51: Jealousy

Chapter 51: Jealousy

As **Synoh** and **Princess Akane** continued their conversation, **Captain Elara** watched from a distance. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy seeing them chat so casually. Her usual composed demeanor faltered as she noticed how comfortable Synoh seemed around the princess. At the same time, **Lux** also looked slightly left out, his usual confidence waning as he observed the interaction.

Elara's steps were firm as she approached them, her expression showing her frustration, even if she tried to hide it behind a polite smile.

**Captain Elara:** (forcing a smile, pouting slightly) "Your Highness, you wanted to see me?"

Synoh noticed the shift in Elara's aura right away. Her pout was subtle but enough for him to realize she was upset. He gulped nervously, knowing he was treading on dangerous ground.

Princess Akane, on the other hand, smiled brightly at Elara, seemingly oblivious to the tension.

**Princess Akane:** (cheerfully) "Yes! I just wanted to say how beautiful you would look if you wore a dress, Captain Elara."

Elara's face flushed instantly, and she stammered, trying to deny it.

**Captain Elara:** (blushing) "W-What? No, I don't think—"

Akane turned to Synoh with a playful grin, cutting Elara off.

**Princess Akane:** (teasing) "Am I right, Synoh? Even though your captain has that tomboyish look with her short navy-blue hair, she'd be stunning in a dress, don't you think?"

Synoh, caught off guard, smiled nervously as he nodded in agreement.

**Synoh:** (teasing, smiling nervously) "I... I agree. I've always wondered what you'd look like in a dress, Captain."

Elara's face reddened even more, her embarrassment reaching new heights as Synoh joined in the teasing. Before she could muster a response, Princess Akane stepped in with even more enthusiasm.

**Princess Akane:** (grinning) "Well then, we're on the same mission now. I'll help you find something nice to wear! Let's make sure you look even more beautiful, Captain."

Elara's eyes widened, and she was momentarily speechless as Akane grabbed her by the hand and began to drag her away to continue their conversation. Elara cast a quick glance back at Synoh, her expression somewhere between exasperation and disbelief.

**Captain Elara:** (mumbling) "W-Wait! I don't need—"

But Akane wasn't having it, pulling her along as she giggled. Synoh chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head as he watched them walk off. He could still feel the lingering heat of Elara's glare, but deep down, he was amused by how flustered she had gotten.

Synoh, watching them disappear into the distance, muttered under his breath.

**Synoh:** (smiling) "Well, this is going to be interesting."

Meanwhile, **Lux**, who had been standing awkwardly nearby, finally exhaled and stepped closer to Synoh.

**Lux:** (grinning) "Looks like the princess has a way of making things... complicated, huh?"

Synoh just laughed, his thoughts still swirling from the playful teasing and the sight of Elara's blushing face. The dynamics between everyone were getting more interesting by the minute, especially as the mission to Lathunia loomed closer.

As **Synoh** smiled genuinely, still amused by the whole situation, **Lux** observed him closely. Seeing the relaxed and happy expression on Synoh's face, Lux couldn't help but misinterpret the scene. He crossed his arms and leaned closer, raising an eyebrow.

**Lux:** (teasing, but a bit serious) "Well, well, looks like you're pretty happy. I didn't know you and Princess Akane were getting along *that* well."

Synoh blinked, taken aback by Lux's comment. He quickly realized what Lux was implying.

**Synoh:** (confused, laughing nervously) "Wait, what? No, it's not like that! I was just—"

But Lux wasn't entirely convinced, his grin widening as he playfully poked at Synoh's side.

**Lux:** (smirking) "Come on, Synoh. I saw how you were smiling when she dragged Captain Elara away. You've got a thing for the princess, don't you?"

Synoh's face flushed slightly, but he shook his head vigorously, waving his hands in defense.

**Synoh:** (embarrassed) "No, no, you've got it all wrong, Lux! I wasn't smiling because of Akane! I mean, she's... nice, but that's not why I was smiling."

Lux raised an eyebrow, clearly still skeptical but willing to listen.

**Lux:** "Oh? Then why were you smiling so happily?"

Synoh sighed, scratching the back of his head as he tried to put his thoughts into words.

**Synoh:** (genuinely) "I was smiling because of Captain Elara. It's... well, it's fun to see her flustered like that. She's always so strong and composed, but when she's caught off guard, it's kind of... cute."

Lux's grin slowly faded, and he stared at Synoh for a moment, processing his words. A slow realization dawned on him, and he nodded thoughtfully.

**Lux:** (surprised) "Oh... I see. So it's Captain Elara, huh?"

Synoh's face turned even redder as he looked away, not wanting to meet Lux's gaze.

**Synoh:** (mumbling) "It's not like that either... I just... I don't know. She's important, okay?"

Lux chuckled softly, shaking his head.

**Lux:** (patting Synoh's shoulder) "Well, that makes more sense now. Just be careful, though. Things between you two seem... complicated."

Synoh nodded, appreciating Lux's understanding.

**Synoh:** (smiling) "Yeah, I know. But we'll figure it out."

As the two of them stood there, the playful teasing from earlier faded away, leaving a quiet understanding between them.