SIDE Black-winged Knights Commander Gazelle

Being looked back at by eyes as clear as obsidian, I inevitably felt uncomfortable and almost looked away.

It was as if those transparent eyes could see through all my ulterior motives.

Well, that might actually be the case.

Removing Takumi from the perfume shop’s security was to keep him away from the girl who came from another world. Of course, there was also the reason I told Takumi earlier. Without knowing the girl’s intentions, it’s the correct decision to remove Takumi from the store’s security.

But that’s not all.

A recent incident in a rural village.

After battling the Demon King who had awoken from his seal, Takumi received an immense amount of magical power from him.

Both Takumi and the Demon King are transmigrators who have come to this world from another world. Through summoning rituals, those like Takumi brought into this world can perform return rituals using immense magical power and go back to their original world.

Objectively speaking, it should be a joyful event.

Humans who came to this world without understanding anything finally obtained a means to return to their original place.

I should be happy for Takumi, the young man in front of me, who now has a way to go back to his original world. But I couldn’t even pretend to be happy about it.

Takumi’s return to his original world means an eternal farewell for me.

I have no way to follow someone who has gone to another world. Nor can I call them back. Once that happens, I will never meet him again.

Even holding hands like this, touching his silky hair, or kissing those soft lips will never happen again. The moment I realized this, I decided to do whatever it takes to keep him in this world.

First, I talked to Felix. Although originally a rival in love, Felix and I have always been on good terms, and I felt that if anyone were to protect Takumi, it would be him.

Felix seemed to feel the same and immediately agreed with me. Buying that mansion was also one of the means to keep Takumi here.

If he stays in this world with us, I was prepared to give him everything he wanted. That was what I had shown in action.

Moreover, considering Takumi’s personality, showing our feelings strongly like this should make it hard for him to leave casually. Regardless of how he feels, he shouldn’t be able to say that he’ll return to his original world right away, which is indeed the case.

I know it’s such a cowardly method. But I couldn’t afford to care about appearances anymore.

I pulled out a chair and stood up, drawing Takumi close to me. Afterwards, I grabbed his slender waist, pulled him towards me, and kissed him.

Surprised by the sudden kiss, Takumi opened his eyes wide, which were as clear as obsidian.

“Mmm… Huh.”

I proceeded to slip my tongue through the slightly parted lips, intruding gently.

As I tickled his teeth with the tip of my tongue, Takumi, who was in my arms, jolted.

We had shared kisses like this countless times, yet he still seemed unaccustomed to it.

Despite appearances, Takumi had a surprisingly innocent side. I found that endearing and deepened the kiss.

“Fu, mm…”

With a sweet sigh, Takumi clutched my clothes, and I held him even tighter.

Takumi is naive, but perceptive.

I’m sure he has at least a vague idea of my obsessive feelings and cunning schemes.

“Nn… ha, Gazelle…?”

When Takumi’s hand touched my shoulder, I softly parted my lips.

It seems he’s having trouble breathing. I’ve told him several times he could breathe through his nose, but he doesn’t seem to get it.

Takumi gazed at me with wet eyes, breathing heavily, looking perplexed and innocent. His lips, dampened by our shared saliva, only stirred my desires further.

I swallowed, feeling like a hungry wolf gazing at a defenseless deer lying before me.

Takumi looked up at me with shaky eyes, as if troubled.

Jeez. Doesn’t he realize that making that face will make me want to hold onto him even more? Perhaps the reason he doesn’t talk about going back to his original world is that he knows how Felix and I feel.

Earlier today, he easily backed off when we discussed security for the perfume store. Probably to consider my feelings.

Taking advantage of his kindness might be utterly low, but no matter what, I can’t let go of this precious person before me.

I grasped the back of Takumi’s head with my palm, confirming his existence, and shared a second kiss.

***

The next day, after finishing morning training and having lunch, I visited the city hall of Ritzheim to look for clues about that mysterious girl.

Right after training, Gazelle told me, “There might be records of that girl at the city hall. Could you go check?”

So, here I am.

Thinking back to yesterday, I was totally surprised when Gazelle kissed me in his office. Also… Gazelle was acting strange. It might be my imagination, though.

I was admiring him, thinking, “Gazelle is amazing. He’s cool, skilled with a sword, and efficient at his job…” when he suddenly kissed me. I was certainly surprised.

What on earth happened?

I don’t dislike kisses, but my heart can’t handle it, so please spare me…

Recently, it’s not just Gazelle. Even Felix is acting strangely.

When I talk to both of them, I feel they’re somewhat tense, as if they’re in a hurry or pressed for time.

…Could it be that they’re stressed from work?

Maybe the mansion they recently bought was because both were stressed and wanted time alone?

Hmm, it’s not impossible. Both have responsible positions, and they must be tired.

Considering this, I feel guilty for adding to their workload by asking them to investigate that girl from yesterday…

“Takumi? What a rare place to meet you.”

Caught in my thoughts, I suddenly heard my name.

When I turned toward the voice, I could see a familiar face.

“Commander Ortolan! Good to see you.”

“It’s been a while. How have you been?”

“I’m fine, thanks to you.”

Commander Ortolan was seated on one of the long benches in the city hall waiting room. Whether intimidated by his imposing presence or not, nobody was sitting around him, leaving the area oddly vacant.

I approached Commander Ortolan and greeted him with a salute. At his invitation, I took a seat beside him.

“Are you here on knight order’s business?”

“No, it’s personal.”

Commander Ortolan nodded briefly.

He is the leader of the Yellow-winged Knight Corps and once assisted us in potion development.

For clarification, unlike my own Black-winged Knight Corps, the Yellow-winged is primarily composed of beastmen. Commander Ortolan himself is avian.

His height is roughly three times my head, with a muscular build. His eyes have a sharpness reminiscent of a bird of prey, and unlike human hair, his hair is actually made up of feathers.

Today, the feathers on his arms are hidden beneath a long-sleeved shirt and jacket, but I remember noticing them the last time we met.

He’s as reserved as ever.

I took a seat beside him as he had suggested, but once our initial conversation ended, silence followed.

Hmm, should I start a new topic?

“You look well.”

“Huh?”

Silent until now, Commander Ortolan suddenly said those words, staring intently at my face. I blinked in surprise at the unexpected comment.

“When we met last, you seemed to be wrestling with some doubts.”

“…Yes.”

“You’ve found some resolution. That’s good.”

“Thank you.”

When I expressed my gratitude, Commander Ortolan nodded, and a slight smile broke on his lips.

It was a rare sight to see the usually stoic and expressionless Commander Ortolan smile. His hawk-like eyes softened, and he wore a remarkably warm expression. I was taken aback by this unexpected gentle smile from him.

This is a hugely impactful moment…

But, “resolution to doubts,” huh? I have quite a few concerns at the moment, actually.

First off, I’m worried about the girl I met yesterday. Additionally, although I’ve received magical power from the Demon King, I still have no idea how to conduct the ceremony to return to my original world. Also, after my errands at city hall, I was told I could have lunch outside, but I’m not sure where or what to eat. I’m quite undecided.

“However… it’s interesting that you see me that way, Commander Ortolan. I do have several concerns right now.”

“Those are probably issues you’ve already resolved deep inside. It’s just a matter of realizing it.”

“Already resolved inside me…?”

Again, his words caught me off guard.

Even if I am told that it’s already decided within me, all I can see are question marks.

Well, when it comes to that girl, I am worried but also feel that fretting won’t help. She didn’t seem to be struggling in this country, so there’s no immediate crisis. I’m somewhat relieved about that.

As for the return ceremony, when I think about it, I’ve never felt down about it. Maybe that’s it. After all, I never really thought I’d be able to return to my own world.

So, even though I have magical power, I’m not particularly shocked that I can’t perform the send-back ritual. I do feel bad for the Demon King who gave me this magic power, though…

“Ah, well, you’ll figure it out eventually. More importantly, how have things been going with Listini and Alpharetta lately?”

“Gazelle and Felix, you mean? They’re as fine as ever.”

“No, I mean have they confessed their love to you? What are you planning to do about it?”

“Uh!”

Ah, so it’s about love now!

Wait, you knew about it, Commander Ortolan!

“Um, well, that is…”

What should I do?

If I explain the situation honestly, my response would be, “Gazelle and Felix have confessed to me, and since I love them both, it seems like we’re going to live together in the same house!” But would they understand?

No, it’s impossible. Even I don’t fully understand it.

Speaking of which, I haven’t fully digested the matter of the house either!

Um, er… what should I say…

“What’s wrong?”

“Uh, well, um…”