Pinching Seth's side, Lynstella said in a low voice, "You shouldn't make jokes like that at serious times."

"AGHH! I'm sorry!" He moved a bit away from her and rubbed the spot where she had pinched him. "Anyway, we should sit down."

He had a lot of things to ask.

Lynstella nodded.

Seth sat in an upright position with his left leg lying flat on the grass while the other was bent. She also did the same, except her both legs were tucked-in to the right.

Almost simultaneously, they leaned their back against the massive tree trunk. Both of them were just right next to each other.

"So, who's Laurence?" he asked.

"A noble," she said without looking in his direction.

"I know that..."

"He confessed to me before and was asking for my answer earlier."

"Ahh... as expected."

"Shut up." Finally looking at him, she lightly punched the uppermost of his right arm.

He chuckled. "Just how long did you make him wait?"

"......Three months, I think?"

"Wow..." he muttered under his breath.

The fact that she lost track of how much time had passed since the noble brat confessed to her obviously means that she hadn't considered his feelings. Despite being young, that brat was surprisingly bold. 12 year-olds were supposed to be focusing on studies, especially he was a noble.

"Why didn't you turn him down instead?"

"I did," she replied almost immediately, shaking her head afterward. "But he was persistent."

"Hmm. At least he won't be able to meet you anymore."

"But I'll still tell my father about it. I never told him before because I thought I could handle it myself." She sighed.

"Good enough." He lowered his surprisingly tense shoulders. "How did you meet him anyway?"

"Mm, it was when we stayed at Landarin City for a while. You know, about my father being asked to train a group of people."

Landarin City, a city named after the first king of Anatheron, King Landar. It is the most popular place and the only city here in Anatheron, located near the castle — surrounding the castle in fact.

You could say that it is a place full of opportunities, but Seth never once preferred living there. Even Lynstell's father thought so, which is why they're currently living here in the town of Seralim. Town life is peaceful compared to a city's, they said. Last but not the least, that city is a cesspool of arrogant nobles.