After washing off the sweat and dust in the showering area with the other participating students, I throw some clothes on in the changing room.
Upon glancing at the town’s clocktower, Alfred bolts the moment the award ceremony ends. Looks like he’s heading to his part-time job.
He doesn’t even plan on staying for a little longer.
I mean, since the match is supposed to last the whole day, he should have just asked for a day off. What was he thinking? That brat’s certainly unmotivated. How could he have actually thought of throwing the match just to leave early?
Seriously.
And ever since the match ended, that trio of groupies looks like someone told them Santa Claus doesn’t exist, tears and snot running down their faces.
The atmosphere’s kind of depressing here.
What’s up with them?
On the other hand, I’m feeling great and refreshed, as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
“Boohoo, Lian-sama, Lian-sama… This is too heartrending!”
“That guy must have cheated!!”
“You’re right! He must have done something, right!?”
I shake my head.
“Alfred didn’t do anything, okay? This is something that can happen to anyone. Don’t worry about every problem too much. But thank you for caring about me,” I tell them as I bow in gratitude.
“L-Lian-sama, your words are truly mature!”
“How mature! W-we don’t deserve to have you say this while bowing to us!”
“As expected of Lian-sama, you’re truly wonderful!!”
Well to be fair, I’m actually an adult. Mentally, at least.
Still, I feel like I’ve been forgetting myself these days.
“Even so, it’s bewildering how that Alfred guy was h-hugging Lian-sama! I’m jealo— I mean, he’s too rude!”
“That’s right! How shameless!”
“Right!!”
“Ahh… Y-you’re right.” I forced a stiff smile.
That idiot, what was he thinking, hugging me where everyone can see?!
Since he kept clinging to me, everyone stared at us weirdly. I felt so embarrassed that I had half a mind on running away.
I don’t like standing out. He still did it anyway!
When I see him again on Saturday, I’ll scold him properly! He won’t hug me in public ever again!
“…Lian Owen?”
“Yes?” I say, stopping in my tracks.
As the trio and I look over our shoulders at the same time, I catch sight of two men wearing long, blue cloaks. They’re staring at me. Smiling. Upon closer inspection, they’re in uniform, also a shade of blue. Attached by each of their waists is a long, bejeweled sword.
They’re members of the Royal Knights Order.
I recognize their faces. Previously, they sat in the VIP booth during the event.
One of the men stands tall, his skin a shade of chocolate and his body rippling with muscles. His hair is slicked back with wax. Although he’s smiling, his eyes give him an evi—er, I mean sharp look.
YOU ARE READING
Nurturing the Hero to Avoid Death
Romance"Please, I implore you to save the world." This is what a goddess in white says to me in a pure-white space. Such is the standard line that suggests the game is about to begin. Please say this stirring line to boys and girls with sparkling eyes! It'...
