In the banquet hall.
The music was melodious, and the atmosphere was lively.
Yet Rudeus felt as though an army of the dead had passed through, leaving a chilling cold in its wake.
Was it an illusion?
It had to be an illusion, right?
That person should have been practicing swordsmanship in the royal capital. How could she possibly be here...
"Hmm? Why aren't you saying anything?"
Hilde pressed one hand against the top of Rudeus's head and forcibly twisted his face toward her.
A strange light flickered in her eyes.
"You brat, don't tell me you're thinking something very rude?"
"N-No, I wasn't. I was just startled, that's all."
Rudeus looked her over again and again, confirming that she was not a hallucination.
His face immediately filled with astonishment.
"Say, why did you suddenly come here?"
"Huh? You didn't know? Philip wrote it in his letter to me. He invited me to Eris's birthday banquet."
"I don't make a habit of reading other people's letters."
"Quit putting on that serious act."
Hilde gave a soft snort and slowly walked around to stand in front of Rudeus.
Rudeus froze.
Because Hilde looked different from usual today as well.
She wore a fitted banquet dress, its fabric tracing her figure while the skirt fell in smooth, neat folds. Her long golden hair cascaded naturally to her waist, straight and silky. Her brows were relaxed, and her aqua-blue eyes were bright and clear.
The only issue was that the chest of the dress was a little loose.
"What's with that outfit?"
"I borrowed it from a friend."
It was a little ill-fitting.
Still, for a swordswoman, having too much there would only slow down her swings.
Smaller was fine too.
"Man, you came so suddenly."
Rudeus scratched his head.
They had finally