Chapter 13

In order to live on her own from now on, Rane wanted to meet Aida and have a proper conversation with her one last time.

However, the other party was a Sword Saint and a Holy Maiden. In reality, Rane was no longer someone who could meet them.

Still, her unease faded away with Alek's strong words.

"Sorry to be so abrupt, but since it's for tomorrow, I need to prepare right away. Would it be alright if you came with me?"

At his apologetic words, Rane nodded.

"Yes, of course."

The purpose was to meet Aida, but she also intended to properly fulfill her role as Alek's partner.

"Where will we stay tonight?"

"We were planning to stay at an inn in the capital. I believe it's called the Green Clock Inn."

When she said this, Alek nodded.

"It will take some time to prepare, so I'm sorry, but I would like you to stay at my house tonight. Of course, there is a woman who helps out here, so you won't be alone."

"Understood. I'll go get my things, then."

"No, if you're found by Aida's parents, it could become a hassle. I'll arrange for someone to help, so let's go together from here."

"Yes. Thank you for your consideration."

Indeed, if she had to leave the inn, she had been wondering how to explain it to the others. Since Alek offered to arrange it, she decided to accept his kindness.

Alek also paid for the meal.

It was too much to ask him to do all that.

She insisted on paying for her share, but he wouldn't listen.

"I invited you, so it's on me."

If he said they needed to hurry because time was precious, she couldn't argue further.

"Thank you. The seafood was delicious."

Reluctantly, she gave up and thanked him for the meal, and Alek smiled happily.

"I'm glad to hear that. Let's come again sometime."

Thus, Rane was led by Alek to his house.

It seemed that Aida and the Holy Maiden lived in an area near the royal castle, where noble residences lined up.

However, Alek's house was in a high-end residential area within the capital.

For a hero who saved the world, it was rather modest.

Still, to Rane, it was a mansion she had never seen before. Surely, even among the common people, only the very wealthy lived in this area.

"Oh, welcome back."

As they entered the large and spacious entrance, they were greeted with these words.

A woman, a bit older than Rane's mother, was welcoming Alek.

She must be the woman who helps out here. She had a gentle smile and seemed like a kind person.

"Sally, I'm back."

Alek replied and introduced Rane to her.

"This is Rane. She will be my partner at the wedding celebration tomorrow."

"Oh, my."

The woman called Sally exclaimed in surprise and quickly scanned Rane's entire body.

"What a beautiful young lady. However, Riene's dress might be a bit too big. It will need some alterations."

"Could you please make the necessary adjustments by tomorrow?"

At Alek's apologetic words, Sally nodded cheerfully.

"Of course. I will do my best to assist, especially for a lady chosen by Alek-sama himself."

She then turned her gaze to Rane.

"Nice to meet you, Rane-sama. I am Sally. May I have you try on the dress for tomorrow?"

"Yes, please."

After parting ways with Alek, Rane began preparations for the next day.

As they walked down the wide corridor, Sally mentioned that Riene was Alek's sister and was supposed to attend the wedding, but due to a poor relationship with the Holy Maiden, Aki, she decided to return to her hometown alone.

"The dress was already completed, and she was supposed to attend as Alek-sama's partner."

Sally laughed, looking troubled.

This happened just yesterday, so it must have been quite a challenge for Alek.

"I was wondering why such a person would approach me, but it's because of these circumstances, isn't it?"

Rane nodded in understanding, but Sally shook her head.

"Even if Alek-sama was in trouble, he is not the type to ask a woman he met in town for such a favor. He sees through people's true nature. That's why he approached you, Rane-sama."

"Me, specifically?"

She felt embarrassed and lowered her gaze.

Surely, Alek must have known that Rane had a connection with Aida and that she could resolve it.

She decided to think that way.

"Since there's no time to make a new dress, we'll have to alter Riene's dress."

At Sally's apologetic words, Rane nodded, saying that it was sufficient.