Characters in this chapter:
Sapphiras Perfectio, 2nd son of the Earl of Aldridge
Percival Belisario, 3rd son of Margrave of Vanderwall on the Eastern Frontier
Adeline, Margravine of Vanderwall, Percival’s mother
Theodore Belisario, 1st son of Margrave of Vanderwall on the Eastern Frontier
Curtis Belisario, 2nd son of Margrave of Vanderwall on the Eastern Frontier
Sandrion Timberlake, daughter of Earl Timberlake, Theodore’s fiancée
Cristella, Curtis’ fiancée
Gilliam Anderson, son of the Marquess of Spencer (deceased)
He said it’s a ring given to the person who would become a sworn friend of Vanderwall, so it must have been something meaningful.
“In this Vanderwall, sworn friend has another important meaning in addition to its original meaning.”
“Yes.”
“……And that is the partner of the on who protects Vanderwall.”
“Hehh, I see. It also means partner……? Eh? Pa-partner!?”
My voice involuntarily cracked.
Partner, partner, is it that partner1? That partner who supports and accompanies you for the rest of your life, whether in good health or in sickness?
“Last night, when Kingsleigh-dono called Sapphiras, who wears the ring with the dragon crest engraved on it, a sworn friend of Vanderwall, everyone who was there thought you are my partner.
Uwah! That would’ve brought congratulations coming in a rush! Isn’t that a big deal, me being mistaken for such an important person?
“Percival! We must go immediately and clear up everyone’s misunderstanding!”
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I stood up with enough force to knock over the chair and grabbed Percival’s arm. That’s not a rumour you can leave alone. I have to quickly go and explain to everyone that it’s not so.
However, Percival didn’t move even when I tugged. Why, aren’t I pulling with all my might? No, should I take this ring off first?
“Sapphiras.”
Percival’s hand is laid on top of mine, as if to control my hand that was about to remove the ring. I look up and my eyes meet his straight gaze. Percival has a somewhat different atmosphere than usual, and my heart is strangely disturbed. This is a different Percival from usual.
“Wh-What is it?”
“Is it possible for me to become Sapphiras’ partner?”
“Heh!?”
Again, my voice involuntarily cracked.
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Percival as my partner? No, but there’s never been that kind of atmosphere between Percival and I. But to say something like that all of a sudden, I can’t prepare my heart in time.
“Sapphiras has been treated badly by Anderson. I don’t think you have good feelings towards a having a partner. I know you want to be free and not be tied down by anyone……I’m really sorry that I gave this ring to Sapphiras in such a deceitful way. But I am eager to stand beside Sapphiras as your partner.”
It’s true that Gilliam was the worst. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to deny having a partner. I just think I’d rather be alone for the rest of my life than with someone I’m not compatible with. If I had been with Gilliam, I wouldn’t have lasted even a day and would have fled to the end of the world in a heartbeat.
But even if it hadn’t been for Gilliam, I’d never have thought about a partner. It’s not because I’m unpopular. In the first place, I had a Weathervane as my comrades in my previous life, and I just didn’t have that one person I wanted to walk with for the rest of my life. I wasn’t as good as Percival, but even in my previous life, I was a handsome man.
“……Percival would you be okay with me as your partner?”
“There’s no point in having a partner if it’s not Sapphiras.”
Once again, I think about what it would be like if Percival were my partner. Percival is a very nice guy. He’s serious and has good swordsmanship. He immediately understands what I want to do and is fun to be with. Above all, we get on well together.
……I don’t see any reason to refuse him.
“I see, I understand. Then let’s get together.”
“……Ha?”
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For some reason, Percival made a face as if he couldn’t believe it. Did he really think I would refuse? If we both think it’s a good idea, there’s no reason to refuse.
“You’re going to be my partner, aren’t you?”
“Think about it more carefully, Sapphiras. A partner is someone you spend the rest of your life with. You don’t have to force yourself to accept it. If you don’t like it, you can reject it outright.”
“I’m not forcing myself. I like Percival.”
Even if I think about it for a moment, I can’t imagine myself next to someone other than Percival. And the same goes for pals and partners. It’s the difference between taking an oath in front of the goddess of the temple or not.
“Are you sure it’s me? You won’t regret it?”
“I won’t.”
Percival, who had been staring into my eyes as if he were asking me about my true feelings, slowly knelt down and grabbed my left hand in which the ring was placed. Percival, who I am always looking up to, I am now looking down on. It’s kind of refreshing to be making eye contact with Percival in this position.
“……O ring, protect my other half, Sapphiras.”
When Percival, who had chanted something like an incantation, dropped his lips to the ring on my middle finger, it suddenly heated up and a faint magical power circulated through my whole body. This sensation is similar to that of the holy magician’s prayer. After all, this ring was a kind of magical tool with a special power.
“With this, the ring officially belongs to Sapphiras.”
Percival’s partner. It seems strange, but I guess nothing has changed so far. One thing or another, we’re always working together.
“Yeah……ummm, I hope we’ll be together for a long time to come!”
“Aah, I will never let you regret choosing me.”
Percival stood up and hugged me tightly. Lightly scented with lemon and mint. The strength of his enveloping arms tickles me and my back itches.
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“……Ah, that’s right. Are we going to go to the temple now to take our vows?”
Since we’re going to register as adventurers at the Vanderwall guild, I think it’s fine if we take our vows here. Besides, the sooner we do this sort of thing, the better.
“I’m glad you say so, but Sapphiras has the backing of the Duke of Bloomfield. We can’t just go ahead with this on our own. Above all, we’re not of age yet.”
“I see……”
That’s a pity. Commoners go to the temple to take their vows as soon as they propose marriage, but is that not the case for nobles?
“First I’ll report to father about us, then we’ll send a messenger to the Duke of Bloomfield.
“Ah, do we need to make a big show of it or anything?”
“No. If Sapphiras does not want to, we can simply take an oath in the temple. However, a witness from the ducal family will have to be present.”
“…….Is that enough?”
Even so, it’s a little embarrassing to announce to the Belisario family that we have become partners. As I was shy in my heart, I remembered something.
I proudly showed off this ring to Madam Adeline and Margrave when the monsters broke out. Isn’t that going around and personally broadcasting that I am Percival’s partner?
“Uwahh……that’s not true …… I’m such an embarrassing guy!”
I collapse to the floor, unable to bear my shame.
“Sapphiras!?”
“I can’t! What kind of face do you want me to make when meeting the two of them?”
No, we’ve already seen each other a lot. It’s already too late at this stage, but now that I remember that, I’m so embarrassed, I can’t stand it! Aah, I just want to dig a hole and bury myself! No, should I bury? Okay, let’s bury myself!
“What’s the matter? Calm down.”
“I can’t calm down! I didn’t know it was a partner’s ring, so I proudly showed it off to Madam and Margrave! I’ve done something terribly embarrassing!”
“It’s all right. Everyone knows that Sapphiras doesn’t know the true meaning of the ring, they know that I showed you the ring with the meaning of being purely sworn friends. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
Percival pats and rubs my back as if to appease me as I crouch and curl up.
“Re-really?”
“Aah, really.”
“But, as expected……I can’t, absolutely can’t.”
Having been told that, embarrassing things are embarrassing.
After that, I managed to stand up after being soothed by Percival, and after having the completely cooled tea re-brewed, we went to report to the Margrave after I regained my composure.
The members of the Belisario family were waiting in full force in the Margrave’s office, and when we told them that we had decided to become each other’s partner, everyone congratulated us.
“Even though I ordered the party outfit to match Percy’s, there was no response from Sapphiras-san, so I was honestly worried that there was no good vibes at all. I’m really relieved.”
Normally, when someone has such a complete set of clothes prepared for you, you’d realise that you are being treated as a partner.
It seems that both Margrave and his wife have wanted me to be Percival’s companion for a long time. I was completely unaware of that.
The dragon-shaped hair ornament I received is given to the person the Margravine accepts as a member of the family. Of course, Sandrion-san and Cristella-san were both given dragon ornaments by the madam. It could be a ring or a necklace, each in a different shape.
And it seems that Flavia was aware of that custom of the Belisario family. She thought she was going to be Percival’s partner, and she was looking forward to the dragon ornaments that the madam would give her one day. That’s why she could never accept or allow me to wear the dragon ornament. I can understand why she took it from me and threw it away.
“I am happy that Sapphiras-dono chose my son. Please take care of him.”
“I, too, am inexperienced, but please take care of me.”
I straightened my posture and lowered my head. Being told again by Margrave, I feel my body is tightening up.
“No, but, Sapphiras-dono was even more insensitive than my brother, so I was worried about what would happen in the future, but I’m relieved that it’s settled!”
Curtis-san laughed and tried to slap me on the back, but Percival hugged me before he could give me a strong slap. I avoided a painful welcome at the last minute.
“Ani-ue, please don’t try to hit Sapphiras with force.”
“Oops, sorry about that. Sapphiras-dono is someone who moved Percival, who had no interest in marriage at all, to be his precious partner!”
“Curtis. Stop making fun of Percival.”
The seemingly scary Margrave looks on with a smile at such an exchange between the brothers. The Belisario family is a really close family.
Percival is the son of a Margrave, so in truth, it would make sense for him to get a marriage partner from a venerable family. There must have been many families that wanted Percival as a son-in-law. Perhaps there are some families that would not have thought well of them choosing me, a commoner, as partner.
When I looked up at Percival next to me, I was met with a gentle gaze. Percival is a kind man, and I’m sure he’ll take the brunt of it and try to protect me.
But, however. Since I’m his partner now, I’ll do everything in my power to shut their mouths, so don’t worry. I won’t let anyone look down on Percival or me.
“Sapphiras, are you thinking of something bad?”
“Eh? What makes you think that?”
“You’ve got a bad look on your face……though I don’t hate that face either.”
“……Eh?”
When I saw Percival’s unusually warm and sweet smile, I realised that I had made a big mistake.
Partner and pal seem to be similar, but they are completely different in essence.
Characters in this chapter:
Sapphiras Perfectio, 2nd son of the Earl of Aldridge
Percival Belisario, 3rd son of Margrave of Vanderwall on the Eastern Frontier
Adeline, Margravine of Vanderwall, Percival’s mother
Theodore Belisario, 1st son of Margrave of Vanderwall on the Eastern Frontier
Curtis Belisario, 2nd son of Margrave of Vanderwall on the Eastern Frontier
Sandrion Timberlake, daughter of Earl Timberlake, Theodore’s fiancée
Cristella, Curtis’ fiancée
Gilliam Anderson, son of the Marquess of Spencer (deceased)
He said it’s a ring given to the person who would become a sworn friend of Vanderwall, so it must have been something meaningful.
“In this Vanderwall, sworn friend has another important meaning in addition to its original meaning.”
“Yes.”
“……And that is the partner of the on who protects Vanderwall.”
“Hehh, I see. It also means partner……? Eh? Pa-partner!?”
My voice involuntarily cracked.
Partner, partner, is it that partner1? That partner who supports and accompanies you for the rest of your life, whether in good health or in sickness?
“Last night, when Kingsleigh-dono called Sapphiras, who wears the ring with the dragon crest engraved on it, a sworn friend of Vanderwall, everyone who was there thought you are my partner.
Uwah! That would’ve brought congratulations coming in a rush! Isn’t that a big deal, me being mistaken for such an important person?
“Percival! We must go immediately and clear up everyone’s misunderstanding!”
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I stood up with enough force to knock over the chair and grabbed Percival’s arm. That’s not a rumour you can leave alone. I have to quickly go and explain to everyone that it’s not so.
However, Percival didn’t move even when I tugged. Why, aren’t I pulling with all my might? No, should I take this ring off first?
“Sapphiras.”
Percival’s hand is laid on top of mine, as if to control my hand that was about to remove the ring. I look up and my eyes meet his straight gaze. Percival has a somewhat different atmosphere than usual, and my heart is strangely disturbed. This is a different Percival from usual.
“Wh-What is it?”
“Is it possible for me to become Sapphiras’ partner?”
“Heh!?”
Again, my voice involuntarily cracked.
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Percival as my partner? No, but there’s never been that kind of atmosphere between Percival and I. But to say something like that all of a sudden, I can’t prepare my heart in time.
“Sapphiras has been treated badly by Anderson. I don’t think you have good feelings towards a having a partner. I know you want to be free and not be tied down by anyone……I’m really sorry that I gave this ring to Sapphiras in such a deceitful way. But I am eager to stand beside Sapphiras as your partner.”
It’s true that Gilliam was the worst. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to deny having a partner. I just think I’d rather be alone for the rest of my life than with someone I’m not compatible with. If I had been with Gilliam, I wouldn’t have lasted even a day and would have fled to the end of the world in a heartbeat.
But even if it hadn’t been for Gilliam, I’d never have thought about a partner. It’s not because I’m unpopular. In the first place, I had a Weathervane as my comrades in my previous life, and I just didn’t have that one person I wanted to walk with for the rest of my life. I wasn’t as good as Percival, but even in my previous life, I was a handsome man.
“……Percival would you be okay with me as your partner?”
“There’s no point in having a partner if it’s not Sapphiras.”
Once again, I think about what it would be like if Percival were my partner. Percival is a very nice guy. He’s serious and has good swordsmanship. He immediately understands what I want to do and is fun to be with. Above all, we get on well together.
……I don’t see any reason to refuse him.
“I see, I understand. Then let’s get together.”
“……Ha?”
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For some reason, Percival made a face as if he couldn’t believe it. Did he really think I would refuse? If we both think it’s a good idea, there’s no reason to refuse.
“You’re going to be my partner, aren’t you?”
“Think about it more carefully, Sapphiras. A partner is someone you spend the rest of your life with. You don’t have to force yourself to accept it. If you don’t like it, you can reject it outright.”
“I’m not forcing myself. I like Percival.”
Even if I think about it for a moment, I can’t imagine myself next to someone other than Percival. And the same goes for pals and partners. It’s the difference between taking an oath in front of the goddess of the temple or not.
“Are you sure it’s me? You won’t regret it?”
“I won’t.”
Percival, who had been staring into my eyes as if he were asking me about my true feelings, slowly knelt down and grabbed my left hand in which the ring was placed. Percival, who I am always looking up to, I am now looking down on. It’s kind of refreshing to be making eye contact with Percival in this position.
“……O ring, protect my other half, Sapphiras.”
When Percival, who had chanted something like an incantation, dropped his lips to the ring on my middle finger, it suddenly heated up and a faint magical power circulated through my whole body. This sensation is similar to that of the holy magician’s prayer. After all, this ring was a kind of magical tool with a special power.
“With this, the ring officially belongs to Sapphiras.”
Percival’s partner. It seems strange, but I guess nothing has changed so far. One thing or another, we’re always working together.
“Yeah……ummm, I hope we’ll be together for a long time to come!”
“Aah, I will never let you regret choosing me.”
Percival stood up and hugged me tightly. Lightly scented with lemon and mint. The strength of his enveloping arms tickles me and my back itches.
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“……Ah, that’s right. Are we going to go to the temple now to take our vows?”
Since we’re going to register as adventurers at the Vanderwall guild, I think it’s fine if we take our vows here. Besides, the sooner we do this sort of thing, the better.
“I’m glad you say so, but Sapphiras has the backing of the Duke of Bloomfield. We can’t just go ahead with this on our own. Above all, we’re not of age yet.”
“I see……”
That’s a pity. Commoners go to the temple to take their vows as soon as they propose marriage, but is that not the case for nobles?
“First I’ll report to father about us, then we’ll send a messenger to the Duke of Bloomfield.
“Ah, do we need to make a big show of it or anything?”
“No. If Sapphiras does not want to, we can simply take an oath in the temple. However, a witness from the ducal family will have to be present.”
“…….Is that enough?”
Even so, it’s a little embarrassing to announce to the Belisario family that we have become partners. As I was shy in my heart, I remembered something.
I proudly showed off this ring to Madam Adeline and Margrave when the monsters broke out. Isn’t that going around and personally broadcasting that I am Percival’s partner?
“Uwahh……that’s not true …… I’m such an embarrassing guy!”
I collapse to the floor, unable to bear my shame.
“Sapphiras!?”
“I can’t! What kind of face do you want me to make when meeting the two of them?”
No, we’ve already seen each other a lot. It’s already too late at this stage, but now that I remember that, I’m so embarrassed, I can’t stand it! Aah, I just want to dig a hole and bury myself! No, should I bury? Okay, let’s bury myself!
“What’s the matter? Calm down.”
“I can’t calm down! I didn’t know it was a partner’s ring, so I proudly showed it off to Madam and Margrave! I’ve done something terribly embarrassing!”
“It’s all right. Everyone knows that Sapphiras doesn’t know the true meaning of the ring, they know that I showed you the ring with the meaning of being purely sworn friends. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
Percival pats and rubs my back as if to appease me as I crouch and curl up.
“Re-really?”
“Aah, really.”
“But, as expected……I can’t, absolutely can’t.”
Having been told that, embarrassing things are embarrassing.
After that, I managed to stand up after being soothed by Percival, and after having the completely cooled tea re-brewed, we went to report to the Margrave after I regained my composure.
The members of the Belisario family were waiting in full force in the Margrave’s office, and when we told them that we had decided to become each other’s partner, everyone congratulated us.
“Even though I ordered the party outfit to match Percy’s, there was no response from Sapphiras-san, so I was honestly worried that there was no good vibes at all. I’m really relieved.”
Normally, when someone has such a complete set of clothes prepared for you, you’d realise that you are being treated as a partner.
It seems that both Margrave and his wife have wanted me to be Percival’s companion for a long time. I was completely unaware of that.
The dragon-shaped hair ornament I received is given to the person the Margravine accepts as a member of the family. Of course, Sandrion-san and Cristella-san were both given dragon ornaments by the madam. It could be a ring or a necklace, each in a different shape.
And it seems that Flavia was aware of that custom of the Belisario family. She thought she was going to be Percival’s partner, and she was looking forward to the dragon ornaments that the madam would give her one day. That’s why she could never accept or allow me to wear the dragon ornament. I can understand why she took it from me and threw it away.
“I am happy that Sapphiras-dono chose my son. Please take care of him.”
“I, too, am inexperienced, but please take care of me.”
I straightened my posture and lowered my head. Being told again by Margrave, I feel my body is tightening up.
“No, but, Sapphiras-dono was even more insensitive than my brother, so I was worried about what would happen in the future, but I’m relieved that it’s settled!”
Curtis-san laughed and tried to slap me on the back, but Percival hugged me before he could give me a strong slap. I avoided a painful welcome at the last minute.
“Ani-ue, please don’t try to hit Sapphiras with force.”
“Oops, sorry about that. Sapphiras-dono is someone who moved Percival, who had no interest in marriage at all, to be his precious partner!”
“Curtis. Stop making fun of Percival.”
The seemingly scary Margrave looks on with a smile at such an exchange between the brothers. The Belisario family is a really close family.
Percival is the son of a Margrave, so in truth, it would make sense for him to get a marriage partner from a venerable family. There must have been many families that wanted Percival as a son-in-law. Perhaps there are some families that would not have thought well of them choosing me, a commoner, as partner.
When I looked up at Percival next to me, I was met with a gentle gaze. Percival is a kind man, and I’m sure he’ll take the brunt of it and try to protect me.
But, however. Since I’m his partner now, I’ll do everything in my power to shut their mouths, so don’t worry. I won’t let anyone look down on Percival or me.
“Sapphiras, are you thinking of something bad?”
“Eh? What makes you think that?”
“You’ve got a bad look on your face……though I don’t hate that face either.”
“……Eh?”
When I saw Percival’s unusually warm and sweet smile, I realised that I had made a big mistake.
Partner and pal seem to be similar, but they are completely different in essence.
