In front of the Greyrat courtyard,the sunlight fell across Allen's face as his brow arched slightly, as though caught in a daze.
Above his nose, where only he could see it, the smoky haze of the system floated faintly like a thin, misty veil.
But Allen's mind spun at lightning speed.
Just as expected—actively 'farming' father's 'favorable impression' would net me some points.
By now Allen understood perfectly well: to influence characters from the original story, the system counted value in many forms—being "valued," "acknowledged," "admired," "befriended," even "treated as family" or "desired." It was never just the "love between man and woman" he'd assumed in his first, naive days.
Two tests, short timers. Two expectations, longer timers.
Judging by experience, the system only issues missions when reality supports them. So I can infer that the 'tests' are immediate, something that'll happen soon. The expectations come later—perhaps once I'm back in Roa.
One test is already done. And it even labeled it 'completed ahead of schedule'? Because my behavior happened to fit his preferences—his "type"—so he acknowledged my ability early?
More or less. One test was 'ability,' then the next one…
…is probably 'strength.'
Allen recalled the faint, predatory glance that had flickered from within one of the passing carriages earlier. A catlike glint, amber in the shadows, quick but unmistakable. He smirked to himself.
If I've guessed right, this next test is probably up to Ghislaine. Those beastlike eyes, even if only for an instant, I saw them clearly. …Can't deny, sometimes the Boreas family's kinks have surprisingly practical uses.
But why hasn't Ghislaine shown herself yet? Is she the type to hide and watch?
[Who knows?]
Allen shook off his thoughts and looked back up—but the response he'd been expecting from Paul… never came.
Instead, Paul still stood there, slack-jawed.
Allen glanced at the ever-smiling Philip in front of him and then turned his questioning gaze on Paul.
Paul was… still stunned.
When Philip had suddenly arrived like this, Paul had been paralyzed on the spot.
Just yesterday, he'd received Philip's letter here in Buena. He'd read it, then spent the day agonizing over how to craft a reasonable reply. Something like: "This young Allen fellow has absolutely no connection to your son, just a good friend of mine from fencing practice," or some other clumsy excuse.
But before he could even pick up his pen…
His "good friend's" father had already shown up on the doorstep.
Huh?In that instant, Paul's brain short-circuited.
Beyond his flustered concern for Allen, he couldn't shake the ridiculous, absurd feeling that this was just like when the angry father of some girl he'd fooled with in noble school came storming in.
Surely just a coincidence.
And yet seeing how Allen had dissolved the tension so quickly, so cleanly—Paul couldn't help but think of his old party's thief back in Black Wolf's Fang—Geese. That man had a similar gift for handling people.
Paul shook his head furiously, banishing the thought, and looked at Philip's smiling face, waiting patiently for his reply.
Philip.This distant cousin of his, whose ambition had never dulled. Even back when Philip had helped him out, it was clear he'd hoped Paul might yet return to his place as heir of the Notos family, even after he ran off to the countryside.
But when he saw Paul so content to stay in this little village, he'd given up, writing Paul off as a lost cause.
Even so, Paul had never spoken ill of Philip in front of Allen.
Because he truly hoped Allen would know real family, and not repeat his own regrets and misunderstandings.
But now…Paul glanced at Allen's calm (even faintly smiling) face and thought:
Allen reacts so fast… so steady…
To instantly judge that not acknowledging Philip outright is the best choice for everyone here… that's exactly what I'd expect of Philip. He probably already confirmed Allen's identity even as he wrote that letter.
Standing there, Philip's eyes still narrowed in that familiar smile, as though he could wait forever.
Paul asked himself:
Does Allen even want to go to Roa?
I remember two years ago I asked him, and he turned me down flat.
Living right under his father's gaze? He doesn't like Philip. He likes this family here.
Since he doesn't want it… I'll refuse for him.
At least now there's no need to keep hiding Allen's identity. Everyone already tacitly understands… So all that's left is to refuse Philip firmly.
From Allen's perspective, Paul had been frozen for ages, but really it was just a long pause—a swordsman's mind turning fast enough to make ordinary people seem slow.
"Uh… I haven't had the chance to discuss it with them yet. You really came so soon…"
Paul forced an awkward laugh, then put on a serious face and carefully said:
"I did think about your letter… but I don't think it's right for me to make that decision for Allen or Rudy. They've got their own thoughts, after all. Don't you think it's a little early? They're still so young, and this kind of recruitment…"
He still hadn't adjusted to the sudden change and his words came out halting and clumsy.
Meanwhile—
Rudy let out a relieved breath, finally allowing himself to study Philip curiously.
Sylphy's face, though, remained pale as she twisted the hem of her favorite dress in her fingers, nervous.
Allen only watched Paul with a faint smile.
I guess that's what it means—when you care too much about someone, you get flustered. When change comes suddenly, people instinctively worry about what they treasure most.
The word change rippled through Allen's mind.Out of the corner of his eye, Philip's smile never faltered.His lips moved slightly, as though preparing to speak again.
But in Allen's head, the sound of those predatory eyes from the carriage earlier echoed again.
Allen's smile stiffened slightly.
The system's smoky letters still hovered before him, drifting up and down.
"You did not wait for Philip's intended 'test'."
Wait—no way…
He snapped his eyes toward the second carriage door.From within he could hear the faint scrape of cloth and the rustle of a struggle.
And then—
BANG!
The carriage door burst open!
A vivid wave of crimson tumbled through the air.
That hair—like red paint splashed on canvas, a blazing mane crashing against the wind.
Hotter than fire.
"I told you not to cover my mouth!!"
"Miss! Please, a lady should behave properly in public!! You promised not to come out unless Master spoke first!!"
"Hmph!"
With a sharp toss of her head, the wild-eyed young girl leapt down from the carriage. She snapped at the cat-eared maid who stumbled after her, then planted herself squarely in the center of the courtyard. Arms crossed, feet planted wide, she declared her presence with a lion cub's imperious roar:
"Who's Allen?!"
(End of Chapter)
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