Carral and Hayes had, of course, looked into Jimte.
In fact, it was precisely because they had looked into him that the two could count as something like his friends.
First, his background resembled theirs, naturally earning him their goodwill.
Second, the vague hostility between the two allowed him to reap greater benefits.
And the latter mattered far more!
In the past, Hayes had relied on that hostility to play both sides and profit from their rivalry.
But today was different!
Jimte and Carral had changed!
They had appeared together before, but whenever they did, they deliberately kept a safe distance. Their toes were subtly angled toward each other, and their dominant hands never left their sword hilts. Even while laughing and chatting, they remained ready to draw their swords against each other at any moment.
But now?
Not only were they standing shoulder to shoulder, their hands had also left their sword hilts.
Most importantly, their feet no longer hinted at a standoff between them. Instead, they pointed toward...
Him?
Something's wrong! Something's wrong!
As Hayes said this inwardly, his advancing footsteps had already stopped. Still, he did not immediately retreat, instead smiling as he greeted the two-
"Good morning, Jimte, Carral.
It's wonderful to see you both in winter.
Have you decided how you'll spend the Wintertide Festival in the Bette Territory?
If not, I have plenty of recommendations."
A smile immediately appeared on Jimte's fair face. Combined with his softly rounded features, it looked all the gentler.
The son of the current Baron Novia and fiancé of the Second Daughter of the Marquis of West Berlin scratched his cheek, looking a little embarrassed.
"Sorry for dropping in unannounced. We'll leave everything to you."
As he spoke, Jimte even bowed slightly.
Carral, on the other hand, was much