I saw Cecilia off as she embarked on her journey back to her homeland.
“Haa, she’s gone now,” Karubene said, lowering the hand he’d been waving with regret. Despite everything, he and Cecilia got along well, after all. Still, they weren’t living that far apart. If they wanted to see each other, they could, right? But if I said that, she’d probably just reply that she didn’t want to see them.
“Alright, next it’s me. So, take care everyone.” Following Cecilia, Karubene stepped forward.
“Ah, please give my regards to your family.” I had been indebted to her family, no, her companions. They would surely be waiting for Karubene’s return.
“Hmph, you should find yourself a girlfriend soon too, big brother. If you keep this up, you’ll just be riding the coattails of some busty woman for your entire life.” That’s none of your business. Unlike you, I work properly, and I’ll find a girlfriend someday.
“Goodbye, Ms. Karubene. Please return home soon.” Ignored by Philiana, I spat out an expletive. You’d be wise to be careful with the current Philiana; she’s rather unforgiving.
Karubene’s body was enveloped in a white light, just like Cecilia’s. She was a troublemaker, but at heart, she was a good person. She caused trouble, but there were many times we overcame it thanks to her.
I waved to her as she disappeared. But for a while… I think I’m good, I thought. Then, just before vanishing, Karubene opened her mouth as if making a resolution.
“Sis! I, I always—” She disappeared before she could finish. What was that just now? All eyes turned to Veronica. The person in question offered no response. Her expression was hidden by the hood she wore, likely for shade.
Veronica followed Karubene without anyone mentioning it.
“See you, Veronica. Thank you.”
“Ah. Likewise, I had fun.” A casual farewell. Well, there’s nothing more to say at this point. Pauline waved goodbye with her small hand.
“Don’t cause trouble for others.”
“Tsk, I know.” Lauren also saw Veronica off with a sad expression.
“We, we will meet again, okay? For sure, okay?”
“Ah, let me read more manga again.” The manga was likely the comics Lauren was obsessed with. Hearing that, her expression brightened. “Definitely!” she emphasized, waving her hand enthusiastically. Veronica lightly waved back and then disappeared.
“W-well, it’s my turn next. I, I apologize for causing trouble with my impertinent attitude.” Following Veronica, Lauren bowed her head deeply, facing us. Nina snorted at that.
“It’s true, you were very impertinent when we met.”
“Fufufu, that’s true.” Nina averted her gaze from Philiana’s meaningful smile.
“But you’re our friend now! Even if you’re a little creepy.”
“Th-fufu, that’s fine. If I’m not creepy, my character won’t stand out, right?” Nina tilted her head, watching Lauren laugh with a trembling shoulder.
“P-Pauline, you too, stay well. Hiroaki too.” Hiro and I said our goodbyes to Lauren. After hearing us, Lauren’s figure vanished into the light.
“Well then, I’ll be going too.” Elana, who had been observing from the back, stepped forward.
“Stay well, and please give my thanks to the King and Queen of the Sphinxes.”
“Yes, of course. Finally, Sorceress Pillon, it was a pleasure meeting you.” Piyo nodded vigorously, her eyes glistening.
“Piyo, it was fun too. Next time we meet, I’ll be able to read properly!”
“I look forward to it. Goodbye, my wonderful companions.” Elana gave a mischievous smile and disappeared with the light. It was an honor to be considered a wonderful companion by her.
Only Hiro, Philiana, Nina, Pauline, Piyo, and Sharin remained. We were the members who had just left the Gelvolk Territory.
“We live close by, so could you send us all at once?”
“That’s right, I know the way back from there.”
“Now then, please imagine the place you wish to return to.” As instructed, I pictured Philiana’s hometown. My memory was a bit vague since I hadn’t stayed long, but with everyone together, it should be fine. Six of us, including myself, were enveloped in light.
“Now then, thank you everyone. Have a good life.” Lord Nephilim’s voice echoed in my ears. My vision turned completely white, and I instinctively closed my eyes.
When I slowly opened my eyes, I saw lush green trees. What is this place? Some forest? Was my imagination too vague? Looking around, my companions who had warped with me had similar reactions.
“This is outside the Gelvolk Territory. Look, you can see it there.” At Philiana’s指す direction, a part of the Gelvolk Territory buildings was visible. Even with Lord Nephilim’s power, it was impossible to teleport perfectly precisely. In the first place, the ability to warp to the intended destination is more amazing.
“Well then, let’s go.” We started walking in a line, but for some reason, Pauline stopped and didn’t follow.
“Pauline, what’s wrong?”
“This is where I’ll part ways for now.”
