Chapter 19: It’s ugly
After waiting in the classroom for a while, the class started on time.
General subjects were particularly boring.
While listening to the uninteresting lecture, I glanced at Flare sitting next to me.
She was listening very seriously.
Her serious personality hadn’t changed in this world either.
What should I do to use her?
What should I say?
How much easier would it have been if I could straightforwardly ask for her help?
I let out a small sigh.
“Slayer-san?”
“Yes, what is it?”
“Well, you looked like you were thinking about something difficult.”
“I was just thinking about something.”
It was about you.
“Do you have something troubling you?”
“Yes.”
“If it’s okay with you, could you tell me about it? I want to repay you for helping me.”
“I only helped you by showing you the way.”
“But you helped me. That’s why. . .”
She stared at my face intently.
Her beautiful eyes sparkled. . .and I felt like I was being sucked in just by looking at them.
Her words, filled with pure goodwill, almost made me blurt everything out.
“We’re in the middle of class right now.”
“R-Right. Let’s talk after class!”
“. . .Okay.”
When I talk to her, I feel like I want to confess everything honestly.
She seems like she would be willing to help with any request. . .
It’s an achievement that can only be accomplished by a positive and cheerful protagonist.
She attracts and captivates others unconditionally.
She possesses a natural magic that I could never master in my entire life.
That’s why, surely, she and I. . .will never intersect.
Class is over.
As I walked down the hallway after leaving the classroom, Flare approached me.
“Let’s continue our conversation from earlier!”
“. . .I don’t have any troubles.”
“That’s a lie. Even now, you have a troubled expression on your face.”
“You’re quite perceptive. Considering we just met yesterday.”
It was a mean and sarcastic remark.
She didn’t notice it and answered with a smile.
“I understand. When I’m interested in someone, I tend to stare at them.”
“Interested?”
“Oh, no, I didn’t mean it in a weird way. I just think Slayer-san is beautiful and cool.”
Flare said that while blushing.
Unconsciously praising me.
Hinting at her goodwill.
This, too, is one of the behaviors befitting a protagonist.
If you say things like that, boys will misunderstand, you know.
Even I, as a woman, was a little taken aback.
“So please tell me! Your troubles, Slayer san! I’ll help, I promise!”
“. . .even if you don’t know what it’s about?”
“Whatever it is!”
“. . .”
If it’s her, then really. . .
With a slight hope in my heart.
My mouth moved unconsciously.
“To you——”
“Oh, there you are, Flare.”
The one who interrupted my words was Leone’s.
When I turned around, Leone and Meigen were standing behind me.
“Leone-san! Meigen-san too.”
“Hello, Flare-san.”
“And you are. . .Slayer Raeburn, right?”
My gaze met with Leone’s.
That’s right.
By accompanying her, the chances of encountering them also increase.
They were the destined partners of the protagonist. . .inevitable.
But, it was fortunate timing.
If they were a little later, I might have told her honestly.
“You seem like you want to say something to me.”
“It’s nothing, really.”
“Hmph, I don’t like that attitude, but whatever. I don’t need you, I need her.”
Leone pointed at Flare.
Flare tilted her head in confusion.
“You, come with me for lunch.”
“Lunch? Sure, but if that’s the case, Slayer-san should come too.”
“Didn’t you hear me? I only invited you.”
“I see. . .”
Flare glanced briefly in my direction.
I could see her apologetic expression.
Don’t worry, I’m not bothered by it.
So I’ll just ignore him. . .no, it’s better not to get too close to him.
If his feelings become genuine, we won’t be able to achieve our goal.
What should I do?
“I’m sorry. In that case, I’ll decline.”
“――!”
“What did you say?”
Flare refused.
Surprisingly, she refused the invitation from Leone.
I was surprised, and Leone was clearly annoyed by the rejection.
“I want to have lunch with Slayer-san today.”
“Flare. . .”
Did she choose me instead of Leone?
How do I feel about that?
While I was confused, Leone, who was rejected, frowned his eyebrows.
“Are you planning to reject my invitation?”
“I’m sorry. Maybe tomorrow–“
“Don’t mess with me, you commoner!”
Leone suddenly shouted.
Flare was startled and trembled.
“I’m the one who invited you. Don’t think you can refuse as a commoner! You insolent fool!”
“Le, Leone-san?”
“Leone! Calm down!”
Meigen tried to advise him.
However, his voice did not reach him.
“Just obey me! Commoners should not defy nobles!”
“Ow, it hurts.”
Leone, who was angry, grabbed Flare’s wrist.
It seemed that something had touched his nerve.
I understood the reason for his anger.
This was also a necessary step for them to deepen their relationship. . .
Still, no, precisely because of that.
“Stop it. It’s unsightly.”
I have to intervene and put an end to this.
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