CH 45

Grave was surprised by the unexpected question, which caused Ibris to laugh.

To Grave, who had just managed to adjust his breathing, Ibris continued.

“Hmm? What’s wrong?”

“Why did you suddenly ask me that?”

“Because it looks like it?”

“…What?”

“Well, to me, the two of you seems to favor each other. Or, is it different?”

“N, not really, how do I say this.”

Ibris tilted his neck and responded crisply.

Grave explained to him while enduring his embarrassment.

“I love her, but I don’t know about Liliana.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm, I think the answer should be obvious enough…”

“You do?”

“Yes? Otherwise, at that time, she wouldn’t have said that.”

At that time, Ibris asked Liliana—

‘—If the Hero and I fought, and I win, will you obey me?’

‘I won’t. If Grave dies, I…’

In response, that was what Liliana said.

Although she didn’t finish her sentence, the rest was obvious.

“That girl was thinking about you from the bottom of her heart. Shouldn’t you know that already?”

“…I see.”

“Hmm, human beings are troublesome. You tend to overcomplicate things.”

“I think you’re just simple?”

“Maybe, but there are times when simple is better, right?”

“…Perhaps.”

Grave reflected upon Ibris’ words.

He looked up at the stars in the night sky, and thought of Liliana.

“Still, I… will wait.”

“I see. It’s more convenient than I thought.”

“What do you mean?”

“Did you forget? I came to obtain that girl. The biggest obstacle seems to be you. It would be easier if merely fighting you enables me to take her away. However, it seems that as long as she chooses me, there will be no problem.”

“There is!”

“Hmph, as if you have the right to speak. Not only are you unsure, you’re also oblivious to her feeling so far!”

“S, shut up!”

Grave turned shy.

Ibris laughed boisterously, which echoed in the city at night.

“You’re amusing, Grave.”

“You talk like my boss.”

“Well, let’s sleep for now. It’s been a while since I last did it.”

Ibris left the balcony and started heading for his room.

“That’s right, Grave.”

“What?”

“What should I do so that she’ll choose me?”

“…Don’t ask me.”

***

The next morning.

In the cafeteria, the men, who were about to go to work, were clutching their heads.

“Ugh… my head hurts.”

“I drank too much…”

After yesterday’s banquet, everyone had a hangover.

However, when Teresia appeared, the atmosphere shifted.

“Thank you for your hard work!”

“You guys were at it yesterday. Did you get plenty of rest?”

“Y, yes…”

“I will know if you skip due to having headache?”

“O, of course we won’t skip!”

“Ahahahaha…”

The same exchange happened after almost every banquet.

I recalled that Teresia also drank. However, she seemed to be fine.

She did seem a little frustrated?

At such a time, Rigard might be whining about work.

“Liliana.”

Suddenly, I was called from behind.

“Grave.”

“Good morning.”

Ibris also stood next to him.

“For you to wake up earlier than this me, impressive!”

“This guy refused to wake up…”

“I, is that so?”

“Hahaha! I haven’t slept for more than a thousand years! It seems that I let my guard down!”

A thousand years…

…Again, I was made aware of our differences.

It seemed that he stayed awake for a thousand years, and had just experienced waking up for the first time in a while.

“Have you finished breakfast yet?”

“No, I was just about…”

“Well, sit together with me.”

“That’s my line…”

Anna, whom was serving customers, passed by.

She noticed us and shouted.

“Good morning, Liliana, Grave! Ibris, too!”

“Good morning, Anna.”

“Good morning, may I ask meals for three people?”

“Alright!”

“I’m looking forward to it!”

“Okay!”

Ibris said so, while Anna replied cheerfully.

As usual, she was full of energy. But, she also looked happier than usual?

Well, after all, yesterday…

I waited for breakfast while thinking about that.

When the three of us were waiting around one table, Anna brought us some food.

After thanking her, we started eating with gusto.

Grave put his hands together and said.

“Thanks for the meal. So, what are you planning to do? Liliana, are you also on holiday?”

“Yes.”

“Well, that’s just right!”

What is…?

Ibris stared straight at me, who was confused.

“Liliana, go on a date with me!”

“—What?”

My voice was heard all over the cafeteria, and everyone’s attention gathered on us.

***T/N: Too bad!!! Liliana is already taken!!! Anna isn’t, tho!? *winkwink*