Episode 12
“Isn’t that my Puffy?!”
Ryuguin wrapped his arms around her from behind.
“To think you would come to greet me… it’s just too adorable!”
With a blissful expression, Ryuguin rubbed his cheek against her head repeatedly.
“I, too, have spent countless sleepless nights yearning to see you…”
Tears glistened in his eyes as he smiled beautifully.
“Oh, what delightful words… Hero-sama.”
With Ryuguin’s grand gestures and obvious flattery, Puffy melted further, hugging him even tighter. Satisfied with her display of affection, Ryuguin nodded appreciatively, murmuring, “Yes, yes.”
Someone gently patted my back, like a parent soothing a child. It was Sensei. It’s alright… I’ve endured until now… and I will definitely save everyone───
“By the way, Puffy…”
His charming voice resonated. However, the tone suddenly dropped, and the stark contrast sent a shiver down not only Puffy’s spine but also mine, as outsiders.
“Recently, the amount of money you’ve been sending has decreased, and I haven’t received this month’s payment. What’s going on? Well, thanks to my brilliance, I’ve managed to cover the expenses for our journey to save humanity, but…”
I sensed a sharpness in Ryuguin’s words.
“W-well, that’s…”
My instincts were correct; he turned his back on Puffy and took a step or two away, only to whirl around with sudden vigor. The expression on his face was one of disdain for Puffy, who just moments ago had been the object of his affection… it was pure malice, that was the only way to describe it.
“Oh dear, is this all there is to Puffy’s love?”
“I-I’m so sorry!”
“Well, if that’s how it is, then I don’t mind. I will live my life as I see fit, and you can live yours. Go wherever you please.”
“I was trying to find a way to manage it, but───”
“How ridiculous.”
Ryuguin swatted away Puffy’s outstretched hand as she chased after him.
“Right now, I’m at a loss for words, utterly stunned. I despise excuses. And yet, you dare to say ‘I was trying’ to me? If you couldn’t do it, then it’s the same as not trying at all. To show love and sincerity, it must be demonstrated through tangible means, not just words or attitudes. In this case, it’s money. If you don’t understand that───”
Ryuguin turned his back on her and walked toward the door.
“───I must reconsider our relationship.”
It was a lie. He absolutely didn’t think that way. He was probably confident, certain that no matter what he did, she would follow him…
“Hero-sama! I’m so sorry! Please don’t abandon me! I promise I will find a way to prepare the money soon!”
Hearing Puffy’s words, Ryuguin smiled wickedly, as if everything was going according to plan. The girl sitting next to Sensei placed her delicate hand over mine.
“Oh, oh, what should I do? How can I make you understand my feelings?!”
At Puffy’s words, Ryuguin’s smile turned syrupy, as if he had been waiting for this moment.
“Then, I want to kiss you. A kiss more passionate than anything in this world, as rich as a hundred-year-aged brandy.”
Puffy blushed, her expression shy. Was she concerned about being seen, or was it due to her position? Regardless, she seemed to gather her resolve and replied.
“I understand, Hero-sama.”
Her eyes glistened, and her cheeks flushed.
“It’s a bit earlier than planned, but if my lips will do for you…”
Just as Puffy closed her eyes, the door burst open with a loud bang.
“Princess! What disgraceful behavior for a member of royalty, especially a lady before her marriage!”
An elderly woman, likely her tutor, rushed into the room, breathless, and grabbed Puffy.
“Princess! Please wake up!”
“Let go of me! Are you ordering me, a royal, around?!”
I was taken aback by the sudden turn of events. It seemed that everyone present was at a loss for words. However, there was one exception.
Here stood a pure musclehead with a mental fortitude as strong as adamantite.
“Hey, hey, calm down. Is it really okay to be this worked up?”
Approaching Puffy casually was none other than my disciple, Orphelia Verite.