And I wondered what she would say With a laugh, I answered, Yes. Dont tell me that you believed that too, Robur?

Well, even if you werent in a relationship, I thought His Excellency liked you. He shows such interest in you, doesnt he?

First the kids, now it was Robur Considering how everyone thought the same, it was certain there was an issue with Mayer Knoxs attitude And the most infuriating thing was that the man himself couldnt admit it. Im sure he looks after me because Im so weak, I said. It must be his first time having a weak yet useful subordinate. The weakest is normally the priest, but here in the Dark Knights, Reverend August is the elite priest, after all.

Hmm Robur fidgeted with her chin, not seeming particularly convinced. Alright. Lets say hes concerned because youre weak. Thats why he put August next to you and even assigned me And because thats not enough, he comes checking on you every break time. And even tempts you into drinking together.

Haha The captain does have a bit of trouble controlling the distance he should keep.

I tried to evade the subject awkwardly, but Robur didnt give it up easily. Thats what I mean. When a man whos been keeping a huge distance from other people suddenly closes it completely when it comes to a certain individual Is it because hes unable to control himself, or because he doesnt want to?

All I could do was laugh as a response to her meaningful words. I got what she was talking about, but there really wasnt anything between me and Mayer. The only reason why he gave me the special treatment was because I had memories of the first playthrough. Also, because I could use the element conversion spell, but I couldnt reveal these things. Embarrassing though it may be, I had no choice but to be forthwith on this. It just so happens that I asked about it myself. Whether he likes me or not.

What did he say?

What do you think? Of course, he said that hes never looked at me as a woman. And that he doesnt have any romantic feelings either.

You believe that? Robur snorted.

He looked serious, you know? Told me not to say ridiculous things. And he even said hed support me if I had someone I like.

I shrugged, showing I had nothing more to say. Realizing I didnt want to continue this topic, Robur refrained from asking further. Instead, she clicked her tongue, shaking her head as she said, His Excellency mightve said hed support your love for someone else or whatnot but dont believe in that too much.

I dont expect much truth in that.

Right. And if you do end up dating another man, make absolutely sure to keep it secret from His Excellency.

A secret?

He could kill your man in secret, dont you think? Robur bared her teeth in a menacing smile that made me smile awkwardly and scan the surroundings. Thankfully, no one was listening in on us.

Surely not, I whispered.

I doubt hed go so far. The man did say he had no romantic feelings. But if the truth is that His Excellency is unaware of his real feelings You never know what a man will do when hes gone mad from jealousy yet doesnt even know his own heart, right? Robur gave a hearty laugh. Her words were based on the premise that Mayer liked me, so that would never happen. But why did I feel so uncomfortable?

In the end, I had to leave the training room with a bad feeling in my guts.