An Extra Seeking Romance
The cave was a total mess, utterly destroyed here, there, and everywhere. Right now, an ominous chill was circulating through the air.
This was despite the fact that I had already eliminated Winston, the one who used ice magic.
"Why aren't you answering?"
"Mikaris, we aren't in that kind of relationship."
"Exactly. How could I ever leave you, Lady Mikaris, and..."
"Hmph..."
Mikaris simply stared at me in silence. That expressionless face of hers—that was what I feared most.
Still, knowing Mikaris's personality, this wouldn't end badly. Deep down, she was a truly kind person.
Probably...
I forced a laugh, trying to break the freezing atmosphere.
"Haha, let's defeat the boss first! I'll slice and dice it in the blink of an eye!"
"..."
"He's right. The dungeon practice isn't over yet, is it?"
"We'll talk after the dungeon."
Phew. For now, I had managed to defuse the chilly atmosphere.
Rumble.
We pushed open the doors to the boss room.
For some reason, a musty, damp smell wafted out...
—Kwoooooar!
That deafening roar belonged to the Kobold Chieftain.
Standing over five meters tall, its entire body was wrapped in rock-hard muscle, and it held a spiked wooden club in one hand.
But...
Those beautifully defined muscles, those magnificent biceps and triceps, and even a perfect six-pack...
For some reason, my pride was wounded.
"Why are you just standing there dazed? The boss is charging at us!"
"Huh?"
—Kwoooooar!
"Shoot..."
Belatedly, I channeled Aura into my sword.
"Everyone, stand back!"
Slash! I split the Kobold Chieftain's club clean in half.
—Kwoh?
Splat! I leapt straight into the air and pierced the Kobold Chieftain's eye.
—Kwoooargh!
"Mikaris, Lonia!"
"Lightning Boom!"
"Prominence Flare!"
Their spells synergized perfectly, leaving the Kobold burning and convulsing simultaneously.
If it had only been on fire, it would have thrashed around and been a pain to deal with, but since it was also convulsing, it couldn't have been easier to cut down.
"I'll finish this."
Leaping into the air once more, I brought my sword down, cleaving the Kobold Chieftain in two.
Thud. The two halves of the Kobold Chieftain's body collapsed to either side.
"What? The boss room was actually easier?"
"Well, it's a practice run, not a real dungeon."
"Oh, a strange light is enveloping us!"
"Looks like we're first place."
With my final words, a pure white light swallowed us whole.
As we stepped out of the dungeon, the Archmage welcomed us.
"Congratulations on clearing the dungeon in first place. Your performance was truly impressive."
"Thank you."
Just then, a strange middle-aged man rushed over and grabbed my hand.
"Student Hound! Won't you join the capital's 1st Knight Order once you graduate from the Academy? I'll make sure a spot is reserved for you."
Is this guy a knight? He doesn't really look the part...
"I'm honored, but I must decline. My family has a long history of being adventurers."
"Even if I offer you the position of squad leader? That is a post not just anyone can attain! Especially for a commoner! Please, reconsider."
"But isn't the 1st Knight Order a place for nobles? How could a commoner like me..."
"We are a pure meritocracy. Of course, it won't be easy to maintain your standing in an order filled with nobles, but you would have me, the Vice Commander, backing you."
The 1st Knight Order. The supreme commander there was Lutera Edelian's father, Tesada Edelian. It was the best place to build a career, but...
"Haha, I'll think about it."
"Yes, yes. Take all the time you need. I will be waiting for a favorable response once you graduate."
The Vice Commander of the 1st Knight Order turned back with a satisfied smile.
Even I have to admit, my performance was pretty spectacular.
Just then, Mikaris spoke up from beside me.
"Talk about a meteoric rise. Though, I'd prefer it if you just stayed as my personal knight forever."
"Oh, My Lady, that sounds an awful lot like..."
"F-forget it! And don't think I've forgotten what happened at the entrance of the boss room. We'll talk later!"
Mikaris turned on her heel, her boots clicking sharply against the ground as she walked away.
Watching her retreat, I noticed her ears were as red as ripe apples.
"Lady Mikaris seems to really like you, Sir Hound."
I get that feeling too. Hahaha.
"Well, I am her personal knight, after all."
"I'm jealous."
"Pardon?"
Lonia blushed deeply and grabbed my hand.
"Um, could you call me Lonya instead?"
"Lonya?"
"My family all call me Lonya. I would love it if you called me Lonya too, Sir Hound."
Whoa, what's this? Is this a green light? Am I allowed to make a move?
"Since it is your request, My Lady, how could I refuse?"
"You refused me last time, though..."
"Push and pull is the foundation of chivalry."
"I've never heard of such a rule."
She stretched lightly and took a few steps forward.
"Thank you for today. I'm quite tired, so I'll head back to rest first."
How did knights greet people again? Ah, right...
I placed my hand over my left breast and bowed deeply.
"Have a good rest, Lady Lonya."
"Hehehe, I really like that."
Lonia hummed a cheerful tune as she walked away.
I should rest for a bit too, and then go see Mikaris.
I was currently meditating, determined not to waste even a single moment of my free time.
However...
My Aura wasn't gathering at all.
They say many drops make an ocean, but in my case, many drops just made a slightly damp puddle.
Am I really going to be able to reach 6-Star like this?
In this world, the baseline for a Sword Saint was at least 7-Star.
When my talent evolved into the Path of the Sword God after purchasing the Path of the Sword Saint package, I thought my growth rate would skyrocket. It turned out it was just a package that unlocked my maximum potential.
Even with a 500% proficiency boost package, it's this grueling for me. How on earth did Lutera pull it off?
I guess that was the terrifying power of bloodlines.
"Phew..."
Flop. I broke my meditation and collapsed onto the bed.
Three years. I have three years.
Lutera had slain the dragon at the 7-Star level.
Of course, he hadn't done it alone.
He had the help of the original protagonist—a 7-Circle holy mage—along with Winston, an 8-Circle mage, and the magic swordsman Crown Prince.
Which meant that if I wanted to survive, I had to reach the 8-Star or 9-Star realm within two years and decapitate the dragon myself.
"..."
This is hopeless.
I tried to brainstorm a solution, but since I hadn't reread the original novel multiple times, my memory of the details was hazy.
There must be a clue somewhere that will allow me to become a noble.
Should I just join the Knight Order? If I leverage the influence of House Edelian to build my standing...
But doing that would take more than three years.
My head felt like it was about to explode. I just wanted to stop thinking altogether.
I might as well go see Mikaris.
"My Lady, it's Hound."
"...Come in."
As I opened the door and entered, Larry served us tea.
"Please, drink."
"Ah, thank you."
It's bitter. Is this a reflection of Larry's feelings toward me?
Though my brow furrowed at the bitter taste, I maintained a smile and addressed Mikaris.
"My Lady?"
"..."
This is awkward. Is it because of what happened in the dungeon and the offer from the Knight Order?
Especially since the offer came from the order led by House Edelian...
From her perspective, it was only natural to be displeased.
I set down my teacup and spoke.
"Lady Mikaris, I will always be your personal knight."
Mikaris, who had been completely silent, raised her head and met my eyes.
"...How can I believe that?"
"Because you are my absolute favorite, My Lady."
"How can you say something like that without even changing your expression...!"
"Because it's the truth."
This part is actually true. Mikaris really is my favorite character.
As I continued to gaze at her, Mikaris averted her eyes.
"So... are you going to accept the Knight Order's offer?"
"No? Why would I accept that?"
"But you said you'd think about it."
"That's just the polite way to reject an elder's offer."
"Ha... I've thought this for a while, but you really are something else."
"More importantly, My Lady, would you like to go out to the city streets on our next day off?"
"The streets? What streets?"
"We made a promise before, didn't we? I promised to show you how commoners live."
"I'm not particularly interested, but... if you want to go, I suppose I'll accompany you."
"Then it's a date."
Mikaris blushed, her voice trailing off.
"Yeah..."
Ah, Mikaris really is the best.
"So, it's a promise to go out together?"
"Fine."
With a broad grin plastered on my face, I stepped out of Mikaris's room.
Every time my relationship with Mikaris progressed, a cold, tingling sensation washed over my chest.
Is this... what love feels like?
Ugh!
I must have gone soft in the head from being trapped inside a romance fantasy novel.
Remember who I used to be. Never forget my original self.
Even if I am Hound right now...
"My Lady, try some of this."
I fed Mikaris a well-grilled meat skewer.
"It's my first time trying something like this, but it's actually quite delicious..."
"Right?"
We were currently walking the streets of the capital, and I was introducing Mikaris to all sorts of new experiences.
Her reactions felt like leaving my own footprints on a pristine, untouched blanket of freshly fallen snow.
Because she showed such pure, unhidden joy on her face, knowing her tragic fate from the original story made me sincerely wish for her happiness.
And...
To be honest, there were many villainesses I wanted to save and make happy.
For now, it was only Lonia and Mikaris, but eventually...
While I was lost in thought, Mikaris tugged on my sleeve.
"What's that over there?"
"Ah, it's a street performance. Would you like to watch?"
I sat down with Mikaris in the audience and began to watch the show.
—"Now, for today's final performance! The one you've all been waiting for—the Green Theater Troupe!"
—"Whoooo!"
—"We've been waiting!"
The final performance? I should have brought her sooner. I wanted to show her more.
The play began. However, the plot was...
—"I was reborn as the villain's parent!"
—"Enter into a contract marriage with me!"
—"If things go on like this, I'll die! I must secure a slush fund!"
—"I've seen this child somewhere before! Ah, it's the protagonist!"
...Huh?
Wait, isn't this just... I couldn't even bring myself to describe the play's plot.
It was an absolute trainwreck of a story, mixing so many tropes and clichés that it made zero sense.
I felt guilty for showing her such garbage, but when I turned to look at Mikaris, her eyes were sparkling with wonder.
Was it because it was her first time seeing a play? Or was this kind of stuff actually trendy among the commoners these days?
Once again, I was starkly reminded that this wasn't just a simple fantasy world, but a romance fantasy world.
By the time we left the theater, the dark night sky had enveloped us.
"My Lady, how did you like the performance?"
"It was so much fun. It felt entirely fresh."
"I'm glad to hear that. Shall we come out more often in the future?"
"I suppose we could."
Seeing Mikaris's bright expression, I felt relieved that she seemed to be in a much better mood.
"My Lady, as much as I'd like to stay, I think it's about time we headed back. It's gotten quite dark."
"Can't we look around just a little longer?"
"I would love to, but the air is getting chilly..."
Mikaris pouted, clearly disappointed that our outing was coming to an end.
Actually, I had another objective in mind...
"Here, wear my coat for now. Let's look around a little longer before we go."
I took off my coat and draped it over Mikaris's shoulders.
This is exactly what they do in romantic comedies.
Mikaris buried her face in my coat, subtly sniffing it.
"My Lady, what are you doing?"
"...Nothing."
Looking up at the stars scattered across the night sky, I spoke to Mikaris.
"My Lady, do you know why I asked you out today?"
"Isn't it just because it's your day off?"
I gently took Mikaris's hand and said,
"Today is the day the Magic Tower sets off fireworks."
"Fireworks?"
"It's a festival of sorts, co-hosted by the Imperial Court Mages and the mages of the Magic Tower."
"Now that you mention it, the streets were exceptionally crowded."
"They all came to watch the fireworks show."
Using my Aura to sense where the crowds were thinnest, I searched for the perfect spot to view the fireworks.
This is what a real date for two is all about. Pure romance.
This was also the exact spot where Winston wooed Seri Verdia in the original novel.
Thinking about it now, it's a bit of a shame I lost my magic.
There's nothing more romantic than watching fireworks together from high up in the sky...
Holding Mikaris's hand, I walked aimlessly through the streets, searching for the perfect vantage point.
Just then.
The fireworks began.
Wait, I haven't found a good spot yet!
Regardless of my plans, brilliant bursts of color bloomed across the sky, spreading endlessly in every direction.
Mikaris couldn't take her eyes off the fireworks, and I couldn't take my eyes off Mikaris.
"My Lady."
"Yes?"
"Please, always enjoy your life, smile, and be happy."
"Where is this coming from all of a sudden?"
"Just because. After all, that is the very reason I came to this world."
Perhaps it was because of the fireworks scattering light in every direction.
Though the night sky was dark, it was a night more dazzling than any other.