Fortunately, Alte finally broke the silence, aiming to ease the awkward tension between them.

“About last night… you’re not actually upset, are you?”

“N-no, not at all…” Favna murmured softly, head bowed, cheeks flushed slightly. “I’m just… a little embarrassed.”

Just the thought of Alte having seen her messy sleeping posture so clearly made her want to vanish into a hole.

“Good. As long as you’re not upset.”

Alte had considered moving Favna to the dormitory—but worried her shy, timid nature might make her an easy target for the green Dragon Knights. Since she was no longer so afraid of him, letting her stay here felt right.

“By the way,” Alte turned to her, as if remembering something. “Do you happen to know anything about a dragon’s whereabouts?”

“A dragon?”

Hearing the word, Favna—herself a dragon—panicked instantly. She waved her hands frantically. “I-I don’t know! Really!”

Her flustered expression went unnoticed; Alte chalked it up to her usual timidity.

“I suppose…” He sighed resignedly. “Dragons *are* rare. And you rarely go out, Favna. How could you possibly know any?”

*Could Alte be the one behind that dark web wanted poster?*

“Um… Alte, why are you looking for a dragon?”

“To form a contract and become partners. Simple.”

“But… doesn’t the Dragon Knights Order already have wyverns?”

Favna couldn’t understand. Her two elder sisters were fiercely proud—never the type to willingly become mounts. As for herself… no Draconic Magic, poor riding skills, timid personality… Even if he knew she was a dragon, he wouldn’t choose *her*, right?

“Wyverns?” Alte chuckled mid-thought. He pulled back the curtain, pointing at the training ground. “These guys are terrified of me. And their strength limits my potential. Honestly? I’d rather just be a lancer.”

“I see…” Favna didn’t press further. She opened her game. “Um… want to join a raid?”

“Sure. Work’s done anyway.”

No refusal. After eating, they settled at separate laptops, diving into a cheerful raid session.

Gaming time flew. Before they knew it, afternoon arrived.

Favna stretched lazily and closed her laptop. Normally, she’d flop onto her bed—but this wasn’t home. Sleeping now might seem rude.

Alte noticed her fatigue. She looked like a hamster wanting to curl up, too shy to move with others around.

“If you’re tired,” he said gently, “go rest in the bedroom.”

“N-no, it’s fine!”

Somehow, Alte always saw right through her. Still, his words eased her tension. She settled comfortably on the sofa instead.

Watching her relax, Alte stayed quiet. *Feels like raising a little creature…* Her cautious settling-in was oddly endearing.

*Knock, knock, knock!*

The sound shattered her calm. She bolted upright, eyes locked nervously on the door.

“Come in.”

Before Alte finished speaking, the office door burst open.

Philo strode in. “Big bro! Your little sis is here after ages!”

The bold, red-haired girl startled Favna senseless. She shrank into the sofa, trying to vanish—*maybe sneak to the bedroom…*

“Don’t yell like that…”

Philo slung an arm around Alte’s shoulder. “Pfft~ We’re family! Bathed together tons of times. What’s to be shy about?”

*Bathed together?!*

Favna froze mid-retreat, staring at Alte in disbelief—*Does he have a sister complex?!*

“Just to clarify,” Alte said calmly, “I do *not* have a sister complex.”

“I didn’t even *say* anything!”

*Does this captain have mind-reading powers?! How does he always know?!*

“Ooooh~ Hello, sister-in-law!” Philo finally spotted Favna trying to escape. She grabbed her hand. “I’ve been dying to chat! What’s your name?”

*Asking my name already?!*

Overwhelmed by Philo’s bold warmth, Favna stammered after a long pause: “F-Favna…”

(Philo already knew—but introductions mattered.)

“I’m Philo! Sister of *that* captain brother of yours. So glad to meet you! Honestly? Never thought Big Bro’d find someone this pretty.”

“I-I’m not his girlfriend!”

Truth be told, such relentless cheer left Favna utterly flustered. Her denials sounded hollow. Philo pressed closer with cheerful insistence until Favna was backed against the wall. Philo seized her arm, eyes sparkling.

“Sister-in-law!”

“I’m *not* your sister-in-law!”

“Then… Big bro?”

“Not that either!”

“Can I call you Sister Favna? Or Sis Nana?”

“Mmm…”

Favna had never met a girl with such overwhelming energy. Helpless, she shot Alte a silent, pleading glance.