Published at 17th of August 2019 7:01 am

Volume 9, Chapter 3: The Problem of a Noble

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

Part 1

February 8, Monday

In Corona House's room 106, games were always played after dinner. Points were distributed based on the outcome of those games. These points represented the ownership of the room, and the person who collected all the points would be declared as the ruler of the room. In other words, this was a peaceful invasion.

There were all kinds of games used in this invasion. They would use card games, party games, and sometimes console games. Since everyone had their own strengths and weaknesses, Koutarou and the invading girls decided on taking turns in choosing. As a result, the point change was gradual and even now, ten months after they had started, they still hadn't reached a conclusion.

However, a certain person's points were gradually decreasing, maybe because of her own nature.

Nijino Yurika; just the other day, her position as a magical girl had finally been established. She was the second invader.

Games that required planning or intelligence were Yurika's weak point. Her thinking was shallow and it would quickly show on her face. As a result, she had barely won any games that required tactics. Though she had improved since the start, since Koutarou and the others were aware of her personality, her win rate hadn't improved. Recently, she had been making a comeback through games relying on luck. If she hadn't, she would have 0 points by now.

“Fufufu, I'll be alright with this~”

Having realized the crisis she was in, starting with the board game today, Yurika was going to put a certain plan into action.

Games relying on luck were working for her so far, but there was no guarantee that that would continue. So Yurika wanted to improve her win rate for games relying on tactics.

“Now, let's play!”

Because of that, Yurika was leaning forwards on the tea table, eagerly waiting for the game to start.

“...Yurika, are you really satisfied... with that purchase?”

“Koutarou's right, Yurika!! That's not something a magical girl should do!! Love Love Heart would never do that!!”

“Ho-! Are you planning on robbing a bank like that, Yurika-chan Ho-?”

“Korama, apparently there are no banks in this game Ho-!”

However, Yurika's plan wasn't very popular with the residents of room 106.

“What's so strange about this!? It's a perfect plan!!”

Yurika's magical girl outfit fluttered as she objected. She had absolute confidence in today’s plan.

The reason for her losses was because in games of tactics, her face would give it all away.

With that in mind, Yurika was wearing a ski mask and shades to hide her face.

“I-I got it!!”

Yurika raised her voice and slammed her hands into the tea table.

“You're only saying that because you're scared I'll take all your points, aren't you!?”

The ski mask and shades worked, as it was impossible to see what kind of expression Yurika was making right now. Of course, they could still imagine what expression she had.

“...Yurika...”

Seeing Yurika like that was painful, and Koutarou called out to her with a gentle voice and an expression full of pity.

“Yurika, if you want points that badly, I'll give you some. Would 20 points be a good start?”

Koutarou picked up a pen and altered the score sheet on the wall. He docked 20 points from himself and added them to Yurika's total.

“Hueh?”

Koutarou's unexpected action made Yurika's voice falter. Her face was probably in a similar state as her voice, but the ski mask and shades worked excellently.

“I'll change the game into something easier for you to win too.”

Koutarou was in charge of picking today’s game. He was planning on changing the game into a card game to make it easier for Yurika to win.

“So please, take that off Yurika! You're fine as just a magical girl! You don't need to wear such an odd outfit even if it’s to win!!”

“Well said, Koutarou! A man should be worried about methods used to win!”

“Even I would shy away from defeating that.”

“...That's true.”

He could understand Yurika wearing her magical girl outfit to motivate herself and the ski mask and shades to hide her face. But the sight was just so bizarre.

Also, Koutarou was confident that the outcome wouldn't change, regardless of Yurika's outfit. Half a year ago might have been different, but now they understood Yurika well enough that they could tell how she was feeling regardless of what she was wearing. That's just how much time they had spent together.

Yurika would lose even in that outfit. And she would then jump into the wardrobe to cry, while suppressing her voice. She shouldn't have bought a ski mask and sunglasses; she should've just settled for instant ramen.

Imagining that was just too painful for Koutarou that he couldn't leave her be, because she was his precious friend.

“Y-You're making a fool out of me!”

Having realized Koutarou's intentions, Yurika began to fiercely object.

“I'll make you regret that later!”

However, even though Yurika said that, she quickly removed her ski mask and shades.

“Yurika, if you're not satisfied you can return Koutarou's points.”

“Nope, I'll keep whatever I'm given♪”

Yurika cheerfully threw away the ski mask and shades and picked up the game board from the tea table and returned it to its box. The board game was no longer needed as the game was being changed into something else.

“...Will Yurika-chan be okay with her life like that...”

Shizuka sipped on her tea as she watched Yurika cheerfully clean up the game. Recently, she would spend more time in room 106 than in her own room.

“To me, Yurika looks like she would be able to survive such a rough life, despite her appearance.”

Kiriha took a sip of her own tea and smiled at Shizuka.

“She'll probably be fine as long as someone like Satomi-kun is nearby.”

“...You've got a lot of hard work ahead of yourself, Satomi Koutarou.”

Shizuka and Kiriha believed Yurika's life would remain somewhat stable as long as Koutarou was around, since he couldn't find it in himself to abandon her. Or rather, they hoped it would remain stable; they didn't want Koutarou to abandon Yurika.

“Satomi-kun might just get together with someone like Yurika-chan.”

“That's certainly possible. Satomi Koutarou is the kind of guy who would draw the short straw on purpose.”

Yurika would probably suffer if someone like Koutarou wasn't by her side. She would be incapable of living even a normal life. That's what Kiriha and Shizuka believed, and they looked at each other and smiled.

“So what are we doing today, Koutarou?”

“If we play the old maid, even Yurika should have a chance.”

“But, Yurika doesn't have a poker face.”

“I'll sit next to her, and pick cards without looking at her face. So Yurika, I told you to stop with that!!”

“Eeeehhh~~~~?”

Upon hearing that the game would be old maid, Yurika had put her hands on the ski mask and shades, but she reluctantly let go upon Koutarou's strong objection.

“Then make sure you pick the bad card, Satomi-san.”

Yurika was dissatisfied as her equipment would be useful for the old maid, so she threw her anger at Koutarou.

“Don't push your luck. I don't have to go that far.”

“Come on, there's no need to be so shy, Satomi-san. I know you actually love me~”

“You really should look over that personality of yours...”

Koutarou had decided to change today’s game to old maid, Koutarou was able to do that since it was his turn to pick a game. But since it was so sudden, he decided to check with the other two.

“Kiriha-san, Theia, are you fine with the game changing to old maid?”

“Yes. Just do as you please.”

Kiriha sipped on her second helping of tea and nodded her head. Her goal was to keep the battle for room 106 at a standstill to keep the other underground people from getting out of hand. Yurika losing was of course out of the question, so she had no objection.

“In return, I desire the sweet jelly you've hidden in the back of the cupboard.”

However, just letting the game change wasn't very fun. So Kiriha struck a deal with Koutarou.

“Ah, that's what I was planning on eating in secret!!”

“That's why I'm requesting it.”

The sudden situation made Koutarou panic, and upon seeing that, Kiriha smiled. It was a little prank she had pulled on her best friend. The truth was that Kiriha wasn't particularly interested in the sweet jelly. She just wanted to see Koutarou panic.

“Sweet jelly!? What flavor!?”

“This is the first I've heard of any sweet jelly, Satomi-san!!”

If anything, Sanae and Yurika were the ones who wanted to eat it. Sanae who wanted to eat delicious stuff and Yurika who wanted to eat anything; upon hearing the words sweet jelly, their eyes began sparkling as they sidled up to Koutarou.

This is why I kept it quiet...

Koutarou held his head and smiled wryly, and reluctantly accepted Kiriha's deal.

“...Okay, okay, just eat all you want.”

Koutarou had prepared the sweet jelly to cheer himself up in the case that he didn't get any chocolate for Valentine's Day. However, he couldn't say no to the two in front of him in this scenario.

“Alright! You're so generous, Koutarou! What a man!”

“That’s one meal! Thank you very much, Satomi-san!”

“Fufufu, Karama, Korama.”

“Okay Ho-!”

“Leave it to us Ho-!”

With the sweet jelly set as the price for changing the game to old maid, the two haniwas ran towards the kitchen. Seeing them off, Koutarou turned towards Theia who was sitting on the opposite side of the table from Kiriha.

“What about you, Theia?”

“...”

However, there was no response from her. She would always be the first to react, so this response was strange.

“Hey, Theia.”

Koutarou waved his hand in front of her.

“Kyaa!?”

That surprised Theia and she jumped back a little and fell down on her butt. She supported her body with her hands and looked up at Koutarou with a blank gaze.

“W-What...?”

“What... Well I changed today’s game so I wanted to hear your opinion but... is something wrong?”

Seeing her weak appearance, Koutarou began worrying as it wasn't like her.

Is she feeling ill or something?

Theia had shown a dark expression like that before the ski trip as well. She had smiled during the school trip, but now she had returned to this.

The only reason he could think of would be problems related to the rights of the throne, but Clan who might be the cause of any such problems no longer had any reason to attack Theia. Clan had even offered to give up her rights to the throne in order to return Signaltin to the royal families.

The next thing Koutarou could think of was that she might be sick.

“N-no, it's nothing, nothing at all...”

Theia shook her head and turned her face down to escape Koutarou's glance.

Or maybe I did something to upset her...

If there were problems or if she was sick, there was no need for her to look away. Theia would always look straight at people. So there was the possibility that Koutarou himself had done something without knowing it.

“You have the right to select today’s game. Do as you please.”

“Yeah...”

Theia answered Koutarou without looking back up at him. However, Koutarou had begun worrying more about her than her answer.

That's right, Ruth-san might know something...

Ruth knew more about Theia than anyone else. She might be able to give Koutarou a hint. Koutarou looked at Ruth who was sitting next to Theia.

“...”

However, Ruth too was looking down and was seemingly in deep thought. Her expression was serious and it was quite clear that she was mulling over something.

I wonder what's up with those two. I guess I'll ask them later...

Their behavior bothered Koutarou, but he couldn't check up on them in front of everyone. It might be something related to Forthorthe after all.

“Alright, then let's start today’s game.”

So Koutarou decided to start the game. It was more convenient to check up on them when they were finished.

Part 2

Today’s old maid was held five times, and Kiriha who remained calm throughout the entire game gathered the most points. Following her was Sanae, Koutarou, Theia and Yurika.

Despite being so enthusiastic about it, Yurika had lost many points. She couldn't even win against Theia, whose head was in the clouds.

“I really should have used the ski mask and sunglasses...”

“Isn't it fine? You only lost all the points Koutarou gave you.”

“That's true~, but if only I had hid my face and eyes I might have been able to keep some of my points~”

“...I don't think you would have had any left even then...”

“Uhhh.”

Yurika cried bitter tears, having lost every game while Sanae updated the points on the score sheet on the wall. However, as she was doing that, she thought of something and stopped her hand.

“That's right, Koutarou, Koutarou.”

“Yeah?”

“I'll give you some of my points.”

As Sanae said that she swung the pen in her hand around like a magical stick. She looked more like a magical girl than Yurika ever did as she floated in the air.

“Why?”

“I took half of the 20 points you gave to Yurika.”

“Don't worry. I still have points to spare.”

Koutarou's goal was no longer to gain control of the room. It had now changed to resolving the problems that the invader girls had. Because of that, he didn't want anyone to lose. That had been the primary reason for Koutarou giving Yurika points, so there was no need for Sanae to give him the points back.

“It's okay. I'm winning today, and besides I'm striving to become the perfect woman♪”

“What's with that all of a sudden?”

However, Sanae ignored Koutarou's intentions and rewrote his points. She subtracted ten points from her total and added them to Koutarou's.

Fufufu, if Koutarou's going to be the perfect man, then I'll be the perfect woman. I'll become a grand guardian spirit that you'll be happy to have protecting you♪

Sanae no longer thought of Koutarou as an enemy she had a truce with. She either considered Koutarou to be her close friend, or an older brother she admired. She didn't want him to lose, and since she respected him she wanted to copy him. Those feelings led to her giving Koutarou points.

“Thank you, Sanae.”

“There is no need for thanks. Consider it a warrior’s mercy. Hohoho.”

Hearing Sanae's cheerful laugh, Koutarou decided to let her do as she pleased.

And if Sanae looks like she's about to lose, I can just give her the points back...

Koutarou knew that Sanae was admiring him, so he decided to accept her goodwill. And since Koutarou and Sanae were cooperating, she wasn't going be at a disadvantage with the points moving over to Koutarou. The points moving was only superficial.

More importantly...

With the games over for now, Koutarou recalled what he was supposed to do.

“...”

And that was to do something about Theia who was still looking down, thinking about something.

First, I need to take Ruth-san to the side and ask her.

Koutarou made up his mind and shifted his glance from Theia to Ruth who was behind her.

Ruth was also silently looking down. Seeing that it wasn't just Theia but Ruth as well made Koutarou quite anxious. To him, Theia should have an imposing expression, and Ruth a calming one.

“Ru―”

“Satomi-sama.”

And in the exact moment Koutarou was about to call out to Ruth, she spoke his name. Before he knew it, she had raised her head and stared straight at him.

“Yes?”

Slightly surprised, Koutarou looked back at Ruth. She was looking at him with a serious expression. Her hands were clenched and resting on top of her knees. It was an appearance that showed great determination.

“...There is something I want to ask you about...”

“I don't mind.”

When Koutarou nodded, Ruth let out a slight sigh of relief.

Could it be that... Theia is in a really bad state?

Koutarou could sense the danger Theia was in from Ruth's behavior.

“...Then...”

Ruth took a deep breath and began to explain.

Part 3

Just a while ago a long distance message had reached the Blue Knight. That message came from Forthorthe, and the senders were Ruth's parents.

The message was a video letter from her parents. In it they asked Ruth about her work and her health. Having seen her parents’ cheerful appearance after quite a while, Ruth felt herself getting more cheerful as well. Until she heard what was casually mentioned at the end of the video letter.

“Right, right, we were originally going to be pushing for this once you returned to Forthorthe, but... your arranged marriage has been decided.”

“Eh?”

That was a surprise attack from a completely unexpected direction for Ruth. She literally doubted her ears.

“The other party is really enthusiastic about it. Even though you're in the middle of her highness's trial, he wants to meet you.”

Ruth's father, Lord Pardomshiha, had secretly been proceeding with Ruth's marriage interviews. The other party was the heir of a powerful company with connections to the science industry. Though he was a civilian, he was related to the distinguished Melcemheim family.

There were no problems with this person marrying Ruth.

Not only was he related to the Melcemheim family, but he himself was also competent. He had taken over after his father a few years ago and was now, at his young age, at the top of the company. After that, achievements had come at a brisk pace, and the company had grown rapidly. He was also a well-known philanthropist that had donated an enormous amount of money through the company.

If he and Ruth were to get married, Pardomshiha's influence would increase and they would be able to protect Theia even better.

With this, Pardomshiha would be able to strengthen their ties with the Melcemheim family. The Melcemheim family had strong ties with a different family than the Mastir family that Theia belonged too. If this marriage went through, they could start influencing that. This would be a highly important political marriage. Of course, the other party’s powerful finances would also become a great power. And since he was a well-known philanthropist, he would be a big ally when it came to swaying public opinion.

Using those powers, Ruth would be able to protect Theia. This marriage was optimal for Ruth. And the same was true for the loyal Pardomshiha family.

That's why Ruth's parents hadn't objected when the other party wanted to hurry along the marriage. In fact, they welcomed it and sent Ruth that video letter.

Part 4

Ruth's story wasn't about Theia, like Koutarou had hoped, but it still surprised everyone that listened to it.

“An arranged marriage... is that true?”

Theia was no exception to this, and she stared at her long loyal subject with her eyes wide open. Her surprise was so deep that she temporarily forgot about her own worry.

“...Yes, your highness.”

Ruth slowly but firmly nodded at Theia. Her expression was dark. She didn't seem to be welcoming the idea of the arranged marriage; instead, her expression was filled with doubt.

“So, what are you planning on doing?”

Ruth hesitated to answer to Theia's question, then she honestly spoke her mind.

“That's... I'm honestly still hesitant. I understand that this marriage is better for the future, but...”

Ruth was well aware of the situation and just how much it would help Theia. She was also aware of the consequences if she were to decline.

Ruth was born into a well-known family of knights, so she knew that she wouldn't be able to marry freely and that she would eventually have to marry someone she didn't known for the sake of the family.

That's why she wanted Koutarou to become Theia's vassal. If Ruth were to get married, she would gain more power, but she wouldn't be able to always stay by Theia's side like now. When that happened, Koutarou would be of great help. If he stayed by Theia's side, then Ruth could marry without worrying.

“But, I, can't just make up my mind... so, I wanted to hear Satomi-sama's and everyone’s opinion...”

However, despite knowing all of that, Ruth wasn't very positive about the marriage. If anything, she was feeling reluctant. The reason for that was simple: a single man had already taken up residence in her heart.

“So... everyone, what do you think?”

Ruth finished explained everything she had to. Everyone here understood her situation. Now was their turn to tell Ruth what she wanted to know.

“Hmm... isn't it still too early?”

Shizuka was the first to answer. She counted their ages on her finger and shook her head.

“You're still in your first year of high school, 15 or 16 years old. I think it's too early for you to decide on your future.”

That was her thinking as an earthling, but Shizuka didn't think that it was much different in Forthorthe. And that was true; even in Forthorthe, it was rare for girls of Ruth's age to get married.

“I would agree, on certain conditions.”

“Eeeh? Why's that, Kiriha-san? It's definitely too early!”

Kiriha was for marriage. Hearing that, Shizuka was surprised and asked her why.

“If Ruth gets married, the situation regarding Theia-dono would change. And it might even be beneficial for Ruth herself.”

Kiriha's opinion was from a political point of view. If the merits were large, there was no reason not to.

“So you're telling her to compromise and get married? That's just awful! What about Ruth-san's feelings!?”

Shizuka's opinion was that of a woman’s. Ruth was still young, and her feelings weren't taken into consideration. She couldn't accept Kiriha's words.

“Don't get too heated, Shizuka. That's why I said only on certain conditions.”

Shizuka's pressed on in excitement while Kiriha attempted to calm her down.

“...Then what do you mean?”

Upon seeing Kiriha's wry smile, Shizuka was able to calm down a little. But it's not like she was convinced, and her eyes were still full of questions.

“If Ruth were to get married to someone she doesn't like, her mental burden would only increase. If the total results in a minus, there's no point.”

A while ago, Kiriha's father had also suggested that she get married. It was an entirely political marriage intended to suppress the radical faction. However, Kiriha had refused. The reason for that was because she already had a man she loved. So she gave Ruth that same choice. No matter how great of a power she gained, Kiriha wouldn't recommend marriage if Ruth was going to regret it. In the end, looking at the bigger picture, Kiriha was of the same mind as Shizuka.

“So what about the guy? Is he good looking or not?”

Yurika had a completely different point of view. The man was a rich heir, and although he wasn't a noble, he had the lineage. As long as he was good looking, he was the perfect fiancé, like out of a Shoujo manga. Because of that, Yurika's eyes were sparkling. Her being poor probably also played a part in the whole.

“Yurika, we're not talking about liking his face, geez...”

“Eeeh, really?”

“Well, in your Shoujo mangas, there's usually not a problem with a good looking guy's personality. But reality is not the same, you know?”

Sanae had a completely amazed expression, she couldn't keep up with Yurika's outlook on men. To Sanae, the face wasn't what was important, nor was it money or status. No, to her the most important thing was the other party's heart, or more accurately, the soul.

To a ghost like Sanae, good looks weren't all that important. If anything, she perceived more spiritual energy than light, so the emitted spiritual energy was more preferred. Sanae hated negative spiritual energy; when showered by spiritual energy colored by greed, she felt unpleasant. If anything, she loves straightforward spiritual energy. And to a ghost, money and status meant nothing.

So for these quite realistic reasons, Sanae valued a person's heart or soul more.

“Who would you pick between a good looking but sly guy or Koutarou? I'd rather go with Koutarou. He feels good to sleep in after all.”

“Wait a minute Sanae!! So what!? You mean I'm ugly!?”

“What about you Yurika?”

“Don't ignore me!”

“Uhm, who would give me food?”

“A sly person wouldn't give you food for no reason. But Koutarou always gives you your fill, right?”

“Then I'll pick Satomi-san! I don't need a handsome man who doesn't give me food!”

“No really, what's that supposed to mean!?”

At first, Sanae and Yurika's taste in men had differed, but now they had agreed on a realistic part. 'A non-sly person' equals 'a person that gives you food'. To Yurika, good looks came second to food. While Yurika liked to dream, because she was poor, she was forced to be a realist.

“It doesn't matter how good they look if they don't give me food. In that case I'd rather pick Satomi-san.”

“You did it Koutarou, you're super popular!”

“Y-You guys...”

Koutarou had been told in a roundabout way that he wasn't good looking. He himself was aware of that, but they were words that still pierced his heart.

“Isn't it okay, Koutarou? You're winning when it comes to the inside.”

“...That's quite convincing from someone who only has an inside.”

Those words was the only counter attack Koutarou could make.

“Ufufufufu~, I'm currently an adorable ghost, but who knows, I might have been ugly when I was alive.”

“That doesn't matter.”

“Ahaha, so you do get it, Koutarou.”

Sanae smiled happily and looked towards Ruth.

“...So Ruth, what's that fiancé actually like?”

And so the derailed topic returned to Ruth.

“That's true, in the end it comes down to that.”

“That's what I want to hear too. There's nothing sadder than being forced to marry someone you don't love after all.”

Shizuka and Kiriha agreed to what Sanae had said. The interest of the girls of room 106 gathered on whether or not the fiancé was Ruth's type or not.

“I hear he's a very wonderful person, but since I have never met him, I can't tell you anything else.”

As Ruth said that, she shook her head.

Ruth knew that the other party was the top of a famous corporation, and she also knew that he was a well-known philanthropist. However, that was all she really knew about him, as she hadn't directly met him.

“Apparently, he will be paying a visit here, so until then, I can't say for sure...”

“Hmm. So unless you have a reason not to, you'll at least have to meet him.”

A reason not to.

The moment she heard those words, Ruth's heart skipped a beat and she instinctively looked at Koutarou. That Koutarou had his chin resting on his palm, thinking of something, while looking at Ruth with a serious expression.

“So, uhm... what do you think, Satomi-sama?”

Ruth asked for Koutarou's opinion as if asking for help. The truth was, Ruth was most interested in his opinion. That's because the man that had taken residence in her heart was Koutarou. In other words, Koutarou was that reason not to, that Sanae had mentioned.

To Ruth, Theia was her master whom she held in high esteem, and at the same time she was a precious childhood friend she thought of like her own sister. She was fine with troubles in her own love life, but even the slightest hitch in Theia's would be a disaster.

And Koutarou was the first person that Ruth felt like she could entrust Theia to. That meant that he met all the requirements as a love interest. She could leave Theia to him since he was her ideal man.

Ruth had never revealed this to Koutarou, as she didn't want to become an obstacle between Koutarou and Theia's relationship. But in this situation, she wanted to hear Koutarou's opinion, no matter what. Those were her feelings as a woman that had leaked through.

“I...”

Koutarou was hesitant. All kinds of topics ran through his head. With so many experiences, he had a lot to take into account.

Satomi-sama...

And Ruth watched over Koutarou, as if praying.

One word was enough. One word was all Ruth needed.

She didn't care for the reason, she just wanted Koutarou to tell her to stop the arranged marriage. That alone was reason for Ruth to stop it.

If Satomi-sama says to stop it, than that is all I need...

Ruth knew that her own feelings would never reach him. That's because she needed Koutarou to protect Theia. If all went as Ruth hoped for, Koutarou would become Theia's partner. So either way, she and he would never be together. But even that didn't bother her. She was satisfied if the two of them could watch over Theia together. She was fine with that kind of love.

However.

Ruth prayed that Koutarou would at least value her a little. That was enough for her. That they would always be able to stay together. That was Ruth's ego, but it was far too small to call egoism. It was more of a small wish.

“...I have nothing to say.”

However, Ruth's wish didn't reach him.

In the end, Koutarou didn't tell Ruth to stop her arranged marriage.

Part 5

The moment she heard Koutarou's answer, tears flooded through Ruth's eyes.

“Satomi-sama...”

What was overflowing wasn't just her tears, but also a horribly sadness from the bottom of her heart. She felt that the sadness would crush her if she remained still.

“...I-I'm sorry, let me think on my own for a moment.”

So Ruth ran from the room. She didn't want to show him her crying appearance. Those feelings moved her legs. Her pride told her not to become a burden to Koutarou.

“Ruth!”

Theia stood up as Ruth had burst out from the front door.

“Ruth, wait! Where are you going!?”

Just like how Ruth treasured Theia, Theia also treasured Ruth. Theia had never seen Ruth run away like this before. That’s why she knew just how big of a shock this had been to Ruth. And so she didn't hesitate to chase after her childhood friend whom she thought of as an older sister through the darkness of the night.

After Ruth and Theia had run out, silence filled room 106. That had been because of their surprise, but as time passed, that surprise began to change into understanding.

“Satomi-kun! Why'd you have to put it like that!?”

Shizuka was the one to break the silence. Shizuka's face was contorted with anger. Her anger this time around was the same type of anger as when the invading girls had fought in room 106. And she threw her intense anger straight at Koutarou.

“...Landlord-san.”

“Don't give me that!! You understood that Ruth-san wanted you to stop her, isn't that right, Satomi-kun!?”

“Yes.”

Despite Shizuka's burning rage, Koutarou remained calm. He nodded with the serious expression he had shown before.

I'm sorry, Ruth-san...

He looked towards the front door that had Ruth had run through and apologized in his mind. Regardless of his reasons, he had made her cry.

I know that there's also the matter with Theia, but...

Like Shizuka said, Koutarou understood Ruth's intentions. If that hadn't been the case, she wouldn't have asked him. And that she wanted him to object.

Koutarou believed that Ruth didn't ask him because he was a trusted friend, but because it had something to do with her asking him to serve Theia. If Ruth were to get married, the meaning and necessity of Koutarou serving Theia would greatly change. So Koutarou not speaking his mind here might have made Ruth feel like he was rejecting to serve Theia as well. That Ruth's trust and wishes hadn't reached him.

It's not like Koutarou understood all of Ruth's feelings. However, he had understood them, but despite that he couldn't respond to her.

“Then why!? If you knew, then why did you say something that sounded like you were pushing her away!?”

Shizuka was really angry. She had felt like every day was really fun ever since she started visiting room 106 daily. And she believed that Ruth felt the same way. That's why she couldn't forgive Koutarou's cold words. That's why she was just as angry now as she was when the invading girls had damaged her parents’ heritage. Shizuka now loved the invading girls as much as she did Corona House.

“...”

Koutarou couldn't say anything back to Shizuka.

Although it may just have been a part, Koutarou had understood Ruth's feelings, but despite that he hadn't said anything. As a result, he had hurt Ruth more than he had thought, but he didn't regret speaking those words.

And so he decided to accept Shizuka's criticism. Although he might not have had any other way to answer, the truth of the matter was that he had hurt Ruth.

“Don't be so harsh on Koutarou, Shizuka.”

Kiriha was the one to reach out to Koutarou. Despite her calm gaze, she had a sad expression. Since Kiriha was sensitive to other’s feelings, she understood Ruth, Shizuka and Koutarou's feelings.

“But I feel so bad for Ruth-san!! Even if you're not lovers, there are times when you want close friends to stop you, Satomi-kun!!”

Ruth had asked Koutarou because she was hesitant and anxious. But in response she had gotten something amounting to not showing any interest from a close friend. Ruth had formed bonds with the people in this room, and if Koutarou had stopped her, she wouldn't have jumped out of the room, nor would she have a reason to be sad. Knowing that, Shizuka just couldn't forgive Koutarou for letting that happen.

“...”

Despite that, Koutarou couldn't answer. Since he believed Shizuka's criticism was justifiable.

“Shizuka, Koutarou is well aware of that. He couldn't say anything because he was.”

Kiriha reached out once more to Koutarou, who wouldn't say anything himself.

You really are an awkward man, Satomi Koutarou... Why would you choose the walk down the thorny path on your own?

Considering what Koutarou had done when he had learned of Kiriha's circumstances, it was obvious how he felt about Ruth. That's why she couldn't stand by and watch him get criticized. And she felt like it was her responsibility to clear his path of thorns.

“Why!?”

“That's―”

“That's enough, Kiriha-san. I'll say the rest myself.”

However, before Kiriha could represent his feelings, Koutarou cut her off. He was planning on keeping the reason for why he couldn't fulfill her wish a secret, but he would rather say it himself than have Kiriha do so for him.

“Koutarou... I understand. I was too presumptuous.”

Kiriha apologized to Koutarou. She realized that she had gotten a bit heated up herself and reflected on that. Kiriha understood everyone's feelings more than anyone else, that's why she couldn't keep silent and watch this misunderstanding.

“No, I don't mind. Thank you, Kiriha-san.”

That was Kiriha's kindness. That's why Koutarou had no intention of blaming her.

“So, what do you mean?”

“I think it would be best to at least give your opinion.”

Yurika and Sanae questioned Koutarou before Shizuka could. They couldn't understand Koutarou's remark either.

“Lately, I've been forgetting myself, but...”

Koutarou began speaking. His expression was stiff and serious. It was an expression he hadn't shown in room 106 before.

“Neither Ruth-san nor Theia are from this planet. And they were originally in a high position, with no point of contact with us. I can't just speak for them just like that.”

What worried Koutarou was that the two girls were aliens, and of an extremely high position.

“But that doesn't matter to us at all anymore!”

However, that wasn't enough to satisfy Shizuka. She knew what Ruth hoped for. And both she and Ruth valued the relations in this place.

“That might be true.”

“Then!”

“Landlord-san. Ruth-san is our friend and we would be sad to see her go, so we would be against her marriage. That might be good enough for us.”

Koutarou knew that, even he wanted to object. His bond with Ruth wasn't something that would be cut that easily.

“But... have you even thought of the problems those girls will face in the future?”

However, the reason he couldn't was because he was thinking of Ruth and Theia's future. He was unable to object, not because of their current life in this room, but for the sake of their future. That's what Koutarou believed, and he held back his own feelings because of it.

“That's...”

Koutarou's word erased a large chunk of Shizuka's anger. All she was thinking of was the present. She hadn't even considered the future.

“We don't know about Forthorthe, or what it would mean to refuse the proposal. It's possible that the fiancé would be able to protect Theia even more.”

Koutarou had no idea about what the current situation in Forthorthe was. He knew that Theia was in a dangerous position, but he didn't understand just what kind of danger that was. Whether Ruth got married or not should greatly affect the country's situation. However, he couldn't correctly understand the difference between marriage and refusal. He hadn't run through Forthorthe with Ruth like he had with Alaia.

“However, our objections might force them on an even harsher path. If that happens, is there anything we could do? … Could we take responsibility after forcing Ruth's decision?”

What Koutarou feared was that his emotions would lead Ruth and Theia onto an even more difficult path.

And if they made her reject the proposal, could they present a merit of equal or even higher value?

If they mistook their decision, Ruth and Theia would get a severe handicap against the power structure of Forthorthe. Koutarou was worried that if he let his feelings out, it might warp that decision.

This is for the best. Isn't that right, princess Alaia?

Koutarou's own decision came from his experiences of the past Forthorthe.

In the past Forthorthe, he had been able to directly witness great powers clashing. And he had seen what had happened to Alaia who was caught up in the middle of it.

Alaia prioritized the happiness of her citizens over her own. And Koutarou carried her wish on his shoulders. The weight of Signaltin, and the wooden insignia, was far from light. He wanted Ruth and Theia to be happy, but he didn't want any adverse effects to be inflicted upon Forthorthe. If anything, Koutarou made the decision Alaia surely would have made.

“Satomi-kun...”

Shizuka's anger had now completely vanished as she realized that Koutarou thought of Ruth and Theia even more than she did. Her enraged expression was replaced by a sorrowful one. She felt bad for only thinking of the present.

“I think of Ruth as more than a friend, I think of her as someone important to me. That's why I'll support her no matter what she decides. However, she has to make that decision by herself. That's because this is her own life, and I don't want her to have any regrets...”

In the end, Ruth had to be the one decide over her own life. Koutarou had no intentions of making that decision for her.

However, regardless of what Ruth chose, Koutarou was planning on protecting her and her master, Theia, as he wanted to protect their future.

Koutarou returned to room 106 from Forthorthe in order to do just that. And Signaltin and the insignia he carried most likely wished for him to do the same.

Part 6

The time was now past 10 PM, and traffic on the highway was next to nothing. The temperature was getting colder and colder as the chill permeated through the body.

The sound of metal rubbing up against metal could be heard from a small children's park not far from Corona House.

“...Why...”

That sound came from the swing that Ruth was sitting on. It was a horribly lonely sound that would be mistaken for a child's sobbing. And combined with Ruth's own crying, the sound echoed throughout the empty park.

“...Am, I...”

Ruth was thrown around by the overflowing sadness she was feeling. It was a feeling so intense that she would be unable to support her body if she wasn't holding onto the chains of the swing.

Satomi-sama...

Ruth wanted Koutarou to object to the arranged marriage. She didn't mind if she was treated as a woman. It would have been okay if he had objected as a friend, a companion or a roommate. She wanted him to say that he didn't want her to leave.

But, why...

However, now all that was on her mind was a strong yearning for Koutarou and an equally strong sadness. Ruth had only realized that she wanted Koutarou to treat her like a woman after hearing his answer. And that she felt so strongly for Koutarou that she wished for just that.

“Why... did I have such... foolish dream...”

She didn't mind if Koutarou became Theia's partner. However, she wanted some of his feelings to be directed towards her. She wanted him to compliment her cooking or her outfit.

“...I have nothing to say.”

However, Koutarou's answer was quite different from what Ruth had hoped for.

It was a much too sad answer for Ruth. She didn't need him to go as far as to have him confess his love for her, but she at least wanted him to worry. That had been her small wish. However, that wish had been unable to reach Koutarou. That's what Ruth had felt upon hearing Koutarou's words.

The sound coming from the swings increased. The new sound overlapped with the sound from Ruth's swing. Since she was so shaken with sadness, she didn't notice that sound at first. However, when she moved her face to wipe away some of her tears, she caught a glance of something golden at the corner of her eye. It wasn't until then that Ruth realized that someone was sitting on the swing next to hers.

“Your highness...”

The one sitting next to her was none other than Theia. Upon noticing that Ruth was looking at her, Theia showed a small smile.

“...So both master and servant make the same mistake, huh...”

Theia had once lost sight of Ruth, but she had managed to come here by tracking the positioning signal emitted from Ruth's bracelet. And upon spotting Ruth, she decided to join her on the swings.

With twice the amount of swings in motion, the sound from the chains doubled. Though since the swings were barely moving, the change was hardly noticeable. However, in return the lonely impression of the park weakened and Ruth's feelings turned slightly brighter. She was happy that Theia had come after her.

“Please listen, Ruth.”

Theia smiled at Ruth while shaking the swing. It wasn't a happy smile, but rather an embarrassed smile shown when reporting on a failure.

“Lately... I have had my head in the clouds. I had completely forgotten that I was an alien, and I fantasized... about a future with Koutarou.”

Theia would make room 106 her own and make Koutarou swear loyalty to her. She would then take Koutarou back with her to Forthorthe, and continue the life they lived here, there. And one day she would become empress, and Koutarou and Ruth would be by her side. She and Koutarou might even be married.

Theia had fantasized about such a dream.

“...The same... goes for me too...”

The same was true for Ruth.

Ruth would follow behind Theia and Koutarou. Every now and then, the two would turn around and give her a smile. And once Theia and Koutarou got married, Ruth would give them her blessing.

Theia and Ruth had fantasized about the same dream.

“However... me marrying Koutarou means that I would have to be prepared to discontinue the Mastir family lineage.”

Theia was a human from Forthorthe, while Koutarou was a human from Earth.

Since they were species from two completely different planets, the chances that the two could have a child was close to none. It was rare to see even closely related species be able to have a child on Earth. And if one considered that they come from two different planets, regardless of how similar they might look, the chance of having a child was nigh impossible.

So if the two were to get married, it would spell the end of the Mastir family bloodline.

“That's... yes...”

It wasn't until Theia mentioned it that Ruth first realized that problem. Like Theia, Ruth had begun thinking of Koutarou as a man from Forthorthe.

“And what's more, he would have to resolve himself to give up his own homeland. He would have to resolve himself that he wouldn't be able to make a new family.”

If Koutarou was to serve as a knight, it would mean that he would have to give up his homeland. And without the ability to make a child, Koutarou's family would never increase. It would mean that Koutarou would be isolated on Forthorthe.

“No matter how much I feel for him, in the end, I am an alien...”

“So is... that's why you have been feeling so down these past few days?”

If Theia were to have Koutarou become her knight and bring him home to Forthorthe, she would have to resign herself to isolating Koutarou. In other words, she would have to bring Koutarou with her, knowing he would be unhappy. Theia believed that was a big mistake. That was the worry that had pained Theia these past few days.

“...That's right. But Ruth, isn't the same true for you?”

“Yes.... I forgot that I was an alien and wanted Satomi-sama to stop me...”

Ruth nodded.

Ruth was the same as Theia had been. She hadn't really considered just what the consequences of her wish was.

I see... so that's why Satomi-sama...

With that, Ruth was able to understand why Koutarou chose not to say anything. It wasn't because he was indifferent. But it was because he had considered something not even she had.

“However, Koutarou won't stop you.”

Theia smiled while thinking of Koutarou. It was a gentle, wry smile one would show their clumsy sibling. Right now, Theia perfectly understood Koutarou's feelings.

“He might say a lot of things, and he's surely an alien to us, but... he's, without a doubt, a knight of Forthorthe. He will never do anything irresponsible... so that we might make the best choice....”

“Yes...”

Ruth was an alien. In regards to the arranged marriage, since Koutarou didn't understand the circumstances of Forthorthe, anything he might say would be dominated by emotions. And Ruth desired those words of emotion. However, that didn't sit well with Koutarou, and so he spoke those words that might be mistaken for indifference.

Koutarou hadn't been indifferent, if anything he was very concerned. But after thinking it through, he had decided not to speak his own opinion. He hadn't forgotten what Ruth had.

Upon realizing that, a large weight was lifted off Ruth's shoulders. However, it was only about half of what was weighing her down. The reality that she wouldn't be able to reach Koutarou shook her even now.

“If he was... a more selfish man who didn't think of the consequences... we might not have had to worry this much...”

“...But in that case, myself and your highness wouldn't need Satomi-sama this much.”

Theia and Ruth wanted Koutarou to become a vassal because the two of them believed he was the strongest of knights, even stronger than the Blue Knight. And because he was the strongest knight, he wouldn't say anything that would risk Theia and Ruth's positions. In other words, the part of Koutarou that they valued the most was the reason for why he had gotten in the way of their wish.

“I guess that's to be expected from the man we love...”

“Yes...”

It was a serious dilemma for the two, and an easy solution was nowhere in sight.

They continued swinging. The clock passed midnight, and their surroundings were still dead quiet, aside from the sound of the chains of their swings.

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