✦ ✦ ✦
Even though the party hadn’t even started, I already wished it was over.
“I’m so happy you’re wearing the dress I got you.”
I was glad Noa was happy, at least.
“Well, shall we? Father and Keith are waiting.”
We headed to the dining room and Seleiyu’s dad and Keith were both there, looking very chipper. Seeing them both so happy made me glad I had been there to save Keith.
I felt like Keith was paying a lot of attention to Noa. Well, he was at that age, and a boy. So of course he’d be interested. She was even cuter in her dress.
Seleiyu’s dad started complimenting us on our outfits, then we all sat down. The food started to come out shortly after. Everything looked great. Seleiyu gave a quick toast, then we started to eat. After that, we talked all about the gathering between the academies. We chatted about the individual events and the final group game.
“You were so good, Yuna. Without you, Yufaria would have won.”
“Did you lose, Seleiyu?” Keith asked.
“Unfortunately, yes. Yuna was just too much for us. She’s much more skilled than me, or anyone else, for that matter.”
“In that case, I’ll avenge you.”
“Oh, yes, please do.”
Keith seemed kind of peeved that I’d beat his sister. Well, it wasn’t like he was about to challenge me to a duel or anything, so that was fine.
“I’m going to become really strong so I can protect my sister.”
“That’s right. I don’t need to be strong anymore, so you can take over for me, Keith.”
“Did something happen, Seleiyu?”
It seemed he’d noticed something about her had changed.
“It’s nothing at all. But you can’t just focus on strength, all right? A man must be studious, and it’s important to be considerate to others too. Yes, like Yuna. It would be lovely if you could be like her.”
Me? I hated doing work and I only could fight thanks to the bear gear that was handed to me.
“Seleiyu, I don’t think I’m the best role model...” I tried to deny it, but a voice from next to me agreed.
“I think so too. Yuna is strong, nice, and wonderful.”
“Noa, I don’t deserve that much praise.”
“No, you do. You saved the orphans, my father, and even my sister. And not only that, Yuna also...”
“Okay, okay. That’s enough.”
I needed to stop Noa before she kept going.
“I was just going to talk more about how amazing you are.”
“You really don’t need to.”
“Ha ha, she must really love you, Yuna.”
“I do! I love Yuna.”
“Noa, that’s embarrassing.”
“How so?”
Please don’t look at me with those innocent eyes…