After finishing breakfast with Eligion, we promptly headed to the capital using a carriage. The villagers wanted to hold a feast they couldn't have yesterday, but seeing that Eligion was busy and couldn't be detained, they reluctantly gave up.
"Well then, let's depart."
Eligion commanded the coachman. In the carriage, Eligion and Sage Nyau sat across from me, while Agetha sat beside me. I remembered riding in this carriage several times before. Back then, I was on edge, unsure when the Holy Knight Canaria might betray us. Now, knowing there are no enemies, I could ride in it with ease.
"By the way, what's the relationship between Kiska and Agetha? You seem to get along quite well."
As the carriage started moving, Eligion initiated a conversation. Our relationship, huh? How should I explain it? The term "friends" feels insufficient to describe the connection between Agetha and me. On the other hand, I couldn't think of a better expression.
"We're lovers."
Agetha asserted, catching me off guard. I nearly burst out laughing. No, I don't remember becoming Agetha's lover. Well, we've kissed multiple times, so we're practically in a romantic relationship, I suppose.
"Huh…?"
Someone unexpectedly exclaimed. The carriage fell silent for a moment, struck by the surprisingly loud statement.
"Nyau, is something the matter?"
Eligion spoke to Sage Nyau, who was sitting next to him. Oh, it seems the voice's source was indeed Sage Nyau.
"N-No, I was just a bit surprised… P-Please don't mind it."
Sage Nyau hurriedly tried to cover up her surprise. Well, unexpected loud outbursts happen to everyone.
"Indeed, it's surprising that you two are in a romantic relationship. After all, you just met inside the dungeon. Where did you become so close?"
Eligion agreed with Nyau's words. It's troublesome to answer that. In Eligion's perspective, Agetha was freed from her seal inside the dungeon, gaining her freedom. So, it would seem that we went from acquaintances to lovers in just a day.
"I fell in love at first sight."
Agetha explained with a shy expression. There's no choice but to go with that.
"I see. Certainly, Kiska is quite handsome. I understand the feeling."
"Kiska, handsome, huh? Good for you."
Agetha teased, smirking.
"I wouldn't be happy to hear that from a guy."
Besides, Eligion is much cooler than me. So, even if someone says I'm handsome, it just sounds like flattery.
"Well, then, should I say it?"
"Stop it, it's embarrassing. Eligion-sama is watching, you know."
"Then I'll tell you when we're alone."
"Please stop. Either way, it's embarrassing."
Is it really okay to have such a lovey-dovey conversation? I hope Eligion isn't getting bored. Feeling uneasy, I sneak a glance at Eligion.
He's smiling, thankfully. It seems he's not in a bad mood. As expected, being a prince of a country, he has a large heart.
"Ugh…"
Suddenly, a sniffle is heard. Looking over, Sage Nyau, sitting diagonally across from me, is hunched over, suppressing her sobs.
Others seem to have noticed, too, and everyone wears a puzzled expression. After all, there was no reason for tears in our previous conversation. It's unclear why she's crying.
"I-I'm sorry… It seems like I got some dust in my eyes, and, well, my tears haven't stopped since earlier. I'd be happy if you could ignore it…"
Sage Nyau, still rubbing her eyes, offers an explanation.
Even though it's clear that it's not just dust in her eyes, no one says anything. Everyone probably had the same thought, but no one voiced it. In the end, due to the mysterious tears of Sage Nyau, the atmosphere inside the carriage became heavy, and naturally, the conversation dwindled.
◆
When we arrived at the royal capital, the town was already in a festive mood. Everyone was out in the streets, drinking and singing.
It seems that news of the demon lord's defeat had already reached the entire town.
The presence of Eligion inside the carriage was quickly noticed by the people. As a result, a crowd gathered around the carriage, causing a state of confusion. Soldiers who had arrived managed to control the situation and calm the chaos.
Eligion showed his face from the window, waving his hand and responding to the expectations of the people.
As for us, unsure of what to do, we pretended not to hide our faces.
The carriage continued through the town and entered the royal palace.
"Hero Agetha, it seems that His Majesty the King has already prepared to welcome you. Would you please come?"
When the carriage stopped, Eligion spoke with the soldiers outside, then returned to the carriage, inviting Agetha.
"Sure."
Agetha's expression clearly showed that she found it troublesome.
"Kiska and Nyau, please come too. You are also contributors. My father wants to express his gratitude."
With that, Agetha, Nyau, and I descended from the carriage.
Nyau's tears seemed to have completely stopped, and she appeared calm.
" Agetha, don't be rude in front of His Majesty the King."
I voiced my concern just to be sure.
"I know. I'm aware of my position."
Agetha said so, but I was still worried.
I'm also going to meet the King in person. Thinking about it, I started to feel nervous. The clothes I'm wearing, prepared in the village, seem too shabby to meet the King. I wonder if it's okay like this…
"Kiska, are you nervous by any chance?"
"Of course. Aren't you nervous, on the contrary?"
"No, not at all."
Agetha nodded with a nonchalant expression.
I could learn a bit from her composed demeanor.
"After all, I'm the hero. I'm not afraid of the country's leaders."
"Being a hero is amazing."
"Just stay behind and watch, Kiska. It seems like I'll be the one handling all the interactions."
"You seem really reliable. It's kind of reassuring to have you."
"Is that so?"
Talking with Agetha seemed to have loosened the tension a bit.
"The King is waiting on the other side," a servant-like figure who was guiding us stopped in front of the door.
It seems that the King is waiting beyond this door.
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