At this point, Count Delance suddenly changed the subject.

"However, I did not feel disappointed. Rather, it turned out to be better than I had imagined."

"Huh...? Isn't that just average?"

Ryuto was somewhat surprised. Was this what they called praising after criticizing?

"Amagi, you don't understand. It's precisely because you are ordinary that I think you are better than those handsome and cultured individuals."

"Is that so..."

This logic...

"Because it just goes to show that Anna wasn't deceived by your handsome looks or manners, but truly trusts you. After all, Anna is rather innocent and easily swayed by those hypocritical guys. That is my biggest concern."

"Is that so..."

Ryuto could only respond with a wry smile.

Why doesn't he see this as an advantage...

"But now I can rest assured. It proves that Anna did not misjudge you, as my judgment is always correct."

"..."

He even managed to slip in some self-praise, which led to...

Let the hypocrites explode before me.

"Well, now that my worries are resolved, I thought I might never find an answer until the day I die. But it came unexpectedly soon, haha."

With that, he burst into laughter.

"..."

This self-praising hypocrite sure talks a lot. I hope he explodes soon.

In the next moment, Count Delance's expression suddenly changed.

"Amagi, I have one final request. Can you grant it?"

Staring at Ryuto, he said this very seriously.

"A request?"

"Yes, it's regarding Anna."

"Huh?"

"Because we are going to destroy the terrorists' hideout soon, and I cannot go. I am very worried about Anna's safety, and you are the only one by her side, Amagi."

"Are you saying... you want me to protect Anna's safety."

Though he wanted to chop the guy to pieces, Ryuto still managed to maintain a polite tone, as life was the most important.

"Yes, that's what I mean."

"..."

Heh, how can he entrust me with this when I can barely ensure my own safety? He was boasting about his judgment earlier, but now he's contradicting himself.

"Well, I'll do my best..."

Ryuto made this somewhat unconvincing promise.

"Because I don't know what the future holds, I entrust Anna to you. After all, I'm not getting any younger, and I have high hopes for you, Amagi."

"Understood."

Though there was a sense of discomfort in his words, Ryuto still agreed.

Well, even though he was practically forced into it, it's best to agree for now, or he might end up as a target.

"Let's leave it at that. Oh no, it's taking too long. Hurry up, or Anna will scold me."

"..."

Despite knowing there was still so much unnecessary chatter, Ryuto was already being dragged out of the room by Count Delance.

Once outside, he saw Anna standing in the hall, wearing the same outfit as last night.

"Father, what did you say to Ryuto again?"

"Huh? I didn't say anything."

Count Delance's words were clearly unconvincing, as Anna glared at him mercilessly.

"Really?"

"Yes, really. You can ask Amagi here if you don't believe me, right, Amagi?"

With that, Count Delance nudged Ryuto's side with his elbow.

Though Ryuto hesitated in his response, he still nodded repeatedly.

"Huh...? Ah, yes, that's right."

Well, even though he didn't quite understand what was going on, he just answered on impulse.

"Since Ryuto agrees, let's leave it at that."

"..."

Count Delance couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.

"By the way, Ryuto, it's getting late. Captain Crepes is still waiting outside."

"Ah, understood."

And so the two of them left.

Later, they boarded the car prepared by Count Delance and headed towards their destination.