Chapter 25 The Kingdom of Vedna (Royal Capital Road Journey) : Grow

Under a sky so full of stars that you can't help but sigh, and in the clear air that is unimaginable in that world, we gather around a campfire and eat the same meal.

　Sota felt deeply how luxurious and extraordinary it was, and took a wooden spoon and brought a bowl of vegetable soup to his mouth.

　Even though there was only a little salt in the seasoning, it still tasted delicious

　The smell of the campfire and the dignified night air was also a good thing.

　Sota, who originally enjoys camping alone, has no reason to be dissatisfied.

"Is it delicious ...?"

"Yes, it's very good."

"Well, that's good ... Oh, you've got dirt in your mouth. ... Look, look "

"Hmm"

To Sota left was Phyllis, who had been taking care of him since some time ago

　After a short rest and refueling after the battle, her blood colour was already back to normal.

　It seems that women in this world are made to be exceptionally strong.

　he was surprised to hear that even a cold can be completely cured if you sleep for three or four hours.

　Phyllis has been stuck to Sota ever since she woke up.

　It seems that her memory had completely slipped from her just before the surprise attack she received during the battle with Ronia, and when Sota told her what had happened, Phyllis bowed down to him in a furious manner.

　She had sworn to protect Sota as a knight, or even as a woman, but she had made a mistake.

　However, once the apologetic phase was over, the overprotective phase began.

　As if she were a mother rather than a lover ..., she takes care of Sota surroundings and wanders around him.

　She visits him every now and then and brings him all sorts of things even if you didn't ask for them.

　However, as soon as Phyllis turn was over, this time Elrain went into the flat apology phase.

"Sota-sama, ... I'm really, really ... sorry for the trouble I've caused you on this occasion"

　With flower in both hands, The two Western-style knights are so beautiful that they would have been unthinkable in the world Sota use to live in.

　However, there was no time to be in such a buoyant mood with the state of Elrain, who has been so depressed since a while ago that she suspected a rain cloud was unfolding over her head.

　Sota hurriedly made up for it after receiving an apology from Elrain, whose head was beginning to hang down to the ground as he looked at it.

"Please raise your head, Elrain-san!　You don't need to apologise to me"

"But, I did put a man in danger, and that is a fact that cannot be overturned. ...!"

"Wait, Elrain-san!"

　Elrain said this and put her forehead on the ground.

　The acknowledgement is genuine. Harder than iron, deeper than the sea.

　A fiery sense of guilt continues to sear Elrain. She really thought she was still headstrong, even though she had left her forehead scraped against the ground.

"Stop it, Elrain."

　But it was Phyllis who called out to her.

　She grabbed Elrain by the neck and forcefully pulled her off the ground.

" ! "

　Thrown roughly, Elrain falls on her butt.

　At the same time, her glasses fell to the ground.

"What are you doing, Phyllis-sama?"

"I'm telling you to stop."

"Why?　I must make amends to Sota-sama, ...!　In order to save me, this vile woman, Sota-sama had to put his precious body in danger!　That, too, in front of that vile goblin ...!　I must bow my head, otherwise I cannot face Her Majesty and ... our God!"

"is that what Sota want?"

"...."

"Look closely at Sota face"

　Hearing that, Elrain could finally see Sota face.

　Slowly, from the the feet, from the legs to the chest, it was as if she had already painted the expression fearful, and she did as she was told to look at Sota face.

.....A kind face was there

　A smile, but smile that had been fixed.

　There were smiles that were difficult to give Elrain, There was a smile that was trying to cover it up, trying not to burden Elaine further.

　It contains various essences of surprise and bewilderment ..., all of which are encompassed by Sota strong good natured "personality".

　To him, an apology, if not offensive, was really unnecessary. Elraine could not help but feel that it was clearly expressed in Sota smile..

"I am sorry ...."

　Elrain says her apologies once more.

　As she slowly raises herself up, she expresses an apology that has a completely different connotation to the one she just gave.

"Why are you saying sorry again, Elrain"

"Yes, Not only Elrain-san, but all the women here are overreacting somehow. I lend a hand because there was someone in trouble in front of me,... and maybe for you a woman it has a special meaning for me to do that, but it's not for me."

"..."

"When I do something to help you, a simple ' thank you' is enough for me"

Sota said so and extended his hand to Elrain.

　Elrain, who was on the ground , hesitated slightly against the hand - and then grabbed it.

"I see"

　Elrain was brought to the same eye as Sota.

　The masculine touch transmitted from his palm. The shyness of their close proximity and the gaze they exchanged. The slight scent of Sota scent ....

"Well, I'm sorry--"

　It was the words of apology that seemed to spill out of her mouth naturally.

However, she came to a stop before it spilled.

"When I do something to help you, a simple ' thank you' is enough for me"

　If so, what Elrain should tell Sota now is ....

"--Thank you, ... Sota-sama."

　Sota nodded and "smiled".

''Come on, Elrain-san. Let's continue our meal. And please tell me a stories about your kingdom"

　A small burst of firewood and the night breeze caressed her cheeks pleasantly.

　Elrain felt a small burst of emotion at Sota smile, at his voice, at his smell, which she had never known before.