Philiana was able to reunite with her longed-for brother.
She bid Nina and Piyo farewell for now. She was sure she’d see them again soon. Or rather, she would go to meet them. She planned to visit the village once her life here stabilized.
“See you later, promise me you’ll definitely, absolutely come to see us!”
“Of course, it’s a promise.”
The two left town before the escorts gathered. Now, only Sharin remained.
“What about you, Sharin?”
“I think I’ll stop by Pillon’s Village. The bandit group I belonged to has probably moved to another location.”
I see, so she doesn’t know where the Cat Bandit Group is now. That must be tough.
Sharin and I walked through the town together. It was morning when we came out, but the sun was already starting to set before we knew it. It was probably due to the time difference. It felt as if it were signaling the end of this story.
“You’re staying here, aren’t you?”
“Yes, for a while. After a little time passes, I think I’ll return to my original world. This time, I’ll prepare properly before I go.”
This time, she would be able to properly greet her parents. Even if they didn’t believe her, she wanted to tell them the truth of what she had experienced.
“I see.”
As we talked little by little, the town gate came into view. I stopped there. In the setting sun filtering through, Sharin, who had gone ahead, turned back.
“Well then, goodbye Arisugawa.”
“Hm, ah.”
Why was it that she couldn’t say goodbye with a smile like everyone else? For some reason, her parting words felt awkward. Something felt stuck in the back of her throat, but she didn’t know what it was.
Sharin smiled faintly and started walking. It was alright, this wouldn’t be the last farewell. She was sure they would meet again soon. Since she had said she was going to Piyo’s Village, she should be able to find clues there.
Even so, for some reason, her chest felt tight, and an overwhelming emotion swirled within her. It felt as if they would never meet again. No, that wasn’t it. She just didn’t want to not see her tomorrow.
She wanted to shop together in town tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and the day after that, with her by her side. Having trivial conversations about what she needed, and what this was.
What was this feeling? Ah, it must be because they spent so much time exploring towns together on their journey. It might feel strange at first, but she would get used to it within a few days. People were like that.
That’s right, she couldn’t keep Sharin any longer. She too had someone she wanted to meet, a place to return to.
“Sharin!!”
Even so, her throat spoke without her permission. Hearing her name, Sharin turned back. No, it wasn’t like that, she had called out by mistake…
“What is it?”
“Uh, u-um.”
Sharin stared at her with her large eyes. She seemed to be waiting for her to say something else, wondering if there was something more she wanted to say. She should just say “Take care,” that’s all.
—Is that really true?
Huh?
—Is it really just that?
Ah, I see. Philiana had been in love with Sharin all along.
She didn’t know when it started. Maybe it was when their journey began, or maybe it was just yesterday. During this long journey, she had suppressed this feeling for various reasons.
She didn’t know if this feeling was the same as what society generally called love. However, she wanted Sharin to be by her side forever. Not anyone else, but her.
“No, umm, well…”
But she didn’t know how to convey these feelings. For starters, there was no guarantee Sharin felt the same way. If she confessed here and was rejected, would they even be able to remain friends?
Her chest ached, and her body grew hot. Various thoughts raced through her mind. She didn’t know what to do, and her eyes began to well up.
“What’s wrong, Arisugawa?”
The oblivious Sharin looked at her with innocent eyes. The reason she returned to this world. Of course, it was partly because Piyo wished it. But in truth, wasn’t her heart drawn to Sharin?
“I, I, um…”
Sharin tilted her head at her nonsensical behavior. Speak, say it, convey your feelings properly. When else would she show her true colors if not now? Okay, she would do it! Even if she was rejected, she would have properly conveyed her feelings like a man.
“I love Sharin! So, so…”
I bowed my head as much as I could.
“Please, make me your lover!!!”
…This feels a little different. She peeked at Sharin’s reaction. Sharin stared at her with even wider eyes than before.
“Wh-what’s with this all of a sudden? Lover, you… B-but, we’re different races and origins. Are you okay with that?”
“My place of birth doesn’t matter. I want to be with Sharin forever from now on.”
She was probably bewildered by the suddenness. She felt the same way; even after saying it, she wasn’t sure what to do.
“I, I understand your feelings. I will be your lover. I’ll come to pick you up again, wait for me!”
Saying that, Sharin left town at an incredible speed. Did the confession succeed, perhaps?
As Sharin’s figure disappeared, strength drained from her body. She sat down alone on the spot. That’s right, when she went to greet her parents, she would bring Sharin along. She had promised to take her to her world.
And so, a new story of hers began to unfold.
