369: Unable to Answer

“I love you. Fansent, ever since the day we first met, I’ve always held you in my heart. I know you’re already engaged to Lady Cynthia. Even so... I still love you.”

I couldn't even begin to hide my agitation at Cecil’s sudden confession.

Wait, what? Where did that come from?! I mean, sure, I didn't think she hated me or anything, but... love? Like, romantic, ‘I-want-to-be-with-you’ love?

Is this a prank? A joke? No, Cecil isn’t the kind of girl who’d play with someone’s feelings like that.

Just as I was scrambling to find the right words to say, Cecil turned her back to me, clearly trying to hide her face.

“I know I’m putting you in a difficult spot. I know it’s the absolute worst timing to say something like this. But I had to tell you. I’m not asking for an answer. I just... I wanted you to know.”

She told me she needed to dry her hair and practically shoved me out of the room.

I eventually headed back inside once I figured the coast was clear, but her words were stuck on a loop in my brain.

The God of War of Nobless, Cecil Antwerp...

Actually, there was something I’d never even told Cynthia.

In the original Nobless Oblige game, Cecil was my absolute favorite character.

She was brilliant, noble, and fiercely independent—she never fawned over anyone. I’d always loved that "lone wolf" vibe she had, despite being a girl.

Of course, this world wasn't a game to me anymore; it was my reality. But still... how should I put it? Well, honestly, even I don't really know what to make of my own feelings right now.

A short while later, Cecil opened the door.

I was still agonizing over what I should say to her, but her expression had already returned to her usual, terrifyingly calm baseline.

“The shower is free now.”

“Oh... right. I guess I’ll go in, then.”

“Fansent, I just wanted to get it off my chest, so please don't let it bother you. I’m sorry for saying something so strange.”

I started to head toward the shower, intending to let the subject drop. But at the last second, I stopped and called out her name.

“Cecil.”

“What is it?”

“Hearing that... it made me happy. I’m not being polite, and I’m not joking. I mean it from the bottom of my heart. But... I have Cynthia.”

“...I see. I know. But it’s because you’re that kind of man that I love you.”

Good grief. If she keeps talking like that, I’m never going to get these idle thoughts out of my head.

Still, I suppose I should be grateful. It meant she trusted me that much. She trusted the man once known as Weiss Fancent.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

The next day, we finished our reservations for the ship and were killing time until our departure.

Cecil had disappeared shortly after we arrived, asking if she could do a little last-minute shopping.

I swear, if she comes back with another copy of Battle Universe...

I had a portable set with me, and the one we currently used was more than enough for a boat trip.

However, when she finally returned, I was floored.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Fansent.”

“...Cecil? What happened to your hair?”

“I read in a book once that in some cultures, women cut their hair after a heartbreak. I never really understood the point of it back then. But now... I think I’ve found my own interpretation of the custom.”

“............”

“I figured I’d give you a chance to fall for me all over again. Maybe this look will do the trick?”

She was right—her hair, which used to be much longer, had been trimmed to a neat, uniform length that just brushed her shoulders. It fluttered lightly in the breeze.

With her neck now exposed, she looked somehow more mature, carrying an air of clean, decisive resolution.

Lately, thanks to our hellish training at Nobless Academy, her physical abilities had been improving by leaps and bounds. She used to keep her hair tied up most of the time, but this short style really suited her.

“I haven't given up yet, you know.”

Right before we stepped onto the gangplank, Cecil gave me a beaming, full-faced smile.

I didn't know she was capable of making a face like that.

I let out a faint smile of my own and boarded the ship.

The sea breeze was a bit sticky, but for some reason, even that felt pleasant.

I’m really living inside the world of Nobless Oblige. It was moments like this that made me truly feel it.

However, a few hours later...

“...I lost again.”

“Yes. Thank you for the game.”

We were back to our usual routine, engrossed in a match of Battle Universe.

Cecil seemed even more cheerful than usual—vibrant, even.

“If you told me you loved me, I might consider going a little easier on you, though.”

“...No thanks. I’ll win by fair means.”

“Fufufu, well, I wish you the best of luck with that.”

Yeah... she had also become just a little bit mischievous.