Chapter 41
The next day, I woke up early, had breakfast, and departed immediately.
Today, too, I was swaying in the carriage next to Leo. When I looked ahead, my eyes met Mirco’s; when I glanced slightly away, they met Yoti’s; and when I turned right, they met Leo’s.
…This is a hell of happiness…!!
I couldn’t exactly stare at the three of their strong bodies up close, and even if our eyes met, all it did was make me tense.
“Cibel, aren’t you tired?”
“No, I’m fine!”
“Still, since it was early this morning too, don’t hesitate to rest if you need to.”
“Thank you, I will.”
Leo spoke to me kindly as I kept staring out the window.
But since we were just sitting in the carriage, my body was constantly at rest.
…Well, my nerves are on edge, and my heart is pounding…
“Maybe the captain actually wants you to lean on him again, like yesterday?”
“W-What are you saying! No, that’s not it. She’s not used to long carriage rides, so I’m genuinely concerned—”
“A lap pillow would be nice too.”
“But the captain’s lap might be a bit hard.”
“Well, that’s true.”
“Hey, now!”
…W-What a wonderful conversation this is!!
Yoti’s words were joined by Mirco, and even just imagining it made my mouth water.
Leo’s lap pillow… his thighs…
I definitely want to try it…!!
“You must be worried, Cibel! Sorry, it’s just a joke—don’t worry about it.”
“Huh? Ah, yes…”
Ah, so it was a joke. What a shame.
Even so, I maintained a gentle, ladylike smile.
“――Once we leave this town, there won’t be any towns ahead where we can secure this many lodgings. But since we want to make progress, I must ask you to endure a bit of hardship tonight and prepare for camping.”
After lunch that day, Leo said this to me with a serious expression.
“Thank you for your concern. But I’m fine, so please choose the route that allows us to reach the royal capital as soon as possible.”
“I’m glad you say that. But don’t worry—we’ll protect you with all our strength, so rest easy.”
“Thank you.”
I had never camped before, but with Leo and the knights with us, I wasn’t afraid at all.
I was actually happy that they chose the path while still being considerate of me. It felt like they were acknowledging me as part of their group.
…Even though I’m totally useless.
So, taking a shortcut to the royal capital, we left the town and followed the river.
I was a little nervous because they said monsters might appear, but thankfully nothing dangerous happened. By the time night fell, we set up camp in a small open area.
For tonight’s dinner, I prepared sandwiches with bread, ham, and vegetables I had bought in the previous town, along with a simple soup.
“Ah~ Delicious! Cibel’s soup really boosts my energy!”
“Really, even with the same ingredients, it tastes so different.”
“Hehe, I’m glad. Please eat plenty.”
I put all my love into it, hoping to ease their fatigue even a little.
If they enjoy it this much, maybe I am somewhat useful to them.
Elga isn’t here, so I must do my best!
After dinner, the knights set up tents for sleeping.
“Cibel, you can use this one.”
Leo led me to one of the finished tents.
“…But—”
“Ah, I know you feel uneasy. But don’t worry. We’ll take turns keeping watch, so sleep safely. Mirco and I will be in the neighboring tent; if anything happens, we’ll wake up immediately.”
“…”
That’s not what I meant.
The knights seemed to share tents with several people.
Of course, even Leo, as the captain, was no exception.
I understood that I was the only woman, so it made sense, but… I still felt incredibly guilty.
“Hey, it’s cramped! Push together more!”
“I can’t go any further! You push!”
“…”
“Cibel? Are you still uneasy?”
Hearing those voices from inside the tent made me feel even worse.
“Um… I can’t just use this tent alone.”
“Huh? But—”
“I’ll stand watch! I rested enough in the carriage during the day, so please use the tent as much as you need!”
“No, that’s not possible.”
Even if monsters appeared, even if we reached the capital, I’d still be useless.
So at least, I didn’t want to be a burden to them!
“If anything happens, I’ll wake you immediately! I can handle the watch!!”
“Cibel, I appreciate the thought, but I can’t let you do that.”
I desperately tried to convey my feelings, but Leo wouldn’t allow it.
“But—”
“Then why don’t you just share our tent?”
“Huh?”
Hearing Mirco say this while listening to my stubborn back-and-forth with Leo, we both gasped.
“The tent was originally for Leo and me. If Cibel joins, the tent she would have used becomes free.”
“Ah, that makes sense!”
“No, wait, what are you saying, Mirco!!”
The captain and vice-captain apparently planned to share a tent, while others shared with three or four people.
Since one tent would now be free, if the two of them agreed, I’d be happy to take that arrangement.
“Since Cibel said that, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Yes! Your tent will be cramped, but if that’s okay, then please!”
“No, no, no, Cibel, what are you saying!”
“Leo, you’re not thinking anything weird right now, are you?”
“…Of course not…!”
Weird…?
I’m not thinking anything!! I’m definitely not thinking about seeing Leo and Mirco sleeping unguarded or being so close that it’s tempting…!!
I’m just thinking about making sure everyone gets some proper rest… Really!!
Feeling a shiver from Mirco’s joking words, I cleared my throat and regained my composure.
“Leo, thank you for your concern. But when I first arrived in Tori, you said, ‘Everyone here is like family.’ So I feel like I’ve become part of this family too.”
“Cibel…”
“I know I’m a woman… but I trust both of you! I know you don’t look at me in that way! Nothing will happen even if we sleep in the same tent! There absolutely can’t be anything!!”
“……Cibel……”
Speaking so passionately, Leo nodded with a tearful face, saying, “That’s right…”
I’m sure he understood my feelings. He realized he had no improper thoughts toward me.
“Well then, let’s sleep quickly. I’ll take the first watch for an hour, so you two can go ahead and sleep.”
“Eh?”
“Got it.”
I nodded at Mirco’s words and entered their tent right away.
The story of desperate Cibel and Leo, who wants to cry for many reasons.
Next time: From Leo’s perspective.
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