Thankfully as soon as I left the room, Noel's lecturing mood disappeared.

There's a lot of things to talk about so we took a detour to the exit to the residential area. What is this situation?

“Didn't Ordias-sama tell you to be careful around the Priestess?” (Noel)

“...I didn't expect this to happen.” (Haruka)

There are people around so I muttered begrudgingly. Of course, Noel didn't miss that mutter.

“Sotini-dono asked you to deliver the bento. Didn't you know she was one of those priests with Aldinsama?” (Noel)

“I didn't know at first. When I found out, it was too late.” (Haruka)

“We should've cut ties when we knew it was impossible. You didn't understand anything I said that night.” (Noel)

Noel's tone was terribly frustrating.

“Even so, you don't have to get that angry…”(Haruka)

“Who do you think made me so angry?” (Noel)

Eh...I'm sorry.

“...At least don't hit Aldinsama.”(Haruka)

“That's not a problem.” (Noel)

He's a merciless man.

From the outside, Noel and Aldina appear to be the most beautiful couple in the country but in reality, it's more of a fussy mother and a daughter who is scared of her mother but still loves her. It's proof that the two of them have a good relations.h.i.+p. It makes me feel a little sad.

“I really can't leave you alone. I don't know what to do.” (Noel)

Noel and I were surprised since I didn't expect to have tea with Aldinsama.

It's not a big deal this time but Aldinsama's faction might not think so. It's certainly my fault since I came here in the first place. I really regret meeting Sotini-sama in the meeting room.

“Come to think of it.”

I suddenly remember what happened during the fleeting tea party.

“Aldinsama seems to be a little tired.”

For some reason, I wanted to tell Noel that.

However, calling her expression tired might sound bad.

She looked beautiful, gentle, and graceful.

She looked exactly as the rare Priestess “Aldinsama” that everyone was talking about in town.

However, the action of secretly inviting me as a commoner to the private room while talking to me happily made me aware of her fatigue and loneliness that cast a shadow in her mind. Perhaps Aldinsama is longing for simple contact with ordinary people.

“I'm sure we can become friends who can easily talk to one another.” (Haruka)

“Please decline.” (Noel)

“I know.” (Haruka)

If possible, I would like to meet Aldinsama from time to time to talk to her. But of course that would be impossible. The closer I am to her, the worse our position would be.

“I think I understand Aldinsama's loneliness, but even if I know it, it's not a problem that can be easily solved. She'll get experience from it. She'll slowly get used to living in the royal palace.” (Noel)

I nodded at Noel's words. I know Noel is watching after Aldinsama properly.

“I said it more than once, but it's about you.”

I don't want to go back to that conversation.

Maybe he noticed the expression on my face.

“You don't have a sense of danger. I'm not a fussy person by nature. I hate troublesome things and would leave those alone without getting involved. However, when I see the carefree state you're in, I cannot turn a blind eye. What do you plan to do with such a stupid att.i.tude when your life is at stake?” (Noel)

“No, I do have a sense of danger…” (Haruka)

“If you had it, you wouldn't have wandered into the priest's quarters.” (Noel)

I couldn't say anything. 

“In the past, I was right by your side but now it's different. The moment you're in danger, I can't be by your side. That's why I'm doing this.” (Noel)

“It's okay.” (Haruka)

I quickly cut Noel off.

“It might be dangerous from Noel's point of view but I'll do it properly. I learned a lot from today so I'll be better off tomorrow. Don't worry Noel.” (Haruka)

“Haruka.” (Noel)

Noel called out my name.

I didn't turn around and sped up down the corridor.

We've arrived in the vicinity of the exit towards the residential district.

I began to see glimpses of the other priests.

I ran away.

Noel's advice is simple.

Don't say such kind words. It's not good for me.

I can't explain it well but it doesn't feel good.

・ ・ ・ ・

Translator's Note Haruka's poor little heart. Be strong!

I've been following Youth With You on iQiyi and I've discovered some new songs. It's very touching!

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