According to the Book of Prophecies, Claude served by the Prince’s side while troubled, but with Folia infatuated with Zell, his heart may never be healed. The same went for Ian, Luca, and Addis.
Well, in Ian’s case, she had inadvertently hijacked the event route, so that seemed resolved for now, even if the enchanting future had changed sadly.
(…Given how Folia doesn’t seem motivated by a game-like system to pursue anyone, will the foretold wonderful future even happen…)
If the angel Folia was meant to save them, the poor guys deserved some pity.
Claude devoted himself to Ruben but also moonlighted as an assassin. Always wearing gloves out of a sense of being tainted,
the heroine could say something cheesy like, “There’s nothing dirty about you! Those are such kind hands!” But the unbefitting Raze couldn’t utter such cringeworthy lines. A bloodstained soldier like her could never replace Folia.
Raze stared at the meat bun in her hands.
“Aren’t you going to eat?”
“Oh, of course I am!”
Flustered, Raze took a big bite.
One bite awakened a ravenous hunger within her. Stuffing her cheeks full, she silently and hurriedly devoured it, not wanting to keep the Carne waiting any longer.
“Ahh~ That was delicious! It’s been a while since I’ve had hot meal…”
Seeing Raze with a satisfied look on her face, Claude looked a bit surprised.
“Is the work difficult?”
“It’s manageable. Just busy and messy. Ah, of course I made sure to clean up before coming!”
Raze added hastily, and after Claude looked briefly taken aback, a faint smile appeared on his face.
“You look clean.”
The flowers that seemed to bloom behind Claude must have been the effect of some game enhancement activating.
“That’s good. I thought I should at least look presentable, so I took great care in getting ready.”
What Raze said was completely from the heart.
Claude, walking ahead, let out a small murmur, “Me too.” But those words sounded somewhat sad.
“–Oh, Raze!”
“Sorry I’m late!!”
Raze joined up with the staff members who had taken refuge in the store. She immediately apologized with a deep bow.
“It’s okay. Good work. Were you doing alright?”
“Yes! I worked hard for this day!”
As Carne’s face came closer, Raze felt blessed by her beauty. She had worked hard these three days so no one could disturb her. She was overjoyed.
“We’re all here now. Let’s go.”
As the two girls rejoiced in their reunion, Ruben stood up.
“Huh? Where’s Folia?”
Raze tilted her head, realizing one important person was missing.
“She said she’ll come directly to the mansion later.”
“…I see.”
Thinking that the angel’s presence was nowhere to be seen, it seemed she wasn’t here right now.
(Lord Mordil must not have let her come…?)
He probably didn’t want Folia, who is so important, to stay overnight for three days with the male students around her age.
There are risks involved in having her ride in the same carriage as a prince of a nation. Lord Mordil must have been being as cautious as possible about Folia’s safety.
Due to these restraints, it seems they’ll be given the signature sweets of this world again.
While ignoring the dating sim scenario, it appears a romance story unique to this world is unfolding.
(Still, though…)
Everyone is disguised to go down to the town, but they can’t hide their aura at all.
Carne has her characteristic braided hair in a ponytail, giving her a more modest student look in contrast to her usual bewitching style. Ruben is wearing glasses, though it’s unknown if it’s to match Carne’s look or just to tone down his flashiness, but his handsomeness still radiates through.
It’s too dazzling to just casually comment on! But this isn’t the time to be so carefree when there’s the issue of their escort that has caused inconvenience.
“I’m sorry for making you all meet up in town.”
Raze felt regretful, realizing she could have handled it better instead of being so carefree.
Carne had them meet here to reduce Raze’s burden, considering things like transportation costs.
“Don’t worry about it, Raze.”
“But…”
To Raze’s apologetic expression, Carne whispered in her ear.
“I got to go around town with Lord Ruben before we gathered.”
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–So she wanted to thank her for that.
Understanding what was said, Raze realized, “Ah” – this too must have been the goddess’s deliberate plan.
To avoid sounding too stubborn, she remained silent.
It seemed the other two girls besides herself were busy with their youthful springs.
“The carriage is ready. Let’s go before people start arriving. –Miss Carne.”
Ruben extended his hand to escort Carne.
It didn’t seem like there were any issues between the two during the break.
(Yeah, that’s the feeling.)
Having faded completely into the background, Raze felt happy to see Carne and Ruben’s regular interactions.
This was her first time meeting the students of centrior Academy outside of school. Although the environment and attire were different, everyone was unchanged.
“Long time no see, Granoli!”
“It has been a while, Lord Ian.”
As Raze found herself alone, Ian approached her.
With Folia absent and Carne paired with Ruben, Ian was the easiest to talk to now.
“Did you get lost on your way?”
“No, my work just ran late.”
“I see! That must have been tough.”
They chatted about small things as Raze and Ian headed towards the carriage.
“Oh, come to think of it, I never did ask where I’ll be staying…”
She had heard that Ruben would arrange a place for them to gather, but at that time only the date and meeting spot had been decided.
“The Emerald Palace,”
Addis chimed in, suddenly appearing beside her.
“…Eh?”
Raze’s eyes widened upon learning their destination.
(The royal villa!?)
They were heading to Ruben’s — or rather, His Majesty Gaius’ vacation home.
She had expected they would be taken somewhere luxurious when they mentioned a mansion, but never imagined it would be the emperor’s villa.
As Raze stood dumbfounded, the other members started boarding the large box carriage that had been prepared for them behind the store.
Raze had never ridden in such a fancy carriage before, its craftsmanship shining through. She sat on the well-cushioned seats, looking around the interior in amazement.
Long benches sat atop the wheels, with windows on the back side allowing for a nice view. Unlike a dim freight wagon, this was clearly meant for sightseeing. Magic stones were embedded throughout, with defensive spells cast over it. It must have cost a fortune. Once everyone was aboard, the smooth-riding carriage immediately set off.
“It’s been a while since I went to the Emerald Palace. Six years, maybe?”
Addis seemed to have been there before as he spoke to Ruben.
(……He’s been to the emperor’s private residence……)
Raze didn’t know, but it turned out they had been close family friends since childhood, often playing together in the summers.
“I haven’t been there since entering the academy either. It’s a nice cool place even without magic. I think Carne will like it too.”
The way he immediately brought Carne into the conversation hinted at his doting love for her. She hoped they wouldn’t get too lovey-dovey and make the work drag on. Carne should see that adoring behavior from an outsider’s perspective at least once.
Despite having just been in a monster’s den, the sheer contrast made Raze feel at ease.
(–Oh no…)
She wasn’t used to spending time just traveling by carriage like this.
Her body and mind had grown weary from constantly being active every day. The gentle rocking motion was just right to make her start dozing off.
She clenched her fists on her lap, but if she closed her eyes for even an instant, she would surely fall asleep.
While there were knights escorting them outside, considering the possibility of an ambush, she couldn’t afford to sleep. And it would be rude to sleep here and risk things like drooling or talking in her sleep…
Raze fretted over these thoughts, but gradually lost consciousness. Before she knew it, her eyes had closed.
“…………”
With a light thud, Raze’s head bumped against the wall.
Unperturbed, Claude was the first to notice she had fallen into a deep slumber.
The seating had Claude, Carne, and Ruben in front, then Raze, Ian, Luca, and Addis behind them. As the attendant tasked with being attentive, it was only natural for Claude to notice first.
“Claude?”
Ruben’s eyes widened as Claude slowly began removing his jacket.
Without a word, Claude draped his jacket over the sleeping Raze.
The other members looked on with slightly surprised expressions. To everyone except Ruben, it was rare to see Claude showing consideration towards a commoner.
“…She said she also had work this morning.”
Claude didn’t say anything more, his usual poker face remaining as he sat beside Carne.
“I’ve never seen Raze sleep like this before. I wonder if she was just tired…”
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