I spent quiet time with Sen no Tsurugi.
The next day, as we were taught, we decided to head for a town to the northwest that wasn’t on the map. The Bugfolk from the whole village gathered to see us off. Everyone seemed sad that we were already leaving.
“Thank you very much for everything. Thanks to you, my wounds have healed. Not completely, though.”
“Please give my regards to the townspeople as well. Don’t make any sudden movements.”
Horn shared his supplies for our journey. I felt a little bad accepting their hospitality and even getting gifts. Still, the Bugfolk waved goodbye happily, telling us to come back again. While some might be wary of outward appearances, once you get to know them, you’ll see their true worth.
Seeing this peaceful village, I realized how hard Horn had worked. He managed to persuade various disparate races and devise rules to make them function well together. There must have been some difficult individuals among them.
“Are you leaving, Pauline?”
“I’ll miss you.”
Many Worker Ants and other Bugfolk resembling her gathered around the popular Pauline. Horn watched them with an indescribable expression.
“Is it alright?”
“Haha, it’s fine. She’s a species that cannot bond with other males.”
Now that I think about it, I recall him saying something like that before. I think he mentioned that those who eloped with males were killed.
“Her kind lives in colonies. The Queen bears all the children. And the males are the Queen’s property; you must not touch them.”
I see. I have heard that bees and ants have queens, and males exist solely for mating. All the offspring are females, but only the Queen lays eggs. That’s a sad story, yet Pauline has been away from her nest for quite some time; perhaps she’ll be alright. There’s no one here to watch her.
“Her colony is far away. Right now, she’s on her own.”
Horn looked surprised when he heard my words, then he smiled sheepishly.
“Oh, really? What you said back then was true, wasn’t it? That one became one.”
Pauline protected us until the very end. Her small back looked incredibly large to me.
“Won’t you say something to her?”
“Yes, for the last time, I should at least say goodbye.”
Saying that, Horn approached Pauline. The way he stood, usually so dignified, felt strangely endearing as he hunched his shoulders.
“Ah, Mr. Horn, thank you very much.”
“N-no, it’s… are you feeling better now?”
“Yes! Thanks to you saving me. You’re my life saver!”
The surrounding Bugfolk also praised Horn, saying things like “Amazing, amazing.” He just bowed his head awkwardly. They exchanged a few more simple words, but nothing more happened. Well, that’s to be expected, considering how little time we spent here. Karubene watched with what seemed like boredom.
“Hey, hey, if we leave it like this, it’ll end!”
“Don’t say unnecessary things.”
“Hey, Pauline, that guy seems to have a thing for you.”
Oh no, he’s causing trouble again. The people listening turned around all at once. Horn seemed to freeze, overwhelmed. Pauline’s eyes widened.
“What’s with that face, Pauline-chan. Wishing you happiness! Well, we old folks should be going.”
After a short pause, cheers erupted.
“W-hey, Karubene.”
“It’s fine, Brother. You understand, don’t you?”
I suppose so… but they themselves seemed frozen, unsure of what to do. Perhaps sensing this, everyone waved goodbye and followed Karubene.
Yes, staying in this village would mean a life of constant happiness for her. With companions she liked, and without being ridiculed as Hanenashi ever again. Plus, she could find a wonderful husband, living like a princess in a fairytale. While the sudden parting was sad, her happiness was all that mattered.
The small village was already in a festive mood. They clapped their hands and fluttered, welcoming their new companions.
“W-wait…!”
Pauline’s voice was drowned out by the buzzing of the insects.
“Please, wait! Don’t decide my happiness for me!!”
The cheers suddenly stopped. Karubene, who had his hands clasped behind his back, slowly turned around.
“That wasn’t nice! Why?!”
“Look, Pauline, here, nobody will look at you strangely anymore.”
Pauline, out of breath from pushing through the crowd, stopped.
“Th-that’s not it.”
“I hate it when my companions are looked at in that way. No matter where we go, I feel like I have to hide and be conscious of people’s gazes. I know that, but I hate it.”
Karubene smiled painfully. He might seem indifferent to others, but he notices everything. Pauline looked down, trying to hold back her sadness. She understood more than anyone.
“Well then, live happily ever after with your prince.”
