* * *

I’d already used Naike and Vasco as scapegoats to dispel Carmen’s ridiculous assumptions.

But remembering how the Hero had reacted when he first met Naike gave me pause.

His menacing demeanor back then still lingered in my memory.

If I brought her along carelessly, he might get up and leave, abandoning both of us without a second thought.

Still, maybe a quick greeting would be okay?

We just happened to run into each other, after all.

Normally, if you meet a friend while with someone else, it’s polite to introduce them.

That’s basic courtesy, not something to get angry over.

Besides, this was a rare opportunity.

Carmen was precisely the type of adventurer I’d been looking for.

Strong enough to shine during the war, proactive, and undeniably attractive.

…Not that I want to evaluate my companions this way, but who doesn’t like someone pretty?

Even the Hero, with his own stunning looks, probably has high standards.

At any rate.

Carmen, with her superficial fondness for appearances, might just be the one to break through the Hero’s barriers.

And who knows?

The Hero, with his strength, kindness, and subtle consideration for others, might make her genuinely fall for him.

If the two of them ended up in some unexpected, fiery romance, it’d be perfect for me.

“His meal’s almost done, so joining us might not work. But I’ll introduce you.”

“I could finish eating in five minutes flat if I had to.”

“Don’t bother. Coming on too strong might just make him uncomfortable.”

I waved her off, and while Carmen was visibly disappointed, she reluctantly nodded in agreement.

“Just so you know, Zerbin’s slightly more open to others now, but his personality hasn’t exactly softened. Got it?”

“You mean he might completely ignore me? That’s fine. I’m prepared for that. Just introduce us. I’ll handle the rest.”

Well, if she’s that determined, I don’t mind.

Unlike Naike, I didn’t have to worry about Carmen getting hurt emotionally.

Of course, rejection from someone she admires would sting, so I hoped things would go smoothly.

“Alright, let’s head back in.”

“Oh no, I’m so nervous! What if my heart explodes? I’d die without even saying hello!”

“Relax. I’ve been there—it won’t happen. Just keep it together.”

When we returned to the table, the Hero had already finished his meal and was standing up.

Was he planning to leave me behind?

If I’d taken any longer, I might’ve come back to an empty seat.

“You’re back.”

The dry voice that greeted me with “You’re finally here” sent chills down my spine.

Thank goodness I’d declined to share a table with them.

How could anyone suggest sharing a meal in that kind of atmosphere?

The hero pulled a few silver coins from his pocket, tossed them onto the table, and walked straight out of the tavern.

He shot a glance at Carmen as if to say, ‘What are you going to do? Are you coming?’

“Your food?” I asked.

“It can wait,” he replied casually.

With that, I followed the hero out the door.

“Sorry for being gone so long. I ran into an old friend after finishing a quest, and I couldn’t help catching up!”

If I’d done something wrong, I’d just apologize earnestly again.

What else could I do?

“I think they felt awkward striking up a conversation in front of you, knowing you’re not fond of people. Still, they could’ve at least greeted you while we were sitting together, don’t you think?”

Carmen seemed unexpectedly tense.

He clung to my arm, as if showing off his closeness to me, trying to demonstrate our connection.

“…You’re always…”

The hero started to say something but stopped abruptly.

Always what?

Was he angry?

Had I done something wrong?

I was dying to know, but he didn’t seem inclined to explain.

Was I supposed to guess?

Did he mean I was always brazen?

Or that I always brought people along?

Still, since the hero had said “You’re always…” instead of “Get lost, both of you,” I didn’t lose heart.

Things were still fine.

I glanced at Carmen, who was now gawking between the hero and me, as if this level of interaction was something extraordinary.

If Vasco had done that, it would’ve looked ridiculous, but Carmen was so stunningly beautiful it almost seemed artistic.

“Since we’ve run into each other, should I introduce you two?”

Without waiting for the hero’s response, I pressed on.

“This is my friend, Carmen. He’s a famous fire mage.”

The hero’s icy gaze shifted to Carmen.

‘Oh.’

But instead of just glancing at him briefly, the hero’s gaze lingered.

Did he find him interesting?

Was this actually happening?

Was he attracted to him?

Carmen is ridiculously pretty, after all.

I saw a spark of vitality return to Carmen’s expression.

It seemed the hero hadn’t dismissed him outright with a “What do you want now?”

That alone was progress.

“Carmen Fenella,” he said.

True to himself, Carmen strode confidently toward the hero, extending his hand first.

The nervous energy he’d shown earlier was completely masked by his elegant demeanor.

Seeing the two of them together, they really did look good together.

Of course, the hero didn’t respond to the handshake—or say a word, for that matter.

Still, if he was interested, he could’ve at least acknowledged him!

Well, it couldn’t be helped.

Since the hero was socially inept, Carmen, who excelled in such matters, would just have to take the lead.

“The mood’s not bad,” I whispered encouragingly.

Carmen withdrew his hand gracefully, showing no sign of being flustered.

But I caught the way he clenched his fist behind his back, as if steeling himself.

His expression, however, remained flawless—a captivating smile that betrayed no hint of rejection.

“I’ve always heard about your exploits, Mr. Zerbin. I’m in awe of how you achieve so much on your own,” Carmen said.

The hero inclined his head slightly.

Wow.

He nodded! That was an actual reaction!

Considering how he’d once rebuffed Naike’s introduction with a frosty “Why are you even talking to me?” this was a major improvement.

My heart raced.

Could this really be happening?

Why hadn’t it occurred to me earlier?

While I kept pushing forward and trying to get closer, wasn’t it obvious that someone like Carmen, with his charm and grace, would be more his type?

Compared to normal interactions, this was admittedly still a bit cold.

But judging by Carmen’s flushed cheeks, he knew this was a victory.

Seeing him so happy made me feel the same.

Please, Carmen, teach the hero what love is and save humanity!

“When I heard from Naike that you’d worked together, I was so jealous!”

Excited to finally talk to the hero he admired, Carmen was even more radiant than usual.

His cheerful voice brimmed with warmth and his bright smile was irresistibly endearing.

Even though he was almost six feet tall, standing next to the much taller hero made him seem delicate by comparison.

“Are you planning to take on missions with other adventurers now?”

“…”

“I’m sure everyone would love that. So many adventurers dream of having a real conversation with you, even just once.”

“…”

‘Don’t give up, Carmen! Keep going!’

“If that’s the case, would it be alright if I joined? It’s been my dream to work with you, even just once, Mr. Zerbin.”

Carmen didn’t waver, flashing him a dazzling smile.

Normally, that level of charm would leave any adventurer utterly smitten, but the hero was made of sterner stuff.

Still, who knows?

Beneath that stoic exterior, maybe he was struggling with emotions he’d never experienced before.

‘Please nod again. Just once more. I’m begging you!’

I clasped my hands together in silent prayer.

But instead of reacting to Carmen, the hero turned his head… to me.

“Aren’t you going to take him away?”

* * *