....... It's all right, Kanami. I'm fine.

　Cooling off on the balcony for a little while, Snow feels completely recovered.
　He smiles brightly and urges her to return to the Great Hall.

'I see. Then let's go back: ......

　Deciding that the brightness of the room doesn't lie, I agree.
　Then, just as I'm about to return to the great hall, a man walks onto the balcony.

''Well, excuse me,''

　He was a man with short red-copper hair and a soft face. His attire was of the highest order among the nobility, similar to the clothes Snow wore. I turn my attention to Snow and urge him to tell me who he is.

'...... Good job, brother.'

　Snow nodded and called this man his brother.
　In other words, this man--.

'Oh, I'm so tired ....... I'm so tired. Tired to death. Oh, I want to die .......
Even though there are no ...... people around, you have to be a little more careful what you say and do.
'Ah, yes. ...... haha, but I guess the only break is to say hello to Mr. Snow. Really.

　I 'gaze' at the man.


[Status]
　Name: Glenn Walker HP 331/342 MP 92/92 Class: Scout
　Level: 28
　Strength 7.22 Strength 8.55 Skill 11.78 Speed 13.79 Wisdom 10.01 Magic 5.26 Elemental 2.19
　Inherent skill: good luck 1.02 bad luck 2.75
　Acquired skills: earth magic 1.22 Weapon combat 1.17 Exploration 1.11　
　　　　　　　Hiding 1.56 Apothecary 1.10 Stealing 1.66


　This is Glenn Walker.
　A searcher who has been given the title of 'strongest' in this confederacy.

　His talent and level is naturally high. However, his status is more skewed than one would expect. He seems to be the type of person who doesn't go head-to-head with an abundance of skills as his strength.
　However, this is .......
　If it's not good enough, Snow is more .......

　Glenn-san approaches languidly and greets me with a friendly smile.

'Nice to meet you. Is it okay if you're Kanami-kun from Epic Seeker?
Ah, yes, nice to meet you. I'm Aikawa Uzumi.

　I bow my head deeply and introduce myself to Mr. Glenn.

'Heh, that's not at all what I've heard from Palinclone: ....... No, I mean in a good way, okay?　Don't get me wrong, okay?　Not a bad word, okay?
Ha, ha. ......

　I'm the one who thought, "Not at all.
　It's more than a little surprising that this person is the 'strongest' that everyone admires.

　Glenn-san observes me intently and then pats me on the shoulder with a big smile.

''Yeah, yeah, that's good. You're good after all!　I've been a fan of yours ever since that time (・・・・). That was amazing. You're a real 'hero', not a pathetic imposter like me!

　And then, excitedly, he says he's a fan of mine.
　But when was "that time"? I wonder if he heard about me in Epic Seeker.

　Then Snow interrupts with a panicked look on his face.

''-- Brother Glenn. What happened back then is ......!
'What?　Oh, yeah, I know, Mr. Snow. I-I didn't forget, did I?　I'm not lying, okay?

　Snow is angry at him and Mr. Glenn deflates. Then he piles on the excuses, looking at Snow's face. They are both about the same height, so this makes it hard to tell who is older.

　Glen-san clears his throat and turns to me, regaining his composure.

'And anyway!　Kanami is a good enough person to trust my sister with your work. After watching you carefully, talking to you, I'm sure of it. You are a good man. I'm sure of it!
Hi. ......

　For some reason, Mr. Glenn's favorable opinion of me was unusually high.
　He was adamant about tapping me on the shoulder and praising me.

　And then Glenn, looking excited, makes a fist and stresses the point.

I couldn't do much for you, Snow, but I could at least give you a boost (・・・・・・) for your marriage. Finally, I've got that much power. I won't let the guys in the main house complain about it either!　...... maybe!
'What, a marriage boost ......?'

　I repeat myself, because there were words that I couldn't hear.

'What do you say ......, brother ......?'

　The same goes for Snow.
　He suddenly said something strange and asked his brother for an explanation.

'What?　Because you guys are getting married, right?

　Apart from our confusion, Glenn's answer was very simple.

'Ha, ha!　Yeah!
What?

　Me and Snow both voice our doubts.

'Huh?　Palinkron has been saying this all along, you know?　I think I found a suitable son-in-law for Snow Walker. Will you please let Glenn help us work things out between them? And...

　Mr. Glenn does an impersonation of Palinclone and explains what he was asked to do. But there is no resemblance at all.

'Oh, that bastard: ......'

　I'm furious at Palinclone's sidelong impersonation.
　However, Glenn continues to talk with a buoyant look on his face.

'Snow-san and Kanami-kun's marriage!　I'm all for it too! I couldn't be happier that Kanami, the man of my dreams, has become my brother-in-law. You are recommended by me and Palinkron as Snow Walker's fiancée!　No matter what, I'll make you two get married!

　Leaving me and Snow puzzled, Glenn announces his decision.
　Next to me, Snow mutters shakily.

'...... I haven't heard anything. This kind of ......, this kind of ...... thing.
Yeah, I don't hear it. I don't know what the hell he's talking about.

　I'm trying to agree with that - but I'm interrupted.

"Ki, I'm not listening, but (...) ......, it's not a bad idea. It's not a bad idea ....... Eh, but that's .......

　Snow continues to mutter to himself.
　He doesn't seem to hear my words or Glenn's statement of determination. He just repeats the question to himself by himself. And--

'What?　That kind of ......, that kind of thing ......?

　Leaving me and Mr. Glenn behind, he seems to have come up with some kind of answer on his own.
　Just like before, he is staring at his palm with an expression on his face as if he has found an object for the first time in his life.

　Neither Glenn-san nor I know what kind of answer Snow got. We just couldn't interrupt her for the bizarre look. So much so that she had an opaque and distorted expression on her face.

　With that expression, the monologue continued.

'Just do whatever you want (・・・・・・・・・), is that what you mean?　I mean, Palinkron (that guy) does the same thing ......?

　And gradually Snow's face lights up.
　The stagnant voice gradually clears up and becomes brisk - uncharacteristic (・・・・・) speaking.

'Oh, finally, finally ......!　I finally figured it out: ......!

　No longer did Snow's characteristic languid speech completely disappear.
　She became like a normal girl.

　Snow looks at her palms with a radiant face, as if a possession had fallen from her.
　Glenn and I are confused by this sudden change.

'Snow ....... What's wrong with you ......?
"Well, um, Mr. Snow, ......?

　Me and Mr. Glenn call out to him fearfully.
　In contrast, Snow turns a fresh smile on me and asks in a cheerful voice.


''-- Hey, do you not want to marry me, Kanami?''


　The question was so heavy that it was one of the highest points in my life.
　I'm upset by that un-Snow-like confession of innocence and clarity.

'Well, wait, ......!　Wait, wait, wait!　Snow, what the hell are you doing out of the blue?
Marry Kanami and everything will be okay. Everything would be fine as long as Kanami was there to take care of the Walkers, not just her husband.

　Snow takes my hand in hers and tells me with an innocent smile.
　The innocence of Snow's appearance is so much cuter than the languid previous years. It's cute, but none of it is easy to nod to.

　I choose my words carefully.

'...... the responsibilities of House Walker?'
Yes. Every child adopted by a Walker family has a responsibility to make that family name known. They are only as good as their brother Grenn, or they will never appreciate it. I'm not convinced that they took in that dragonborn descendant, Snow. Even ...... can convince them, Kanami can convince them. If only Kanami's 'heroic' powers were available!

　Snow replies happily.
　Then I understand the problem and get the edge of what she's thinking.

'You want me to spread the ...... Walker family name to me?　As Kanami Walker?
'Exactly. If brother Glenn and the Legacie family cooperate and support me, I can dream of marrying Kanami. You won't have to marry into another family, like a disposal!
'Oh, calm down, Snow ....... I know you're in a hurry for a lot of things. But it's not such an easy decision to make. Marriage is an important thing, and you should think about it more.

　At least it's not a matter of deciding as if it were an idea.

'I've thought about it ....... I've thought about it. Marrying Kanami is absolutely the easiest (...). It's the most free, that's why I want to marry Kanami!

　That was the worst confession I could think of.
　Snow said he wanted to marry me, not because he liked me, but because it was easy.

'It's ......, no. That's no good. Snow is talking about marriage because "it's easy". There's no way I'd accept that kind of confession.

　Of course, he refuses to accept the offer of marriage.
　At the very least, I would never nod at the current Snow.
　Above all, just like it or not, I am now that shiny-haired--

　But that response seemed to surprise Snow. With a hardened smile, he returns the words.

''Eh, eh?　That ......?　Ka, Kanami won't help me ......, help me ......?
Not that I won't help: ......!　But suddenly marriage is too big a story. Besides, even I have the right to choose my partner: ......!
'Such a ......!　It's not fair that I don't have the right to choose and Kanami has the right to choose. That's not fair: ......!

　Understanding my refusal, Snow's expression becomes distorted. This was the first time she had ever shown so much emotion.

　Realizing that I can't take it back if I don't, I squeezed Snow's hand back and retorted strongly.

'Snow, don't worry. Everyone has the right to choose his or her partner. If the Walkers are complaining, I will find a way to make it right for you.

　I put all my energy into trying to get rid of Snow's fears.
　But my thoughts fail to reach her. Snow leans closer, tears pooling in her eyes.

'...... right, hey. ...... Let's give up Kanami with me too, okay?　It would be easier if we gave up, right?
No, I don't have to give up on you!　I'll work with you so that Snow can make her own choices!
Hey, will you marry me if you help me?　That's the best I can do, ehehehe ......

　Snow laughed flirtatiously, tears in her eyes.
　Somehow, she was forcing herself to laugh just to get me to nod.

　I didn't want to see Snow like that.
　I shook my head coldly.

'I can't do that. All I can do is help Snow choose freely.
If you're free to choose, I'll choose Kanami.　Kanami spoils me the most. She has the power to spoil me like this. There has never been a person like that in my life!　Kanami is the only one who will spoil me without fear of the Walker family!

　Grasping my hand tightly, Snow packs it in.
　But I keep shaking my head quietly.

　Seeing this, Snow lets go of my hand and stumbles back.　

'Oh, is that ......?　Why ......?　That man was kidnapped ...... and I'm not kidnapped ......?　Wrong again: ......?　I knew it was my fault: ......?

　Then he begins another monologue.
　I look down, stare at my hands and repeat the question to myself, and then I fall to my knees.

　It's not normal.
　It's an unthinkable condition from the usual Snow.

　Of course, I 'gazed' at it and checked the 'condition'. But there's nothing unusual about it. It's clear that he's in a mild state of excitement, but there's nothing else.

　This is the true state of Snow's mind.
　The plating of composure has been removed, and Snow, who has become serious, is so weak and foolish--and

　I couldn't say a word in front of Snow's mind, which was weaker than I imagined it would be.
　Instead, Glenn-san reached out his hand in a familiar manner.

'Su, Snow-san ....... Sorry ......, that came out of nowhere .......

　Then he lends a wobbly Snow a shoulder and sits him down on a nearby couch.
　As he sits down, Snow catches his breath and gradually calms down.

　As expected of a brother and sister. Perhaps this isn't the first time Glenn-san has seen Snow in this state. I decide that it's best to leave it to my brother, Glenn, to handle it as it is.

　All I can do is continue to watch the crumbling snowflakes in silence.


◆◆◆◆◆ ...


　From the depths of the darkness comes the sound of a bird.
　It sounds like an owl (owl) and reminds me a bit of my former world.

　I sit on the couch a little ways away from Snow and Mr. Glenn and wait for time to pass.

　Then, after about half a minute has passed, Snow, who had been sitting, stands up.
　I get caught up and stand up too.

　Snow walks up to me and speaks to me apologetically.

'...... I've calmed down now, it's okay. ...... I'm sorry for being so weird.

　He was the same Snow as usual.
　Languid, calm, and never serious about anything.
　It's Snow with a 'pause' before a conversation.

　I'm grateful that he's back to normal, but it's a little hard to talk to him. But I can't say that. Snow is my partner in The Epic Seeker.

'Don't worry about it. You've been thinking about your engagement for a long time, haven't you?　Then I have no choice.
...... Yeah, that's right. I was in a lot of trouble. Marry me, marry me," he repeated, and I felt like my head was boiling over. Ha-ha.

　Snow repeated his apology with a dry smile as he mended and mended.

'...... haha. I'm sorry. It really wasn't like that. I don't know what I'm trying so hard to do. Of course it's not going to work if I'm desperate.

　And then I give up.
　He's about to give up on everything, as usual.
　That's typical of Snow, but it was something that couldn't be overlooked. I'm not asking you to give up everything.

'No, you don't have to be so mean. It's true that you'll cooperate. If you're about to be forced to do something you don't like, just let me know. I'll make it work.
......, thanks.

　Snow thanked him weakly.
　Deep down, I'm not pleased. The words he really wants are not, he says.

　Then Snow tied her mouth tightly together and added more words.

'...... Oh, and, you know what? Just in case you remember that there's 'that way'?　That's all there is to it: ......

　The 'that way' that Snow refers to would be the way that me and Snow would be married.

'Ah, ah, ......'

　I can do that if I just remember.
　I nodded and responded.

　When Snow saw that, she smiled as if she was relieved.
　I don't see any abnormality there like I did earlier.
　Was she just an outburst of daily exasperation earlier ......?

　Glenn sees me and Snow talking to each other with no problem and speaks to me.

'Hey, we've made up ...... right?'
It's all right. Mr. Glenn.

　Snow nodded along with me. Apparently, he wasn't fazed by the thought of us fighting because of him.

'Huh, thank goodness ....... You've taken up a lot of my time, I have to go say hello, but ....... Snow, are you sure you're okay ......?
...... It's okay. I'm sorry you're the one who's busy, brother.
'No, I'm always busy ....... I'll be off then. ......

　Mr. Glenn then walks into the Great Hall.
　Immediately, Mr. Glenn is surrounded by people and begins to deal with them with a fake smile. The amount is many times greater than ours. It's a good thing that you're able to get the most out of your time with the best of the best, because there are a lot of people who try to get in on the action.

You look busy, brother.
...... Yeah. Even if he's like that, he's a 'hero' of the five nations. He's like that wherever he goes.
'Wherever you go or ....... I don't like that .......
'...... I hate it too. I absolutely hate (・・・・)

　Snow refuses in a hushed voice.
　The stinky Snow may find the troublesome greetings most repellent.

Hey, Snow. What do you want to do today?　Can we go home now?
...... Yes, I want to go home.

　Me and Snow agree and decide to leave the ball.
　It's true that Snow isn't feeling well.
　We'll keep our heads down and make our way out.

　I lead the way back to the Great Hall.
　Returning to the hustle and bustle of the nobles, I head for the exit without making eye contact with anyone with Dimension Decisive Operation (Gradiate).

　Then, when I'm almost to the exit door, I'm approached by an unknown woman.

''Ah, brother. It's been a while.

　It's a girl with short hair.
　She uses a strange honorific and waves at me.

　I'm puzzled.
　The woman is a stranger. I'd like to ignore her, but she might be the daughter of an upper-class family that isn't even a joke.
　I stop and look at the girl.

　Then I hear more voices.
　The next voice is low and old.

"Mu....... Are you Christ Eurasia ......?

　It was an unusually tall woman.
　She was a woman, but her voice was strangely low. She looks like a man.
　She was taller than me, with sharp eyes and a dignified expression. Her long chestnut-colored hair is tied back and hangs down like a tail.

　And I could tell by the way they walked that they weren't just any two people.
　They looked like Rowen. Quiet and lean, the way they walked to swing their swords.

　I quickly 'gaze' at them as soon as I could.


[Status]
　Name: Persiona Quager HP430/434 MP105/105 Class: Knight
　Level 27.
　Strength 10.99 Strength 9.73 Skill 8.55 Speed 10.09 Wisdom 9.32 Magic 6.56 Elemental 1.56
　Inherent Skill:.
　Acquired Skill: Swordsmanship 1.89 Sacred Magic 1.95

【Status】
　Name: Ragne Kaikwola HP158/161 MP36/36 Class: Knight
　Level 17.
　Strength 3.40 Strength 4.42 Skill 12.05 Speed 6.62 Wisdom 7.52 Magic 1.62 Qualities 1.12
　Inherent skill: magic manipulation 2.12
　Acquired Skill: Swordsmanship 0.57 Sacred Magic 1.02


　The short-haired girl with multiple layers of skirts is Ragne Kaikwola, and the tall woman with a low voice is Persiona Quager.

　No doubt about it.
　They're both pretty good at what they do. Lagne Kaikwola's one has mastered the skill that made that Rowen even say that it's something that you can learn with your life, "Magic Power Control".

　That's why I want to ignore it and leave .......
　However, I didn't have the guts to ignore these knights who would have been named.

''I think you have the wrong person ....... I'm not that kind of name, so .......

　I politely shake my head.
　But Ragne Kaikwola approaches me with a strange look on her face.

''Heh?　It was impossible for us to mistake that Christ Eurasia. After being beaten so violently and unilaterally, it's almost like a dream. I was caught off guard that time, but I won't lose the next time.
No, no, you got the wrong--

　I spread my hands out to make a wall against the girl who is getting closer and closer to my face.

''Hmm.''

　Seeing this, Persiona Quager nods her head in agreement.
　Then she grabs Ragne Kaikwola by the back collar and begins to speak while pulling back.

It's a good thing that you've got the wrong person. ...... Lagne, that man is right, he is the wrong person. Only that man's guilt has been settled in the deal between Fuzzyards and Lauravia. Therefore, this gentleman and that miscreant are not the same person.
Oh, really?　I haven't heard anything.
You're not only soft-spoken, you're also weak. So I didn't let you hear me.
Ma, ma'am. ......

　They leave me alone to discuss it.
　Apparently, "Christ" is even suspected of being a sinner.

　And then they begin to introduce themselves again.

"I apologize for the rudeness of my subordinate, Lord Aikawa, the hero of Lauravian. I am Persiona Quager, the first in the pecking order of the Seven Celestial Knights of the Foozeyards. It's a pleasure to meet you.
I'm Lagne Kaikwola as well. I came third in the pecking order.

　I can't help it when people call me by my name so politely.
　I'll call my name back too.

''I'm Aikawa Uzumi, guild master of the ...... Lauravia's direct guild 'Epic Seeker', and this is the submaster, Snow Walker. This is Submaster Snow Walker. However, I'm in a hurry right now, so let me excuse myself--
I'm back, sir.

　The words to leave this place are interrupted by a new girl.
　She is one of the most noble girls in the ballroom. She flutters her conspicuous blonde twin-tail and wears a luxurious dress decorated with gold and silver embroidery.

Just in time, let me introduce you. Newly inducted into the "Celestial Knights" are Franlle Helvilleshein, sixth in the hierarchy, and Rainer Helvilleshein, seventh in the hierarchy.

　Perciona Quager introduces herself to the girl without pause.
　Then she meets eyes with the twin-tailed girl.

''Heh, huh?　Ki, Christ ......?

　The twin-tailed girl's blue eyes became squeaky small, and she opened her mouth wide and muttered, 'Christ.

''--!

　Behind him, the boy in the butler's uniform was also surprised. But his surprise was different from that of the girl.
　The boy shows a stinging hostility after his astonishment.

　I 'gaze' at the boy in response to the hostility and lightly brace myself.


[Status]
　Name: Rainer Helvirshine HP142/172 MP23/50 Class: Knight
　Level 12.
　Strength 6.12 Strength 4.52 Skill 5.01 Speed 6.92 Wisdom 6.53 Magic 3.88 Elemental 1.89
　Inherent skill: wind magic 1.12
　Acquired skill: swordcraft 1.23 sacred magic 1.02


　Liner Helvirshine.
　There's some talent there, but he's not an opponent to be particularly wary of. It should be .......

　And by the time he finished looking at the status, the boy's hostility had disappeared like a fog. He gently erased his expression and held back behind the girl. In line with that, I also release my stance.

''Eh, eh?　Why is Christ here?　And that's with Snow: ......

　The twin-tailed girl, Franlle Helvirshain, tries to close in on me, even more so than Ragne Kaikwola earlier.
　However, Snow interrupts in between and keeps the distance between us.

''It's been a long time since I've seen ...... you, Flanruele-sama. I heard that you were anointed as the highest-ranking knight of the Hoosiers. Congratulations.

　Snow and Franlle Helvirshein seem to know each other.

'Snow ......!　I'd heard you were taking a leave of absence from the academy and running a guild: ......!　You said you weren't interested in Christ!
...... in the course of events.
What? It just happened!　I wouldn't have a hard time if I could be with Christ by accident!

　From what I've heard, he seems to know someone from the Academy. He seems more at ease than when talking to other nobles.
　Behind him, Perciona Quager's low voice comes over.

''Don't go any further, Fran. That man is not 'Christ'.

　It takes, but Franlle Helvirshain does not stop.

'Christ, it's me!　I'm Frenlle Helvirshain, who helped me with my sometime academy exams!　You remember...
I'm telling you to stop.

　Against the unstoppable Franlure Helvirshain, Persiona Quager made him stop by grabbing him by the scruff of the neck.

''--Ught!''

　With a voice uncharacteristic of Otome, Franlle Helvirshain is lowered backwards.
　Then Persiona Quager advises in a low voice.

''You are the representative of the Foozeyers, the Seven Celestial Knights, and he is the Guildmaster of Lauravia, Aikawa Kanami. You're interfering too much in your personal affairs.
d*mn it ......!

　Franlle Helvilleshein was chided and stepped back. Rainer Helvirshein was with her.

　In his place, Persiona Quager stepped forward and continued to speak after a bow.

''Aikawa Kanami. As you know, there are three empty seats in the 'Seven Celestial Knights' (Celestial Knights). Hein Helvirshine's relatives filled two seats, but there is still one empty seat. No, we are really in a bind. So we're looking for a good knight to carry on Hine's will.

　With a slightly theatrical manner, Persiona Quager closes the distance.

'Hein--'

　Hein Helvirshine.
　When I heard that name, my mind boggled.
　Regardless of my intentions, my fists clenched.

　Perhaps the brother of the boy and girl behind me - no, let's not turn away from him.
　The man, Hein Helvirshain, must be someone from my past who has a connection to my past. That's why these people are so obsessed with me.

''So, as the President of the 'Seven Celestial Knights' (Celestial Knights), I'm willing to recommend Aikawa Kanami for the last seat. It's free if you just want to invite me. How about ......?

　However, I don't understand the relationship between them.
　As long as I'm under the protection of Lauravia, I don't intend to enter the 'Seven Knights of Heaven (Celestial Knights)' or something like that, but I'd like to at least hear what they have to say.

　Hearing Persiona Quager's proposal, the two girls behind her get excited.

''Yes, that would be great!　Nice thought, Mr. President!
'What?　All three of you are out because of your brother.　Does that make sense to you?

　Two jolly yellow voices go up.

　But that's not the problem. What matters is the boy who hides behind them.
　The hostility of the boy, Rainer Helvirshine, swells. His senses, honed by repeated training with Rowen, appeal to him.

　This expressionless boy could even attack me right here and now (・・・・・・) if he's not good enough: ......!

　Persiona Quager continued to speak, whether she noticed Rainer Helvirshine or not.

'Both of you, keep your mouths shut for a moment. ...... So, Aikawa Kanami, what's your response?
Well...

　Anyway, I thought we should hear the details, so I was going to answer--

'No. Kanami is my master and my partner. I won't give him to the Hoosiers.

　Instead, Snow refuses.

　He steps in front of me and glares at all the knights.
　Persiona Quager looks at Snow, who suddenly interrupts and looks at her with interest.

''...... way.''
Kanami will be the 'hero' of Lauravia. No matter what happens, Kanami will never leave the 'Epic Seeker'. Hey, Kanami: ......?

　Snow's shoulders seemed to be shaking a little.
　He still didn't seem to be feeling well.

'...... Right.'

　I nodded honestly. It's better to cut it off early for Snow's sake.
　Persiona Quager gives me a sharp look as I bounce off the solicitation.

''Hm. Then let's make a move at the "Dance Tournament": ....... The "Celestial Knights" have been given a recommendation from the Hoosiers. It's highly likely that she'll be able to match up with Aikawa Kanami, who is recommended by Lauravia.

　Then he speaks of a 'dancing competition'.
　Snow talks back to Perciona Quager, who hasn't given up so much as a hair.

I'll tell you what, I'll be participating in the 'Battle of the Dance Competition' too. Don't think you can fight Kanami so easily.
I see ....... It's a good thing that you're not the only one who's interested in this. The Walker Family's Dragon Incarnate, Lord Snow Walker......

　Snow and Persiona Quager glare at each other.
　Then some silence passes, and Persiona Quager laughs under her breath first.

''--Huh, good greetings. ...... Sorry to stop you, I'll see you again. Aikawa Kanami, Lord Snow Walker.

　With those last words, Persiona Quager shows her back.
　Her colleague 'Seven Knights of Heaven (Celestial Knights)' also left with her.

　However, until the end, Franlle Helvirshain was staring at Snow. Snow looked away and waited patiently for the Foozeyers' group to leave.

　And only me and Snow were left behind.
　I felt uncomfortable with her behavior and called out her name.

'Snow ......?'

　Gulping, Snow shakes her shoulders and looks away, speaking as if to mend her ways. He seems to know that his earlier actions are out of character, even for himself.

'...... Oh, I'm sorry for those people. ...... because Kanami is my (...) Kanami.
What ......?
'Yay, I mean 'Epic Seeker' guildmaster. Kanami means our (・・・・) Kanami. Everyone in the guild would be sad if they were easily pulled out, so!

　Snow smiles sneeringly and adds a few more words.
　I can sense from the way Snow looks at me that this is a construction. Snow said he wouldn't give me to anyone just for personal reasons. That's to be expected from the previous incident.

　Snow hasn't given up on marrying me. I could be sure of that.
　I nodded slowly, hesitantly.

'Don't worry about it. I'm not going to Hoosier's, no matter what terms they give me. I'm just getting to know the guild members. ......
...... Yeah, that's right. Good. ...... Good.

　Snow's face lights up when she hears my answer.
　Seeing that, I'm relieved, and at the same time, my discomfort swells.

　If Snow is smiling, that makes me happy as a partner. But on the other hand, I'm sure I'm confused by this new side of her.

'For now, let's go home ....... I'm getting a little tired too .......
...... Yeah, I'll come home with you.

　Snow pulled my hand away and left the Great Hall as if to escape. If it were true, I would have had to greet the Lauravian royalty, but I managed to escape, claiming to be in poor health. I don't know how this will affect me later on, but it can't be helped. It was obvious that Snow was acting strangely today.

　He went straight out to the yard and we left the castle in the carriage.

　Thus ends my social debut.
　On the way home.
　I felt a little closer to Snow than usual on my way home.