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After requesting for consent from other nobles, Frillite withdrew from the banquet with Cloud.

No matter how high-ranking these aristocrats were, no one dared to raise their voice against her, the heir of the Ducal Perdiac family and the Hero of the Empire.

Thanks to which, Cloud was able to easily take his leave from the imperial banquet.

After the two left, the banquet became noisy again. However, the topic they discussed differed greatly from before.

What were you saying? That he may be even weaker than the newly recruited knight in your house? Then, the knights of your family are too great. Even a Hero would be so easily defeated.

-

Some simply admired the indifference and might Cloud had shown.

Is that really the Incompetent Hero? What the hell happened in the last few months?

Some wondered what happened in the past few months.

Maybe its just because it was a surprise attack? Besides, Hero Gis didnt have a weapon.

But, Hero Cloud wasnt armed either, right?

Uh, umh, so do you think Hero Cloud would be able to defeat Hero Gis if he fought properly, with his weapon? Has he shown skills like such in the past?

He must have trained a lot with a sense of purpose. Ive seen plenty of cases like this. A person who has the right motivation is a completely transformed being.

Would you like to make a bet, then? I have heard that you recently bought a decent beast slave this time

No, absolutely not. That toy is mine. Dont even mention it.

Some just thought it was an interesting gossip material.

The reason why these who had negative views on Cloud showed this attitude was simple.

This is because Frillite personally led Cloud to leave the imperial banquet.

Which means that there is a close relationship between Cloud and Frillite.

They wanted to avoid harming themselves by meaninglessly gossiping bad about Cloud for no actual gain.

While the nobles chattered, Lorian recalled the scene he had just seen. Frillite took hold of Clouds arm and left the banquet with him.

I knew there was a friendship between the two, he murmured.

But he didnt know that she would still help Cloud even in this situation.

Cloud youre ignoring my warning.

After tricking Eri into bringing herself into his party, Lorian didnt care anymore about Cloud.

Because he wasnt worth it.

Cloud was simply no longer worth his attention.

The retribution for ignoring my warning

will cost you a lot. Lorian vowed to himself.

Meanwhile, Lorian wasnt the only one looking at the exit of the banquet from where Cloud and Frillite had left.

Eri and Neria were included too.

They were looking at the direction of the exit with empty expressions.

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While looking at the exit, Ophelia sighed.

* * *

A bar with a tenebrous and chummy atmosphere.

At the long table in the center, a middle-aged bartender was wiping a wine glass, while a man and a woman with identical red hair were sitting in front of him.

When I was entering inside the banquet hall, I suddenly heard a lot of noise coming from inside. So, I wondered if Gis was making some trouble again. But I never thought, that you would be the culprit. Have to say, I was surprised in many ways.

Among the two, the woman with her long hair tied in a ponytail said, it was Frillite.

She was wearing the same tailcoat she had worn at the previous imperial social banquet.

Put aside how you managed to defeat Gis. Because thats not whats important to me right now.

Frillites crimson eyes turned to Cloud.

What happened to you?

Why do you think something happened to me?

It just seems so to me.

Well, uh Man, you are too direct.

Cloud smiled.

He twirled his wine glass and looked at the sparkling liquor inside.

Its just because I was thinking about the past.

Thinking about the past?

Yeah. At times, it was really hard to the point of wanting to die, but looking back, I miss those times.

Perhaps, you have heard of it before? When people close their eyes, they remember the colors of the past? I sympathize with them, and understand them too. Because, maybe, Im the same. Even if I try not to think about it, I still think of it, and sometimes I dream. A dream of overcoming dangers with teammates whom I can trust.

So letsjust pretend to be satisfied with something less, because sometimes we never forget some things for the rest of our lives. But even that didnt go as well as I thought. So, well I was a little disappointed, thats all.

Cloud shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, showing as if it wasnt that big of a deal.

Frillite looked at him with hazy eyes. What came to her mind was the past experience at the bar. The sleep talk that Cloud, who was drunk and fell asleep, uttered.

Sorry

If I had done a little better, even a little bit better, you

Yeah you havent forgotten those three even back then. The nostalgia seems to have gotten worse.

Frillites mouth closed shut.

The hasty words of consolation seemed more pernicious. But no matter how much she thought about it, she couldnt come up with effective words of comfort.

So, there was a moment of silence between the two.

It was Cloud who broke the silence. He asked, glancing at Frillite.

Frillite, can I ask you one thing?

Ask anything.

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Um I mean. I mean, if theres something I need your help with. But its very dangerous, so much that I cant guarantee that you will be able to preserve your life. If I asked for help in such a situation, will you come?

Of course.

An answer without even the slightest hesitation.

Cloud laughed.

Yeah, you are a person like that. Thanks for answering me.

He looked away from Frillite and began pouring a new bottle of wine into his glass.

Frillite tilted her head.

You seem to have misunderstood something.

Yes?

Did you think that I would risk my life to help just anyone?

No, not for anyone. But, dont you, as a knight, follow the knights code of chivalry? So

As you said, I am a knight. A knight and the only heir to the Duke of Perdiac, and a Hero of the Empire. I know my position, my role, and my responsibilities.

Cloud gave her a questionable gaze.

You still dont understand

Frillite sighed and continued.

I have never promised anyone that I would risk my life for them, to no one. Its the first time I have made such a promise.

Cloud stared blankly at Frillite for a moment. Then he burst out loud, suddenly laughing out loud like a madman.

Frillite blushed slightly at him.

W-What! At best, Im caring about my f-friend, so why are you laughing?! Are you kidding me?!

Cloud grabbed his stomach and desperately tried to stop his laughter. He said as he looked at Frillite with his smiling face.

No, its just that I feel like I was an a**hole until now. Something that was right next to me, I was looking for it all over here and there. Im really, haha.

His expression, which was full of fits of laughter, gradually turned into a warm smile.

Frillite, can I borrow your shoulder?

Shoulder? Well, it doesnt matter.

Why is he all of a sudden asking to have a shoulder-to-shoulder?

Frillite wondered to herself.

But she soon realized that she was wrong.

Cloud?

Yes?

..I thought it was shoulder-to-shoulder like last time, why are you leaning your head on me?

Cloud rested his head on her shoulder instead of putting his arm around her shoulder.

Did I ever say what I asked your shoulder for?

Cloud, no matter how much Im unaware to matters between friends, I know that this is what lovers do.

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Well, is that so? Hell, who made that law! Besides, you agreed to lend me your shoulder earlier, didnt you? Arent you both agreeing and disagreeing at the same time?

You sure do know how to play with words Whoo, do whatever you want.

In the end, Frillite left Clouds head resting on her shoulder.

Because she honestly didnt mind it either.

It was when the resigned Frillite was sipping on her wine again.

But there was one.

Cloud muttered softly.

What did you say?

Thank you. And your shoulders are cozy.

Really? I thought it would be stiff because of my muscle training.

No, its very comfortable. If I didnt know it was your shoulder, maybe, I would have even fallen asleep like this?

I want to see how you would look like if that happened, haha. If that happens, I will have to carry you to your bed, but I dont know where your bed is.

Want me to show you?

Never mind. Come on, have a drink.

Ha.

The two drank in silence.

Cloud asked quietly when another bottle of wine was finished.

Wont it be difficult for me to travel with you?

It is difficult. Regardless of whether you can keep up with my schedule, other kingdoms will protest. Its not about maintaining neutrality, its about their personal interests, they wont want any other kingdom to solely receive another Heros favour, support, or anything like that.

Well, even if you dont have that intention, it would look that way. Too bad. I wanted to travel with you.

Its just a trip. It is also possible after defeating the Demon King.

After defeating the Demon King, you will have to take over your family. Where will you still find the time to travel?

Isnt there a honeymoon? How about going around the continent at least once with a little grandeur?

Cloud rolled his eyes. Then he laughed.

Wow, I didnt expect that from you, Frillite. You have improved a lot, too.

Really? Well, accompanying you, I have also picked one or two of your skills. Rather than that, it appears that your difficulties with finding teammates are quite serious, seeing that you even want to travel with me. How about it, as I mentioned last time, to have the talents of the Empire as your teammates, what do you say?

Cloud waved his hand.

Never mind. Because it seems like everyone here is the same, except for you. Ill just recruit my teammates from the guys I know.

You know?

Yeah, the people Im well-informed about. Ah, lets talk about what we were talking about at the beginning. Man, I was never such an emotional type of guy.

Cloud scratched his head.

Im glad that your energy is back. And back to the beginning What was your original intention?

Cloud grinned at Frillites question.

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Secret.

Frillites brows speechlessly furrowed.

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