“…Mm. I’m alright now, Kanami. I’ve calmed down.”
After a short while cooling off on the balcony, Snow had completely recovered.
Smiling brightly, she motioned for me to return to the Grand Hall.
“Is that so? Then, shall we go back…”
Judging her bright demeanor to be genuine, I agreed.
Just as we were about to head back to the Grand Hall, a man entered the balcony.
“—Ah, excuse me.”
He had short, coppery hair and a gentle face. His attire was fine, even among aristocrats, and similar to Snow’s. I looked at Snow, prompting her to explain who he was.
“…Welcome back, Older Brother.”
Snow nodded and called the man her Older Brother.
So, this must be—
“Ah, I’m tired… So tired. So tired I could die. Ah, I want to die…”
“…Even if no one else is here, please be a little more careful with your words.”
“Ah, yes. …Haa, well, talking with you, Snow, is the only break time I get. Really.”
I focused my gaze on the man.
[Status]
Name: Glen Walker HP 331/342 MP 92/92 Class: Scout
Level: 28
Strength 7.22 Stamina 8.55 Dexterity 11.78 Speed 13.79 Intelligence 10.01 Magic Power 5.26 Aptitude 2.19
Innate Skills: Luck 1.02 Misfortune 2.75
Acquired Skills: Earth Magic 1.22 Weapon Combat 1.17 Exploration 1.11
Stealth 1.56 Apothecary 1.10 Theft 1.66
This man was Glen Walker.
An Explorer in the Allied Nations who bore the title of ‘Strongest’.
His talent and level were, as expected, high. However, his stats were more uneven than I’d anticipated. He seemed like the type of person who relied on his abundant skills rather than engaging in direct confrontation.
But this…
If things went wrong, Snow might be at a disadvantage…
Glen approached me with a languid air and greeted me with a friendly smile.
“Nice to meet you. Are you perhaps Kanami, the ‘Epic Seeker’?”
“Ah, yes, nice to meet you. I am Aikawa Uzunami.”
I bowed deeply and introduced myself to Glen.
“Oh, you’re completely different from what Palinkron told me… No, in a good way, mind you? Don’t misunderstand! I wasn’t speaking ill of you.”
“Uh, Haa…”
It was I who thought he was “completely different.”
It was somewhat surprising that this man was the “Strongest” everyone idolized.
Glen observed me closely, then clapped me on the shoulder with a beaming smile.
“Yep, yep, that’s good! You’re really great! I’ve been a fan of yours ever since that time. That was amazing. A true ‘Hero’, unlike a pathetic fake like me!”
He then excitedly declared himself a fan.
But I wondered what “that time” referred to. Had he heard rumors about me from the ‘Epic Seeker’?
Snow then interjected, looking flustered.
“—Glen Older Brother. About that time…”
“Eh? Ah, ah, I know, Snow. I haven’t forgotten. I’m not lying, okay?”
Scolded by Snow, Glen visibly shrank. He then repeatedly made excuses while glancing at Snow’s face. Since they were about the same height, it was impossible to tell who was older.
Glen cleared his throat and turned back to me.
“Anyway! Kanami, you are more than enough to be entrusted with my sister. I’ve watched and spoken with you extensively, and I’m convinced. You’re a good person. No doubt about it!”
“Th-thank you…”
For some reason, Glen’s opinion of me was exceptionally high.
He kept patting my shoulder and praising me.
Then, Glen excitedly clenched his fist and declared passionately.
“I couldn’t do much for Snow, but I can at least support your marriage. I’ve finally gained enough influence to do so. I won’t let the main branch object! …Probably!”
“Eh, support for your marriage…?”
I repeated the words I couldn’t ignore.
“What are you talking about… Older Brother…”
Snow echoed my confusion.
She sought an explanation from her brother, who had suddenly started saying strange things.
“Eh? Well, aren’t you two getting married?”
Despite our bewilderment, Glen’s answer was nonchalant.
“Wha—, Haa!? Eh!?”
“—What!?”
Both Snow and I exclaimed in disbelief.
“Huh? Palinkron always said something like this, you know? He said, ‘I found someone worthy to be Snow Walker’s husband! Please, use your power, Glen, to help these two get together!’”
Glen imitated Palinkron’s voice and explained what he had been asked. However, his imitation was terrible.
“Th-that bastard…”
I was furious at Palinkron’s audacious act.
However, Glen continued the conversation with a cheerful demeanor.
“Snow and Kanami’s marriage!! I’m completely in favor of it! I couldn’t be happier if my admired Kanami becomes my brother-in-law! As Snow Walker’s fiancé, I and Palinkron recommend you! No matter what happens, I’ll see to it that you two get married!”
Leaving Snow and me bewildered, Glen made his declaration. Snow by his side murmured, trembling.
“…I haven’t heard anything about this. This… this kind of thing…”
“Ah, I haven’t heard anything either. That bastard, doing such a thing on his own—”
I was about to agree with him when Snow interrupted.
“I h-haven’t heard anything, but… it’s not a bad idea. That’s not a bad idea at all… Eh, but, does that mean…”
Snow continued to murmur to herself.
She seemed to be neither listening to me nor to Glen’s impassioned declaration. She just repeated questions to herself. And then—
“Eh? So, it’s… it’s like that…?”
Leaving Glen and me behind, she seemed to have reached some kind of conclusion on her own.
Just like before, she looked as if she had discovered something for the first time in her life, gazing at her own palm.
Neither Glen nor I knew what conclusion Snow had reached. We simply couldn’t bring ourselves to interrupt her, sensing something unusual. Her expression was so opaque and distorted.
The monologue continued with her expression unchanged.
“You mean you just want to do as you please? So, Palinkron is the same…?”
Then, Snow’s face gradually brightened. Her sluggish voice cleared little by little, and she began to speak clearly—uncharacteristically so.
“Ah, finally, finally…! I finally understand…!!”
Snow’s characteristic languid way of speaking had completely vanished. She had become like an ordinary girl.
Snow looked at her own palm with a cheerful face, as if a demon had been cast out. My Older Brother and Glen were bewildered by this sudden change.
“Snow… What’s wrong…?”
“Um, Snow-san…?”
My Older Brother and I cautiously called out to her. In response, Snow turned to me with a refreshing smile and asked in a bright voice.
“—Hey, Kanami, you don’t want to marry me?”
That question was one of the heaviest in my life. I was shaken by Snow’s pure and clear confession, so unlike her usual self.
“W-wait…! Wait, wait! Snow, what are you talking about so suddenly!?”
“If I marry Kanami, everything will be resolved. If Kanami, my husband, fulfills the Walker family’s duty, everything will be solved!”
Snow grabbed my hand and spoke with a pure smile. This pure Snow was incomparably cuter than her usual languid self. She was cute, but none of what she said could be easily agreed to.
I carefully chose my words.
“…The Walker family’s duty?”
“Yes. Children adopted into the Walker family have a duty to spread the Walker family name. They won’t be satisfied unless you work as hard as Glen Older Brother. They won’t be satisfied with taking in Snow, the descendant of a Dragon Person… But Kanami can satisfy them. With Kanami’s power as a ‘Hero’!!”
Snow answered happily. I then understood the problem and grasped the essence of what she was thinking.
“…You want me to spread the Walker family name? As Kanami Walker?”
“Exactly. If Glen Older Brother and the Legacy family cooperate and support me, marrying Kanami won’t be a dream. I won’t have to marry into another family as a form of disposal!”
“Calm down, Snow… I understand you’re in a rush, but this isn’t something you can decide so easily. Marriage is an important matter; you should think about it more.”
This was not a matter to be decided on a whim, at least.
“…I thought about it. This is the result of my thinking. Marrying Kanami is definitely the easiest. It’s the most freeing, so I want to marry Kanami!!”
That was the worst confession imaginable. Snow wanted to marry me not because she liked me, but because it would be easy.
“…N-no. That’s not okay. Snow is talking about marriage for a reason like ‘it’s easy.’ There’s no way I can accept a confession like that.”
Of course, I refused the proposal. At least, I could never agree to it while looking at Snow as she was now. Above all, if it were just a matter of liking or disliking, I currently…
However, Snow seemed surprised by my response. With a fixed smile, she replied,
“Huh? Huh? Wait… Kanami… you won’t… help me…?”
“It’s not that I won’t help…! But marriage is too big a topic to suddenly bring up. Besides, I have the right to choose my partner…!”
“No…! It’s unfair that I don’t have the right to choose, but Kanami does. That’s just unfair…!!”
Understanding my refusal, Snow’s expression began to contort. This was the first time she had shown so much emotion.
Sensing that things would become irreparable if they continued like this, I gripped Snow’s hand back and retorted firmly.
“Snow, don’t worry. Everyone has the right to choose their partner. If the Walker family causes trouble, I’ll handle it myself!”
I tried with all my might to alleviate Snow’s anxiety. However, my feelings did not reach her. Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes as she edged closer.
“…Hey. …Kanami, let’s give up together, okay? It’s easier if you give up.”
“No, I’m telling you, you don’t need to give up! I’ll cooperate so you can choose freely!”
“If you’ll c-cooperate, then marry me? I think that would be the best, ehehe…”
Snow gave a fawning smile with teary eyes. She was forcing a smile, trying her best to get me to nod.
I didn’t want to see Snow like that. I shook my head coldly.
“I can’t do that. All I can do is cooperate so that Snow can choose freely.”
“If I can choose freely, then I choose Kanami! Kanami spoils me the most. He has the power to spoil someone like me. There’s never been anyone like that in my life! Kanami is the only one who can spoil me without fearing the Walker family!!”
Snow squeezed my hand tightly and pressed closer. However, I continued to shake my head quietly. Seeing this, Snow let go of my hand and staggered backward.
“Ah, huh…? Why…? He took her, but… you won’t take me…? Did I make a mistake again…? Is it my fault after all…?”
And then, she began to monologue again. Lowering her gaze, she repeated her questions to herself while looking at her palm, and finally knelt down.
This was not normal. This was a state that could not be imagined from the usual Snow.
Naturally, I ‘gazed’ at her and checked her ‘condition.’ But there was nothing abnormal. She was certainly in a state of mild excitement, but nothing else.
In other words, this was the true state of Snow’s heart. Stripped of her facade of composure, the serious Snow was so weak and foolish—
Faced with Snow’s heart, which was weaker than I had imagined, I was unable to say anything. Instead, Glen Older Brother reached out his hand in a practiced manner.
“S-Snow… I’m sorry… that was sudden…”
Then, I lent my shoulder to the staggering Snow and had her sit on a nearby bench.
Snow, who had sat down, began to catch her breath and gradually calmed down.
As expected of siblings. Glen was probably not seeing Snow in this state for the first time. I decided it would be best to leave her to her older brother, Glen.
I could only watch silently as Snow collapsed.
◆◆◆◆◆
Birdsong could be heard from the depths of the darkness.
The cry, similar to that of an owl, brought back faint memories of my previous world.
I sat on a bench a short distance from Snow and Glen, waiting for time to pass.
Then, after about half an hour, Snow, who had been sitting, stood up.
I stood up as well, drawn by her movement.
Snow approached me and spoke apologetically.
“…I’ve calmed down now, so it’s okay. …I’m sorry for saying strange things.”
It was the usual Snow.
Lethargic, calm, never taking anything too seriously.
Snow, who always had a pause before speaking.
It was good that she had returned to her usual self, but it made conversation a little difficult. However, I couldn’t afford to hesitate. Snow was my partner in “Epic Seeker.”
“You don’t have to worry about it. You were worried sick about the engagement, weren’t you? So it can’t be helped.”
“…Y-Yeah. I was just getting flustered about everything. Being told to get married, get married, over and over again, my head felt like it was boiling. Ahaha.”
Snow tried to cover up her emotions, repeatedly apologizing with a dry smile.
“…Haha. I’m sorry. That really wasn’t like me. What was I so desperate about? No matter how hard I try, it’s bound to fail anyway.”
Then, she gave up.
She was about to give up on everything, just like always.
While that was characteristic of Snow, it was something I couldn’t overlook. I wasn’t telling her to give up on everything.
“No, you don’t have to be so self-deprecating. We are cooperating, it’s true. If you feel like you’re being forced into something unpleasant, tell me. I’ll definitely do something about it.”
“…Mm, thank you.”
Snow thanked me weakly.
She didn’t seem to be truly pleased. It was as if the words she really wanted were different.
Then, Snow pursed her lips and added.
“…Ah, and also. Please just remember that there’s ‘that path’ as an option, okay? That’s enough…”
By “that path,” Snow was likely referring to the path of her marrying me.
“Ah, ah…”
Remembering it was something I could do.
I nodded in response.
Seeing that, Snow smiled with relief.
There was no trace of the abnormality from before.
Had she just exploded with pent-up frustration from before…?
Seeing that Snow and I were talking without issue, Glen approached us.
“Y-You made up… right?”
“It’s alright now. Glen.”
Snow also nodded in agreement with me. It seemed she had been worried that she had caused us to quarrel.
“Haa, I’m relieved… I’ve taken up quite a bit of your time, so I need to go and greet people… Snow, are you really okay…?”
“…I’m fine. You too, Older Brother, I’m sorry to keep you when you’re busy.”
“No, I’m always busy as usual… Well then, I’m off…”
Glen then entered the grand hall.
Immediately, Glen was surrounded by people, and he began to deal with them all with a fake smile. The number of people was several times ours. It seemed that when someone is called a “Hero” and is “The Strongest”, there are many people who try to curry favor with them at events like these.
“He looks busy, your brother.”
“…Yeah. Even so, he’s the “Hero” of the five kingdoms. He’s like that wherever he goes.”
“Wherever he goes, huh… That sounds unpleasant…”
“…I hate it too. I absolutely hate it.”
Snow rejected the idea with a heartfelt voice.
For the home-loving Snow, troublesome greeting rounds were probably the most aversive thing.
“Hey, Snow. What are we doing today? Shall we head back now?”
“…Yeah, I want to go back.”
Snow and I agreed, and decided to leave the ball.
Snow’s poor condition was genuine.
I bowed my head and tried to escape smoothly.
I took the lead and returned to the grand hall.
Returning to the clamor of the aristocrats, I used “Dimension – Decisive Calculation” to head for the exit without making eye contact with anyone.
And then, just as I was a short distance from the exit door, I was approached by an unfamiliar woman.
“Ah, Onii-san. Long time no see.”
She was a girl with short hair.
She used strange polite language and waved at me.
I was bewildered.
She was an unfamiliar woman. I wanted to ignore her and keep going, but she might be a daughter of a high-ranking family, which would be no laughing matter.
I stopped and looked at the girl.
Then, another voice called out.
This time, it was a deep, seasoned voice.
“Mmm… Are you Christ Eurasia…?”
She was a woman of unusual height.
Though she was a woman, her voice was strangely deep. Almost like a man’s.
She was taller than me, with sharp eyes and a dignified expression. She had long, chestnut-colored hair tied back, trailing like a tail.
And then, I could tell from their footwork that these two were no ordinary people.
It reminded me of Rowen. Their movements were quiet, economical, and suited for wielding a sword.
I instinctively used “Gaze.”
[Status]
Name: Perciona Queiger HP430/434 MP105/105 Class: Knight
Level 27
Strength 10.99 Stamina 9.73 Dexterity 8.55 Speed 10.09 Intelligence 9.32 Magic Power 6.56 Aptitude 1.56
Innate Skill:
Acquired Skill: Swordsmanship 1.89 Divine Magic 1.95
[Status]
Name: Ragune Kaikuola HP158/161 MP36/36 Class: Knight
Level 17
Strength 3.40 Stamina 4.42 Dexterity 12.05 Speed 6.62 Intelligence 7.52 Magic Power 1.62 Aptitude 1.12
Innate Skill: Magic Manipulation 2.12
Acquired Skill: Swordsmanship 0.
A girl with short hair, wearing multiple layers of skirts, is Ragune Kaikuola. A tall woman with a low voice is Perciona Queiger.
There’s no mistake.
Both of them are quite skilled. Ragune Kaikuola possesses the skill “Magic Control,” which even Rainer himself said was something “one stakes their life on to learn.”
That’s precisely why I want to ignore them and leave…
However, I didn’t have the nerve to ignore these knights, who must be somewhat renowned.
“I believe you’ve mistaken me for someone else… I don’t have a name like that…”
I politely shake my head.
However, Ragune Kaikuola approaches me with a puzzled expression.
“Huh? There’s no way we’d mistake you for Christ Eurasia. You beat us so violently and one-sidedly that you appear in our dreams. Wow, you caught us off guard back then, but I won’t lose next time!”
“No, I’m telling you, it’s a mistaken identity—”
As the girl gets closer and closer, I spread my hands to create a wall.
“Hmm.”
Perciona Queiger nods as if convinced.
Then, grabbing Ragune Kaikuola by the scruff of her neck and pulling her back, she begins to speak.
“…We must indeed pretend it’s a mistaken identity. …Ragune, as the person you’re addressing says, it’s a mistaken identity. The charges against that man have already been settled through a transaction between Fuziaze and Laura Via. Therefore, this person and that scoundrel are different individuals.”
“Huh? Is that so? I haven’t heard anything about it.”
“You have a loose tongue, and your position is weak. That’s why I didn’t tell you.”
“N-no way…”
The two of them talk amongst themselves, leaving me aside.
It seems this “Christ” person is even suspected of being a criminal.
Then, they reintroduce themselves.
“I apologize for my subordinate’s rudeness, Sir Aikawa of Laura Via. I am Perciona Queiger, holder of the first seat among Fuziaze’s ‘Seven Knights of Heaven.’ It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“Same here, Ragune Kaikuola. I got third seat by sheer luck.”
With such polite introductions, I have no choice but to reciprocate.
“…I am Aikawa Uzunami, Guild Master of Laura Via’s directly-affiliated Guild ‘Epic Seeker’. This is Sub-master Snow Walker. However, I’m currently in a hurry, so if you’ll excuse us—”
“I’m back, Commander-in-Chief.”
My words to leave the scene are interrupted by a new girl.
She’s a girl with a particularly noble aura, even amidst the ballroom. Her conspicuous blond twin tails sway, and she wears a luxurious dress adorned with gold and silver embroidery.
“Perfect timing, allow me to introduce Franryure Helvirshine, who has entered the ‘Seven Knights of Heaven’ as rank six, and Rainer Helvirshine, rank seven.”
Perciona Queiger introduces the girl without missing a beat.
Then, her eyes meet the twin-tailed girl’s.
“H-huh? Ch-Christ-sama…?”
The twin-tailed girl’s blue eyes narrow, and she opens her mouth wide, murmuring “Christ.”
“—!”
Behind her, a boy in butler attire is also surprised. However, his surprise is different from the girl’s.
After his shock, the boy shows a piercing hostility.
Responding to the hostility, I focus my gaze on the boy and lightly ready myself.
[Status]
Name: Rainer Helvirshine HP 142/172 MP 23/50 Class: Knight
Level 12
Strength 6.12 Stamina 4.52 Dexterity 5.01 Speed 6.92 Intelligence 6.53 Magic Power 3.88 Aptitude 1.89
Innate Skill: Wind Magic 1.12
Acquired Skills: Swordsmanship 1.23 Divine Magic 1.02
Rainer Helvirshine.
He has moderate talent, but not enough to be particularly wary of… or so I thought.
By the time I finish looking at his status, the boy’s hostility has vanished like mist. Silently, he retreats behind the girl. I, too, relax my guard.
“E-eh? Why are you here, Christ-sama? And with Snow…”
The twin-tailed girl, Franryure Helvirshine, tries to press me even more than Ragune Kaikuola.
However, Snow intervenes between us, creating distance.
“…It’s been a while, Franryure-sama. I heard you were appointed as Fuziaze’s top knight. Congratulations.”
Snow and Franryure Helvirshine seem to know each other.
“Snow…!? I heard you took a leave of absence from the academy to work at the guild…! Didn’t you say you weren’t interested in Christ-sama!”
“…It was by circumstance.”
“By circumstance?! If one could end up with Christ-sama by circumstance, I wouldn’t have to work so hard!”
From what I can hear, they seem to be acquaintances from the academy. She seems more at ease talking to them than other nobles.
Behind them, Perciona Queiger’s low voice calls out.
“That’s enough, Fran. This person is not ‘Christ’.”
However, Franryure Helvirshine doesn’t stop.
“Christ-sama, it’s me! Franryure Helvirshine, who you helped during the academy exams long ago! Do you remember—”
“I told you to stop.”
Perciona Queiger restrains Franryure Helvirshine, who refuses to stop, by grabbing her by the neck.
“—Ugh!”
With an unladylike yelp, Franryure Helvirshine is pulled back.
Then, Perciona Queiger continues her admonishment in a low voice.
“You are Fuziaze’s representative, one of the ‘Seven Knights of Heaven,’ and he is Laura Via’s Guild Master, Kanami Aikawa. You are letting your personal feelings get in the way too much.”
“Hmph…!!”
Franryure Helvirshine is reprimanded and steps back. Rainer Helvirshine does the same.
In her place, Perciona Queiger steps forward, bows, and continues speaking.
“Kanami Aikawa. As you know, there are three vacant seats among the ‘Seven Knights of Heaven.’ While two have been filled by relatives of Hein Helvirshine, one seat still remains open. Yes, it’s truly troubling. Therefore, we are currently searching for an excellent knight who will carry on Hein’s will.”
With a theatrical flourish, Perciona Queiger closed the distance between us.
“Hein—”
Hein Helvirshine.
My heart stirred at the mention of his name. My fists clenched, independent of my own will.
He was likely the older brother of the boy and girl behind her— no, I wouldn’t turn away from it any longer.
Hein Helvirshine was undoubtedly someone connected to my past. That was precisely why these people were so fixated on me.
“As the leader of the Seven Knights of Heaven, I believe I can recommend Kanami Aikawa for the final seat. It costs nothing but to invite, after all. …What do you say?”
However, I didn’t understand the nature of that connection.
As long as I was under Laura Via’s protection, I had no intention of joining the so-called Seven Knights of Heaven, but I wanted to hear them out.
Upon hearing Perciona Queiger’s proposal, the two girls behind him excitedly reacted.
“Th-that’s wonderful! A splendid idea, Leader!”
“Eh!? All three of you, it’s as if you left because of my older brother, you know? Do you think they’ll agree to that?”
Two cheerful, high-pitched voices chimed in.
However, they were not the problem. The problem was the boy hiding behind them.
The hostility radiating from the young Rainer Helvirshine was growing. My senses, honed through repeated training with Rowen, cried out in warning.
This expressionless boy, if I wasn’t careful, might even attack me right here and now…!!
Whether aware of Rainer Helvirshine’s emotions or not, Perciona Queiger continued speaking.
“You two, be quiet for a moment. …So, Kanami Aikawa, what is your answer?”
“Um—”
For now, I thought I should hear the details and was about to reply—
“No. Kanami is my master and my partner. We won’t hand him over to Fuziaze.”
Snow interrupted me instead.
She stepped in front of me and glared at all the knights. Perciona Queiger stared at Snow, who had suddenly interjected, with keen interest.
“…Oh?”
“Kanami will become Laura Via’s ‘Hero.’ No matter what happens, Kanami will never leave the ‘Epic Seeker.’ Right, Kanami…?”
Snow’s shoulders seemed to tremble slightly.
She still didn’t seem to be feeling well.
“…That’s right.”
I nodded honestly. It was best to end this quickly for Snow’s sake.
Perciona Queiger turned a sharp gaze at me, having rejected his offer.
“Hmm. In that case, shall I try to persuade you at the Dance Battle Tournament… The Seven Knights of Heaven have been granted a recommendation slot for Fuziaze. It’s highly possible we’ll face Kanami Aikawa, who has a recommendation slot from Laura Via.”
And then, she mentioned the Dance Battle Tournament.
Snow retorted to Perciona Queiger, who showed no sign of giving up.
“Let me tell you, I’m also participating in the Dance Battle Tournament. Don’t think you can fight Kanami so easily.”
“I see… If we are to exchange blows with the sister of the ‘Strongest,’ we Seven Knights of Heaven must also be prepared. Lady Snow Walker, the ‘Dragon Incarnate’ of the Walker family…”
Snow and Perciona Queiger glared at each other.
After a moment of silence, Perciona Queiger was the first to sigh and laugh.
“—Hmph, that was quite an introduction. …Sorry to have kept you. We’ll meet again. Kanami Aikawa, Lady Snow Walker.”
With those words, Perciona Queiger turned her back.
Her fellow Seven Knights of Heaven followed, leaving.
However, Franryure Helvirshine continued to glare at Snow until the very end. Snow averted her gaze and waited for the Fuziaze party to leave.
Then, only Snow and I were left behind.
I felt a sense of unease about her actions and called out her name.
“Snow…?”
Snow flinched, her shoulders trembling, and averted her eyes as she spoke, trying to compose herself. She seemed to realize that her behavior was uncharacteristic.
“…I’m sorry to those people, but… Kanami is *my* Kanami.”
“Eh…?”
“No! I mean, in the sense that you’re the Guild Master of the ‘Epic Seeker.’ Kanami is *our* Kanami. If he were easily poached, all the guild members would be sad, so that’s why!”
Snow laughed sheepishly and added her words.
From Snow’s demeanor, I could sense that this was just a pretense. Snow had declared that she wouldn’t give me to anyone, solely based on her personal feelings. This was predictable given what had just happened.
I was certain that Snow had not given up on marrying me.
I nodded slowly, feeling conflicted.
“Don’t worry. No matter what conditions are offered, I won’t go to Fuziaze. We’ve finally gotten along well with the guild members…”
“…Right. That’s a relief. …A relief.”
Hearing my reply, Snow’s face lit up.
Seeing her like that, I felt relieved, but at the same time, my sense of unease grew.
If Snow was smiling, it made me happy as her partner. However, on the other hand, I was certainly bewildered by this new side of her.
“Let’s go home for now… I’m a bit tired too…”
“…Yeah, let’s go home together.”
Snow took my hand and fled the Grand Hall as if escaping. Although I should have paid my respects to Laura Via’s royalty, I managed to escape by claiming she was feeling unwell. I didn’t know how this would affect things later, but it couldn’t be helped. Snow was clearly acting strangely today.
We went out to the garden and left the castle in our carriage.
Thus, my debut into high society concluded.
On the way back,
I felt as though the distance between Snow and me had become a little closer than usual.
