"Hum, hum, hum-hmmm♪ Hum-hmmm♪ Hum-hum-hmmm♪"
Tao led our group, humming a tune in exceptionally high spirits. Albert had given her permission to accompany us since we were heading to the same destination. Of course, she wasn't just tagging along; she pulled her weight, engaging any monsters that crossed our path.
Her combat prowess was easily a cut above that of the Royal Guards. In fact, her techniques seemed even sharper than the last time we'd met. Perhaps she had been training since then—she was single-handedly dispatching nearly half of the monsters we encountered. Given her strength and bright personality, even the guards, who were initially wary of her, had begun to warm up to her.
"Honestly, I cannot fathom what Master Albert was thinking, allowing such a suspicious girl to join us. Don't you agree, Master Lloyd?"
"Ahaha... I suppose so."
Only Sylpha remained in a foul mood, clearly finding Tao's presence distasteful. I was doing my best to avoid eye contact with Tao, but she kept stealing glances in my direction.
She hasn't realized who I am, has she?
"Staaaaaare..."
Before I knew it, Tao had closed the distance and was peering right into my face.
Whoa! You're going to give me a heart attack.
"Hey there, kiddo. Don't we know each other from somewhere?"
"W-well... I'm not sure... I wouldn't know anything about that..."
Faced with the sudden interrogation, I couldn't stop my eyes from darting around.
"Hmm, you're acting awfully suspicious. ...Though even I can tell there's no way we could've met. So why do I get this feeling...?"
This is bad. Her gaze is getting more and more doubtful. The culprit was definitely my Ki breathing. I'd been practicing it right up until a moment ago as part of my training. She was likely suspicious because my breathing pattern matched Roberto's. I'd messed up.
That said, stopping now would only look more unnatural. I had to play dumb and bluff my way through. It was a stroke of luck that I'd used a different appearance back then.
"Master Lloyd, look over there toward the forest," Grimo whispered. "Isn't that the shrine the girl was looking for?"
I followed his gaze through the gaps in the trees. There, tucked away in the shadows, was an old stone structure. Nice work, Grimo. Here was my chance to send her on her way.
"Tao, isn't that the shrine you mentioned?"
"Oh! That's the one! Thank you so much! I appreciate all the help, soldiers! Well then, I'll be off now!"
Tao gave a hurried bow and vanished into the woods with incredible speed. Phew. Crisis averted. I'd managed to get rid of her before my cover was blown.
"Thanks, Grimo."
"Heh, don't mention it, Master Lloyd. I only did what any faithful familiar would. ...Besides, if this little gesture buys me more of your trust, it's a bargain. Heh heh."
"Hmm? Did you say something?"
"N-no, nothing at all! M-more importantly, that shrine... it feels a bit off."
"Is that so?"
It was hard to tell from this distance. Since I couldn't wander off alone right now, I'd just have to find an opportunity to check it out later.
"Master Albert, the lake is in sight!" one of the lead guards called out.
Squinting, I could see the surface of the lake through the foliage, shimmering like a carpet of diamonds under the sun.
"Alright, let's take a rest here."
At Albert's command, we made camp near the lakeshore to catch our breath. Phew. Riding a horse is actually quite exhausting. It's much faster and easier to just run or fly.
As I sat on a rock to rest my legs, Sylpha stepped forward and offered me a steaming teacup.
"Here you are, Master Lloyd."
"Thanks, Sylpha."
I blew on it to cool it down and took a small sip. The fresh, crisp aroma seemed to revitalize my weary body.
"...Ahh, your tea is as wonderful as always."
"I am honored by your kind words."
Sylpha gave a graceful bow and withdrew. Half of the Royal Guards set about pitching tents, while the rest took up their bows and headed into the brush to hunt for dinner.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Of course not, Brother."
Having finished his instructions, Albert sat down beside me.
"Sylpha, I'll have some tea as well."
"Certainly, Master Albert. I shall prepare it at once."
Once Sylpha was occupied, Albert leaned in close and whispered, "Lloyd. You're quite the little heartbreaker, aren't you?"
"Eh!? W-what are you talking about...?"
"Oh, don't play coy with me. That Tao girl—she clearly had her eye on you."
"Hah!? What on earth are you saying?"
I nearly choked on my tea.
"Haha, no need to be shy. It makes me happy to see my dear little brother being favored by a lady."
"No, no, that's impossible. I'm just a kid."
"Oh, it's very possible. At the very least, those weren't the eyes of someone looking at a mere child. Of course, she probably doesn't mean anything right now, but it was the kind of look that says... 'one day, perhaps.' You might not have noticed, but lately, even the way Sylpha looks at you has changed, you know?"
Sylpha and Tao both? That's beyond preposterous. What in the world had gotten into him?
Ignoring my icy stare, Albert nodded knowingly.
"As royalty, it's common to be the target of such gazes. To put it bluntly, we're popular... but don't underestimate them, okay? Women judge us by a very strict standard. If you're too careless with them, you're liable to get a face full of ice-cold reality."
"H-huh..."
What is this man talking about with such a grave expression? I wondered if Albert had suffered some sort of romantic trauma in the past.
"—Master Albert."
"Gwah!?"
Albert's shoulders nearly hit his ears as he was suddenly addressed from behind. He spun around to find Sylpha standing there with a radiant, picture-perfect smile.
While maintaining that blinding grin, Sylpha presented the teapot.
"My apologies for startling you. Your tea is ready."
"T-thank you..."
Albert took the cup she poured and took a long sip. Suddenly, his face contorted, and he looked as though he were about to spit it all back out. He barely managed to swallow. Whether it was scalding hot, incredibly bitter, or both, he immediately collapsed into a fit of coughing.
"Master Albert," Sylpha said sweetly, "I would appreciate it if you didn't fill Master Lloyd's head with such unnecessary... notions."
"A-ah. Right! Of course!"
"I'm so glad we understand each other. Please, enjoy the rest of your break."
With another bright smile, Sylpha turned on her heel and departed.
"...See? Terrifying, isn't she?" Albert whispered with a strained, bitter smile.
Honestly, he brought that on himself.