The Curious Onlookers

By the way, Dion Alaia, I said that my warrior wolf would handle guard duty. So, why are you coming along as well? Aima posed the question with a frown on her face, to which Dion responded with a wry smile.

Hmm, I am Her Highness Princess Mias sword.

What do you mean?

Princess Mia won your trust by believing in you unconditionally. I think thats a splendid approach. However, that is the Princesss way and also her responsibility. I have my own role to fulfil and my own way of doing things. Thats just how it is.

Dion remarked, smiling. Just like your wolf over there.

In the direction that he was pointing, there was a slight sway in the grass. If you strained your eyes you could make out the fur of a black wolf or could you?

Aima stared slowly at Dion, who looked somewhat puzzled, and uttered one word: Scary!

And took a subtle step back.

Dion Alaia, I have one more question. How on earth did you know the location of my warrior wolf?

Even I hadnt found it yet

Dion tilted his head curiously at Aimas implied claim.

Eh? Um, isnt it normal to figure it out? Well, intuitively I sensed it by smell. I guess thats the closest answer.

Scary!! Aima exclaimed and took a significant step back.

That sense of smell could it be that you are the legendary wolf-man who transforms into a wolf at night, a werewolf?

Aima-san, its best not to worry too much about the details concerning Dion Alaia.

Citrina informed the flustered Aima, almost with the attitude of an expert on the subject of Dion Alaia.

Dion Alaias combat skills are beyond human comprehension. It is pointless to even contemplate it. If you ever get into a fight with him, your chances of survival might improve, albeit only slightly, if you gave up futile resistance and surrendered.

I see. Thats informative.

Dion couldnt help but chuckle at Aimas solemn nod.

Hmm, youre quite scathing, daughter of Duke Yellowmoon.

Following Citrina, it was Bel who spoke up.

Thats right. General Dion is truly impressive. Finding a sneaking wolf is simple for him! He can effortlessly cut down tens of thousands of enemy soldiers single-handedly.

Bel proudly puffed out her chest. Dion, on the other hand, scratched his cheek with a thoughtful Hmm.

Im not a general though, and tens of thousands would be impossible even for me.

Although Dion denied it, Aima couldnt help but think about it.

If not tens of thousands, then perhaps thousands?

Aima pushed aside the scary scenario that she had begun to imagine and directed her gaze towards the girls.

Anyway, why did all of you come along? I think Dion Alaia and I are more than sufficient as guards.

Aimas gaze shifted across each of them: Bel, whose reason she could somehow guess, Citrina who probably just enjoyed being with Bel, and Rafina, whose reason she could not quite understand.

In response, Rafina nodded once and wore a serene smile, as if she was about to speak up, or rather, she tried to, but could not.

Its obviously because we are curious. After all, we actually get to witness Mia-oum Anesamas love life. Its impossible not to be curious about the love life of the Wisdom of the Empire!

Bel was straightforward and refreshingly honest in her response : I came here prompted by my curiosity!

Bel further continued, Isnt that right, Rafina-sama?

She threw it back to Rafina! It was a powerful pass, with no hesitation or mercy.

Eh ah

Rafina was at a loss for words when she was asked to speak.

Its easy to mislead. If one wanted to fabricate, they could come up with a number of reasons. But the problem is that I cannot lie.

After all, Rafina was a saint. She couldnt blatantly speak falsehoods. Even if she were to phrase it very indirectly, it couldnt be a complete lie. Therefore, the answer required caution. From the moment that Aima posed the question, Rafina, who had been reading the flow of the conversation, began to consider her response carefully.

Because I thought it would be dangerous for my friend to go on a long ride? Its true, but if she were to be targeted by an enemy assassin, theres nothing I could do.

I was worried about leaving Mia alone with Abel? No, I know that Abel is a gentleman and saying something like that would be disrespectful to the both of them. It is true that I was worried, but I cant use that as a reason.

Even if they werent outright lies, Rafina subtly ruled out the somewhat unusable answers. Rafina diligently put her mind to work. If she set her mind to it, she could devise the perfect strategy to create an army capable of subduing the entire continent and crushing any resistance. Now, her mind was working full capacity to figure out a legitimate excuse for the onlookers. Just when she was about to voice the answer that she had come up with, Bel had intervened.

Moreover, the troublesome aspect was the form of the question. Bels question was not Thats my reason, but what about your reason? Thats not the way to pose a question, is it? Bels question was meant to ask Rafina if she felt the same way as her. It was a yes or no question that demanded a direct answer.

Theres no way out!

Bel was staring at her with sparkling eyes that had no hint of malice, only innocence.

Theres no way to evade this!

Uncharacteristically Rafina struggled to get her words out.

Yes! Thats right, so?!

Finally, Rafina found her voice. She puffed out her chest proudly and declared with a solemn expression.

I was just curious about my friends love life, thats all. Is there a problem with that?

Rafina resolved herself for any outcome. She made up her mind and expressed openly what was in her heart. But there was no one there who denied her words.

Hmm, Im also curious about my friends love story. I understand how you feel, Saint Rafina.

As expected, even Rafina-sama feels the same way.

And so everyone voiced their agreement which surprised Rafina a bit but also made her happy.

Just as she stood there almost frozen not knowing how to respond,

Oh, everyone, what are you all doing here?

Mia, who was the subject of the conversation, returned. Both she and Abel, who was in front, seemed to have somewhat cheerful expressions on their faces.