CH 24

“Is that so! Well, that’s good to hear.”

Before she knew it, Lala was so engrossed in eating her salad crepe that she couldn’t even speak. Synovidos was next to her, finishing his bento box.

QOTD's Thursday Big Show: June ...

Eating a delicious lunch to your heart’s content in the beautiful forest on a sunny day was pure bliss.

After finishing her meal, Lala came back to her senses and turned to Synovidos, feeling her face getting hot.

“It was delicious. . .please tell Hiira thank you.”

Then Synovidos spoke in a tone that sounded like he was admonishing her.

“That is something Lala-dono should say personally.”

“Ugh. . .!”

Her chest hurt sharply.

It was extremely humiliating to be told something so reasonable by someone wearing a ridiculous mask. However, what he was saying was the right thing to do as a matter of etiquette and common sense.

“I don’t have a face to face that girl.”

“It’s okay. Hiira-dono surely understands why Lala-dono supported the expulsion.”

“Synovidos. . .”

As if bouncing off his face, Lala looked at Synovidos, who was staring at her with an inscrutable mask. The eerie mask was expressionless. But she could tell from his warm gaze that he was looking at her with regret.

(Is Synovidos trying to create an opportunity for me to apologize to that girl. . .?)

In every way, Synovidos was better and more mature than her. It was frustrating, but it was true.

“You’re quite a good man, aren’t you?”

“I’m not that great. I just want to make Hiira-dono happy.” 

“Do you not think I’m a good woman too?”

Even though she tried to provoke him, Synovidos didn’t change his expression, just like his mask.

“Lala-dono’s beauty and talent are dazzling. However, no matter how many other wonderful women there are, I am devoted to Hiira-dono.”

“. . .You really liked her that much?”

“. . .Well. . .um. . .”

Fidget.

Synovidos began drawing circles in the dirt, completely losing the cool demeanor he had just moments ago.

“I-I like her. . .because. . .it’s my first love. . .”

“First love?”

He said it so calmly that it made her feel embarrassed.

Lala couldn’t help but feel envious of Hiira, who was loved with such sincere affection. No matter how much people praised her for being pretty and fawned over her, there was nothing more luxurious than being cherished by someone so honestly and wholeheartedly.

But Hiira was a child who was worthy of receiving such affection.

(She was loved just as she was, without anything to offer, unlike me.)

“Hmph. That’s right. I know that good men don’t look at someone like me.”

“. . .As for me, I’m worried that Lala-dono is in danger.”

“What?”

Surprised by his unexpected words, Lala blinked her mascara-covered eyes.

“What do you mean?” 

“Lala-dono, believe in your own charm and take care of yourself. . .I am devoted to Hiira-dono, but Lala-dono is also an important comrade. I hope you will be happy too.”

“. . .I’ve never been told that before.”

Lala couldn’t stand it and turned her face away, blushing.

There were many people who spoke kind words to Lala with ulterior motives. She had been picked fights with for being a cheeky girl. Even at home, she was only seen as a tool.

So when someone told her to take care of herself, her heart felt warm.

“B-but wait. You.”

Lala changed the subject by brushing her hair back to hide her embarrassment.

“Have you ever directly confessed your passionate feelings to Hiira?”

“No way~ I can’t just say my feelings like that~”

Synovidos’ attitude, which had been mature and encouraging, suddenly changed. He fidgeted with his fingers and spoke in a faltering voice.

Lala shrugged in exasperation.

“If you like her that much, just tell her already. Before she gets taken by a useless guy like Kasdar.”

“. . .I know that. . .”

As he murmured while looking into the distance, his voice seemed to be filled with an indescribable and bottomless sense of helplessness.

“I also wish for your happiness. Get along well with Hiira.”

“Ow! Don’t hit me out of nowhere like that~.”

――In a place where Kasdar wasn’t listening, our afternoon passed peacefully.