"So… what do you want?"
Behind the Stuart residence stood Sofia and Mint.
They had just returned home after a grand adventure…
Finally, they were able to come back.
Sofia had hoped to relax and heal her fatigue.
But just as she was thinking that, Mint had called her out.
To be honest, Sofia had forgotten about Mint’s existence.
Fate’s childhood friend — someone other than herself.
She was a person who, while certainly hard to ignore…
So many things had happened that Sofia had completely forgotten about her.
Mint said she had something to discuss, but what could it be?
Was she about to declare her love — a challenge in romance?
Sofia unconsciously braced herself…
But Mint, seemingly unbothered, gave a gentle smile.
"First, I want to apologize."
"…Huh?"
As Mint bowed her head, Sofia blinked in surprise.
Of course she did.
She couldn’t think of anything Mint needed to apologize for.
Puzzled, she listened as Mint spoke with a slightly guilty tone.
"When you two came to Snowlake… I sort of teased you, or acted a bit competitive, didn’t I?"
"Ah… that."
Mint had feelings for Fate as well.
And she was also a childhood friend.
That’s why Sofia had seen her as something of a rival.
Not a rival in the sense of a monster or enemy…
But a rival in love, which, while not vicious, still came with tension.
Even so, Sofia was a Sword Saint. That alone brought pressure.
Mint must have had a hard time being on the receiving end of that.
Thinking about it, it was probably Sofia who should be apologizing.
But Mint continued bowing her head without stopping.
"I’m Fate’s childhood friend, and he’s important to me."
"…I see."
"But it’s a sibling-like kind of feeling."
"What?"
Hearing something so unexpected, Sofia once again made a blank face.
"Don’t worry — I don’t have romantic feelings for him."
"Is that… true?"
"Yeah, really. I’m not just saying that to be nice or to step back. I truly don’t feel that way. I like Fate, but it’s the same way I’d love a family member."
"I… I see…"
If that was true, then Sofia had been overreacting all on her own.
No — wait.
Mint had acted kind of ambiguous. Didn’t she also bear some blame for the misunderstanding?
Ah, that’s it.
That must be why she’s apologizing.
With that, Sofia began to understand.
"…Why are you telling me all this now?"
"It’s selfish of me, really… but I was worried about Fate."
Fate was kind.
So kind that if someone else was suffering, he would gladly bear the burden in their place.
Because he was that kind of childhood friend, Mint had always been nervous and worried about him.
When he left Snowlake to follow the path of an adventurer, she had been terribly concerned.
Ten years later, he returned, and though seeing him safe brought her relief…
By his side was an unfamiliar beautiful girl.
Along with her were a beastkin girl, a fairy, and a creature resembling a white wolf.
He had returned in a completely unexpected and incomprehensible state.
It was only natural to worry.
So, at the very least, to find out what kind of person Sofia was, Mint had decided to stir things up a little… or so she explained.
"So that’s what it was…"
"I’m sorry for provoking you like that. But I was able to see that you truly care about Fate… Though, in the end, it was still selfish of me. I’m really sorry."
For the third time, Mint bowed her head.
Indeed, what Mint did was selfish.
Even if it was out of concern for Fate, she had stirred up the situation without Sofia’s consent.
Sofia had every right to be angry.
But still…
"Alright. I understand. I accept your apology."
Sofia responded with a smile, without any anger.
"Um… you’re not mad?"
"I was a little irritated, but it’s fine. I’m not bothered."
"But… you have every right to denounce me, or to tell Fate the truth—"
"I won’t do that."
Everything Mint had said was the truth.
She wasn’t lying.
As a fellow woman, Sofia could tell.
Given that, she couldn’t bring herself to blame her.
Their feelings might have pointed in different directions, but they had both loved the same man.
That wasn’t something that would spark hostility — if anything, it created mutual understanding.
"I think we could become good friends. What do you say?"
Sofia smiled warmly and held out her hand.
Mint was speechless for a moment…
"Yes. I look forward to it."
After a slight pause, she smiled just as brightly and took Sofia’s hand.
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