"Three days ago, when they tried to assassinate me, it was thanks to Sylphiette that I survived. Otherwise, I might have already..."
Sylphiette held the slender hand Ariel had placed against her chest. Looking at Ariel's lovely face, she smiled and shook her head.
"If it weren't for Princess Ariel, I'd have ended up a slave to those nobles long ago. So I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to keep you safe."
Seeing the resolve in Sylphiette's eyes, Ariel sighed. A sweet smile appeared in her eyes as she gently clasped the white-haired girl's hands in both of hers.
"Sylphiette is a gift from the gods. If that day ever comes, I want you to leave me and find your own happiness."
"No! I'll never allow it! If they want to kill Princess Ariel, they'll have to step over my corpse!"
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Sylphiette gripped Ariel's hand tightly, her expression utterly serious.
Ariel froze for a moment, then smiled, her cheeks flushed. She cupped Sylphiette's face, her eyes full of warmth. After taking off her dark glasses, Ariel pressed her forehead against Sylphiette's.
"L-Lady Ariel! P-please don't tease me like this..."
Sylphiette's elven ears bobbed up and down with embarrassment.
"All right, all right. I want you to find your own happiness, Sylphiette. Besides, you, Luke, and I still haven't had our tea party."
Ariel opened one eye and waggled a finger, a playful smile on her face.
"Of course, it isn't as if we have no chance at all. Father told me that if we find the Sword God, we can turn things around. But as it stands, we need to prepare to leave the Asura Kingdom..."
"Huh?! Leave? O-okay. I'll do whatever you say, Lady Ariel. But the Sword God... do you mean Gall