The next morning, a small incident occurred.

Raymira’s sleeping posture was so bad that when I woke up, she was clinging to me.

I still remember it clearly.

When I opened my eyes, Raymira’s face was so close that it filled my vision.

I had purposely kept my distance to prevent something like this, but I underestimated her sleeping habits.

Even with my 《Cheat Code Manipulation》, I had no ability to handle this kind of situation.

“Good morning! Are you two—oh.”

In the middle of this commotion, Kaya walked in and witnessed the scene.

“Sorry, am I interrupting something?”

“No, no! It’s fine! Really fine!”

It took some time to clear up the unnecessary misunderstanding. And for some reason, Kaya seemed slightly annoyed. Though as I explained, she eventually looked relieved (I still don’t understand why).

Because of all this, we didn’t leave the house until almost noon.

Compared to when I was forced to wake up early for training, this was a world of difference.

…Well, personally, this pace suits me better.

Anyway, today marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Away from the noisy royal capital, I’m starting a quiet life in the countryside.

“Alright, let’s register as adventurers. Arios, you’re becoming an adventurer too, right?”

“Yes… that’s the plan.”

Honestly, fighting is the only thing I’m good at. I don’t have much education either.

“Um, Arios?”

“Yes?”

“Could you… speak to me more casually? Please?”

“Eh?”

There’s no way I can do that.

We just met yesterday, and she’s older than me. On top of that, as an A-rank adventurer, she’s technically my senior.

It’s just not possible.

I was about to explain, but Kaya didn’t seem to be joking. If anything, she genuinely wanted me to drop the formalities.

…If that’s the case, it’s only proper to follow the wishes of someone above you. I should handle this properly.

“Alright. But only when we’re not working as adventurers, okay?”

“Really!?”

Kaya’s face lit up with a radiant smile.

I had no idea why she was so happy.

As I tilted my head in confusion, Ray leaned forward, not wanting to be outdone.

“Then, you can call me 《your bride》♪.”

“Alright, let’s get going.”

And so, we left the house.

“Hey.”

While walking toward the guild, Kaya suddenly spoke up.

“Arios, have you… changed somehow?”

“Huh? Changed how?”

“Well, it’s just… your movements seem sharper compared to yesterday.”

“Eh?”

My movements?

I thought about it and then remembered. Last night, I mastered the 《First Form》 of the Engen Style.

That achievement opened a new horizon for me. Now, I’m always alert, prepared for any ambush.

…Though, in a village like this, there probably won’t be any incidents.

“You’re completely flawless compared to yesterday. Did you hold back during the fight?”

“No, no. Nothing like that.”

Noticing such subtle differences—she truly is an A-rank adventurer.

“Hehe. Either way, I’m looking forward to learning swordsmanship from you, Arios♪.”

“I already said I’m not teaching you…”

Why would I need to teach an A-rank adventurer?

“Oh, by the way.”

I suddenly remembered something and asked Kaya.

“Is there anywhere in this village to sell things? I’ve got a bunch of stuff to get rid of.”

“Oh, yes. You can do that at the guild. Let’s handle it after registering as adventurers.”

“Got it. Thanks.”

Right now, I’m almost broke.

Even though Ray is with me, I’d feel bad relying entirely on her. I’d rather earn enough to support myself.

Thankfully, no one is gossiping about me anymore.

It seems that while people know the Sword Saint’s son has the 《Useless Skill》, they don’t recognize my face.

Also, there’s no need to hide Ray’s identity here.

The villagers seem to fully understand Ray’s eccentric personality.

“Oh, Ray! You’re back!”

“Ah, auntie! It’s been a while!”

“Try not to get caught by the knights this time, okay? It’s a pain to cover for you.”

“Hehe, this time I’ll be fine!”

Ray’s return was warmly welcomed by the villagers.

It’s much more comfortable than the royal capital.

…But.

“Hey, who’s that guy…?”
“He’s walking with Princess Raymira and Kaya… He’s definitely not ordinary.”
“And he’s talking casually… Could he be someone of noble rank?”

It seems the whispers haven’t stopped entirely, though they’ve taken on a different tone.