16 Woman's friendship is ephemeral




 Air bike racing.

 In the hangar of the airship, I was in front of my own airbike.

 Dressed in a racer-like suit and carrying a helmet, I was conversing with Luxion, who was attached to the airbike.

'You're pushing it because you don't want to offend your backers. You are a fine crony of Angelica, aren't you? Isn't that an appropriate position for a mob?''

 I call myself a mob on a daily basis, and Luxion is sarcastic about it.

'A bit more of a background position is more to my liking. I'm not afraid to play a big role as a crony to a villainous daughter. More importantly, do you think you can do it?

 The air bike, which looked like a water bike, had been modified by Luxion by sticking a cord that extended from the spherical body.

'I thought it wouldn't be a problem in the next ten minutes or so. Apparently, you're being harassed. There was a trick that was designed to cause engine trouble.''

'Really? Do you really think I'm that unpopular?

'I'm pretty sure the whole school hates it. The two of you who are friends with me now should be treated well. If they don't see you as the opposite s*x, I'll be your friend.'

...your friend.

 I'm talking in a whisper, and I think about those two.

 The protagonist and the villainous daughter, who normally can't even be friends... I more than thought they couldn't get close to each other over a simple matter.

''It would be nice if they could just keep getting along. It's best not to make waves.

Is there something that's bothering you?

Oh, yes. Those two men are fundamentally--

 As we were talking to that point, one of the third year seniors comes over.

 A tall, stern senior with short hair who seems to be working out a lot. He has a thick neckline. He is one of the candidates for the championship.

''You're Zilk's substitute, aren't you?

'Oh, you're the leading contender. What do you want from me? I'm a little busy, you can't come back later. We're having some engine trouble.

 One of Clarice's senior cronies.

 The third year senior didn't even have a bitter expression on his face when he saw me. He was just being normal.

''Did you know? Then I didn't have to advise you. But still, it's the shovel guy who came out instead of Zilk. .........It's complicated.

 The shovel guy. I guess he's called that because he fought with the wrong shovel during a duel.

'You say that, don't you?'

 When he said that, the senior laughed a bit to himself.

''Well I'll apologize in advance. I have nothing against you, but I'll seriously crush your next race.

 What a lawful declaration of war! ...if you're going to apologize, please stop. I don't like pain.

Is there a compelling reason? Did senior Clarice threaten you?

No!

 When my senior got furious at my joke, he immediately apologized and said he was sorry.

 Then, after clearing his cough, he told me - it was about Clarice senior.

''My family is the youngest of the court nobles. I had no title, nor was I an heiress myself.

 The senior, a regular class student, is one of Clarice senior's cronies.

 However, the only thing that's a little different would be the fact that he feels indebted to her.

'The young lady was kind to me like this. When she found out that I had a talent for air biking, she supported me. Thanks to her, I'm going to get a job working on this thing after I graduate.

 The senior who gently placed his hand on the air bike looked happy but also sad.

''You're ... a kind person. We adored him.

 When I'm silent, the older man tells me about his past.

'Your daughter's house has an air-bike racing track,' he says. I had free use of that place so I didn't have to practice. That guy from Zilk was going to the race track even before he got engaged. The missus got a mentor for him and sent him an air bike. He'd be cheering her on with a big smile on his face. It's frustrating and pleasing and then that bastard Zilk suddenly calls off the engagement. The young lady tried to meet him, but never did, and the next thing you know the engagement is broken.

 There's no point in being angry about it.

 Zilk can be beaten to a pulp. I'll forgive him. Get it over with, senpai!

Well, then, can't I be forgiven?

'I'm sorry. I don't hate you emotionally, but your daughter's orders are absolute. But this one order is something we will not fail to do. And that's the price you pay for your life.

 Strong determination.

 Since he was so well-liked, Clarisse-senpai was also very well-liked.

 He says to me.

''I heard about the medical office. I know it's not possible, but I don't want you to feel bad about the young lady. That man has changed since summer vacation. He gets his slaves to stay with him, plays with them all night and comes home in the morning. He wasn't always like that.

 ...and send your slaves home in the morning? That's what a lot of girls do, starting with my sister!

 I wasn't really surprised, probably because my senses were becoming numb.

 It's terminal. Apparently, I'm becoming a part of this damsel-in-distress world, too.

 That's normal, I thought for a moment.

''.........You think we're going to cut corners in sympathy?''

 The older man laughed.

'No? Well, you don't seem to be interested in these stories, so you can't be. I don't care. It's my b*tc*.

 I sat down on the seat of the air bike and put my helmet on as I watched the older man leave. I secured the belt on the chin of the helmet.

'I've taken complete control of the air bike.'

Okay.

''........Master, do you think nothing of what you just said, and you want to win the championship?''

'Yeah, I'm going for the win. Sorry, but I'm betting a lot of money on myself.

 

 If you compare me to those who made it to the finals, I'm clearly inferior to them.

 ........I mean, I'm a big hole.

''I don't think I need any money, do you?

'You're an idiot. They think I'm going to lose, and they're going to show me how frustrated they are. I'll win a championship for that. I'll do it while I'm at it. I've got another case.

''It's a really good hobby. I want to learn from your tough and brazen spirit, which is pathetic when it comes to using my power to compete, but doesn't feel the slightest bit of it.'

 Doesn't this guy hate me a little too much?



 The race was about to start and I rode my air bike up into the sky.

 All around me were students riding their bikes as well.

 Some of them were looking at me like I was the enemy.

Yo, we've been waiting for you. Today I'm going to pay you back for what you did to me.

 Who is this guy?

 Looking at him, he looks like a sophomore, but he doesn't look familiar to me at all. He's not in a regular class, but apparently an advanced class student.

 When I ignored him, he hit me with his air bike.

'Don't ignore me, you one-year-old scumbag.

 I snickered.

''I can't remember every single piece of trash like you, trash. I'll tell the dukes your name, so go ahead and tell them your name. Come on, go ahead and tell me your name!

 I decided to be polite and ask them to back off while showing them that I was close to the Redgrave family.

 A fox with a tiger's authority? So what? It's pretty fun.

 My opponent sticks his tongue out and takes his distance from me.

 As the riders emerge from the cloth-covered starting area, I see the course that the airships have created around the course.

 It's a very long course.

 There were also obstacles set up here and there.

''........You are still foul-mouthed as always. I have no sympathy for the master at all.''

'I'm such a serious person, why do I get all this trouble? I'm a mess.

'I had it coming. I've been suspecting lately that I'm actually trying to show off. Here, it's a start.'

 I looked ahead and saw the judge shoot his rifle into the air.

 On cue, the airbikes all started running at once, and I was in the lead group - I wasn't.

'You've been successfully surrounded.'

Gaddem!

"Aren't you Japanese in a previous life?

I just wanted to say it.

 The boys surrounding me kick me as I approach them.

'f*ck you, you outcast!
"We're living in debt because of you!
Drop!

 I wanted to tell this vindictive voice that I was wrong.

'You had it all coming, bah! You guys go down!

 As I was kicking back at the boys who had kicked me too, Luxion was dumbfounded.

''........This is a conversation worthy of an eye sore. You can realize that conflicts only happen between people of the same level.''

 

Ouch! Who just bumped into me!



 In the paid lounge, students gathered to cheer on the race.

'Do it!'
There it is. More gutting!
You're a little tepid, aren't you?

 

 Angier pressed his temples against the headache.

Rion also said that it's good to let them vent in moderation, but this is a quandary.

 Livia is in tears.

''I feel sorry for Rion-san. Rion-san, not that there's anything wrong with... er, well...''

 Ange comforted Libya, who managed to protect Leon.

'Don't push it,' he said. He has some bad qualities, but you and I both know that he's not the kind of person who can get away with this. But still, I didn't know Clarice's people couldn't get close to him.

 Clarice's cronies tried to crush Rion.

 But before those cronies could surround him, Rion was surrounded by other boys and beaten to a pulp.

 Angier, who avoided a fatal wound but was annoyed to see it, was holding his hand when Clarice came over.

'Oh? You didn't need us to get our hands on it. Your cronies really don't like you, do they?

 When Clarice thought Rion was a crony, Angier countered.

'Rion is not a crony,'

'Really? We're together all the time, so that's what it looked like. But then again, you're pretty unlikely to be well-liked, aren't you? I thought all your cronies betrayed you. You have a problem with that, don't you?

 Revere interrupted Clarice, who was laughing at her, with a smile on her face.

'Oh, no, that's not true. It's not Angier's fault!'

...Libya.

 When Angier was a little relieved at such a revelation, Clarice narrowed her eyes.

'Don't interrupt our conversation, plebeian style.

Uh-huh.

 When Livia was told she was a commoner, she shyed away, and now Angel tried to cover for her. Seeing this, Clarice gave a dark smile.

''Angelica has changed too. Has she become weak after being betrayed by all her cronies? You never used to care about the common people. Have you become so discouraged that you hung on to the commoners? That's something that changes after all that disrespect for the commoners. I've had my share of traitors since the riots, but I wouldn't turn to the commoners for help.

 Angel glares at Clarice, but she quickly turns around and looks at Livia. When Libya was unable to speak, Angier tried to clear up the misunderstanding--.

''No. ... no, no. Libya, I am.

 She reaches out her hand, but Livia leaves to wipe away her tears.

''--ah.''

 Angel tried to chase after him, but he stopped in his tracks.

(...What right do I have to chase?)

 It was my past self that I had to stop and think about.

 When you are a duchess, your life is completely different from Leon's. It would be impossible to go out to the fields or have the opportunity to interact with the people if they were not prepared for it.

 What did such an angellist think of the commoners?

Oh no, I've escaped. Your last friend must be cold.

 At Clarice's words, Angel glares at her with a blue streak on her forehead.

'Shut up. Don't open your mouth in front of me unless you want that face to be blown off.

I'm glad you're finally feeling better, Angelica. You have a temper, don't you? But I'm still disappointed that you are so quiet with no revenge.

 As Clarice agitated, Angelica looked at her cronies and her resident slave.

(All guys. Okay, so this guy was betrayed by the girls too.)

 Angelica also agitated Clarice when she noticed the absence of the girls' cronies.

'You talk a big game, but you're cutting yourself off from your friends too? Would you like me to get you a mirror?

"...you're really getting on my nerves. This wouldn't have happened if you had been on the lookout for Prince Julius and the others!

 A slap struck Angelica's cheek.

 The lounge, which had been heated up earlier, fell silent at once.

 As Clarice's cronies rushed to intervene, Angelica grabbed Clarice's chest and punched her in the cheek with her fist.

 She continued to push her down and take up the mounting position.

'Don't be so high and mighty! You've got all these men, and now you want them to be your personal slaves? You're the idiot! You're the reason he threw you out! You catnip!

 Clarice grabs Angelica's hair.

'--I told you, you jerk!

 There was a commotion in the lounge.



 As the race entered the final stages, the boys were moving away from me in an attempt to move up in the standings.

'This is how it should be,'
I can't run anymore if I beat the shit out of you.
So long, nagging a**h*le!

 The engine quivered slightly as I gripped the handlebars and raised the throttle as I watched the backs of the bastards go away.

 The body of the car is battered and the visor of my helmet is cracked, but my heart is not broken.

 Too bad, you trash! The only reason you guys lost is that you didn't put a stop to me!

Are we good?

'Anytime. But don't you hate me too much for not stopping you for such blatantly rough play?

'You should have let the judges hold the money.

''..........That's really a lousy idea. However, I think the other students have already let you hold it, so in the case of the master, I thought the judges would have to pile up even more money to convince you.''

Yeah, I think so.

 As my speed increased, the boys who had just surrounded me were fighting for position and had fallen out.

 I overtook them.

 The air bike is in great shape, fully managed by Luxion!

Oh, f*ck you!

 I wave to the boys, who look frustrated.

'Thanks for dragging your feet. You guys can keep dragging your feet like that for the rest of your lives!

 And as they passed the players one by one, Clarice senior's cronies were running to dominate the top group. They were on a different level from the people around them and seemed to be dominating the top positions among their peers.

''You are indeed fast.''

Can you catch up?

I beg your pardon but it won't be a minute before we pass him.

 When the engine started to move beyond its limits, it was hard to just hold on to the air bike.

 The air bike was also controlled by Luxion. I struggled to hold on to the bike as it tilted in small increments and sometimes heavily.

'Master, your weight transfer is slightly slow,'

You're making too many changes in increments!

 He moved his body to the rhythm of the bike and passed the top riders one by one.

 The crowd was in an uproar at the sight. Even the announcers were shouting in astonishment.

Baltofalt has joined the championship battle! How is this possible? If it's an illegal modification!'

 What's so bad about me winning?

Yeah. Well then I'll win, even if it means I have to.

 Let me see your crying faces by all means.

 With that, I passed the third-place finisher and the second-place finisher stepped in front of me.

'Let me go!'

 I laugh and say to the rubbish that gets in the way of my direction of travel.

'Too bad! I'm going to go!

 I matched my body to the movement of the air bike, and in a very tricky move, I passed the second-place finisher, only my third-year senior was in front of me.

 When I tried to pass from the outcourse, the senior, rather than doing anything to me, wasted no time in competing with me on the straight course - right before the final finish line - in a contest of strength.

 I've always seen him as the type of person who doesn't like small tricks, but he was still the same.

''-- my bad.''

 As the Luxion-controlled air bike spewed fire from its muffler, the final speed was frightening even to me.

 

 It was me who won.

 I slowed down, took off my helmet, and smiled and waved to the crowd.

'I won, guys! I'm sorry~

 The audience - things are thrown at you from the deck and lounge of the airship.

'You again!'
"I want my allowance back!
You plague!

 I was waving my hands in the air with those cheers. The look of frustration on your faces is the best reward for my karma.

"Master.

'What? I'm feeling good right now, so let it go.

''No, I'm really starting to run out of steam,''

What?

 I turned around and saw white smoke blowing from the air bike. My back felt a little hot in the street. It felt like the heat was on the seat or the air bike itself.

'No!'

 I picked up the Luxion and jumped off the air bike as it was, and the senior who was running behind me picked me up.

 

''Thank you for saving me.

 When I thanked him, the older man laughed in annoyance.

'That's fine. I felt good when I was in a dueling mood. I'm just thanking you for that time. Well, I earned a little bit of money on the side.

 This senior, apparently, had bet on me in the duel because of his hatred for Jirku.



 Infirmary.

 I had come to Zilk and the others with my award and my prize.

 I look at Marie's frustrated face while showing them my medal.

 How good it feels.

 I haven't had this exhilarating feeling like I've beaten my sister for a long time.

''See, I won. I hope you haven't forgotten your promise, Jiroku-kun.

 At my grinning face, Zilk lets out a small sigh.

''........Yes, a promise is a promise. You can order me to do whatever you want. Well, I'm going to respond whenever possible.

 The fact that it's possible is a testament to how hungry this guy is.

 He says he won't do anything he can't do.

 What an a**h*le.

 This is why the target of a maiden game is no good.

 Kyle, who has his hands folded behind his head, speaks hushedly to me. This guy knows I'm a baronet, and yet.....

''So what are you going to make me do? Are you going to make me stand on my head naked or something?

'You're an idiot. How much is this guy's headstand worth?  It's going to be a money maker.

 Then Marie pointed at me.

'I need the money that badly! You misers!

'Go look in the mirror! Because there's a better guardian there than me!

I mean, I want my winnings back!

 Really brazen. It was only because of Jirku that I was able to get into the winning race, so I could have split the prize money... but I decided to give the entire amount to Marie.

"Oh, that's fine. Take it.

He's being awfully obedient.

I've always been a straight shooter.

 When I handed him the hundred thousand dias of the prize money, Marie jumped up and down. But she was curious about the gold coin I was holding - the white gold coin. I let the white gold coin play on my hand as if to deliberately show it off.

''That means........''

Yeah, you made a lot of money on that bet today. I bet on myself, and I made a ton of money.

 Looking at the platinum gold coins and the ones that were later converted into gold and silver coins, Marie was shaking with a cringe. This guardian, I thought he would definitely be envious of this, but he hit the jackpot.

 A hazy amount of money, such as a hundred thousand dias, was in my hands.

That's not fair! That's not fair! There's no way I'm betting on myself!

'No problem~. You guys are happy with that amount of money as best you can.

 When I showed him that it's not really a hundred thousand dias, it doesn't hurt or itch, Marie looked really frustrated. This guy is really easy to understand.

 As I was staring at each other with an angry Marie, Zilk stood up.

 It seems that his injuries are fine.

'I understand. If that makes you feel better, fine.''

 I took my gaze off of the unimportant Marie and turned to Zirk.

'Stupid. If you do that, Angier and Livia will be pissed at you. A more realistic and possible range of orders ... no, please.

 Zirk looks at me a little suspiciously. Is he that untrustworthy?

Please?



 The airship lounge.

 It had been rented out, so there were only officials in this place.

 Zilk, who was wearing a hospital gown, had bandages on his head and arms.

 The person in front of Zilk was Clarisse-senpai, who was standing in front of him.

 What I asked for.....

''I'm truly sorry for what happened this time.

 ........an apology to Clarice senior.

 By the way, I made my second daughter, who was in the lounge, apologize as well. That one is incidental, and this one is the real deal.

 Clarice senior is getting teary-eyed.

''Now ... now ... it's too late! I've been waiting for you! You thought you could make it all go away with one letter!

 Senior Clarice is furious.

 I think it's only natural. Zilk should be more remorseful.

'I thought it was rude to meet you. I couldn't meet you for love with another woman. I didn't want to lie I didn't want to lie in front of you.

 Clarice senior stepped in and delivered a snappy slap to Zilk.

 A good sound echoed through the lounge.

 Do more! Oh, come on, Clarice!

 ...Zilk is not going to do anything back. He just seems to be willing to accept it all. That grace should be shown in more different situations.

'What a lie! Did you want her so badly that you had to leave me to be seduced by a woman like that? How could it be that woman!

''I don't understand myself. But I've fallen in love with her. That's why I didn't want to see you.

 The good-looking guy sounds like a beautiful excuse.

 I'd say I didn't want to meet him because I was scared? No, there's no cheating in the first place. On the other hand, if you're a woman, meh! I could just...

 This world is so unreasonable.

"So that's the trick again? Zilk, you're always like that! You've never told me how you really feel. Do you still pretend to apologize like that and run away like that?

''This is my honest feeling. I'm not in a position to see you. Even if I did, I would hurt you. Then I wanted you to remember me as I am in my memories.

 This Zilk, the target of this attack, but the trouble is that he 'basically doesn't talk about his thoughts to others. He just smiles all the time and doesn't talk about what he likes or dislikes.

 He's a real pain in the ass because that's how he gets away with things he doesn't like, too. In the game, it was for the sake of His Highness Julius or something like that... but you should at least apologize to your ex-fiancé!

 Clarice senior's cronies were about to hold weapons in their hands.

 Thinking that this is not good, I stepped in between them and--.

''........That's enough.

Miss?

 A third year senior was worried about senior Clarice. Clarice senior herself was wiping away her tears.

 He was more worried about his scarred face than his tears. Why was he covered in scars?

"You don't deserve to get your hands dirty. I don't have to deal with this man anymore. I'm a stranger to him. Don't you ever do this to me again.

 It was a terrific argument for putting up a fight, but Zilk kept his head down.

'I'm sorry. And thank you........Clarice.

 Clarice senior looks down and grits her back teeth.

'Don't call me out! I don't even want to see your face anymore!

 Zilk, who was being kicked out, walked out of the lounge with a posture... oh, what? Am I not the only one left behind?

 As I was freaking out about the atmosphere in the room, a senior called out to me.

''Well I'm sorry. I'm sorry for bothering you.''

No, no.

 Clarice Senpai is sitting on the chair that her cronies brought her and she is crying.

 ........I want to go home now.

''I'm going home too. I don't deserve this place.

No, just give me a minute.

 After being told that, I was surrounded by boys, and they all bowed to me.

''Se-senpai!

''That guy didn't come when we called him up. To you - we are grateful to the baron. I'm sorry for my many rudenesses, I'm sorry!

I'm sorry!

 Puzzled by the apology from all the boys, the sub-race slaves were watching the scene from a short distance away.

 There is no loyalty to them. There is only a contract.

'You can beat me up if you're not happy. You can go out where you go. But the young lady has nothing to do with this case.

Do you really think that would work?

 I said nastily and he laughed a little.

If not, I'll take the blame. I'll take the blame.

 Take responsibility for your own life, huh? That's what I'm afraid to do. ........I'm also envious that there is a master who can give his loyalty to this extent.

 Hearing that, Clarisse-senpai stood up.

''Wait! You think I would allow that to happen! I'm responsible for everything. You followed my orders. That's all.

But, miss!

 I said dismissively, right there in the middle of the fight over who would be responsible.

'Can you stop this troublesome little play, please? Besides, I don't want to get in trouble for holding you accountable.

 And then my senior looks at me.

'Oh, you ... well ... You'll forgive me?

 Pushing senior Clarice? It's Zilk's fault to begin with. It's a problem that could have been solved beforehand if he had been smart enough.

 A really troublesome guy.

''..........Clarice-senpai, please stand up for yourself for a change. There are plenty of men, as many as there are stars.

 Clarisse-senpai looked down and laughed helplessly at my line.

'You're twisted, but you're kind.

 Luxion, who was listening to that line, said, ''This person is mistaken. The master is not twisted, but twisted and bent--'' and other unimportant things, so I scratched my hair and changed my embarrassed attitude.

''I understand how you feel, though I wouldn't say that. I'd appreciate it if you would stop being a pain in the ass.

I will. It's already ... it's too late. I'm already dirty.

 Behind Clarisse-senpai, who was laughing sadly, I saw one of the resident slaves laughing meaningfully. It's a victorious smile against us.

''Don't worry. A good woman doesn't care about that level of dirt. Well, we should do something about the number of exclusive slaves we have.''

 When I glared back at them, each of the sub-race of exclusive slaves had a dismayed look on their faces. To them, Clarisse-senpai must have been a good master.

 Convenient, they say.

''You're a good talker. I wonder if that's how he got into Angelica's life?'

I'm an honest person and I wouldn't lie to you.

 The senior said something like, "It's definitely not true," but I ignored it.

 Clarice senior gave a small nod.

''Right. I'll try my best again. I'm tired of living like this already.......I wonder. I knew that no matter what I did, I wouldn't get turned around... what was I doing?

 Zilk is also a sinful man. He was thought of so much, but he gave up everything for Marie.

 .........Really, reincarnated people are such trash. They mass-produce misfortune in order to achieve a reverse harem.

 An earnest and gentle woman who plays around with a man because she wants him to be interested in her and the reason for that is because she wants the man she dumped to be interested in her......why am I not surrounded by girls like this!

 And after all that, they made me mimic Zilk's clean up crew... it's so frustrating!

 If it were true, I wouldn't have had to get involved. However, Zilk is the boy to be attacked. I didn't want to cause unnecessary trouble because of this. I burned the meddling for myself.

 Clarisse-senpai started crying again, and I was about to leave since I had finished my business. I'm the one who wants to cry. Today's hard work would do nothing for my marriage. The only thing that comes out of the gym is a large sum of money that could be used to build a house on a bet.

 So....

"Leon... I owe you and Angelica - and that special student - an apology.



 The deck of a scenic airship.

 I found Livia sitting in the corner there, and I approached her and called out to her.

'....you're depressed.

 Livia looked up and was crying.

'Mr. Rion, I ... I don't know what to do anymore.

 I sit down next to Livia, who says with a painful smile. I headed over to Angel's place, which had a scar on his face, but he wanted me to head over to Livia's place. She gave me a very sad look.

'I'm not very good at comforting you. I'll comfort you if that's okay with you?

 He shook his head and I said, "I see," and I said--

''Rion-san.  Do you think you could have been?

 Were we friends or were we going to be friends? I wondered how I should answer those questions. To be honest, I expected it to go like this.

'Would you rather have a sweet lie or a bitter truth?'

...the bitter truth, please.

 I'd run away from a sweet lie if I were you, but this girl is strong. The quintessential hero........no, the quintessential Libya, huh? Well, I thought they would say that.

''Just as well. I've prepared a hot and sweet drink. I've made it just sweet enough for you to hear the bitter truth.

Mr. Leon is truly a strange man.

 He had a complicated smile on his face. Well, I'm a person with a previous life.

 I handed her a drink and as Livia drank it I told her the bitter truth.

'It's infinitely more difficult to answer that,' he says. Our lives and environments are so different to begin with that we have nothing in common. To tell you the truth, I think we've done too well so far. You don't want a farmer with a hoe to be told to start swinging a sword tomorrow, do you? That's what I mean.

 It's not like there are differences in home environment or standard of living... In the first place, if there are rich people and poor people, it's impossible for both to have the same values.

 There would be exceptions, but even so, most of them wouldn't work out.

 Livia sheds a tear.

''I'm so happy to finally have same-s*x friends at the school, but it still seems to be no good... I'm annoyed to be around Angel.

 I lent my jacket to a crying Livia and sat down beside her as it was.

 The witty dialogue?

 It would be wrong to expect me to do so. That's the job of Highness Julius and the others.