“Get angry. I saved you after seeing your background, so why aren’t you angry?”

Sesenia found it strange and off that everyone was telling her everything is okay in this situation.

“What would change if I got angry?”

Silian, too, couldn’t understand her. If there were things that would change by getting angry, he would be angry, but in the current situation, getting angry wouldn’t change anything.

Moreover, she received his help. What’s the problem with using her background as compensation for that help?

“……Huh?”

“That’s right. What would change? Can things go back to the way they were if you get angry?”

“That’s……”

Her words were blocked by the obvious.

“Don’t think strangely and consider it an honor. That I saved you. That there was an opportunity to save someone like me. So that I can consider being by your side as an honor for the rest of my life.”

To his arrogance, Sesenia smiled and spoke.

“Really……”

“Moreover, even if things go back, I would make the same choice. Because that’s the best.”

“Silian……”

“Also, I have never regretted that choice. Even if life is tough just thinking about moving forward, why look back? You gave me the best opportunity, and I seized that opportunity. So, seize your opportunity too. The one considered to have the power closest to the Salmon deity, the one who might become the king of Salmon royalty, is by your side.”

Sesenia bowed her head deeply.

“Are you moved?”

“I’m not crying.”

“Then why bow your head? You should like it.”

“Right. Even though I heard everything, the fact that you are by my side, not getting angry about being deceived, I should be grateful and happy for that…… It’s so strange. I never thought that a god was by my side… I never once thought that a god helped me… Is it really happening this time?”

Silian lowered his body and looked into her eyes. There was about one head of difference in height, so even if they couldn’t meet each other’s eyes, Sesenia felt comforted by his actions.

‘Why is everyone helping me in this life? Has a god really reached out to me this time? Even once during all the times I was hated and betrayed, a god never reached out to me… Could it really be this time?’

Through the open window, a gentle breeze flowed in. It wasn’t the cold wind of winter, but the warm breeze of spring.

“Thank you, Silian.”
“Yeah. You should be thankful. It’s not common to have royalty by your side, to receive the protection of royalty. When will you ever meet noble Salmon royalty in your life?”

As if trying to lighten her mood in any way possible, Silian laughed more exaggeratedly than usual.

He really laughed heartily. His hair, reminiscent of the clear winter sky, sparkled. Sesenia, without realizing it, found herself laughing along with him.

“Now you’re like me, Sesenia.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Keep acting like you are now. The way you were earlier didn’t seem like you.”

As if enlightened, Sesenia nodded her head.

“Okay. Now that it’s like this, I have a favor to ask.”

“What favor?”

“Tedy has just learned about his identity. So, you need to help him.”

“I need to help him?”

Whenever words about Tedy came up, Silian’s face, which always froze, turned cold again today.

“If he tries to use that power in unnecessary places like earlier, stop him. And teach him how to control that power.”

“…Am I a dog guardian?”

“Not a dog guardian, a trainer!”

“…That’s too much.”

“Don’t be like that. I don’t have anywhere else to ask except you.”

“No. After praising him so much, it seems you, too, consider him as nothing more than a dog.”

“Huh…? No.”

But somewhere in Sesenia’s heart, she did think of Tedy as nothing more than a dog.

When the owner comes, shake the butt, give a hand when asked, and when called pretty, perk up the ears.

‘He’s kind of like a dog.’

“Woof.”

“…Why are you doing that?”

“Why, occasionally, your emotions are so clearly visible on your face. Especially when something related to him comes up.”

“…Did I do that?”

“Yeah. So, it really annoys me.”

“Is my face so annoying that it makes you uncomfortable?”

Sesenia stroked her face with her long hand.

“No. Just, for other reasons. Is there a reason to dislike your face? Anyway, what you want is dog training, right? I’ll do it specially. I’ll train him properly. Just hearing my voice will make him tense up properly…”

Silian’s expression, which had become quite serious, looked determined.

“…Why do I suddenly feel uneasy?”

“Huh?”

“It feels like leaving our house’s puppy to someone I shouldn’t. Like that feeling.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t use violence.”

As if there was another intention in Silian’s words, Sesenia tightly held his hand, knowing that there’s no such thing as a completely trustworthy teacher.

“Don’t do strange things. My precious Fang.”

“That’s why I’m getting jealous for no reason. Treat me preciously too.”

“If you raise Tedy well, I’ll treat you preciously.”

Only then did Silian’s face loosen up.

“Okay.”

“And around tomorrow. I’m going to the temple. To do the favor I asked for.”