Ch 7 Part 2 — A Date, You Say?

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A large building made out of pure white marble stood tall against the break of dawn.

The scene where the intense scarlet and indigo-blue light permeated the tall tower, making it seem as if it were burning, was so spectacular that the word ‘beautiful’ seemed insufficient to describe it.

“Wow…”

My jaw couldn’t help but drop at the sight when I first saw it.

This was the headquarters of the Ecrestus Paladins, praised as the Empire’s best knights.

“Come this way.”

Despite it being early in the morning, among the knights who were standing at attention in a line, Commander Leonon stepped forward energetically.

Although no one turned their head to look at me, I could still feel the countless pairs of eyes who looked at me out of the corner of their eyes.

I followed him quickly, focusing my attention on the blond hair that swayed softly against his ramrod straight back.

The interior of the large main building was far more grand and beautiful than its exterior.

As I walked around aimlessly, taking in the sights around me, another door soon appeared in front of me.
It was a door that led to the back of the main building.
As I stepped outside, I could see a small white single-story building.

Although it was smaller than the main building, the intricately decorated walls and vibrant stained glass made me almost certain that this place was the temple.

The priests were waiting for us in the small garden at the front of the temple.

“Welcome back, Commander.
This way please.”

Among them was an old man who donned a white robe, perhaps a high priest, and guided us inside. 

The temple was as beautiful as the main building, but also just as sacred.

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The room I finally arrived in was just as large and clean as the room that I had used in my time at the Duchy.

Leonon escorted me all the way into the room and said in a friendly voice.

“I’m letting you know in advance that you should feel free in using everything in the temple to your heart’s desire, including your meals.
So don’t worry about any of that and get some rest first.
I’ll bring you a change of clothes.”

Then he bid me farewell courteously and left the room with the other priests.
Only then did I relax, all the tension and strength leaving my body.

After sitting on the bed and waiting for a while, a priest brought a meal to the room. 

The tray was full of rich and luxurious food.
I hadn’t eaten anything since running away, so I gobbled it all up in an instant.

Waiting for me after my meal was a hot bath with a pleasant scent as well as a set of clean new clothes.

“Ahhh.”

After I changed into a fresh pair of clothes and lay down on the freshly-made bed, a worried sigh finally escaped my lips.

However… 

“Haa, now what?”

My head was filled with concerns.

I couldn’t believe that my life depended on selling shares or whatever.
No matter how much I thought about it, it was still difficult for me to accept.

However, it was an unavoidable reality. 

Thinking like that made my heart ache.

Wasn’t the rule that the ‘main character’ is only decided when it’s determined it’ll be impossible for the other candidates to win first place, no matter how many shares they sell, too ambiguous?

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“Just how much do you want me to sell?”

Despite asking myself countless times, I was still unable to find the answer.

No, rather, the more I ruminated over it, the more my anger grew.

I can’t believe I have to stake my life on a share I don’t even know how much I should sell! Moreover, I’ll be annihilated if I don’t become the main character!

“No, but if you’re eliminated from the competition, can’t you just be an extra later?! Is the main character the only person, huh?!”

I clenched my fists and shouted into the air, but there was no answer. 

Although I thought I wouldn’t be able to sleep easily despite wanting to rest due to the worries and anxiety that surged up with me, it seemed as if my body could no longer overcome its fatigue.

Ever since I had informed Periot on my intention to divorce him, I hadn’t been able to relax for a single moment until now.

Perhaps that’s why I couldn’t seem to escape from the clutches of sleep and slept through to the next day, as if I had fainted into a deep sleep.

The only time I left my bed was when I greeted the priest who came into my room with a tray of hearty food at every meal.

It seemed as if the aftereffects of wandering around here and there on the mountain trail had finally caught up to me.

“Ah, I’m really going crazy…”

By the time I woke up and opened my eyes, it was already late afternoon.
Long rays of sunlight poured through the window.
Although my body felt lighter, my mind was still a mess, so the clear sky that was devoid of even a single cloud didn’t bring me a single ounce of joy.

It was when I was sitting on the bed and sighing, as if the ground had caved in, and innocently tugging again and again at my hair.

“Excuse me.
Can I come in for a moment?”

“Ah yes.”

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When I came to my senses at the sound of a knock and answered, Commander Leonon opened the door and stepped in.

Although he seemed different from what I saw yesterday, he was still dressed in a neat and elegant white uniform.
A fresh scent brushed the tip of my nose with every step that he took toward me.

“Did you have a good rest?”

“O-Of course.”

Although I got up quickly and nodded my head, I still couldn’t hide my weak voice.

“Was the bed perhaps too uncomfortable for you, or did a meal not suit your palate?”

“N-No, everything was fine! It’s not that, rather…”

I tried to make an excuse quickly, but his attentive gaze had already done a once-over of my face.

As if he was contemplating something, Commander Leonon looked at me, then asked cautiously.

“Since the weather is so nice today, would you like to get some fresh air?”

“Ah…”

“There’s a lake near here, and all the maintenance around it has just been completed.
Perhaps a stroll along a path filled with flowers would make you feel better.
If I accompany you, there’d be no danger either.” 

Although I was grateful for his thoughtful suggestion, I didn’t like it very much.
Since compared to my bleak future, I’d even feel envious of the weeds growing on the roadside by now.

Just as I was thinking of how I could refuse him without making my dislike of it too obvious… 

Ding-dong! 

「‘This area’s hype king’ is very excited and buys 1000 shares.」

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 「Ah, he asked her out on a date, I can’t stand this anymore!!! (Just take my money!)」 

What?! 1000 shares?!

“Thank you!”

I bowed my head and shouted like lightning.
It was such a loud noise that even Commander Leonon was taken by surprise.

However, that didn’t even register in my brain properly, I was so happy that I wanted to jump around in joy.

“How great!”

It’s 1000, it’s 1000! It’s on a totally different level to what you’ve been buying so far!

“Let’s go, quickly…!”

I was so excited that I bit my lips and stomped my feet.

Then, Commander Leonon, who had merely blinked blankly, scratched the back of his head, as if he was embarrassed.

“It’s a relief that you’re full of energy again.”

Another loud bell rang in response to that innocent-looking smile.
I tried to hold back my laughter. 

Strictly speaking, rather, it wasn’t a date, just an innocent walk, but none of that mattered anymore.

I secretly clenched my fists. 

Alright, I’m going to give you a great date today!