Volume 6 Chapter 8 It’s Okay. They Are People Who Do It When It’s Time… Maybe
They are the kind of people who do what needs to be done... probably.
The morning after Edgar's attack.
As planned, Randy and the others gathered at the academy early in the morning.
Though they arrived a bit early, it was better than keeping the busy Lucius waiting.
So now they were waiting for Lucius...
"Why are you here too?"
"It's fine. I can read ancient languages too."
Next to the proudly standing Catherine, Annabelle inexplicably bowed her head and said, "I-I'm sorry."
Indeed, Annabelle was not directly involved.
However, the gaze Randy directed at Annabelle was gentle.
"No, Lady Annabelle is not a problem at all. In fact, it's good that she's here."
Catherine puffed her cheeks, saying, "I don't agree with that."
"Are you stupid? Unlike you, Lady Annabelle has a deep understanding of the undead. In other words, she is a *knowledge asset*."
Randy nodded vigorously, but it was unclear if knowledge of the undead was necessary for this exploration.
Still, Cory, who accompanied Annabelle, had extensive knowledge of beasts, and having more people meant a variety of opinions could be shared.
"Then I am also a knowledge asset, right?"
Randy shook his head seriously, saying, "No, your biased knowledge is not needed."
As Catherine continued to scream, Leon restrained her, saying, "Saintly Lady, calm down," pulling her away from Randy.
Amidst the lively scene, Liz and Cecilia smiled, while a puzzled Luke nudged Randy.
"You're being quite kind to the Saintly Lady, aren't you?"
As expected of childhood friends and mischievous companions.
Randy's unusual attention to Catherine seemed to raise some eyebrows.
"There was a bit of a situation yesterday..."
Randy, watching Catherine still struggling against Leon, briefly explained his exchange with Edgar from the previous day.
"I see. So you didn't hit him. You've grown up."
"Are you stupid? I've been an adult for a long time."
Randy frowned as Luke informed him that adults do not suddenly dropkick.
Randy couldn't retort, merely grimacing and letting out a "guu."
"So? Did you tell your princess about 'Crown Prince's sorry'?"
"Yeah, sort of."
Randy shrugged, but Luke did not miss the slight blush on his cheeks.
"Hey... I can't believe you set up another pink field, did you?"
Randy pushed Luke away, saying "That's not it," but he couldn't hide his flushed cheeks.
"Tell me."
"No way."
As Randy dodged Luke, memories of the previous night resurfaced in his mind.
* * *
After parting with the Crown Prince, Randy wandered aimlessly through the academy and the town.
It seemed the gaze he felt was only from the Crown Prince, as he sensed nothing afterward.
"[Pilgrim of Truth], I thought it was a one-catch..."
There was no point in lamenting what would not come.
Wandering the town, Randy decided to return to the Marquis family residence as the day began to darken.
Normally, he could return to his rented house alone, but his father Alan and Lucian had gone to the trouble of preparing this for him.
He couldn't disregard their kindness.
While walking through the noble district, a carriage came running from behind, passing Randy and stopping abruptly.
The familiar carriage belonged to the Hartfield family, where Cecilia rode.
The door of the carriage opened, and out stepped Liz.
With an energy that seemed uncharacteristic of a noble lady, Randy thought to himself that Victor had influenced her too much, yet he felt no ill will.
"Are you heading home now?"
"Yeah. Did you have fun, Liz?"
"Yes, very much."
Seeing Liz's beaming smile, Randy felt a sense of relief.
Given what had just happened, he felt it even more acutely.
Cecilia, who had leaned out of the window, conveyed her farewell and the message of passing the baton, as the two watched the carriage recede into the distance.
From there, they strolled slowly along the short path home, beginning to discuss the events of the day.
Randy merely listened and nodded to Liz as she spoke.
The tea they had enjoyed with Cecilia, Catherine, and Annabelle.
It turned lively as they began with stories about Airen, occasionally including Ellie, evolving into discussions about their romances.
Randy could only think how wonderful it was for such a lively gathering, so typical of a girls' meeting.
Of course, while listening, he couldn't say he wasn't curious about Liz's romantic tales, but it seemed rude to inquire.
After all, those were the secrets of the girls.
"What were you doing, Randy?"
Liz asked, tilting her head, and though Randy stumbled for a moment, he took a big sigh and began to recount his conversation with Edgar.
"...His Highness..."
Liz's face stiffened involuntarily as Randy waved it off, saying, "It's nothing serious."
"Well, I discussed various things... but ultimately, what I want to say is that Crown Prince thinks the exile was a mistake."
Randy shrugged, and Liz's expression turned blank as she responded, "Oh, that matter."
"Oh, are you angry?"
Randy inquired, startled by Liz's reaction, but she merely shook her head.
"I don't resent His Highness. I have no interest, and no feelings arise."
Randy could only respond with, "I figured as much," as Liz spoke calmly.
Even if an apology came now... Yet, Liz surprised him as she suddenly smiled and said, "No, rather──"
"I might be grateful to His Highness."
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