Ariel looks around behind her in rare panic.
Sylphy looks calm, Luke slightly droops his head.
"I want to help Ariel-sama."
As I said that, I felt her grip suddenly tighten.[5]
An unbelievable strength from those delicate fingers. It almost hurt.
"How could you two, do such a thing...?"[6]
"Asking help from this Rudeus Greyrat? I do not intend to look down on you. What I want to say is different."
Suddenly grabbing her hand, talking about that.
How would the normal Ariel react?
"Can I be your support?"
Honest tears flowed from Ariel's eyes when she heard those words, moved.
A beautiful tear.
This surprised me, that it would make Ariel cry.
Why?
Ariel, with her free hand, wiped away her tears and forced a smile.
"It's the first time in my life I was told a pick-up line that touched my heart this much." [7]
She jokes, but her face is honest.
She isn't blushing, nor crying.
The face of a princess.
"Indeed, that's an incredible proposition... but."
Ariel did not agree right away.
Holding her chin, looking towards me with slightly upturned eyes, her eyes narrow.
As if to search my true feelings.
"I heard that Rudeus-sama became Orsted-sama's subordinate, would he allow it?"
"I already informed Orsted-sama of my intentions."
"Perhaps Orsted-sama ordered Rudeus-sama to do this?"
It's possible that Orsted's curse is less effective against Ariel, and she herself said that it doesn't bother her.
But as planned, I lie about Orsted's motives.
"That's not the case. He simply gave me free rein when I asked if I can help Ariel-sama."
"Really... Well then, I understand. I offer Orsted-sama my gratitude."
I can see Sylphy pouting from the corner of my eyes, but it can't be helped.
"Well, I'm in your care, Rudeus-sama."
"Likewise."
I hold Ariel's hand once more, but different than before.
A handshake.