Vercheria patted the back of the crying Groovy, who was making sounds. What was fascinating was that it felt like she was comforting a younger sibling when embracing Groovy, similar to consoling Tatiana. The feeling of dealing with a younger sibling emanated from Groovy. The first thing she felt was a sense of needing protection, and a poignant emotion struck her. It was entirely different from the complex emotions she felt with Lacrahann. Although she couldn’t accurately remember when her emotions began to change, one thing was certain: from the beginning, Lacrahann never felt as comfortable as with other people. A strange emotion between them continued to surface. It was sometimes contempt, admiration, and even anger. Then, her heart would beat a little faster, and her stomach would flutter. Vercheria thought that her emotional fluctuations were intense due to a lifetime of living confined in a tower. She also considered that it might be because she had never properly engaged in emotional exchange with someone. However, when Lacrahann talked about marriage and expressed his willingness to do what he could, Vercheria faintly realized that she liked this man. Perhaps the decisive moment was after hearing Lacrahann’s words in front of the library. ‘I don’t want to swear false love in front of my people. Whether Vercheria is sincere or not, I intend to do my best in this marriage.’
“Alone, the burden to bear seems too much, and watching it makes my heart ache. I want to help alleviate it. I want that person to be able to rely on me a little.”

How exciting it must have been to hear such a sincere confession for the first time in her life; it was enough to keep her from sleeping well. For Vercheria, the words went even deeper than expressions of love or liking.

The promise to do one’s best.

The desire to lighten my load.

The wish to be relied upon.

Even if she didn’t fall in love with this man, these words seemed like they would be a support for Vercheria every day of her life.

Someone wanted to cherish me to this extent.

Just the fact itself was a feeling that healed the wounds from the abuse she received from her mother.

“Groovy.”

So she thought it would be nice if she could help Groovy too. Even if their appearances were similar, perhaps it was painful to realize that their lives had been so similar. No matter how she was born with blonde hair and gold eyes, couldn’t she live a normal life? It wasn’t even a curse.

“I understand. So don’t feel too sorry.”

Upon Vercheria’s comforting words, Groovy burst into tears. Vercheria sincerely comforted Groovy with tears that truly seemed like those of a younger sibling.

Since Emperor Gerard was an enemy to Vercheria anyway, she also thought of protecting Groovy. Of course, she would need to discuss this with Lacrahann.

“Hey, give us some space.”

Lacrahann suddenly inserted his hand between Vercheria and Groovy, gently pushing him away. Then, he looked down with cold eyes.

“Being too much like that is rude.”

To me.

When Lacrahann looked at Groovy with sincerity, Groovy quickly stood up and bowed his head.

“I’m sorry. I got too emotional. I’m also sorry to Lady Vercheria. We’re not that close.”

Lacrahann looked at Groovy with a slightly more lenient expression. It was fortunate that he was a young man with manners.

However, when Vercheria stood up from the stone she was sitting on and spoke again, his face stiffened.

“We are close.”

Vercheria opened her mouth again, locking eyes with Lacrahann.

“Lacrahann.”

“…Yeah.”

“Now that Groovy is also in a position where he’s being chased by Emperor Gerard, can he move with us?”

Lacrahann raised one eyebrow.

No.

“In fact, having one more person now might be helpful for each other.”

“Well…”

It doesn’t seem like it to me.

“Besides, did you hear the story that Groovy alone has filled up all the mana needed for the portal?”

At Vercheria’s words, Groovy suddenly made a determined expression, then pulled all the mana inside him and showed it to the two. Lacrahann, forgetting the recent situation, exclaimed in admiration.
He too had hidden magicians from Emperor Gerard several times and helped them escape across the border, but this was the first time he encountered someone with such remarkable skills. He didn’t even know humans could contain so much mana in their bodies. It was truly impressive.

“How about it? It seems very useful, doesn’t it?”

“Well…”

“Groovy, we’re heading to a village near the border region for now. We plan to decide how to deal with the next steps there.”

Groovy blinked his eyes and asked Lacrahann.

“Um, can I go with you?”

Lacrahann, who had been giving Groovy a strange, displeased look that resembled Vercheria, turned his gaze to Vercheria. When she smiled gently, he sighed and uttered a voice that seemed like a mix of a sigh and words.

“Whatever.”

It was a complicated day.