“Been looking for you. Here you are, working overtime again.”
Unlike his usual armor-clad self, he wore plain civilian clothes but still somehow looked incredibly stern, likely due to his build.
Even in a simple linen shirt and unassuming brown pants, there was an air of dignity about him.
“Captain! You’re here!”
“Aren’t you sneaking in?! Where?!”
“That much you love the Holy Maiden?! It’s her chest, isn’t it?!”
Luke scowled.
“What nonsense is this?! Shut your mouths and drink up, you brats!”
Khahahahaha!
Though Luke tried faking annoyance, the soldiers paid him no mind.
Alesia’s expression alone was worth watching.
“What? Was it me? Were you into me?”
“In your dreams.”
“So you were into my chest then?”
“Gah… Fine, just drink already. And why are you tormenting some poor kid?!”
“Torment?! What exaggeration! Ruel! Ruel! Did I torment you? Huh? Did your sister torment you?!”
“…Not particularly.”
“See?!”
“If you keep threatening like that, anyone would answer like that. Consider your own size before making threats.”
“You?! Are you dissing my manliness?! With the right clothes, I’m quite the catch! Up north, I was super popular, kid! Big and strong! The best bride material! Got proposed over ten times!”
“If you were so great, why’d you leave the north and come south, especially with summer approaching?”
“Cold! Both body and soul! Plus, the kids down here are too wild!”
Hahahaht!
Big sis’ wordplay!
…Total chaos.
Even though it’s an unusual situation, they laugh, shout insults, and then burst into laughter again, dancing and singing.
Pure pandemonium.
“Huh? Let’s sleep together, sis! I’ll tuck you in. Might as well visit heaven while we’re at it. Huh? Huh? Cuddle up to sis’ chest and snore away. How’s that sound? Feel good, right?”
“Oi! This guy has no sense! He means business! Business!”
The drunkard next to him, exasperated, formed an O with his thumb and index finger, then inserted and withdrew another finger through it.
“…Ah.”
By that point, even Carriel couldn’t miss the implication.
“Uncle! Are you crazy?! What are you teaching our innocent Ruel?!”
“For shame! Aren’t you the Holy Maiden?! Is seducing and eating children part of your holy duties?!”
“Even if you gather a hundred drunks like you, none will lay a finger on our Ruel! She’ll knock you all out before you even get close!”
“What?! You saw that?! Did you?!”
“Even without seeing, it’s obvious! You can’t use your strength at night, so you just shout loudly after drinking!”
“Done talking?! Aren’t you the Holy Maiden?! Turns out you’re just a flirt! A flirt!”
“Who’s done talking now?!”
Uh oh, looks like a fight’s about to break out…
Watching anxiously with uneasy eyes for a moment…
“Ukhahahat!”
“Told you to cut back on the drinks!”
Why…
Are they shoulder-dancing now?
“The kid must be thrilled! Thanks to those big jugs!”
“Not just the kid! All men get wasted eventually!”
“Oooohhh!”
“Miss Holy Maiden! I love you!”
“Hug me too!”
“Get lost, ugly hawk nose!”
“Pfft-ha-ha-haaaaaa!”
“Does it hurt to tease someone based on their looks?! Hey?!”
“My chest is heavier than yours, you heartless person! Don’t mess with women’s bodies like that!”
“Kekhehe! Kek! Choking! Bring me wine! Wine!”
…Dirty jokes, appearance mockery, and every kind of insult flying around.
Despite all this, both the soldiers and the surrounding guests clapped and cheered, turning it into a mini festival.
“Why? Is this your first time experiencing something like this? Since you’re a noble sir, you’ve never experienced such rough kindness?”
As Luke dragged over a chair and sat beside Carriel, asking casually.
Carriel replied evenly amidst the chaos.
“I was mostly taught to practice abstinence.”
“Who wasn’t when they were young? There were always rules about what to do or not do back then. Even more so if you were aspiring to be a knight.”
“…Does being a knight aspirant really stand out that much?”
Even though he didn’t choose to become one himself.
“The clothes and gear you wear aren’t things an average commoner’s household could afford. Even wealthy people have a certain aura. They carry themselves with grace and natural etiquette. Feeling uncomfortable in places like this proves it—you’re showing it with your whole body.”
“Is that so?”
“It’s from growing up. You’ll get used to it as you experience more. Still, your skills are solid, so you’re doing fine. If you hadn’t, unless you ran away from home, who’d let their precious child, clueless about worldly matters, wander off alone?”
“…Understood.”
Same as any other noble, yet never truly alike in position.
Besides, it seems there’s been a misunderstanding in another sense.
Luke spoke again.
“We’ve already gotten permission from your family, so don’t waste money or rely on others unnecessarily—come stay with us.”
“You mean Lord’s mansion, right?”
“Yeah. We had fewer people anyway, so it works out. No need to feel out of place.”
“…Hmm.”
Carriel hesitated for a long time before asking.
“Wouldn’t I be a bother? I’m not short on funds, so…”
“This isn’t the end of your journey, is it? There are people here who can guide you if you ask. Networking is key for nobles anyway; knowing won’t harm you. I can introduce you to some people too. We owe you, so neglecting our guest would tarnish our reputation—we can’t let that happen.”
“…Hmm.”
This might be slightly troublesome.
However, refusing here could raise suspicions in another way.
Clearly, this isn’t a bribe with ulterior motives.
Still, politics naturally intertwine with nobility.
There’s a chance of unintentionally causing harm or sparking malicious intent, so rejecting…
“Then give me a room! I’ll sleep with Ruel!”
“…You really…”
At the Holy Maiden’s bold declaration, the soldiers cheered “Ooooh!” in support.
“Quickly! We’ve had enough drinks, let’s go! The sun’s setting, right? Let’s head back and rest!”
“But I just got here!”
“Go drink somewhere else!”
“Don’t pressure me! This wine doesn’t suit my taste anyway!”
“That’s because you don’t know good wine. Or maybe you only drink cheap stuff?”
“No, I prefer gulping it down till my throat bursts, but wine…eh…”
“Then drink it that way. You make so many excuses despite earning plenty, huh?”
“Do you know how expensive wine is?!”
“Then grab a barrel of beer and go! Stop making excuses!”
Let me finish my sentence first…
But somehow, the atmosphere has turned impossible to refuse.
And so…
“Huuuugh!”
“…Mm.”
Caught under Alesia’s arm, Carriel ended up being dragged along.
No way…
There’s no chance to escape.
Even trying to pull away slightly gets thwarted by her ghost-like clinging.
“Hkehkehke!”
“…Mm.”
The strong scent of alcohol and Alesia’s unique feminine fragrance invaded his nostrils.
A semi-confused state of mind.
What can you say…feeling swayed by the mood and getting tipsy along with it?
Utterly perplexing in every way.
And…
Her face keeps coming dangerously close.
That…touch near her side chest is somewhat…troublesome.
====
After being dragged out of the tavern and walking for a while under the gentle evening breeze,
it turned into a surprisingly interesting stroll thanks to the casual city tour included.
The central fountain square, prepared for the festival, seemed to already be buzzing with seat competitions.
Luke, fairly popular, received greetings frequently from acquaintances.
Introducing Carriel and Alesia along the way was an added bonus.
Perhaps to avoid future trouble exploring the city, Carriel guessed this was about leaving a good impression early.
As dusk began to fall, shadows quickly enveloped the streets.
While the outskirts of town weren’t bustling, the absence of crowds made the quietness more noticeable.
Night patrols of soldiers moving in groups occasionally passed by naturally.
Since the Lord’s residence was located somewhat distant from downtown, the further they went, the fewer people and buildings there were.
Passing through forest paths and dense clusters of trees,
finally, climbing a wide hill, the Lord’s residence came into view.
The main gate and the small flag hanging on the front of the building showed a white sword drawn upside down in the upper-left corner against a blue background.
The Baroneurers family crest.
Though smaller in scale compared to his parents’ house back in the system, the land alone was probably ten times larger.
Inside the short stone wall enclosure stood a small fountain and minimal landscaping forming a garden facing the mansion.
To the right were spaces resembling stables, combined with warehouses and outdoor training grounds.
In terms of size, it was far from small.
“Father and Elder Brother are currently absent, welcoming guests from the Edenlevan Legion, so we’ll greet them tomorrow morning.”
Upon hearing Luke’s words, Alesia responded with unexpected relief.
“That’s fortunate. Meeting face-to-face in this state would’ve been awkward even for me.”
“I thought you wouldn’t care at all, surprising.”
“It’s fine if church folks see it, but outsiders might find it hard to understand.”
“Wouldn’t the church reprimand you more upon seeing this?”
“They can say whatever they want, as long as they’re holier than me.”
“…Hmm.”
It’s true, but something feels off.
“As long as they seem devout and behave properly at first glance, I adjust accordingly, so don’t worry about that.”
Thus, entering the lord’s house as if it were her own, Alesia instructed Luke for room arrangements while still holding onto Carriel’s arm.
“Haa.”
Following the young steward’s guidance, Alesia and Carriel entered the room.
They said they’d take care of the horses separately, so no issues there.
Except for important luggage, everything else was sent ahead and had already arrived.
“Efficient work, I approve.”
Most of it was Alesia’s belongings though.
The room was appropriately spacious, with three chairs around a table, but with only one bed, the purpose was clear.
Nothing majorly problematic, though.
“Carriel, stop daydreaming and rest well today.”
“…Hmm.”
As Carriel stared suspiciously at Alesia, who had just extinguished the lantern.
“All that talk earlier about touching and such was just them joking around. Do you really think I’m that loose?”
“…Hmm.”
“Ah… Well, truthfully, I do have some interest, but still… I haven’t even kissed a man yet, you know? So those looks…are a bit…”
The golden glimmer of her eyes.
How vivid they remain even in this darkness.
Exceedingly beautiful.
But…
It feels like it might fade away meaninglessly, causing an involuntary tightening of the chest.
‘This is making me unnecessarily flustered.’
Alesia swallowed audibly but cleared her throat to ease the awkwardness before speaking.
“Ruel, when was the last time you slept properly?”
“…I don’t recall.”
Whenever possible, whenever the eyes close?
A life without proper sleep is routine.
Fatigue constantly pulling down the eyelids, clouding the mind.
Something very familiar indeed.
So…
Just a little tough, that’s all.
“Alright, come here.”
“…Hmm.”
Alesia thought his posture resembled a terrified rabbit.
Or perhaps a baby fox.
Or a baby wolf.
Whatever it was, timid like a fragile creature.
Yet paradoxically, its timidity made her hesitate to approach.
“I told you already. Even in situations like these, I’m not completely devoid of tact.”
“…Hmm.”
Carriel reluctantly…
“That top needs to come off. You gonna sleep fully dressed?”
“…Hmm.”
That requires some thought.
“…Finefine, alright. Just come. Hurry.”
Thus…
Lying down, somehow Carriel ended up nestled against her chest.
Of course, not directly facing her but behind her back, head resting behind.
Given the significant height difference, it resembled a younger brother finding comfort in an older sister’s embrace, albeit with a noticeable age gap.
“When falling asleep alone proves difficult, sometimes just having someone nearby helps significantly. In the convent, kids loved my arms as much as lullabies.”
“Convent?”
“…Let’s just say there were times like that.”
Her broad embrace felt cozy, and the generous weight pressing subtly around the face—well, what can you say.
Even clothed, the substantial heaviness was unmistakable.
…Strangely, the softness hidden within was so perfectly balanced it instinctively made the heart race.
“I may not make believers cry with just a touch like others can, but…”
Still…
“I can do this much, so don’t fret and rest deeply.”
After saying that, she truly remained silent.
Only her gentle breathing rhythm filled the calm time ahead.
Feeling her lungs expand and contract behind his head brought some solace…
…Is that weird?
“…Hmm.”
Carriel suddenly thought.
Come to think of it, how long has it been since someone embraced him like this, front and back, like this?
![[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come](https://i3.wp.com/darkmtl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737407792-8993-TS-The-end-of-magical-girls-has-come.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come")
