episode_0293

Pollux, who had come to convey a message to me from the prophet, left.

Left alone, I began to wander again.

-So I thought about this. Veneris, and you too. Maybe the power you had in the Kingdom of Wederos was a bridge to get here.

“…”

It’s a good thing I knew exactly what the prophet’s prophecy would say, that I would come here.

It was questionable that he had asked exactly about my plans rather than Karcein’s, but it didn’t matter.

Lastly, it was the same with not relaying the prophet’s prophecy after hearing his ultimate goal of returning to my world.

But those are the words Pollux said before he left.

The speculation that this might be a bridge to get here… I couldn’t shake off a strangely uneasy feeling.

‘no.’

This is not where I lived.

After all, it’s just a game world. It has nothing to do with me.

Kingdom of Wederos?

There is just such a setting.

For the player, that’s all that’s been set up for the main character, Karthus.

But a bridge? Is there a reason why I came here?

“That can’t be true.”

Yeah, that’s ridiculous.

No matter how rationally you think about it, it’s just an absurd story that doesn’t make sense at all…!

─Fire!!

At that moment, sparks flew.

The tools I had installed in my room early on caused the fire to spread over time.

What I see now is…

It means that the plan went a little off track.

“…this.”

You’re being stupid.

I was so lost in thought that I forgot about the timer that was setting off the fire.

-Tiring!

▶The given conditions were not met.◀

▶The evasion trigger may not work properly.◀

▶ Whether or not a penalty is imposed is determined based on additional actions.◀

“Haa. I haven’t even cleared the episode. I’m so lost.”

The condition for avoiding a conversation with Arina is to cover up the choice by causing another event.

But even here, a small prerequisite comes into play.

The point is that Karsine must be involved in this incident.

That is, I should have been at the hotel before those sparks actually flew.

“Can’t.”

A light walk would have been fine, but it was my fault for not arriving on time.

There is no way to avoid paying the price for getting caught up in useless thoughts.

Thanks to the flames, I used the items I had to start a fire in the quiet surrounding streets. Then, I ran through the flames and ruined my clothes as much as I could.

Well, I guess I have to pretend to be hurt.

Since it was a dress I rented from Claire’s costume shop, I should have returned it… but since I ruined it like this, I’ll have to pay a fee for it.

“Next…who are you going to meet?”

If you simply get involved in an incident, it doesn’t matter because you can foolishly escape and make a mess of things, but this time it was different.

Even if I had to pay a penalty, this time I was forced to meet my family.

I pretended to be injured and walked down the street, and we met right away.

-Tiring!

▶I met my family!◀

▶A recovery event occurs.◀

‘But why this guy?’

Meeting Arina here was surprisingly the best part.

Because when they see my appearance, they forcefully turn off the option, saying that it is not the time to have a conversation.

So, I hoped that Arina would come to visit us here if possible.

“Ka, Karcein…! You…!”

This little kid came looking for me.

…Okay. Okay.

Who are you choosing in this situation?

‘This is better than Isabella or Claire, though.’

Unlike real burn scars, which require time and waiting for the burn to heal, Flora only requires payment.

Ointment cost.

That would have been better.

however.

A variable has occurred.

“This, this is also effective on burns. It removes heat, so apply it on top of your clothes!”

“…First, I want to choose a place to recover.”

“No! You have to apply it like that now. Cooling the skin is the priority!”

…this little brat.

After studying pharmacy, my head started to work quite well.

When receiving emergency treatment for a burn, the first priority is to cool the area sufficiently.

It’s because if you try to take off your clothes, you’ll get hurt… But it’s difficult to apply it here right now. Because you’re not hurt.

If I get caught lying, the choice between Arina and me will come up again…

‘Should I just say that I got out okay? Or, that I already applied the medicine?’

At that time, I was struggling to come up with an excuse.

Someone suddenly popped out right behind me.

“You don’t have to do that. I already did all the first aid for Carcein’s burns.”

…Harnie?

***

Harni explained the emergency treatment in detail to Flora.

Explain the first aid instructions to Flora in detail, and she follows them closely.

Just one.

Except that he lied about seeing me nearby and helping me.

‘I don’t know when or where it came from, but it’s good.’

The appearance of Harnie was a great blessing.

I don’t know if he realized I was in trouble or if it was just pure kindness as before, but there’s no way I’d be caught like this.

Flora will meet Arina and foolishly tell her that Karsene is undergoing treatment.

All you have to do is give it a little bit of a nod.

“I don’t need to explain myself, do I? You probably know that there’s nothing wrong with my body.”

“…”

“I just want to rest. You take care of it yourself.”

When I answered like that, Flora suddenly started shaking all over.

“What the heck! I don’t know!”

He tries to go back, making a fuss as he always does.

“Or apply!”

-widely.

▶You have acquired the item.◀

‘…I’ll get this somehow.’

Still, seeing as there are no other options, doesn’t that mean they moved on flexibly?

Flora turns around, grumbling.

As soon as Inyoung left, I tried to express my gratitude to Harnie, who was right next to me.

“Thank you. I was in a difficult situation. Thanks to your appropriate words, I didn’t get caught by that little brat─”

But, why are the corners of my eyes…

It felt red.

“Go back quickly. If you keep doing this, someone will come and you will be suspected.”

“…”

“Carcein?”

This isn’t going to work.

-Tub.

“Ka, Karcein? Why…”

“Harnie. Did you cry?”

“I’m crying. What are you crying about?”

When asked if she had cried, Harnie responded as if to ask why she was saying such a strange thing.

The only trace of crying is that the corners of her eyes are slightly red.

This alone might just be tears shed from yawning.

But I know.

This woman is not good at lying in places like this.

“What happened?”

“Yes?”

“Who made you cry?”

When I pressed her a bit harder while holding her arm and asking her questions, she looked away as if she had no choice.

“I didn’t do anything dangerous like you think. I’m just… having a little trouble.”

“…Really?”

“Yes. Today was a bit tough.”

Harnie is a woman who is usually not seen shedding tears.

Even if you are in an unfair situation.

Even if you are in such a difficult situation.

He doesn’t make any crying sounds.

She is that strong. The woman named Harnie Teresia.

So, if you were to shed tears like this, it must have been very difficult…

“I’m saying this because I thought you might be having strange thoughts, but don’t worry, that’s not the case. It’s just a little difficult mentally.”

As he said, he didn’t ask me for help directly.

Maybe this is something I can’t help you with.

There are also personal circumstances that are difficult to talk about.

There was nothing I could do about that.

However, I guess I can say this much.

“I’ll be by your side, so take a rest.”

I’ve also experienced having someone by your side when times are tough, and that alone is something that puts your mind at ease.

***

“I’ll be by your side, so take a rest.”

I’ll be there for someone who’s having a hard time.

It’s a blessing. If the other person is someone you like, then you’ll be happy.

But Harnie remembers it clearly.

The words that Carcein brought out in his conversation with Pollux.

then…

Here, we actually have an answer to what to say.

Harnie couldn’t bring himself to say those words.

“Then… is that okay?”

What are you talking about, Harnie?

This man in front of you is not from this world.

You were dragged here without even knowing English.

You said you barely survived countless near-death experiences!

Besides, he said he originally lived somewhere.

I told you that going back there was this guy’s goal!

Well…well then I guess I have to let you go here.

You shouldn’t hold on to it, you should let it go!

Even though my inner self screamed at me like that.

Harnie couldn’t readily put that into action.

-width.

“You look tired.”

“…yes.”

I was already leaning on Carcein.

Ignoring and denying that inner voice.

He knew better than anyone that he had to stay far away from this embrace, let alone reach it.

I am keenly aware of the fact that it is not too late to get out.

It wasn’t just that Karsine wanted to escape from the dukedom.

Because it was to return to the original world.

He said he almost died, so you can imagine how much he must have wished for it.

It is impossible to imagine how unfair and miserable it must have been for them to have been dragged here despite having the world they originally lived in.

But Harnier didn’t want to let him go.

It’s such a loving embrace.

His touch is gentle, and his body temperature is already imprinted on my body, so I can’t even forget it.

What can I do with something I like?

What do I do with this guy digging too deep?

What can I do if I don’t want to fall?

I should have drawn a line here, but I couldn’t.

Even though I knew I had to push Carcein out of this position.

The budding flower of love was still longing for more love.

-If you hold on like that, won’t Carcein be able to achieve his goal?

Harnie bit her lips at the cruel remark coming from within.

‘Just a little bit. You can stick together just a little bit longer.’

Yeah, just until he gets back to reality.

Until then… it’s okay.

“…Harnie?”

“It’s a little chilly…is that okay?”

“No, that’s fine. I’d rather get it to you as soon as possible.”

“…”

In agony, Harni hugged Karsine’s arm even tighter.