Shimon and Clarissa began a new path as siblings.
“Isn’t it wonderful? It feels like we’re finally back as a family.”
“Ah, Cecilia.”
Things had been so chaotic that I hadn’t properly apologized. During the battle with Anakura, I had killed Cecilia. Even if I was under a spell, it was something I shouldn’t have done.
“Uh, hey, I, you know, stabbed you. I’m really sorry.”
I bowed my head as deeply as I could. Was she angry, or disgusted? Regardless, I wouldn’t be surprised by any response.
“Fufu, what? Now? Ahahaha.”
I was laughed at. Well, I had kind of expected that reaction.
“If you’re going to say that, then Philiana and Veronica were also trying to kill each other, and Nina was stabbed by Lauren. They were truly troublesome enemies.”
“Well, that’s true, but…”
That’s true, but was it okay? Cecilia didn’t seem to mind much. Perhaps it was fine because we won and survived.
“More importantly, I’m glad you didn’t just start crying halfway through and stop fighting.”
“Wh-what are you talking about?”
“You get weak so easily. In the end, you manage somehow, so just be motivated from the start.”
It’s true that I falter, but is that not normal? I’ve gotten better, haven’t I? I’d never even held a sword before. I barely even use a kitchen knife.
After that, I gathered everyone to discuss our future plans.
“Clarissa mentioned that to meet the Hummingbird Har, we need to meet a Giant. It seems to be a large Centaur, but have you heard of it, Philiana?”
“No, I haven’t. You say it’s large, but we’re already large compared to everyone else. I wonder what would happen if it were even bigger.”
That’s true when she put it that way. Well, for now, it’s probably best to head north as we were told. There seem to be a few towns ahead, but they aren’t depicted in much detail, perhaps because they are far from Shindo.
“Let’s depart when we’re ready. If we follow the map north, we’ll find something.”
It’s unplanned, but there’s no other way. I headed towards Exam for more hints. He had returned to his childhood home.
A small, simple house. Vines clung to parts of it, dried and brown. When I knocked, he greeted me.
“Hello, I was expecting you. Come in.”
Inside the house, it smelled of dust and soot. Old books were piled up, and a small fire burned in the hearth. It felt a bit cramped for a large Centaur.
“This is where I grew up. My father has already passed away. Now it’s just my elderly mother and my younger sister. My sister will likely never forgive me.”
He chuckled and sat down near the hearth. I also sat down on a rug nearby. When he took off his hat, a single horn grew from his head.
“I can’t believe I’m back in my hometown.”
“Excuse me, how did you get here? Did you come by ship?”
“No, no, I’m too old for that kind of adventure now. I flew here, with Teleportation Magic.”
Teleportation Magic! The same magic the White Witch and Diepser used. Exam can use it too?
“Then can you send me back to my original world? Ah, I’m sorry, I’m actually from a completely different world than this one.”
I told him about how I was transferred to this world by the White Witch. He frowned deeply and stroked his beard.
“What, you met the White Witch? You’re lucky to have survived. No, forgive me, even I have never seen her. I’ve only heard rumors. A White Dark Elf with the power to cross dimensions, who sealed the Black Witch.”
I truly thought I was lucky to have survived.
“So, you were chasing the Dark Elf to return to your world?”
“Hmm, yes. At first, I was traveling to meet powerful mages, but my objective changed at some point. Somehow, I ended up here.”
“I see. You have endured much harsher trials than I imagined.”
Exam swallowed his words with a thoughtful expression, then slowly stood up and began to pour tea.
“I apologize for not offering tea sooner. And as for the White Witch…”
“It seems it was by chance that she sent me to this world. But afterward, she gave me this shield. The stone in it was given to me by someone else.”
He examined the repaired shield with a troubled look. The dents and distortions were gone, but it was still much more worn than a new one.
“…It must have been difficult to get this far. But the real challenge starts now.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“Perhaps you were summoned to save this world, Brave.”
“Everyone says that, but what exactly is a Brave? Is that some kind of position?”
For now, I’m apparently a fake.
“Haha, there’s no such position. As the word suggests, it’s someone who is brave. Not necessarily strong or a leader. I believe a true Brave is someone who doesn’t give up on the future, even if they have to drink muddy water.”
Well, if you put it that way, I suppose I do fit the part about drinking muddy water.
