Chapter 18 (1/2)

It has been a few days since our arrival in Einark.

”Woaah, it's daytime.”

I yawn and stretch out by the window. It looks like it will be a sunny day today. It's a perfect day to continue our journey.

We have been exploring the ruins and hunting demons a lot during the last few days.

Thanks to that, Marianne has reached level 100. Even Urara also reached level 80, both have acquired the strength of the hero class.

There will be no opponent that can stand up to the two of them.

I got dressed and left the room.

”Good morning, master!”

”Good morning.”

Kaede was waiting for me in the hallway. And next to her was panda.

This is my favorite animal type, but just listen to Kaede.

I guess he is a male after all. I haven't seen anything that can define his sex, though, and it's hard to make a decision.

Well, it's like a cushion and a pet at the same time. So it doesn't matter.

I went downstairs and headed for the dining room. Marianne was sitting there.

”Good morning, Toru-Sama.”

”Good morning. I see you've gotten used to the way you look.”

”Yes, it's strange that I've never had it before.”

Marianne had a small sword on her hip.

It seems that in recent days he has made it part of his persona and carries it with him at all times.

In addition, their former style, which was dressed like that of a high-class lady, has been converted into shirts and pants worn by adventurers.

Even so, her beauty has not been compromised in the least. On the contrary, I now see her as more beautiful and attractive than before.

Food was brought to my table and I quickly took a bite.

”Toru-Sama, will you resume your journey today?”

”I can stay longer, but I have nothing to do in this city anymore. Besides, I want to get to the royal capital to find the auction site... I even have a letter from the Count.”

”I see.”

It breaks my heart to see Marianne so sad.

We have become very good friends, but I want to continue exploring the world.

There is still a hole in my heart for everything I went through.

So I have to move on.

I have to stop thinking about what happened and get over it.

”I'm jealous of you, Kaede-San.”

”Jealous of me?”

”I would love to be able to go on an adventure with Toru-Sama, to be able to get out of the house and explore the world. It would be a lot of fun.”

”Marianne-San...”

Urara sighed and touched Marianne's shoulder. The two looked at each other and smiled.

Even without saying a word to each other, the exchanges of glances clearly convey the feelings of both.

She is the daughter of an aristocrat, eventually she will be someone's wife.

You do not have the right to choose the person you will be with. You will be like a little bird in a cage, being imprisoned, being watched every moment until that day comes.

It is a blessing and a curse at the same time.

No wonder he craves adventure.

I pray that your future partner will be someone wonderful.

”I appreciate everything you have done for me.”

”It is I who should be thanking you. Thanks to you my daughter is safe.”

In front of the entrance of the mansion, Marianne and Urara were with the Count for our farewell.

Marianne's expression is dark.

”Don't be sad because I will come to see you again.”

”But when I think about Toru-Sama and Kaede-San will have gone, I will be.”

It was heartbreaking to see her like this, and the atmosphere around her was as if she was about to help.

Please do something Kaede.

”Marianne-San.”

“!?”

Kaede ran over and hugged Marianne.

”My master would never betray us or lie to us. So trust me.”

”Will you come to see me again?”

”Absolutely. I promise.”

”...I'm still jealous of you. Fufu.”

I bowed to the Count once again.

He simply nodded without opening his mouth.

”It's time to go, Kaede.”