Chapter 37
“Hero! That looks delicious too!”
“Really. Shall we try it?”
“Yes!”
It had been an hour since Chloe and I started exploring the city. We were on a food tour.
The streets of Athene were filled with delicious street food, and we enjoyed sightseeing while eating.
There were also street performers, and musicians playing instruments here and there, giving a busking vibe of this era, delighting our eyes and ears.
Even though we had already been around, Chloe’s expression still looked very happy. I’m glad she’s enjoying herself.
This feels like traveling back to the medieval era. Just now, Chloe found some lamb skewers, and while eating, I asked her where she wanted to go next.
“Chloe, is there anywhere you want to go?”
“Hmm… How about the fountain? There’s a big fountain in Athene Square. It’s famous as a tourist attraction, with water coming out of a beautifully crafted statue.”
“Sounds like a good idea.”
A fountain. If it’s a medieval fountain, it might feel like the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome.
Since there’s a statue, it must be quite similar. Maybe the author was inspired by the Trevi Fountain.
Following Chloe’s guidance, we headed towards the square with the fountain. As we approached the square, the crowd grew thicker. With this many people, one could easily get lost.
Upon arriving at the square, I realized how crowded it was. There were so many people.
“Wow… It’s really crowded.”
“I told you it’s a famous tourist spot. The Saint told me to be careful so you don’t get lost, so I’ll be cautious!”
“…Shouldn’t you be the one to be careful, Chloe? You’re so small, you might not be seen easily…”
“Ugh, don’t tease me!!”
Busted.
“I’m also self-conscious about my height.”
“Really? I think it’s a unique trait. Some people like that, you know.”
Actually, in subculture, loli characters often appear because there’s a demand for them.
“…But if the Hero doesn’t like it, what’s the point?”
“…Ahem, anyway.”
Suddenly, she hits hard.
“Chloe, anyway, it’s crowded, so be careful…”
“Eek!?”
Someone didn’t see Chloe and pushed her, causing her to lose her balance and almost get swept away by the crowd.
…See?
I grabbed Chloe’s hand as she was about to be swept away. Thanks to that, she regained her balance and stood up.
“Are you okay?”
“Ah… Y-yes…”
Why is she reacting like this… Oh.
Her small, white hand was in mine. Chloe’s cheeks were slightly flushed, and it wasn’t my imagination.
Realizing the situation, I quickly let go. That was close. I almost got arrested for violating the law.
As I let go, Chloe expressed her disappointment.
“…Hero. I might get swept away again.”
“Hmm…”
It’s true. Chloe is small, so she could easily get swept away by the crowd.
“If holding hands is too much, at least let me hold your wrist.”
“…Okay.”
Chloe smiled.
…Are you happy? I’m glad you seem to be.
Her soft touch reached my wrist. Her hand is really like a child’s. It’s amazing how five fingers can fit so neatly on such a small hand.
But after Chloe held my wrist, she didn’t get swept away by the crowd. Thanks to that, we safely made it to the fountain.
…So this isn’t just for selfish reasons.
Many people were already gathered at the fountain. Some were sitting, while others were chatting and enjoying themselves around the statue.
One peculiar thing was that most of them were couples. And that…
“…We’re like that too.”
“Huh? Like what?”
“Nothing. But the statue’s details are really intricate. It must have been made by someone famous, right?”
“Ah, the person who made these statues? They’re famous now. But back then, they were an unknown artist.”
That often happens, especially with artists.
“I see.”
…But how long are you going to hold on, Chloe?
“Chloe, when are you going to let go of my wrist?”
“…Hero.”
“Yes?”
Chloe gently let go of my wrist and asked me.
“Do you like the Saint?”
#
Abel’s eyes widened. It wasn’t a look of confusion, but of sheer panic. Chloe took it as a positive answer, but Abel was panicking for a different reason.
When Chloe mentioned the Saint, Abel remembered seeing the Saint’s bare skin.
‘…Am I trash?’
Abel covered his forehead with his hand and sighed.
“…Is that really it?”
“…I think you’re mistaken, Chloe.”
“Huh?”
“I never liked the Saint!!! Why would I like her? She always says weird things to me.”
Chloe’s eyes widened. Abel’s answer was very unexpected. They seemed to get along well, so she thought he had feelings for her, but that wasn’t the case?
Then it didn’t make sense. If he didn’t like Estelle, why was he pushing her away?
“…Then why are you pushing me away? If you don’t like anyone, then I’m fine too.”
Chloe placed her hand on her chest and spoke.
“Is it because of my chest….”
“No, it’s not that!?”
“…Then what’s the reason? Honestly, I think I’m quite pretty.”
Chloe was indeed a beautiful girl. Her purple hair was as soft and beautiful as silk, and her amethyst-like eyes were like gems. With her straight nose and pink lips, she was flawless except for her childlike physique.
But Abel wasn’t concerned about her appearance. He internally justified it as a crime, but there was another reason.
They were only a year apart, so it wasn’t a crime. In any country, they were both considered adults.
“…Sigh.”
Abel sighed. With Chloe’s serious attitude, he couldn’t answer jokingly anymore.
He needed to seriously confess his feelings so Chloe could understand and accept them. Thinking that, Abel carefully opened his mouth.
“I’ve only been a hero for a short time…”
“You know it hasn’t been long, right?”
“…Yes.”
“So, I’m still pretty confused about a lot of things.”
Of course, I couldn’t be completely honest. If I told them I was actually from another world and that this was a novel world I had possessed, they’d definitely think I was crazy.
“I still have a lot to improve on, and I think I need to focus on getting stronger right now. So, I don’t think it’s the right time to be honest about my feelings. That’s why… I’m hesitating to accept. Even if it weren’t Chloe, my answer would probably be the same.”
“…….”
Abel still hadn’t fully grasped this world. In such a situation, forming a bond with someone from this world felt like nonsense to him.
Chloe was silent. But her expression showed both disappointment and understanding.
“…So, there’s still a chance, right? Since the Hero is too busy right now to accept.”
“…Huh?”
Abel looked at Chloe with a face that said, “Is that how it works?” Chloe smiled back at him, not a sad smile, but a radiant one.
“Just wait. Once I graduate, I’ll make sure you accept me. But until then, you have to save my spot, okay?”
Abel tilted his head at the mention of saving a spot. It sounded like there could be multiple spots next to him. Confused, Abel asked Chloe.
“What do you mean? Save your spot?”
“Huh? The Mars Empire practices polygamy, so you can save one spot for me, right?”
“…Polygamy?”
Polygamy. The word hit Abel like a fantasy. He never thought he’d hear such a word in a novel world, something he’d only expect from Middle Eastern countries.
As Abel struggled to process the idea of polygamy, Chloe puffed her cheeks slightly and spoke.
“Why aren’t you answering? You’re not going to save my spot, are you?”
“…Ah, no. It’s not that….”
Abel let out a deep sigh. He never imagined such a system existed.
‘…So this is a harem story.’
Feeling a sense of disillusionment toward the author he once admired for writing such a blatant harem story, Abel spoke to Chloe.
“…Let’s talk after graduation. Things might change by then. People’s feelings can change often, you know….”
“I’ll only look at you, Hero!”
“…I appreciate that, but it’s better to keep your options open.”
“No, I won’t even glance at other men.”
Abel was both surprised and grateful for Chloe’s firm declaration. After all, it’s always a joy to have someone like you so much.
“Then we’ll see. As for the spot… I think there’ll be plenty. I doubt there’s anyone else as peculiar as me to like someone like you.”
Chloe tilted her head at Abel’s self-deprecating tone, looking confused.
“I think there are plenty of people who would like you, Hero.”
“…Really?”
“Yes. You’re kind-hearted, always heroic, and cool….”
“But I’m not exactly good-looking, am I?”
“…Huh?”
Chloe’s expression turned the strangest Abel had ever seen. He asked her why she looked like that.
“What’s wrong?”
“…Ah, no. Do you really think you’re not good-looking, Hero?”
“Don’t I?”
Estelle always teased him, saying he looked like a goblin. So, at best, he figured he was just average-looking.
“…Hero, there’s a fountain behind you. Why don’t you take a look at your reflection in the water and think again?”
‘Oh, right.’
Abel, who hadn’t had a chance to see his face without a mirror, leaned over the fountain. The water, unlike a bath, wasn’t steamy, so his reflection was clear.
Abel peered into the water and…
“…Huh?”
He was utterly shocked. Estelle had always teased him about looking like a goblin, but the face reflected in the water was undeniably handsome.
Smooth, snow-white hair and reddish eyes. Sharp features and a defined jawline. He was the epitome of a pretty boy.
Seeing Abel stunned, Chloe asked, “Do you still think you’re not good-looking, Hero?”
“…Well, the Saint always teased me, saying I looked like a goblin….”
“That’s just teasing. Don’t you know people don’t tease someone who’s actually ugly? It’s too hurtful.”
It was like how skinny people might jokingly call each other pigs, but you’d never say that to someone who’s actually overweight.
Realizing the truth, Abel let out a hollow laugh.
“…Huh.”
“Seeing your reaction, it seems you really haven’t seen your own face before….”
“I never had a chance to look in a mirror….”
“I get it. I was a commoner too before entering the academy, so I only saw my reflection in streams.”
Abel facepalmed at the mention of streams.
‘I should’ve checked like that.’
He realized Estelle had been teasing him all along, not because he was actually ugly, but just for fun.
And he finally understood why Chloe liked him. With a face like this, it made sense that girls his age would be attracted.
‘…Crazy plot convenience.’
Then a thought struck him. Why had the Saint never once complimented his looks? No matter how fun it was to tease him, she could’ve said something nice at least once.
“Chloe.”
“Yes?”
“Why did the Saint always call me ugly?”
“…Maybe she was just teasing you?”
“Hmm.”
Abel recalled Estelle’s past reactions. The way she acted when he suddenly got close to her, and some of her behaviors that seemed like she was trying to show off.
“…Hmm?”
Abel couldn’t help but wonder.
