“...Huh?”
Sofia widened her eyes in surprise.
It was so sudden that she froze completely.
She clearly hadn’t expected him to kiss the back of her hand—so she let it happen.
Meanwhile, the man continued holding Sofia’s hand.
He began speaking passionately.
“So you are the famed Sword Saint. Your skill, of course… but not only that. You are beautiful. Like a masterpiece painted by a top-class artist… no, beyond that. A miracle crafted by the gods themselves.”
“Eh? Ah… um…”
His compliments were outrageous, yet because of his roundabout way of speaking, Sofia didn’t seem to realize she was being flirted with.
She answered halfheartedly.
“Yes… you are a goddess. A true goddess descended to the earth. I wish to offer my gratitude to all people for allowing me this fateful encounter.”
“Umm…”
“When I was attacked by monsters, I resigned myself to death… but now I see. If such a meeting awaited me, I must instead offer my thanks. Even to the monsters who gave me the chance to meet a goddess.”
“Um, excuse me…”
What should I even do?
Sofia looked at me helplessly.
“Ah.”
Seeing her troubled expression finally snapped me back to reality.
Instead of calmly analyzing the situation, I should be doing something—come on, me!
“A-Are you alright!?”
I hurriedly stepped between Sofia and the man.
I thought forcefully pulling them apart might upset him, so…
I pretended to panic while gently separating them.
“Hmm? And you are…?”
He had only just now noticed my presence and looked confused.
Then a guard whispered in his ear, and he nodded in understanding.
“Oh, I see! You helped the Sword Saint, did you? I must thank you as well. Thank you.”
“Eh? Ah… yes. You’re welcome.”
I expected something like:
“Do not interfere,” or
“Do not stand between me and her.”
But it was nothing like that.
He was sincerely thanking me.
If he was actually thinking something else, then he was quite the actor.
“The Sword Saint and a promising young boy… yes. What a wonderful day this is. I shall make this a memorial day for my domain.”
“Um…”
Yep. He was definitely an important person.
A noble for sure.
And based on what he said, probably a lord of some territory—or closely related to one.
“I am sure there are many things you wish to discuss… but for now, should we leave this place? There is no guarantee more monsters won’t attack.”
“Oh, that’s right. Indeed. And…”
“Yes, we will accompany you.”
When I looked at Sofia for confirmation, she hesitated briefly, then gave a small nod.
Being suddenly flirted with had clearly left her uncomfortable.
“We have some companions though…”
“Hmm, a handsome guy. But he can’t compare to the super super SUPER pretty and cute girl Licorice-chan!”
“Papa?”
“Woof!”
“Oh? Licorice, a beastman child, and a silver wolf… how unusual.”
The man’s eyes sparkled.
But not in a scheming way—
More like a child seeing his hero up close.
“If they can come along too…”
“Yes, yes, of course. They are important to you two, are they not? I would not disgrace myself by refusing them. Please, allow me to welcome all of you.”
He was surprisingly reasonable.
A bit strange, but…
Maybe he was actually a good person?
“Also… though I invited you, may I trouble you to act as my escort? This area has far more dangerous monsters than expected. It’s not that I distrust my soldiers, but one can never be too safe. Naturally, I will pay an appropriate reward.”
“Yes, no problem.”
“Excellent. I appreciate it. And one more thing—the ladies and the young wolf should ride in my carriage. It will still be a long walk from here, and they will be more comfortable.”
“Ah, thank you very much.”
He was even offering them seats in his own carriage…
Was he strange but extremely kind?
My evaluation of him kept rising.
But…
“……”
“What’s wrong, Fate?”
Remembering something unpleasant, I must have made a sour face.
Sofia looked at me curiously.
“No, it’s nothing.”
He had kissed the back of Sofia’s hand.
That thought lingered—and I couldn’t help feeling jealous
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