“We were thoroughly kicked out, weren’t we?”

“Indeed…”

As we walked back home after the victory celebration, Elle, walking beside me, nodded at my comment.

Lycia’s so-called “love story” seemed to inspire the other adventurers, leading to a ruckus. The kind of uproar you’d expect when dozens of adventurers gather in one place. I couldn’t be more grateful to the guild for tolerating the chaos for nearly two hours.

Lycia, partially responsible for our expulsion, pouted with dissatisfaction.

“I’m not satisfied! I was just getting to the best part!”

“You mean there was more to that story?!”

Flare looked utterly dumbfounded at Lycia’s remark. At least they seem to be getting along.

“Hmm… Take that!”

“Ah! What are you doing, Flare?”

Without warning, Flare embraced Lycia.

“Hey, hey, don’t be so down, Lycia! There’s still plenty of time to share your story later!”

“…You’re right. In that case, would you listen again sometime, Flare?”

“Oh, uh… I think I’ll pass on that. Sorry!”

“What?! You’re refusing?! Impressive. As expected from someone who’s summoned by our master the most. But I won’t give up the title of the primary wife so easily!”

“P-Primary wife? Isn’t that jumping the gun a bit, Lycia?! I-I mean, sure, I like Ike too, but it’s more like as a teammate, you know? Like, romance is still way too early for us…”

“Oh my, saying such bashful things while fidgeting with your index fingers. Such a performance. Quite cunning of you.”

“It’s not an act!”

…Yeah, they’re close.

It’s great when people get along, isn’t it?

I decided to shelve my thoughts.

Just then, I felt a light bump against my stomach.

Looking down, I saw Tetra hugging me tightly. Cute. I patted her head gently.

“What’s wrong, Tetra?”

“Listening to Flare and Lycia talk made me realize something. If you like someone, you should tell them directly. I like you, Ike, so this is my way of showing it.”

“I see. Thank you. I care about you too, Tetra.”

“Muh-huh~”

Looking up at me with a satisfied expression, Tetra seemed content.

Her affection for me likely stemmed from a familial kind of love. It made me genuinely happy.

As I basked in the moment, I overheard Elle and Sheena chatting behind me.

“Look, Sheena. Aren’t you going to do something?”

“Wha—?! W-What are you saying, Elle?! I-I-It’s not like I think of Ike in that way or anything…! I just think of him as my savior, that’s all!”

“So, do you dislike him?”

“Of course not! …Oh.”

My eyes met Sheena’s.

Her face turned beet red in an instant.

“Th-That’s not it, Ike! What I meant was… It’s just… never mind, okay?!”

“Oh, uh, okay then.”

I wasn’t sure what was going on, but she seemed flustered about something.

It was an honor to be considered her savior, but perhaps expressing gratitude made her shy.

Well, she is a young girl, after all. It’s understandable.

“Ugh, another missed opportunity…”

“…Elle?”

“Yes, Ike? Did you need something?”

“N-No, never mind.”

Was it just my imagination? For a split second, Elle looked visibly frustrated.

But now, she was smiling gently as always.

It must’ve been my imagination. Definitely.

“Hey, Tetra?!”

“So she beat us to it…!”

As Flare and Lycia noticed Tetra clinging to me, their expressions contorted.

“Well, whatever! I’m joining in too!”

“Flare?! Of course, I’m coming as well!”

“Whoa!”

Suddenly, both Flare and Lycia latched onto my arms.

From Flare, there was a modest, soft pressure. From Lycia, a rather bold one.

“Alright, let’s go, Ike!”

“Being honest is always best.”

“Now, let’s enjoy this lovely evening together!”

I was practically dragged along as we continued walking.

This… is really hard to walk in!

“Hmm…”

“See? I told you so.”

Trailing behind us, Elle and Sheena exchanged words as they followed.

And with that, we finally returned to the inn.