And the days pass by without incident.
　You can't even touch the "bracelet" - time passes.

　There are a lot of different ideas involved, but honestly, there's not much I can do.
　I think the only thing I can do now is to concentrate on the dance competition.

　Rustyala hasn't contacted me since I promised him a duel.
　Although the Diablo Sith had quite an obsession with me, it seems that Palinkron is the one he wants at the moment. Even after Palinkron fled the country, he never appeared in my presence.

　Snow isn't interested in memories, and Mr. Rayle is so thorough in his 'dealings' that he inevitably received no new information about his memories.

　If that's the case, all I can do now is to wait for Rowen to resolve her 'unresolved' issues without caution.

　I've been training with Rowen.
　It's not a bad idea to raise your level. It will lead to various countermeasures, and if my MP increases, it will also solve the problem of the Reaper. In short, it's a good story if my natural recovery rate is higher than the magic power the Reapers absorb.

　And the more I trained, the weaker Rowen's power became.
　Although he's saying with his mouth that he wants glory, maybe his real 'unrealized desire' is different. At the very least, he was definitely affecting himself by leaving me a living testimony of his life.

　I was worried that the effect would disappear before the 'Dancing Tournament' if I was not good enough.

　His training with Rowen was basically against an affordable 31-tier monster.
　The 31st layer was the best hunting ground to test out the "Sword Technique" in a real battle and to accumulate experience.

　Like the 29th layer, the ground is sandy, but the quality is the exact opposite.
　It is just as hard as a playground and easier to fight in than the normal labyrinthine corridors.

　The fact that many of the monsters that appear are humanoid is also just right for the "Dancing Tournament".
　If you are able to pull off a move against the quick and hard 31-layered golems, you should have no problem pulling off a move in the "Battle Royale".

　We found time to train in the vicinity of the 30th layer repeatedly.
　Of course, we were not skipping guild activities.
　We have a lot of work to do to contribute to Lauravia, while also completing requests from the country. If I have free time, Rowen and Reaper will also help me.

　Other than that, in order to make the entire guild more efficient, I also introduced a large number of 'Hourglass' and 'Arithmetic' that I had ordered from Alibers-san. However, that attempt has ended in failure. If there is no underlying culture, it doesn't seem to penetrate well. I also tried fixing the organization's communication methods and introducing a system of division of labor, for example.

　I tried many things, failing and succeeding.
　The ratio was about 50-50, but the management of ...... "Epic Seeker" became more efficient little by little. Even though I'm a novice, it's only natural that I'm able to absorb a whole lot of ideas from a completely different culture.

　Perhaps it was worth it, as the Epic Seeker made great strides and made its name known in Lauravia.
　Inevitably, my face was sold, and many people greeted me when I walked down the street.

　Children running around, market traders, guards making the rounds, and the citizens of Lauravia all smile at me.
　Lately, "Epic Seeker" has been well received by the citizens of the city, as he has been doing a lot of security work in the city. It was originally a job choice based on my magical affinity, but it seems to have gained traction as a result.

　Rowen, who works with me in action, often squints at me as I watch him.
　It was as if she was looking at something dazzling, a look of longing. It seems as if the casual happiness of the people living in this city is one of the things Rowen has been pursuing.

　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.
　The "glory" Rowen refers to includes my current state.

　I'm a little dismayed at the shallowness and lack of restraint of his greed.
　If dozens of people surrounded Rowen and clapped for her, she would disappear.
　I felt the shallowness of desire was not worthy of his arm, but I also thought that was a good thing about him.

　However, he invited the Reaper to join him and said, "I'll make a guild too. Reaper, dude, why don't you try being a submaster? I was in a hurry when he started to say, "I'm sorry. Reaper said, "Rowen, are you nuts? If I hadn't been able to coldly push him away, he might have created a new guild in Lauravia.

　After that, Rowen didn't use the guild to acquire 'glory', but rather began to work hard to acquire it by touting himself as my master.

　However, it's not a good point, and people don't know that me and Rowen are mentors and students.
　But every once in a while, I see Rowen being called "Shishou" by the neighborhood kids. I'd like to believe that it's just my imagination that Rowen's magic is diminishing. ......

　Rowen seems happiest when he's dealing with children.
　I wonder if he realizes that himself: .......

　And the day of the "Dancing Tournament" that will fix everything is getting closer and closer.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world, and I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world.
　It's not addressed to Epic Seeker, but to an individual guildmaster.

　It was an invitation to the Lauravian Ball.
　It's different from the "Dance Tournament" of the "Ichinotsuki United Kingdom General Knight's Seed Ball", it's a pure "Ball" as a social gathering.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal of information on the subject, but I'm not going to tell you what to do.

　I'm not going to be able to turn it down because of my own personal decision, so it was a no-brainer to participate.


It was my personal decision to attend. ◆◆◆◆◆


　I dress in my unfamiliar and expensive clothes and talk about the Ball with the usual members of the 'Epic Seeker' office.

　I pluck the hem of my tight costume and sigh.

''Huh, a ball, huh ......?''
As for me, I'm envious. It's only when you're invited to a place like that that that you prove your 'glory'.

　Rowen sat in the window of his office, frustrated that he couldn't join in.

'It's just depressing. Apparently, my participation in this event was due to my interest in the Lauravian royalty and ......
'That's what I envy about catching the eye of royalty and all that: ....... Well, I can't keep up, but there's Mr. Snow, who is used to it. If you need anything, you can count on him.
I will.

　It was a little easier since Snow was going to accompany him.
　She's a young lady from a good family, so it seems she's often invited to these kinds of occasions.

So, it's just me and Rowen. It's a good idea to have a good time with them.

　The Reaper, floating near the heavens in the Oval Office, makes me uneasy by saying things.
　In response, Rowen frowns.

'Not again, my dear. I'm doing this because you asked me to. You try anything and I'll kick you out of the party.
...... "Let's see, were Reaper and Rowen the final qualifier for the 'dance competition'?

　I check.
　Within the past few days, Rowen had gone through the qualifying rounds of the 'Dancing Tournament'. Naturally, she has remained in the final qualifying round without any danger.

　However, the only thing I'm worried about is the fact that a Reaper is in Rowen's party.
　Apparently, the Reaper will be going out to the 'Dancing Tournament' with Rowen. She says she wants to stay close to Rowen because she doesn't want him to die in some kind of accident, but I don't know the truth of that.

''Oh, I'll take it lightly. I'll take care of the Reapers, so don't worry about Kanami, just do your job.
I think they're going to take the Reaper with them to the final round, is that okay?
'The Reaper won't have a problem with those fierce guys. I don't think he'll even get hurt. And if the Reaper is about to get hurt, I'm going to step in between them.
'No, I'm worried about the other participants: ......
'Oh, yeah. That way or ....... Don't worry about that one either. If the Reaper is about to go too far, I'll step in between then, too.

　Over the past few days, I feel that Rowen's indulgence of the Reapers has accelerated.
　No longer will Rowen see the Reaper as a 'reaper' or a 'curse'. His peaceful life on earth is changing his perception, for better or worse.

'...... It's time to leave. Let's go, Kanami.

　Before I knew it, Snow was standing in front of the door to his office.

　She was dressed similarly to the way she was dressed when she was called to the Siddharth House.
　This time the bell-line dress was beige. The dainty figure with her hair tied up reaffirms that Snow is a noblewoman. The white skin peeking out from underneath the nape of her neck conveys purity, and the long gloves on her hands convey a sense of elegance.

''Ah, here you are. I'm fine over here.
...... It's not okay. Close your collar properly.

　Snow puts his hand on my neck and closes the collar.
　I thought I closed it tighter than I should have, but from Snow's point of view, it wasn't quite there yet.

'Thank you.'
.......

　Snow nodded lightly in response to my thanks and led me outside.
　In conjunction with that, Rowen and the Reapers headed to the final qualifying venue.

　In front of the Epic Seeker's headquarters, a large carriage - or something like that - was waiting for them. It was slightly different in construction from the carriage in my world. First of all, the animals pulling the carriage are different from horses. The construction of the wheels is also unique, and the technology unique to this world seems to have been used.

'Miss Snow: ......, go here: ......'

　An old chamberlain comes out from inside and bows reverently.
　He is probably an attendant of the Walker family. It seems that they will be riding in this carriage to the castle of Lauravian, where the ball will be held.

　We are instructed by the chamberlain to get into the carriage and head into the heart of Lauravia.

　The interior is richly decorated, and at a glance, one can see the owner's family background.
　The reason why the Walker family is called the "Four Great Aristocrats" on this continent can be seen from the gleaming decoration of this carriage.

　I passed the time on the road by analyzing the construction and materials of the carriage.
　But all the while, I noticed that the entire Walker household was staring at me.
　Perhaps it was unusual for a young guild master.

　By the time I remembered everything about the carriage's construction, I had reached the castle of Lauravia.
　There were many castles in Lauravia with names, and this was one of them.

　Today, even the royalty comes out here. Because of this, the security of the castle is also very pompous.
　We repeatedly check our identities and pass by multiple layers of guards. Then we reach the castle yard and are dropped off.

Then, have a good day. Lady Snow, Lady Aikawa.

　The chamberlain reverently bows and sends us off.
　Apparently, they won't be chaperoning us.

'Let's go ...... Kanami,'

　After Snow works on his chamberlain, he walks to the castle.
　I decide to do as Snow says and get by today. I nod and walk behind Snow.

　We pass a huge garden that resembles a botanical garden, pass through a huge door that could hold an elephant, and head into the hall where the ball is being held.

　Just before entering the great hall, Snow reassures me.

'...... I don't expect Kanami to have the civility of this world, so just be quiet. It's okay if you smile and misrepresent yourself for the most part. If I just tell you my name, back off immediately.
Yeah, okay.

　I nodded divinely.
　Snow saw it and nodded back, opening the door to the Great Hall.

　And the glittering world that spread out.

　The ceiling was made unusually high, with countless chandeliers hanging in shining white and silver. I could tell it was a concert hall of sorts by the musicians holding their instruments at the back. The sides of the room are covered with huge windowpanes, all of them elaborately designed and decorated. All of them are elaborately designed and add to the value of the space.
　It is just like the ballroom in the story. It is a space for the aristocracy itself.

　I am slightly relieved that it is just as I imagined.
　What I'm wary of is something completely unpredictable.
　It's better to be reassured by a situation that can't be predicted or dealt with than one that can't be predicted or dealt with, but one that is predictable.

　As Snow and I entered the Great Hall, the eyes of the people who had been chatting and waiting inside turned slightly toward us.

　And a few of them walked over to us.
　Snow moves to a corner of the space and welcomes them with a fake smile.

　Her fake smile is perfect. That's where you can see the depth of her experience.

　While one man is talking to Snow, the rest of the people wait behind him. Maybe he was going to talk to them in turn.

'It's been a long time, Master Snow Walker. A lot of people have been worried about you lately, since you've rarely shown up in these places, haven't you?
'It's been a while. I have been working on my studies at Eltralieu College and just didn't get a chance to join you. I'm sorry if this has caused you any concern.

　After a reverent bow, the man spoke to Snow in a friendly manner.

　Friendly, but with a civility that must have been meticulously calculated and precise.
　You could tell by the man's breath and heart rate.

'No, it is a great relief to see Lady Snow Walker in good health. I can't blame you if it's for your studies. However, if you are the son of that Walker family, you would have excelled at the Academy. May I ask what the academy is all about?
Yes, of course.

　The man is under terrible strain, forcing an air of familiarity.
　From this, one can detect the intentions of the Walker family to be in awe of the Walker family and yet somehow want to get involved.

　Before long, such emotional subtleties could be understood by 《Dimension》. Lately, I've been practicing with Rowen too many times, so it seems that the Dimension is becoming too sensitive.

　In normal times, I need to control it a bit more.
　It's like I'm always using a lie detector.

　I watch the man's conversation with Snow from behind.
　I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to find out if he's a good friend of the Walker family. His banal conversation is casually interspersed with talk of his business dealings with the Walker family, and he tries to take advantage of any opportunity to take the words of a profitable business meeting.

　He will memorize the conversation for later study.
　Then, when the topic of everyday conversation has been exhausted, the man's eyes turn to me.

'--and how are you doing over there?　It's rare that someone as good as Lady Snow Walker has a bodyguard in tow.

　The man seemed to have mistaken me for a knight of the guard.
　I took care of my appearance accordingly, but it seems I wasn't yet good enough to be seen as the head of an organization.

　Using unconfident language, I introduce myself briefly.

''I'm Aikawa Uzumi. I work for the Lauravian nation in the guild 'Epic Seeker'. Let's see, from now on, please get acquainted.
'Ooh, what a ......!　Please excuse me. I'm sorry I'm late. I am Connor Tarua, master of the House of Tarua. But an 'Epic Seeker' is just the word for the--
''Yes, he's the guildmaster of the Lauravian direct guild, Epic Seeker.

　Snow interjects from the side, emphasizing that I'm a Guildmaster.

'Oh, I knew it!　Was it the rumored 'hero' lord!
What, 'Heroes' ......?

　Hearing the man's words, I slightly crack a smile.
　Before I knew it, my reputation on the street has become a horrible thing.

''I have heard rumors about you for some time. Aikawa Kanami-sama was recognized by the head of the Legacy family, Palinkulong Legacey-dono, for his talent and became the guild master of the Epic Seeker.
'Oh, yes ......'

　I back away from the man who suddenly starts talking with great energy.
　But Snow, next to me, is smiling and telling me to listen. I keep a fake smile on my face and listen to the man's long story.

　He goes on and on about how the guild, Epic Seeker, is doing and praises my work at every turn. He's obviously trying to coax me into some kind of business meeting (or words).

　I try to be vague in my replies, and at times I watch Snow's face and respond carefully.
　Then, when we had run out of guild talk, the man took my hand in his.

　I can feel the hard metal texture from my palm.
　I understand that I was made to hold a gold coin in 《Dimension》.

''This is a sincere gesture from our merchant family to the 'Epic Seeker'. As fellow supporters of Lauravia, we wish you all the best in your endeavors.
No, no, no, no. Take it--

　I try to say no as soon as I can, but...

Take it, Kanami. Or you'll be in the corner.

　Snow's admonition interrupts it.
　By the way, the voice comes from the earring in my left ear.
　I've worn the one with the magic stone so that I can get Snow's advice at any time. With this, her words can be conveyed to me even in a whisper.

''U, let's receive it. Because of the sincerity from the Tarua merchant family, the guild 'Epic Seeker' will be able to continue to make great strides in Lauravia. Thank you for your kindness.

　I loosened my face to the limit and showed the man my gratitude.
　The man nodded in satisfaction and left.

　Now I had an obligation to that man. And that too, in just one encounter, to someone I didn't even like much. The horror of it all sends a chill down my spine.
　Before the next person approaches us, I hastily ask Snow.

'Snow, Snow ....... Is this going to go on forever ......?
...... of course. If you're a 'hero', this is an everyday occurrence.
I wouldn't want to make an in-law with those kinds of people if I could: ......
If you refuse to ...... it will create resentment, not just righteousness. If word gets out that you've been shunned by 'heroes', it's a terrible thing. I don't recommend it. ...... this is also your job, so be patient.
Is this your job?
"...... Sometimes just one greeting here can generate more than a thousand gold coins of profit. You can make a thousand connections just by making one acquaintance. A single contract can save a thousand lives on a particular battlefield. This is also a fine job to contribute to Lauravia.

　I don't know much about economics, but I still understood what Snow was saying.
　But even so, I was able to understand what Snow was saying at least vaguely.
　Now that I understand, I have no choice but to remain silent.

　In other words, the existence of a 'hero' would be in the national interest. That's why even a newcomer like me is being enshrined as a 'hero' - or rather, a golden tree.

　I take the benefits I've obtained from a few minutes of conversation and ask Snow.

'I've never seen this gold coin before, is it expensive ......?'
"...... one grade higher than the gold coins circulating in the Confederacy. Sacred gold coins handled by the nobles of the continent. It's worth several gold coins here.
'Heh, heh: ......'

　I roll the three sacred gold coins in my palm and my face twitches.
　Probably, if it was at least the cost of Maria's treatment, which was my original goal, I would have achieved this alone. I know that the money wasn't intended for me personally, but even so, I break out in a cold sweat at this outrageous income.

　For me, I don't need anything else as long as I have enough money to live happily with Maria. But before I know it, I'm worried that I've reached a point where I can't get it back.

　And a new guest approaches Snow and me with a sticky smile.
　In response, Snow and I are forced to give them a sticky smile.

　I look at the line of people waiting at the back of the line, and my sticking smile gets stronger.

　From now on, Snow and I will have to handle all of this.
　Just imagining that time makes me depressed.

　But I can't let it show on my face. But you can't show it on your face, it would be disrespectful to the guests in front of you.

　I sighed heavily in my mind as I realized that this ball is the hardest part of my job at Epic Seeker.


◆◆◆◆◆ ...


　For a dizzying amount of time, I kept a fake smile on my face and repeated the greeting.
　It was worth it, but finally the line to greet us was cut off.

　Me and Snow took a breath and looked at each other.

'Finally, a breath of fresh air: ......'
...... No, it's still there, Kanami.
............

　Easily, Snow crushes my hopes and walks toward the center of the Great Hall.
　I can't handle the unexpected on my own, so I'm forced to walk behind Snow.

　Then a woman speaks to Snow as she walks.

'Mr. Snow ......, come here ......'
I know, sir.

　Snow nods lightly and follows the woman.
　Along the way, she tells me in a whisper.

'...... I'm going to talk to my parents now. Kanami doesn't have to do anything.

　I nodded silently.
　The Snow's parents' house means that the Walker family is one of the four highest noble families. I don't want to do anything when it comes to such a high-ranking opponent.

　As I approach the center of the great hall, I find a large crowd of people.
　Perhaps the person in the center of the crowd is--

It's been a while: ...... and your mother-in-law: ......

　Snow called the woman her mother.
　However, as far as I could see, she bore no resemblance to Snow. She has lustrous golden hair that hangs down, her eyes are as sharp as a hawk, and her bearing is pompous. Even though the dress they wear is similar, they are the complete opposite of each other.

'You're Snow, aren't you? ....... I've been hearing your name a lot this year. Apparently, you haven't forgotten my words .......

　Snow's mother-in-law is calm and speaks in very strong terms.

'Of course. I will devote my entire life to the Walker family.
'Good. That's what you're there for. Make no mistake about it: ......

　And the conversation between mother and daughter, which may not have happened in a long time, is soon over. Snow's mother-in-law tries to turn her head away, as if to say that the greetings are over now.

　Is this the end of the greetings to my parents' house?
　It would have been better for me if I hadn't been in trouble, but it was still too curt.

　As I was thinking about this, Snow chased after my mother-in-law, who turned away from me.

"Just one more moment of your time, mother-in-law. It's about the engagement. As you know, I am making a name for myself through guild activities. I am also confident that I will achieve great things in the guild Epic Seeker in the future. ...... Still, are you in a hurry to get married?
'...... Yeah. At least ...... one (1) guild 'honor' won't make any difference.

　Snow's desperate plea was cut off by her mother-in-law's cold words.

'...... yes. ...... okay.

　Snow replies with a face down.
　And then the Walker family mother and daughter move away from each other.

　It's not as far away as it looks.
　To Snow, her mother-in-law seems far away.

　Left alone, Snow looks around, a smile forming on his face.

'...... I wonder if brother Glenn will take a little longer.

　I look at the crowd in the distance and mutter to myself.

　Then he walks over to me.
　Taking in the powerless steps, I whisper to Snow, worried about him.

　From what I heard earlier, Snow's worries are--

...... Hey, don't you want to get married, Snow?
...... If anything, maybe.

　Snow didn't deny it.
　I won't deny it, but--

It's not clear: ......
...... If you say it out loud, it matters. If it's done poorly, it could be irreversible. So we have no choice but to keep everything vague.

　As I recall, he has taken great pains to avoid neglecting House Siddharth before.
　It seems that Snow has many such ties to the family.

But you should still make your feelings known more clearly," he said. Do you think it's because I'm so naive?
...... Right. Kanami is naive. But that's why I'm sure it's the right thing to do.
"Then...
'I can't do so well at ....... I'm afraid to make my own choices. I'm afraid to take responsibility. I'm afraid of making mistakes. So I can't help it.

　Snow repeats, "I'm scared," and shudders.

　Unlike his usual aloofness, Snow is frightened with a thoughtful expression. His vulnerable appearance reminds me of the labyrinthine search I did sometime ago. It was Snow when he was working with Siddharq-san on the construction of the 'Magic Stone Line (Line)'.

　The 《Dimension》 conveys Snow's mental state.

　There's no doubt about it.
　Snow, who doesn't have any room to spare, is so weak.
　Normally, she must be just plated with the name of margin. Snow, as a human being, has a remarkably weak mental capacity, even among girls of her age.

　Hence her weakness, she can't even express her will to her mother-in-law.
　Frightened by the responsibility of her choices, she can't make any choices and is left to her own devices.

'...... has no choice. Let's give up on .......

　Then Snow smiles darkly and gives up everything.
　It's the easiest thing to do, so she stinks of things, so she gives up. She gives up and accepts it.

　Finally, I understand the way of life of the girl called Snow.
　What I had felt dimly before was now certain.

　Snow Walker has given up everything in her life.
　She only wants to be carried away by what comes easy. His unusually weak mind leaves all his choices to others.
　And they don't have enough of themselves to say they don't like what they don't like.
　This is especially true when dealing with people of the upper class. When he explores the labyrinth with Elmiraad Siddharq and when he faces his own mother-in-law, the plating comes off and a weak snowflake emerges.

　The unique position of the Walker family.
　A fragile heart that doesn't measure up to it.
　It's a combination of all of these things that has made Snow the man he is today.

　He makes no choices but to mend his ways.
　She just goes with the flow of what comes easy for her. ......

　Even now, Snow has given up and chosen the easy and comfortable path.
　It was hard to keep hope alive, so she gave up hope.　

　Snow sticks a dark smile on her face and walks away.
　I reach out my hand, trying to stop Snow from walking away.

"-Hmm, what a surprise to see you here. My good friend, the guildmaster of the Epic Seeker.

　I'm interrupted by a voice from behind me.
　I raise my eyebrows slightly at the appearance of that troublesome person.

''...... here, hello, Mr. Siddharq.''

　Of all things, the representative of the upper class, Elmirad Siddharq, appeared at this time.

''Hah ......, you're still the same as always, you ....... If you don't talk back a little more hatred, we won't be able to compete with you either.''
I just want you to understand how much it means to me to talk back to you hatefully: ......
'I'm saying this because I understand. It's up to you how you perceive it.

　Mr. Siddharth said, in a dumbfounded way, "I understand.

　Did that mean he was confessing that he was trying to trap me? Or does he simply want to have a hateful conversation with me?

　...... Develops a stronger version of "Dimension".
　I don't feel any more hostility from Siddalk-san than I expected. He's not excited, and he said it in a normal way. If that's the case, then maybe it would be better to take it as it is said, and next time, it would be more acceptable to return the hateful words in a reasonable manner.

　As I was pondering with a difficult face, Siddharq-san smiled thinly and shrugged his shoulders before approaching Snow.

'I'm sorry I'm late in saying hello, Snow. How was the greeting with your mother?
"...... Sir Siddharth, good day to you. Yes, the greetings are ...... completed without a hitch.
'That's good to hear. At any rate, it's good that things are moving along without delay.
Yes, that's right: ......

　Snow reworks a seamless smile and responds to Siddharq-san.
　But I'm not anxious to see him right before that.

　Snow is very good at mending.
　Perhaps, behind that fake smile, he must be quite weak.
　However, I still don't have enough authority to be able to get between the four great nobles.

''Oh, let me introduce you. This is Lord Cain of the Corfeldt family, famous for its maritime trade.

　And in that vein, the greeting with the merchant family begins again.
　Even though this is the business of the place, I'm fed up with having to go through that painful process again.

　Snow is the same way.
　My "Dimension" does not miss Snow's eyebrows moving with a twitch.

''We meet for the first time. I'm a spice trader in the south of Gliard--

　The man I was introduced to steps forward and thanks Snow.

　I had a bad feeling and looked behind the man. There was a line of people waiting to see us, as a matter of course. If it's not good, there might be more of them than before.

　While hiding our inner feelings, Snow and I exchange greetings with the people we are introduced to.
　We meet not only merchants, but also nobles from other countries. The new aristocrats from the continent and the great aristocrats from distant lands seem to be seeking connections with the Walker and Siddharth families.

　I'm being introduced to them while I'm at it, so I can't stand it.
　It's hard to endure, but--I'm sure Snow's heartache is even greater than that.

　There is no doubt that she was in quite a shock after her earlier exchange with her mother-in-law. If it were true, I would want to take a break somewhere quiet and cheer him up.
　However, there was no time to rest my mind when people kept coming to my house like this.

　And after greeting many people, a new topic of conversation is dropped when we are almost ready to be released.

'--So, you say that the marriage of Lord Elmyrad Siddharth and Lady Snow Walker is being arranged?

　You don't need to use 《Dimension》 to understand.
　Snow's expression froze for a moment.

''Ah, yes. Snow had many fiancées due to his brilliance, but now he is definitely limited to just me. Isn't that right, Snow?

　Without stopping the topic, Mr. Siddharth waved it to Snow.

'Er, ah, yes. Yes. ......'

　Snow replied with a fake smile.

'Oh, that is a great congratulations. Then I'll have to prepare a celebration from our merchant family.

　Other people who had taken a step back there would join the conversation. Perhaps they decided that if it was a celebration, they should have more than one person to talk to.

　Siddharq-san welcomes them without blame for it.

''Hahaha. However, it's not officially decided yet, so please bear with me. However, if you can match the timing, you're welcome to do so. At the very least, it should be after the 'Dancing Competition'. ...... As I recall, it was that time of year, Snow.
Oh, yes.

　Snow responds shortly.
　Snow's expression gradually darkens as he is surrounded by merchants with various plots and plans.

''Ha, I see. I guess I was a little hasty. Well then, when the engagement is officially decided, please let my merchant family know. We'll have a wide variety of items for you to choose from in time for your wedding. ...... Dear Ms. Snow, if there is anything you need in the meantime, just let me know and I'll do my best to make it happen. We will do our best to prepare it for you.
'Yes, you're right: ....... Um, .......

　It looks painful to see.
　No, to be precise, it's because of what you see in the Dimension.
　Snow's fake smile is brilliant, but from my point of view, it's obvious that he's not well.

　--I can't watch it any longer.　

Please wait.

　I stopped myself with a quiet but well spoken voice.
　With that word, the people around me looked at me.

　The merchants and the nobles all stopped moving at my words.
　I'm not sure what to do about it, but I continue to speak, feeling sick to my stomach and knowing that what I've done can't be helped.

Even though the fiancée is being narrowed down, your marriage is still undecided. I would appreciate it if you would refrain from saying anything that might add to Snow-sama's heartache because of something that has not yet been decided.

　Clearly, I told people, "Don't do anything unnecessary.

...... huh?

　Snow was surprised.

Nah: "Nah: ......

　People were confused.

...... Heh.

　Mr. Siddharth was impressed.

'Apparently, Master Snow is not feeling well. It would be helpful if you could clear the way.

　I pull Snow's hand away, intimidating the people around me, despite my polite mannerisms.
　Snow keeps his mouth open and walks as he's told.

　The man who interrupted me glares at me with an angry expression.
　Brushing it off, I move to a corner of the hall. Then I move from the side door to the balcony. I use 《Dimension》 to make sure that no one is there.

　It's chilly outside, and it's just me and Snow under the moonlit night sky.

　I take out a rug from my "belongings" and pull it to the stone couch, then I make Snow sit on it.
　Then I put my forehead to my hand and worry.

　I can see the condition by 'gazing' but not the mental fatigue. I had to use primitive measures to gauge Snow's condition.

'Are you okay?'

　Snow nodded lightly.

'...... okay. But Kanami, you're looking very unimpressive now.
Yes.

　I nodded back lightly.

...... From the other side, it's like their chance to make a thousand gold coins was destroyed. Kanami's chance to make a thousand gold coins was also destroyed. ...... no one and nothing good can come of it.
You know, ....... Snow is my partner in the search for the labyrinth. There's no way I'm going to calculate my position or gold coins to help Snow. ......

　Irritated by Snow's calm calculation of profit and loss, I blame her in a strong tone of voice.
　She accepted it with great glee.

'...... so. ...... Thanks. Kanami is amazing. You can do things I can't.

　Snow gave me the biggest smile I've seen since we met.
　He laughed with heartfelt joy and then complimented me.

　He seems to respect me for ignoring his profit and loss and resenting me.

'Anyway, don't take it easy. If you're having a hard time, you can always turn to someone else.

　I replied naturally.
　It was uncomfortable to see someone like Snow putting up with it alone. It made me think, "I need someone to lean on.

　As a result, he acted like this.
　I regret it, but I don't regret it.

　In response to those words, Snow shows a face as if the scales have fallen from his eyes.

'...... I see.'

　It was as if he looked as if he had found something for the first time in his life.

　And he nodded repeatedly as if chewing on my words.
　Snow's cheeks were flushed and her eyes were moist.

　The moonlight illuminated Snow's beautiful long hair. The lights of the city of Lauravia shine under the night sky. Bathed in natural show lights, Snow was more beautiful than anyone else attending this ball.
　From the bottom of my heart, I'm glad I was able to help this beautiful girl.

　Snow looks up at the starry night sky and slowly mutters again.

'I see. ......'

　The murmurings disappeared as the night sucked them in.