Chapter 108

R‍e‌a​d​ ‍​o‌n‍ ​​K​at‌R‌e‌a‍​d‍i‍n‍g‌Ca​fe‍

The pronunciation was surprisingly clear, given that the words were forced out. I thought it would be slurred or unclear, but it was surprisingly distinct, even to my own surprise.

After managing to say that one sentence, my voice flowed out like a dam had burst.

Clinging to Lucia’s shoulders, I began to recite the apology I had prepared for coming to the sickroom.

“I wanted to apologize for what happened last time.”

Frey’s gaze was pressed downward.

Only her dark blue hair filled her vision.

What expression was Lucia wearing?

Until just a moment ago, it had been enjoyable to see her face.

But now, for some reason, it felt frightening.

“I know. Apologizing now is too shameless. I gave you wounds that can’t be washed away.”

If I had known this would happen, I shouldn’t have tried to take off the mask.

Regret came too late, and spilled water can’t be taken back.

“I should have said this earlier, but I lacked the courage and only ran away. I’m sorry, Lucia. I’m really sorry.”

In response to Frey’s apology, Lucia remained silent.

The quiet stillness made my heart uneasy.

I would have preferred her to grimace or even get angry.

The lack of any response only heightened my anxiety.

“…”

There were no words, but there were clues to Lucia’s feelings.

The trembling, the faint trembling transmitted through her hand gripping my shoulder.

It conveyed her true emotions without a doubt.

This is only natural…

Why did I think it would be okay?

“I’m not asking for forgiveness. You can hate me if you want. But I was the only one who made a mistake, so I hope you don’t hate Alice.”

Frey bit her lower lip tightly. If it weren’t for the fact that Alice shared her pain, her lips would have been torn and covered in blood from how hard she bit down.

I was wrong. Completely wrong.

Assuming Lucia would forgive me.

Enjoying her pain as I pressed on her wounds.

Being optimistic because I thought Lucia would be fine.

Even apologizing now.

I should have apologized earlier.

Before her trauma festered and turned into a normal reaction.

…I shouldn’t show myself in front of Lucia again.

Because Alice might also become a source of fear for her.

There aren’t many people in this world you can trust.

I couldn’t let Alice lose such an important friend.

I’ll say it. I’ll say, “I won’t appear in front of you again.” That way, Lucia can feel a little more at ease.

Frey hardened her resolve.

It was bitter, but it was all my fault.

If that’s the case, it’s my responsibility to fix it.

“Lu──”

But before Frey could say anything,

Lucia’s arm gently pushed away Frey’s hand holding her shoulder.

And then she hugged Frey tightly.

With her face buried in Lucia’s soft chest, Frey tilted her head in confusion.

“I told you, I don’t hate Frey. I like you.”

Lucia said with a bright smile.

Frey wanted to scold her for lying, but her words were stuck in her throat at that innocent smile.

It didn’t seem like a lie meant to comfort.

“You don’t have to blame yourself. I said it earlier, didn’t I? Alice is my most important friend. Frey is also Alice, right? Frey is also my most important friend. I want to continue getting along well with Frey in the future. So it’s okay. I’m completely fine.”

That’s impossible.

Just a moment ago, she was trembling so much.

And now, just because of an apology, she’s smiling so brightly?

Liar. Are you trying to lie to me again?

I won’t fall for it. I already saw through your lie earlier, so why…

A gentle hand stroked Frey’s hair.

The warmth enveloped Frey, who had been growing cold.

Liar. Don’t comfort me. I’m the one who should comfort you.

You were scared. You were trembling.

But…

“I don’t need forgiveness. I never hated Frey to begin with, so how could I forgive you?”

Lucia’s voice carried an undeniable sincerity.

She was truly saying that she liked Frey.

Without a trace of falsehood, it reached Frey.

“…You’re too kind, that’s your problem.”

Frey expressed her feelings in one sentence.

Even a child left by the river wouldn’t worry her this much.

I wonder if she’ll be okay. Can she navigate this harsh world safely?

“Hehe, thank you.”

“That’s not a compliment.”

“Thank you!”

“I said it’s not a compliment!”

Frey buried her face in Lucia’s embrace, shouting.

She didn’t want Lucia to see her expression right now.

If she saw it, she would probably roll around on the floor, kicking her legs.

She might even try to shove her head into a mouse hole.

That’s how ugly Frey’s face was right now.

“…Thank you.”

In a small, very small voice,

Frey whispered, almost crawling.

It seemed she had heard it anyway.

Lucia giggled and hugged Frey even tighter.

It was quite suffocating, but Frey didn’t resist.

I wanted to stay like this a little longer.

Alice often acted spoiled with Lucia.

And every time, Lucia happily indulged her.

In a way, since I’m also Alice, can’t I be a little clingy too?

Lucia patted Frey’s head and back.

It felt like being held in a mother’s embrace, though I’ve never experienced that.

I want to stay like this a little longer. Just a little.

I’ll apologize again after that.

Ten seconds, no, one minute.

Yes, that’s fine, right?

Just like how Lucia hugged Frey, Frey reached out and hugged Lucia’s waist.

Despite being trained, Lucia’s soft body was as warm and cozy as a large teddy bear.

Even as her breathing became labored, Frey didn’t pull away from Lucia’s embrace.

But soon, she was forced to step back as Lucia’s hands gently pushed her away.

“Hey, Frey.”

Frey looked up at her with a pouty face, as if asking for more hugs.

Alice got to be held for much longer. That’s unfair. Don’t discriminate.

But Frey’s face stiffened at the next words that came from her.

“Do you like hitting people?”

“Wh-what…?”

What, what did you just say?

Frey was so bewildered that she couldn’t even breathe.

She doubted her own ears.

What did Lucia just say?

“Sadism, I think it’s called? A sexual preference where you get pleasure from hitting others. I read about it in a book.”

“Lu, Lucia…”

“So, Frey, you’re a sadist, right?”

“Wh, wh, what, suddenly, what…”

Frey was aware that her reaction was utterly pathetic.

But she simply couldn’t calm down.

Lucia’s words were touching on Frey’s shameful secret.

If she didn’t react, it would be even stranger.

Frey’s pupils trembled like a small boat tossed in a storm.

How?

How did she figure it out?

“I thought about it. All the things you did to me.”

Lucia recited calmly.

Each time she spoke, Frey’s heart pounded as if it would sink.

“It was too emotional for an act to wake Alice. It was impulsive, and it seemed like the purpose was just to torment me.”

“…”

It was true. It was an undeniable truth.

She wanted to wake Alice. There was no falsehood in that intention.

But the problem was that another motive was mixed in.

It was supposed to be an act for Alice.

But at some point, the goal became a pretext, and the means became the purpose.

“You slapped my cheek, pulled out my teeth, choked me… and humiliated me by making me wet myself…”

“…”

Frey wanted to run away immediately. Without realizing it, she took a step back. But before she could, Lucia grabbed her shoulder. Even though Frey could easily break free if she wanted to, she didn’t even try and only fidgeted with her lips.

I hate this. I was wrong. Let me go.

Don’t say anything. Don’t say anything more.

“I saw it. The way you smiled while choking me. You seemed to be enjoying it so much.”

“…”

“You enjoyed my suffering, didn’t you?”

She was caught. Lucia had discovered everything.

Her shameful desire. The secret she had to hide.

By the one person she didn’t want to find out, after Alice.

She would deserve to be scolded for being shameless.

After doing such things, did she really hope Lucia wouldn’t know?

Why did she think Lucia wouldn’t notice?

What kind of ridiculous fantasy was she living in?

Frey’s face turned pale as she couldn’t say a word.

There was no point in denying it. Lucia was already certain.

She didn’t even have the will to make excuses. It felt like it would be pointless.

‘I’m, I’m sorry, I’m sorry…’

She wanted to apologize, but no voice came out.

Her throat felt as if it was stuffed with wet cotton, and not even a gasp escaped.

Why? Why did you suddenly say that? You said you forgave me. You said you didn’t hate me.

“Frey.”

Frey’s lifeless, dark eyes showed no spark, but Lucia wasn’t done yet.

Lucia gently caressed Frey’s cheek. At first, her touch was tender, but suddenly it turned rough as she grabbed Frey’s cheek and pulled it. The soft flesh stretched, but it wasn’t painful, as if she was being careful not to hurt her.

Frey, who had been shrinking back, hesitantly looked up at Lucia.

With a soft smile, she spoke in a gentle voice.

“I don’t care what kind of tendencies you have.”

As if to prove her words, Lucia giggled.

Her expression definitely didn’t look like someone wary of Frey’s sadistic tendencies.

“I have a request. Will you listen?”

A request? What kind of request?

Frey silently listened to her words.

No matter what the request was, even if it was unreasonable, Frey was willing to fulfill it.

“I realized something because of this incident.”

Lucia paused for a moment, narrowing her eyes and forcing a bitter smile. She played with Frey’s dark hair, speaking in a voice tinged with a sigh.

“I really am weak.”

“…Lucia, you’re not weak!”

Frey protested loudly.

She hadn’t met anyone as strong as her.

She didn’t like how Lucia belittled herself.

It wasn’t about physical strength. It was about her spirit.

If Lucia wasn’t strong, she wouldn’t have been able to face Frey at all.

“No, I am. I couldn’t do anything on my own.”

But Lucia seemed to think differently.

She firmly cut off Frey’s words in a whisper.

Her idea of weakness referred to physical strength, not her spirit.

At least, that’s what Frey thought.

“I don’t want to be a burden. I want to become as strong as you two.”

“…Do you want me to help with your training?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

That much wasn’t difficult at all.

That’s why Frey felt a slight doubt.

What does this have to do with revealing my sadistic tendencies? Did she just say it openly because she didn’t care? Could Lucia really be that kind?

“Frey, I have a request.”

Lucia carefully grabbed Frey’s wrist.

As she slowly raised her hand, Frey’s hand followed.

Frey didn’t resist, not understanding what was happening.

It was when her hand touched Lucia’s neck that she realized something was seriously wrong.

“Hit me.”

“…What?”

Frey unconsciously let out a dumbfounded sound.

 

Author Note

A/N (Author’s note):
No matter how much I think about it, Lucia, who deceived and seduced the innocent Frey, seems like a really bad kid.

Bad kids should be punished, right?

Translator Note

T/N (Translator’s note):
They are friends.

Heh.