Chapter 47

In the school cafeteria, I said to Lola,

"Congratulations on your school badge, Lola."

"Thank you, Alberto!"

The final exams at the academy had just concluded recently.

I was already in possession of the iron school badge, so I was exempt from the exams, but Lola, who wasn't, had to take the promotion test.

She passed.

Lola now had the stone school badge on her collar.

"It's thanks to Mr. Filbus's one-on-one lessons!"

During the battle, Filbus was with us as the leader, but it was also under the pretext of giving lessons.

So on days without battles, Lola received one-on-one lessons from Filbus.

"Well... I think Lola would have passed even without the lessons..."

Even so, Filbus seemed to enjoy teaching Lola, who had a good attitude and quick comprehension.

By the way, as for me—

"Is there anything I need to teach you? Just keep reading the Magic Arrow spellbook over there."

I was treated terribly. If I had followed his instructions, I felt my understanding of Magic Arrow deepened even more.

Lola changed the topic.

"By the way, it's almost summer break. What are you going to do, Alberto?"

Her words reminded me of something unpleasant.

Seeing my face, Lola's voice became flustered.

"W-What's wrong... Alberto!? Your face looks like you're about to die!?"

Is my face that bad...? I can't blame her.

"...I have to go back to my family home..."

I answered in a slightly depressed voice.

Father remembered the conversation in the audience chamber. He contacted me after returning to the territory and requested that I return home during the summer break.

To be honest, I'm not really looking forward to it.

My family home has always been uncomfortable for me. Since childhood, I've been compared to my excellent younger brother and even mocked by the servants behind my back.

Returning there...

I couldn't help but sigh.

"I'd rather not go back..."

I felt my hand on the table stiffen.

It was gently enveloped by something warm.

Lola had placed her hand on mine.

"...I know that you don't have good memories of your family home, Alberto. You opened up to me and told me."

Lola smiled softly, like warm sunlight.

"But I think a lot has changed since ten years ago, just as you have. I don't think it will be the same. Because Alberto is so wonderful."

Her words made my heart feel lighter.

Always like this. I am saved by Lola's words. How much have I been saved?

That's why the words slipped out of my mouth.

"Lola"

"Yes?"

"Um, if it's okay with you, how about coming with me to my family home?"

"…Eh?"

Lola's eyes widened in surprise.

"Your family home... is the Marquis's residence...!?"

"Yeah."

"Um, well, I, a commoner, can't just—"

"Don't worry about it. I'm inviting you. No one will say anything."

I said firmly.

"It would help a lot... no, I want you to come. I feel embarrassed to admit it, but I'm scared. My father and my family home after ten years... but if someone I know is nearby, it might help me feel a bit more at ease."

Lola listened to my words intently.

I didn't want her to refuse. Having Lola there would be a great comfort.

But this is not her concern. It would ruin her precious summer break. I can't blame her if she refuses.

Lola, who had been listening with a serious face, smiled shyly.

"If you say that... I can't refuse."

"...Eh, so..."

"Alberto has been so kind to me! If I can be of any help, I'd like to go with you!"

"...I'm glad you said that."

Then I realized my carelessness.

"Ah! Were you planning to go back to your village for the summer break, Lola?"

"…Hmm, I was, but it's fine. There's nothing urgent."

"Your parents will worry, won't they?"

"N-No... I think they might even approve—"

Lola blushed and stammered.

...Why is she blushing?

I realized. Lola's father had said this with a serious face.

—Please take Lola as your wife.

Being asked by the man and spending the summer break with him, and even being taken to his family home, would be a dream come true for Lola's father.

The moment I realized this, I was visibly flustered. I quickly withdrew my hand from Lola's.

"L-L-L-Lola! It's not like that! It's not that kind of thing! Don't misunderstand!"

"Hahaha, yes! Of course not! Just as friends! For a friend in need! I'm just going along! Yes!"

We both laughed at each other's awkwardness.

"I'm asking you as a friend. Lola, will you come with me?"

"Yes, of course, Alberto!"

Lola gripped my outstretched hand in return.

Chapter 3 ends here.

As Alberto said, the next chapter will start with the story of his family home.

I became the top of the daily ranking! Wow!

And I was surprised again by the points "8888" on the night of 07/23!

It's a lucky number! It seems to be a good omen!

Since it might never happen again, I'll take a screenshot and keep it as a family treasure!

I'm really grateful.

It's interesting!

I want to read more!

Keep it up!

If you feel the same, I'd be happy if you could rate it with the "☆☆☆☆☆" at the bottom of the screen!

Thank you for your support!