Seraphim is a Bystander

Dismissal and Return Home
 
After arriving at the mansion and getting out of the car, the other guards immediately began cleaning up and handling post-mission tasks.
I didn’t have much luggage, so I went around helping various people where I could.

“Excuse me, where should I put this?”
“Ah! Thanks! Could you leave it over here?”
“Got it!”

While helping carry luggage, I ended up stepping into what seemed like the guards’ office.
There were a lot of people I hadn’t seen at all during the actual mission, which surprised me.
“Aoi! Once you're done there, come over here!”
“Okay! I’ll be right there!”

As I was putting the luggage down, my master called out to me.
That was the last thing I needed to do, so after giving a quick word to the guard I’d helped, I headed in the direction of her voice.
When I got there, she was talking with Michiya-sama and Mayuko-sama. Katagiri-san was also nearby.
I hesitated, thinking I might be interrupting something, but she noticed me and waved me over.
“Master, what is it?”

“Hey, all done on your end?”
“Yes, I finished just now.”
“Good to hear.”

After giving me that quick reply, she turned back toward Michiya-sama and Mayuko-sama and immediately put on a serious expression.
“Then, Ichijou-sama, with that, our duties are complete. If you’ll excuse us.”
“Ah, thank you all for these past two days. I thought I should have my daughter come out and thank you herself, but she seemed quite tired. I’ve already had her rest.”

“Not at all. Please take care of yourselves as well. Now, if you’ll excuse us—”
My master finished her farewell and started heading for the car.
...Ah, right. If I’m going to say it, now’s my chance.
“Excuse me, Master—could you wait just a moment?”

“Hm? Sure, but make it quick, alright?”
“Yes, thank you!”
After getting her permission, I turned and ran in the opposite direction of the car.
A short distance away, I saw Michiya-sama and Mayuko-sama about to enter the mansion.

“Excuse me! Michiya-sama, Mayuko-sama, may I have a moment of your time?”
“Oh? Aoi-kun, what is it?”
Both of them kindly stopped walking and turned to face me.
...Yes. There was something I absolutely had to say to these two.

“Michiya-sama, Mayuko-sama… I’m truly sorry for putting the young lady in danger yesterday!”
“…”
I’d been intending to apologize for what happened, but I hadn’t been able to find the right timing until now.
It would’ve been hard for them to speak freely with the young lady around, so I figured now was my best chance.

With my body bent low, I bowed deeply. I couldn’t see their faces, but after a short silence, Michiya-sama spoke.
“Aoi-kun, please raise your head.”
“...Yes.”

When I looked up, both of them were wearing much gentler expressions than I’d expected.
I was taken aback by their kindness, but then they spoke again.
“Aoi-kun, we don’t believe what happened to our daughter was your fault.”
“That’s right, Aoi-san.”

“...You really think so?”
“We do. In fact, we’re grateful to you.”
“Grateful…?”

Their words were so unexpected, I couldn’t help but repeat them in disbelief.
But they continued, still wearing warm, sincere expressions.
“Yes. You did everything you could. And from what we’ve seen, our daughter was well protected.”
“Indeed, I feel she’s even become a bit brighter thanks to you.”

“Exactly. So, Aoi-kun, we’re truly grateful to you.”
“Aoi-san, please don’t burden yourself too much. Be sure to get some proper rest.”
“...Thank you very much! Please excuse me!”

I bowed deeply again and ran back to where my master and Katagiri-san were waiting.
Even after I rejoined them, they didn’t ask much about what happened—just got in the car quietly, and we started our drive home.
We weren’t headed to my master’s estate this time—they were going to drop me off directly at my house.
With my master driving, we «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» made our way there.
I must have been more tired than I realized, because I fell asleep quickly.
When Katagiri-san woke me up, I looked outside and saw that we were already in the parking lot near my home.

“Aoi-sama, we’ve arrived.”
“Mmm… Katagiri-san… thank you…”
I somehow managed to get out of the car.
After gathering my things, I turned to thank my master and Katagiri-san for everything over the past two days.

“Master, Katagiri-san, thank you so much!”
“Hey, make sure you get some rest, alright?”
“Please take it easy and rest well.”

I watched their car drive away before turning toward home.
Thinking back, so much had happened in just these two days…
So many firsts—my first real combat, my first mission… and I think I got a little closer to the young lady, too.
Although… I lost my first real fight, which still stings.
Ah, now that I think about it… would it be okay to ask my parents about our house?
Maybe Grandpa already told them something?
While pondering all that, I eventually arrived at my front door.
There were so many things I wanted to ask and talk about, but…

“I’m home!”
And just like that, I returned to the home where my family awaited me.