* * *

“Um…”

I’ll just say I remembered something and excuse myself.

That’s all I’ll say before leaving.

“Shall we go together?”

Huh?

“What? G-Go together?”

Where?

Did he figure out I was planning to run away?

But what would Zerbin gain by tagging along…?

“I was planning to stop by soon anyway.”

Oh, the temple.

Wait, really?

“You’re taking me with you?”

I forgot my embarrassment and immediately perked up.

This was amazing.

I hadn’t even dared to hope we’d go together from the start.

I know it’s silly, but I was so happy that I couldn’t help but smile.

For someone like Zerbin, who rarely talks about himself, to take me to the place where he grew up…

That had to mean he thought of me as someone close, right?

I’ll make sure not to be a burden!

“It’ll take a few days.”

Zerbin’s tone was calm as always.

He’s willing to spend several days traveling with me?

Wow… That’s incredible.

I think I might start getting a little smug.

There’s no doubt about it.

Zerbin sees me as someone important.

I’m close to Zerbin!

“That’s fine! Totally fine. I’m free anyway. I’ll handle all the packing, so just bring yourself. I’ll prepare food you like, too.”

I was practically bouncing with excitement.

The demons haven’t invaded yet, and it’s a relatively peaceful time.

Traveling with Zerbin for several days?

Okay, maybe it’s not exactly a vacation, but it still felt like one.

I couldn’t help but feel thrilled.

“There’s no need for that.”

Had I overreacted?

Feeling a little sheepish, I tried to tone it down, but I still couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

“I’ll take care of my things.”

“Ah, right? Of course, your stuff is more comfortable for you.”

“As for food… do as you wish.”

Yes!

I felt a surge of joy at the thought of taking care of Zerbin.

Especially because this time, he was letting me handle the food.

That had to mean he enjoyed the things I’d prepared for him during our previous week together.

That made it all the more gratifying.

“I’ll bring plenty of delicious things.”

“Do as you like.”

His voice was as curt as ever.

But… did he just… smile?

It felt like his expression softened, just a little.

Or maybe I was imagining it.

---

‘I’m traveling with Zerbin!’

Even though it was just a four-day journey, I was brimming with anticipation.

I wanted to tell everyone, but I held back.

If word got out, people would be pestering me to tag along.

Even now, when I’m out and about, people constantly ask me how I managed to get close to Zerbin.

If it were a while ago, I might have happily included them.

But not anymore.

I’ve decided not to do anything Zerbin would dislike!

I only told Aimone, my roommate, since I had to let him know I’d be away.

“I won’t be home starting Wednesday. I’ll be gone for about four days.”

“An assignment?”

“Yeah.”

I was proud of how casually I delivered that.

“You’re going with the Reaper?”

I should have kept my cool, but I froze for a moment.

Before I could explain, Aimone made up his own conclusion.

That perceptive bastard!

“You’re going with the Reaper, aren’t you? Wow, wow. If it’s Zerbin’s assignment, isn’t that too much for you? Is he lowering himself to your level?”

If I tried to deny it, I’d have to come up with an elaborate lie.

But I hadn’t prepared for that.

Since we usually respected each other’s space during assignments, I’d never needed to make up excuses.

Rather than cobble together a poor lie, I decided to just be honest.

Besides, Aimone wasn’t the type to beg to join.

He’s the kind of guy who only focuses on his boyfriend once he’s in love.

The problem is how short-lived those relationships tend to be.

“Yes, we’re going together. But I can’t tell you any details—it’s a secret. If I spill, I’m as good as dead.”

“Fair enough. Secrets tend to bring trouble anyway.”

Aimone shrugged, as if to say he’d seen enough bad things happen to people who dug too deep.

I nodded solemnly, pretending to agree with him.

Zerbin’s reputation was convenient in times like this.

If I said it was his order, everyone just accepted it.

How could a regular adventurer like me defy someone like him?

“So, even the fact that you’re going together is a secret?”

“Preferably.”

“Fine. You’re crushing hard, so I’ll root for you.”

“It’s not like that.”

Ignoring my protest, Aimone grabbed my hand firmly.

“Keep me posted if there’s any progress, okay? Promise?”

What else could I say?

If he expected progress, it’d be more convincing to just wait and see.

I half-heartedly agreed.

“I kind of suspected something was up. You’ve been packing all day.”

…Was it that obvious?

I must’ve been too excited about our trip.

Even though I hadn’t finished packing yet, hours had passed.

At least now, the only thing left was the food.

I should head to the market to stock up.

I promised to bring delicious, high-quality food, and I’d deliver.

Even if Zerbin complained that it wouldn’t last long, I knew he’d like it.

The map indicated we’d reach a village in two days.

That wasn’t long enough to need highly preservable food.

Besides, we could always hunt while passing through the forest.

Just as I was about to leave, Aimone called out to me.

“Raul!”

“What?”

His voice sounded oddly serious, so I stopped.

If it had been his usual teasing tone, I would’ve ignored him.

“It’s… no, never mind.”

What?

Don’t leave me hanging.

“Say it if you’re going to say something.”

“I just figured you’d handle it. I don’t want to make someone so happy start worrying. Have a good trip.”

Aimone gave a small wave and disappeared into his room.

I was curious about what he meant, but there was nothing I could do.

For now, preparing food for the trip with Zerbin was more important.

“Raul!”

“Florenti!”

As I walked alone, adventurers swarmed around me as if it were the most natural thing in the world now.

It felt like being a massive celebrity.

Of course, it wasn’t me they were interested in—it was Zerbin, who had become the center of attention for every adventurer.

Half the people pretending to know me were faces I couldn’t even remember, but it wasn’t my fault.

It was just that even those I barely knew kept pestering me like this.

“So? Did you talk to him? What did he say?”

This guy had been nagging me endlessly ever since he found out I’d gotten close to Zerbin, begging me to introduce him.

I’d already told him no last time, but it seemed he still hadn’t given up.

“I told you, it’s not that kind of atmosphere. Remember what I said last time? I introduced a few people, and I got sent flying right away.”

I traced an arc in the air with my finger to mimic getting hurled into a tree.

“Last time, I got off with just a broken ankle, but who knows what’ll happen if there’s a second time? He might decide he’s had enough of us both and just wipe us out together.”

The hopeful look on his face quickly turned pale.

Sure, he might respect Zerbin and want to get close to him, but no one wanted to deal with that temper.

Honestly, even I had a hard time every time Zerbin got angry.

Just keeping up with him was exhausting.

There was no way I’d ever describe him as easygoing.

This warning wasn’t just out of goodwill—I’d already decided never to play matchmaker again.

* * *