Side Story 24: The Civil Officials' Banquet (2)

Who would've thought Roa, of all people, would end up with Lapiria-sama...

With a few drinks in him and some of his tension gone, Derek was casually chatting with Roa and Lapiria-sama.

"I still can't quite believe it myself."

Even while saying that, Roa would occasionally exchange a few words with Lapiria-sama, and the sight of them together was genuinely sweet.

Derek had only ever seen War Princess Lapiria striding through the royal palace with a dignified expression, so he was deeply impressed to realize she could make a face like this, too.

"I mean, Lapiria-sama is ridiculously cute. I'm starting to resent Roa."

"I was surprised Roa was the first to get married, though. I figured Derek would beat him to it."

Yold said this while stuffing his mouth with food. It was true that, as much as I hated to admit it, I was reasonably popular. Mostly in taverns, though.

"I thought so too."

When Roa agreed with Yold, Lapiria-sama asked, "Don't you have anyone nice, Derek?"...