While their initial plan failed, the curry was wonderful in terms of deepening bonds with the people of the territory. Everyone soon praised Hadith for his culinary prowess. Although Jill was unsure over how to feel about a certain statement, “No wonder Lady Jill fell for him,” she still proudly escorted Hadith to his assigned room.

“Good work, Your Majesty!”

“Yes, I’m glad everyone liked it.”

“With this, I don’t think anyone will assassinate Your Majesty! You can sleep in peace.”

“Eh, you’re worried about that?”

Jill frowned at Hadith and his lacking sense of crisis.

“Your Majesty, you should think of this place as potential being an enemy country—a potential enemy camp.”

“Hmm, but it’s also your hometown.”

“I-I’m glad you say that, but… Oh, we’ve arrived! This is Your Majesty’s room.”

To the Northwest of the Saber family’s main residence, which was surrounded on all sides by courtyard, there existed a tower connect to the corridor of the second floor.

“…Are those iron bars?”

Looking at the entrance, Hadith murmured, and Jill nodded.

“It’s a room for honored guests whose safety have to be prioritized.”

The tower, which was closed off from the first floor, was connected with the second and third floors. It was one of the guest rooms of Saber family, one with the purpose of ensuring the safety of a targeted escort.

“Despite what its appearance might suggest, it’s comfortable inside. I’ve checked.”

“I-is that so? Alright… It looks like a prison, though.”

“It’s to ensure His Majesty’s safety! As there are all kind of magic spells, I especially made sure that no one would be able to take you out from here!”

“…Isn’t that just confinement!?”

“I have to do at least that much! Listen, Your Majesty, don’t open the door for anyone other than me! After all, like I said earlier, this is—”

—He suddenly pressed his index finger against her lips. Hadith, kneeling in front of Jill, emphasized it again.

“This is your hometown.”

After she ran out of words to say, her anxiety rose. She couldn’t fully dismiss Andy’s previous advice.

“It’s only been a short period of time, but I’m glad I came. Tomorrow, we depart for the foot of the mountain. You must be tired, let’s get some rest.”

Hadith stood up, both his gaze and expression were gentle.

—It was like he said.

Even without Jill’s warnings, Hadith was surely aware of it. They were in enemy territory. Nevertheless, he still expressed his desire to come.

Jill needed to respond to those feelings.

“Uhm, Your Majesty.”

“Yes?”

“Please don’t give up on me. I also won’t give up on His Majesty.”

Hadith staggered back a few steps, clutching his chest while screaming.

“Could you please not say such things in public!?”

“Certainly, someone might be listening. How annoying.”

“You’re unfazed. Your heart is as strong as ever.”

“Otherwise, I’d be unworthy to be your wife. Your Majesty. Here’s the key to your room.”

With that, her task was fulfilled.

“You mustn’t open the room until I come to pick you up tomorrow.”

After clarifying that, Hadith took the key with a slightly sullen look.

“If you’re that worried, we can just stay in your room.”

“My parents might hear you.”

“I-I said that because you were so nonchalant about it just now! Just so that we’re clear, I didn’t mean anything by that!”

“Why are you suddenly making an excuse? …Tomorrow, I’ll let you take a look.”

Hadith nodded. To hide her embarrassment, she averted her gaze.

“—Just a quick peek!”

Embarrassed, Jill ran off. Hadith neither chased after her nor said anything else.

She went straight into her room. Shaking her head, she looked around her room, feeling somewhat dejected. Still, she had no choice.

…For the time being, if she stuffed all her scattered belongings in the closet, everything would be alright. Believing that, Jill rolled up her sleeves.

***

Left alone, Hadith opened the double-barred door.

As soon as he stepped in, he could sense the presence of magic that monitored whoever entered and left that room.

—Then, Rave appeared.

“They’re monitoring us. This is their so-called guest room, is it?”

Even though Rave had finally awoken, that was the first thing he said. Hadith replied curtly.

“It’s difficult for them, too. They can’t have anything happen to me. They’re just doing their duty.”

“Should you be replying to me?”

“It’s my symbol of friendship.”

It wouldn’t be strange if the people around there knew about the existence of the Dragon God.

All that was left was to see how it would turn out. He had done everything he could.

…I will never give up, Jill.

—But you might.

You grew up with such a warm family.

Behind him, the bar was automatically lowered. Rave wrapped himself around Hadith’s shoulders. Rave—his foster parent—felt warmer than he thought.

---

<Previous Chapter

Next Chapter>