Ch.88Chapter 88 – Responsibility

After the deal with the Masters was concluded, we moved to the dining hall said to be inside the Magic Tower.

Since I was apparently quite a rare guest at the tower itself, they offered to treat me to a meal.

“I didn’t realize the Magic Tower had a dining hall too.”

“Well, there are many people here who prefer not to go outside.”

Beatrice, who was walking ahead, answered Christina’s comment.

The reason Beatrice was our guide was quite simple: she was lower in rank than the Masters.

‘So they have a hierarchy here too.’

Even considering that, it was still surprising. Beatrice didn’t seem like the type to listen to others.

She was once known as the “Mad Dog” for challenging the Masters to duels.

I had expected her to greet a request for guidance with raised fists.

“I feel like I’m getting a disrespectful look.”

“You must be imagining things.”

Beatrice snorted at my response and spoke.

“My title might be Mad Dog, but that doesn’t mean I am one. Besides, I’m getting a free meal out of this too. If someone asks me to guide them, I can do that much.”

“Ha.”

“What’s that laugh for?”

What else? It was a scoff.

She kidnapped someone without a care for her surroundings, beat them up, and while she might not have intended casualties, she was still an attempted terrorist. Yet here she was, talking so casually.

“Well, for those two, I don’t particularly have a reason to refuse.”

Beatrice said in a slightly subdued voice.

I suspected that her willingness to serve as our guide was partly because the request came from the two Masters following behind us.

Both Masters treated Beatrice with respect, and she seemed to respect them to some extent as well.

I’m not sure, but perhaps they were allies during the time when Somnus was at the Magic Tower.

Following Beatrice, we eventually reached our destination.

Along the way, we passed walls and ceilings that people were attached to, making me wonder how anyone memorized the routes here.

“Here we are. This is the dining hall.”

An incredibly spacious area appeared before us.

Antique tables and chairs floated in the air, with lit candles all around.

Dishes and cutlery were flying about, glimmering like stars in the candlelight.

“There are tables in mid-air too?”

“That’s why women try not to wear skirts when coming to the dining hall. Things might be visible, you know?”

Beatrice said, looking at Sera.

Sera, who happened to be wearing a skirt, blushed at the comment.

“Um, well…”

“Enough. Stop with the inappropriate jokes and let’s sit at the ground-level tables.”

Lucian stepped forward, cutting off Beatrice who seemed about to tease Sera further.

“It’s quite empty. Is it because we’re a bit late for the usual mealtime?”

“That’s part of it. Actually, few people come to the dining hall, so it’s usually quiet by this hour.”

Beatrice answered my question as she leaned back in her chair.

Soon everyone was seated, and Lucian nodded.

“Well then, shall we begin?”

Begin what? I wondered.

Suddenly, food appeared on the table.

It was even steaming, as if freshly prepared.

“How…?”

“Just moved it from the kitchen.”

Beatrice answered casually, then smiled and clapped her hands.

The dishes and cutlery that had been floating in the air arranged themselves neatly on the table.

“I understand it’s magic, but this is still quite impressive.”

“Only places like the Magic Tower use magic for such trivial things. They even use wind or water magic to extinguish candles, you know?”

That’s a suspiciously specific example.

Maybe I should just ask directly.

“You’re not talking about yourself, are you?”

Beatrice immediately swung a fist at me, which I easily dodged.

Seems I was right.

Soon everyone began taking their seats under the Masters’ lead.

We started filling our stomachs with warm dishes like roasted fowl and stew in silence.

Well, one person wasn’t so quiet.

“This meat… is so delicious…!”

It was Christina, the nun who became emotional at the sight of meat.

At first, she tried to eat daintily, mindful of appearances, but after tearing off a small piece of the fowl, her old habits took over.

“Haven’t you eaten much meat lately?”

“I can’t eat meat at the Magic Tower, can I? To think that a mere nun like me could enjoy meat at the Magic Tower…”

Christina’s eyes began to change, and I quietly looked away.

After that, she kept exclaiming in delight with every bite of meat dish, even tearing up slightly.

Rudger, who had lived a long time but apparently had never seen such a sight, quietly spoke to me.

“Does Miss Christina usually not get to eat much?”

“She’s always saying she only eats gruel, so I suppose that’s the case.”

“…Perhaps we should make some donations.”

Rudger began to look sadly at Christina.

In fact, not just him, but Aria and even Beatrice started looking at Christina with pitying eyes.

The Masters, who had been eating quietly, were now also watching Christina.

“We should feed Christina better, Kay.”

“I think I feed her quite well.”

Even Eve, who had quietly slipped her arm around mine, was looking at Christina with sympathy.

Meanwhile, Christina continued happily eating meat, oblivious to the attention.

“Hehehe, I need to eat as much as possible now… At the church, we have to save on food expenses, so it’s gruel every meal…”

Unable to watch any longer, Lucian raised his hand, and a whole roasted pig appeared in mid-air. Christina began devouring that too.

Truly happy, Christina shed tears as she continued to eat.

Eventually, everyone stopped eating their meat dishes and quietly pushed their plates toward Christina.

Soon all the meat dishes were placed in front of Christina.

Seeing this, I quietly turned away and ate my soup.

It had a slightly fragrant aroma.

The taste was clean and mild.

“The soup is good.”

“Yes, it is. I think they added aromatic herbs.”

I could see Sera nodding as she ate her soup.

“Kay, try some of this salad too.”

Eve moved to share some of her salad with me.

Looking around, I saw everyone enjoying salads and herb soups.

Christina, who had been cutting meat, finally seemed to notice the situation and began looking around nervously.

“…Um, aren’t you all eating the meat? It’s delicious…”

“I’m glad you think so. Eat plenty.”

Everyone was looking at Christina with warm smiles.

Christina wore a confused expression as she put another piece of meat in her mouth.

+

After the meal ended and everyone was too full to eat more, Violet waved her hand.

The food on the table disappeared, replaced by drinks and desserts.

“This is delicious! Kay, try this.”

“Yes, Kay, would you like to try this?”

Eve and Sera simultaneously offered me pie and tart.

Then they began to glare slightly at each other.

‘How did I end up in this position?’

I appreciate the thought, but… it’s burdensome.

More than that, it’s a bit scary.

“You’re the worst.”

“Shut up.”

I retorted as Beatrice snickered.

Of course, she just gave me a mocking glance before turning to Christina.

“Little nun, you should eat well while you can. You know that, right?”

“Mmph? Mmph. Mmph-mmph-mmph.”

Christina was in the middle of stuffing something in her mouth.

It was amazing how she could still eat after consuming so much meat earlier.

Beatrice nodded.

“You understand well. Take your time.”

Somehow Beatrice understood Christina’s mumbling and responded, then began filling her own plate.

Soon Lucian looked at Beatrice with exasperation and spoke.

“This wasn’t meant to be a feast, but I’m glad everyone is enjoying themselves.”

“It’s fortunate we prepared enough.”

Lucian and Violet said as they sipped their tea.

“By the way, I wonder what Asam is doing? If Beatrice is here, he would surely make an appearance.”

“He’s probably doing something in his lab.”

Lucian said, then looked at me as if remembering something.

“I should mention that I warned him not to harm that test subject under any circumstances.”

“Ah, yes.”

He seemed to be showing consideration, worried I might be uncomfortable.

Now that I think about it, I am a bit curious about what happened afterward.

Perhaps after being away from that cult for so long, the subject might have regained a sense of self from that doll-like state.

‘If that test subject has regained consciousness, maybe I could hear about my homeland?’

The possibility occurred to me.

Even if I can’t remember, the test subject might.

“Oh, then Asam probably hasn’t eaten yet.”

Beatrice said as if just realizing.

She clapped her hands, and a box that looked like a lunchbox appeared.

‘But does he actually eat?’

From what I recall, Asam was the one who said he ate biscuits soaked in medicine.

Would he eat this willingly?

Is this also soaked in medicine?

While I was pondering this, Beatrice took the box and stood up.

“I should go check on him. Helmet, come with me.”

“I’d rather not.”

“Come before I drag you.”

If a neck-bound you and an arm-bound me fought, I’d win.

But I pretended to give in and stood up anyway.

Since I’ve eaten, moving around a bit for digestion wouldn’t be bad.

Aria smiled bitterly and spoke.

“That curse must be difficult.”

It was awkward to respond, so I just smiled and let it pass.

I’m not sure if Aria could see my smile though.

“We’ll see you back here then.”

Beatrice said as she began walking.

Soon we were walking down the corridor, just the two of us.

And surprisingly, neither of us spoke.

‘This is awkward.’

Perhaps because we had once fought to kill each other, it was difficult to start a conversation when it was just the two of us.

Finally, unable to bear the silence, Beatrice spoke.

“…Hey, there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask.”

Her voice was casual.

It was probably nothing significant.

I answered a bit curtly.

“What is it?”

“You’re not really pretending not to know, are you?”

I didn’t understand what she meant.

“What are you talking about?”

Beatrice smirked slightly.

It felt somewhat unpleasant and frightening.

Of course, Beatrice had no reason to consider my feelings.

“You said your goal was to return home across dimensions.”

Beatrice said, brushing her hair back.

“I’m wondering if that girl Seraphina and the Lavencha Guild Master will be okay.”

“I don’t see why I should answer that.”

I avoided giving a direct answer.

“It’s interesting. You say you want to go home, but your eyes change when you know those two are in danger. They must be important to you?”

I avoided answering again.

“Silence till the end, huh? Suspicious helmet guy.”

“I apologize.”

“Fine. Your attitude tells me enough.”

Beatrice said with a slight smile.

But it wasn’t a comfortable smile.

It was more like…

A witch’s smile, filled with curiosity and mockery.

“You’re pretending not to know because you can’t take responsibility.”

I avoided answering again.

Beatrice seemed to have no intention of pressing further.

An awkward silence fell between us again.

‘Can’t take responsibility, huh.’

It felt like she had pierced through the feelings I was trying to ignore.

I wasn’t ready to face those words yet.

Because they were important to me, I couldn’t act carelessly.

‘Responsibility…’

As I found myself repeating the word, Beatrice spoke again.

“Think carefully and follow your heart.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just that. If they’re important to you, take care of them.”

I glared at Beatrice.

After a long silence, she spoke again.

“You’ll regret it later if you wait too long.”

What was she trying to say?

I thought about asking but decided against it.

Somehow I felt I would only be mocked.

“Sigh, I’m giving unnecessary advice, unlike me.”

Beatrice said, looking somewhat melancholic.

‘Is this her way of giving advice?’

Come to think of it, she had cried out about losing family and friends.

Perhaps she wanted to talk to me alone for a moment, which is why she suggested visiting Asam.

Just as I was trying to understand her intentions, her voice came again.

“Hey, we’re here.”

She approached the door with a cheerful face, unlike before.

It was as if she had never worn that witch-like smile earlier.

‘She’s really unpredictable.’

I wonder if I’ll ever understand her.

It seemed doubtful.

Beatrice moved toward the laboratory with an almost bouncing step.

“A~sam~. I’m here~.”

She pushed the door open forcefully.

“Oh, you came at a good time.”

Asam’s voice came from inside.

Entering, we saw him being held from behind by a black-haired woman, with what looked like a glass shard pressed against his throat.

Beatrice looked at the woman with a smile.

“…Who are you?”

“Stay back!”

As Beatrice tried to step forward, the woman shook Asam slightly.

The glass shard pressed closer to Asam’s neck.

“If you come closer, I’ll, I’ll stab him!”

“…Hey, Helmet. I’m seeing something really interesting right now.”

Beatrice’s expression changed.

Her earlier smile disappeared, replaced by a cold smile and fierce snarl as she revealed her hostility.

“That test subject has regained her sense of self?”

The black-haired woman flinched slightly at Beatrice’s voice.

She seemed to be trembling at the killing intent in Beatrice’s voice.

Her arm was shaking, her eyes were unsteady.

Ironically, Asam, who was in the most danger, seemed the calmest.

“If you tremble like that, it shows how inexperienced you are.”

“Sh-shut up, hostage!”

“You should just surrender now that Bea is here. You can never beat her.”

Asam’s words were cold.

And they were true.

If I were to fight Beatrice, I’d need to summon the red lightning for it to be a fair fight.

No matter how enhanced the test subject might be, if she only had some smoke coming off her, she stood no chance against Beatrice.

Beatrice put down the lunchbox and moved her fingers slightly.

-Crack

A bone-cracking sound came from her fingers, and the woman became more frightened, pressing the glass shard closer to Asam’s neck.

It seemed to have nicked him slightly, as blood trickled down Asam’s neck.

Beatrice’s eyes grew more menacing.

“Hey, take your hands off him.”

A blue aura began to surround Beatrice.

As she took a step forward, the woman cried out.

“D-don’t come any closer!”

“What do you think is faster—you stabbing or me reaching you?”

Beatrice’s cold voice made the woman look distraught.

She seemed to have realized what would happen next, thanks to Beatrice’s killing intent and confidence.

‘She’ll reach her before she can properly stab Asam.’

Even if Asam gets hurt, Beatrice will definitely reach the woman before Asam suffers a fatal wound.

The distance was too close.

We had just opened the door and entered the lab, with Asam and the test subject woman just across a table from us.

Knowing this, Asam remained calm.

Finally, the woman’s remaining composure crumbled, and she began to cry.

“I hate this… I hate all of this… I want to go home…”

Trembling more than before, she shouted.

“Why do I have to suffer like this…!”

I saw a glimpse of my past self in her.

‘Oh no.’

Unable to control herself, the woman’s hand moved.

Beatrice, noticing this immediately, moved her leg.

And then.

-Thud!

My helmet flew into the woman’s face first.

I had quietly unlocked it while the woman was trembling, and as soon as her attention wavered, I threw it.

The impact knocked the woman backward, and Beatrice pinned her down.

“Eek!”

The woman covered her face with a tearful expression, and Beatrice smiled.

Like a hunting dog that had caught its prey.

Her fist rose slightly.

“Now, what should I do with you?”

“Let’s see.”

I approached slowly.

Seeing my face across the table, the woman gasped in surprise.

I carefully picked up my helmet and put it on.

“Helmet, got any good ideas?”

“Not particularly.”

I locked the helmet and looked around.

I noticed a cup of coffee that Asam had apparently been about to drink.

Steam was still rising from it.

I picked up the coffee and approached.

“First, let’s calm down, miss.”

I gently pushed Beatrice aside and offered the coffee to the woman lying down.