I gained a new hint to Heaven from the mysterious youth.
He looked at me with a strange expression, as if surprised. He tilted his beautiful face, asking “What’s wrong?” with a smile.
“N-no, it’s just… it feels rather romantic,” I stammered.
“Is that so? You like this poorly constructed poem, like something a child would write? I guess I’ve inherited it, but I honestly don’t know if it has any meaning.”
“Inherited” meant it was passed down orally among Treasure Beastmen. If that was the case, then his companions were likely there. This poem was probably a way to guide us. But wasn’t it a bit too difficult?
I wrote down what he told me before I forgot.
“Well, you should go to sleep too.”
“Mm, yes, I will.”
I gratefully accepted his offer to use his bed. Once I was covered by the blanket, I mulled over the poem’s content in my head.
“The path to Hell is the path to Heaven.
Greet the King of Spirits on the night the moon rises. Offer your passion to the Water Goddess at the bottom where gold sleeps, and the gate you pass through is the back path.
When welcomed by the beasts of Paradise, you will reach the White Rose.”
First, “The path to Hell is the path to Heaven.” Combined with the other poem, it suggests that Hell and Heaven are closely related. This means the Dark Elves might be trying to open the Gate to Hell. And the White Rose, what could that mean?
I knew it was a metaphor for something. Damn it! Even with a new hint, I still didn’t understand. Could we really solve this mystery and stop the Dark Elves’ ambition? More importantly, could we get along like we used to?
Doubts I had almost forgotten resurfaced. Would things be resolved by tomorrow, by going back? My body was tired, yet I couldn’t sleep. My mind raced when I closed my eyes, making me feel sick. I tossed and turned, staring at the wall.
“Can’t sleep?”
“Ah, sorry, I’ve woken you up.”
Not only was I borrowing someone’s bed, but I was also preventing him from sleeping. He sat up, ran a hand through his hair, and walked towards me. The springs creaked slightly. His slender fingers touched my bangs.
“Are you anxious about what’s happening to your body? Want to check? It’s fine, I can do either.”
“N-no, uh…”
A strange, faint scent tickled my nose. My head felt hazy, and I had the sensation of my consciousness rising. The cheek he touched felt warm and pleasant. I found myself wanting him to touch me more.
His soft lips lightly brushed against my nose.
“Heh, if I do any more, you might turn into a complete girl. I suppose it’s better if I keep my distance.”
I instinctively reached out to chase the receding warmth. Wait, what was I about to do? I hastily restrained my outstretched right hand. He’s a man, don’t lose yourself. Or was this the ability of a Treasure Beastman?
That night, I felt restless and couldn’t sleep much. The next morning, I thanked the man who had let me stay the night.
“I can’t offer anything in return, but please at least tell me your name. I’ll convey it if I meet your companions.”
“It’s fine. Besides, someone like me, a mixed-blood, would probably be disliked. Take care.”
The man disappeared into the crowd without revealing his name. I probably wouldn’t see him again. If our lips had touched that time, I would now be… No, no, it’s impossible, snap out of it! I had new information, now I needed to rally my companions.
But what should I do about those four who were running wild? I still had no answer after a whole night. My steps back to the inn were heavy.
“…Aki, Hiroaki! I finally found you!”
Suddenly, a hand grasped my shoulder from behind. Startled, I turned to see Cecilia, out of breath. Her usually neat hair was disheveled by sweat, and dark circles could be seen beneath her eyes.
“Cecilia, are you okay?”
“Do I look okay? It was terrible.”
She let out a long sigh and roughly swept aside her bangs that had fallen onto her forehead.
“After you left, I had to… persuade those two to stop fighting and searched for you with Sharin. That vomiting woman was useless, moping around at a crucial moment. Veronica still hasn’t returned.”
She grabbed my clothes and dragged me back to the inn. I had caused her a lot of trouble, hadn’t I? And I was partly to blame. I was unceremoniously tossed into the room.
“Phew, now for the last one. Where could she have gone?”
“H-Hiroaki, you’re safe!”
Lauren’s face lit up with a smile.
“Sorry I worried you. What about the other members?”
“Uh, well, Sharin, Pillon, and Sylvie went to look for you.”
I see. I seemed to have caused a significant amount of trouble. And it seemed Philiana and Nina had been scolded by Cecilia, as they were huddled together quietly.
“A-are you guys okay? I-I mean, I’m not under any magic, so I can’t say anything. B-but if you want to talk about anything, j-just tell me.”
I had plenty I wanted to talk about. But for now, I needed to call Veronica and decide our next steps.
