Beginning of a Dream: Emilio

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1: Knight in Shining Armour

After finishing some errands and leaving the federation branch, I noticed that the main street was crowded with many people.

MC: Hmm? Was there a festival or something today…?

Man: It's the knights!

Woman: As always, thank you for everything!

MC: (Aah, I see. The Chevaliers are back from their expedition.)

Guild of Knights, Chevalier, their mission is to achieve peace throughout the land. It was a guild of elite knights from different countries.

It is based here in Astria, the land of the knights. It is also closely allied to the knightly orders directly under the state, led by the royal family, and is dedicated to peace.

MC: (The loud cheers... show how important all the knights are to the people of the city…)

MC: (In the lead of the knights is Emilio.)

Emilio: …….

Suddenly, as if our eyes met, Emilio dismounted from his white horse. And a small figure approached him.

Young boy: Emilio-sama! My dream is to become your squire in the future!

Emilio: Thank you. It's an honour. I look forward to the day you join Chevalier.

After stroking the boy's head, Emilio ran up to me.

MC: Welcome back, Emilio.

Emilio: I'm home, (MC). Are you on your way back to the guild home?

MC: Yes! I was running an errand at the federation branch, and it got really late.

Emilio: Then… Sorry, could you wait here for a moment, please?

Emilio: Sir, your luggage looks heavy. If you'd like, I can help you with it.

Old man: S-Sir Knight!? You don't have to help someone like me…

Emilio: It would be a knight's downfall if he overlooked those in need.

Emilio: For the sake of my knighthood, please let me help you.

The knights belonging to the Chevalier are all kind people, but one thing is certain…Emilio seemed to be an exceptional example of this.

MC: (He's really like a picture perfect knight on a white horse…)

Emilio: Phew, sorry to keep you waiting.

Emilio: Now then, should we ride back together on my horse?

MC: Eh!? No, it's such a short walk from here… and I don't want to burden you too much since you just came back from an expedition.

Emilio: Ahaha! We're going back to the same place, you don't need to fret over it.

Emilio: Besides, the sun's already setting and... I wouldn't want you to walk alone at this hour.

Emilio: What do you think? I'd be happy if you'd let me protect you.

—-> Choice: "Is there any danger?"

MC: Is there any danger? I'm really just gonna go back though…

Emilio: No matter how safe a country is, you can never be too careful. There are bad people everywhere.

Emilio: I'm not saying you have to, of course, but it would be nice if you'd consider… Just in case.

MC: Hmm…. That's right. Sorry to bother, but is your offer still on the table?

Emilio: Fufu, of course.

Emilio: Then, your hand, please? Our guildkeeper.

Emilio: I'll hold you up, but if you're afraid of the shaking, just hold on to my arm, okay?

MC: A-Alright.

—The warmth of his body wrapped around my back and his arm gently wrapped around my waist. When I become aware of it, my cheeks heat up.

The journey back to the church, which should not have been that far, felt longer than usual, perhaps it was because of the tension I felt with the knight behind me.

2: The Sun That Shines Down Upon the Knights

Not long after night fell, we arrived at the Guild home, Cheval church in Chevalier.

Emilio dismounted from his horse after it came to a full stop.

Emilio: Here, (MC). If you'd like, you can put your hand on my shoulder. 

MC: Like… this?

Emilio: Yes, that's right. 

You do as you're told and place your hands on Emilio's shoulders, he lifts you up around the waist and gently dismounts you from the horse.

MC: Thank you… 

Emilio: Haha, you don't have to thank me. Escorting a lady such as yourself is part of being a knight. 

Emilio: More importantly, were you comfortable on the horse? Most people get sore if they're not used to it.

MC: No, not at all! Thanks to Emilio's consideration, I was able to ride comfortably. 

Emilio: That's good to hear. Then, I'll take the horse back to the stables to rest. 

Emilio: Orthus*, you did well today… thirsty, aren't you? Go get some well deserved rest.

MC: (Everywhere you turn, he looks like a knight from a storybook you read as a child.)

MC: (He's kind and friendly to everyone. I still can't believe such a person actually exists.)

???: This is… Love! Oh, how wonderful! I can feel the love from here! 

MC: Eh? Harriet? Why are you in the stables?

Harriet: Fufu, that's obvious, isn't it? I was led by love! Guided by love!

Harriet: You and Emilio…! I can feel the blooming romance between you from here!

MC: Eh, romance!? But there's really nothing…

Emilio: I see that you are as energetic as always, Harriet. As for what I feel for her… Ha ha, stretching it a little, but I suppose you could call it compassion towards a fellow human.

Harriet: Just compassion...!? Ugh you knights are always so …!

Harriet: No! This is not a bromance but a romance! I refuse!

Harriet: Listen, it’s not impossible for that compassion to one day develop into romantic love…!

Emilio: All right, all right. Whatever you say. Look, I'm going back inside.

All Knights: Emilio-sama, welcome back!

The moment the church doors were opened, knights with bright eyes greeted Emilio.

Emilio: I'm back. Thank you all for taking care of my absence. Anything to report?

Knight 1: I'd like to report, or rather discuss, one…

MC: Emilio, you're like the centre of everyone's hearts here, aren't you?

MC: As the title Sun Knight suggests, you're really like the sun shining on everyone…

Emilio: Fufu, I'm glad to hear you say that.

Emilio: If I don't live up to my great title, I'm doing everyone a disservice.

Emilio: As the one in charge the offensive line, my mission is to avenge evil and do justice.

Emilio: I'm only able to be where I am right now because I worked hard on it. 

Emilio stayed humble, continuing to do his job with a smile on his face. He felt as warm as the morning sun and his smile was just as dazzling.

3: Weakness of the Solar Knight

—Shortly after the knights came back from the expedition, and after Emilio had finished his report to the Commander of the Knights, Alex. 

Perhaps because of their relief after accomplishing a great task, they decided to hold a banquet to celebrate their return and success. 

Knight 1: Sir Emilio, what can I get you for tonight? 

Knight 2: Sir Emilio's favourite are omelettes, right? I can guarantee you the ones here are really good!

Emilio: Yup, I'll leave it to you to order for me. (MC) is there anything you'd like to drink?

MC: Ah, I'm fine with getting the same as everyone else. 

Emilio: Roger that.

MC: (Emilio likes omelettes… Isn't that kind of cute? Maybe a bit surprising too…) 

The banquet began peacefully, but as time went on, it became more and more lively.

Knight 1: You’re the Solar Knight, Emilio-saaan! How could you be shooo wimpy?!

Knight 2: Eeexaaaactly! Is that all you’ve goooot?!

Emilio: …. Ugh…. No… No more… Can't drink… 

MC: E-Emilio, are you alright?

Emilio: N-No, Haha, I'm fine, I'm fine… I've shown you something shameful, haven't I?

—> Choice: Not at all! I don't think so. 

MC: I don’t think so at all. You’re only so affected because you drank with all of the knights individually.

MC: How do I put this… It feels very much like Emilio to do.

Emilio: Fufu… You're giving too much credit to someone who's just drunk. 

Emilio: But, surely… If everyone had a good time drinking, isn't that something to be happy about?

Accompanying Emilio to sober up a little, the two of us continued chatting and laughing in the street just outside the bar. 

And then—

MC: Oh, if it isn't Cyrus! Good work today!

Emilio: Hey, Cyrus. Are you joining us tonight for the feast? 

Cyrus: …. No, I'll pass. I just happened to see you guys here. 

Emilio: Haha, what a shame.

MC: (Come to think of it…. They're twins, aren't they?)

MC: (I'm pretty sure I heard somewhere that Cyrus is his brother...)

Cyrus: …. Then, if you'll excuse me.

Emilio: Mhm, see you.

Without striking any further conversation, Cyrus left the scene quietly.

MC: (What is this? Their relationship seems more simple than I thought…but they are brothers, is this common?)

Cyrus: … Come to think of it,

Cyrus: There's been some recent street killings targeting women.

Cyrus: … Be careful.

For some reason I felt like those words were directed at Emilio instead of me.

I look up at Emilio, who is standing next to me. His expression was as usual, smiling gently.

The moonlight only illuminated him beautifully, as if he was a statue.

4: A Guiding Sword

Alex: My honourable knights! Is that all the bravado you have?!

MC: (As expected of Sir Alex… He's strong…!)

It's been a while since the feast, and today the Commander himself is wielding a sword. A large-scale training session is taking place.

Every knight in the stadium was strong, but even with all of them combined, they were no match for him.

MC: (Even though it's training, injuries are bound to happen. Let's concentrate so that I can follow up too…!) 

Emilio: First, may I have the honor of being your opponent, Commander?

Alex: Emilio. Fine, come any time.

Emilio: Then…! 

Emilio, with his practice swords in both of his hands, launched himself from the ground. 

In a single breath, he closes the gap and flashes the sword in his right hand.

Alex parries the attack, and Emilio slams his left sword in without a pause.

The onslaught is so destructive that it even seemed deadly. Naturally, he is not the calm man of his day-to-day life, but—

Emilio: Haaaaah!!!

There he was, the second-in-command of the Chevalier, a man worthy of the title of Solar Knight — A Meister.

Alex: Your reaction is good. But… it's not enough!

Emilio: Guh–!?

Cleaved by Alex's powerful blow, Emilio falls to his knees, gasping for breath.

Alex: ......Hmm. You've improved your arm, Emilio. Your swordsmanship is even more brilliant than before.

Alex: It's also impressive that you could endure that attack without letting go of your sword. 

Emilio: Thank you very much.

Emilio: … But I need to work harder. Had this been a real battlefield, I would've been dead by now. 

Emilio bowed to Alex and came out of the training ring while clutching his injured arm.

Emilio: Haah… The commander is still a whole dimension away. 

Emilio: (MC), if it's not too much trouble, could you patch me up? 

MC: Yes! I'm on it!

—> Choice: Does it hurt?

MC: …! Your arm is swollen! This must hurt a lot, huh…?

Emilio: Haha, I guess I'm used to it. In Chevalier, you get these kinds of injuries everyday. 

Emilio: Anyways… you're pretty good at this, aren't you? The way you wrapped the bandage is perfect.

MC: I'm glad to hear you say so. It was worth practising in secret!

Once I finished treating Emilio's wound, the knights started cheering again, and we turned our attention in their direction.

In the training ring was now Cyrus, replacing Emilio's position just a few moments ago.

MC: (How do I put this… Emilio and Cyrus are twins but they fight in totally different ways.)

MC: (While Emilio was focused more on cutting down the enemy… Cyrus is focused on keeping himself steady and defending himself.)

Emilio: …. Cyrus really is amazing. He can take the Commander's attacks so well.

MC: Emilio, you're amazing too, you know? 

MC: You're braver and more daring than anyone else, you have a tremendous spirit that won't be intimidated by any opponent.

MC: You've got a reputation among the other knights for the way you lead in battle.

Emilio: ……. 

Emilio: Mhm…. That's right.

Emilio: As a Solar Knight, it's my duty to pave the way for everyone.

Emilio: Because it's the only thing I can do.

MC: Eh…..? 

Emilio: If it means saving everyone's lives and Chevalier… I'm willing to do whatever it takes. 

"Whatever it takes."

The dangerous implication of those words made a slight stir in the back of my chest. 

Emilio's eyes, who were looking at Cyrus, seemed to hold a depth of complex feelings in them. 

5: The Solar Knight's Oath

It was another day, and I was supposed to head to the federation branch this afternoon alone, but…

MC:…I’m touched that you care so much about me, but do you really think that someone insignificant like me needs a bodyguard?

Emilio: You mustn’t call yourself insignificant. You are a wonderful and praiseworthy lady.

Emilio: A street killer that targets only women… 

Emilio: With all these uncertainties, it's only natural to be prepared for any unlikely event that can happen. 

Emilio said, but seemed to turn his gaze towards his surroundings in his usual behaviour. 

Emilio: Luckily, the Cheval Church won't be doing any expeditions for a while. 

Emilio: Me, Cyrus and a few other knights have joined up with the city guard and we'll be patrolling together.

MC: I see. Then that would make it harder for the killer to move. And everyone in town will feel safer.

Emilio: Mhm, but unfortunately, that's only a temporary solution.

Emilio: Only by cutting off the root of the problem… can lead to actual peace of mind.

Emilio stops abruptly and looks straight at me.

Emilio: As I've said before, protecting Chevalier is my mission.

Emilio: And you're one of them. You're a valued member of Chevalier.

MC: Thank you… 

MC: Emilio, you must really care about Chevalier, huh? 

Emilio: ……. 

Emilio: Chevalier is more important than anything else, because it's the only place I can belong.

MC: ("Only"...?)

Somehow, Emilio's words seem to carry a tinge of loneliness in them.

Despite his radiant smile, Emilio's eyes were tinged with wistfulness.

MC: (Come to think of it…)

—Flashback start—

Emilio: If I don't live up to my great title, I'm doing everyone a disservice.

Emilio: As the one in charge of the offensive line, my mission is to avenge evil and do justice.

Emilio: I'm only able to be where I am right now because I worked hard on it. 

—Flashback end—

MC: (I still can't tell what Emilio is really thinking about… I don't know yet.)

MC: Um, I know that this might be a bit nosy of me, but I think that you also have other places or people that you can feel a sense of belonging to and at home with as well. 

MC: For example, look at your relationship with everyone in town. Other than that, there's also, well...your family.

Emilio: ……. 

Emilio: Maybe. But still ...... My place can't be anywhere else but Chevalier.

Emilio: I have to be in that place.

His profile is downcast. I still can't see the reason for the sadness, but…

—> Choice: Stare at him.

I stared at Emilio, unable to say anything else.

Emilio: … Haha, I got a bit sentimental and out of character there.

Emilio: You have nothing to worry about. Just leave it to me and you'll be fine.

Emilio: As the Solar Knight of Chevalier… I vow to destroy everything that tries to bring harm to you.

Emilio quietly took my hand and held it up as if to bring his forehead to it.

Emilio: A mission to defeat evil and protect peace… 

Emilio: I'll make sure it'll happen.

—Flashback start—

Emilio: If it means saving everyone's lives and Chevalier… I'm willing to do whatever it takes. 

—Flashback end—

Suddenly, his words come back to me. Because they are sincere and undistorted.

Like a double-edged sword, I felt as if he was in danger of hurting himself.

6: An Uneasy Feeling

—Flashback start—

Emilio: A street killer that targets only women… 

Emilio: With all these uncertainties, it's only natural to be prepared for any unlikely event that can happen. 

Emilio: Me, Cyrus and a few other knights have joined up with the city guard and we'll be patrolling together.

— Flashback end—

MC: (There's been no particular movement regarding the case since the Knights of the Chevalier joined up with the city guard.) 

MC: (... Mhm, there we go.) 

As I wrapped up my last task of the day, an unexpected voice suddenly approached me.

Emilio: …. Oh? You're still awake?

MC: Ah, Emilio. Welcome back. 

Emilio: You need to get some rest yourself too… but knowing you, you probably won't listen to me. You're a hard worker, hehe.

MC: (Emilio, you're in somewhat of a good mood today.)

MC: (He often comes back with a difficult look on his face lately, saying they're having a hard time capturing the perpetrator behind the recent street killings.)

Seeing Emilio's relaxed face for the first time in a long time made me feel at ease, too.

MC: Oh, that's right! Emilio, if you don't mind, would you like to join me for dinner?

MC: I can make an omelette or something for you—

Emilio: I'd love to! Then, if it's not too much trouble, please do. Thank you.

Emilio: If that's the case… maybe I should go back and wash up first. Especially since I just came back from all that walking during patrolling. 

Emilio: I'll go back to my room first and come back. 

MC: Sure! Then, I'll be waiting for you. 

Something occurred to me as I was about to go to the kitchen to handle the preparation of the food.

MC: (Ah, what should I put in the omelette…? I want to make it the way he likes it.) 

MC: (... I should go and ask.) 

I headed to Emilio's room in high spirits.

MC: Uhm….. Haha, Emilio…? W-What…

A few moments later, I found myself being pinned against the wall. 

Just a few inches away from my face was the familiar face of the Solar Knight who was admired by all. 

MC: (Um… What in the world is happening?) 

As I remember what happened a few moments ago, I knocked on the half-open door and made my way in. Only to have Emilio pull me in strongly by the arm. 

Emilio: You're letting your guard down a bit too much, aren't you? Visiting a man's room at this hour.

MC: No, I just…! I just wanted to ask you what you wanted in your omelette, is all.

I don't really have a guilty conscience, but the proximity between the two of us made me nervous. 

Emilio's expression softens, perhaps amused seeing me look so nervous. 

Emilio: I'm fine with anything you make. But…

Emilio: If you're still going to stay here, perhaps we should change our dinner plans into something more like… a secret rendezvous? 

MC: I-I'm going to make the omelette now!

Just as I broke away, the corner of your eyes caught something unfamiliar in his room.

A cloak laid haphazardly on the desk. It had several red stains on it. 

MC: (That's…?)

But when Emilio came down for dinner, nothing seemed off about him and continued as usual.

I convinced myself that the "blood" I saw that night was nothing but a misunderstanding on my part.

The next morning.

Alex stands before everyone who fell in line neatly, myself included.

MC: (I heard that there was going to be a big announcement…) 

Alex: As usual, all of you are aware of the criminal running amok in the streets targeting women. The culprit should've been apprehended by our own hands and thus finally let the curtains close. 

Alex: But, apparently, that's not going to happen anymore. 

MC: …. Did something happen? 

Alex: ……. 

Alex: The suspects alleged to have been involved in the incident…

Alex: They died last night. 

MC: ….!?



7: Honourable Title

—Flashback start—

Alex: As usual, all of you are aware of the criminal running amok in the streets targeting women. The culprit should've been apprehended by our own hands and thus finally let the curtains close. 

Alex: But, apparently, that's not going to happen anymore. 

Alex: The suspects alleged to have been involved in the incident…

Alex: They died last night. 

—Flashback end—

Alex: There is no conclusive evidence, but three people were considered suspects. Two of them are confirmed dead.

Alex: The remaining one has disappeared… The situation suggests a likely split in the group.

Alex: They have their name and description on hand, and it was decided that the security forces alone would be sufficient to carry out further investigations.

Alex: Some of you may disagree but… We will return to our normal duties from today. That is all.

Knight 1: … I don't feel too good about this. 

Knight 2: Ahh, I didn't realize they'd split up like this… It happens all the time but I hope they get the other one quickly too.

Emilio: Come on, everyone! I know how you guys feel but it's time to switch over.

Emilio: What difference does it make to the importance of patrols if they're not related to an incident?

Emilio: May you all serve to keep the peace in this city today!

Everyone: Yes sir!

MC: (Emilio…) 

—Flashback start—

Emilio: If it means saving everyone's lives and Chevalier… I'm willing to do whatever it takes. 

Emilio: A mission to defeat evil and protect peace… 

Emilio: I'll make sure it'll happen.

—Flashback end—

Suddenly, his words pass through my mind.

As well as the "blood" stained cloak I saw in Emilio's room last night.

MC: …… 

 

---

 

MC: Ahh, the sun has completely gone down…

MC: (I guess I'll go back to Cheval Church today to check on the purchases of the equipment and calculate the cost of everything…)

Another busy yet peaceful day.

I had finished my work at the federation branch and was walking along the back roads back to the Cheval church when suddenly—

???: Gah…!?

MC: (...!? What was that…?)

MC: —!?

Emilio: ……. 

MC: E-Emilio…? What are you doing here?

Suddenly, my nose caught the smell of blood. The scent was so thick that it made me feel nauseous.

I took a closer look at him, and I caught sight of a man lying at his feet… surrounded by a pool of blood.

Emilio: Oh dear, (MC)? What a coincidence to find you here. But at this hour.... Oh, are you working overtime again?

Emilio: It's good that you're diligent on your work, but don't put too many hours into it.

His face was the same as ever.

His words were the same as ever. 

Bathed in blood, carrying a deadly sword, looking stranger than ever, he was still acting the same as ever.

MC: Eh….? Oh, um…. This man….? 

Emilio: Oh, him? He's the last of the criminals that fled. It was just a coincidence that he ended up here.

Emilio: It's a bit embarrassing… I only struck him down the other day. I thought he'd have fled the country by now, but…

Emilio: I was making the rounds just in case, and got surprised. I didn't think he was still in town.

Emilio: Thanks to this, I have successfully fulfilled my mission as a sun knight. Fufu… Is this also thanks to my routine? ….. Just kidding. 

MC: (I knew it… The cloak in his room that day was not a mistake.)

Chevaliers are the ones who must constantly confront evil.

I understand, of course, that they sometimes need to kill their enemies. But…

MC: … Couldn't you just have captured him? 

MC: Along with the other two that were working with him the other day. 

MC: … Is killing really necessary? 

Emilio: It is.

Emilio: Because that's my mission.

MC: But…!

Emilio: Suppose that I did capture him, Maybe he could be rehabilitated as a prisoner.

Emilio: But even then, that's just a "maybe" isn't it? 

Emilio: Give them an inch and they'll end up taking a mile – if I show them mercy, and they end up hurting other people again… I'd be doing my name as a Solar Knight a disservice. 

Emilio: Chevalier is the one to carry justice out to the world. I will fulfill my role in accordance with that philosophy.

Emilio declared with an unwavering gaze.

Emilio: Evil will eventually undermine justice.

Emilio: I can't allow that to happen, can I?

In the moonlight that shone through the clouds, he was beautiful, a knight of integrity and purity.

But at the same time, I felt that he was cloaked in an unfathomable coldness that made those who saw him shudder from the bottom of their hearts.

8: Until the Day Our Hearts Truly Meet

I could hardly sleep last night.

But the morning comes today as it always does.

I was troubled, but in the end I decided to not report Emilio to Alex or to any of the other nights. 

—Flashback start—

Emilio: Evil will eventually undermine justice.

Emilio: The dream world, Astoria, and Chevalier. How dare they threaten my place. 

Emilio: I can't allow that to happen, can I?

—Flashback end—

MC: … "My place", huh? 

Come to think of it, Emilio has said those words many times before.

He's obsessed with that word. … What could be the reason for that?

MC: (I wonder if Cyrus would know why…) 

—Flashback start—

Cyrus: …. Be careful.

—Flashback end—

I was suddenly reminded of Cyrus' words that night.

MC: (In the end, it was a warning to Emilio after all.)

Yesterday's scene emerges in my head once more without any effort.

No matter who dies, no matter what happens, the world still goes on as it always has.

It's a normal thing, but for some reason it feels suffocating. 

Knock, knock

MC: …? Come in. 

???: Pardon for the intrusion.

MC: E-Emilio, it's you.

Emilio: …. Can I ask you something, if you don't mind? 

Emilio: But first, would you mind going for a little walk with me?

Emilio brought me to a flower garden behind the royal castle.

The colorful flowers danced along to the song of the wind. 

Emilio: … Mhm, this place is as beautiful as ever. 

As expected, his kindness and his smile… Nothing has changed, he remains as gentle as ever.

It seems as if yesterday's events never happened in the first place.

Emilio: … I knew it. You couldn't sleep, could you? 

Emilio: I really didn't want people to see what happened yesterday.

But…

In his own words, such as these. He reminds me that yesterday was real.

Emilio: That scene wasn't very pretty, was it? It's only expected if you feel disgusted.

Emilio: I usually get it done more efficiently. Oh, and, don't worry about how I cleaned that up, okay?

Emilio: I've left it in the hands of a proper and trustworthy cleaner. There are no more traces of anything unpleasant left behind.

But that reaction is what makes the difference between me and his decisive values.

But that reaction itself was what made the fatal difference in morals between us painfully barren.

MC: No, that’s not it. I… I wasn’t able to sleep, but it’s not because I saw blood spilt right before my eyes.

MC: I was just thinking about what you did.

Emilio: What I did…? Is that… how I got rid of them? 

MC: … Yes. 

MC: Guild of Knights, Chevalier. A symbol of unwavering justice. The weight of the responsibility of being part of it… 

MC: I understand that sometimes lives have to be sacrificed in order to achieve justice for the many people we protect.

MC: That's why, I'm not sad. It's just that—! 

MC: Staying calm and laughing while… you kill a man. 

MC: I just really didn't know if you needed to put your hands on that criminal. 

Emilio: ….. 

Emilio: In the end, it seems like we have different morals we need to uphold. 

Emilio: Just as you don't understand me, I don't understand you. But…

Emilio: That's something that's…

Emilio: …very sad to me.

As the strong winds of the field blow against me, Emilio gently looks away.

At that moment,

I felt that if I didn't step into his side, somehow I would never know Emilio's heart again.

MC: … That's why,

Emilio: …..! 

MC: Little by little, I want to get to know you better. 

MC: I want to understand you… Using your words, I want to be someone you can lean on and feel safe with…

MC: Just like how I could lean on you as the guild keeper to a meister.

Emilio: Feel…safe with?

A heartbeat later, a  surprisingly happy smile spreads across his face as he stares at me in amazement.

Emilio: … (MC), thank you for thinking of me.

Emilio: I don't know how to describe this feeling, but…

Emilio: Now, I want to respond to your feelings.

Kneeling, Emilio gently took my hand.

Emilio: You're a member of Chevalier – an important existence to me.

Emilio: A person who makes up the place where I belong. A person that I should protect with my very existence.

Emilio: I hereby swear again. In the name of the Solar Knight, I will cut down your enemies.

The solar knight, whom everyone admired, was kneeling before me.

The soft sunlight made his blonde hair shine more brightly. His eyes are kind and gentle… but his intense gaze made me shiver a little.

Emilio: Even if our hearts do not meet just yet… 

Emilio: From the bottom of my heart, I hope that the day it does will come. 

He pressed his lips against the back of my hand briefly, leaving behind a gentle warmth.

Hoping for the day I can share a smile with him from the bottom of my heart, I could only stare with my eyes fixed on the hand that he pressed his lips to in a kiss that sealed his oath.