Mayer was so close our noses were about to touch. I shrunk back, bewildered by the sudden closeness. He pulled even closer, leaving me helpless. Why, why are you being like this? I asked.

I feel like I have seen your eyes up close before, he replied, still gazing at me. His hot breath tickled my lips and I could see his golden eyes as closely as he could examine the color of mine. His blazing iris, like a glowing amber in the light, sent me into confusion. I wasn't alone in feeling that emotion as Mayer sounded perplexed himself. He muttered, I was thinking I had to be this close to see the color of your eyes as dark as I remember, but I seem to be closer than I thought.

Oh, blast. He couldn't be about to remember us kissing while he was groggy from the awakening of his mana? That was something he absolutely couldn't remember. I tried to escape his gaze, but there was nowhere to retreat so I shot to my feet. I had to change the subject somehow, but how?

Right at that moment, Mayer grabbed my arm as he continued to trace his memories. Fortunately, he looked puzzled and didn't seem to have reached the truth yet. He did, however, seem to be pretty close to it. Mayer frowned as he began doubtfully, It can't be that we

Captain, I interrupted. Then, to fool his eyes that sometimes read my thoughts clearly, I put on the most troubled look I could manage. Honestly, it's troublesome if you keep failing to keep your distance like this.

Keep my distance? Did I happen to offend you?

I wasn't offended. Every time Mayer hugged me, a side of my chest would tickle at the thought of how fervently he wanted me. If being hugged by him offended me, then I would never have been able to stand his touch while I was awakening his mana. To be truthful, it wasn't like I didn't like the man called Mayer Knox either. The man had perfect looks, lots of money, a good family name, and he was only soft to me. It would be strange not to grow any feelings for himnot that I could say that. I opted for a moderate lie with a troubled laugh instead. A little.

Mayer's eyes shot wide open, seeming shocked at my answer. I was sure August must have said the same thing. Seeing how he acted like it was his first time hearing it, the priest's efforts were apparently in vain. While his grip on me loosened for a moment, I pushed him away and finally got to put some distance between us. Not even taking the time to catch my breath, I quickly continued, It's not like you're acting this way because you have romantic feelings for me, right?

That is true. Meyer nodded reluctantly. That ambiguous attitude made me ask for confirmation.

You're sure? Or maybe you actually like me?

Absolutely not. What nonsense, Mayer denied sharply. If it wasn't true, then it wasn't true. There was no need to reply with such a serious face, was there? Why didn't he express himself more clearly? He was the one behaving so oddly! I already knew that there was no way Mayer liked me, but hearing him confirm it was a little embarrassing. It felt as if I'd been having some expectations.

Feeling awkward for nothing, I shrugged and said, Then please don't act that way. Like how you suddenly hugged me back at the dungeon Everyone who sees you like that will misunderstand, Captain.

I was merely overjoyed at the time that our hard effort had successfully borne fruit. You should know.

I do. I do, but That's normally something only real couples do.

You hugged Sevi the other time yourself, did you not?

But Sevi's a child.

Is Nova a child too, then? Mayer argued. I had previously hugged Nova and Sevi out of pride. Even Julieta too. That's what he seemed to be talking about, but

That's a separate matter Oh, fine. I won't hug other people like that from now on too.

I ended up compromising with a sigh. It was an unreasonable result, but persuading Mayer to change his mind seemed like a less probable option. After a long while, Mayer nodded with disapproving reluctance. Alright. I shall take care next time.

Not feeling that was enough, I repeatedly confirmed his agreement on the matter. Only then could I rest a little easily. Good Then I'll just forget everything you've done so far. I'll clear things up with the others too.

Since I had gotten Mayer's confirmation, it was an opportunity to root out the misunderstandings that remained in the Dark Knights. As there wouldn't be any use in making lukewarm excuses like before, I intended on being a little more aggressive in clarifying things. No one in the corps would have even lent an ear to my words in the past, but I had gained quite a bit of influence compared to then.