Chapter 25 – One Could Say It Was Our First Collaboration
“What are you panicking for? I’m just presenting the facts.”
“No, no, no, there’s such a thing as a way of saying things!”
Maybe the head of the family in front of me doesn’t understand what the problem is.
It’s only natural for aristocrats to stand out, gain influence, and use it to benefit themselves.
“E-Erm… Ah, yes! This success was not the result of me alone!”
“What? But my daughter and Lady Touko told me that during the battle with the demon, the other three stayed back so as not to get in your way?”
“That’s true. But it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that I was able to cut off the demon’s arm thanks to Yuzuriha-san.”
“I think that’s an overstatement…?”
“That’s not true. At that time, Yuzuriha-san risked her life to protect her comrades—she shielded me. It was her courageous act of risking her life that caught the demon off guard and allowed us to somehow repel that demon—That’s right, isn’t it, Yuzuriha-san?”
“Huh!?”
Yuzuriha-san stiffened when suddenly asked to speak.
It’s easy to forget, but right now we’re in the midst of having dinner at the Duke’s residence, with Yuzuriha-san, the Duke’s daughter, sitting next to him.
I made frantic eye contact and Yuzuriha-san seemed to realize my intentions.
“H-Hey, Suzuha-kun’s older brother… Is that true? Is that really true?”
“Of course! That’s why you should hold your head high and claim it! Right now!”
“O-Okay! If you insist so much…!”
When Yuzuriha-san cleared her throat and sat up straight, she turned to face the Duke and declared boldly.
“It’s as Suzuha-kun’s older brother says.”
“What part of it?”
“It was, I would say, the first collaboration between myself and a partner to whom I would willingly entrust my life.”
＊＊＊＊
After all sorts of things happened, the credit for vanquishing the wandering white-haired vampire goes to “Miss Yuzuriha of the Sakuragi Duke Family and Her Companions.” It’s truly remarkable.
However, in return, I couldn’t escape from being Yuzuriha’s escort at the outdoor party.
“Currently Yuzuriha has no fiancée, and you are the only male member of the group who has vanquished the demon. Then it is only natural that you should be her escort.”
“But in that case, wouldn’t it be Yuzuriha-san’s relatives who would escort her…?”
“Normally, yes. But this time it’s a triumphant party, so it’s more natural for her companion to step forward.”
If the Duke said that much, there is no way I can refuse.
“Oh, but come to think of it, I don’t have a party outfit to wear, so I’ll have to decline…”
“I’ve already prepared such a thing. I have a complete set tailored by the most sought-after senior aristocratic designer in the capital, so as not to compromise the dignity of our Duke family.”
“Gasp.”
I was speechless.
And at the end, Suzuha said…
“U-Um… Nii-san…”
“Yes, Suzuha? It’s unfortunate, but it looks like it’s decided that we’re going to be attending the outdoor party…”
“I feel like it’s a dream that I can attend the party wearing an outfit that matches Nii-san!”
“…Matching outfit? What are you talking about?”
“Um, um, we were all talking about surprising you by keeping it a secret from you until the last minute! Yuzuriha-san got us matching outfits! So it’s not just me, but also Touko-san and Yuzuriha-san!”
“Oh, I see…”
“So please escort not only Yuzuriha-san, but me as well!”
…It seems like the groundwork had already been laid without my knowledge.
My life motto has always been that getting involved with the likes of nobles and politicians never leads to anything good.
“Well, I guess I don’t have a choice.”
Well, it’s not like I’ll be killed if things go wrong.
I had made up my mind and was ready for the party three days later.
