CH 169

“…Th-that’s not it!”

Sevi and Nova shouted angrily in denial, while Julieta and I laughed softly. Yes. Things were different from the first playthrough. I had thought I was over the past, but apparently, I still hadn’t managed to completely get over it. But now I had people who would take my side, as well as a dependable supporter who acknowledged my worth.

In a lighter voice than before, I said to Mayer, “Then I want to ride a carriage on the way back.”

“Good. I will order for a fine carriage to be arranged as soon as we get to the capital.” He nodded gladly, and I glimpsed a satisfied smile hanging by his lips.

* * *

The day was over and it was time to set up camp. Tents were raised on a flat stretch of land halfway up the mountain, and the men moved back and forth to prepare the meals. I was late to take my seat as I had to check the condition of my horse tied to a tree. I was intending on eating with the special unit today as there was no need to humor Mayer’s mood anymore. Besides, I didn’t know what I’d hear if I ate alone with the captain again.

But things didn’t go the way I thought.

“What? Your meal, Vice-captain?”

“Yes. Didn’t I ask for it to be prepared?”

I swerved my head looking around, but I couldn’t find a spot for me anywhere amidst the three kids of the special unit. They exchanged troubled glances with each other. After a moment of playing hot potato, Nova was forced to take one for the team. He explained carefully, “We thought you’d be eating with the captain.”

“Say what? Then what about my meal…?”

“It should be set up in the captain’s tent. He already gave the word to have a meal for two prepared before we could bring yours, you know.”

Good Lord. I had no other choice but to eat with Mayer again, then. I clutched at my forehead while the kids looked mystified by my reaction. Sevi timidly asked, “Did you fight with the captain? But you were in a good mood a minute ago.”

“No. We didn’t fight, but…” I sighed. I had told them very clearly that I wasn’t dating Mayer before departing from the castle. Yet, somehow, everyone didn’t seem to feel it was particularly strange for me to dine with him. Did that mean that we could eat with just the two even if we’re not in a relationship? But then again, we did exactly that before.

As I was struggling with self-contradiction, at a loss for what to do, Mayer poked his head out of his tent. He looked for me as if it were only natural and called out, “Jun. Are you not eating?”

“…I’m coming, sir.”

That shameless face of his… Since the meal was already prepared, it would be laughable to ask for another one. Besides, it seemed like I was the only one making a mountain out of a molehill. I gave up and began to trudge over, while the others who had already been sitting down and eating watched. The Red Wolves and the special unit had apparently become used to all this. They continued with their meal regardless of Mayer summoning me.

But it was the first time for squad Velvet and Yellow Lightning to see up close how Mayer and I were usually like together. They did seem to have heard the gist of it from their respective leaders, but… It looked like they found it hard to believe even after witnessing it for themselves. They repeatedly glanced between me and the tent Mayer had popped his head back into. I could feel what they were thinking. His Excellency was waiting to eat together? And instead of getting angry at her for being late or eating first, he came looking for her?