Chapter 65

——It’s been a week since then.

And as Felix had said the other day, he’s clearly avoiding me.

…Even though he’s avoiding me, it’s not like he’s ignoring me.

We still face each other on missions and during training, and we talk when we meet.

But it’s only the bare minimum.

Only conversations necessary for work, and we’ve completely stopped talking about our private lives.

What’s more, until now, Felix used to call out to me now and then, but that’s entirely gone now… He said “for a while,” but how long will this situation last?

It won’t stay like this forever, right?

“What’s the matter, Takumi? It’s not like you to sigh.”

“Gazelle…”

A voice came down from above. Looking up, it was Gazelle.

Gazelle often casually removed his armband or insignia, but today, probably due to the escort mission, he was properly dressed in his uniform. Even so, he was deliberately loosened around the collar, revealing a sunburned neck and collarbone. His wine-red hair and the black cloak of the uniform fluttered in the wind, looking like a scene from a heroic tale.

He’s still cool, as always. I can’t imitate his dandy appearance…

“What’s wrong? Is it about Felix?”

“Can you tell?”

“Yeah. Recently, both Felix and you seem odd, so I was wondering. Did you guys have a fight or something?”

“No, it’s not a fight. It’s not a fight, but… I was told by Felix that he wants to ‘keep a distance for a while’…”

“From Felix? Not from you?”

Gazelle raised one eyebrow in surprise. But there’s no way I could make such an absurd joke.

I explained the summary of the other day, glossing over the details.

…I can’t explain what Felix did to me, though!

Well, but, considering it’s the wise Gazelle, even if I don’t say anything specific, he might have sensed that something like that had happened. As evidence, he nodded, saying ‘I see,’ without any objection to my vague explanation.

“Well, he is serious, for better or worse. Besides, it’s the first time Felix has been so serious about someone. That’s why he might be overwhelmed by his feelings.”

“Overwhelmed by feelings?”

I didn’t quite get what Gazelle was saying, shrugging his shoulders. Felix, as I see him, is always gallant, gentle, and has a prince-like smile… I don’t think he fits the description of someone who can’t control his emotions.

“Felix doesn’t seem like that type.”

As I said that, Gazelle grinned. His golden eyes were filled with an enchanting color.

“That just means you’ve changed him.”

“What…?”

Hey, what’s with that smile and the way you said that? It’s making my heart pound!

As I looked down to hide my burning cheeks, Gazelle, with a mischievous smile, leaned his lips close to my ear.

“If he’s too much worried and troubled, I might snatch you away.”

Then, he peered into my face at close range. Being stared at by those passionate eyes, I felt as rigid as if I were facing a carnivorous beast.

“I have no intention of sneaking around, and I want to be as fair as possible… But seeing you downcast because of him irritates me.”

“Ah, Gazelle…”

Gazelle’s index finger slowly touched my lower lip.

His rough, knotted finger traced the shape of my lips, confirming it. The gesture was strangely sensual, and my cheeks burned even more. I couldn’t escape, as Gazelle’s hands were wrapped around my waist. I closed my eyes involuntarily.

“…Heh, you’re as innocent as ever.”

In the darkness, a voice filled with affectionate amusement resonated. I cautiously opened my eyes, and Gazelle was squinting at me.

…I thought he was going to… kiss me…

A feeling that’s both a bit relieved and a little sad… Wait, why sad, me?

“Relax, Takumi. If Felix gets completely stuck, I’ll give him a shove, okay?”

“…Really?”

“Seeing you unhappy is painful for me too. Well, consider it a favor.”

No, if we’re talking about debts, I already owe Gazelle countless ones.

Really, is it okay?

Hmm. But, other than Gazelle, there’s no one else I can consult with about Felix, and who would mediate for us…

“…Thank you, Gazelle. I’ll try talking to Felix directly first. If that doesn’t work, I’ll ask for your mediation.”

“Sure, it’s fine.”

“If it doesn’t work out, I’ll cry and cling to his leg. Felix is a good person, so he’ll at least listen to me that way.”

Saying it seriously, Gazelle blinked in surprise for a moment and then burst into laughter

“Hahaha, that’s good! But I didn’t know Takumi could make such jokes!”

He patted my back, laughing heartily.

It seems he thought it was a joke, but I’m serious.

Considering it’s the kind Felix, if I do that, he’ll surely talk to me.

This is ‘The Great Plan to Reconcile by Taking Advantage of Felix’s Sympathy!’ I have no shame!

Nodding to myself, Gazelle, after laughing a lot, still smiling, reached out to my head and ruffled my hair as usual.

“You’ve become like a Black-winged Knight, joking like that.”

Eh, is that the standard for the Black-winged Knights?

“While we’re joking, let me say one thing.” Then, Gazelle leaned close to my ear. “This escort mission smells fishy. I think you know, but don’t be alone too much.”

“…Understood.”

I had no idea what was fishy, but Gazelle was serious, so I nodded solemnly.

“Well, if nothing happens, just consider my words as a mere joke.”

Saying that, Gazelle messed up my hair one last time before leaving. The departure time was drawing near, and he must be heading to the main gate to pick up the person he was assigned to escort.

In a hurry, I called out to Gazelle’s retreating back, “Thanks for listening,” and he waved one hand at me without looking back.

So, so cool…! If I were to do the same thing, people would only think, “Did you sleep on your neck wrong?” Why does it look so natural when Gazelle does it?

But… His words were somewhat abstract, but what Gazelle meant was, “Don’t act selfishly alone; be mindful not to disturb the harmony of the team,” right?

After all, I do have a criminal record.

During the last bandit subjugation mission, I got lost going to the bathroom alone and encountered the bandit boss. During the recent errand to “Ingrid Perfume,” I caused a ruckus in front of the city hall after getting lost—two criminal acts… Looking back, I really have been terrible. Gazelle’s warning is reasonable, and I need to reflect more…

… Al-Alright! I’ll make sure to stick with everyone on this escort mission!

After parting ways with Gazelle, I went to where I had tied my horse, and there was Iris. Iris was gently stroking the red-haired horse’s neck, and the horse seemed pleased, its eyes narrowing. My horse next to her looked at us with somewhat envious eyes, so I stroked it in the same way. I hope it’ll forgive me for being clumsier than Iris.