Chapter 25

"Hmm-hmm-hmm♪ Hmm-hmm♪ Hmm-hmm-hmm♪"

Tao, in high spirits, was humming a tune as she led the way in front of us.

She had offered to accompany us since we were heading in the same direction, and Albert had allowed it.

Of course, she wasn’t just following us; she was also handling any monsters that appeared.

Her combat skills were probably two levels higher than the guards.

Actually, I feel like her techniques are sharper than when we met before.

She must have trained since then; she’s taking down about half the monsters on her own.

At first, the guards were wary of her, but they’ve started to trust her because of her strength and personality.

"Really, for Lord Albert to allow such a suspicious girl to accompany us, it’s quite concerning. Isn’t that right, Lord Lloyd?"

"Hehe… yeah."

Silfa, however, seems to dislike Tao and looks unhappy.

I’m also avoiding eye contact with Tao, but she keeps glancing at me.

…Could she have noticed something about me?

"Stare…."

Before I knew it, Tao had come close and was staring at me intently.

Whoa, you scared me!

"Hey, have we met somewhere before?"

"Umm… I don’t think so…."

Her sudden question made my eyes dart around.

"Hmm, something seems off. …But I know we haven’t met. So why do I feel this way…?"

This is bad. Her gaze makes me feel suspicious.

The cause is definitely the 'Qi' breathing.

I was practicing it just a moment ago.

She must be suspicious because my breathing is similar to Roberto’s. …I messed up.

But if I stop suddenly, it’ll look unnatural. I have to deny everything.

It was fortunate that I changed my appearance back then.

"Lord Lloyd, look at the forest. Isn’t that the shrine the girl is looking for?"

Following Grimor’s voice, I turned my gaze to the forest and saw an old stone building through the trees.

Nice one, Grimor, this is a chance to get rid of her.

"Tao, is that the shrine you’re looking for?"

"Oh, that’s exactly it. Thanks! I appreciate the help from the soldiers. Well, I’ll be on my way!"

Tao hastily bowed and ran off at an incredible speed.

Phew, that was good. I managed to get rid of her before she noticed anything.

"Thanks, Grimor."

"Heh, don’t mention it. It’s my duty as your familiar… Besides, if a little thing like this changes your trust, it’s not much, is it? Hehe."

"Huh? Did you say something?"

"N-no, nothing! Anyway, that shrine looks a bit strange, doesn’t it?"

"Really?"

Hmm, it’s hard to tell from a distance.

But I can’t go alone, so I’ll check it out if I get the chance.

"Lord Albert, we can see the lake."

The guard leading the way called out.

Straining my eyes, I could see the lake’s surface sparkling in the sunlight through the trees.

"Alright, let’s take a break here."

At Albert’s command, we set up camp near the lake and took a moment to rest.

Phew, riding a horse is a bit tiring.

Running or flying is much faster and easier.

As I sat on a rock to rest, Silfa approached with a steaming teacup.

"Here you go, Lord Lloyd."

"Thank you."

I blew on the tea to cool it and took a sip.

The fresh, invigorating aroma seemed to seep into my tired body.

"…Phew, Silfa’s tea is as delicious as always."

"I am honored by your praise."

Silfa bowed respectfully and stepped back.

The guards were setting up half the tents, while the other half were hunting for dinner with their bows and arrows.

"Can I sit next to you?"

"Of course."

After giving his instructions, Albert sat down next to me.

"Silfa, bring me some tea too."

"Yes, I’ll prepare it right away."

Albert ordered Silfa and then leaned in close to me.

"Lloyd, you’re quite something, aren’t you?"

"Huh!? What are you talking about…?"

"Don’t play dumb. That girl Tao seemed interested in you."

"Wh-What!? What are you saying?"

I spat out my tea at Albert’s words.

"Haha, no need to be embarrassed. I’m happy to see my beloved brother being liked by a girl."

"No way, that’s impossible. I’m still a kid."

"No, it’s possible. At the very least, she wasn’t looking at you like just a kid. Of course, I don’t think she has any immediate intentions, but it felt like a future possibility. You might not have noticed, but Silfa’s way of looking at you has also changed recently."

Silfa and Tao have feelings for me? That’s too far-fetched.

What’s he suddenly talking about?

Ignoring my cold gaze, Albert nodded.

"As a royal, you’ll often be the object of such attention from women. In other words, you’ll be popular… But don’t take them lightly. Women’s eyes are very discerning. If you act too carelessly, you might get a cold shower."

"Uh…."

What is he seriously talking about?

Has Albert had some bad experiences with women?

"Lord Albert!"

"Whoa!?"

Suddenly called from behind, Albert shuddered.

Turning around, he saw Silfa with a beaming smile, holding a teapot.

"Sorry to startle you. Your tea is ready."

"Ah, thank you…."

Silfa poured tea into Albert’s cup, and he sipped it.

He almost spat it out but managed to hold it in.

Was it too hot or too bitter, or both? Albert was coughing.

"Lord Albert, please don’t give Lord Lloyd unnecessary knowledge."

"Ah, right. Of course!"

Silfa smiled and turned away, leaving us.

"…See? Scary, right?"

Albert chuckled.

No, this is clearly your own fault.