No one could find the words to speak.
There was simply no room for disagreement with Setsuna’s words or her logic.
Judging by Yugo’s reaction, he had indeed been harboring the very anguish she described.
As Melt and the others felt a sting bordering on jealousy toward Setsuna—who seemed to understand Yugo’s inner thoughts far better than those who had stayed by his side—the girl continued.
"By accepting my offer now, you stand to gain the greatest possible advantage. Love is something we can nurture as we go. For the sake of my goals, for yourself, and for those around you... won’t you accept my proposal, Yugo?"
Just as Setsuna said, if Yugo simply nodded his head, he would immediately become a groom candidate for a prestigious noble house of Yamato.
He would rise instantly from being the Academy's Number One Scum, gaining the status necessary to silence the baseless malice of those around him.
By accepting Setsuna’s offer, Yugo stood to gain everything while being liberated from his worries.
Under normal circumstances, there should have been no reason to refuse. Yet, Yugo let out a soft sigh and shook his head with a faint smile.
"Sorry. I’m glad you think so highly of me, but I can’t accept that offer."
Setsuna directed a quiet, steady gaze at Yugo, who had spoken so bluntly.
Staring intently at his face, she asked the inevitable question.
"May I ask why? I want to hear the reasoning of a man who would turn down such a favorable deal."
"Hmm... I’m sorry to answer a question with a question, but Setsuna, would you really want a man who’d say 'yes' to this as your future husband? Could you truly love a man for the rest of your life if he just coasted on someone else's power that fell into his lap like a lucky break?"
"……!!"
Setsuna’s body gave a small twitch at the question Yugo threw back at her.
Her eyes widened in surprise. Then, standing before Yugo—who wore a slightly sheepish expression—she suddenly burst into a fit of laughter.
"Ahahaha! Ah—hahahahaha!"
"S-Setsuna-chan...?"
"Is she okay? Did Yugo breaking her heart make her snap...?"
Witnessing Setsuna’s cool demeanor vanish into a fit of manic laughter, Raiha, Melt, and the others moved past surprise and into genuine concern.
After laughing her fill, Setsuna wiped the tears from her eyes and turned back to Yugo.
"You’re right. Exactly. To be honest, I expected to be rejected... and I’m relieved that I was. Yugo Clay, you really are interesting. Just like when you turned me down at the Insect Museum, you aren't the type to be easily swayed by power. I suppose that’s exactly why the Hero Candidates find you such an eyesore."
"I’m glad I could live up to your expectations. Well, let's just stick to being buddies instead of lovers! Good to have you on the team, Setsuna!"
"Very well, let us start as friends then. I look forward to it, Yugo."
Setsuna took Yugo’s outstretched hand, putting a distinct emphasis on the words "start as."
As he shook her hand, Yugo looked her in the eye.
"Oh, right. There's one thing I want to ask of you, as a buddy."
"Oh? What is it? If it's a request I can fulfill as a friend, I'll do my best."
Setsuna braced herself slightly, assuming Yugo was about to set a condition for her joining the group.
In response, Yugo voiced a very simple, yet profoundly important request.
"...Whether it's toward our allies or anyone else, please don't go around hurting people with your words. It might seem like one of those 'pointless things' you hate, but I don't like seeing my friends cause others pain."
"...How soft of you. You're as sweet as sugar candy. But... very well. I'll be careful."
"Thanks! That helps a lot!"
Setsuna understood perfectly well that his request was meant to curb the insults she had leveled at Claire earlier.
She wasn't sure if he was being considerate of his former fiancée or if he simply had no stomach for such behavior, but she accepted it as a small price to pay. Releasing his hand, she spoke once more.
"I’m sure you realize this, but I have no intention of giving up on you. If you don't like the idea of building love after an engagement, then I'll just have to make you fall in love with me first. Actually, that’s more traditional and easier to understand anyway."
"Ah... yeah. Well, I’m not really sure how I’m supposed to react to that, but okay!"
Having already rejected her formal proposal, Yugo wasn't entirely sure how to handle Setsuna’s advances. However, since she had agreed to start as friends, he decided he would simply treat her as one for now.
Thus, the discussion with the Warrior Shrine Maiden—the girl who had brought such chaos and upheaval—finally came to a close. However, the ripples she had created were far from settled.
His companions, having witnessed the entire exchange, were left with much to ponder, their reactions varied and complex.