The next morning, Shichen arrived at the manor gate with Est and Beatrice in tow, one in each hand, to rendezvous with Emilia and the rest.
Emilia didn't look at him—but couldn't help stealing glances. She was still flustered from his confession two days earlier. Shichen's feelings were so straightforward and intense she could hardly bear it—and she'd never even considered romance. With her "inauspicious" looks, she'd never pictured a future where someone might like her.
"Oh—this is a dragon carriage? We're taking that?" Shichen, unconcerned by Emilia's glances, asked, looking at the huge coach and the ground dragon harnessed to it. This ground dragon was much larger than the one Wilhelm had driven—tall enough to require looking up. The massive frame and sleek build radiated strength.
"Roswaal-sama is a Margrave—of course we travel by dragon carriage," Ram said, a touch of pride in her voice.
"Is that so? Then I'll leave the house in your hands," Shichen replied with a smile.
Ram's smile froze. Everyone would be going on this trip—except Ram. Someone had to stay behind.
Shichen ignored her and walked up to the ground dragon, reaching out to stroke its side.
"Shichen, wai—"
"Nice. The hide's tough, the muscle definition's great… handsome face too… what is it, Emilia?" he asked, glancing back at her as she tried to stop him.
"N-no, it's nothing…" Seeing the ground dragon accept his touch without resistance, Emilia could only shake her head.
"What's going on?" Shichen pressed.
"Emilia-sama was worried the ground dragon might reject you," Rem explained. "They're very intelligent—if they don't know someone, they rarely let them be touched."
"Oh? So Emilia was worried about me."
"I…" Emilia opened her mouth, then shut it—she didn't deny it, only turned away, flustered. Even though Shichen hardly spoke to her the day before, she still hadn't settled down. That confession had hit hard. Which was just what he wanted—Emilia was dense. Without a little pressure, she might never sort out her own feelings.
"Heh."
Satisfied with her reaction, Shichen let it go and kept stroking the ground dragon's ridged back. The feel really was good.
"Smart fellow. No resistance at all—maybe he's fond of me?"
"Rrroo—" The ground dragon lowered its head and nuzzled his hand as if it understood.
"Indeed, seems the dragon likes you very much. As expected of Shichen!" Rem said proudly.
"Wonder if it's male or female… Speaking of which, where's Roswaal?"
"Coming, coming~"
Right on cue, Roswaal shuffled out in his clown getup. Even with a trip to the capital for the Royal Selection—he still dressed like that. Those who knew him understood. Those who didn't… wouldn't see him anyway. Beaten once by an enemy dressed as a clown, he'd made the humiliation his costume. Only he would.
With Roswaal present, everyone was assembled. Shichen drew Est and Beatrice into his body, climbed aboard first, and offered his hand to Emilia. She hesitated a second, then took it and let him pull her up. As for Roswaal—he could board himself. Rem took the driver's bench.
"Sis, we're off."
"Mm. Be safe."
The carriage rolled forward, then picked up speed, the manor gate shrinking into the distance. Ram stood at the entrance, watching the carriage recede, pinching her skirt and maintaining a perfect maid's bow until it was gone. For all her weak household skills, she truly was an excellent, adorable maid. A pity… Shichen's eyes slid to Roswaal.
"Mm? Something the matter~?" Roswaal asked when he felt the gaze.
"Nothing. Just thinking you're damned," Shichen said, looking away.
"Oh my—I seem to be disliked~" Roswaal chuckled, unfazed.
"Shichen—what's wrong?" Emilia, seated beside him, asked.
"Just feeling a little down. I need your comfort," he said in mock hurt.
"Comfort? H-how do I do that?"
"Like this." Shichen scooted, lay on his side, and rested his head in her lap.
"Shichen—w-what are you—?" Emilia froze, panicking.
"This is called a lap pillow. It heals my wounded heart."
"Lap… pillow… Did you get hurt? Is this really okay?" she asked, baffled. She didn't dislike it—but for some reason her cheeks burned and her legs locked. Shichen's hair tickled through her skirt as it brushed her thighs.
"Of course it's okay. But—this is only for me," he added, closing his eyes and savoring the warmth through the silk-smooth cloth. A man's little romance indeed.
"Only… only for you…" Emilia realized: this was an intimate thing. For some reason she couldn't refuse; head down, she stared at his profile and found herself spacing out. Across from them, Roswaal didn't mind the feed of sugar—in fact he didn't look their way at all, eyes closed, regulating his breath.
The carriage glided smooth and straight—thanks not to Rem's driving, but the ground dragon's Wind-Cutting Blessing. The carriage, under its protection, barely swayed. Blessings, in this world, were boons the world granted at birth—varied and innumerable. Certain races were born with them. Ground dragons naturally cut the wind, ignoring resistance and extending that calm to what they pulled. Hence: dragon carriages everywhere.
Shichen had his own blessing—a perk "she" had granted when he came to this world—but it was hardly necessary now. And its one-month timer had run out anyway. In a world with a cosmic golden boy, you couldn't just ask for any blessing you pleased. And blessings didn't travel between worlds. No matter.
"I can't do it—looking at Roswaal's face is too much. Can I turn over?" he asked. He hadn't slept badly the night before; in broad daylight he wasn't about to nod off.
"Turn over? Of course you—n-no, you can't!" Emilia began to agree, then realized: if he turned, his face would be pointing… at her. With his head in her lap. Absolutely not!
"You wound me," Shichen sighed.
"You really can't… i-it's too soon…" she blurted.
"Too soon?"
"Mm…" Emilia hid behind her hands. What was she even saying?
"Shichen, Shichen~ Use my lap! Sit over here," Rem called from outside.
"Hmm? Won't that interfere with driving?"
"No problem at all! Rem is excellent at driving. No matter what Shichen does to me, it won't affect anything."
"Listen to yourself…"
He glanced up at Emilia, who couldn't meet his eyes. Best to let her cool down a bit—and spend some time with Rem. Best to keep the bowls even.
"Emilia, I'm going to keep Rem company for a while."
"Mm…"
Shichen rose, slipped outside, and sat beside Rem.
"Ah—Shichen's scent~" Rem beamed and leaned on his shoulder.
"You sound like a lovestruck fool," he said, helpless.
"Heehee~" She didn't deny it—just smiled.
"Sigh… getting sillier by the day. Lean later—teach me how to drive this thing. I'm curious."
"You want to learn?"
"Just the basics."
"No problem! With your excellence, you'll get it in no time!"
"Even if you flatter me, there's no reward, you know~"
"Just sitting at your side is a reward. A head rub would be best."
"That reward I can grant."