Chapter 8

A slightly more serious Miu.

Adalbert, who had been busy with the measures for Tolfay Village, was looking outside from the balcony with a somewhat idle look. His gaze was not on the town below, but on the Arrosa Mountain beyond it. He was probably thinking about Tolfay Village.

"Adi, do you have time now?"

"What is it, Miu? What are you doing here?"

"Huh? I was looking for Adi."

"You were looking for me?"

Adalbert, who looked puzzled, nodded. Because it was the truth. If things had settled down, there was something he needed to tell him. It was his responsibility. So, he had to inform Adi of the consequences that came with that responsibility, or it would be bad later. ...Or rather, it would be bad for his heart.

"About Tolfay Village..."

"Yeah, that's it. I've investigated a lot, but apparently the ground hasn't been affected to the point of causing problems yet. However, it seems we can't be too optimistic if the rainfall increases. We're rushing to reinforce it."

"...No, that's not it. I thought you would do everything possible once you knew about it."

That's right. He didn't doubt that. Adalbert was a martial emperor, but his martial nature was solely for the protection of the people. For the sake of the country and its people, he would do anything, whether it was a battle of wits or the development of culture. I know that. ...Even if he is a character in a game, the Adalbert in front of me is such a man.

What I want to tell him is not that. I'm just acting out of self-satisfaction. I just want to reduce my own heartache. "Sorry," I whispered, and Adalbert looked puzzled.

"I have a favor to ask."

"There's also the matter of Tolfay Village. I'll do my best to grant it. Of course, I can't send you back to your original world."

"...It's fine after the Tolfay Village incident. I want you to investigate all the potential landslide sites in the country and reinforce them as much as possible."

"...Miu?"

Adalbert, who looked suspicious. I realized my face must look dejected. I felt gloomy and heavy. I usually don't get flustered by trivial things, but this felt like my sin. So, to atone for that sin, I was imposing more labor on Adalbert. How selfish of me. What a terrible person.

Because of my unnecessary words, Adalbert was busy working to save Tolfay Village. That's good. It's helping people. I'll think of it that way. However, it was only because Tolfay Village was destroyed by a landslide that Adalbert would investigate the landslide situation nationwide. So...

If Tolfay Village hadn't been destroyed, Adalbert might not have investigated the landslide situation nationwide.

It was chilling. The chill running down my spine had been the source of the pain in my stomach for the past few days. Because by doing so, the safety of the region could be secured. Not just Tolfay Village. There were also remote and impoverished areas where no measures had been taken. Adalbert would cover all of them with national funds. Because of this, landslides would be almost eliminated in the Garea Empire.

Ah, it's scary. So scary. I don't like it. That's why I decided to make a request to Adalbert. I felt bad about adding more work to his busy schedule. But this request was for the Garea Empire. It was necessary for the people to live in peace.

Even if I say it's for the greater good, in the end, it's just my heart seeking peace.

I looked down and clenched my fists at my sides, and then a large palm gently patted my head. Adalbert's hand, covered in fur like a beast, had sharp claws hidden under it. It was a strange hand, a mix of beast and human. It had five fingers, but they were different from a human's. ...Still, the force with which he patted my head was a bit strong and painful, yet gentle.

"What are you afraid of?"

"...The direction of the history I've twisted."

"Fool. You haven't twisted history. You've just given us hope."

"Adi."

"If you still blame yourself, then from now on, don't hesitate to give me the prophecies to save the people. By doing so, you can change all the futures to hope, and your worries will seem trivial, won't they?"

I couldn't help but laugh at his hearty grin. It's not that simple. I'm trying to alter history. And it's all because of my feelings. Yet, Adalbert laughs it off as trivial. ...Ah, really. How can this man be such a perfect king? I'm envious, but I can't help but admire him. As a human, I aspire to be like him.

"But, isn't that something you already knew?"

"...Huh?"

"We've been lagging behind, but investigating the land is a necessary task. If it can prevent natural disasters, it's only natural to do it."

"...I see."

Adalbert, who seemed to be saying, "Of course," made me realize. Yes, he is such a man. I don't need to worry. No matter what future he chooses, no matter what path he takes, Adalbert will never abandon his people.

Ah, I felt relieved. I felt my strength drain away. I leaned heavily on the balcony, feeling exhausted. I must have been more mentally and physically drained than I thought. Oh, I just realized how sensitive I am.

"So, what happened in the future you know?"

"...Do you want to hear it now?"

"I want to hear it."

Trying to make me talk about such serious matters while I'm feeling so drained... This guy is really going his own way. I know he's that kind of man, though.

"After Tolfay Village was completely destroyed, they decided to investigate the whole country."

"I see."

"He was really passionate about reducing the same kind of damage."

"Right. Then this time, we can achieve our goal without losing anything. I thank you."

"...That's the way you are."

I couldn't help but smile wryly at Adalbert's always positive attitude. This guy is really strong. And I, as always, am just a commoner. Well, of course. Adalbert is a person who has carried many burdens since he was young, preparing to inherit the country, while I'm just a college student and a fujoshi. ...

...As a fujoshi, I should be fantasizing about such a top-tier guy in front of me, but unfortunately, Adalbert has always been out of my league. When I played the game, I thought, "There's no one who can stand by his side or catch up to him," so I was free. In reality, even though he is a perfect man in every way, I feel deflated because I think, "It's fine to fantasize within the family..." I'm disappointed on my own, so I feel bad for Adalbert.

...Just a little bit.

Most of my lack of guilt is due to his attitude towards me, which is like that of a bad friend. He picks me up by the collar like a kitten, forgets my gender, and eats more than half of what I prepare for myself! He also involves me in incredibly fast horseback riding!

Ah, right. There's something I need to confirm.

"Adi."

"What is it?"

"How old do you think I am?"

"?"

I asked in a slightly serious tone. Adalbert tilted his head, not understanding what I meant. But I'm sure you're estimating my age lower than my actual age.

To begin with, Japanese people are often seen as younger than they are by Westerners. I'm also naturally child-faced. I inherited my mother's child face. I don't wear much makeup, so I look even younger. I'm aware of it, but I'm lazy about fashion. Hehe?

Because Adalbert calls me "little girl" all the time. If he calls me that, it means he thinks there's an age gap between us, right? But I'm actually twenty! A college student! A fujoshi, but still!

"I thought you were about ten years younger than me?"

"...How old are you, Adi?"

"I'm 26 this year."

"...That's half the age difference."

"......Huh?"

Adalbert's face turned blank. His mouth opened, and he stared at me in disbelief. Then he looked me up and down carefully. Do I really need to be scrutinized like that? I'm twenty! I'm an adult! I can drink, get married, and even vote!

"Miu, how old are you?"

"Twenty, why?"

"Are you kidding? I've never seen a human who looks this young!"

"Sorry! My race is naturally child-faced, and my family line is too!"

Being called a fraud, I couldn't help but get upset. What a rude man. But at least I've told him my real age, so I need to make it clear. Yes, I'm a twenty-year-old lady. Definitely not a little girl to be picked up like a kitten!

"So, stop calling me 'little girl.' And stop picking me up like a kitten."

"...You don't look twenty..."

"...I bet everyone thinks that. Sometimes, I get a look that says, 'You're so young, yet so mature!'"

"Everyone, including me, thinks you're under 15."

"Wow, so when Lainer looks at me with a warm gaze, it's because he thinks I'm