Chapter 51: Chapter 24.2

EP – 024.2 – Full Moon Festival

Let’s deal with this first.

“Have you been waiting?”

“No, I also just got here not too long ago.”

“Really? That’s a relief. You look like you’ve dressed up more than usual….”

It’s not like she dressed like a hobo before, just that she usually wears her uniform. But today, she’s wearing a loose sky blue dress and was adorned with all sorts of jewelry.

Speaking of, she’s wearing makeup now?

“…Am I?”

Elnore slightly smiled at my words.

“Yes, it must have taken a very long time to perfect.”

“I got ready in the morning and came here, so about six hours.”

“…”

What did she say about not waiting and just got here again?

“…Well, that’s not a long wait. Don’t feel burdened.”

“…”

“I’m not lying, I can spare 6 hours whenever…”

“…Then, shall we go?”

I sighed and said to Elnore, who was starting to be unreasonable.

As I gently grabbed her wrist and led her away, I could feel Elnore’s body twitch.

“Dowd?”

“It’ll be crowded.”

The Full Moon Festival is in full swing.

With so many attendees, it’ll be easy to lose someone in the sea of people.

‘Is it uncomfortable?’

To be honest, I have no idea on how I should distance myself from a woman.

The reason was also very simple. It’s because I’ve never had such an experience in my life.

Let alone dating, Dowd Campbell didn’t even have friends of the opposite sex.

I’m a bit sad now.

“Well, it certainly seems that way.”

“…”

Elnore smiled and took her hand away.

Ah, I guess it was uncomfortable…

“This is how you escort a lady.”

Holding hands is a sign of respect and trust towards the other person. It should not be neglected.

You grasp firmly and with dignity.

Having said that, Elnore gently held my hand.

With our hands touching, I could feel her warmth on my skin.

“I won’t lose you, this way.”

“…”

“Will you lead the way?”

I stared at Elnore with my eyes wide open.

“…Elnore, did you just smile?”

More precisely, she had a light smile that seemed a bit shy.

Whereas, in the main story, Elnore looked like she’s in constant suffering.

The Gray Devil’s energy bubbling from within and her rivalry with Elijah. On top of it all, she had to maneuver through muddy politics as a Tristan.

She’s always under extreme pressure, both physically and mentally.

All of which add up and chip away at her mental state.

This is why I don’t remember ever seeing her wear anything other than a hardened, robotic expression.

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For all the time I’ve been grinding in the world of Sera, I have not once caught sight of her smile in front of other people.

So what is this look she has on right now?

This feeling of vulnerability.

It’s as if she’s truly at ease with me.

“…”

Though her expression reverted back to her impassive state when I mentioned it.

“…Was I smiling?”

“…I think you did?”

“Are you sure?”

“Why are you asking me that…”

“Because I’ve never smiled before, so I don’t really know what it feels like.”

“…”

“It seems sloppy.”

Well.

It’s still a bit far from being ‘natural’.

●

“Uh? Mr. Dowd?”

“Hmm?”

As we arrived at Twilight Iris, a familiar face greeted me.

“Tallion?”

“You remembered? I’m honored.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m working as a part-timer. My family practice laissez-faire.”

“…”

I felt a bit queasy seeing Tallion say that with a wistful smile.

Even me, who’s from a small Barony, receives allowances for my living expenses. But the eldest son of a Viscount has none?

Isn’t that a bit too much?

“But this, um…”

Tallion looked perplexed as he watched me and Elnore, who was almost sticking to my arm.

“…Are you dating the Student Council President?”

“…That’s not it.”

“…”

I could feel Tallion’s questioning gaze right now and I also wanted to plead my case.

At first, we just held hands, but Elnore gradually came closer and we ended up in this pose.

Even if I want to push her away, I simply can’t with my miniscule strength.

“…!”

Immediately after I said, I could feel Elnore twisting my arm.

It felt like it’s about to get ripped off.

“…Why are you doing that?”

“It’s punishment.”

“But what for?”

She twisted it again, and this time, I couldn’t help but let out a groan.

“Well, I see that you two are on good terms.”

Tallion chuckled and said, to which I questioned him back.

“…By the way, why are you suddenly using honorifics?”

I know from the game that Elijah uses honorific, but Tallion? And didn’t he also just chased me around to beat me not long ago?

What’s with the sudden politeness?

“I simply wanted to do such for Mr. Dowd.”

Tallion humbly bowed his head and replied.

Come to think of it, he was like this originally.

Before his fall into the darkness, I remember him being a diligent and sincere ace student.

“There’s no need for such. We’re in the same class anyway.”

“Then I will call you Hyeongnim. You’re older than me, right?”

“…”

Well, he’s not wrong.

In Elfante, being in the same class doesn’t equate to similar ages.

The problem is.

“How do you know that?”

“Marquis Riverback often talks about Hyeongnim. He’s very interested in you, you know?”

Tallion’s reply made my eyebrows frown.

‘That guy…’

Perhaps, he only approached me because I was close with Elijah and Elnore.

However, Marquis Riverback is a snake. He wouldn’t put so much care and attention to me if he’s were simply going to use me as a bridgehead to the two women.

“Anyways, welcome to the Twilight Iris. Please enjoy your stay.”

I faced Tallion who said so with a cheerful smile.

“…”

Come to think of it, there had been a message that the main scenario had changed since Elnore and Elijah’s favorability increased.

It is now clear that the effect has reached this far.

Marquis Riverback’s interest has shifted from ‘Elijah’ to ‘me’.

‘The story…’

So, that means… the chance of me having a good time in this restaurant today is practically zero.

“Tallion, do you happen to be wearing a necklace or something?”

“…Yes?”

Tallion looked startled at my question and fidgeted around his neck.

It was a necklace with an emblem engraved in the middle. It was an item I remember.

“This was given by the House of Purification. The foundation run by Marquis Riverback. Only a few talented people sponsored by them could have it.”

“I see.”

As expected.

Since the scenario got twisted like my arm.

Shouldn’t I also set a trap card of my own?

[ Skill: Evil Ruler has been activated. ]

[ Exercising command right to the target ‘Tallion’. ]

“Don’t wear it today.”

“…Yes?”

“And do your best to prevent others from wearing it if you can. Understand?”

“…”

I patted the dumbfounded Tallion on the shoulder and entered the restaurant.

‘…Yeah, well.’

With this alone, I took a considerable ‘advantage’ against Marquis Riverback.

“Ah, Mr. Dowd Campbell. Welcome.”

Inside, a smiling Marquis Riverback greeted me.

‘Bring it on, you bastard.’

This is just the beginning.