(Heartfelt thanks to 'Luoqing Is an Idiot' for the 2,000 reward, and to 'Tiān Wǒ Cāi,' 'HJAkeno,' 'True Dragon Tiger King,' 'Qiqi's F,' 'Book of Universal Truth,' and 'Wufeng Haotian' for their rewards!)
"W-What?"
When Noah's second announcement reached everyone present, the first person to cry out in surprise was none other than Haruhime herself.
"What?" Noah spoke leisurely, as though he had expected this reaction all along.
"You don't want to, Haruhime?"
"N-No." Haruhime came back to her senses and replied somewhat urgently.
"But if Haruhime joins this Familia, then won't you have to leave alone, my lord?"
"What's wrong with that?" Noah shook his head with a laugh.
"I'm only leaving temporarily, not wandering the world forever. Did you plan to keep following me the whole time?"
"B-But..." Haruhime lowered her head as though she could not let it go, speaking in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz.
"Wouldn't Lord Noah feel lonely that way?"
"I won't." Noah answered without the slightest hesitation.
"I'm not alone. Leaving aside the four little girls already by my side, I know quite a few people in this city. Besides, troubles big and small will definitely keep coming my way one after another, so I won't have the chance to be lonely."
"I-Is that so?" Haruhime kept her head lowered, seeming unsure whether she felt relieved or disappointed. She looked as though she wanted to say something but could not bring herself to say it.
Seeing Haruhime like this, Noah's amused smile turned into a wry one.
"I know what you're thinking. You think that because of you, I've been forced to leave the Familia. And now that you're joining my Familia instead, it feels like you're taking my place, right?"
"...It's not just that." Haruhime still kept her head