The Heroine Is In Love With Me

I'm Amazed

I’m running on a nearby mountain with Jade, to train for the
   Ultimate Magic…

   “Come on, Marshall! Let’s get back to running!”

   “I’m near my limit, so let me rest for another five minutes…”

   … And I couldn’t get up at all from the bench I was resting on.

   “It’s alright, Marshall!” Jade said. “Just when you think
   you’ve hit your limit is when the training really starts!”

   “Don’t say something so terrifying with a thumbs-up and a
   refreshing smile…” I said.

   “But we can’t stay here all the time, now, can we?” Jade asked.

   “Yes, but…”

   If I start running with the Michaela doll now, my lungs may
   really explode this time. But Jade’s already started warming up
   again… I have to buy time somehow.

   Gasa-gasa…! [67]^1

   … Hmm?

   It sounds like something is coming from the bushes…

   “…?! Marshall, get behind me!” Jade cried.

   “Huh? Un-Understood!” I cried, carrying the Michaela doll with
   me as I ducked behind Jade. What the hell is going on?

   “… Stop hiding and come out immediately,” Jade said. “Do it
   while your head is still on your shoulders.”

   “Fufufu… you still say such annoying things, don’t you…?”
   someone replies from the bushes.

   Wait, I think I’ve heard this voice somewhere…?

   “I was just admiring the beautiful plants and flowers,” a man
   with wavy green hair says as he appears, a lute in his hands.
   Umm, this guy, he has to be…

   “Sea, the Bard?” I asked.

   “Yes, that’s me,” Sea said, bowing and smiling. “It’s an honor
   to meet you, Lady of Darkness.”

   “Ah, a pleasure to meet you as well,” I said, returning the
   gesture.

   Jade sighed and crossed his arms. “Marshall, you do not need to
   bow to this man.”

   “Hey, is that any way to speak to your cousin?” Sea asked.

   “… Huh, ‘your cousin’?” I asked.

   Sea smiled and nodded, while Jade sighed. “Yes, Marshall,” Jade
   said, “this man is my paternal cousin.”

   “We’re the same age, though,” Sea added.

   “Is, that so…?” I asked.

   Their hair colors, names, and facial features were all quite
   similar. [68]^2 But I didn’t think they were related.

   “Honestly, this guy…” Jade grumbled. “He was born into a
   prestigious family but he said, ‘I don’t want to join the
   military, it’s an unpopular job.’”

   “Hey, that’s supposed to be a good thing, isn’t it? My freedom
   to choose my profession is guaranteed, regardless if it’s with
   the Dark or the Light Faction.”

   “It’s not a good thing!” Jade yelled. “You bastard, you left
   your House without even telling Uncle, and then you defected to
   the Light Faction without getting anyone’s permission!”