Hey!　Wait a minute!

　The communication is cut off with a bang.

　Vacation?　Leisurely?　Six days?　I don't want you to say that out of the blue.

　...... But, well, I'm just relieved that Second-dono is safe. The team was able to form a team, and if you think of it as being able to communicate at any time, it won't be too much of a problem--

"Except in case of emergency, avoidance of communication is a top priority.

　Not -- not!　I'm getting some weird messages!　Is this a "stay out of me and Yukari's way" thing?　Isn't that right?

How did it go?

　Eco looks into my face with concern.

　The moment Second-dono shifted, Eco, who just a few moments ago had an end-of-the-world look on her face, regained her vitality as soon as she realized I was communicating with Second-dono, and then she changed places to the right and left, as if the content of the conversation was bothering her.

'...... whatever it is, they won't be back for six days. In the meantime, we're on vacation.
Good night?
Hmm.
Okay.
Yes.

　Silence.

　Me and Eco are probably thinking the exact same thing right now.

　What do I do for six days - and what do I do?

'Shirubia, I'm hungry.

　...... different.



'It's an occasional vacation, I think I'll go home to my parents.'

　Noon.
　We headed back to the town of Pejo, where we were having lunch and contemplating how to spend our vacation.

'Is that okay with you, Eco?'
Yeah, I'm going!

　When I suggested that, Eco immediately nodded.
　It was an easy decision.

''Then let's get moving.
You want to...

　It takes four hours one way from Pehoe to the royal capital. If we left now, we could arrive in plenty of time for nightfall. Eco and I return to the inn and check out, and then ride to King's Landing.

　On the way, I think to myself, "Why should I go back to my parents' house?

　How did I come up with the idea of going back to my parents' house?

　If it was me when I was in the Third Order, I would never have thought of such a thing. In fact, there is a section that was rather evasive.

　...... Ummm, I wonder why?

　Before we could get an answer, we arrived at the royal capital.



'Oh, that's Sylvia!'

　The first person I encountered when I returned to my parents' house was Sister Clarice. Her high height and lack of breasts combined with her short-cut blonde hair gave her a more neutral look. It's a good thing that you're able to get a good idea of what you're looking for.

'It's been a long time, sister,'
How are you?　Well, you're still as stiff as ever: ...... hmm?　Hey, who's this girl?
Hello!
'Today - or maybe tonight - I don't know.
Oh, I see. Good evening!
Yada cute: ......

　Your sister stroked Eco's head. Eco's eyes narrowed and she slurped and indulged pleasantly.

'I've decided. I'm going to keep her.

　What is this person talking about? .......

'She's a team member's eco-leaflet.
Oh, Eco-chan.

　Your sister said, "Well? Would you like to keep her? He invites eco-friendly people to join him.

I'm already blinded by the system, so I can't do it.

So, there it is!　His Highness, the super handsome man we've heard so much about!

　Your Highness?　...... Oh, by the way.


"What, noisy ...... mmm, that's Sylvia. You're back.

　Father heard your sister's voice and came over.

'Father, I've come to greet you on leave.
Just in time. I've got a couple of things I wanted to talk to you about: ...... hmm?　The boy,
'Good evening!　I'm an Eco Leaflet!
............ Right. Noir Virginia.
Oh, and I'm Clarice Virginia by the way. Would you like to meet me?

　Your sister strikes a pose. What do you mean, "Yoroketto"? I don't want you to get in trouble for being like this, even in front of your father. Father would caution you from time to time, but he seemed to have given up on the idea.

Come on, Eco-chan. I'd like to have a word with you over here.
Shut up!

　Oh, they've taken Eco away. I hope your sister doesn't do anything strange to me, but what is ...... or rather talk to me?

　And it was. Father would like to talk to you.

"So, Dad. What can I do for you?
Yeah. But first, can I say something?
Yes, sir.
Sylvia, you've changed a lot, haven't you?

　Have you changed?

Don't you realize that?
Yes, I'm ashamed to say.
You have improved a lot in a short time. You look confident in front of me, unafraid, unflappable, undaunted and full of confidence. You're very much like him, you're very confident.
"--!

　Like the Second Lord, huh? Hmmm.

That's ...... very, very nice of you.
It sounds like you're having a positive effect. That's good.

　Father smiled with satisfaction and opened his mouth, his expression changing to an even better mood.

'I heard that he won the magic competition. I also heard that he refused the first prince's formal solicitation in public, while at the same time getting acquainted with the second prince.

　Eek!　Not good!

...... and that ......

　I couldn't think of a good excuse on the spur of the moment and was at a loss for words.

　Then your father suddenly burst out laughing and said, "Wha-ha!

'Truly painful!　It's magnificent!　I knew I was seeing things right!

　Huh?

Sylvia. Don't let him go. He will be irreplaceable to our House of Virginia, or to our Kingdom of Castal.
Yes. ...... Yes.

　No doubt about it, though.
　I'm sure of it, "Who is he?! I was expecting to be stuffed with it.

'That's all I have to say. How long is your vacation going to last?
About six days.
Okay. Well, take your time.
...... yes. Thank you.

　Your father, who is going to leave with such a statement, feels extremely kind.
　No, he must have shown this kind of tenderness from time to time in the past.
　That's right, I feel differently. Maybe Father was right and I've gained confidence. The fact that I've completed hundreds of rounds of Grade B dungeons with the Second Lord has given me an unshakable "margin of safety". I'm sure that this has broadened my horizons to the point where I can sense your father's slightest kindness.

"So, how is it really with Second-san?

'Whoa!　Sister!　Don't stand back without a sound!

　Before I knew it, my sister, who was supposed to be playing with Eco, was standing behind me, and my heart jumped. My face reddened in surprise. No, this is in no way a blush at the content of the question. ...... Who am I to make excuses for who I am?

"I have a right to hear that story, don't I?

　...... It's another complication at the worst possible time. Your brother Alex sat down with a thud in the chair across from you, brushing back his long, blond hair, "Second, or , I'll have to see it through my eyes.

Second, or ......, I'll have to use my "eyes" to see it for what it is.

　Your brother is mumbling something to himself. He hasn't changed for a long time either. He's already twenty-two years old, but he's still talking in a weird tone since he was about fourteen years old.

'Huh, long time no see, Sylvia. What's going on, why don't you tell us what the second one is.
It's been a long time, brother. But when I say information, I mean .......
Well, I have a question for you!　Does Sylvia like Mr. Second~?
What?　Really?!
No, no. ......!

　Not exactly ............ though!

　Yeah, it's tricky when it comes to this!　
　What do you think Eco and your father are doing here?

Delicious!
Well, it's good. You can have more if you want.
'Thank you!　Eat!
Mm-hmm.

　No, those two are too good together!　He's a grandfather who completely spoils his grandchildren!

Sylvia, you can tell your man that if he wants my sister, he can have her. If he wants my sister, he has to take her from me.
Because, you know what?　What to do, Sylvia?　Hey, hey~?
Darn it!

　Noisy!
　We should have never gone back to my parents' house!