CH 44.1

Clearly, Neria thought that Cloud would be resentful against her. Or that, he would atleast have a negative outlook on her, even if he wasn’t resentful.

But what was this?

Why did he suddenly bring her to his own room?

How did the dungeon suddenly appear out of nowhere?

No, rather than that, why are Neria and Ophelia already in his room??

What kind of situation is this?

Fortunately, it seemed she wasn’t the only one who was unaware of the situation.

Because Neria and Ophelia had a similar expression to her own.

Then the only person who can explain this situation is Cloud.

And, Cloud is…

“Thank you, Frillite. Thank you for listening to this troublesome request of mine.”

“It’s no big deal. Shouldn’t friends help each other in times like this? Rather, take this.”

“Huh? What is this round medal?”

“It’s a VIP badge. A badge that proves that you are a VIP of our family. It won’t hurt to take it with you.”

“You’re a member of a Ducal family… This badge should have a considerable weight, right? You sure, you can give this to me without consulting your family?”

“As long as you don’t abuse it, it’s alright.”

“Of course, I won’t do anything that will bother you. Thanks, Frillite.”

He was conversing with the famous Hero, Frillite, without wavering.

Seeing the two of them like this, Eri was quite surprised.

She had guessed that their relationship was quite friendly considering what happened in the banquet.

But, were they so close that Hero Frillite even handed him a VIP badge so imperturbably?

Not just of any other noble family, but the Perdiac ducal family’s?

‘…even the Royal Family would have to give certain weightage to this badge’s holder…’

Proffering such a thing as if she was giving a normal gift.

How did they grow to trust each other so much?

“Then I will be going back. Let’s have a good chat when we meet later.”

“Thanks for your help, Frillite. Let’s have a drink next time.”

“No alcohol, you promised.”

“…Ya, right, no alcohol.”

Seeing Cloud with a downcast expression on his face, Frillite smiled and left the room.

‘What the hell did I just see..?’

Hero Frillite was smiling?

What’s more?

They even drink together?

Eri felt as if her head had turned dizzy from the flood of information.

Just then.

“Hey, Cloud..?”

Neria raised her voice.

His gaze, looking at the door, which Frillite had just used, turned to Neria.

“What is it, Neria?”

“Is that… are you close with Hero Frillite?”

“As you can see, I guess?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Eri looked over.

Neria’s eyes trembled.

Neria was also concerned.

“That… how did you become friends with Frillite-sama?”

At Neria’s question, Cloud tilted his head.

“Is that important?”

“Uh…?”

“Is it important?”

Cloud spoke sharply as if drawing a line.

Not only Neria but also Eri and Ophelia were nervous.

Right… he hadn’t completely forgiven them.

“Oh… no. It doesn’t matter.”

Neria shook her head excessively.

‘…Now that I see him, he has changed a lot too.’

Neria had never shown weakness in front of Cloud, she had always behaved like a strict and determined knight.

But now…

‘Well… Neria must be the most guilty and desperate among us.’

Her strict and determined self would probably not come out for a while.

Because she might have to live with his antagonism.

Meanwhile, Cloud smiled, satisfied with Neria’s answer.

“Right. That’s not what’s important right now. The important thing is that we’re back together like this! Nice to see you guys again! After all, we were quite a good team! Let’s have fun exploring the dungeon together!”

Cloud raised the atmosphere that had fallen due to his sharp rejection by himself. He began to explain his future plans in a bright tone.

In the middle of his explanation, Ophelia raised her hand indicating that she had a question.

Cloud didn’t stop explaining, and she had to put her hand down with a flushed face.

After the explanation, Cloud looked around at the three women and said:

“Now, did you all understand what I said? We will leave the Imperial Capital tomorrow in the early morning. Get some sleep right now. The room is not spacious, but it will be enough for three women to sleep in. I’ll go downstairs and sleep in the hall.”

Before the three women could respond, Cloud opened the door and went out.

Just before the door completely closed, he added.

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“Right, guys. As I said in advance, I’m afraid that this party might not bring you as many conveniences as before, because we don’t have the channels! So, you can come forward and tell me whenever you are in need of something, I’ll try. And, no stabbing with a dagger from behind~ If it happened again, that would feel really… bad.”

His last words were said in such a light tone that it felt as if he wasn’t serious but rather, just joking.

But.

Eri, Neria, and Ophelia flinched. They thought that the ‘again’ he said was referring to their past.

Just when they were in a hurry to apologize…

“Good night then, see ya!”

Cloud closed the door.

-…

Silence fell all over the room.

* * *

I was going to leave the next day as soon as it dawned.

But—I couldn’t.

“It’s the first time we’ve met each other alone. Hero, Cloud.”

Because the Imperial Emperor’s wife, the Empress, called for me.

Thanks to which, I was enjoying the tea time with Ms. Empress in the middle of the filthy huge and splendid Imperial Palace garden.

“Nice to meet you, Your Majesty.”