Chapter 13: Regenration(5)

“I brought it!”

“Thank you.”

As she received the bow, she skillfully pulled the string to check the tension.

Seeing that it wasn’t difficult and was being drawn strongly, it seemed the instructor had luckily chosen the right bow for Shione.

Has that guy ever held a bow before?

No, it can’t be.

Everyone at the shooting range was puzzled by her proficient check of the bow.

The sound of the string being pulled and the arrow striking the target faded away.

“What are you all doing? Your hands are idle. Just because I’m the only one here, are you going to keep dawdling?”

As her words fell, one or two people began shooting again.

However, even so, the soldiers couldn’t completely extinguish their interest in the unexpected guest, Shione Sianella.

Eventually, as they went about their business, occasionally glancing at her, Shione nonchalantly began practicing on the empty target.

The distance was a wide circular target at 70 meters.

Once again, there was no exception: dead release and pinch-style shooting.

After practicing for a month, her posture was well-aligned.

Fwoosh! Thwack!

The arrow shot from her corrected stance pierced the center of the target.

It was not a tilted arrow striking the center, but a clear shot that achieved a horizontal position from the impact point.

With adequate strength and aim, this was the result.

Those watching expressed brief thoughts.

“Whoa…….!”

“She hit it?”

“…Isn’t it just luck?”

As the brief thoughts gathered, a small commotion began to stir.

Shione continued to pull the string and shoot the next arrow without showing any reaction to their comments.

As the number of arrows hitting the target increased, it was only natural for their reactions to change.

‘…It’s too precise to call it luck, isn’t it?’

“Her posture…looks like she isn’t doing it half-heartedly.”

“Has anyone seen Shione practicing before?”

From the initial arrows continuously hitting the target to eventually someone asking if anyone had seen Shione practice, their opinions began shifting from mere luck to wondering if it was skill.

At that moment, I spoke up.

“Are you okay? There are so many people around.”

‘…It’s certainly a bit tough with all these eyes on me. I feel like I’m getting stiff for no reason.’

“Looks like those stances are completely ingrained in your body now.”

“Since I’ve only practiced these every day, it’s strange if they aren’t. How was it? Did it feel okay?”

“Yes, I’m ready to learn the next one.”

“Huh?”

A mix of surprise and joy blossomed on Shione’s face.

“Is that really true?”

“From now on, how about practicing sliding release along with the dead release you’re used to?”

“Of course! Sliding release is the one where you pull the string and shoot without stopping, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“How exciting!”

Perhaps I raised my voice too much, as Shione’s eyes widened.

Seeing her blush with embarrassment while clearing her throat was rather amusing.

To ensure she could immerse herself in archery again without feeling shy, I began to explain the split finger and sliding releases with the bow I held.

“I’ll start by teaching you a new shooting technique.”

“I’ll listen attentively.”

“Alright. Place the arrow between your index and middle fingers and grip it vertically. Now, extend your ring finger to rest on the string like this.”

“Like this?”

“Your index and middle fingers are too spread apart. Hmm, it would be easier to aim if you feel like you’re fixing the arrow’s tip to your index finger.”

“Oh, I see.”

I confirmed that she was correctly following the split finger, also known as the Mediterranean style grip.

Although she still held it awkwardly…

After a few shots, she would likely get the hang of it.

“May I show a demonstration for a moment?”

“Of course.”

I took the bow from Shione and stood in front of the target where she had been shooting arrows.

Having briefly shown the split finger, now it was just a matter of demonstrating the sliding release slowly for her to observe.

“Following the technique, you pull back like this…”

Fwoosh!!

“When your hand is close to your chin, release the string.”

Thwack!!

My arrow flew steadily and pierced the center of the target.

Is it really such a big deal for a man to shoot a bow?

Even the women who had been shooting glanced over at me.

Even without dazzling lights shining on me, why is there so much interest?

I lightly brushed off their attention and added,

“Well, just thinking of relaxing your fingers and pulling your arm back while shooting can also be a good practice.”

“Oh, I see. Pulling my arm back…”

“Let’s stand still. I’ll help you with your stance.”

“…Are you talking about that support from behind?”

“Is there a problem?”

Shione’s cheeks flushed crimson as she glanced around.

“Oh, no. There are so many people around…”

“What, is it such a big deal to react like that? It’s not like you’re going to die.”

“I’m so embarrassed, I might die of shame…but how can you be so unaffected…?”

“Of course. It’s just teaching archery; there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Now, take your stance.”

While it’s good to try shooting once as per your vague memory, I believe it’s more effective to help someone time their movements directly.

I thought that with me helping her a couple of times, Shione would completely get the hang of it.

“…Are you really going to assume that kind of awkward posture here?”

However, my master, filled with sweet pink fantasies in her head, seemed to refuse that notion because someone was around.

It’s not like I’m going to completely hug her from behind; I’m just going to teach her about the grip and timing for drawing the bow.

What is she so picky about?

I squinted my eyes and gazed at Shione.

“The more you react like this, the more the soldiers around you will focus on you, Shione. Just get it done quickly.”

“Haa…fine.”

“You made a good decision.”

I moved closer to correct her grip on the bow.

Then, I began to guide her arm that held the string.

Simultaneously, I felt the gazes piercing into the back of my head.

Glancing back, the women who had forgotten their practice were watching Shione with a mix of admiration and envy.

What amazing people they are.

I hurriedly shifted my focus back to supporting Shione.

As her arm drew back steadily, the tension in the string increased, and once enough strength gathered toward the target, I lightly tapped her arm.

“Keep pulling your arm back while releasing the fingers you had lifted from the string.”

Fwoosh! Thwack!!

After confirming the arrow hit the target, I asked,

“Shall I hold your grip once more?”

“Oh, no. Just let it drop quickly.”

Shione waved her hand.

Her ears were flushed red, likely from embarrassment.

In that state, she shot a glare around her.

Those under her fierce gaze had no choice but to divert their eyes.

After taking a deep breath, Shione nocked another arrow on the string.

“I’ll try shooting according to what you taught me, so let me know if you see any shortcomings.”

“Understood. Shoot with a relaxed mind.”

She began shooting calmly according to my instructions.

As the number of arrows she shot increased, her speed in executing the sliding release quickened.

Pulling her arm back sharply, Shione shot the bow with a single motion.

Though her arrow didn’t hit the center due to a slight wobble, she was smiling.

Shooting carefully is good, but it’s also enjoyable to shoot like this without hesitation. This method seems more comfortable than the previous one.

“It seems like the new technique is indeed right. Ah, when you draw the string, your arm is slightly tilting diagonally. Just keep this in mind.”

“I’ll try my best.”

Her practice continued until her energy was nearly exhausted.

Once Shione set down the bow and began to rest, I approached her and asked,

“What do you think about shooting at this hour?”

“I regret not coming here sooner. It’s really nice.”

“In the future, it wouldn’t be bad to consult the archers beside you if you have questions.”

“…I’m not too fond of talking to others.”

“You seem to converse well with me; talking to those women shouldn’t be too difficult, right?”

“Um…”

She lowered her head.

“…Isn’t it different?”

“Huh?”

“It’s…not a big deal. Forget it; it’s just something trivial.”

…It was such a small statement that I couldn’t quite hear it.

It’s unfortunate, but it seemed Shione wasn’t inclined to share it again when I asked.

Well, if she considers it unimportant, then let’s agree that for now, she’ll practice archery at this time instead of the early morning, shall we?”

“Sure, let’s do that.”

A smile crept onto my face.

But Shione’s next words caused my mood to plummet once again.

“From now on, let’s just do light exercises in the morning instead of practicing archery. Is that okay?”

No, can we just get some sleep in the morning?

What a disaster!