Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage

Character page: Here

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Chapter 191 – I listened to the hero’s true thoughts

Yuuga didn’t budge from his spot until the carriage vanished from sight. The whole scene felt overly dramatic, as if they were parting forever even though he was the one who’d tossed her into the carriage. Should I point that out? Ignoring the knight tapping his pen on his notepad, I turned to get Cecilia’s opinion.

“Cecilia, do you think Yuuga could use a reality check here?” [Youki]

“…First, I think we should let him know we’re actually inside his house. We can talk afterward.” [Cecilia]

Cecilia and I were relatively calm. Maybe we’d just grown used to this by now. Or perhaps this sort of thing was normal for couples before marriage? Who knows. It might even be worth asking Raven, who’s also planning to move in with his partner.

“Oh, all three of you… Why are you here in my house? Ah, Cecilia and Raven – good timing. Actually, there seems to be an issue with the wedding invitation.” [Yuuga]

“Is this really the time for that?” [Youki]

His mind was likely preoccupied with wedding plans, leaving little room for anything else. I explained why we were here, mentioning Mikana’s worries, about her anxiety that he might be overextending himself. I emphasized her concerns.

“…Anyway, that’s the gist of it. Mikana’s been struggling with these thoughts.” [Youki]

“I had no idea Mikana was so troubled! I need to apologize to her right away…” [Yuuga]

“Raven! Don’t let Yuuga use the holy sword!” [Youki]

Just as Yuuga was about to reach for the holy sword to fly over to her, Raven held him back. He was the one who’d mentioned earlier that ‘no man’ was allowed since they’d be doing measurements, so I wished he’d restrain himself. But even with Raven holding him in a lock, Yuuga kept trying to break free. It seemed like the time for Cecilia to step in.

“Cecilia, you’re up.” [Youki]

“Understood… Hero-sama, Mikana just gathered her resolve. Now that she’s finally sorted her feelings, adding more stress wouldn’t be ideal from a woman’s perspective.” [Cecilia]

“Ugh…” [Yuuga]

“…You should take good care of your partner.” [Raven]

“Even you, Raven?” [Yuuga]

“I have nothing to add.” [Youki]

“Isn’t that just as harsh!?” [Yuuga]

Give me a break. He’d already received plenty of advice from his former travel companions. His fiancée used to be one of them, so I didn’t really need to say anything here.

“But still, I had no idea Mikana was struggling so much… I feel terrible. I need to do something for her.” [Youki]

“Wouldn’t it be better to give her some space for now? She might be a bit worn out.” [Youki]

“It’s fine. I’m just going to buy a small trinket she seemed to like. The other day, she looked interested in it while we were on a date.” [Yuuga]

“I-I see. So, you’re really paying attention to Mikana…” [Youki]

For some reason, I thought Cecilia glanced at me briefly.

Have I been lacking that kind of attention? Maybe I’ve been doing it unconsciously. That’s not good.

“…Yuuga, you’ve been going on dates with Mikana? I’ve never noticed you two out together.” [Raven]

“Yeah. Crowds wear her out, you know? I realized I’d been putting her through a lot because of me. So, when we go on dates, we usually go fishing by the river or up into the mountains to watch animals. Sometimes we visit remote towns. It’s a lot quieter than Minerva. Of course, we stay overnight, but we work our schedules around it.” [Yuuga]

“An overnight trip… just the two of you…” [Raven]

The pen in Raven’s hand trembled. Now that I thought about it, he and Happiness hadn’t gone on a trip alone either. Normally, I’d be around, or some other knights would be with them.

“As for me… uh…” [Youki]

“You too, Youki?!” [Raven]

“Well, I don’t know if it counts…” [Youki]

Though it was part of the guild mission, Cecilia and I did explore the ruins together. But I was disguised as the Magic Knight of Black Lightning at the time, so I wasn’t sure if that really counted. I glanced at Cecilia, who shook her head in response. Guess that’s a no.

“No, I guess not.” [Youki]

“…But the fact that you even thought about it means you did something similar to a private trip, right? I’m sorry, Happiness…” [Raven]

Raven slumped, looking defeated. Who would’ve thought Yuuga had progressed this far? With that look Cecilia gave me, I couldn’t help feeling my own position might be at risk too.

“Raven, Cecilia, what’s going on? Did I say something strange, Youki-kun?” [Yuuga]

“No… Everyone’s just surprised by how much you’ve grown. Also, I’m feeling a bit of pressure myself.” [Youki]

“Pressure? But, Youki-kun, you’re not someone who needs to worry about me, right? I’m usually the one who causes trouble for the people around me. If it seems like I’ve grown… well, that’s thanks to Mikana.” [Yuuga]

“I think you can give yourself some credit for your own growth…” [Youki]

Like when the hidden power of the holy sword was unleashed.

“Hmm, maybe, but I don’t have the time to think about that now. I just want to keep moving forward. There’s still so much to do… with Mikana…” [Yuuga]

“Alright, Cecilia, Raven, let’s go home. These two definitely don’t need any more of our concern!” [Youki]

If we stay here any longer, we’ll just be stuck listening to more of their lovey-dovey talk. Originally, we came to hear Mikana out because she felt anxious about her marriage. But now, any of her worries are probably gone, and she’s likely blushing, thinking about her wedding dress. Seriously, what a pair to keep us on our toes.

I grabbed Raven and Cecilia, who were still muttering and thinking to themselves, by the arms and headed towards the front door.

“You’re leaving already? See you again, Youki-kun, Cecilia, and Raven. I’ll send another invitation once we finalize the date.” [Yuuga]

“Just send the invitation. You don’t have to come by to confirm it.” [Youki]

With those final words, we made our escape from Yuuga and Mikana’s love nest.

“…Feels like we didn’t even need to come.” [Youki]

“True. It seems Hero-sama’s thoughts are filled with Mikana now. He’s still reckless, but he’ll likely reach his goal in the end.” [Cecilia]

“Yeah, he is the hero, after all. He’s got what it takes. Charging forward, thinking only of his and Mikana’s happiness… engagement, cohabitation, marriage. What’s next?” [Youki]

I wonder if Yuuga has plans after their wedding. I can’t imagine his passion cooling down just because they’re married. He might even plan an around-the-world honeymoon. For now, let’s just hope their wedding goes off without a hitch. We have other pressing concerns – like our Memo Swordsman-san here, who has a cloud of worry hanging over him.

“Hey, your head’s about to smoke. Pull yourself together!” [Youki]

“…Ah, sorry. I was just realizing what a cold-hearted partner I am. Even my moniker seems to reflect that. Society’s judgement must be right. When I close my eyes, I don’t see a warm, cozy home. All I can think of is just the cold life I impose…” [Raven]

“She doesn’t see it that way! Relax, Raven. You’re doing plenty. Happiness is, well… happy.” [Youki]

Just when I thought Mikana’s worries were sorted, Raven started fretting. Happiness might not say much, but her expressions and words reflect her feelings. Judging by her recent behaviour, she wasn’t harbouring any dissatisfaction. He was just overthinking it.

Everyone has their own way of doing things, so he can take his time planning something. Maybe Cecilia could give Raven a little nudge, too.

I glanced at her, hoping she’d pick up on the hint.

“It’s okay, Raven-san.” [Cecilia]

Of course, Cecilia caught on immediately. She smiled warmly, almost like a goddess, and reassured him.

“I haven’t gone on any trips with Youki-san either. At least not outside of guild requests.” [Cecilia]

Ouch. That hit me directly. It was a clean blow. Most of the time, whenever we went out, someone else was around. Lately, the three kids were with us on a picnic. We talked about coming back just the two of us… eventually, but it never happened. When exactly was ‘eventually’? Had I not been planning anything myself? Did I even have the luxury to encourage Raven like that? We came here to reassure Mikana, but somehow, the three of us ended up feeling more anxious.

How did it come to this?

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