A Dinner for Two
Epindel invited me to dinner.
Dinner? With me?
That's right.
To repay my debt... and to share a few thoughts I've kept to myself.
Would you do me the honor?
I'd be the honored one.
The pleasure is mine.
That evening, I visited Epindel's quarters.
I was a bit worried when she said she cooked it herself, but to my surprise, the pot-au-feu was really well made.
I suppose... I don't need to ask how it was.
Honestly, I was surprised by how good it was.
You flatter me.
...
...Wait, "surprised"?
As in... better than I braced for?
Do you always breathe out rudeness?
Didn't think a noble lady would be great at cooking, is all...
...I've had to do things like this on my own since I was young.
House Orlan doesn't hand out much to those who fall behind.
And I usually was the one falling behind.
I just ended up with more chances to learn, that's all.
So why'd you join the Journey?
...The title, Falconet of Orlan, is given to the heir of House Orlan, their most exceptional child.
It's a title that can be taken away at any time.
The elders still remember me as the weak and clumsy one.
And most of my siblings can't accept that I'm now above them.
I had to prove myself.
I had to achieve more than anyone else. Show no flaws, leave no openings.
...
Joining the Journey... was just for selfish reasons.
I may be a Savior, but the only thing I want to save is my place in the world.
...Maybe I'm the least fitting person to carry the title.
...I see.
So, I have a small favor to ask.
Could we return to a tabula rasa?
Tabula rasa?
Yes. It means a blank slate.
Let's forget what I just said, and any... unbecoming sides we've shown each other.
Wouldn't it be nice to go back to how things were before?
..."We"?
...Ngh!
Fine, the unbecoming side of myself I'VE shown you! I humbly beseech you to look the other way!
There. Did you really have to drag that out of me?!
I hesitated for a moment.
Epindel wanted me to forget her vulnerable side.
She wants to keep her shortcomings hidden not just from me, but probably from everyone else.
In that case...
I refuse.
Thank you for your understanding. Then let's take this secret to the—
...
...What?
I said no.
Hold on. That's not how this was supposed to go!
What exactly are those "unbecoming sides" that you want me to forget?
W-well...
That you squeal if someone touches your back?
Ngh...
That you panic and cling to me when stuck in tight spaces?
I did not cling!
...
Does it really kill you to show some vulnerability?
...Yes it does.
Expose a chink in your defense, and you're their next target. That's just how it works.
Even the tiniest gap can prove fatal if someone strikes a blow through it.
So you'll keep hiding everything?
From everyone?
Yes. Because that's how I live.
I have, and I will.
You may be my Captain, but you have no right to tell me how to live my life.
She wasn't wrong.
Forcing someone to change their deep-rooted lifestyle is reckless and irresponsible.
To her, a Captain is just another person outside of her life.
But maybe...
Being an outsider gives me a perspective she doesn't have.
Fine. Let's start with a clean slate.
But on one condition.
...
*Sigh* I suppose I don't have a choice. I proved myself weak, after all.
Very well. What will it be?
A duel. One match.
A duel...?
...
Your way...?
That means sharing.
Your flaws, your struggles. Everything.
Why would I ever agree to—
Because hiding vulnerability doesn't make it go away.
And my way is to find ways to face it. Together.
...Kgh.
That's... a much more selfish condition than I expected.
Hmm.
What's there to think about? You just have to win, right?
...I don't think it's that simple.
You're worried you'll lose, aren't you?
...You're completely off the mark.
Wow, didn't think you'd be scared.
My bad. I should've been more considerate!
...Grrrgh!
Fine! I accept your terms!
I'll take your cheap provocation and raise you the full pride of House Orlan! Your bite better be as good as your bark!
I'm ready if you are!
We set the date and place for the duel.
It took everything I had to talk Epindel out of drafting a will and appointing witnesses...