Chapter 141 Hyper Misunderstanding Time
I really want to eat a lot of liver. I just feel that way.
Even just liver on its own is fine. Of course, the classic liver sashimi. Sesame oil and salt are a must. But mixing sweet soy sauce with grated garlic is also good. Or I could go for some thick sauce and have it as skewers, just one bite.
Anyway, I want to eat liver. I want to eat something that boosts my blood. I must be really low on blood.
So, it's no wonder I can't quite grasp the current situation.
Dear Goddess, it's me, long time no see.
I'm currently at the Valhalla Headquarters of the Einherjar Knights. It seems I'm in the room of the highest authority. Yes. So, you know who this handsome guy smiling with his elbows on the fancy table in front of me is, right?
"Let me introduce myself again. I'm Leonhardt Sieg. I'm the commander of the Einherjar Knights."
Let's get straight to the point. I want to eat liver because I'm low on blood. If that's not possible, someone tell me. How did it come to this?
* * *
I was pretty sure I was at the peak of things.
I had just calmed down Libra:RE, and cheers of praise were echoing, and I was feeling on top of the world.
Then everything went bright white, and I felt faint, then bam... oh right, I passed out there.
Probably due to anemia. After all that blood gushing out, it makes sense.
But I never thought just a little cut on my palm would make so much blood flow. It must be the side effects of my heart working overtime. Thanks to that, I'm still feeling dizzy.
"...Yeah. I guess I was a bit too hasty. Sorry, Hiiro. I wanted to talk after seeing your performance, but I should have let you rest a bit more in the infirmary."
"Eh? ...Eh? ...No way man, I'm not weak to be worn out from this."
"Is that so? I see, you're tough. It makes sense that you could overcome the barrier of Libra:RE."
"Heh, was a breeze."
Hmm, this guy. Good-looking inside and out, that's unfair. I tried to act tough, but he's not mocking me or anything, just lifting me up. He doesn't seem to look down on his position either; maybe he's the type who doesn't care much about status.
"If he is healthy, then I would like to request that the customs also be changed right away."
"It's fine, Leiva."
"I'll object. You can't set an example for those below you."
But the deputy commander who came to pick me up for the infirmary looked really unhappy. It's been a while since the Ruzure incident. Since I owe her for letting me go, I want to listen, but... I can't help my bad mouth. Sorry, Quollio's sister.
"We came all this way, so don't get so worked up. Anyway, Hiiro, you don't need to worry."
"Is that so? You bet I will."
"...sigh. This is why people with bad upbringing are like this."
"──Just because someone has a good upbringing doesn't mean their personality is good, huh?"
"Did you say something, Eshurareze Midgard?"
"Nothing at all."
Right, these two seem to know each other from before, but they don't get along. The looks they give each other are cold. It feels like Ms. Leiva has some issues with Shura.
"So this is your leader's room... it's kind of plain, huh? Yeah, it's plain!"
"Hey, sister. Be a good girl and keep it down a bit. Please."
"Seriously. It seems like there are a lot of people in your squad who are really bad with manners, Quollio."
"...I can't deny that."
Quollio, who got called out by his sister, looks really uncomfortable. He also looks pale. You should join me for some liver too. With everyone except Captain Shidou here, it feels a bit cramped. It's not like Sham, but it doesn't feel like the top room of the knight order.
"But it's lively, and that's great, Reginleif folks. Along with your achievements in Joosa, suppressing the Star Crown Beast. It's only a matter of time before your success goes beyond just being newcomers."
"Of course! Hiiro here's got this. I'm gunning for Einherjar Knight rank in no time!"
"Oh? That's reassuring."
"Getting a bit too cocky, aren't you? Acting like you're the leader."
"What are you talking about, Quollio?"
"Captain Shidou is enough as the leader. You just need to be the one to charge in."
"Meh."
"...As you can see, that's the situation. Sir Leonhardt, please don't take it too seriously."
"Oh, is that so, Mr. Quollio? He seems to have proper leadership skills to guide those around him."
"He's just being pushy. He's not leading; he's swinging everyone around."
"Quollio, you jackass!"
"That's the truth."
"Whoa. Hiiro, calm down. Mr. Quollio doesn't really mean it..."
"Haha, Hiiro, you're getting called out. Trouble maker!"
"Hey!? This cat girl is getting too cocky!"
"Just so you know, if we're talking about being pushy, you're no better."
"What did you say!?"
"Ku-kaka, serves you right."
"Fshaaah!!"
Wah wah, gyaa gyaa, meow meow meow!
If this were a comic panel, those sound effects would be flying around in the chaos. Even I know it's not something you do in the leader's room. But I can't back down here. Sorry, Mr. Leonhardt.
"...Everyone, quiet down!!!!"
""""!!""""
Even if the commander forgives us, will the deputy commander?
The answer was clear from the thunderous shout that felt like a lightning strike. With a bang that sounded like thunder, we straightened up and stood at attention. Whoa, this girl packs a punch that could rival Captain Shidou.
"Hahaha, you guys are really lively."
"No, commander, that's where you should be strict..."
"You say I should set an example, but isn't it just fine if I don't care?"
"No, I care about it..."
"Sounds like you're having a tough time, sister."
"Shut up, or I'll hit you, Quollio!?"
Ah. There's pressure, but she's also the type that's fun to tease, just like Quollio. She's serious enough to respond to the little jokes, blood really is thicker than water. Nodding in agreement, I noticed the commander in front of me was also nodding in understanding.
"Kuku, you ain't scared even of Leiva, huh? Looks like you're blessed with good connections, Eshurareze. Ever had enough of those academy days?"
"⋯⋯None of your business."
"Huh? Whatcha talkin' 'bout, Shura? Ya know the commander?"
"Just a random person."
"Wait, I'm like a guardian or something?"
"Guardian?"
"Yeah. I was in charge of inviting her to Asgardam and gettinh her into Valkyrie Academy. So yeah, in that sense, I'm like her guardian."
"Oh... really?"
No way. I still don't know much about Shura's past, but I didn't expect her to know the top of the knight order. Plus, if he invited Shura to the Academy, it means he's really invested in her.
Hmm. Just when I thought I was finally doing something protagonist-like, she goes and pulls ahead. As expected of a rival, she's really stepping it up.
As I looked at Shura with those thoughts in mind, I noticed her eyes darting around, which is rare for her.
"W-What's with that serious face, you idiot? I said it's just a random person, so it is!"
"Eshurareze. Just because Sir Leonhardt is paying attention to you, doesn't mean you should get cocky. Are you not aware of how rude that sounds?"
"Ugh. You're so annoying! It's that leader of yours over there who's being all mysterious!"
"There's nothing mysterious 'bout him, you shameless freak!"
"⋯⋯?"
But the reaction I got back was a bit unexpected. Shura's face turned red, and for some reason, she was fixated on being just a random person.
She didn't need to deny it so much. She even glanced at me like she was trying to emphasize her point.
The deputy was backing her up, but it looked like she was digging her own grave.
(Shura's red face. Ms. Leiva, full of hostility. Leonhardt, the knight order commander, watching the situation unfold...)
What's going on? This feels like a dangerous atmosphere if I step in the wrong way.
But there's also this frustrating, almost expectant tension... like I've felt it somewhere before...
(──Huh. No way, could this be... that?)
At that moment, a jolt ran through my mind.
Objectively speaking, Shura, as my rival, has a certain charm. Considering her looks and her achievements, it's clear she's a popular character, almost like a main character.
For characters like that, it's important to have side events that really dig deeper into their stories. The main character's sub-story. Of course, there's no way Shura wouldn't have one.
And if the theme is a fantasy adventure, then it's a must to include popular elements in the side stories.
So, what are these popular elements that are easy to incorporate?
There is something. Something that has been popular across ages and among all kinds of people.
It's something that feels risky to step into, yet it's frustratingly enticing, making you hope for some progress.
(Wait, could it be... a romance event between Shura and Leonhart!?)
(...Huh?)
That something is, in other words──romantic elements.
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