We had become known around the Guild as the most promising young party, the team to watch. Dungeon dives, monster hunts, escort missions—every request we took on seemed to end in success, and our reputation only grew brighter with each passing day. On the surface, everything was perfect. And yet, somewhere along the way, a thin, uneasy current had started to flow beneath us.
"Leon, today's fight went really well. You kept things steady out there." Elsa dropped into the seat beside me like it was the most natural thing in the world. Her tone was casual, but her eyes carried something heavier.
"Uh, did it? Well, it was only because everyone moved so well together," I answered. But the moment my words left me, I noticed a faint flush warming her cheeks.
"Mm... that's true, but..." Her voice trailed, her gaze fixed squarely on me, and I couldn't help but squirm under it. It wasn't like her usual cool, battle-ready stare—this one was softer, more searching.
"...Leon, look at me a second."
"Hm?"
Her expression sharpened, and suddenly she was leaning in, studying my face up close. Too close.
"It's just... I've been worried you're pushing yourself too hard lately."
"I'm not—"
"Really? Because you look tired. I can tell." Her voice held an edge of stubborn concern, and she didn't pull back. The closeness made my heart skip in a way I couldn't explain.
"...Elsa."
"W-what?" Her eyes blinked, wide, like she hadn't realized what she was doing.
"You're way too close."
"A-ah!" She jerked back so fast her chair scraped the floor, her cheeks flaring crimson now.
The sharp sound drew Cain's voice, cool and cutting. "...Hmph. You two seem awfully cozy." Her face was as unreadable as ever, but her tone carried a sting.
"Eh? No, it's not—"
"It doesn't matter. Just don't let your little moments distract you in battle." Cain's words landed hard, making Elsa stiffen. I felt the tension too, my eyes sliding away.
Then Cecilia's sigh slipped into the silence, soft but loaded. "Good grief... watching this play out, I can't help but think it's another test from God."
"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked before I could stop myself.
Her lips curved into a polite smile, though her eyes stayed cold. "When men and women fight side by side, such things are inevitable~desuwa."
"...Nothing's happening," I muttered.
"Is that so?" Cecilia tilted her head ever so slightly, her gaze cool as glass. It made my skin crawl, though I couldn't say why.
Across the table, Lilis broke into a bright laugh. "Ha! This is gold."
"Gold? You've got to be kidding me..."
"Oh come on, it's hilarious! Elsa's clearly flustered over you, Cain's getting prickly, Cecilia's throwing icy looks—and you're stuck in the middle! How could I not enjoy this?" Her grin stretched, all teeth, as she leaned back like she was watching her favorite drama unfold.
"You're just a spectator, huh..." I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose.
"Exactly! Watching is half the fun. And something tells me it's only gonna get better from here." Her golden eyes sparkled with mischief as she sipped her drink.
Later, we ended up at a tavern to shake off the day's fatigue. Mugs clinked, voices rose around us, the warmth of firelight painting shadows on the walls. Elsa lifted her cup toward me with an almost shy smile.
"Leon, let's toast."
"...Huh?" Her expression was strained, just a little too deliberate, but I tapped my cup to hers anyway.
"Our party's been doing so well lately. Everything feels... right."
"Yeah. More jobs completed, better rewards, the Guild sings our praises—it's been good."
Her eyes dipped, voice softening. "But it's not just that. It's you, Leon. Because you're here, I can fight without fear."
Her words hung between us. I felt Cain's eyes on me, heavy and silent, her gaze sharp as ever even though she said nothing.
"...And there it is again," Lilis whispered with a smirk, shaking her head. "This is gonna be a ride."
For a moment I wondered if she was right—if something inside our party was already twisting out of shape. I tried to push the thought away, but deep down, I could feel it. Something had started to shift. And it wasn't going back.