Do you know why you were brought down?"

"Well...because you grabbed my arm."

"To be precise, I pulled your arm, which was swinging the sword.... You stepped forward and tried to swing your sword down on me, and I used that momentum to pull you forward, so you easily lost your balance and was knocked down. The important thing is the direction and timing of the force, you can see that I didn't pull that hard, right?"

"...Yes."

Just a light pull on his arm as he stepped and swung.

But, that alone made Kyuris fall.

"As I said, it's a basic move. Seeing it alone, it's not particularly difficult. With enough practice, you can eventually do it. However, in actual sparring, you might not get many opportunities, so practicing the principles repeatedly through the form is important."

'And once you learn the principles, you can apply them', Buck continues.

"A form is the repetitive practice of a movement that pursues efficiency. For example, if you do a movement like the one I just made, between a hundred times and a thousand times, which one would be stronger?"

"... A thousand."

"Right. After all, a human body only has two arms and legs. There aren't an infinite number of ways to attack, and arms don't just grow out of nowhere. The more you learn kata, the more you can deal with your opponent's movements and gain an advantage, so there's no easier way to become stronger. As you say, it may look plain at first glance, but..."

"I think Kyuris is too stupid to understand how interesting it is."

"Oi."

Kyuris glared at her, and Shelicia looked away, saying it was true.

Buck laughed happily.

"But still, this is only for ordinary people. Basically, if you learn the kata properly, anyone can use it and become strong. ...At least that's how it was made. Usually, you find your own unique movements by applying them, but...someone like Instructor Kalua just finds and pursues her own unique kata that suits her from the beginning."

"Her own..."

"That's right. It's a sword technique and kata made for Instructor Kalua, which only she can use because she has good eyes, sense, physical ability, physique, and experience. ...It's not something you can imitate, so she doesn't teach it to the students in the form of a kata."

'For example, I couldn't do it even if I trained for years', says Buck.

"I can't handle magic, and even if I could, I don't have the balance to move from such a low stance or the eyes to catch movements at that speed. A talented person's sword technique, honed to match their talents, is like that. No matter which school you choose, that's where you'll eventually end up."

"No matter which school?"

"Everyone's physique, strength, and everything else is different. If you pursue efficiency, it's only natural that you will end up with your own style that is the most efficient for you. And the shortcut to determining that is to learn the styles left behind by your predecessors, learn the various principles, and build up your strength... Well though I talk big like this, I'm only halfway there."

Kyuris nodded, saying he understood.

Shelicia looked at him as if making fun, making him glare back.

"...I-I also understand about half of it."

"Usually, when Kyuris says that, he only understands about a third of it."

"Kuku, don't say that. Kyuris is still young, Shelicia can explain it to you in detail later."

"I think even a dog would understand better."

"You guys..."

'Well, it's fine', Shelicia laughed, with amusement.

Shelicia could be mean at times, but she's cute after all, and that's what made it unfair.

Before his cheeks turned red, Kyuris looked away and asked Buck a question.

"Um, Buck-san, what do you think of Krische-sama?"

"Hmm...? Aah, I heard that. Seems you told her to her face that she looked weak for Alberinea. Fearless, I'd say..."

"I heard you and Boji thought the same..."

"Boji maybe, but I didn't think that strongly. Though I can't deny I underestimated her based on usual demeanor."

Buck smiled wryly and continued with a serious face.

"I hate to say it...but many people think that Instructor Kalua is a monster. Looking at the Instructors here today, I think she's probably the best among them, and I think it's no mistake that she's one of the top five warriors on the continent. But even that master was like a child compared to Alberinea."

"...Everyone says that."

"You probably think the anecdote is dubious. She's not the kind of person who likes to swing the sword... She doesn't show it much, and she's extremely strict with himself. She's humble, but... I think that even if everyone here attacked her at once, she would turn the table."

Like Merkes, Buck had a serious face that didn't show any jokes.

"Well, you'll understand right away. This time, it's not the usual apron dress."

"...Apron dress."

"I don't really understand it either, but...it seems to be a rule in Alberinea that she can't swing a sword while wearing an apron dress....It seems like she brought a sword, so if you ask, maybe she'll show you right away."

And with that, Buck waved his hand and walked off somewhere else.

He was probably still in the middle of touring the place.

Kyuris and Shelicia exchanged glances.

"...Are you going to ask?"

"Well, after all that, don't you want to see it?"

"Hm...well, I'm interested."

Nodding at Shelicia's words, they left the gathering of various dojo and moved to the side of the forest.

They looked at Krische, who looked happy and seemed to be preparing lunch already.

For some reason, Mia, the director, was peeling vegetables beside her, and some soldiers and children were helping her.

Kyuris, as expected, had an expression that was hard to describe.

She seemed to have noticed them as well, and beckoned to the two of them, running towards them. Alberinea spoke up――

"Are you two done with your tour?"

"Yes, well...Kri--"

"Perfect timing. Kyuris, please help carry the ingredients from the carriage over there. Shelicia, can you peel?"

"Huh? Ah, yes..."

"Good. Mia is surprisingly clumsy, so please help her out."

She said that without giving them a chance to say anything.

"...Really, Mia never grows no matter how old she gets."

"Why should I, the organizer, have to peel..."

"Don't complain. You never improve because you do everything reluctantly. Look at Shelicia, she's much better than Mia even though she's so young. Kyuris, please bring two pumpkins."

"Y-yes."

――Lunch for 320 people.

Naturally, there was no time to ask her.

Alberinea looked happy from start to finish as she prepared lunch for the soldiers and civilians.

She didn't look like a military officer second only to the marshal, nor like Her Highness the Queen's older sister, nor like a great hero, but there were some things he could understand.

She was morbidly skilled with blades, and her lack of waste in movement couldn't be explained away as simply being efficient.

She prepared ingredients in three huge pots, each half the size of Kyuris――making pumpkin soup while meticulously adjusting the firewood.

The meat was prepared with a lot of effort, having to be cooked in a frying pan.

Moreover, apart from carrying the ingredients and peeling the skin, she did most of it by herself.

She then used the extra time to prepare the skewers.

While Mia and Shelicia prepared one skewer each, Krische prepared six, piling them up on the plate with incredible skill.

It wasn't that Mia or Shelicia were particularly slow, it was just that she was too fast.

And yet she didn't seem to be in a hurry, just like usual.

The amount of work she calmly completed was beyond what an ordinary person could do.

Naturally, the others were watching in amazement, including Kyuris, and they were whispering incomprehensible compliments like, 'As expected of Alberinea', even though she was just cooking.

The results were outstanding.

The soup was light yet deep, and both the meat and vegetables melted in the mouth.

Krische (with a serious face he had never seen before) also personally grilled dozens of skewers on the grill at the same time――perfectly salted and cooked.

The sauce that was prepared had a strange flavor that Kyuris had never tasted before.

Preparing soup and skewers for 320 people almost all by herself, this delicacy was a miracle, and Kyuris also thought as expected of Alberinea――

"...Well, I can tell that the food is amazing but"

"...?"

Kyuris muttered to himself, and Shelicia, who was munching on the skewers, tilted her head.

She then picked up on the words 'the food is amazing' and smiled happily.

"I have heard Krische-sama loves cooking but still... I'm really surprised. Ehehe, I was told I have a talent for cooking because I'm meticulous with each task."

Shelicia, who had apparently been praised for helping with the cooking, was in a really good mood.

Shelicia had been repeating that Krische-sama was amazing for a while now.

Krische herself was sitting on Kalua's lap, leaning unashamedly on Suiko, eating her food while chatting happily, and Kyuris had completely missed his chance.

"Well, I understand that, but..."

"You missed the timing?"

"Yeah... it's hard to bring it up now."

Sighing, Kyuris glanced at Krische.

Alberinea was also smiling and chatting happily on Kalua's lap.

It's true that he wanted to see her sword, but it would be hard to say it after he said she looked weak before, especially when she was having fun.

It would be one thing if he said from the bottom of his heart that he wanted to see the sword of Alberinea, who he admired, but it would be rude to say it while doubting her skill.

After hearing the story earlier, he was beginning to think that maybe she was really strong, but timing was also important.

He wished someone else would bring it up, but it was Alberinea after all.

To people who were not familiar with her, she's on a different level than them――there was no doubt that she was someone who's difficult to talk to, so everyone just looked at her from afar.

"Hmm, I kind of got it."

"Get it?"

"Krische-sama, isn't normal after all."

"...in cooking?"

"In cooking. ...Her knife skills aren't normal. She moves everything from the handle to the tip of the blade exactly as she imagines it."

Shelicia mimicked holding a knife with her left hand in a cat's paw position and gestured slicing with her right hand.

"Image..."

"Fufun, maybe Kyuris wouldn't understand. You're stupid after all."

"...you."

"Well, anyway. ...What are you going to do in the afternoon?"

When asked, he shook his head.

"Then let's go learn the Zain style. There aren't many instructors who use it, so it's quite rare."

"... Ah, okay."

And so, in the afternoon, they went to the Zain sword style dojo.

It was certainly a rare opportunity.

If the Lorka style was the down-to-earth sword of a soldier, the Zain style was the brilliant sword of a noble.

There was only one dojo in the royal capital, located in a first-class city, so it wasn't something that commoners could easily attend, and the monthly tuition was expensive.

And on top of that, this swordsmanship was not considered something that a mere commoner could master.

――Because it is a sword technique that requires a talent for manipulating magic.

It was the exact opposite of the Lorka style.

The half-body stance with the sword in front was specialized in taking the lead or even the lead before that, and the main focus was to close the gap between you and your opponent by stepping forward, which was described as like an arrow, to deliver a fatal blow.

It was only effective when it maximizes the superhuman physical abilities of those who possess magical powers, and to master it one needed the talent to control magic powers.

It was not that it was pointless for a non-magic possessor to learn it, but in the end, it was difficult for them to take the lead against those who possess magic powers, who have absolute advantages in distance and speed.

It was generally believed that mastering the Lorka style, which specialized in counterattack, was more practical for non-magic possessor, and that was why the Zain style was called the sword of the noble.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes. It is an honor to witness the sword of the Zain Grandmaster in person. I will study diligently."

"Haha, there is no need to be so nervous."

In front of the gathered soldiers and other disciples.

Standing in front of Shelicia's father, Merkes, was a tall, strong man with short, graying black hair, Wesliel Zain.

He was once the head instructor of the Zain swordsmanship dojo, known as the best in the royal capital.

He was the current legitimate successor to the Zain style of swordsmanship.

Merkes was in Lorka stance, while Wesliel was in a Zain stance.

Contrasting stances――Shelicia, next to him, had her fists clenched in front of her chest.

A centurion. He had combat experience and could use magic.

Merkes was a swordsman who was not inferior to the instructors, but if one looked at Wesliel who was facing him, it was clear who had the advantage.

The beauty of his stance was almost serene.

He had the presence of a master, and even though they were five meters apart, Merkes slowly backed away.

Even with that much distance between them, he was still within Wesliel range.

"Well then..."

"!?"

He stepped forward as if he was joking.

Wesliel's body went from still to still, skipping the movement.

By the time he realized it, he had pointed the tip of his wooden sword at Merkes's neck, who was unable to move a single step.

It was an explosive force that could not be described in any other way than like an arrow shot from close range.

Merkes was also stunned, and as he looked at the tip of the wooden sword pointed at his neck, he said, 'my loss'.

Wesliel's relaxed his stance, nodded, and turned towards him.

"This is the Sword of Zain left by the Sword Saint Alcaras. It is a deadly sword that is designed to anticipate the opponent's consciousness and movements and end the fight with the fastest strike. No matter how strong a sword is, there will always be a momentary gap...and that gap can be fatal in front of this sword. ...But well, that just now was just a trick, it is by no means because the centurion was weak."

And with that, Wesliel pointed to Merkes.

"It's a very solid Lorka style, honed on the battlefield, with no complacency or slackness. He was only focused on matching his attacking moves, and if I had charged in normally, he would have been able to react. However, when I said 'Well then', he showed just the slightest wavering――and it was because I stepped into that gap that I was able to thrust my sword at him while defenseless."

Tapping the long sword at his waist, Wesliel continued.

"The important thing is that with this swordsmanship, even an opening of that magnitude is enough to land a fatal blow. Even against an opponent as skilled as him, I would cut and stab him without question, ending the fight in an instant before he could use his skills. ...That is Zain style swordsmanship."

Thank you, Wesliel said with a smile, and turned to Merkes.

Merkes bowed his head and moved to Kyuris' side.

He turned to look at him, gave a wry smile, and lightly slapped him on the head.

Even though he was defeated in front of everyone and helpless, there was no shame on his face.

"I used some trickery to make it easier to understand, but you shouldn't think it's despicable. Swordsmanship is an art of killing, and a technique for the weak to defeat the strong. Keep in mind that it's a despicable method used by those who cannot challenge a seven-shaku giant with force to achieve victory. ...There are times when a person must never lose, and the technique I teach is also for that purpose. I would appreciate it if you could understand that first."

Even though he overwhelmed Merkes, he never boasted, but instead respected his opponent and spoke calmly.

Including his calm demeanor, this is a master, Kyuris thought, recalling Kalua.

Their gentle atmosphere seemed a little similar.

Kyuris looked at him with admiration, and so did Shelicia.

"What do you think, Alberinea?"

From Wesliel's voice and gaze, Kyuris immediately turned around.

Behind the adults――Kyuris and Kalua were riding on Suiko, eating cookies, and drinking what looked like tea from wooden cups.

It seemed that only a few people had noticed, as for a moment a scream-like voice was heard.

"...? That's very good."

She slapped the Suiko on the back, and it made a big leap.

The two of them and the giant beast landed right next to Wesliel in one go, and yawned loudly.

The soldiers all saluted, and Wesliel knelt down.

She calmly returned the salute and told them to be at ease.

"The one Wag Wag's like right. It's a sword technique specialized for killing idiots."

"Wag Wag (Furi-Furi)..."

"Oh, Krische is talking about General Sandika. ...Ehehe, like a dog wagging its tail to beg, he always asks to see the sword as a reward, or to teach his subordinates how to use the sword, so Krische gave him the nickname Wag Wag"

"...I-I see."

"Usa-chan, that way of talking would probably affect General Sandika's reputation as a noble... Well, I'm sure he doesn't care."

"Haa... but he was happy..."

"Um, well, never mind. It's One-san's fault."

Kalua sighed, and Krische tilted her head.

The name of a warrior that Kyuris also knew――a loyal warrior who had achieved many victories while retaining his position as a Corps Commander, and who had fought under Alberinea all the way up to the Unification War.

Even in front of such a person, this Onee-san is still the same Onee-san, Kyuris thought to himself strangely.

"...You came to the dojo once a long time ago and taught me. Truly a master who handles Zain's sword as a battlefield swordsman."

"Master..."

Kalua was astonished at the words Krische repeated.

"...To the general public, he is more than enough of a master."

"...General public"

"You know, if you think by Usa-chan's standards, everyone is either very weak, quite weak, or weak, that's it. In these situations, you think in relative standards, not by Usa-chan's mysterious absolute standards....You always say that, don't you?"

"Hmm, but even Bery always said that she still has a lot to learn as a servant――"

"Yes, yes, don't use Bery-san's standards... That's really extreme."

Wesliel opened his eyes slightly at those words and asked.

"Alberinea, you say that Sandika-sama also still has a long way to go?"

"Well, Wag Wag swinging skills aren't too bad among the clumsy ones, but how should Krische say it, the Zain style has become second nature to him, and Wag Wag tends to lean towards it without thinking..."

She swayed her long silver hair like two tails, and placed her fingertips on her lips.

She tilted her head.

"...Krische think the Zain style itself is a good sword for killing stupid, slow-reacting people, but of course people who can see their opponents properly can dodge it... after all, it's a sword that's only good for a select few idiots, and only good in certain situations――Mugh?"

"Ah, well, Usa-chan..."

Kalua covered Krische's mouth in a flash to follow up.

"Um, haha... well, Usa-chan is a bit blunt, and doesn't know how to say it, or, well, she's not very good at explaining..."

But she couldn't take back what Krische had said earlier. Even Kyuris and the others who were listening were speechless.

The Zain Swordsmanship Dojo is the most prestigious of all.

And these words were spoken in front of the legitimate successor of Zain-style swordsmanship.

Wesliel brows, which had always been so calm, creased for an instant, and Kyuris exchanged glances with Shelicia.

She had said that Krische was probably strong, but perhaps even she was worried, as she looked at Krische with a worried expression.

But Krische herself was very carefree.

She looked up at Kalua, who had her hand over Krische's mouth with a dissatisfied childlike expression.

"No, I've heard that Alberinea is someone who can wield an unparalleled sword, capable of cutting down any hero. ...She must see things that an ordinary person like me can't see."

The creases in Wesliel's brow disappeared in an instant, and he spoke calmly as usual.

However, something that could not be put into words was hidden within the tone.

"...I was hoping to have a match with Alberinea if you don't mind. What do you think? It would be good for everyone to learn from it."

The atmosphere had clearly changed, and it felt like it was freezing.

The atmosphere was heavy, nothing like when he had faced Merkes earlier.

The head of a school had his school belittled in front of everyone.

He had no choice but to say this on the basis of his honor and pride.

"Ah... well, as expected here is, a bit..."

Looking at the many people gathered, she scratched his cheek in a troubled expression.

In response to Kalua's words, Wesliel said.

"It's because it's a place like this that it's an appropriate place. Of course, only if Alberinea is willing to accept it."

"Well, I know you're angry at what Usa-chan just said, but... ah."

"Geez, Kalua, let go."

'What are you doing?', she said, very carefree.

Krische glared at Kalua, then turned her eyes to Wesliel.

"Um... did Krische say something rude?"

"That's... as you said, it may be a sword suited for certain situations only. However, I'm still young and haven't reached that level yet, so if you'll allow it, I'd really like to see it shown to Alberinea."

"I see... that's a very admirable attitude."

Krische nodded, and Kalua massaged her forehead.

"Knowing and accepting your weaknesses is very important to becoming stronger. If that's the case, Krische'll accept."

What a big mouth in front of a master.

Kyuris couldn't help but call out to her.

"Kri-Krische-sama, against that person..."

He wanted to see the sword, but he didn't want to see Krische being humiliated in this crowded place.

In any case, Kyuris liked this 'slightly strange older sister' and didn't want her to suffer anything bad.

"Why...?"

"Because he's a master――"

"Stop it, Kyuris. ...Alberinea, please excuse us."

Just as Kalua had done to Cliche, this time it was Merkes who did it to Kyuris.

He covered his mouth to silence him and bowed.

"...Alberinea killed Walter Zargan, the successor to the Zain swordsmanship two generations ago, on the battlefield. A man who committed high treason... It's a little humbling to even talk about it, but I saw his skill when I was a child."

"Um...Ahh right, there was a person like that. Probably the one Krische stabbed in the heart."

She spoke with a smile, with a girlish face.

Kyuris was bewildered.

Krische walked away, put some distance between them, and turned to Wesliel.

"Because Krische wasted so much time on that person, Krische ended up failing to kill His Highness――"

For a moment, he felt an unknown chill, but it quickly disappeared.

"Well, that was when Krische was much weaker than she is now. Krische had borrowed the sword from a corpse anyway, so Krische should have just cut it in half and slipped through. ...Guess Krische made a mistake by trying too neatly."

'That's a problem', she said, nodding several times, then smiling again.

Wesliel's expression, in contrast, became harder and more serious.

"Whether it's a wooden sword or a real sword, please use one you're used to. You don't need to worry about stopping just before the attack, just go ahead and kill Krische."

However, in front of the man who should be called a master, who was serious, she was the same as usual.

"This is just sparring after all."

'Onee-san' was just being gentle, as if it was the most natural thing to do.