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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 4
Chapter Title: The Neighbor's Yellow Dog and the Red Cat
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One of the few things god games and trash games have in common is that their inventories are always overflowing.
Items take up an absurd amount of space.
The original game had diagonal slots, squares, even diamonds. The sequel made inventory management a nightmare.
"Expand the inventory already!! You devs!"
Screaming that would somehow net you even better items.
In the end, it was all just going in circles.
"Seeing this brings back old memories."
I carefully stacked the luggage onto the carriage. I started building a wall in the back seat.
If there's no event, make one.
That's what the first guy to conquer the Northern Grand Duchess had said. And now here I was, doing exactly that.
Like a movie theater couple's seat, a cozy space just for two was taking shape.
Pretty satisfying.
"Oh? All done organizing?"
Twin tails swaying in the breeze. It was Ariel.
When did she get here? She really doesn't act like a hero's companion—her instincts are sharp. She'd probably seen me up to my weird antics.
There was one surefire way to handle this.
I'm just trying to hook you up with Kainel, so play along.
I whispered softly into Ariel's ear.
She let out a gasp, covered her mouth, and nodded vigorously. Her grin was already reaching for the sky.
Yeah, give me some easy choices like this. Makes linking up the love line a breeze.
"What the hell are you doing?! Get away from her right now!"
Ah, busted. The neighbor's yellow dog caught me whispering in her ear. He was charging over, sparks flying from his eyes.
Time for some quick improv.
"It's nothing. I just asked Miss Ariel if you two are really dating."
"Y-Yeah! We weren't doing anything! Honest!"
That makes it sound like we were up to no good. I'm innocent, Ariel. Pure as driven snow outside the Saintess route.
"Why the hell are you asking her that?"
The hero's hand was already on his holy sword. I could hear his teeth grinding.
Hold on, pup.
"The carriage is cramped, so it looks like I'll have to seat Miss Ariel next to me. That okay with you?"
"Like hell it is!! Ariel, over here. We'll ride in the back."
"Got it! Kain!"
With that, the hero yanked the mage's wrist hard and walked right into the trap I'd set.
Hook, line, and sinker.
"You saying you'll ride with that guy again?"
"Hehe... No way~! I said I'd sit next to our handsome Kain."
A sly smile crept across my face as I watched.
Gotcha. The red cat giggled as she climbed into the back, all giggles. Operation handed off to you now. Figured as much, since she even did her makeup today.
Hang in there. I'll even throw in some suspension bridge effect for good measure.
"Coachman, let's team up on a little plan."
I slipped him a few more fairy tales. The old man's eyes widened at me.
Come on, you knew what was up.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The two childhood friends settled into the back seat.
The walls I'd rigged up on either side made the space so tight their breaths mingled.
The blond hero sighed and spoke up.
"Ariel. All men are wolves. Don't go following just anyone."
"Got it. But why are you being so nice to me today?"
"Obviously because of that Black Knight. I know you're pretty, but... ngh."
Kainel nearly slipped up and cut himself off mid-breath.
"Huh?! What'd you say, Kain? I didn't catch that~?"
"...Anyway, that helmeted guy rubs me the wrong way. Poser knight with a fancy look."
"He doesn't seem like a bad guy, though."
She smiled sweetly, recalling what she'd overheard while I packed. Hooking her up with Kainel? That was all upside for her. Even if she was shy.
This was her chance.
"He's a lunatic! Anyone who hits on you is a weirdo!"
"What about you? You don't like me?"
"..."
He couldn't answer.
Her cat-like, teasing smile had the hero's face flushing with embarrassment.
Annoying. Why's he suddenly acting like that?
The hero had never felt jealousy before, but just seeing this random bonehead next to Ariel made his chest tighten.
The Light Holy Sword gleamed innocently. So he wasn't evil.
That made it worse.
What bugged him was the pure intentions behind hitting on Ariel. Growing up in the boonies with no rivals was turning into a weakness.
"Hey, Kain."
"Huh? Oh! What is it, Ariel?"
For a split second, he lost himself in her, reason wavering. This is dangerous, he thought first. It'd been years since they'd been this close—not since he was eight.
"Just... it's been a while since we've been this close."
"R-Really? I don't know... when did we ever drift apart?"
"Back when you saved me from being bullied as a kid, you really felt like a hero."
She gazed at him intently. A sparkle shone beneath her softened eyes. She even did makeup down there.
"You are a hero."
"...Lately, I've felt a bit let down sometimes. Kain."
She puffed her cheeks slightly.
His head was filled with Ariel—childhood memories blending with her grown-up self. That's why he'd kept a certain distance these past few years.
Too much stimulation.
Just hold out till the Academy... Kainel...
He steadied his breath, trying to compose himself.
Need some distance.
"Eek!"
But the carriage jolted hard.
Their shoulders bumped, her scent washing over him.
Lavender.
Her red hair draped over his shoulder.
"You alright? Road's pretty rough. Might wanna switch to the front."
The guy called Licht called from up front. A glimpse of brown eyes fixed on me. Sounded like a taunt.
Honestly, it pissed me off a little.
"...Ariel. Hold on tight."
He grabbed her hand from his side. Warmth seeped in, sweat beading.
"Eek!"
The redhead let out another weird squeak.
He even laced their fingers.
Screw it, whatever happens.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Going smoothly.
I checked the back seat. The road to the Academy was bumpy anyway. Our village was basically the newbie zone in game terms.
No proper roads.
"Those two in the back are really heating things up."
"Couldn't agree more."
What I'd asked the coachman for was a bit of fanning the flames.
"It's not like that!"
"No it's not!"
See? Crystal-clear reactions. Honey practically dripping from their eyes.
Elves love only one person forever, after all.
Kainel staring down at the floor, Ariel gazing straight at her hero.
This. This is why I love [Knight Heart]. That soft, squishy romance.
Their faces, red up to the neck, looked like two ripe persimmons side by side.
"...Ariel. Careful not to fall forward."
"Yeah, obviously. I trust only you, Kain."
He shifted his posture. Full man-mark now. Fingers laced tight.
Yep, that's the Light Hero I know.
A gentle nudge, and Kainel shows his gentlemanly side.
That's why Ariel fell for him in the first place.
The boy-hero who saved her from bullies as kids?
Not seeing her as an elf, just a girl. I'd fall for that too.
"Hmm, one thing I'm wondering."
"What's that?"
"At this point, aren't you two basically dating?"
"They say they're not."
Coachman, nice one. You're "sir" from now on!
"We're just friends."
"..."
He looked deep in thought. A little more push should do it.
Anything's better than the corruption route.
If you make your childhood friend fall for you, take responsibility.
I decided to tease a bit.
"Twilight's falling soon."
"It's getting dark fast. Folks, we'll camp nearby tonight..."
Here it comes.
"T-Twilight!?"
"Ariel! Don't freak out! Gahhh!"
Hit Ariel's bug phobia right on the nose. Chaos erupted from the back.
You two are sleeping in the same tent now. Hold hands tight like old times.
I turned, but the situation looked worse than expected.
"Calm down. Calm. No spiders here."
"Kainel..."
Ariel's face was pale, dropping even her nickname. Kainel stared at her gravely.
Did I go too far?
I didn't expect the game's freakout over wordplay to play out so literally. First time seeing her real reaction.
Now I'm the bad guy.
Kainel ignored my gaze, focused solely on her. His seriousness stirred guilt and apology in me.
One way to fix this.
Time to use a buff item for my screw-up.
-Here, take this.
I pulled a candy from my pocket and handed it to him, angled away from Ariel.
My personal peace offering.
Thumbs up for "good luck." Gesture-only, so she won't know.
"Ariel. Try this."
"Candy...? Where'd you get it, Kain...?"
The hero took my candy and offered it to the redhead mage.
"I..."
I signaled him to shush with a finger.
Idiot. This is your reward for doing well. No derailing the route now.
"Bought it for you, Ariel. You love sweets.
Was gonna save it for Academy enrollment, but with things like this... eat it now."
"Hehe... So sweet. Thanks, Kain."
Sugar-made love passed from his rough palm to her slender white fingers.
She rolled the candy in her cheek like a squirrel, beaming happily at the sweet taste, cheeks bulging sweetly.
Oh, he's making a move? Didn't see that coming. Kainel, you step up when it counts, huh?
Relief softened his smile unconsciously as calm returned.
Thought he'd look stunned. Nope.
He gave me a small nod of thanks.
A warm sense of approval welled up.
Yeah, I'm not your enemy. More like an ally.
Bond with Kainel up. Perfect for the childhood friends pure love route.
Ariel gazed at him, beaming brighter than before.
Score.
"This spot looks good."
Short-lived bliss—the carriage halted. Eerie caw-caws echoed.
Chilly forest night air.
"Kinda cold."
"Yeah..."
Before I knew it, Kainel and Ariel were pressed together.
Her arms wrapped tight around his, no letting go. No more shyness.
"Only three tents. I'll take watch, sir, you use my bedding. You two use what you brought."
I unloaded bedding from the carriage, muttering helplessly.
Honestly, hated splitting couples, and all-nighters practicing swordplay were habit anyway. One night was fine.
Plus, after what I pulled, pairing them felt too guilty.
"We'll share one."
Ariel's words shocked even me.
She clung tighter to Kainel's arm with a sultry look. Guess even tame cats climb the stove first.
"Wha—Ariel?"
Kainel's face froze in stunned shock.
"You sure about that?"
I double-checked. I'd fanned the flames, but felt bad for them.
"Yep."
"You really okay with it?"
Kids these days move fast. Or am I just old? My loveless life felt sad.
"Bugs kinda scare me... If Kain stays close like before, it'll be fine. Right, Kain? Like old times?"
"Uh... Y-Yeah? Right. Let's share. We're childhood friends, yeah?"
"..."
I shot Kainel a sympathetic look. Straight to marriage button pressed. Affinity was max anyway; reactions matched.
How'd they hide their crushes? Mutual tsundere? Nah.
"Alright then. Mind lighting a fire?"
Crackling wood, flickering flames rose.
The young pair's fresh youth kindled like that campfire, sparks ready to ignite.
Time passed.
During my solo sword practice on watch,
"Licht, right? Let's talk."
The neighbor's yellow dog approached me.