Chapter 164.1

Chapter 164.1 \n<h1>Chapter 164 White Sword Gathering ④ </h1>\n\n“Cry-san…… W-What was all that about?” (Eva)

“………… Eh? Yeaaah, it was good that I was saved, really good.” (Cry)

　While being careful not to draw too much attention to ourselves, I get closer to the Clan Master.　When Eva asked strongly with her face fully red due to the blood rushing to her head, Cry Andrich raised his hands and smiled, as if he were raising a white flag.

　Eva protested at his smile with just a glance. However, Cry looked as if he hadn’t made a mistake.

　Recently (from Eva’s point of view) he has been quiet, but this was ―― The true nature of the Level 8 called 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, which really troubles Eva. 

　It was probably true. To this man, this was probably not a mistake. There was no one who doesn’t know the name and face of Zebrudia’s Princess, so it can’t be a mistake. And of course, no matter how many people around him pressured him, he would not mind it.　However, as his companion and Vice-Master of the same Clan, Eva could not just let it slide.

　There was nothing Eva could have done. There wasn’t even time to stop him.　If Éclair Gladys hadn’t covered for us, we would have been thrown out.　It was unheard of for someone to be kicked out of the Gathering before it even started. And on top of that, I have never heard of anyone giving a gift to the Princess.

　After all, him being nervous was absolutely a lie.　All eyes were on us. It was impossible for Eva to *nikoniko* smile in the midst of the stares.\n

　It had been a tradition since the first Gathering to have the Emperor’s daughter dress up as a maid at the 『White Sword Gathering』.

　At the first 『White Sword Gathering』, the Time Emperor had his daughter disguise herself as a servant and blend with the other servants as part of a test to see the Hunter’s quality.　It was said that one of the guests, Solis Rodin, a Hunter, immediately recognized her and was so polite to the Princess that the Emperor was deeply impressed by his behavior.

　This story was a famous anecdote in the Imperial Capital.

　Nowadays, the disguises of the Princesses have become smoke and mirrors and they only change her clothes, but there is an unspoken agreement.

　Right now, the princess was both an Imperial Princess and one of the servants. However, you could say whatever you want, she was still an Imperial Princess. If he just gave her a souvenir it would still be fine, but saying 『Let’s give a souvenir to this “young lady (Ojou-san)” who has been working so hard』 is nothing but disrespectful.

　What are you thinking about…… From the look on his face, I couldn’t even wonder what Cry, who was looking at the treats lined up at the table next to us, was thinking about. He looked like he was thinking about how delicious the food will be or something of the like, but I don’t think he was really thinking about that kind of lax thought.

　Many nobles were staring at 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 as he unceremoniously approached the Princess and (Cry probably didn’t mean to, but it would appear so to those around him) even hit on her in front of so many people. Naturally, what he did had a ripple effect on Eva, who stood next to him.

　Moreover, Eva knew. She knew that the souvenir he gave her was not Dragon’s Egg, but just Onsen Egg which brand name was 『Onsen Dragon Egg』. However, I don’t know the real meaning of all this.

“Cry-san, it might be a little late after all this time but…… The burden might be too much for me.” (Eva)

“Even if you tell me that I will be troubled…… But look, I think most people who approached me are probably looking for you, Eva……” (Cry)

　At the whining which came out of my mouth, the Clan Master frowned his eyebrows.\n　There was no way that what he said was true. Usually, the position of Vice-Clan Master of 《First Step (Hajimari no Ashiato1)》 has a certain status behind it, but we are in the famous 『White Sword Gathering』. Eva’s position was probably the lowest among the attendees, and more importantly, the Clan Master was here.　If a problem arises here, no matter how fast of a developing Clan we are, we won’t come out of it unscattered.

 

　I had always hoped that he would come with me to parties. As it was an extraordinary challenge for Eva, who was not a Hunter, to go up against mountains of sly and old foxes merchants and other Clans by herself.　However, now that he was actually with me…… It may have been a good thing that he didn’t come with me up until now.

　What his eyes were seeing, the thoughts he had, were too different from what Eva could perceive.　Now that I think about it, this Clan Master’s action has been too bold since the first time he came to invite me to join his Clan.

　Cry approached Éclair, who had done a great job at controlling the situation earlier. And then, he spoke to her in a friendly manner as if he were meeting an old friend.

“Heyyy, thank you for earlier. It’s because, you know………… I don’t know manners. Aaah, maybe I should use honorifics with you?” (Cry)

“Hiih………… D-Don’t worry. I still owe you for what happened during the auction. There was, also the matter about the Barrels.” (Éclair)

“No, well, I didn’t really do anything about them…… You see, it was the same as what happened during the auction.” (Cry)

“U-umu……” (Éclair)

　Éclair Gladys, who was known for her dislike of Hunters and proud attitude, was completely terrified. There was a big gap between her and the *niconico* smiling Cry. \n　I…… Have to do something about it. I have to calm down the situation before Cry-san makes an enemy out of everyone here.