“Phew… Who are you…?”
“Come on, don’t make such a scary face.”
Arthur smiled and raised his hands to show he had no ill intentions.
Though that gesture might not mean much in this world… Was he trying to prove he had memories of his past life?
“And besides, I’m a little different from reincarnators like you.”
“How so…?”
“Well, to put it simply… it’s like I only inherited my memories. One day, I suddenly got a walkthrough guide to this world and read it. So my identity doesn’t mix with another soul like yours. I’m unmistakably Arthur Windstorm.”
I see.
That’s why the old man said he didn’t have two souls like me.
Still, this guy is good at explaining things.
I observe Arthur again.
I don’t feel any hostility from him, and he doesn’t seem to be carrying any weapons.
Plus, magic use is prohibited in the hallway, so it’s unlikely that well-behaved Arthur would use any magic.
“Are you really the Arthur I know?”
“Yeah, just a slightly upgraded version of me with the walkthrough guide in my head.”
Well, sure, he’s been acting like the Arthur from the game, and his personality hasn’t changed like mine or Kai’s, so I guess he’s telling the truth.
But…
“…I still don’t get why you’re asking for my help. Aren’t you one of Kai’s friends?”
That’s what confuses me the most.
Why is he coming to me with this?
As I look at Arthur suspiciously, he gives a small shrug and says, “Alright, alright, I’ll tell you.”
“…I have someone I want to marry in the future.”
“…Huh?”
For a moment, my mind goes blank at Arthur’s unexpected confession.
Wait, does this guy have someone he wants to marry?
Well, I can understand a teenager like him being interested in romance, but… wasn’t the girl he liked his childhood friend, Cynthia, the saintess?
I thought he stayed by the protagonist’s side, even after she fell for him…
Now that I think about it, that whole plot where a friend’s crush is stolen by the protagonist sounds pretty depressing.
He didn’t fall into darkness, though.
“What about Cynthia?”
“Yeah, she fell for Kai a long time ago. Besides, knowing how things turn out in this world, I’ve decided to give up on her.”
“Well… that’s probably the best choice. So, who’s the girl you like?”
“Hm? She’s just a regular commoner. You probably don’t know her. But she’s kind, earnest, and always gives me strength.”
Arthur’s face softens a little, as if recalling her.
I’ve never seen this expression on him, not even in the game.
Arthur was always smiling, gentle and cheerful, but none of those smiles ever looked genuinely happy.
“…You’re totally smitten.”
“Yeah, I am. I love her—Maria. And we’re dating now. After we graduate from this academy and I leave home, I plan to propose.”
“So that’s why you’re hiding your power?”
“Originally, it was because I didn’t want to inherit the family title, but now it’s mainly for her. Nobles and commoners can’t marry, after all. I can’t afford to get involved in Kai’s petty conflicts for her sake.”
“So you approached me?”
“It’s easier to hide things when you have an accomplice, right? It’s tough to fool the teachers on my own.”
Arthur shrugged again, saying, “Pathetic, I know.”
True, even though Arthur is strong, he’s still only a student, so fooling the teachers would be no easy task.
That’s why he’s targeting me, someone who also seems to have secrets to hide.
‘What do you think, old man?’
‘He speaks no lies. Every word is sincere.’
If the old man says so, it must be true…
“I understand your motive. But… what do I get out of teaming up with you?”
“…You like Lady Hera, don’t you?”
This guy… how much does he know?
“I can arrange for you to meet her. After all, I am the son of a marquis.”
That’s definitely an appealing offer for someone like me who’s head-over-heels for Hera.
But I care more about her happiness than forcing myself on her.
I’d rather protect her from the shadows.
“…I’ll pass. I don’t need that offer. But… in exchange, could you keep me hidden from the protagonist and shield me from the malice of Hera’s fellow nobles?”
“Of course, that’s no problem at all. So… let’s work together.”
“…Fine.”
In that moment, we became partners.
“This way, no one will notice us leaving the academy. I always use this route when I go to see her.”
“Wow, you’ve been secretly dating a commoner for years without your family noticing… That’s impressive.”
“I’m good at keeping secrets.”
After school.
Arthur and I came to a small gate in a thicket, far from the academy’s back gate and devoid of people.
Arthur wanted to introduce me to Maria, and this was the way out without getting caught.
But suddenly—
“—Good day. What are you two doing here?”
“?!”
“Oh, Lady Hera. It’s been a while.”
For some reason, Lady Hera was there.
The sudden appearance left me flustered and panicked.
W-What? The goddess… I mean, why is Hera here…?
I looked at Arthur in desperation, but he seemed just as confused as I was, giving me a helpless smile.
Judging from his expression, he didn’t summon her.
Then, “Is she here for Arthur?” I thought, my mind spinning.
But for some reason, Hera looked at me and said,
“Nice to meet you. I’m Hera Dragonslay. What’s your name?”
With a rare, small smile.
Ah… the goddess smiled… So precious…
This is bad… Her charm is too strong… Too cute… I’m gonna die…
And with that, I was slain by the radiance of Hera’s divine smile.
