R12. The Two Seeming Like Lovers
"I'll carry it," said Reinhild, looking at Subaru, who was panting beside her.
Although the Trading Company could have delivered the mountain of newly purchased clothes, Reinhild dared not have them sent to the Astrea family estate in the royal capital—it was still her father's residence, after all.
"No need," Subaru said firmly.
Seeing the resolve in Subaru's eyes, Reinhild sighed silently.
She then accepted two drinks from the store owner.
After sipping a little from one with a straw, she pulled it out and put a new straw into the same cup, then handed it to Subaru.
"Thanks. Though, honestly, you didn't have to go through all that trouble—but do what you want."
"Ah."
Subaru took the grilled meat skewer Reinhild handed him, though the top piece had already disappeared into her stomach.
Exhausted, Subaru didn't notice Reinhild's blushing ears as she lowered her head.
Likewise, Reinhild didn't notice Subaru's happy smile.
On a famous street lined with food stalls, a brown-haired girl and a black-haired boy walked together, eating as they went.
They fed not just themselves but also the curiosity of countless onlookers.
Unlike before, this time only Subaru knew—or could even see—the true identity of the brown-haired girl.
Subaru's physical condition was top-tier even by modern standards.
With over 70 kg of grip strength and the ability to lift 80 kg, he was athletic.
Still, after all the walking and carrying, his stamina was running low.
"Subaru, let's sit down and eat something proper. Boss, two burgers please."
Noticing Subaru's exhaustion, Reinhild suggested they take a break.
This time, Subaru didn't refuse. The moment he sat down, he collapsed into the chair.
Reinhild requested a glass of water and some napkins from the vendor and handed them to Subaru.
She also asked the shopkeeper to help dispose of their trash.
As she looked at the completely worn-out Subaru beside her, Reinhild began thinking about where to spend the night.
"Let's go."
Seeing Subaru had mostly recovered, Reinhild grabbed the bags first and led the way.
What took Subaru both hands and considerable effort, Reinhild lifted effortlessly with two fingers.
Watching her, Subaru finally gave up trying to carry anything himself.
This time, they continued with a new pattern—Subaru picked food, handed it to Reinhild, and she would eat it with her free hand before passing the trash back to Subaru.
It wasn't exactly fair.
Eventually, the streets quieted.
Reinhild brought Subaru to a luxurious inn.
Although she had places to stay in the capital—such as the Astrea estate or the knight headquarters—none of them were suitable for bringing Subaru along.
She didn't own any inns in the capital herself.
"I'm very sorry," said the clerk. "We don't have any twin rooms left. How about two singles? Or a room with a double bed?"
Reinhild instinctively prepared to leave, but when she turned and saw Subaru resting nearby, she hesitated.
Luxurious inns weren't abundant in the capital, and it wasn't like spending a night sitting on a chair was impossible.
"Miss, I'll tell you something. At this rate, no high-end inn will have any rooms left. You probably already know why—Reinhild, right? Just two days ago, she drew her sword. One strike even split the clouds.
Of course, the big shots got nervous.
The ones they sent over can't stand low-class inns, so they're taking up all the good rooms. You get what I'm saying, right?"
Understanding now why all the inns were booked—and why Captain Marcos was so desperate to meet her—Reinhild sighed and silently pulled out her wallet.
"No twin room? That's fine. I'll stand watch like I did last night."
Reinhild saw Subaru's surprised face and quickly explained.
The bed could barely fit two people, but it was technically a single.
Fortunately, there was a wooden chair, and the bathroom had hot water.
"That's not okay, I should—"
"Subaru! I'm a knight. Your knight."
Reinhild loudly cut him off.
She knew exactly what Subaru wanted to say, but such words were an insult to her.
Thankfully, Subaru seemed to understand and didn't argue further.
After learning how to use the hot water heater, he went to take a bath.
The sound of water eventually stopped, and steam wafted out as the wooden door opened. Subaru entered wearing the new clothes they'd bought.
"Your turn, Reinhild."
"You're not planning to watch me bathe, are you? Don't worry. I can be away from you for a few minutes. If I couldn't even manage that, I'd be useless."
Reinhild hesitated for a moment.
While she could go a week without sleep while guarding someone, she hadn't bathed in three days.
She had hunted the Bowel Hunter, run all over the place—and even with her Divine Protection of Purity, she was starting to feel a subtle itch.
She knew it was psychological, but the steamy bathroom tugged at her instincts.
"Alright then. I'll wash up too."
Even though she entered the bath, Reinhild was still Reinhild. The moment she touched hot water, she regained her composure.
Within minutes, she was out again.
Subaru was still sitting on a chair, reading.
Reinhild hesitated, then took out her sewing kit and began altering Subaru's clothes.
"That's amazing. I used to think I was pretty good at sewing..." Subaru said, admiring her work.
"Thanks for the compliment. Subaru, if you're tired, sleep on the bed. Don't worry about me."
Subaru nodded repeatedly, but didn't move.
"No... if you're not resting... I won't either…"
Seeing Subaru fighting sleep, Reinhild felt a warm sensation in her heart. She sighed and sat on the left side of the bed.
"You go ahead and sleep. I'll lie down in a bit too."
"Okay. Reinhild... I'm really glad I met... you... I…"
Before he could finish, Subaru fell asleep.
Looking at the slumbering boy, Reinhild smiled and gently stroked his hair.
"Me too."
She whispered, then got off the bed, picked up the chair, and resumed sewing his clothes beside him.