Chapter 78: Charlotte and the Town of Solitude

“…Huh? Where… is this?”

When I opened my eyes, I was still in Reven’s room.

But there was no one around. Even the stacks of papers that had been piled high on the desk were now completely gone, as if they’d never been there at all.

…Something feels off. I can’t put my finger on what, but it’s there.

“Reven? Reven-san?”

I tried calling out to the room’s owner, but there was no reply.

We’d been talking just a moment ago. This is strange.

I looked out the window. It didn’t seem like that much time had passed.

Had I been left alone until I woke up? Normally, that guy would’ve been the first to scold me for sleeping.

Did he just up and leave me here? That didn’t feel right either.

Anyway, it was far too quiet. I wasn’t sleepy anymore. Maybe I should move.

“Reveeen?”

Calling out again, I stepped out of the room. The hallway was silent as ever, making me wonder if anyone else was even here.

But no—that wasn’t quite true. Down in the dining area below, I could sense movement.

Drawn by the sound, I went down the stairs, where a group of unfamiliar men—adventurers, by the look of them—were eating.

I’d stayed at this inn several times before, but I’d never seen these guys. So there were people here besides Reven’s party after all.

Maybe they knew where Reven and the others had gone.

“That’s what I’m saying!”

“—No kidding!”

They were talking cheerfully, looking like they were in a good mood.

Now seemed like a good time to approach.

“Um, excuse me…”

The moment I spoke up, a chill ran down my spine.

The men, who’d been laughing happily, all turned their faces toward me at once, expressions gone blank. Their heads swiveled around, just like in a horror scene. I deserve some credit for not screaming right then.

They stared at me in silence for several seconds, then looked at one another and began whispering among themselves.

W-What? Did I pick a bad time?

“Uh, excuse me—”

“Tch.”

When I tried to speak again, one of them clicked his tongue loudly.

It was an obvious, deliberate sound meant for me to hear. That much was clear.

…Huh? Did I do something?

I froze on the spot.

“Look at that idiot face.”

“Yeah, feels good to see.”

“Who invited her?”

“No one, obviously.”

They kept their voices low, but the insults were clearly meant for me to hear.

Their eyes darted at me, again and again, cutting off every possible escape route.

A cold sweat slid down my back. It had been a long time since I felt this.

Their malice was palpable, wrapping around my ankles, holding me in place.

“She probably just slept with some guy she duped.”

“Some people have sick tastes. Who’d even want to sleep with her?”

“Leave her. She’s spoiling the meal.”

…Ah. This isn’t going to work.

This isn’t about striking up a conversation. There’s no ground here for me to stand on.

For a conversation to happen, both sides have to be willing. They clearly weren’t.

No good. I had to leave. Right now.

If I stayed here any longer—

“I heard she’s been selling herself to newbies ‘cause no one else pays her any attention anymore.”

“Ugh. Acting all high and mighty just ‘cause she’s a woman.”

“She’s a nuisance—”

Shaking off the malice clinging to me, I bolted out of the inn.

“Hah… hah… hah…”

Sweat ran down my face and dripped to the ground. The droplets left faint dark spots that quickly vanished.

From behind the closed door came the sound of laughter, mocking me. They were laughing at how pathetic I looked.

What was this feeling?

Was it because it had been so long since someone had directed such naked hostility at me? Was that why I was so shaken now?

I swallowed hard, my throat making a sound.

It’s okay. It’s okay.

It’s true I’d done things that might make people think that way, and it’s only natural some would. I knew that from the start.

So calm down.

My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might burst through my chest.

Why? Why did it hurt this much?

Was it because I’d been surrounded by kindness lately? Because I’d gotten used to it?

I hadn’t prepared my heart for this.

I lift my head slightly.

Following the unrest in my chest, I glance around.

"…Look."

"There, that’s the one, right?"

Whispers echo around me.

I can’t stop breathing. Wheezy, shallow breaths hiss past my ears.

Curious stares. Disgusted stares. They don’t even bother to hide it—openly declaring I’m the enemy.

Malice surrounds me.

"Ugh, a whore."

"All she ever does is throw herself at men—"

Before I realize it, I start running. I can’t stand staying in the same place. Staying there feels like admitting guilt, like I’m the one in the wrong, and it makes me feel like I’m going to break.

No matter how far I run, the hateful gazes cling to me.

Snickering, mocking voices won’t leave my ears. I’m running away, but it’s like someone’s whispering right next to me.

Without thinking where to go, my feet carry me to a familiar place.

"…The Guild."

Here, maybe someone I know will hide me.

But then again, there are also plenty of people here who know of my misdeeds.

I’m scared. I’m scared of being exposed to malice.

I don’t even feel like talking back—completely surrounded. Everyone looks like my enemy.

No… but at this time of day, there should be plenty of familiar faces. If so, maybe they won’t openly say anything to me.

Because between adventurers, nothing good comes from stirring up trouble. At least, that’s how it’s supposed to be.

"Heh-heh-heh."

"Ha-ha-ha."

Pushed forward by their laughter, I rush into the Guild building.

Once inside, relief washes over me when I see no one turning their gaze all at once.

At a glance, the place looks like it always does. That lets me relax a little.

No—made me relax.

"…So yeah, that woman—"

"Acting all high and mighty—"

Still shaken from earlier, the surrounding voices seep into my ears.

Or maybe… maybe they’re making sure I hear.

A creeping, unpleasant air. No one’s looking at me, no matter where I glance, but it feels like everyone’s attention is focused right here.

In the end, me scanning the room over and over must have looked ridiculous. I know it, which makes their laughter sound even more like it’s at my expense.

Coming to the Guild was fine, but what now? What should I do?

Should I tell someone? Tell them things are strange outside? Wouldn’t they think I’ve lost my mind?

And even if I tell someone… who?

What they said outside—honestly, any adventurer could be thinking the same thing deep down.

I know that better than anyone. That’s why I ran.

Which means, even if I tell someone, they might say the same thing.

Could I handle it? Could I handle hearing it to my face right now?

"What are you doing over there?"

"…Hana?"

While I’m completely at a loss for what to do, the receptionist—Hana—speaks to me.

If it’s her. If it’s her, she’ll listen.

That’s what I thought. Because we’ve known each other for a while.

Or at least, I thought we had.

"Stop standing there like an idiot. If you’re not going to do anything, then get lost already. You’re an eyesore."

"…What?"

I freeze.

It takes me a moment to process what she just said.

I know Hana can have a sharp tongue. I know she jokes around a little rough sometimes.

But this? This isn’t the tone of a joke you can brush off.

It’s a simple, blunt rejection. Words hurled straight at me.

"H-hey, that’s a bit harsh, Hana—"

"Didn’t you hear me? I said get out, you troublemaker."

I freeze again.

Her cold stare. I want so badly for her to relax and smile like she always does, but there’s no sign of it anywhere.

Sure, we’ve traded snappy comments before, but this is the first time she’s ever thrown words this harsh at me.

She was the one who talked to me when I first came to the Guild. She probably doesn’t remember, but she patiently explained so many things to me when I didn’t know how to carry myself. It’s no exaggeration to say she taught me the basics of being an adventurer.

When things went bad with men, when I couldn’t form a party, she was the one I went to for advice.

We weren’t especially close, but we’d talked from time to time whenever the chance arose.

And now she’s rejecting me.

I feel a tear slide down my cheek.

"Think crying will get you anywhere? If you’re going to pull the waterworks, why don’t you do it with the usual suckers you reel in?"

What is this? What’s going on?

The Hana I know isn’t someone who would say these things. And yet my ears clearly catch every word.

Is this a dream? I pinch my cheek. It hurts. Then it’s not a dream. What is this?

"I’ve thought it for a long time. I went out of my way for you, but all you ever bring is trouble."

Stop. I don’t want to see this, I don’t want to hear it.

"Oh well. I picked up a nuisance. Should’ve left you to rot, but then my reputation would’ve taken a hit, wouldn’t it?"

No. She wouldn’t say that.

"Every single time, it’s always your fault. Things don’t go well? Of course they don’t. Someone with such a filthy, scheming heart, trying to use others, could never succeed."

Stop. Please stop.

I clamp my hands over my ears and crouch down on the spot.

"Playing deaf won’t work."

Covering my ears doesn’t matter; her words keep slipping in.

The voice I don’t want to hear still reaches my brain.

"Everyone’s looking at you."

"““““Everyone’s looking at you.””””"

Everyone around me turns to face me all at once.

"There isn’t a single person in this town who’s on your side."

A hopeless declaration.

As I run, behind me, an unpleasant chorus of laughter follows, sticking to me no matter how far I go.

This is a nightmare. It has to be. Please, please, someone help me.