Finally, Nina and Philiana started fighting.
A black shadow appeared from Veronica’s back. Lauren instinctively jumped away, clearing a path. He had a cigarette in his mouth and a bandaged wound on his cheek. The mark remained on his lips, likely from a battle.
“Where have you been?”
“Ah, just around.”
He exhaled smoke with a “Fuu.” His throat tightened. His back hadn’t changed, yet the oppressive aura was completely different.
“Get out of the way, I’ll stop this fight.”
“W-, wait, violence isn’t the answer.”
“Then what do you suggest? It’s fine, I don’t care.”
Her eyes, filled with a sense of superiority, looked down at me. It was as if she was saying, “You can’t do anything without me, can you?” Damn it, why is this happening? While I was thinking this, Veronica entered the room where the two were.
The two, who had been grappling, stopped when they saw Veronica appear after such a long time.
“Ms. Veronica…”
“Yo, you’ve gotten quite feisty, haven’t you, princesses?”
“Where have you been wandering around?”
“Now, now,” Veronica said, sitting on a broken vanity, and lighting her cigarette. Once the room fell silent, I immediately brought up the discussion for the future.
“We should set out soon. Staying here won’t get us anywhere, will it? Let’s go meet the Sage.”
“Huh? Why?”
“So we can be returned to our original forms.”
After a beat, Veronica opened her mouth and laughed, “Hahaha.” Her sharp canine teeth flashed.
“Returned? No, I don’t need it. You said it yourself, right? That your current self is the best, even in your dreams. That’s right, my current self is the best! I don’t need a Sage. I’ll just turn these brats back and crush those Dark Elves. Then, happily ever after.”
“I do! I want to go back! I absolutely refuse this!”
“Then go by yourself. Philiana, what about you?”
Philiana looked at the broken mirror over Veronica’s shoulder.
“I think I’m fine as I am. Besides, this way is a plus in terms of fighting power. Up until now, I’ve always lacked strength.”
Philiana gave a refreshing smile and narrowed her eyes.
“So, that’s how it is. Well then, let’s go.”
“Wait a minute, Hiroaki. What about you? You want to go back, don’t you?”
Me? Of course, I want to go back. But what if I were to remain a woman? My fighting power would decrease, but Veronica, Philiana, and Sharin would fight in my stead. Even without my contribution, their power would be more than enough. Weak me wouldn’t have to fight… I would be protected.
Ha! What am I thinking? No! I can’t! Why am I thinking that? Don’t run to the easier path!
“I want to go bac-”
“Then it’s decided. We’ll depart tomorrow morning. Get your preparations ready.”
Veronica interrupted me and left the room. Everyone was divided. I had completely underestimated this. I was lucky not to have my life taken. The magic cast by the Ketsy King was certainly not gentle.
The last thing I heard was, “I’ll show you hell while you’re still alive!” Indeed, that was becoming a reality. The team, which had been so united, was on the verge of collapse.
“Wait, Older Sister!”
At Karubene’s voice, Veronica, who was about to leave, slowly turned back.
“Where are you going?”
“It doesn’t matter where. Get your preparations ready for departure tomorrow morning.”
“Wait!”
Veronica, who had started walking again, stopped.
“Older Sister, please stop being a fighter. It was my fault. I introduced you because it was easy money. But it’s dangerous. You know that, you’ll get killed eventually.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be back tomorrow.”
Karubene was unusually flustered. He gripped his chest tightly, as if wanting to say something.
“You’re going, right? To embrace a woman after a fight. She’s just a cheap prostitute, who knows what kind of diseases she has. So, please, tonight, let’s just stop.”
Veronica walked on, ignoring Karubene’s attempts to stop her.
“Older Sister, wait! I- I’ll satisfy you. Look, I’ve never been with anyone before, so I don’t have any diseases. I’ll give you a great deal.”
Veronica exhaled smoke with a sigh as Karubene approached, clinging to her.
“Since when did you become such a bother?”
Saying that coldly, she left the lodging. Karubene was left standing there, stunned. What should I do in this situation? Where should I even start? Sharin, who always gave me advice, wasn’t here. My reliable companions had started fighting. From behind, I could hear Philiana and Nina arguing about what had just happened.
Karubene returned to his room. He was probably drinking. Everything felt distant. It was as if my soul had been ripped out and gone into space. My mind had stopped working. Because, instinctively, I felt that if I accepted this reality, my heart would break.
My companions of all these travels, like family… The friends I loved, my first true friends…
Before I knew it, tears overflowed from my eyes and streamed down my cheeks. Seeing this, Cecilia reached out to me. But I brushed it away and just ran.
