SOAT Chapter 115

According to the plan, we were supposed to check into an inn in Gorera City before noon. However, due to troubles on the way and the time taken for reporting to the lord’s knight order, we arrived well past two in the afternoon.

Upon reaching Gorera City, we first showed our entry permit to the city gate guards and reported the attack by bandits on the way. The lord’s knight order stationed in Gorera City promptly left the city and headed towards the highway.

By the way, the lord’s knight order refers to the knight order directly under the jurisdiction of the lord who governs the city, contrasting with the national knight order, the Black-winged knights, to which I belong. However, not every lord in the country can have a knight order. Only those with a title of viscount or higher can establish a lord’s knight order after receiving approval from King Ritzheim.

However, managing a lord’s knight order comes with its own set of challenges. Apart from arranging for the basic needs of the knights, one has to provide facilities and locations for training and education. Consequently, even among viscounts and higher-ranking lords, not many choose to have a lord’s knight order. In fact, cities like Menonu and Wazlow that I’ve visited before didn’t have lord’s knight orders, relying on the dispatch of the Black-winged knights from the capital in times of need.

Therefore, the existence of a lord’s knight order is considered evidence of the prosperity of the respective territory.

“Even before arriving, I’m exhausted…”

Finally completing the report to Gorera City and going through the entry procedures, I let out a sigh with all my might after getting off the carriage. Gazelle, looking down at me, chuckled.

“Well, isn’t it fine? Thanks to your hard work, you managed to save that gentleman.”

“Well, that’s true, but… the aftermath, the post-processing, is what drained me.”

“Oh my. If you’re so tired, should I carry you again, Takumi?”

Felix flashed a mischievous grin. I vigorously shook my head, expressing a clear refusal.

“N-No, I’m fine. Rather than that, I think it’s more efficient to unload the luggage quickly and rest at the inn.”

Watching me hurriedly respond, Felix covered his mouth with his hand and chuckled, finding it amusing.

“Hehe. Well then, after resting at the inn for a while, shall we take a stroll before dinner? Fortunately, we have plenty of time.”

“That sounds good. Then, let’s quickly unload the luggage—Oh, wait. We’ll handle the luggage, so you just rest,” I interjected.

“No! You’ve all been so kind to me, please let me do this,” replied Rido, looking at Gazelle and expressing gratitude.

Gazelle, observing Rido unloading cargo from the carriage, spoke with a considerate tone. I rushed over to join the conversation.

“Rido-san, we’ll take care of the rest, so you can take a break.”

“It’s okay, Takumi-kun. After all, you went through a dangerous situation because of me. You should go to the inn and rest.”

Rido smiled reassuringly, trying to put our minds at ease. What a genuinely kind person! Today, he was attacked by bandits twice and even lost his horse. He must be exhausted.

It’s worth noting that Rido will be staying at the same inn as the three of us tonight. Gazelle and Felix, upon checking with the inn, found available rooms and reserved a new one for Rido.

During the escape from the bandits, Rido lost his money. However, none of the three bandits had it, so he couldn’t recover it. Without the money, Rido would have no choice but to spend the night without lodging.

Therefore, Gazelle and Felix arranged for Rido’s room and meals at the inn. Despite sweating and protesting, claiming that someone like him shouldn’t stay in such a high-class inn, Rido eventually succumbed to Gazelle and Felix’s cheerful insistence.

Their teamwork in such situations is truly remarkable. It’s impressive, really.

“Well, at least let me carry my own luggage.”

“Is it this cute travel bag of yours? Alright, I apologize, but I’ll entrust you with just this. Be careful not to trip.”

“Oh, thank you.”

Accepting Rido’s considerate gesture, I couldn’t help but feel a bit bashful as I took the travel bag. My travel bag, also borrowed from the Count of Alpharetta’s household, was a modest-sized leather one that exuded a subtly worn shine, giving it a pleasant feel.

“After I unload my luggage, I’ll head to the room you graciously arranged for me. I plan to take a nap there, so dinner might be a bit delayed, I suppose.”

“Understood. Well, it would be nice if we could have breakfast together tomorrow.”

As I said that, Rido, while unloading his belongings, oddly wore a wry smile.

“Takumi-kun, I appreciate your concern, but… I’m afraid I might be in the way if I go there.”

“In the way?”

“Well, you see… you all are probably on a family trip, right? Gazelle-san and Felix-san seem to be more than just friends, and having me around might be bothersome.”

“Wha…!?”

I was left speechless.

“From what I observed, I quickly realized that you two share an easygoing relationship. Besides, both of you look at Takumi-kun with eyes that are quite… affectionate. Whether you’re considerate of me or not, I can’t intrude any further, as it seems like I might be a hindrance to everyone.”

“N-No, that’s… uh…”

No, indeed, the three of us are like a family, and yes, Gazelle and Felix are more than just friends! But, well, they aren’t romantically involved, despite appearances! Oh, explaining this situation would be complicated! Given my current appearance, it might lead to further misunderstandings!

After pondering for a moment, I reluctantly spoke up, “Well… there’s a crucial difference, but let’s just say it’s a bit unfortunate.”

“Haha, what’s that? Takumi-kun, you sometimes speak so maturely,” Rido laughed at my words.

Right, I completely pretended not to notice Rido’s misunderstanding. Well, in a broad sense, it’s not entirely wrong to say that Gazelle and Felix are more than just friends, right? …Right?

***

Afterwards, having checked into the inn, I was astounded by its luxuriousness.

The inn was a three-story Western-style mansion, with windows and roofs adorned in golden decorations, and the roof itself was turquoise. The white walls emphasized the contrast with the blue sky, giving off a resort-like feel.

Upon entering through the front door, a crystal chandelier of luxurious make hung in the entrance hall, and in front of me, there was a grand staircase.

Climbing the grand staircase to the second floor, there were a dining room and lounge on either side of the entrance hall.

…Hmm. I had my suspicions, but this feels more like a high-class hotel than an inn!

Even when stepping on the red carpet laid in the entrance hall, I briefly hesitated, wondering if I should take off my shoes. This is going to make Rido feels uncomfortable…

By the way, I parted ways with Rido in the entrance hall, and I, along with Gazelle and Felix, went to the third-floor room. And that room was also amazing.

Upon entering, there was a large glass window in front, providing a panoramic view of the sea. Since the inn itself stood on a slightly elevated hill, there was nothing obstructing the view. The sight of the deep blue sea and the sky stretching endlessly was breathtaking.

Furthermore, the carpet on the floor was moss green, the furniture was unified in dark brown oak, creating a calm atmosphere. And beside the living room, there was even a bar counter. On the counter, bottles of whiskey, brandy, and ale in various colors such as amber, golden, and madder were lined up.

Going further inside, there were three bedrooms, two baths, and two toilets. …Wait a minute. Could this be equivalent to what is called a suite room in my original world?

I mean, does this room cost tens of thousands for a night…?

Oh no, I absolutely must be careful not to damage or dirty the furniture!

“How is it? Do you like it, Takumi?”

Placing my belongings in one of the bedrooms and returning to the living room, Gazelle was already sitting on the long chair, relaxing.

How can Gazelle be so relaxed in a room like this!? I’ve been on edge since a while ago! It’s not about liking it or not, it’s beyond that level!

“I wouldn’t say I like it, but… I’m quite surprised by how luxurious the room is. Opportunities for the three of us to travel together are quite rare. Besides… Takumi, you’ve never been outside of Ritzheim City for anything other than a mission, right? I imagine you’ve been feeling quite confined. Consider this as a way to make up for that.”

Huh? Confined? Well, it’s true that except for when I first came to this world, this is the first time I’ve been outside of Ritzheim City for anything other than a mission…

But, if we’re talking about feeling confined, back in my original world, I was mostly a shut-in at home. Since coming to this world, I’ve been going out more compared to my life in the original world. Besides, the house in Ritzheim City where I currently live is a really splendid mansion.

Living in such a spacious mansion and then being apologized to for causing “confined feelings” makes me feel awkward in a way…

“Gazelle, I’ve never felt confined. I’m fine anywhere as long as I’m with you two. So, please don’t worry too much.”

“Takumi…”

Yeah, as long as I’m with Gazelle and Felix, I find shopping in the market town of Ritzheim or indulging in street food in the downtown area enjoyable enough. I’m the type who can feel quite satisfied just lounging by the fireplace, reading a book.

So, I don’t want them to talk about making up for anything!

In fact, as a thank-you for this trip, I was thinking of planning and inviting Gazelle and Felix on a trip next time… But with such an amazing room prepared, being told it’s a “make-up” makes me feel immense pressure! Do I have to plan a trip of the same level as this suite room next time…? Can I maybe get an advance on my salary…?

“Takumi… You really are something.”

“What!?”

While I was lost in these thoughts, Gazelle gently lifted my body and hugged me. With my current stature, I easily fit into his arms. Then, he placed me on his lap on the sofa and gave me a kiss with a soft sound.

“Gazelle…”

“You’re really a cute one. It makes all my worries seem foolish.”

“Worries?”

As I lowered my gaze, accepting the rain of kisses, Gazelle unexpectedly spoke up.

Gazelle has worries too? It’s hard to imagine, given his usual cheerful and dependable demeanor. I wonder what kind of worries he has?

“Yeah. Sometimes, I think about what I would do if suddenly, out of the blue, you were sent back to your original world, just like when you first came to this world.”

“Huh?”

“Takumi, originally, you didn’t come to this world of your own will, right? So, returning to your original world might not be something you have control over; you might be forcefully sent back. Thinking about that makes it difficult for me to take you outside the house or beyond the capital. But I thought that’s not right, and that’s why I planned this trip with Felix.”

Saying so, Gazelle gently entwined my hair with his fingers, combing through it slowly.

I was left speechless by Gazelle’s words, something I never expected from him. Gazelle had been thinking about such things, and I hadn’t noticed at all.

Wait a minute… I see. It does make sense. I didn’t come to this world by my own will, and I didn’t arrive here through a formal summoning ritual either.

Considering that, Gazelle’s words are indeed accurate. There might come a day when I’m suddenly sent back to my original world, just like when I first came to this world…

Wait, what!? No, no way! I absolutely can’t accept that! What should I do!? What should I do!? I never thought about such things before, but if Gazelle says it, it’s true!

If, just like when I first came to this world, one day I’m suddenly sent back to my original world… I absolutely can’t bear that! I absolutely don’t want to part ways with Gazelle and Felix!

Gazelle, I…

While embraced by Gazelle, I pondered. If such a day were to come… What would I do? I can’t imagine living apart from Gazelle and Felix now. Moreover, in the original world, am I considered deceased? Wait, does that mean I have no family registry, no resident certificate, nothing? Oh no, this is bad!

What should I do? If such a day comes, what would I do?

“Gazelle, if there’s ever a possibility of me returning to the original world…”

As I said that, Gazelle gently lifted his hand from the back of my head and leaned in, his expression intensely serious.

“What if something like that happened?”

“If such a day comes… I will find a way to come back to this world. I will absolutely return to your side, Gazelle.”

As I spoke, Gazelle blinked his eyes rapidly.

“You’ll come back to this world?!”

“Yes, I promise to return to you and Felix no matter what. Absolutely.”

Although there is no magic in that world, since I came here once, I’ll find a way! Even if it takes years, I will definitely come back. I’ve already decided to live in this world with Gazelle and Felix after all.

As I said that, Gazelle’s face went from shocked to a twisted smile.

“Seriously, you… you’re something else. I feel like I’ll never be able to match you in my life…”

“Huh, really? If the leader of the Black-winged Knights says that, I must be pretty impressive.”

“Yeah, absolutely.”

Gazellel said, and then placed his palm on the back of my head again. He leaned in, covering me with his body, and pressed his lips against mine. Gazelle’s tongue invaded my mouth, and due to the difference in our sizes and positions, my mouth was quickly filled with his tongue. He took his time, more than usual, caressing my teeth and tongue.

“Mm, huh… fwah, Gazelle.”

“Hm?”

When I started to feel suffocated, I tapped Gazelle’s shoulder to signal the end of the kiss. Gazelle reluctantly and slowly parted his lips, then peered into my face.

“No more, we can’t… Didn’t you say we were going out after this?”

As our lips parted, I tried to pull away from Gazelle – but before I could, someone grabbed my shoulder tightly. I turned reflexively, but even before I saw the face, I knew who it was. In this situation, there could only be one person.

“Felix! When did you get here?”

“Just now. But I’ve been listening since you were on Commander Gazelle’s lap.”

So you’ve been listening from the start, huh!?