Groh and Magus may be a little rough around the edges, but they were still adventurers.
This guild had many wanted posters pinned up inside, and of course, Charlotte’s was likely among them. There was no way they hadn’t seen it, and no way they hadn’t recognized her, even with her hair dyed.
And yet, not once had any of them brought it up or tried to capture her.
In fact, the number of her wanted posters around town had been steadily decreasing. Far more than Allen had quietly disposed of himself. He had noticed this subtle change… but had chosen to leave it be until now.
And now Groh had dared to step into that unspoken territory.
Still glaring at Allen, he continued.
“Trying to woo a girl like that… doesn’t that basically make you a scumbag using your position to pressure her into a relationship?”
"H-hey, Groh. That's going too far."
Magus interrupted, sounding flustered.
“Sure, this guy can be a colossal jerk sometimes… but when it comes to the girl, he’s always been straight with her. He’s not that kind of man.”
“I know that. But still, someone had to say it.”
Groh clicked his tongue and turned away, frustrated.
"You're right. From an outsider's perspective, I must be a good-for-nothing scoundrel."
"So... will you give up on the Goddess?"
“Not a chance.”
Allen grinned confidently and answered without hesitation.
Of course, he was worried about that. Charlotte might feel compelled to accept his confession because of her position. She might try to play the role of the perfect girlfriend, just as he wished.
That's why... Allen had made up his mind.
“I’m going to make her happy. So happy that she can forget all about her status and circumstances.”
He didn’t care if he had to dedicate his entire life to it.
He would eliminate every obstacle in her path and make her the happiest person in the world.
“And if, after all that, she still can’t accept me… then I’ll back off quietly.”
Allen could see through lies.
No matter how Charlotte might try to hide her feelings, he would know. If her heart wasn’t truly in it, he would give up without hesitation. Because what he wanted wasn’t to burden her, it was to make her happy.
“Even if she doesn’t choose me, as long as she’s happy, I――”
“Yeah, that’s enough.”
Groh held up one hand, interrupting Allen's words.
Then he buried his face in both hands and slowly shook his head.
“I get it already… please, just stop…”
“Hm. I was just getting started, though.”
“Don’t encourage him, Groh.”
Magus gave Grow’s shoulder a pat and turned to Allen with a lukewarm look.
"This guy's totally high from his first love... if we provoke him in the wrong way, we'll be the ones who get hurt."
“...How did you know this was my first love?”
“How couldn’t I know?”
Megas replied with a straight face.
Meanwhile, the thugs who were supposed to be just listening were also holding their heads for some reason.
“What the hell have we been listening to all this time…?”
“Don’t snap out of it, man. You need alcohol to protect your brain.”
“Ugh… this is the first time booze has tasted like nothing…”
And with that, they all started drinking like their lives depended on it. It felt a bit like desperate self-defense.