Ch.412Chapter 412 – Morning of the Bestia (5)

Beatrice came to my room.

Of course, it wasn’t strange for her to visit since I hadn’t particularly refused anyone’s visits, but I was still a bit surprised.

What were the chances that the very person I wanted to consult with about my concerns would show up on their own?

Honestly, I thought Beatrice would be resting alone at this hour, or perhaps, like a proper mage, gone to examine Serra’s tools, which made her visit even more unexpected.

And now Beatrice…

Was sitting quietly on my bed.

She remained still, taking deep breaths as if somewhat embarrassed.

Whether unconsciously or not, she sat with her arms and legs neatly together, her back perfectly straight, reminding me of a noble like Eve.

‘Come to think of it, she was royalty.’

According to what she had revealed before, the name Beatrice was borrowed from someone who had died for her.

Based on what she herself had disclosed, Beatrice was royalty, specifically the older sister of the current queen of Florence or the kingdom.

Though I still don’t know her real name.

That aside, this prolonged silence wasn’t particularly pleasant.

Just as I was about to ask why she had come, our eyes met.

“……”

“……”

I was about to speak first when I noticed she was about to say something, so I unconsciously stopped. Beatrice also began to speak but then stopped. We both tried to speak first and ended up flustered.

After another awkward silence passed.

Beatrice spoke first.

“Um, Togu?”

“What is it?”

Beatrice was clearly watching my reaction.

As I carefully observed her condition, she coughed slightly, then spoke again.

“Well, are you really okay?”

“I’m fine now. Chris treated me yesterday, so I should be good for a few days.”

“I… see.”

Beatrice coughed awkwardly again while slightly avoiding my gaze.

Looking closely, her face was a bit redder than usual.

Just as I was about to ask what was wrong, Beatrice spoke again.

“I know the nun treated you. But what I’m asking about is something different.”

“What specifically?”

“Togu. Do you feel any different power? Like the holy power the nun uses.”

It was a cautious question from Beatrice.

‘Power like holy power.’

Isn’t that just holy power itself?

If I recall correctly, Chris once told me that holy power could only be used after performing a ritual.

My memory was a bit hazy since it was long ago, but I remember hearing that it wasn’t something one could just use freely.

Naturally, since I had never performed such a ritual, it was only logical that I couldn’t use anything like holy power.

I don’t even know how to use such power in the first place.

So the answer was obvious.

“I don’t have anything like that.”

“I… see.”

Beatrice muttered quietly, as if concluding she couldn’t find out this way.

I felt something was definitely off about her.

“Why are you asking that?”

“Well, I just suddenly became curious. Togu, your physical condition isn’t exactly common.”

Beatrice said while slightly glancing at me.

“I mean, Chris’s healing is essentially no different from a god directly healing with holy power, right? I suddenly wondered what reaction might occur when divine holy power collides with a body that’s rapidly losing lifespan while undergoing dragonification.”

“So you came to me to verify that.”

Beatrice nodded slightly and spoke softly in agreement.

“Nothing special happened. I just suddenly thought of it and came to ask.”

“I see.”

Though I verbally agreed, I could immediately tell that wasn’t the real reason she came.

To begin with, Beatrice could examine the composition or state of matter using magic.

If she wanted to find out, she would have simply said she’d use magic to analyze it, rather than asking such roundabout questions.

The only reason to do so would be if there was something she couldn’t detect that way, but within the scope of my understanding, that seemed unlikely.

‘Whatever the case, this is probably all I can help with.’

I’m not as knowledgeable about magic or other subjects as Beatrice is, so beyond honestly answering her questions, there wasn’t much help I could offer.

Beatrice probably knew that too, and if she wanted to investigate further, she’d likely research with Serra.

“Did you come to my room to ask about that?”

“Huh? Oh, well, yes…”

Beatrice replied while her face reddened slightly.

Thinking this was strange, I quietly asked.

“If you’re not feeling well, should I ask Serra for medicine?”

“Huh? Oh, no, that’s fine. Besides, Serra might not like being disturbed while she’s preparing.”

Serra wouldn’t really mind.

She was the type who would immediately prepare what was needed if you carefully entered while she was making something.

Even when she couldn’t stop what she was doing, she would at least explain verbally, but so far, she had never shown displeasure at sudden requests.

Like Noah, as long as you weren’t too frivolous, Serra was always kind.

‘But I guess it might feel burdensome to go to her now.’

Serra was currently preparing something with alchemy.

So even if Beatrice wasn’t feeling well, she might have felt hesitant to approach her.

“If it’s burdensome, should I go instead?”

“Huh? Where?”

“To Serra. Just tell me your symptoms, and I’ll get medicine for you.”

As I said this, I stood up and approached the door.

Beatrice, who had been momentarily dazed with her mouth open at my words, hurriedly shouted.

“No, it’s fine, Togu. I’m not sick.”

“Your face is red.”

“That’s, well, it’s just that it feels hot today, so I’m a bit feverish.”

“……”

This is a cold region.

It was such an obvious lie, but seeing her deny it like that, it seemed she really wasn’t sick.

‘Still, just in case.’

I should ask Serra and Chris to check on her condition after Beatrice leaves.

Meanwhile, Beatrice quickly changed the subject.

“Togu, is there anything you’re curious about?”

“Like what?”

“Well, since I asked you a question, I was wondering if you had any for me.”

I wanted to say no… but I had been troubled by something because of Noah.

I was about to postpone it until tomorrow because Beatrice seemed a bit off, but now she was the one asking me to question her.

‘This actually works out well.’

Mentally thanking Beatrice, I quietly began.

“Actually, I’ve been troubled by something Noah told me.”

“What is it?”

“Whether I’m really doing my best for all of you.”

I briefly shared what Noah had told me.

As Beatrice listened attentively, I quietly voiced the concerns I had been having.

“I was told to act so I wouldn’t regret even in the worst case… So I’ve been wondering if I’m treating you all inadequately, not noticing things you might be hiding out of consideration for me.”

“I see.”

Beatrice nodded with narrowed eyes in response to my question.

Looking at her, I smiled slightly and said.

“Sounds foolish, right?”

“To be honest. Yes.”

Beatrice said with a quiet laugh.

“Actually, I can’t say I don’t empathize with that warrior’s story… It’s something I feel deeply.”

Was she recalling memories of losing her family tragically?

Beatrice’s face darkened a bit.

I immediately apologized to her.

“I’m sorry. For making you recall unpleasant memories…”

“It’s okay. Thanks to someone, I’ve somewhat overcome it.”

Beatrice said with a gentle smile.

“To conclude, I think that warrior’s story is correct. Noah’s advice is right too… And yes, others do have feelings they hide out of consideration for you.”

“I see.”

Perhaps as a fellow woman, she had noticed or kept certain things to herself.

Beatrice spoke decisively.

“But I don’t think you need to worry alone about whether you’re doing something wrong because you haven’t noticed those feelings.”

“Why not?”

When I gently asked Beatrice, she smiled softly again and said.

“Because everyone knows you’re considerate in many ways… Though the part about you considering your eventual disappearance is a bit frustrating…”

Beatrice’s expression darkened slightly again.

But soon returning to a smiling face, she quietly said.

“But even that comes from your serious consideration for that person. Everyone knows you fear not being able to take responsibility until the end.”

“Everyone knows?”

“Of course, because the reason you try not to cross certain lines is that. We all know you don’t cross the final line even when you get close… because of that reason.”

After saying this, Beatrice grinned and said.

“You’re simple, so everyone can read you well.”

“I see.”

So I really am too simple.

While feeling grateful, I also felt a bit apologetic.

“…Everyone really is too good for me.”

“That depends on how you look at it. Maybe because you’re an exceptional person, exceptional people have gathered around you. You don’t need to put yourself down so much, Togu.”

Beatrice looked at me and said.

“But, well, having a proper conversation once might be good? Problems often get solved when one side gives in.”

“…That would be it, wouldn’t it.”

I unconsciously thought of Jusha for a moment.

Well, not so much thinking of Jusha as recalling a thought I had while looking at her.

Soon Beatrice smiled and said.

“Sometimes, try clashing with honest feelings and thoughts… Those three you’re thinking of probably have the same thoughts as you.”

Seeing Beatrice specifically mention “those three,” I could immediately tell.

It seemed she had already noticed my relationship with them.

On the other hand, I thought it was inevitable that she would notice.

In a way, it felt refreshing.

“Seems like you have some idea of how to handle those three going forward?”

“A little.”

Still, as Beatrice said, having a serious conversation would be good.

“Was that helpful?”

“Yes.”

I felt like the knot that had formed after hearing Noah’s words had loosened.

“It was a consultation just like you. Thank you.”

“Like me?”

Beatrice tilted her head curiously.

I thought she looked a bit cute, but decided to speak honestly.

“It was an obvious answer, but you spoke so straightforwardly. I thought it was just like you.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Looking at Beatrice, I quietly said.

“You can be troublesome to others at times…”

“…I still feel sorry about that.”

Beatrice bowed her head deeply as she spoke.

She clasped her hands together in a repentant gesture, seeming to lose energy.

I should help her regain some spirit.

“It’s long past, so don’t worry about it.”

“…Okay.”

Beatrice nodded with a somewhat gloomy face.

Looking at her, I quietly said.

“Don’t be too discouraged… Just do well from now on. You’ve been doing well so far.”

“Have I?”

“Yes… So act like your usual self, brazen and straightforward.”

Looking at Beatrice, I smiled slightly and said.

“Despite everything, I like that about you.”

Sometimes it goes too far and becomes frustrating.

But still, that brazen and straightforward nature.

And when you look closely, her attentiveness to others was something I appreciated.

When I expressed these honest feelings, Beatrice smiled slightly and said.

“…I see. So that’s it.”

Beatrice closed her eyes slightly and sighed.

Then, she looked at me.

“Brazen and straightforward is who I am.”

“That’s right.”

“…Then let me return to being that Beatrice.”

Beatrice smiled softly.

Then looking at me, she said.

“Actually, I was going to speak indirectly because I was embarrassed? But I don’t think that’s my style.”

Beatrice looked at me with a smile.

Her face had returned to its usual slightly overconfident expression.

While thinking that this face suited Beatrice best, she opened her mouth.

“Togu.”

“What is it?”

“Lend yourself to me until tomorrow morning.”

With those words, Beatrice snapped her fingers.

A sound like ice freezing came from the doorknob and window.

As I realized she had sealed all exits with magic, Beatrice’s face was thrust right in front of mine.

“By the way, you don’t have the right to refuse, K.”

The next moment, I felt something soft and warm on my lips.