For The Glory Of Sitia Empire

This would solve the whole situation.

If Bernard left Maitea with the old grannies and knights at Sekka town, then he can rest assured knowing that they will watch over her while pretending to be watched over by her.

< I believe that little Ma is strong enough to handle such responsibility >

< .....really? >

Bernard nodded at the astonished young girl, he could see the sparks that hadn't been lit on her face since long. Bernard finally eased a bit, but that easiness did not last as Maitea shattered his plan with her words.

< Yes!! I will work hard to be a great general!!>

'....eh?'

< I will defeat monsters and save the humans! Just like brother Ba >

< no, little one, this is not what I meant >

Maitea did not hear him as she grabbed on Jennings hem, excitedly saying: < and I will go with his majesty to the capital! There will be a lot of people and imperial knights!! >

Jennings, who has been out of the conversation since a while, was startled to suddenly being pointed at.

' is she talking to me? Should I say something?'

The young girl looked happy and energetic, he couldn't just ignore her. After a moment of debating what to say, Jennings settled with just smiling awkwardly, since he doesn't know what was she saying.

' I understand nothing, but she is super CUTE!!'

Jennings's smile made Maitea's face brighten even more. While Bernard on the other hand became gloomier. He crouched next to Maitea so he can be at the same level as her face.

"little Ma, I meant that you should stay here in Sekka"

Bernard subconsciously returned to use the previous language.

< ...alone? >

Bernard instantly froze, he could see the fear in her eyes hidden under her hesitant tone.

'....I am such an idiot '

How could he leave his little sister in where someone dear to her died, alone no less. Of course, the residents at Sekka town adored Maitea, but it's totally different when staying with one's own family. Probably, Maitea was scared when she decided to leave in a journey alone, but her fear was less compared to the discomfort of staying in Sekka, right in front of that great peach tree.

Noticing the heavy air, Jennings sensed as if Bernard was troubled, he asked in concern:"is there something I can help with?".

Bernard answered boldly:" there is none, please don't worry yourself".

Did he really think that Bernard would welcome his offer with gratitude? No matter how he thought about this situation, Jennings found himself the culprit for all that happened recently. Bernard's eyes that turn bloodshot every time he looked at Jennings was enough to tell how much Bernard resented him.

Maitea looked at the two tensed men as she asked: < are you two still fighting? >

Since Jennings did not understand what she said, no one answered. Maitea frowned as she scolded firmly: < why are you fighting?! Don't be bad! >

Bernard mustered some courage to lie to his goddess.

" We are not fighting little Ma "

Maitea glared at him suspiciously, she slightly pulled on Jennings's slave as she said: < then, I will go with his majesty. since you didn't fight, it will be fine >

' I don't know why, but I feel like I somehow ended in the middle of their argument '

Bernard clinched and loosened his fists few times, what can he say to convince her? He himself understood that the best choice for Maitea was to leave with Jennings. At the moment Jennings was in the process of the sublime tour ceremony, he was bounded to travel nonstop for the next five months.

That would create the perfect environment for a stranger to suddenly show up, with all the places that were planned for the Emperor to visit, detecting Maitea's origin will be extremely difficult.

Despite admitting this fact, Bernard can't bring himself to just hand his sister to Jennings.

' how can I entrust her to someone who doesn't even trust me?!'

He wasn't stupid, Bernard clearly understands that what happened wasn't something to blame Jennings for, seeing it from the perspective of an Emperor Jennings' decision came from wise analyzing of the situation.

However, his misunderstanding revolved around the reason behind not relying the matter on him. They have known each other for three years, during that time, each of them created an image of the other's personality. To Bernard, Jennings was a gentle and a hard-working man with a weak spot for his children.

As for Jennings....

' ....most be a care-free and lazy general '

In Bernard's view, Jennings thought that Bernard won't take the matter seriously, as he always acted carelessly. Not to forget, the importance of the mines for Sitia. By not relying on him, Bernard felt betrayed by Jennings, making him regret the trust he had towards Jennings.

"I can't allow that, little Ma"

Maitea pouted at her brother's response, she raised her arms toward Jennings, gesturing for him to pick her up and Jennings gladly did that.

' I still have no idea what is going on, but I like this situation '

You don't get to hold an angel everyday.

< brother said not to go alone because it's dangerous, so Maitea stayed. But now brother says not to go with his majesty, Even though master said that his majesty is a good guy. Isn't brother being mean like that? >

Bernard was taken aback. It was true, he has been ordering her around like an asshole.

Maitea continued after a pause: < it's either I go with him or I will run away again in your sleep >

She said this then suddenly grabbed Jennings's face. Her tiny hands gently pressed on his cheeks, making Jennings internally scream like a teenage girl.

< let's go your majesty! >

Dazed by her loveliness, Jennings subconsciously said:" I don't under what you are saying, but I totally agree".