An Extra’s Rise in an Eroge

After the light breakfast, Arthur and Alicia left the manor, hand in hand, while Cedric sat behind, grumbling.

"Why are you sulking so much? You can go out too, you know," Kaela said, raising an eyebrow at him.

Cedric let out a long sigh. "Ha~ I wish. But Leonard won't let me go alone. He'll send a squad of knights to follow me everywhere. Where's the fun in that? It's like having a shadow I can't escape."

Kaela tilted her head, puzzled. "But he let Alicia go. Why not you?"

"Because she's with Arthur," Cedric groaned, throwing his hands in the air. "Arthur is strong. Leonard believes Arthur can handle things if anything happens. That's why I wanted to go with them!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Kaela smirked, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Well then, why don't you go out with me? I'll take care of you."

Cedric's face lit up instantly. "Really? You'd do that?"

"Of course," Kaela said with a grin. "On one condition—you'll have to show me around. It's my first time in a human city, you know."

"Deal!" Cedric exclaimed, practically bouncing to his feet. "I'll go tell Leonard right now!"

Before Kaela could respond, Cedric was already rushing off, his earlier gloom completely forgotten.

Soon, Cedric and Kaela set off for their own adventure, leaving the manor much quieter.

On the other side, Arthur and Alicia strolled through the lively streets of the city, their hands intertwined. The bustling marketplace was alive with chatter, vibrant stalls, and the enticing aroma of freshly baked goods and spices.

Alicia's eyes sparkled with wonder as she glanced around. "It's been so long since I've come out to the city like this," she said softly, her grip tightening on Arthur's hand. "I almost forgot how vibrant it can be."

Arthur glanced at her, his lips curling into a soft smile. "You look like a kid in a candy shop. It suits you."

She pouted. "Are you saying I don't suit the manor life?"

"Not at all," Arthur teased. "But you're even more stunning when you're free like this."

"You're staring again," she teased, catching his gaze.

"Can you blame me?" he replied with a grin. "You're more enchanting than anything this city has to offer."

Alicia laughed, a sound as sweet as a melody. "You really don't hold back, do you?"

"Not when it comes to you," Arthur said sincerely, his tone carrying a weight that made her heart skip a beat.

They paused at a stall selling handmade accessories. Arthur picked up a delicate hairpin shaped like a flower.

"This will look perfect on you," he said, gently tucking it into her hair.

Alicia touched the pin lightly, "Thank you, Arthur."

As they walked hand in hand, a sudden commotion broke out.

Alicia paused, her brows furrowing. "What's that noise? It sounds like something big is happening."

Arthur tilted his head, listening for a moment before nodding. "Let's go see," he said, leading her toward the growing sound.

When they reached the main square, the crowd was already gathered, whispering and pointing. People stepped aside, making room for a grand procession that was impossible to ignore.

As they arrived at the main square, the sight before them was breathtaking. A procession of knights in gleaming golden armor moved with precision, their polished plates reflecting the sunlight. At the center of the entourage was a luxurious carriage, exuding an air of regality and opulence.

But what truly drew gasps from the crowd were the Shadowmanes pulling the carriage. The mystical creatures, resembling panthers, moved with an eerie grace. Their shadowy fur seemed to ripple like liquid darkness, and their glowing eyes cast an otherworldly aura that silenced the bustling square.

Alicia stared, her voice barely above a whisper. "Who could be so noble as to use Shadowmanes as their mounts?"

Arthur chuckled softly at her wonder, leaning closer. "Can't you see the emblems on the knights' chests?"

Alicia blinked, her gaze shifting to the intricate crest displayed on the knights' armor. Her eyes widened slightly as realization dawned.

Arthur smirked, his tone teasing. "Only the royal family could make such a display. No one else has the privilege—or the power—to command creatures like these."

Alicia nodded slowly, still captivated by the Shadowmanes. "I've read that the emperor's carriage is even grander. They say it's pulled by liondrake."

Arthur smiled, impressed by her knowledge. "That's right. But even this is a rare sight for commoners—or anyone, really. It's a reminder of who holds the true power in this kingdom."

As Arthur and Alicia watched the grand procession, the luxurious carriage suddenly stopped right in front of them. The knights pulled their reins, bringing their horses to a halt in perfect unison.

Arthur frowned, confused. Alicia stiffened, her hand gripping his tighter.

The crowd around them began to whisper, all eyes now on Arthur and Alicia.

The door of the carriage opened, and a young girl stepped out. She was beautiful, with golden blonde hair flowing down her back and soft blue eyes that sparkled. Her shy smile lit up her delicate face, and her lavender dress, decorated with silver embroidery, gave her an air of elegance.

Without hesitation, she walked straight to Arthur and wrapped her arms around him.

Arthur stiffened for a moment, caught off guard, but quickly composed himself.

Breaking the hug, she stepped back, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement. "Oh, Brother Arthur! I never expected to see you here," she said, her voice brimming with genuine delight.

Before Arthur could respond, she turned to Alicia and pulled her into a similar embrace. "Alicia! Long time no see. How have you been?"

As Elara stepped back, her eyes fell on Arthur and Alicia's joined hands. Her lips curved into a mischievous smile. She leaned closer to Alicia and whispered, though loud enough for Arthur to hear, "So, you've finally made him fall for you, huh?"

She kept chattering, her words flowing without pause, as if she didn't expect—or need—a reply.

Then, a calm voice came from the carriage. "When will you stop your habit of chattering like that, Sister? At least let them get a word in."

Arthur turned toward the source just as a boy of similar age to him leaned out, his features sharp yet approachable, exuding a composed aura.

"Hello, Arthur. It's been a while. Why don't you join us?" the boy said with a polite smile.

Arthur sighed, glancing at the gathered crowd whose curious stares were now firmly fixed on them. "Do I have any other choice? Thanks to the stunt your sister just pulled, I highly doubt Alicia and I will have any peace for a stroll here."