translator: mii

editor: ASplashofMusic, Sleepchaser

Schwede looks at me and flashes a dazzling smile, similar to the one he showed before. “Lian-dono, as I said before, you don’t have to mind this matter that much. Those stones have just been rolling around in that mountain at the back of headquarters. Rather than leaving them there in vain, it will be much better to use them, don’t you think? And if you won’t let me do this much, I might get scolded by my boss. He probably thinks that I came here just to play.”

“That…”

“Is my pleasure. He ordered me to protect you with my sword after receiving that oracle. To be honest, when I came here, I was keeping my impetuosity in check. But then I saw the many people who are already caring for you and protecting you. It even made me feel like saying, ‘oh my.’”

“What does that even mean…”

“Well… I’m sure it’s difficult for Fram-dono to protect you from everything all the time. That’s why I want you to let me protect you even just with this matter. Even if I’m unworthy to do so—”

He gently holds my hand that’s on the desk,covering it with his. Then he stares at me with an uncomfortably fervent gaze.

Immediately, I look away in a hurry and withdraw my hand.

This is why I’m not good at interacting with Westerners at all!!!

They express themselves so openly that sometimes I can’t keep up!

“Ah, thank you very much for your kindness, Schwede-sama. Even so, I know how to fight, you know? I’ve also been training, so you don’t have to worry so much. Rather than that, please protect Marie, the kids, and the villagers who can’t fight. That way, I can feel even more relieved…”

“I will naturally protect Marie and others. But my first priority is you.”

“No, no. Please don’t do that. Schwede-sama, please prioritize Marie and the others.”

“Lian-dono…”

For some reason, he looks at me with a very sad gaze. Why?

But I’ve really wanted to request this from him. If Schwede agrees to protect everyone in the church, I can take action with peace of mind.

I carefully fold the map and place it inside the desk drawer. “That’s all for today’s meeting, Schwede-sama.”

“Is that so? Lian-dono, what will you do after this?”

“I’ll be heading to the eastern part of the village today. The villagers told me that the cliff along the road to the neighboring town is about to collapse due to the heavy rain the other day. I’m going there to check the situation.”

One of the lord’s duties is to manage the public roads, bridges, and facilities within their territory. As the “lord’s assistant, this is also one of my duties.

Lian’s father and brother told me to send someone to inspect the site, but if possible, I want to see it with my own eyes.

After all, not to mention the convenient smartphone cameras that automatically record the date and time a photo is taken, even cameras haven’t been invented yet in this world.

Therefore, if I have someone inspect the situation in my stead, I’ll have no choice but to glean information based only on the stories I’ve heard from the villagers or sometimes from pictures and sketches.

Under such circumstances, it’s obviously difficult to make an accurate and appropriate decision.

We may make mistakes and misunderstand each other a lot if we do things that way. It’s like a telephone game. Once that happens, I may do irrelevant things and make incorrect decisions.

Considering all of that, it’s definitely quicker and more certain to go there in person and see things for myself.

After telling Schwede my schedule for today, he gets up from the chair. “That sounds tough. Let me accompany you too. The more helpers and guards you have, the better it will be, right?” Schwede slightly tilts his head and breaks into a grin. He then approaches me slowly, wraps his arms around my waist, and looks right at me.

Somehow… I feel like his face is too close. I back away out of reflex.

Seriously! I want him to stop touching me thoughtlessly like this!

At some point, I really think that this can be considered sexual harassment, but Schwede has a handsome face that I can imagine appearing in movies… If the one in my position is a girl, she’ll probably blush and avert her eyes from nervousness. She may even misunderstand his intentions.

I’m annoyed that he can do anything since he has a handsome face. Does that mean even if he’s committing sexual harassment, he’ll still be popular? No way. Go explode and die.

I also don’t like having someone’s gaze so focused on me, so please stop staring at me like that.

I manage to flash a smile and slowly move away, to a position where Schwede can’t reach me, pretending to be nonchalant. I have no reason to refuse, so I nod and reply, “Right. Then I’ll have to ask for your help.”

“Yes. It’s my pleasure.” Schwede’s eyes curve in great joy.

…If he didn’t have that Western habit of excessive skinship, he’d actually be a very good and reliable adult.

I intake a short breath and exhale, making sure he doesn’t notice my nervousness.

Another chapter on its way. Sorry for the lateness. It was all my (Sleepchaser’s) fault, due to piling schoolwork and an eye infection. It has nothing to do with our lovely mii and ASplashOfMusic.