Piyo shattered Quetzal’s magic, and then there was a talk.
“Things are simple at first. But as more people get involved and emotions become intertwined, they become as tangled as unraveled yarn.”
Penna placed her cup on the desk and looked at Philiana.
“So, what are you in such a hurry for?”
“I, I… if I don’t succeed today, I will lose my best friend. If this negotiation fails, I will be killed.”
What, I’ve never heard that before. So that’s why you were in such a panic?!
“Hey, you should have said something like that from the beginning.”
“I’m sorry, I thought it would only cause more confusion. Besides, I didn’t think you all would be coming.”
“So you were planning to go alone?”
Philiana shyly answered yes.
“That’s one problem solved. Next is the client, Nagaraja. He’s changed completely. Before, he was friendly, considering us his kin since we looked similar, even though we weren’t. But lately, all he talks about is fighting.”
So that’s how it was. His kindness wasn’t a lie. However, Penna also didn’t seem to know the reason for such a drastic change. I heard it was because the Dark Harpies were disrupting trade, but was that really all?
“I’m sorry, I don’t know the reason either. I was just ordered to do so.”
“Then solving that reason is the key. Have a good night then.”
With that, Penna slipped out of the room. The silent room felt even quieter in the darkness.
“…I’m sorry, everyone. You must be disappointed. I couldn’t protect my companion and lost your trust.”
I didn’t know what to say to cheer her up. Telling her it wasn’t her fault wouldn’t lift her spirits.
“And on top of that. This is probably divine punishment for me.”
She removed the cloth wrapped around her mouth. A scar stretched horizontally from the corner of her lips, a wound she sustained when fighting Claudio. Philiana won by using the dangerous tactic of holding a sword in her mouth. A heavy weight settled in my chest. Perhaps I should have stayed in the hospital a little longer and received more thorough treatment.
Although it was an honorable wound, it was painful for a girl to have a scar like a ruptured mouth on her face. It made it even harder to speak.
“Uh, um, I, I also, it’s because of me that Pauline was in danger. B-but everyone saved us. S-so I’m sure it’ll be fine. The most dangerous thing is to try and fight alone.”
In this atmosphere, Lauren spoke up. That’s right, she had also regretted that Pauline was kidnapped, blaming herself.
“A-and believe in yourself.”
“That’s right! You mustn’t think that it’s okay to be in pain!”
Polly nodded at Piyo’s words.
“That’s right, Cecilia is waiting for help to come. Right, Nina?”
Nina, who had been looking away, flinched.
“…R-right. I, I think you’re amazing right now. I mean, you were good before, but you’re even better now, so, aah, so don’t worry about that scar!”
She’s still awkward, isn’t she? But that’s why she’s Nina. Awkward and blunt, but with a strong sense of justice and a caring nature, that’s what’s cool about her. I should also say what I honestly think without beating around the bush. Overthinking it won’t help.
“I think so too. The scar on your face might not disappear, but every time you see it, you’ll remember Philiana’s battle. You overcame that and are who you are now. So I like you with that scar included.”
“Everyone, I love you all too~”
As Philiana spread her arms wide, everyone quickly stepped back. Huh? Is this bad?
“Urk… I’m d-dying.”
“Hehehe, when did you become so mature to say something like that?”
I was caught in a hug full of love. The tightness from arms trained by swords was no joke.
“I’m glad the usual you is back. Now I can sleep without any worries. I’ll take the sofa.”
“Ah, Piyo wants to sleep too! Piyo wants to sleep too!”
I felt relieved at their boisterous joy. The usual them was back. Now, all that’s left is to rescue Cecilia.
