(Author’s rant: Alright, I’m back again and with good news! First, my dog pulled through! Unfortunately, his sickness will stay with him for the rest of his life, but he’s a stubborn old-timer so he won’t go without a fight. Secondly, my spring break just started, and with this free time I should be able to crank out another chapter soon. If I can, I’ll try to do two chapters, but no promises.

I’ve also decided to change the ‘Demi-human race’ to ‘Beastman race’ for the time being to see how it flows. If I don’t like it, I’ll change it back for the next chapter. If I like it, I might take some time to go back and change this for all of my previous chapters. Sorry if this causes any inconvenience.

Now enough of me talking! Here’s Chapter 25! Enjoy!)

As soon as he stepped out of the council’s chamber, Kris heaved a sigh of relief.

“Haaah...that was exhausting.” (Kris)

Though this wasn’t the first time Kris had appeared before state leaders, the stress of not knowing whether or not his story would be accepted by the joint council had been a heavy burden on his mentality.

Even so...that went a little too well.

Kris was certain there would be some who would voice suspicions over the legitimacy of his fabricated story, but he was surprised that most of them accepted it without any issues.

Perhaps they were ordered to accept whatever I told them...but then, why wasn’t there more concern over Stryfe…?

Kris asked himself that while looking at his right palm.

The fact that only half of the council disapproved of Stryfe was somewhat worrying for Kris.

From what Stryfe had alluded to in their conversation the previous night, Kris was under the assumption the national leaders might be backed by people with weapons similar to Stryfe.

While he was happy that he would not have to take drastic measures if it had been decided to remove the sentient sword from him at once, it also left him perplexed as to why the supposed people manipulating the leaders behind the scenes did not take immediate action.

Do they not see me as a threat?...Or are they just waiting for the right time to strike? Argh, it’s pointless without Stryfe’s help.

Realizing the futility of trying to answer these questions alone, Kris shook his head to clear his thoughts.

Once he regained his composure, he asked a passing maid for the location of his comrades. She directed him to a lobby area where the other Saviors were apparently waiting for his arrival.

Kris walked in silence for a short time as he proceeded down one of the many corridors inside the capitol building.

Stryfe had put himself in a dormant state so that his presence would not be discovered by an unknown party.

Since there was still the possibility of someone eavesdropping on their conversation if they were to start talking carelessly, they had both concluded it was better to talk once they were in private.

As soon as Kris entered the lobby he had been directed to, his fellow Saviors immediately approached him.

However, only Gale and Sylvia were present. When Kris asked where the others were, he was told that Lily had been summoned by the High Elf council just before he arrived and Eliza had left around the same time without giving a reason.

“How did it go?” (Gale)

After exchanging greetings, Gale was the first to ask for details about the hearing.

“Well...as much as I expected, I guess. There was still some distrust towards the sword in my hand, though. To prove that there’s no problem with it, I’m going to take part in some kind of Purification ceremony.” (Kris)

As soon as Kris mentioned Stryfe, his two companions turned their gazes to his right hand.

“...What’s wrong?” (Kris)

Though Kris could guess what they were thinking, he still wanted them to voice their thoughts aloud.

After being prompted, Gale finally replied

“Well, it’s just...I can’t help but feel concerned myself. That weapon seems too powerful for just one person to be able to wield, and considering your...physique, I’m worried about your health.” (Gale)

“Yes, I have the same opinion.” (Sylvia)

Sylvia agreed with Gale’s words while nodding her head.

Both of them looked at Kris with worried expressions.

“I had a feeling you guys were troubled. That’s why, once Eliza and Lily return, there’s something I need to tell--” (Kris)

“Kris~!” (-)

Before Kris could finish talking, a voice he knew very well called out to him from behind.

“Oh, Eli-ouff!” (Kris)

Kris turned around to greet the person, but they jumped into his chest with enough force to push him back a few steps.

“Gotcha~!” (-)

While saying that in a very mischievous tone, the girl looked up at Kris with her heterochromia eyes that were bustling with excitement.

“Geez, you sure are a free spirit aren’t you? It’s good to see you Eliza.” (Kris)

Kris said that with a wry smile and he ruffled her silvery hair affectionately.

“Ehehe~.” (Eliza)

A beautiful smile spread across the Beastman Savior’s face and her wolf tail pleasantly swished from side to side.

Though he was surprised at first, being spontaneously hugged like this had become such a common occurrence during their adventure that for some reason it felt like a natural greeting for them.

I’m also glad she isn’t acting as timid as she was after her...confession, I guess? But that also reminds me that we haven’t had a chance to talk in private yet...not that I’m exactly looking forward to having that kind of conversation.

“Where did you run off to?” (Gale)

As Kris was momentarily lost in thought, Gale questioned her while looking at their appearance that was reminiscent of two lovers reunited after a long separation..

“Oh! I forgot to tell you, didn’t I? I’m sorry if I worried you guys.” (Eliza)

Eliza separated from Kris and did a short bow to her comrades as she apologized.

“We weren’t really worried. We were just surprised for the most part.” (Sylvia)

“We were in the middle of a conversation and then you suddenly turned around and ran into the corridor. It made us speechless for a little while, but then Kris arrived and we regained our senses.” (Gale)

“Ahaha. Sorry about that.” (Eliza)

Scratching the back of her head embarrassedly, Eliza let out an awkward laugh before apologizing again.

As she did that, Kris took a glance at her current attire.

“By the way, I like your outfit Eliza.” (Kris)

She was wearing a simple light blue blouse with short sleeves and a dark blue skirt that reached just past her knees. Her shoulder-length silver hair was also arranged in a small bun that hung from the back of her head.

Compared to her rough adventurer-like look, Kris felt this was a refreshing change for her.

“Really!? Thank you very much!” (Eliza)

After expressing her gratitude, she stood on her toes and did a short twirl, causing her skirt to flutter and partially expose her healthy white thighs for an instant.

“Although, I was worried if these clothes weren’t formal enough to wear before the council.” (Eliza)

“You and me both.” (Gale)

Gale took a look at his own attire, which consisted of a gray button-down long-sleeve shirt with coal-colored trousers.

Kris himself was wearing similar apparel, but his shirt was clay colored while his pants were shaded a deep brown.

Since both Kris and Gale had lived in what could be called average lifestyles, neither one had ever given any previous consideration into acquiring formal clothing, a decision they now regretted.

“...Though all of us pale in comparison to Sylvia.” (Eliza)

All eyes turned to the Drake Princess with that statement.

She was wearing an olive green military-style coat with two rows of golden buttons running parallel down her chest, as well as a matching skirt that ended mid-thigh. The black stockings that covered her legs extended past the line of sight into the skirt, but one would assume a garter belt was used to support them. Her fiery red hair that was usually arranged in a braid had been straightened out so that it ran down her back.

“...W-what? I didn’t bring much in terms of clothing so I thought it would be appropriate to wear this.” (Sylvia)

Unable to properly react to being the center of attention, her normally stern posture broke down and she fidgeted shyly as her face had turned slightly red from embarrassment.

...I was told of this afterwards that Sylvia had showed a sheepish side while in the labyrinth, but I never thought I’d ever see it in person.

In an effort to end her suffering, Kris tried to change topics.

“So, why did you leave suddenly?” (Kris)

To Kris’s question, Eliza turned to him in a flash and was about to answer him when--

“She wanted to find me.” (-)

--a young woman’s voice interrupted her.

When he looked at the newcomer, Kris was surprised to discover it was the young Beastman woman who had defended him during the hearing.

As she slowly approached the Saviors, Kris was able to get a better view of her than from where he was standing in the chamber.

...She’s certainly beautiful.

Kris unconsciously thought that as he was momentarily distracted by her beauty.

An elegant robe covered her slender body from below the neck. The robe itself fit snuggly to her figure, emphasizing her modest bosom and feminine curves. She also had a beautiful face that didn’t lose to even Eliza or Lily, and if he were to estimate her age by appearance alone, she couldn’t be more than a few years older than him.

She had the same triangular ears and fluffy tail as Eliza, but instead of silver, they were covered in jet-black fur. In addition, she had smooth, straight black hair that ran down her back, as well as amber-colored eyes that gave off a sharp glint.

These were all traits that distinguished her as a member of the Black Wolf tribe.

As she got closer, Kris’s eyes widened in surprise as her ears and facial features suddenly overlapped with a certain acquaintance of his who had similar features.

I thought so at the hearing but...she couldn’t possibly be related to him, could she…?

Just as he came to an unbelievable conclusion, the woman stopped in front of the group.

Breaking out of his stupor, Kris placed his right hand over his heart and bowed to her. Gale and Sylvia followed his action and bowed to the woman in a similar manner.

“My apologies for intruding on your discussion.” (-)

“It’s not a problem. I had hoped that we could meet again so that I could thank you for your help.” (Kris)

Kris said so while showing a smile as he returned to his original position.

“You are most welcome. I’m glad I could offer you my help.” (-)

The woman gave him a gentle smile in return.

“Kris, do you know her?” (Gale)

Since Kris had unconsciously addressed her with a familiar tone, Gale asked him perplexedly.

“Well actually...um…” (Kris)

Kris was troubled on how to answer, but luckily the woman spoke up after realizing their confusion.

“Ah, my apologies. I have neglected to introduce myself.” (-)

The woman turned her body towards the rest of the group and bowed as she gave her introduction.

“My name is Izabella Shortfang. I am the Black Wolf tribe’s representative on the Council of Elders.” (Izabella)

“Kristoff Arondight, the Human Savior. Pleased to meet you.” (Kris)

“Gale Ironside, the Dwarf Savior. Pleased to meet you.” (Gale)

“Sylvia Longhorn, the Drake Savior. Pleased to meet you.” (Sylvia)

They all bowed once more to show their respect.

“The pleasure is mine. I’ve been hoping for a chance to meet all of you in person.” (Izabella)

“Oh I see...huh? Shortfang?” (Gale)

As if it just registered to him, Gale parroted the woman’s surname involuntarily.

“Shortfang? But isn’t that…” (Sylvia)

Gale and Sylvia looked alternately between Izabella and Eliza.

While they were caught in their puzzlement, the woman smiled as she spoke.

“I am Elizabeth’s older sister.” (Izabella)

““Older sister!?”” (Gale & Sylvia)

The two couldn’t hold back their shock and shouted in unison.

In response to their bewildered expressions, Izabella held her hand over her mouth in an attempt to stifle her giggling.

“My my, is it really that surprising? Yet it would appear that Sir Arondight already knew who I was, though I have no recollection of meeting you before now.” (Izabella)

Izabella turned her attention to Kris.

It had not been a requirement for the national leaders to be present at the Savior’s Festival, so only one representative from each government attended. Since she was not able to attend, another council member went in her stead. As a result, the first time Kris and her had met face-to-face was indeed during the hearing.

“Well, you’re not mistaken in that we have never met before. It’s just that...could your father’s name possibly be ‘William’?” (Kris)

““!!?”” (Izabella & Eliza)

Upon Kris’s words, the two sisters gasped in surprise.

After a brief moment of silence, Izabella was the first one to speak.

“...Yes...our father’s full name is William Shortfang...but how could you know something like that?” (Izabella)

Though Sphinx is a neighboring country of Valeria, personal details of its state leaders do not usually circulate outside of its borders, so the fact that Kris knew her father’s name came as a great shock to Izabella.

The same could be said for Eliza, for she had not once disclosed the name of her father during the expedition, even after sharing some of her personal history with her comrades.

Seeing their baffled expressions, Kris couldn’t help but smile wryly at the strangeness of this situation.

“Actually, he’s an old friend of my father, as well as someone I’m indebted to. When I was younger, he would visit my family quite often. He even taught me a few sword skills when I was an adolescent. In fact, I still rely on his teachings to this day.” (Kris)

As Kris reminisced on the past, the image of the man called William surfaced in his head.

A rugged physique that could match father’s, and a hardened face with numerous scars that displayed the many battles he had fought.

“So you knew my father Kris? But...why didn’t you tell me?” (Eliza)

Eliza seemed conflicted from hearing the revelation. Most likely, she was troubled that Kris would keep something important like this a secret.

Kris understood why she looked downhearted, and he hurriedly tried to explain himself.

“To be honest, I also didn’t know that either of you were related to him. Even now, I can’t remember him ever mentioning he had kids, or if he had even spoken his last name aloud.” (Kris)

“But then...how did you…?” (Eliza)

Eliza became even more confused by his words.

“I only made the connection after seeing your sister.” (Kris)

Kris said that as he looked towards Izabella.

“Me?” (Izabella)

Izabella tilted her head in confusion.

“Yes. You’re the spitting image of him, if you don’t mind me saying.” (Kris)

It had been some time since Kris had last seen his former mentor so he did not see the resemblance at first, but after seeing Izabella’s Black Wolf ears and eyes during the hearing and now again caused the memories of his youth to stir from within the deeper recesses of his mind.

“The way your ears stand up like they’re constantly on alert is exactly like his, and your eyes have that same look of always perceiving everything around them, like you’re ready to take action at a moment’s notice. I know from personal experience that those are traits that you can’t simply copy, so you must have inherited them from my former instructor. Even your face resembles his now that I see you up close” (Kris)

After saying this to her, Izabella now looked at him with a face that couldn’t suppress her astonishment.

“...I’m impressed. To be able to discern my parentage just from the fact that we share some minor similar traits, your skills are very good indeed. My father is fortunate to have trained such a gifted man.” (Izabella)

“Thank you for your kind words.” (Kris)

Well, he certainly is a lucky man. To think that muscle-brained, battle-maniac of a teacher had such a gorgeous daughter and beautiful step-daughter, is something I never would’ve believed until now.

While Kris had a somewhat rude thought, Izabella continued her words with a slight pout.

“However...I have mixed feelings about you analyzing me so thoroughly on our first meeting.” (Izabella)

While she didn’t sound angry, Kris couldn’t tell if she was being serious or just teasing him.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Since I don’t know her well enough to tell such a thing, it’s best if I just apologize.

“My apologies if I caused you discomfort. It’s one of my old habits from my adventurer days that I can’t shake off so I hope you’ll forgive me.” (Kris)

As the person in front of him was a noble, he slightly lowered his head as he apologized to show his respect.

“Ahaha, I’m not all that upset. I’m just surprised for the most part. My father never mentioned meeting an acquaintance while away on business.” (Izabella)

“That is surprising. I can’t imagine why he’d keep it a secret. Hahaha…” (Kris)

It’s probably because he knows my dad isn’t suppose to be in Valeria to begin with.

While he was thinking that, a chilling aura emanated from Izabella who began murmuring to herself.

“...I had a feeling he was lying whenever he would suddenly leave the village under the guise of ‘meeting other village elders for a few days’...Perhaps I should issue some punishment for slacking off on his duties.” (Izabella)

In response to Izabella’s frightening words that sent a chill down Kris’s spine, Eliza who was standing beside her nodded in agreement.

“...Please go easy on him.” (Kris)

Kris could only imagine what the daughter of his merciless teacher had in store for her father.

Sorry for giving you away but it's your own fault for believing you could hide anything from someone who’s apparently inherited your tenacity.

As Kris sent a silent prayer to his former mentor, Izabella turned to face her younger sister while putting on an air of authority.

“However, I must say I’m disappointed in your actions just before I arrived, Eliza.” (Izabella)

“What? Me? Why?” (Eliza)

Suddenly being scorned for no apparent reason, Eliza looked at her sister confusedly while asking for a justification.

“A lady does not leap into the chest of the man she loves while in the company of others. That should be reserved for in private.” (Izabella)

“I know but I just couldn’t stop myself when I saw him-...W-wait! Wh-wha-what are you saying big sis?!” (Eliza)

Unknowingly taking the bait her sister laid out for her, Eliza became hysterical from hearing Izabella’s bold words.

“Oh? Am I mistaken? Is Sir Arondight not the man whom you have fallen for?” (Izabella)

“W-well...t-that’s...um…” (Eliza)

Unable to respond to her sister’s words, Eliza began fidgeting while her face flushed red.

“Mmhmm. I thought as much.” (Izabella)

Ignoring her sister’s flustered state, Izabella advanced a few steps toward Kris until the distance between them was only a few centimeters.

If he was an average man, an alluring girl staring at him at such a close proximity might have sent his heart aflutter, but after all he had put up with during the journey, Kris sighed inwardly as he thought that his comrade’s sister also lacked the concepts of ‘personal space’ and ‘private matters’.

“To be honest, I have been eagerly awaiting the chance to meet this ‘Knight in Shining Armor’ that you so passionately told me about.” (Izabella)

‘Knight in Shining Armor’…?

With an amused expression, Kris looked towards Eliza when he heard her fairy tale-like description of him, but she refused to make eye contact as her face turned even redder.

“I admit that I had my doubts about him at first, but after seeing him in person and witnessing his tenacity in the face of opposition from the joint council, my worries were for nothing.” (Izabella)

I am right in front of you so you don’t need to talk like I’m not.

Kris wanting very much to retort to her way of talking like he wasn’t in the room, but he thought it best to keep his complaints to himself for the time being.

Afterall, she’s my former instructor’s daughter, as well as a benefactor so I shouldn’t be rude to her.

“I’m flattered you think so highly of me. Though your sister is quite amazing herself. She was extraordinary during the expedition. I doubt I would have survived if not for her. You should be proud.” (Kris)

He looked towards Eliza and gave her a heartfelt smile.

“Indeed I am.” (Izabella)

Izabella also looked at her younger sister with a warm gaze.

Being praised by both her comrade and her sister caused the White Wolf  to become bashful as she held her reddened cheeks in her hands; “Ehehe~” escaped from her lips, while the speed in which her silver tail went from side-to-side increased.

It was then that he noticed that he had not heard from Sylvia or Gale for some time.

Damn, I got too caught up in the conversation that I completely forgot to include them. They’re probably upset about being left out...hmm?

At first, Kris thought that they were venting their abandonment in silence, but when he looked at them, they didn’t seem angry.

Instead, they were alternately looking between Eliza and Izabella with doubtful expressions on their faces.

“Is there something wrong?” (Izabella)

Izabella, who had also observed their odd behavior, asked that question to the two Saviors who had fallen silent.

“Sisters...sisters…” (Sylvia)

“...Even though she said it herself...I still can’t believe it…” (Gale)

So that’s what they’re caught up on...

From their mumbling, Kris guessed that Gale and Sylvia couldn’t believe that the dignified and graceful Izabella--and the eccentric and whimsical Eliza--were raised by the same parents.

Kris looked back to the two sisters who had both tilted their heads in puzzlement, and a devilish thought popped in his head.

Should I pay back this cheeky White Wolf for all of her antics during the trip?

Deciding to include his two comrades, Kris motioned for them to come closer and he leaned in so that he could whisper in their ears.

“...Don’t forget that Eliza is a lady as well. If you can remember from before our expedition, it’ll be easier to see their likeness.” (Kris)

What Kris was referring to was how refined and formal Eliza acted towards them at the time of their initial meeting. However, once she warmed up to them, she never showed that side of her again, instead acting like how a girl her age should be.

He made sure to emphasize his words with a sarcastic tone mixed in so that it wouldn’t sound condescending.

When the two gave Kris a dubious look in response, he displayed his intentions to them in the form of a playful wink.

Kris had turned his face away so Eliza couldn’t see it, but the sensitive ears of the White Wolf girl did not fail to pick up his words.

“‘Before’? Hey, are you making fun of me Kris?” (Eliza)

Eliza gave him an accusing gaze, but before she could question him further, Gale and Sylvia spoke as if realizing something.

“Ah! Now that you mention it, I can see the resemblance if I remember Eliza from before our journey. She was fit to be called a princess then, but now...” (Gale)

“Gale!?” (Eliza)

“Yes, I can see it now as well...but I had almost forgotten Eliza could act like that.” (Sylvia)

“Sylvia too!?” (Eliza)

“I know, right? It makes you wonder if they were two different people.” (Gale)

“We’re the same person!” (Eliza)

“Perhaps she was replaced by a duplicate?” (Sylvia)

“I’m right here!” (Eliza)

“That has to be the only possibility.” (Gale)

“You wanna fight, grandpa!?” (Eliza)

As if showing their support , Gale and Sylvia both looked at Kris and winked in a similar fashion.

Seems they both wanted to join in on my ‘revenge’...though I didn’t expect Sylvia to have such a mischievous side to her.

Ever since they had returned from their journey, Sylvia had been proactively interacting with her companions, which had come as a shock to them at first, but before long, they happily accepted her new personality.

The expressionless Sylvia who never talked unless prompted to seems almost like a distant memory now.

While Kris was lost in his thoughts, Eliza had already recovered from their false ridicule and began her counterattack.

“Hmph! I’ll have you know I am just as proper and respectful as big sis Izabella, if not even more so.” (Eliza)

Eliza defiantly proclaimed thus while puffing out her chest with her hands on her hips.

“Hoh…” (Izabella)

For a moment, Izabella’s eyes shone with a dangerous light and the curves of her lips turned upwards slightly.

…...Uh-oh...it’s the same as Master Will’s...

A cold sweat formed on Kris’s forehead after seeing that nostalgic menacing expression, but then her usual gentle face returned instantly as she covered her mouth and giggled once again.

“Hmhmhm(muffled giggling), you truly are adorable. Wouldn’t you say something similar whenever you would steal my clothes and play dress-up in front of the mirror as a child?” (Izabella)

“Wha-!?” (Eliza)

Eliza was shocked that her sister revealed something so embarrassing without hesitating, but Izabella continued before she could stop her.

“Then again, you were always such a rebellious girl. Remember how you would at times run off into the forest in the nude while exclaiming ‘I’m a proud wolf so I should live like one!’? Or how attached you were to your toys that in order to prevent them from being taken away, you would be so extreme as to mark them with your--” (Izabella)

“Aaaaaaaahhhh!” (Eliza)

Unable to contain herself any longer, Eliza shouted in angst while tightly clutching her wolf ears with both hands.

Izabella simply continued to giggle while saying, “Now now, a proper lady must keep her voice under control at all times~.”

...Truly merciless, just like her dad.

Thinking that Izabella was having too much fun tormenting her sister, Kris had a troubled smile as he looked at the broken form of what used to be Eliza who seemed ready to cry at any moment.

She then turned towards her comrades in the hopes of finding support, but what she received was--

“Proud wolf?” (Kris)

“In the nude?” (Gale)

“Marking?” (Sylvia)

“Just let me die!” (Eliza)

Everyone broke out into laughter upon that response.

“Hahaha, sorry Eliza. It seems we took our joke too far.” (Kris)

Kris patted the head of the pouting Eliza, who calmed down somewhat.

He took a sidelong glance at the culprit who deliberately escalated his simple teasing, but the woman in question gave him an innocent look that showed her intention of feigning ignorance.

Just as he was about to speak again, an unknown voice called out from behind him.

“Pardon my interruption, but is Sir Arondight present?” (-)

When Kris looked towards the voice’s owner, an Elf guard stood at attention a few feet away.

“Yes, that is me.” (Kris)

After giving his confirmation, the guard walked up and took a short bow before speaking.

“My apologies for coming at such a time, but I have been instructed to escort Sir Arondight to a secluded room immediately in preparation for the Purification ceremony.” (-)

The guard’s words baffled the group, who looked at him with gazes that did not hide their suspicion.

The first to speak up was Izabella.

“I do not recall this order being issued by the joint council. Who is your superior?” (Izabella)

“This a direct order from Sir Phaem.” (Guard)

Hearing the High Elf councilman’s name caused Izabella’s eyes to narrow as she responded.

“...Did he give a reason as to why he is treating a Savior such as Sir Arondight in a disrespectful manner?” (Izabella)

The guard seemed to understand her displeasure and he spoke in an apologetic tone.

“I’m sorry, but he did not give a reason. This decree was also agreed upon by the entirety of the High Elf council. If you have any complaints with this behest, you may bring them to Sir Phaem personally, but I’m afraid for the time being, Sir Arondight will have to follow me.” (Guard)

The last few words were spoken in a tone that left no room for rebuttal.

With frustration clearly evident in her expression, Izabella was about to voice her opposition, but Kris stepped in front of her.

“I understand. I will abide by Sir Phaem’s order.” (Kris)

“Kris?” (Eliza)

“Sir Arondight?” (Izabella)

The two sisters were baffled that Kris seemingly accepted the command without question. He turned to them and began explaining himself.

“I’m grateful for your concern Madam Shortfang, but I think it would be better to accept the situation for now. I’d be troubled if any repercussions would befall you for

speaking out for my sake.” (Kris)

Kris gave her a reassuring smile before continuing.

“Please do not worry.” (Kris)

“.....” (Izabella)

Izabella opened her mouth like she wanted to say more, but she instead exhaled after seeing Kris’s resolute face.

“...Very well. I will look forward to talking with you again once the ceremony is finished.” (Izabella)

“As will I.” (Kris)

“Kris, what did he mean by ‘Purification’?” (Eliza)

Eliza, who had not previously heard about the ceremony, asked Kris with an anxious tone.

“It’s not anything bad. Your sister can tell you the details. For now, please heed my advice and wait for me to return.” (Kris)

“...Okay. If you say it’s alright, then I won’t worry.” (Eliza)

Though her uneasiness had not entirely subsided, she chose to believe in her friend and so she nodded while acknowledging Kris’s words.

Kris then took a glance at his comrades who were still looking at him with worried expressions.

“I’ll be back.” (Kris)

Instead of responding, they nodded their heads to show their assertion of meeting again.

Once everyone had consented to letting him go, Kris turned back to face the guard.

“I’m ready.” (Kris)

“Very well. Please follow me.” (Guard)

The guard turned to leave and Kris began to follow him, but Eliza called out before he could leave the lobby.

“Kris!” (Eliza)

Being called once again, Kris stopped and looked back thinking she had something more to say when--

*CHUU*

--Eliza rushed to him and kissed him on the cheek.

Before he could respond to her action, a red faced Eliza gave him a smile as she leaned forward to whisper in his ear.

“...We still have to talk, remember? You promised, so I’m going to hold you to it. Come to my room later this evening. Okay?” (Eliza)

“...Y-yeah.” (Kris)

Stunned by her sudden aggressiveness, Kris could only answer her in a daze.

“Great. I’ll see you then.” (Eliza)

Satisfied with his answer, Eliza turned her back to him and rejoined the group.

After watching her for a few moments, Kris turned back to the confused guard.

“Let’s go.” (Kris)

“R-right. This way.” (Guard)

Perhaps thinking it best not to get involved, the guard started walking again without saying another word.

...Though she was serious about having to talk...she got back at me good, huh.

Kris, who couldn’t tell if his face was red or not, sighed in defeat as he followed the guard out of the lobby and into the corridor, leaving his friends behind.