“No...I don’t. The second dragon was a complete surprise, but no one could have guessed it was there. You have nothing to apologize for. Besides, the whole quest only happened because I pushed for it.”
“It became my responsibility when I agreed to help.”
“But we pulled it off in the end. We couldn’t have defeated one dragon, much less two, without your genius idea to alter the arrowheads and flood the plains. Don’t you agree, Lex?”
“Absolutely. This quest was only victorious because of Master Pino’s expert strategies,” Lex concurs.
Is he that prideful or does he just hate being wrong? Either way, Pino’s expression remains dismal. I’m trying to come up with a way to tear down his terribly unhappy look when the greatest weapon appears.
“Big Sister!”
I turn around to see Cia running toward me. Noticing everyone’s judgmental eyes, she slows her gait to a quick walk—it’s not easy to be a young princess. I’m feeling extra guilty about how my tomboy nature is beginning to rub off on her.
“You came too, Cia?”
“Yes. Father instructed me not to make anyone feel uncomfortable.”
None of the nobles or stuffy officials are in attendance at this party, probably to allow the soldiers to truly relax. In fact, a lot of people switched into stiff work mode when Cia showed up. Our surroundings only start to partially lighten up again when Cia announces, “Please enjoy yourselves without paying any mind to me. I am here with friends.”
Cia cutely steps to the side and smiles at Pino standing behind me. “Good evening, Master Pino. Thank you for coming tonight.”
“N-No problem. I had business with Miss Priestess here.” Pino always becomes restless around Cia. She must have caught traces of the displeasure on his face from our prior conversation as she looks questioningly at me.
“Did something happen?” she asks.
“Listen to this, Cia! Pino won’t accept the thanks he’s due. Even though he’s the genius who came up with the strategy that saved my life and won the day,” I say, talking him up.
“As I said, my plan wasn’t a complete success—”
“Is that what this is about?” Cia exclaims over Pino’s frantic objections. She walks up to him and gently takes his right hand in both of hers. “I have also heard just how vital your plan was to the dragon vanquishing quest. Please allow me to thank you personally as Mizuha’s little sister and Grantz Kingdom’s princess. Thank you ever so much, Master Pino…!”
Not even Pino can dismiss Cia’s sincere gratitude. And hey, I thought Pino was opposed to shaking hands with the opposite sex? But he’s letting her hold on tight. Looks like Cia’s the exception to the rule. He’s also turning cherry red to the tips of his ears. My lips spread into a Cheshire smile over the adorable display before me, earning a killer glare from Pino.
“Wh-What’s with that dorky face?!”
“Whatever are you talking about, hmm?”
Pino’s embarrassment seems to have reached its maximum level. He quickly, yet gently, slips his hand from Cia’s and turns his back on her. “I’m done here. I’m going back to work.”
“Aw, you are?” Cia asks, disappointment seeping into her voice. “Didn’t you only just arrive…?”
“Cia wants you to stay longer too. Why don’t you enjoy yourself for a bit?”
“Sorry, but my dislike of these events remains unchanged. Besides, someone else needs your meddlesome attention more than me, Miss Priestess,” Pino says, quickly taking his leave.
He always just says his part and leaves without a care. Though this time he appears rattled from holding hands with Cia. For once, he looks his age.
Anyway, I wonder who else I’m supposed to be helping. I survey the area and spot Nady surrounded by even more people. Not to mention…
“I wish I had known sooner how delightful Lucor women are.”
“I wholeheartedly agree. What endearing ears and tail you have…!”
“Are you currently being courted by anyone, Miss Nady?”
In the time I was talking to Pino and Cia, the other conversation changed from hardcore war talk to more romantic topics. The men are becoming awfully pushy with Nady while trying to outdo each other for her attention. Lex is rendered speechless by it.
“…Lady Nady is a hit with the gentlemen tonight.”
“She’s beautiful, adorable, and strong. Of course she’d be a hit!” I gush.
“Yes, Miss Nady is a very lovely lady—second to Big Sister,” Cia casually throws my name into the mix.
Nady’s appearance hasn’t changed since the first day she came to the capital, but receiving a medal from the king surely drew attention from people who would’ve ignored her before. There’s nothing wrong with her being popular, and I’m thrilled if everyone far and wide learns of how adorable she is. I, however, am not in favor of people making her uncomfortable.
“M-Mizuha…” Noticing me, she looks my way with watering eyes. I can’t just sit by watching after she’s sought help.
“Okay, okay. Break it up. If you don’t scatter, I’ll shove my zombie reeking hand in your faces!” I warn with my right hand thrust in front of me. Everyone surrounding Nady flees as if they had just encountered a poisonous spider in their living room. “…Hey, Lex? I know I’m the one who threatened them, but wasn’t it a little too effective?”
“Most here have experienced the stench for themselves, m’lady.”
“I was only joking… I’m hurt.”
Meh, it doesn’t matter since I rescued Nady. Plus, now I’ve found the ultimate weapon to protect myself from pesky nobles in the future...though using this method will cost me what little dignity I have left.
Nady covers my right hand with both of hers before I fall deeper into depression. “D-Don’t worry! You smell good, Mizuha!”
“This is the warm, gentle hand that saves lives.” Cia places her hands on top of Nady’s.