Chapter 37

Louise and Yuuji arrived at Wangcheng to attend the evening's dinner, and the number of guests was far greater than Yuuji had expected.

"Yuuji, don't just wander around. I'll greet my family first and then say hello to the others," Louise said confidently, leaving without a second thought.

Watching Louise negotiate effortlessly with various nobles while maintaining perfect etiquette, Yuuji gained a new respect for her.

"Even if her own magic isn't outstanding, her tutor never finds fault with her. She's truly hardworking," Yuuji thought.

Not seeing anyone he knew nearby, Yuuji stepped away from the crowd, heading outside to gaze at the night sky.

Lately, ever since meeting Louise, he'd felt his emotions stirring again—as if the numbness God had imposed was beginning to fade.

"If that's true… is it really okay?" Yuuji wondered. He knew that aside from God's unclear goals, his feelings had been suppressed so he wouldn't feel too much sorrow about parting. But if his feelings truly returned, what would become of him? That was hard to say.

Suddenly, a scream shattered the calm from inside the hall.

Yuuji realized the gathering was under attack—in the heart of the royal city.

He rushed back to find chaos. One nobleman lay torn apart, flesh and blood smeared everywhere, while others hurried away in panic.

After finding Louise, Sousuke finally asked what had happened. At that moment, another victim was caught in an attack and ripped in two.

"I don't know exactly... but whatever it was looked like a beast," Louise whispered, clutching Yuuji tightly, fear flickering in her eyes.

"I can't stand this—I'm leaving," a noble declared, rushing toward the exit—but before he could reach it, he was split open.

"A beast?" Yuuji repeated, trying to guess what kind of creature could cause this destruction.

Another blood-curdling scream came—someone was attacked again, this time heading straight for the princess's protective circle.

Fear gripped the entire venue. Everyone was terrified of this unknown monster.

"My master, you seem troubled."

"White Shadow, can you help me?"

"Of course. Let's show them our power."

For the first time, Bai Ying granted Yuuji her power.

In Yuuji's hands, a shape began to form.

"If the dark shadow represents the devil, then I—as its opposite—represent an angel, or even a god. That's fitting, isn't it, master?"

Yuuji looked down to see a glowing head—Apollo's head—in his palm. Even Louise's curiosity was piqued, though she worried about what Yuuji planned.

Yuuji lifted the head, releasing a flash of radiant light that instantly illuminated the hall.

Suddenly, two black-furred giant wolves appeared.

"So, they're the wolves of fear," Yuuji muttered, recognizing the creatures as this attack's source.

A bolt of lightning streaked toward them. Yuuji shielded Louise, but those behind them were chained and struck down by the blast.

"I knew you wouldn't be easy to handle, but this is more trouble than I expected," said a white-robed orc appearing at the edge of the hall.

"You're bold to show up here."

"Hmph, just saying hello today. We'll fight again another time." The orc mounted one wolf and rode off.

"Stop him!" the princess called out, but the other wolf stood guard, and no one dared advance.

Yuuji drew his swords and charged, striking the giant wolf and sending it flying. Extending his weapon, he cleaved it in two.

As it hit the ground, the wolf dissolved into magic and vanished.

Watching Yuuji's display, everyone understood this was the one who'd helped the princess catch the thief earlier.

"Well, due to today's incident, let's call off the dinner."

Yuuji moved to leave with Louise but was stopped.

"Mr. Yuuji, the princess asks you and Miss Louise to wait here."

"Understood."

After everyone else had left, the princess approached.

"Thank you again, Mr. Servant. Thank you for saving us all."

"It was my duty, Your Highness."

Louise smiled proudly, seeing Yuuji receive praise.

"Louise, since someone attacked here, it means Albion's situation is dire. I hope you'll begin your mission quickly."

"Of course, princess. I'll finish as soon as possible."

"Good. For your safety, I've sent someone to assist you. You'll meet them at the city gate tomorrow morning."

Louise's expression darkened.

"You'll see soon enough." Princess Anrietta knew why Louise was upset—she could tell Louise liked Yuuji, and Yuuji liked her.

After the two left, the princess sighed.

"Louise, I wish I could be like you—chasing after someone I love."

Louise and Yuuji returned to the dormitory in silence. Louise glanced at him but said nothing, feeling a little embarrassed.

"Why don't you ask who'll be with us tomorrow?"

Yuuji guessed who it would be—the classic role of a fiancé in this kind of story.

"No need. Because I like Louise, no one can take her away." Yuuji hugged Louise close and claimed her as his own.

"Who said you own me? Don't be so shameless!" Louise blushed but looked just like before in his eyes.

Thinking of this, Yuuji remembered Rin and the others—wondering what had happened to them, how things had ended, and if there was still a chance to return.

His eyes darkened, and Louise noticed.

"What's wrong, Yuuji? Sad?"

Yuuji met her gaze and realized how foolish he looked acting like this in front of her.

"No, just tired."

"Don't worry." Louise laid her head on his chest.

"Now that you have me, I'll always be with you."

"Well, for now, you still have me."

"Yes, you still have me."

Yuuji couldn't promise much, but silently swore to spend his time in this world protecting Louise from pain and sorrow.

"It's late. Rest early."

"Good night, Louise."

"Good night, Yuuji."

Deep inside, Yuuji thought…

"Bai, why did you appear so early? The script's all wrong."

"Don't worry, Hei. Though I appeared early, the main character hasn't awakened yet, so the script won't be affected."

"But you should feel it—you'll awaken soon, partner."

"Yes, it's a bit early, but that's okay. The enemy has appeared, and time is running out."

"Now we just wait for him to wake up for the first time."

"I hope it happens in this world."