GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 21.1: Access Pending

Celia gave me a strange look.

"Vel, are you planning to watch while I attach this to her leg?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

My face suddenly felt warm. I hadn't thought about what that would actually involve.

"I—uh—you're right," I stammered, taking a step back.

Right, she's about to lift Hileya's skirt. I need to look away.

I stepped back and turned around, suddenly finding the practice dummy incredibly fascinating.

"I'll just... check the training equipment while you two handle that," I called over my shoulder, walking briskly toward the weapon rack.

Behind me, I heard Hileya's soft giggle and Celia's patient instructions. I busied myself examining the wooden practice swords, testing their weight and balance while deliberately keeping my back turned.

"Young Master is quite considerate," Hileya's voice carried across the yard.

"He can be, when he remembers his manners," Celia responded with a teasing tone.

I ran my fingers along the grain of a practice sword, trying to ignore their conversation. The situation felt awkward, yet I couldn't help but smile at how Celia had taken charge. She'd always been practical that way – seeing a problem and moving to solve it without hesitation.

"Is it too tight?" Celia asked.

"No, it feels secure but comfortable," Hileya replied.

"Good. Try walking around a bit to make sure it doesn't shift."

I finally heard movement behind me, so I risked a glance over my shoulder. The holster was in place, hidden beneath Hileya's uniform skirts.

"Looks good," I said, returning to them.

"Your garter belt should keep it in place," Celia explained to Hileya.

"Now try draw it," Celia instructed, gesturing to the newly attached holster.

Hileya crouched slightly and carefully lifted the edge of her skirt with one hand, trying not to reveal too much. Her other hand fumbled beneath the fabric, searching for the hilt before finally drawing it out, movements awkward and hesitant. Her cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment.

"It's fine," I reassured her. "Practice the motion whenever you have free time. For now, let's teach you about the grip."

"When you actually need it, modesty won't matter," Celia added bluntly. "Speed could save your life."

I stepped back, giving Celia space to demonstrate.

"Daggers aren't swords," she began, drawing her own training knife from her belt. "Don't treat them like tiny blades."

Hileya watched attentively, her hands mimicking Celia's movements without the weapon.

"First, grip," Celia continued, demonstrating various holds.

She showed Hileya the standard grip for general use, then the reverse grip - "for close quarters" - and finally the precision grip - "when accuracy matters more than power." Her movements were fluid and confident, each transition looking almost effortless.

I watched the demonstration with growing surprise at Celia's expertise.

"Since when do you know so much about daggers?" I asked, unable to hide my surprise.