So What!
10: Chapter 10: Nana: Spoiled Rotten by Mei?
So What!
After these days of recuperation under Mei’s care, Nana had finally recovered enough to get out of bed and bounce around energetically.
Having been inactive for so long, some parts of her body didn’t feel as agile as before.
Nana stretched with a satisfied groan, “Mmm~~” She loosened up her body to prevent it from getting rusty.
“Who would believe that I was bedridden for days just because I threw out my back?” “Besides, I have Mei to take care of me!” Indeed, in just a few short days, Nana had already grown accustomed to Mei’s meticulous care.
It had to be said, Mei really was the kind of person who could be her mother!
…
Nana: Mei, Mei, how old are you?
Mei: Hmm…
It’s been quite a long time since I returned after crossing the Finality to mentor newcomers…
Perhaps…
I’m probably…
about the same age as Teacher Himeko…?
No…
I might even be older than Teacher now…
Nana:?
← A kid who just recently turned 18 She really could be a mom, huh?
…
“Wait, no, Nana, Nana.
How could you become so degenerate!
You’ll be spoiled rotten by Mei at this rate!
If something happens in the future, won’t you just be a useless vase?!” Nana pouted, admonishing herself internally, determined not to continue being such a good-for-nothing!
Just then, Mei walked in carrying a plate of fruit, smiling as she said, “Nana, come have some fruit.” Seeing Mei’s gentle expression, Nana’s newly mustered resolve wavered slightly, but she gritted her teeth and said, “Mei, I can’t keep letting you take care of me like this, I’ll turn into a waste!
I need to start training, I need to improve my combat ability!” Mei was taken aback for a moment, then showed a helpless smile.
Although she didn’t know what had prompted this, if the child wanted to get a bit stronger, that just happened to align with her expertise: “Oh?
It’s wonderful that Nana has such an ambitious thought.
Would you like me to provide some guidance?” Nana nodded obediently up and down.
Let’s see if this body of hers could even reach D-rank level?
Nana:…
Felt like she was dreaming…
Mei was well aware that Nana’s body, which seemed like it could be toppled by a strong breeze, was truly weak…
except for being quite vigorous when resisting during *that*.
To describe it using a phrase she saw while surfing the net: A fragile college student?
Usually very frail, except when it comes to food, where they show great enthusiasm.
Mei pondered.
She needed to think about what kind of training to start with, to first make up for Nana’s lacking foundation and then build upon it.
After a moment’s thought, she still decided to start with the most basic training.
“Nana, change into workout clothes.
Since you want to get stronger, first you have to persevere, okay?” “Okay!” After the two changed into their workout clothes, Mei led Nana to an open grassy field and had her start with a light jog to warm up.
Nana was initially full of enthusiasm, but after just a few steps, she became out of breath and her footsteps grew unsteady.
This made Nana freeze, starting to doubt herself.
‘That can’t be right??
Wasn’t I able to run really fast just a few days ago when I carried Mei to the hospital?
How has my physical stamina deteriorated to this extent?
Did lying down for those days with back pain really make me this useless?’ Mei patted her shoulder from the side, patiently encouraging her with a gentle smile: “Nana, hang in there, this is just the beginning.” Next, Mei had Nana do simple push-up and sit-up training.
Nana lay on the ground, hands supporting her, but as soon as she exerted force, she immediately flopped flat on the floor.
Sit-ups were even more difficult.
She strained with all her might, but could only barely lift herself a tiny bit.
Then came the familiar back pain.
But Nana didn’t give up, trying again and again.
Only Mei guiltily shifted her eyes to look elsewhere.
Mei: The blue sky is so very blue today…
Who could know how long Mei, nearing forty, had been holding back?
For a child, the difficulty of this adult trial was like a small leaf boat on the sea being battered by huge waves repeatedly, plunged beneath the sea into even more turbulent changes, then blown back onto the surface only to be tossed about by a waterspout connecting to the sky, back and forth, tormenting her until she cried out in pain.
No wonder it triggered the brain’s protective mechanism.
As the training progressed, Nana’s stamina gradually depleted, sweat soaking through her clothes.
Mei watched with satisfaction.
Perseverance itself was victory!
But she still pretended to be a bit strict to urge her on.
Finally, as the sunset began, the day’s training ended.
Nana collapsed exhausted on the grass.
Though utterly fatigued, her eyes revealed determination and resolve.
She knew that as long as she persevered, she could definitely become stronger.
As long as she persevered, she’d definitely be able to withstand Mei’s trials, right?
(cough) Mei sat beside Nana, handing her a bottle of water, praising her attitude for successfully persevering.
Nana took the water, drinking it in big gulps.
After catching her breath, she said, “Mei, even though I’m really tired today, I feel it was very meaningful.
Can you keep training with me tomorrow?” Mei patted Nana’s head, smiling as she said, “Okay, but I’ll adjust the training intensity appropriately tomorrow.” As for whether it would be adjusted up or up, she thought Nana could definitely persevere, right?
Right at that moment, Nana’s stomach, after a full day of training, finally began to rumble “gurgle gurgle.” Nana’s face flushed red instantly, mentally complaining, ‘Couldn’t have rumbled earlier or later, how embarrassing!’ She couldn’t help but let out an awkward laugh.
Mei stood up, taking Nana’s hand as she said, “You must be starving after a whole day of training.
Let’s go back and eat.
I’ll make you something delicious.” “Something delicious?
Yay!” Delicious food is exactly what I want!
Here I come, tasty treats!
After returning home, Mei tied on an apron and entered the kitchen, thinking for a moment.
“Nana exercised a lot today, so I’ll make something hearty, filling, and good for replenishing energy.
Hmm, and make a soup too, to supplement other things.” Before long, listening to the clean, crisp sound of vegetables being chopped in the kitchen, Nana began to anticipate tonight’s meal.
When wafts of delicious aroma began to drift out.
Sitting at the dining table, Nana tried hard to stop herself from drooling, secretly thinking, “Thank you, Mei, for adding a new hue to this ordinary life, and for letting me experience the feeling of having someone by my side who believes in me.” She vowed to become stronger in the future, until she could stand in front of Mei to protect her, and face everything the future holds together with Mei.
By the time Mei brought the food to the table, Nana could no longer control her cravings, eagerly digging in.
As she ate, she gave a thumbs-up and praised, “The food Mei makes is so delicious!” And Mei would always smile and say, “Don’t rush, you’ll choke.
If it’s not enough, I’ll cook more.” “Mmph?
Mmph mmph!” Mei couldn’t help but chuckle with amused exasperation.
This little kitten was so focused on eating, her cheeks stuffed full, that she completely missed what she had just said.
After the meal, stroking her full, round belly, she felt so happy~ It was as if what she had eaten wasn’t just delicious food, but “happiness” that could fill the emptiness inside her heart.
Only when she ate her fill could she feel that moment of spiritual satisfaction.
Mei didn’t know what Nana was thinking, but she tilted her head, watching, and asked, “You sweated so much today, do you want me to help scrub your back?” Nana, who had just been leaning back in her chair rubbing her belly, turned her head with a snap to look at Mei.
Scrub her back?
The kind where two girls are in the bathroom, and while scrubbing, you can increase affection points and unlock special events, like in those galgames?
Sounds interesting ().
Then she definitely has to get scrubbed!
“Okay~ But I need to digest a bit first~” Rubbing her round, bulging belly, she suddenly felt that eating so much at once wasn’t such a good idea after all.
Seeing this, Mei came over to help by gently rubbing her belly to aid digestion.
It’s just, why did the scene look so much like a father lovingly stroking a blissfully pregnant mother?
So weird ().