[IV] Sofia Brunhild

[ I'm sorry, but... I don't really remember having a fiancee... ] he can't really think of anything he could reply to her. What she reveals was just too surprising; it's unexpected and unbelievable.

[ Eh...? ] like his reaction, Sofia also seems to be surprised to what he just said, with her mouth opening then closing, she seems to process what could he possibly means. And with a bit of thought and a pout on her cheeks, she finally spoke again.

[ My father... I'm really sorry, it seems you really don't know anything about it... ] she seems to be disappointed, looking the other way while constantly taking back a few glimpses at him. But at least, she was able to realize and acknowledge that he really knows nothing of what she's talking about immediately.

[ U-Umm...! Father still seems to be busy... So, how about I tour you at the place for now? I don't especially like being in a crowded place, but... I thought I would wait for you so I was here since earlier... How about it? ]

( I guess she's the same as me... )

[ Are you sure...? Isn't this your father's party? He might get angry if he doesn't see you around. ]

[ It's okay! Besides, this party doesn't include me in a bit! It's my brothers'... They've graduated from the knight's academy at the same time as you, Walter-san. My father seems to have gotten jealous that Uncle Ainzach celebrated yours, so he did the same. ]

[ That's sounded right... Hmm... But... Uncle. Ainzach? You know my father? ]

[ Un! He visited when I was a kid and I met with him! ] she leans over a little as she nodded with glee.

[ Really? I guess it would be great if my father told me about you... ] he only murmurs, observing Sofia from head to toe as he does.

( This girl's saying she's my fiancee yet I didn't hear anything about it. Yes, she's great... She seems to be nice and both her face and body are too, but being surprised by something like that in our first meeting... That bastard of a father, he should've told me about her so I can at least prepare! Haa... I'll just humor her for now. )

[ Then, how about it? ]

[ Sure, it's not like I like hanging out in parties anyway... I'll go with you. ]

[ Really!? Thank you very much! ] as he replies, she jumps for joy and immediately took hold of his hand as she starts to go around.

[ Walter-san! Let's go to my favorite place! ] turning around, she pulls him towards her.

Immediately, he smells the fragrance of her dancing golden locks that are protruding from her large pink beret that almost completely hides her ears and the back of her head: it was sweet and tender, like that of the smell of a sunflower in the summer - the description can explain the personality she's showing off too.

[ Just make sure that it won't take long... I still need to meet your father. ]

[ Of course! It's just that I've been waiting to meet you for a long time now! ]

Right, she told her that her father was telling her stories of himself.

[ Your favorite place, I'll look forward to it. ]

***

The place where Sofia took him was a garden; a garden that's full of flowers, plants, and shades of a few trees that are all affected by the bright light of the sun. Walter is not really that interested in nature, but seeing the beautiful sight still calms him down and makes him feel refreshed.

[ Walter-san! Look at this! I've planted and took care of it myself! ] she proudly pointed at a small sunflower that is yet to completely mature, though it's color is already obvious, looking as if it's being taken care of perfectly.

[ It's cute. ] he compliments. Since it's not fully grown yet, he can't call it beautiful: a metaphor of how he sees women.

[ Right? ] she smiles as she bends over to touch it.

[ I wonder how long it will grow... ]

[ Hmm...? Aren't you the one who is taking care of the flowers here? Aren't you supposed to already know how long it will take? ] looking around, he couldn't help but ask. She seems to really like this garden so there's a chance that she really is.

[ I'm not really... But I always look at how the maids plant them, and when I sneaked one of the seeds, I was finally able to grow one, my own! ]

[ Eh? Can't you just ask for the seeds? ]

[ Umm... My father actually never want me to plant flowers... And, I'm never really able to leave the mansion so it's only a few that I was given a chance, but my father still forbids me then... ]

[ Arthur-san does that? ] with a face that of an angry expression, he utters. But still, he knows Earl Arthur so he's having second thoughts.

[ No, no! Please don't get angry about my father! He only wants to protect me... ]

[ Protect you? ]

[ Ye-Yes...! Well... I'm a bit weak against the sun so... It's very unhealthy for me to be outside... ] despite the negativity, her tone was still the same.

But from what she said, Walter starts to worry a little.

[ Hey, are you really fine here outside? You just said that you're weak against the sun... ]

[ It's fine... I can at least take a few minutes. ]

[ Is that so...? Is that why you're wearing that beret? ] he asked the obvious, expecting that she would nod in agreement, but instead, she clenches the beret hard to fit it onto her head as she did not reply at all.

'Maybe that beret is precious to her', Walter thought, but it doesn't seem to be the case, as one would always be happy and proud to the things that are special to them, and that was not the case for her bonnet at all. But unfortunately, he won't know the reason why she's acting this way as it seems that she doesn't want to talk about it.

So, for a while, Walter only observes as she remained quiet - until she talks again.

[ Umm... I'm sorry, but... This bonnet... It's something else... ] her voice was quiet, different from the tone and pitch she's using earlier. It was like she was a different person; as if a trigger was pulled to switch her personality.

After an awkward silence, she brushed him off and continues to play with the flowers, and when she turns around to him again - he sees the same smile as she has earlier.

[ I'm sorry about that, Walter-san...! I didn't want to ruin the mood. ]

Immediately, he was reminded of Alice's smile that she always gives to him. There's a large difference between hers and this person, Sofia. While Alice's smile was that of gentle and soft, Sofia has an innocent and glowing one.

If he could get him to join his harem, he would do so, but then again, being a unique monster girl is a large part of his criteria.

[ It's fine. ] he smiles back, trying to be as friendly and decent as possible.

[ Thank you very much! Then, how about it, Walter-san? This garden is beautiful, isn't it? ]

[ Yes, it's great. It's also refreshing. ]

[ Right? ]

~~~

( I thought she will tour me throughout the mansion, but... )

After they were finished resting a few minutes in the garden, they went back to the hall where the party is still going. Only now, most of the people have their own worlds as the lord is nowhere to be found. At least, there are still a few celebrities that gather the people's attention, probably, they're the sons Sofia were talking about.

[ Say, ahh... Walter-san. ] and now, Walter has a companion of his own. Feeding him a pudding with a spoon.

[ Thank you very much, Sofia-san... But, I can at least feed my own... ]

Like usual, he doesn't like people doing the little things for him. If it's something he will have the trouble of, then he would agree for their help, but things like this... Well, if a cute girl like Sofia is doing it for him, he can at least consider it.

[ Ahn! ]

And when he let his guard down, Sofia forced down the spoon in his mouth.

They've been together for a short time, but Sofia is already clinging too much on him. It felt as if she's attached to him for as long as he remembers.

[ Here's another one, Walter-san! ]

They continue like this for a moment, only until someone taps Walter's shoulder from behind, causing him to turn around.

[ Oh? I thought you wouldn't accept but... I guess you've already met my Sofia... ]

[ A-Arthur-san...? ]