On a sweltering summer night.
Finally, there’s a sight that can only be seen when darkness settles. The soft glow of lights and the lively laughter of people. At the festival’s night market,
“Alright!! Let’s toast to successfully wrapping up today’s festival!!”
“Cheers!!”
“Cheers. Ariel, are you already drunk? I told you not to drink in advance….”
“Hehe~ Kai~ don’t worry about that!”
I was sitting across from the Hero couple, sipping on some beer. I can’t handle bitter stuff, so I prefer beer over soju.
“Let’s toast together.”
“Cheers.”
I clinked my glass with the glass of the knight sitting next to me. I wanted to give her at least a bit of encouragement since my curiosity almost got her hurt.
“Licht, you’re already drunk.”
“..No, I’m fine.”
“Red. Cute.”
Mardol was pointing at my neck with her finger while laughing. How does she know I can’t drink? I guess I can’t stand up to the protagonist.
I’d only slowly had a drink, but here I am. After all, I’ve been swinging swords for 5 years just to protect our Saintess. The mind inside me has already aged, though.
‘Here, I’m considered an adult this year.’
This was my first time drinking here. Should I have paced myself?
I looked around. Students were sitting around the outdoor tables, enjoying drinks and food while savoring the night of the summer festival.
Among them, some individuals exhibited brown wolf ears or tails, and others had horns like oni. They had characteristics of different races.
‘There’s an Inrang Tribe over there… but why don’t they have real white hair? They aren’t albinos.’
No matter how you think about it, aside from the midterm group projects and finals being replaced by year-end exams, Grand Hertz Academy resembled a real university.
‘Guess it’s just the nature of the game.’
Since some of the Ten Heroes were said to be individuals from another world, it wouldn’t be strange to borrow some aspects of reality’s education system.
“Kai! Look over there! It’s a salamander skewer!”
“Yeah… it’s a salamander.”
The mage was excitedly talking about a distant stall, with a cheerful demeanor likely due to the alcohol.
“Kainel, could you please buy some extra food for Ariel? I’ll cover the cost.”
I shot a glance at Kainel. Hurry up and buy it. If you’re this clueless, what will happen once you get married?
“Licht, what should I get?”
“Something for me and Mardol. Mardol, what would you like….”
As I was about to ask the knight in disguise, a bang echoed as a giant beer mug next to me got emptied.
“Licht can pick whatever he likes.”
Mardol was wiping the rim of her glass, showing off that her tolerance was higher than mine.
“..Then, could you get me grilled wyvern foreleg?”
“I won!”
The princess made a peace sign, placing it next to her chin, supporting her face. She’s definitely drunk.
“Mardol, you shouldn’t drink so fast.”
I was increasingly worried about her. It felt more comfortable since I didn’t know her face.
A little while later, as Kainel and Ariel stepped away,
“It’s okay, Licht. I know what I’m doing.”
“..Huh?”
“I’m just a bit sad today… funny, right?”
That was Mardol speaking in a normal tone. Did I hallucinate? No way. Dwarf-made beer should be fine.
“Licht, I knew you were pushing me away on purpose.”
“…”
“If you can’t even figure that out… yeah, you’re a fool. A fool.”
She kept drawing circles on the table with one finger, indicating she was quite drunk. Looks like her competitive spirit kicked in.
I glanced at the numerous empty beer mugs nearby. Am I supposed to carry these?
“Did it show? Sorry.”
“It’s okay, Licht… I’m the bad person here…”
“Don’t blame yourself.”
“..I still don’t know. Nothing has changed for me.”
With her head down on the table, she turned to look at me.
‘Nothing has changed… that makes sense, her self-esteem must be completely low.’
It must have been really tough for her. It was strange to see her loosen up from the alcohol.
“But you’ve changed a lot since the first time I saw you.”
“..Where?”
“Um… your kindness? I’d say you’ve become more gentle.”
“Pervert. Licht.”
She chuckled slightly but seemed to sink into deep thought for a moment.
“..Licht. No matter what the Magic Hat did wrong…”
Then she started to whimper and opened up her worries to me.
“I don’t think I’m a good person.”
Mardol blamed herself for not being able to protect people from the Demon King, cursing herself. Her eyes peeking from under the helmet were already moist from tears.
“Why all of a sudden…?”
“..Do you also dislike me, Licht?”
“…”
I paused, pondering what to say to her. If I ignore her wounds, they’ll fester. It’s better to let out all the sad memories while I can.
‘..The guilt is too heavy. I guess she’s been carrying this burden alone for a long time.’
Of course, it’s fine to run from problems that can’t be solved right away, but isn’t she opening her heart to me right now?
“Don’t say that. I…”
There comes a time when facing things is necessary. I decided to muster some courage. I opened my mouth toward Mardol, letting the bitter taste in my mouth fade with some sweet beer.
“Among the girls I know, I think you’re the best, Mardol.”
That was true, except for our Saintess. The misunderstanding about being a Crown Prince was cleared up, and I genuinely thought she was a reliable ally.
“..Liar.”
“Haha, I’m serious.”
She taught me swordsmanship, and she was a strong person willing to fight alongside me when heading into the Demon King’s lair. A transparent and noble knight.
“You’re more than a good person. Just the fact that you’re questioning it is already enough.”
That’s the Mardol Grancia I know. The fact that she’s a princess doesn’t bother me; aside from some quirks, she is pure and kind.
“..So, please value yourself a bit more. It makes me sad.”
If it weren’t for her, I might not even be here. Assuming I didn’t learn Wolf Fang, that would apply to Kainel and Ariel as well.
“A nice liar. Ugh.”
“M-Mardol?!”
That was the moment. She spread her arms and placed her hands on my helmet. Then she drew her face close, almost within an inch of mine.
“..Licht.”
“..What is it?”
“Can’t you show me your face? You can just lift your mask.”
Even at such a close distance, I could feel the warmth of her breath, and the golden wolf eyes inside the transparent helmet looked like a crescent moon. She must have intended for it to just be the two of us.
“..Later, I need to be mentally prepared too.”
“It’s a promise. Definitely.”
Maybe I was swayed by the aroma of the alcohol for a moment. Or perhaps I deemed it an atonement that brought up painful memories. Both of us were quite tipsy, leading to this little skirmish.
“Yes, today was my fault…”
A certain nostalgic feeling washed over me. I wondered what she would say if she saw my scars.
“..I’m looking forward to it, Licht.”
And thus, one wolf successfully devoured its prey.
*
The mellow scent of alcohol enveloped her. Pina Grancia, using the alias Mardol, felt an uncomfortable sensation.
‘..That’s a lie. Licht is a fool.’
The man sitting right next to her was the source. Her keen eyes could detect the fib in Licht’s words.
“Among the girls I know, I think you’re the best, Mardol.”
But the part about her being a good person and to value herself was genuine.
Such blunt honesty felt good, even if Pina didn’t force herself to recognize it. It reminded her of a strange déjà vu.
‘Feels like I’ve heard that somewhere before… Ah.’
Perhaps it was from the Nameless Saintess. That person is the problem. The Black Knight, who likely made those comments without much thought.
“..I’m mad. Licht.”
“Stop drinking. You’re too drunk.”
“NO! I don’t want to…”
Jealousy kept bubbling up. No matter what, she was the one next to Licht right now. The kind guy who helped her up whenever she stumbled.
‘Licht’s back… It was sturdy. So wide… huh?’
Perhaps due to the physical contact with him for the first time today or because she was drinking too fast, Pina felt her face burning beneath the helmet.
‘It must just be my imagination. Yup. Just drunk.’
She shook her head vigorously, trying to regain her composure.
Knowing he was a prince yet not treating her like one, but genuinely as a friend made her grateful.
‘I want to get to know him better. But being a saintess or whatever is in the way… That must be it.’
While pouring another glass of beer, she contemplated. A gentle rain of a man who listened closely to her worries and urged her on.
“Pass me that glass.”
“..Huh?”
“I’ll serve you as the Black Knight.”
To be precise, he suited the black knight helmet really well. Through the tiny gap of the mask, she glimpsed a scar.
Ready to take her drink away, Licht was quickly downing more beer, ensuring she wouldn’t feel embarrassed. He didn’t turn aside, so his mouth was partially visible.
‘..A burn scar.’
She didn’t think he was handsome upon seeing it. How could anyone think that after seeing such a thing? Instead, it felt pitiful and sorrowful.
‘How much must he have suffered? Licht…’
Seeing his scar from childhood settled uneasily in her heart, making her feel wistful. Pina could cover her face with glass magic.
‘I want to heal him.’
That man was unable to hide his scars. It felt just like seeing an injured puppy. The alcohol buzz was fading.
“..What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I was just thinking… you must have had a hard time too.”
As she stared at Licht, he began to speak. Was her gaze too obvious?
‘..If I say I’m healing you against your will, that would only hurt you.’
Pina shook her head, shaking off stray thoughts. His magical circuits were likely twisted, making healing impossible.
‘We’re still not close enough for that…’
If she blurted it out and failed, the disappointment would be significant. Irresponsible sympathy is worse than doing nothing at all.
“We should support each other as friends.”
“Yeah… Licht.”
Tap. She leaned her head against Licht’s shoulder. Perhaps due to the alcohol, he didn’t shrug her off.
He simply continued to hold the transparent helmet with a silent acceptance. Feeling an overwhelming sense of reassurance, her lips unconsciously curled up slightly.
“..The moon is bright tonight.”
“Indeed. Mardol.”
On a beautiful full moon night, the emotions of the two individuals, which seemed distant, gained weight and drew a bit closer.
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