Yellow Mark Disease (1)

The handkerchief Canopus had given me was a soggy mess from my tears.

Yet Canopus paid no attention to its miserable state. He simply kept reaching toward my cheek, then pulling his hand back, looking completely flustered.

Seeing him like that, I felt myself calm down, thinking, 'Ah, that's Canopus.' But then I noticed Aerial and the others still prostrate behind him, and came back to reality.

"A-Aerial! I'm sorry, I forgot about you!"

As I hurried to stand, Canopus offered me one hand and helped me to my feet.

...What a gentleman. My guard knight really is a fine knight.

As I thought proudly of him, Canopus parted his shapely lips and spoke.

"It seems the time for prayer, granted by the Great Saint-sama's mercy, is over. Now it is time for you to depart for the afterlife!"

As he spoke, he drew the sword at his waist without hesitation.

"W-Wait!"...