Wedding Wars: For the May Bride · Chapter 7

Excellent Opportunity

...And that's the story.

Even while laying out the details for Epindel, I couldn't understand where it had all gone wrong.

Frey's invitation to the Mayflower Festival. My election as the judge for the May Bride.

It was just a simple favor to help revive Monastir's festival. Or so I thought...

What was supposed to be a prayer for blessings in May devolved into a manhunt, with me as the prey and ladies in white as my hunters.

Epindel

I see...

I suspected as much, but it's a misunderstanding most troublesome.

You knew?

Epindel

Like I said, I came to rescue you.

I-I never even considered the story to be true at all!

It is hardly fitting for an Orlan to be swayed by idle gossip and baseless rumors.

Yet, I couldn't help but take notice of Epindel's outfit...

Epindel

A-avert your eyes! It's impolite to stare like that...

This is... um, part of a d-deliberate strategy in case...

...

A-anyway!

Ahem... I have two horses ready and waiting at the relay station.

We can slip out of the city, together.

Huh?

Epindel

No need to act surprised, Captain.

You could say I, too, am a captive to the disorderly NOA.

Oh, if only my Captain would escort me to freedom...

...What a fine opportunity, don't you think? To put the the Falconet of Orlan in your debt. You wouldn't want to miss it, would you?

Just to be clear, I'm not leaving—

Epindel

Fufu, how delightful! Let us move right away. I am glad to have such a trusty companion...

...

...I beg your pardon?

I said, I have no intention of leaving here.

Epindel

W-wait.

Isn't this the part where you say "it would be my honor"?

I promised Carmen.

That we will see each other again.

Epindel

O-oh, forgive me, that's not what I meant...

Um, are you certain?

NOA is not safe right now. In fact, it poses danger specifically to you.

It is a veritable den of vipers. I don't understand why you would—

Because I promised.

I refuse to turn my back on those who sacrificed themselves for me.

Epindel

...

B-but what of me?

I also protected you...

...Kgh.

Fine! Have it your way! Play with fire all you want! It's your loss!

Fine.

Thanks for the rescue earlier, Epindel!

I turned around to go.

Epindel

W-wait a second...!

Do you have a plan?

Do you at least have any idea of what to do?

I'm going to the church.

Epindel

The... church...?

May I presume to ask why?

I promised to meet up with Carmen at the church.

Once there, we're going to plan our next move.

Epindel

...

*Sigh* So much for the Falconet's dignity...

Very well. Allow me to propose an arrangement.

So... regarding that handkerchief you gave back to me. I owe you a debt.

I would like to repay you in personal protection. Guarding your every step.

...

...You wouldn't decline that as well, would you?

That's a generous debt for just picking up a handkerchief...

But I would be much obliged.

Epindel

...

*Sigh* Oh well, I already realized my place anyway.

I'm in no position to make demands.

What's that supposed to mean?

Epindel

It's nothing.

Anyway, it's settled. Please, allow me.

To, um...

As your companion.

Let us move through the rooftops.

Rooftops?

But wouldn't that give away our position?

Epindel

The higher ground would leave us exposed, yes. But it is also a warning.

A warning that the Falconet of Orlan herself is in their midst, denying them their prize.

If we just sneak—

Epindel

Then the brides will ambush us. They are expecting us to keep a low profile.

They know they have no chance of winning against me head-on. The best they can do is incite mayhem, and snatch you away by taking advantage of the chaos.

Packed buildings and narrow alleyways are perfect for that. They play directly into the hands of the brides.

The rooftops will force them out of their cover, even if the geography puts us in a visible position.

You surprise me, Epindel. That's very meticulous.

Epindel

...I know how people fight when they are driven into a corner and helpless.

Let us go, then. To the rooftop.

Okay.

Lead on, Epindel!