CH 20

“Grave…”

He was furious.

That was my first time seeing him so angry.

“I’ve heard about you from Liliana. Why are you acting as if you’re doing her a favor? What were those awful things you just said? Turning her into a mistress? Do you actually think that’ll make her happy!?”

Grave was almost yelling.

He was angry on mybehalf.

…Out of his concern, he felt angry for me.

When I realized that, tears flowed from my eyes.

“Did you just call me a ‘piece of shit’? Isn’t that just rude? It’s only our first meeting. As I thought, adventurers are barbaric… Liliana, don’t tell me this guy is your type?”

“There’s no need to respect someone like you.”

“Also, why are you so angry? You aren’t involved in this. This is between me and her. Look, you’re getting worked up for nothing.”

In the middle of his talk, Allen grinned and laughed. “Or, could it be… you have something for her?”

The words that came out of Allen’s mouth made my heard flutter.

If possible, I didn’t want to hear what he had to say.

I grew anxious at once.

How would Grave answer…

…However—

“—Yes, I’m in love with her.”

He affirmed it—rather easily, at that.

He didn’t try to deny it. The entire time, he looked straight at Allen.

It seemed that he was trying to show how genuine he was.

“Grave…”

When I called his name, he turned towards me.

Our eyes met, and he smiled gently.

His smile was warm—I felt relieved from the bottom of my heart.

“Pfft… Hahahahahaha!! Well, indeed, it should’ve been obvious!!”

“…”

“I’m sorry for not realizing it at first. I mean, it should’ve been obvious! Of course, someone like you would be in love with a woman as filthy as her! Not to mention, she also reeks of iron!”

Terrible words were uttered by Allen one after another.

His words pierced my heart, freezing it once again.

“You’re such a freak! Thanks, you just made my day! Would you like to come to the royal castle with me?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I mean, why don’t the two of you live together in the royal castle? That will solve everything.”

Allen laughed while saying that.

Grave released a small sigh.

It was as if his anger had ceded and what remained was astonishment.

Then, he exhaled in a long time, and whispered to me.

“Liliana, it’s about to get a bit messy.”

“Eh?”

Click—

—I heard a sword being unsheathed.

Immediately after that, a loud clank echoed.

The ground shook along with some people.

Grave unsheathed his sword in a flash.

Allen immediately assumed a fighting stance.

“…”

Allen raised his face.

He glared at Grave with keen eyes.

“It can’t be helped, then.”

He vigorously unsheathed the holy sword on his waist.

Reflecting the sunlight, it became more radiant.

He showed off the supreme Holy Sword Zephyr bestowed upon the kingdom’s hero.

“Let me confirm one thing—are you sane? I’m a hero, you know? The only person who can defeat the demon king and wield the holy sword.”

“So what? If it’s a holy sword, I also have one.”

“What? That sword you’re holding is a holy sword? You’re out of your goddamn mind.”

The crowd grew as the two drew out their swords.

The number of people seemed to be increasing due to that sound.

“What, is Grave fighting someone?”

“The opponent is the hero.”

It became noisy.

“Grave…”

“I will be alright.”

“But…”

“Look at me—I will win.”

“Heh, you’re just trying to act cool. Anyway, it’s over for you.”

“…I also have a question for you.”

“What is it?”

“Was that armor made by Liliana?”

Allen looked in awe when asked by Grave.

He puffed his chest proudly.

“Nope. This armor is brand new. The previous one was already ragged. Even if it wasn’t, I don’t want to wear armor made by her—because she’d misunderstand.”

Allen’s armor wasn’t made by me.

He said that the previous one was ragged. Well, no wonder. Usually, I’d repair his armor along with the Holy Sword.

He probably threw it away because he no longer liked it.

“I see, then it’s already settled.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“You will understand very soon.”

“Then—”

—Allen kicked off the ground.

“—Shall we test your claim?”

Allen, who instantly approached Grave, swung his Holy Sword vertically.

Most people were surprised due to his imperceptible speed. However, Grave received Allen’s blow with ease.

“You can deflect it? Shocking.”

“If it’s only to this extent, it’s nothing to be surprised about!”

Grave parried the sword from close contact and took to the offense in a natural manner.

Allen gracefully twisted himself and evaded Grave’s blow.

Defend, then attack. Attack, then defend.

While exchanging offense and defense with each other, they fought evenly.

“I’m done with my warm up.”

“So am I.”

Grave took a big breath.

Immediately after exhaling, he held his breath and put strength into his entire body.

The two swords collided, and a violent gust blew.

The wind spread throughout the city, spreading the news of turmoil.

***T/N: Uh… Grave loves Liliana?!?!?!?!?!