Chapter 90: Subaru Natsuki's Goal Is to Make All the Royal Selection Members His Friends
Although the scene in his eyes looked like a candlelight dinner, Subaru Natsuki knew that was absolutely impossible—after all, the two of them hadn't been looking at each other for long, nor had there been much conversation between them.
Knowing that the other party could never like him, Subaru asked after sitting down opposite Crush:
"Is there something you wanted to talk to me about so late?"
"It's not a big deal. I just wanted to ask, as a guest, if there's anything about your stay here that you've been dissatisfied with."
"No, there isn't. Wilhelm teaches me swordsmanship, there are plenty of books to read at night, and the three meals a day are worry-free. I have no complaints about this lifestyle."
"Is that so? That's good to hear. Would you like to have a drink?"
Hearing this, Subaru glanced down at the red wine on the table.
Having never drunk alcohol in his original world, he was a little curious to try it.
He reached out and lifted the already poured glass of red wine, brought it to his nose, and sniffed.
The smell was neither unpleasant nor particularly pleasant. If someone were a connoisseur, they might recognize the quality of the wine just from its aroma.
But he wasn't a connoisseur. Filled with a bit of curiosity, he took a small sip. Before swallowing, he almost spat it out.
However, such rude behavior was beyond him, so he swallowed with difficulty, then put the glass back on the table and pushed it toward Crush.
"Looks like it's your first time drinking wine."
"Yeah, it's my first time. It's not as tasty as I imagined."
"Hm, alcohol isn't really something good per se, but sometimes it can be beneficial."
Subaru watched Crush take a sip of her wine.
He could tell she might be in a somewhat bad mood, but he had no intention of pressing further.
"You really are an unusual person," Crush said.
Subaru looked at her with some puzzlement.
Crush smiled, set down the wine glass, and rested her chin on the backs of her hands. Her amber eyes locked onto his.
"You've only been here for two short days, but the people around me have an exceptionally high opinion of you. Wilhelm, though he is my swordsmanship instructor, doesn't teach swordsmanship to just anyone easily."
"And Felix, though he acts the same toward everyone, hardly ever recommends someone to me."
"Uh…"
"You don't have to be like that. Tonight's conversation is just casual. I don't intend to recruit you, although you do deserve to be recruited. You clearly rejected me the first time we met."
"So far, I haven't felt you're worth recruiting again. Of course, if you think this place is good and want to join, you're always welcome."
"If I get the chance, I will."
"That's enough. Felix highly recommends you. He doesn't mean any harm, so if there's anything he's done that you dislike, please forgive him."
"I understand, of course. After all, he's my healer and my friend. Even if I get upset, I won't ignore him. At worst, I'll scold him harshly, but please don't blame me for that, Crush."
"Of course not. I'm not that petty."
They smiled at each other and dropped the topic.
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
"What? Am I really that unappealing to you? Or do you just have no desire to talk with me?"
"No, Crush, you're very charming. Whether in your usual attire or now, you have an attractive aura. If possible, I'd like to talk more with you. It's just that you seem to have something on your mind right now."
"Did you notice... your observation skills are quite sharp."
Hearing this, Subaru smiled helplessly and shook his head.
"That's not it. Crush today is just not the same as usual."
"Is that so? I don't feel any different."
"It's often hard to notice yourself. Most people think they hide their worries well, but around close people, such disguises are almost nonexistent."
A smile appeared on Crush's face, and a faint blush spread across her cheeks—likely the effect of the wine.
"So, do you know me well?"
"Hm, I know you well—no, that's a lie. It's just that Crush, you've had too much to drink. Your mannerisms and behavior revealed that you have something troubling you."
"Though I could ask you what's bothering you and maybe help you feel better, which might improve your opinion of me, we don't know each other well, and we rarely talk."
"If it were me, I wouldn't share my worries with a stranger. I imagine you feel the same. So rather than stay here, it's better to let you be alone for a while."
"From what I know of you, no matter what troubles you, you won't be stuck in it for long.
Everyone has weak moments; showing them isn't bad.
As long as you can pull yourself together, there's no problem and no need to worry those around you."
Hearing Subaru say this, Crush looked like she wanted to invite him again.
"Crush, you still—"
"Just call me Crush. You're not my subordinate. Although your status is that of a servant, in my eyes, you're a friend worth associating with. So no need for formal titles."
"Is that so? In that case..."
Subaru paused for a moment, then smiled.
"Crush, you should get some rest early. Drinking too much isn't good for your health.
Don't just rely on having someone as excellent as Felix nearby to ignore your own body.
I know the Royal Selection is very important to you, but you don't have to push yourself so hard. Proper relaxation helps both your health and progress."
"This comes from a friend's concern."
Crush was momentarily stunned, then her smile grew even brighter.
"A friend, huh... You're quite straightforward. Are you suggesting that if I become king someday, I'll treat you well as a friend?"
"Not at all. Reinhard, the kingdom's sword saint, is my friend. Felt and Emilia, members of the Royal Selection, are also my friends. I didn't become friends with them because of their positions, but because they're worthy of friendship."
"You're not lying... I accept your concern."
"Hm—since we're friends now, if you ever need help or someone to talk to, you can tell me. I can't promise to solve your troubles, but I can listen."
"Well, probably not anytime soon. I'll be going back now. You should get some rest too."
"Yeah, you too. Thanks for talking with me."
"Well, it's nothing special. Good night."
With those words, Subaru turned and left, leaving Crush alone staring at the red wine on the table, lost in thought.
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