Chapter 95: Charlotte and What Lies Ahead
A faintly awkward atmosphere lingered, and after a short while, we all went our separate ways.
Reynard seemed to understand the situation. He decided to keep it secret from the others—this wasn’t something we could talk about openly. After all, we’d just learned what “reward” awaited those who reached the deepest part of the dungeon.
No… you can’t actually reach the deepest part. The League makes sure of that.
You even need the League’s permission just to enter a dungeon. In other words, it’s checkmate.
It truly felt like we’d overheard something we were never meant to know.
"Well, we sure heard something big, didn’t we?"
"…Yeah. We did."
On the way back, as usual, Riven escorted me to the Stray Cat Inn.
Somewhere along the walk, I just felt like making small talk, so I spoke up.
"They said we’ll need a guide to go into town, so Trishel is going to smooth things over for us. Do you think that’ll be fine?"
"…Yeah. It’ll be fine."
…And there he goes again.
"Riven? Are you even listening?"
"…Yeah. I am."
"This is hopeless."
He’d clearly been lost in thought the whole way back. His replies felt automatic, reflexive—no real thought behind them.
If he’s that deep in thought, maybe I shouldn’t prod him, but this is the middle of a busy street. Letting him wander along like that could be dangerous.
Guess I have no choice.
"Come on, Riven. We’re still on the road. Whatever you’re brooding over, save it for after we get back, okay?"
I reached out and lightly touched his back, giving him a gentle shake.
Ah, he looked over at me. His eyes snapped open wide, like someone suddenly jolted awake.
"What are you doing?!"
"Eh—!?"
Whatever was on his mind, Riven suddenly stepped away from me.
We ended up facing each other in the middle of the street, drawing stares from the people around us.
After a few moments of silence, Riven seemed to realize how it looked. He lowered his gaze, looking awkward.
"…Sorry. I got carried away."
"N-no, it’s fine."
That look on his face… it was terrifying.
What on earth was he thinking? Should I even ask?
"What were you thinking about?"
He didn’t answer right away.
Was it really something that required so much thought? Or just something hard to say?
To be lost in thought like that in the middle of a street—it must have something to do with what we’d just talked about.
"If it’s about how you once tried to kill me, I don’t mind anymore. It was scary, but… well, I trust you now."
"No, that’s not it… I see."
Huh. So that wasn’t it. I honestly thought that’s what was weighing on him.
"Is it something you just can’t say?"
"…Sorry."
"Hmm. I see."
"Then… you don’t have to say anything."
"Really?"
"Yes. But in return, make sure you walk properly. I don’t want any trouble if you bump into someone."
At least saying that should make the rest of the way home a little easier.
I wonder what’s weighing on him. If it’s something he can’t share with me… it must have something to do with me.
What became clear once again is just how unusual my existence is.
I never imagined I wasn’t even human.
But even knowing that… nothing really changes.
Reynard already told me: I am who I am.
That’s right. I am me. It doesn’t matter if it’s the White Clan, the Black Clan, or a princess. None of it matters.
I’ll keep living as I always have.
"Hey."
"Yes? What is it?"
"You—no, it’s nothing. Sorry, just forget I said anything."
"Alright."
So he really is troubled because of me.
Huh… tricky. For times like this, forcing him to talk probably isn’t a good idea.
I’ll just wait until he opens up.
"If it’s hard to talk about, you don’t have to force yourself."
"But—"
"I said it’s fine. I’m me. Right?"
Saying it out loud… it feels unexpectedly good.
I even feel like humming a little tune.
Riven still looks like he wants to say something, but seeing me in such a cheerful mood, he gives a small smile and shakes his head.
"…Sorry about that."
"It’s fine. After all, we’ve been through a lot together, haven’t we?"
We’ve faced hardships together. I can forgive minor secrets.
Ah, nostalgic… secrets, huh. Maybe I should’ve kept a few back then, too.
Thinking back to the time of the Scarlet Sword… I must really be enjoying the present. I must value this relationship.
"Anyway, we’ll handle things after Trishel talks it over. We have plenty of time."
"I see… yeah. By then, I’ll have my answer too."
"Yes, please do."
I won’t say anything impolite like “is this really something you need to solve?”
If someone smarter than me thinks it’s necessary, then it probably is.
I’ll give gentle affirmation and wait to hear the conclusion when the time comes. That’s enough.
"By the way, we’re going to the White Town, but is that okay with you, Riven?"
"Why?"
"You know… the Black Clan supposedly opposes the White Clan…"
"Oh," he responds briefly with a short acknowledgment.
"As for that, I already have a plan. For now, it won’t turn out the way you’re imagining."
"I see… well, then that’s fine."
We’re heading out for all sorts of negotiations, so it’d be a problem if things got dangerous.
If he has a plan, that’s good enough.
"So, we’re really going after it, huh… I might’ve done something bad to Seiram."
"—You want to run away now?"
He asked suddenly.
Looking at Riven, he had a slightly serious expression.
So, I let out a small laugh through my nose.
"Just kidding. What would running away even accomplish?"
"…Yeah, you’re right."
That was a rare joke from him.
Is he worried about something? If so, what?
I don’t know. And he probably won’t tell me.
Somehow, I get a bad feeling.
Before we even reach White Town, it feels like something might happen between us. That’s the kind of premonition I have.
And that premonition proves correct—an incident I thought I’d left in the past bares its fangs at me once again.
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