episode_0011

“You’ve been waiting.”

Buarno returned quite early.

Considering that all administrative decisions in the Labyrinth City are currently focused on our case, his swift handling of matters was remarkable.

Given the time it takes to walk back and forth, it was clear that he was processing things almost in real-time.

“From now on, I will convey Viscount Maze’s orders. Since it is best for the parties involved to reach an amicable agreement, both Krisha and Rinde have been instructed to express their true feelings without any armed conflict calmly… that’s what he said.”

“Oh.”

A reasonable decision.

High-ranking officials prefer to keep major issues like diplomatic friction under control as much as possible.

They tend to disregard personal emotions or individual opinions between the parties involved and interfere as they see fit.

Of course, in a major incident like this where the peace and well-being of many are at stake, as the person in charge, one cannot simply sit idly by without seeking a peaceful resolution.

While it’s not necessarily a bad approach and can sometimes be the best course of action as a last resort, this case is a bit different.

It could potentially lead to a conflict between nations but fundamentally stems from emotional issues between two individuals.

In other words, the root of the problem is very small.

“However, if the issue cannot be resolved through dialogue, then Rinde and Krisha will be subject to forced expulsion.”

“What?! F-forced expulsion?!”

“Of course, considering Rinde’s status as an Eboni, a certain amount of compensation will be provided…”

“T-That’s not necessary! I’ll just stay here…!”

“Using such large-scale magic within the city is sufficient grounds for forced expulsion. Viscount Maze’s consideration for Rinde should be acknowledged.”

“Ugh…”

Ultimately, that aspect is causing some trouble.

“It can’t be helped. We just need to resolve it through dialogue, right?”

“We sincerely hope for that as well. So please wait a little longer; we will arrange a meeting for Krisha and all of you shortly.”

“All of us? Can I join in?”

“Yes. It’s also part of Viscount’s instructions. Rashwood is also a party involved in the incident.”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

Although fortunate for me, I’m curious about the Viscount’s thoughts.

Normally, only Rinde and Krisha would be allowed to converse in this situation.

Regardless, we waited and then proceeded to the prepared room with cursed handcuffs, ready for the conversation.

To facilitate free conversation, the handcuffs were only attached to one hand instead of both—a thoughtful gesture.

Perhaps this was also part of the Viscount’s instructions.

For a moment, the waiting room already had Krisha waiting there.

“Rinde…!”

As Krisha tried to get up, the Chief Guard Marco, who was standing behind her, grabbed her shoulder and gently pushed her back into her seat.

“…!”

Krisha glared at Marco, but he remained resolute, his face unwavering.

Impressive boldness against a Dragon Slayer.

He survived on the battlefield with his strength alone and even received a noble title.

He used to be a young man who shared ownership of an estate with me and adventurers, asking them to teach him swordsmanship…

“Well then, I’ll wait outside. If there’s any commotion inside, I’ll come in immediately.”

With those words, Marco left the room.

In the waiting room, Rinde, Krisha, and I sat around a circular table facing each other.

“You’re not needed.”

Krisha spoke directly to me.

“After all, I am also a party involved.”

I leaned back against the chair.

“Besides, Rinde wants to live with me, not you.”

“Gah! What did you do to Rinde?! If you threatened her, I won’t forgive you…!”

“Threats are coming from you, not me. Anyway, we’ve been given a rare chance, haven’t we? Let’s talk it out and resolve this.”

I picked up a cookie from the table and put it in my mouth.

Next to me, a warm cup of tea was ready, emitting a fragrant steam.

These cookies are from the best bakery in the Labyrinth City.

During the year-end, the pastry chef there sends these cookies as gifts, so I know them well.

“Krisha…”

Linde spoke up.

“I really want to live here.”

“Because that man is from the same Eboni tribe as you?”

“It’s not just for that reason…”

“Then why?!”

“Lower your voice.”

I gestured with my thumb towards the door.

Marco must still be waiting behind it.

“Tsk… You, answer me properly. What did you do to Linde?”

“How many times do you need to ask? I didn’t do anything.”

“You slept with Linde!”

“Oh, that was… a mistake… Yes. That was my fault.”

“W-what? It was a mistake?”

This time, Linde looked puzzled.

“I already said, I never thought about expanding the Eboni tribe or anything like that.”

“Oh, right… So why…?”

“That’s why I said it was a mistake. I had a bit too much to drink and it just happened…”

“You forced yourself on her after drinking?!”

Krisha slammed the table with her fist.

The plates on the table shook a bit, but thanks to the cursed handcuffs, nothing broke.

“…”

The door creaked open slightly, revealing Marco’s face.

I signaled him it was okay with a wave of my hand, and he closed the door again.

“…See? Calm down for now. I understand you’re angry, but we can’t waste this opportunity.”

“I don’t care! As long as I can go back with Linde.”

“But if Linde wants to stay with me? …Is that still the case?”

“Well, um…”

Linde hesitated.

“Anyway, I didn’t attack you for the reasons you think. It was truly a mistake due to the alcohol. I feel really sorry about it. If you’re disappointed…”

“Oh, no. It’s okay…”

“Well, that’s a relief.”

“I’m really, truly fine. I wasn’t that disappointed.”

“I’m not okay.”

Krisha said.

“I’ve been worried about this kind of thing for a long time. Linde has weak convictions and can’t refuse unreasonable requests from others.”

“Oh, no…”

“It’s not too late now. We can offer a sacrifice to the Goddess of Purity…”

“No, it’s too late. I’ve done it twice already.”

I shook my head.

Someone who has had sex more than once doesn’t have the qualification to pray to the Goddess of Purity.

“What…?! What… are you?!”

“Rasiud is my dad’s friend…”

“Could it be…”

“Yes. I’m from the same first-generation Eboni as Sangcheol…”

“You touched your friend’s daughter…”

“Oh.”

So that’s how it is.

I’m even more trashy than I thought.

“Well, um… What are you exactly? You’re overly protective and fixated on Linde to call yourself a friend.”

“I’ve been with Linde longer than anyone else.”

“Even if you say you’ve been friends for a long time…”

“Krisha… I raised her when she was young…”

“What?”

This time, Linde dropped a bombshell.

Yes. Because of her white hair and green eyes, I was abandoned by my parents and Linde took me in. So this time, it’s my turn to protect her. You have no place here.”

“Ah… So you have that kind of family situation.”

Considering Linde’s age, it’s not entirely unbelievable.

Although I’m not familiar with the culture of the Kingdom of Brigal, her hair and eye color must have been considered unusual even there.

Now I understand why Krisha is so fixated on Linde.

“And convincing Krisha was more difficult than imaginable, in fact, nearly impossible.

‘Well then, let’s make it official.’

‘What?!’

Linde turned her head in surprise towards me.

‘What is this…’

‘Have you finally understood?’

‘Yes. It can’t be helped. Because you will never give up.’

‘R-Rashwood…!’

‘Linde, I’m sorry.’

‘You promised… You promised that we could live together…!’

‘That’s right… I’m sorry…’

‘Rashwood…!’

‘So that settles it. Linde, I…’

‘So come back in about a hundred years.’

‘…What?’

‘…What?’

Linde and Krisha both looked at me with shocked expressions.

‘It’s obvious that I won’t give up while Krisha is alive. So I’ll come back when she grows old and passes away.’

‘Ah…’

‘What…!’

‘Whether you’re a Dragon Slayer or whatever, you’re just a normal human, right?’

I pointed my index finger at the bewildered Krisha.

‘You promised to protect Linde, didn’t you?’

‘T-That’s right. I…’

‘Do you have the confidence to protect her even a hundred years from now?’

‘A h-hundred years…’

‘No, maybe a hundred years is too long? Can you live another fifty years at least?’

‘That’s… That’s…’

‘I’ve already lived ten times longer than Linde. Among the first generation of Eboni tribe, no one has aged and died yet.’

‘Ten times…’

‘You’ll experience a time beyond your imagination. Even if you defeat dragons, you can’t conquer time. Linde may be a half-blood Eboni, but I am pureblood. Perhaps I can stay by her side until she grows old and dies.’

‘…’

‘I only have a mere hundred years. For the Eboni tribe, it’s only a fraction of the time they’ve been alive.’

‘Then… you might be dead by then too…’

‘Our Eboni tribe has been on this earth for about five hundred years. But do I look like an old man?’

‘…’

‘So, if you want to force the issue, go ahead. It’s just a brief moment for me.’

‘Ugh…!’

Krisha clenched her fist, bowing her head.

‘C-Coward…!’

‘Cowardly or not, this is reality.’

‘…’

‘…’

Both Linde and Krisha remained silent, with only heavy air circulating in the room.

Perhaps this perspective was something Krisha had never considered before.

In her prime, the idea of herself growing old and dying would be difficult to grasp.

‘I… knew.’

Linde spoke.

‘I knew, but I couldn’t tell Krisha… That’s why…’

So she left without saying a word to Krisha.

How could you possibly tell someone, especially your own child whom you raised, that they too will die and leave you someday?

It’s an inevitable consequence when longevity meets transience.

I may have grown accustomed to it, but Linde is still young.

Approaching Krisha, who was still bowed with her head down, Linde embraced her.

‘Krisha…’

And he held her close.

‘I’m sorry for leaving without saying anything to you. Truly… truly sorry…’

Tears from Linde’s eyes fell onto Krisha’s neck.

Water droplets began to fall from Krisha’s bowed head as well.

…

With this, Krisha will understand and accept.

The problem is resolved.

But there is no sense of relief.

I can’t even count the number of friends I’ve bid farewell to.

Ted, the restaurant waiter.

Marco, the head of security.

Rebat from the inn guild.

None of them lasted even a hundred years as I told Krisha.

All I can do is silently accept the fact that I continue to live while the world keeps turning.

May Linde also come to accept that.”