Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage

Character page: Here

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Chapter 215 – I spoke with my former rival

“Cecilia-san, that lady over there was looking for you. It seems you helped her once during your travels last time, so she wanted to thank you. You should probably go over to her.”  [Soleil]

Whew. That was close. 

For some reason, Soleil had thrown me a lifeline. Sure enough, I spotted a well-dressed woman bowing towards Cecilia, with a young girl beside her, enthusiastically waving. Probably someone Cecilia had healed along the way.

“You’re right. Then, if you’ll excuse me… Soleil-san, Youki-san.”  [Cecilia]

Cecilia gave us a polite nod and walked off.

Good. A perfect chance for me to slip away, too.

I seized the opportunity and began edging my way out, but…

“Hold on.”  [Soleil]

…Crap. Of course, he’d press the issue. Now the question was, how was I supposed to get out of this? 

He’d timed it perfectly, making sure Cecilia left first and leaving me alone with him. The way he manoeuvred things, steering the flow to his advantage, was just as sharp as his appearance suggested.

“Who exactly are you? That exchange of glances just now was suspicious. Ordinary acquaintances don’t do that. It was natural. Instinctive. Which tells me you’re far closer than you pretend. I suspect you were deliberately downplaying your relationship for Cecilia-san’s sake, weren’t you?”  [Soleil]

What is he, some kind of detective? Who draws a conclusion that firm from just a look? Seriously. Fine, if that’s how he wanted to play it, I’d just play dumb until the end. 

“No, no, you’re reading too much into it. It only looked that way by coincidence. I’ve only met Cecilia-sama a few times… I think you’re overthinking things.”  [Youki]

“First off, your way of speaking is unnatural. Why don’t you talk the way you normally do? You’re obviously forcing it. With that kind of act, you’ll never fool anyone.”  [Soleil]

He pushed his glasses up in that smug, triumphant gesture. Was that look meant to show how much smarter he thought he was than me? He was right, though. Verbal sparring wasn’t my forte. Back when I was holed up in the Demon Lord’s castle, communication wasn’t a skill I needed. In terms of knowledge and strategy, Soleil had me beaten ten times over. 

Still, backing down like this wasn’t in my blood. If he wanted a fight, then I’d have to show him my true hand.

“Heh. And what if I am?”  [Youki]

The moment I flipped my switch, my whole aura shifted. Even so, Soleil merely twitched an eyebrow, maintaining his composure.

Let’s see how long he can keep up that smug look.

“Soleil… right? I don’t know what kind of answer you’re looking for, but I’m just an adventurer. My connection to the Hero’s party is nothing more than coincidence.”  [Youki]

“Not only Cecilia-san… You claim to be just an adventurer, yet you’re acquainted with every single member of the Hero’s party that defeated the Demon Lord? That only deepens my curiosity about you.”  [Soleil]

“Hmph. Being scrutinized like that by a man does nothing for me. To think you’d be more interested in a stranger’s social circle than other matters… perhaps your priorities are misplaced.”  [Youki]

“It’s true. There are many other things I should be focusing on besides you. But Cecilia-san is my saviour. I can’t help but wonder what kind of man stays so close to her. And what about you? If the woman you cared for had a man lurking in her shadow, could you really stay silent?”  [Soleil]

“Of course I couldn’t stay silent!”  [Youki]

“…Eh?”  [Soleil]

For the first time in this exchange, Soleil’s expression actually shifted. A flicker of surprise crossed his face, though, befitting as the next lord, he recovered almost instantly.

“But if you truly wish for the happiness of the one you love… then sometimes the right move is not to show yourself at all. Being swept away by passion alone isn’t proof of love… That’s all there is to it.”  [Youki]

I turned my back on him, lifting one hand in a lazy wave as I started to walk away.

“…Hah. Wait. You deliberately steered the conversation little by little, then tried to wrap it up neatly before slipping away, didn’t you?”  [Soleil]

Damn, he caught on. 

I clicked my tongue inwardly. So even my chuunibyou switch wasn’t enough to shake him off. Up until now, every time I went full chuunibyou, the situation somehow resolved itself. But Soleil was a far tougher opponent than I’d expected.

Worse still, he grabbed my arm to stop me from escaping. I quickly scanned the room for help, but with Cecilia gone and not a single ally in sight, it was hopeless. Which meant I’d have to endure the formidable next lord’s interrogation on my own, before making my escape and returning to this hall later as the Magic Knight of Black Lightning.

Damn it. This is all Yuuga’s fault. When I see him next, I’m not letting him off easy.

Though I’d be seeing him soon enough – as the star of today’s event. He’d probably emerge wearing a big, blissful grin, oblivious to all the trouble I’d been dragged through.

Go ahead, Hero. Enjoy your happy life, you damn normie!

“Your silence says it all. You’ve gone this far just to dodge my questions. Which means you’re hiding something… something deep, so serious, and important you can’t tell anyone. Am I wrong?” [Soleil]

While I was lost in thought, Soleil was already closing in to finish me off.

Should I just shake him off and head home? …No, if I do that, he’d just corner Cecilia instead. This guy’s sharp as a tack, so brute force alone isn’t going to cut it. Fine then. If force doesn’t work, I’ll add a little sincerity to the mix.

“…Sorry, but to a man I’ve only just met, all I can say is that there’s nothing going on. Besides, I’ve got business to take care of. I really have to go. But even so… after I’m gone, I’d like you not to press her on this. Today is supposed to be a happy occasion. Cecilia-sama doesn’t need more worries piled onto her.”  [Youki]

I said that while glancing towards Cecilia. And sure enough, in just the short time I’d looked away, she was already surrounded.

See? She’s busy.

It was probably obvious to Soleil as well. One look at that scene, and anyone would realize that adding to her burden would be cruel.

“Ah, Hero-sama and Mikana-sama’s wedding… such a joyous occasion indeed! And what of the Holy Mother? Has she found a partner yet? If not, perhaps she might consider meeting my son…”

“No, no, surely our family would be a better match for the Holy Mother…”

“Holy Mother, if you would allow us, we would be honoured…”

Ah. So that’s what kind of circle she’s trapped in. I see now. Fine. I’ll make sure to remember every last one of those faces. I’ll remember them all. 

“…What’s the matter? You look rather frightening. Did I say something to offend you? No, that’s not it. I can tell. You’re clearly irritated watching Cecilia-san being courted like that.”  [Soleil]

…Damn it. Of all times to let my emotions show, it had to be in front of this guy. And the worst part? He’s right. I am irritated. No way to bluff my way out of it. So what do I do? If I blow up and storm out, that’s basically the same as admitting everything. Have I already run out of tricks?

“…Let’s leave the matter of your relationship between the two of you for another time. Continuing this back-and-forth seems pointless.”  [Soleil]

Why did he suddenly back down?

“You look curious. Shall I address your doubt? It’s written all over your face. You have no intention of talking, and pressing further would be a waste of effort. I’ll step back. I’m not that free, either.”  [Soleil]

The smug way he said it grated on me. Still, if it meant freeing myself from him, I was willing to swallow whatever snide remarks he wanted to throw my way. I needed to hurry and get changed before meeting Raven.

“One piece of advice: you should give up on her.”  [Soleil]

“That’s a pretty confusing thing to say.”  [Youki]

I couldn’t stay silent anymore. On what grounds did he think he had the right to tell me to give up on Cecilia?

Who the hell do you think you are? Damn it. 

Was he saying that because of the arranged marriage they once had? Had he truly given up already? Or was this a declaration, an indirect challenge, making himself a rival?

Or maybe this was some twisted warning from fate. A reminder not to lower my guard just because Yuuga was getting married. Was that it? Does every love need a rival?

“Don’t make that angry face. No… it only shows how strongly you feel about Cecilia. If that’s the case, then all the more reason for you to know. What I’m about to say isn’t confirmed information… so swear you won’t go blabbing it everywhere.”  [Soleil]

“Do you really think I can make that kind of promise to someone I just met?”  [Youki]

“You can. Your feelings for Cecilia-san are genuine. I don’t believe you’d do anything that would put her at a disadvantage.”  [Soleil]

The confidence in his reply irritated me. Either his insight was frighteningly sharp, or he had an absurd amount of faith in his ability to read people. His perceptiveness might even rival Caius’s. Honestly, the two of them could team up and form some kind of cupid gang.

Still… I was curious about what he wanted to tell me. Something about Cecilia that couldn’t be spoken openly? Had something happened during their last journey?

“…Tell me.”  [Youki]

“Very well. …If you live in Minerva, you must have heard the name. The Magic Knight of Black Lightning. I suspect he has a deep connection with Cecilia-san.”  [Soliel]

“…”

“It’s only natural you’d be at a loss for words. He appeared out of nowhere, cleared high-difficulty requests with ease, and rapidly spread his name throughout Minerva. Not only is his skill unquestionable, but he’s also known for flawlessly completing any request he accepts. He’ a mysterious, enigmatic adventurer. This is top-secret, but… he and Cecilia-san seem to be close.”  [Soleil]

“…”

“This is a bit embarrassing to admit, but… I don’t stand a chance against him. I, too, wanted to walk into the future with Cecilia-san… but I realized I couldn’t defeat him. The fact that I speak of him with such weight should tell you what kind of person you’re up against. It was rude of me to tell you to give up. What I truly meant was that you should understand how formidable your rival is… That’s all I wanted to say. Forgive me for holding you up. I’ll take my leave.”  [Soleil]

Having said everything he needed to, Soleil walked away.

As for me? I could do nothing but remain silent… because it took everything I had just to keep my expression neutral.

“…Alright, time to get changed.”  [Youki]

Good. At least my list of problems hadn’t gotten any longer.

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