The tall two-handed sword user who had tried the hardest to get Silica to join walked over to Kirito. He opened his mouth as he looked down upon Kirito: “You’re a new face, but you shouldn’t cut in line. We’ve had our eyes on Silica for quite a while now.” “Well I didn’t know; things just ended up like this somehow…” Kirito scratched his head with a troubled expression. He could at least argue a little, Silica thought with a little discontent, and then she spoke to the two-handed sword wielder: “Erm, it’s something I requested. I’m sorry!” Silica bowed low one last time and then walked away as she pulled at the end of Kirito’s coat. “I’ll send you a message next time~.” Silica walked quickly, wanting to get away from the waving crowd, which still wouldn’t completely give up on her, as fast as possible. She cut across the gate plaza and into the main street. When they finally couldn’t see the players anymore, Silica sighed and looked up at Kirito. “…I, I’m sorry. For making you go through all this trouble.” “It’s fine.” Kirito answered with a slight smile as if it didn’t worry him at all. “Silica-san is pretty popular.” “Please just call me Silica… It’s not because I’m popular; they’re just trying to get me in their party as a sort of mascot, really. But… I