episode_0024

Ariana, who had strayed from the grave, recalled the sight of Kael she had just seen.

Though he wore a strange mask, his back profile was still the familiar Kael to her.

“You’ve become even more handsome.”

The passage of five years seemed undeniable.

Kael appeared more mature, exuding a sense of masculinity.

While the feeling now was similar to before, the changes he had undergone and the atmosphere around him felt different, having experienced many things.

Yet, his unchanged willingness to consider others first remained.

“Kael, I envy you so much.”

Burying the past in her heart, she moved forward.

Seeing how he faced the future despite any sadness or despair, she envied him greatly.

“Surely, I know my path is not right, but…”

There are moments when one understands something is wrong yet can’t help but accept it.

Her situation was such, and so were her resolutions.

“You will surely try to stop me.”

If Kael knew what she intended to do or wanted, he would undoubtedly intervene.

But she despised herself for being unable to bury the past in her heart like that and for being in a situation where she had to proceed despite knowing better.

“Kael, I’m sorry.”

Later, upon hearing about her news, she offered an apology to Kael, who would be saddened.

***

Arriving at the building where Ariane’s party was held, I went inside.

This time, unlike last time, it was Arell who recognized me.

Despite my sudden appearance, Arell led me inside without saying much, just as before.

As we entered, the other party members, excluding the protagonist, seemed to be in a somewhat somber mood.

I scanned them and asked, “Where is Ariane?”

“She went outside for some fresh air.”

“I see.”

Having a rough idea of where she might be, I intended to go find her.

“I have a question.”

However, a voice stopped me.

It was Rindel, who would later be called a saint.

Normally, I wouldn’t engage in conversation, but this time I decided to respond willingly.

“What is it?”

“I heard that you rescued the children this time. Is that true?”

“Yes, but is there a problem?”

“No, I just wanted to express my gratitude for that.”

“…I see.”

Honestly, I hadn’t expected such words from Rindel, so I was taken aback.

But I replied without showing it outwardly.

“Well, Rindel’s intentions are not bad.”

It was just her cautious nature towards others.

She would later be known as a saint, always willing to help others, so it wasn’t entirely strange to receive thanks from her now.

After accepting Rindel’s gratitude, I left and headed towards where Ariane might be.

“It has been occasionally described in the original work.”

That place was where she often organized her thoughts or vented, so the chances of finding Ariane there were high.

Upon arriving at the spot where Ariane might be, as expected, she was sitting on the floor, hugging her knees, gazing up at the sky.

Intentionally making my presence known, I approached Ariane and asked, “What are you doing?”

“Oh, hello.”

Sensing my presence, Ariane hurriedly tried to get up.

I gestured that it was fine for her to stay seated.

“No need to be so formal.”

“Okay.”

Ariane awkwardly resumed her position.

I moved closer to her and sat down, looking up at the sky just like her.

Although she seemed surprised, she didn’t say anything.

Amidst the awkward silence,

I was the first to speak.

“You look troubled.”

“Oh, does it show a bit?”

“It’s not just a little noticeable, but very much so.”

Walking down the street, Arienne’s expression seemed complex enough to suggest that even passersby would find it complicated.

“Is that so…”

Arienne scratched her cheek in a somewhat gloomy manner.

I pinpointed the issue she was worried about.

“Is it related to the children this time?”

“…Yes.”

“You feel guilty for not being able to save the children on time. Some of them are even from the same orphanage.”

Arienne remained silent, biting her lip and bowing her head.

Her body trembled slightly, as if trying to hold back tears.

Watching her like that, I said, “It’s okay to cry.”

Arienne flinched slightly.

She seemed taken aback by hearing such words.

Continuing, I said, “People can’t be perfect. Even gods aren’t perfect. No matter how much you’re called a hero, being human doesn’t change. But these facts may not bring you comfort. No, any kind of solace won’t reach you in your current state.”

Having experienced similar emotions myself, I could say with certainty, “You don’t have to hold back your tears. Cry if you need to. Let it out, for the future, for the children who have passed away. Not suppressing your tears will also be good for your comrades. You are their pillar of support. Of course, if you could have let it all out earlier, you would have. So bury what you couldn’t release after crying deep inside your heart. You will understand everything when it’s all over.”

Arienne didn’t respond to my words.

Seeing her pitifully trembling, it seemed evident that she was crying.

I simply stood by quietly until she let it all out.

***

After some time had passed,

She seemed somewhat calmer.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes…”

Judging by her sniffles, she still didn’t seem entirely fine, but she appeared to have unburdened herself somewhat compared to before.

“I… but I’m curious about something.”

“What is it?”

“How do you know so well?”

How could I not know?

It was a very simple question.

“I’ve been through it.”

Having experienced it myself, I knew how difficult such pain could be.

That’s why I could say this.

“I’m going through it too.”

I could say that I was in a situation similar to hers.

The only difference between her and me was that I had already experienced it countless times, so instead of crying, I buried it numbly in my heart, remembering and honoring them.

Arienne, too, would naturally come to understand many things as she went through them.

It would be better for her to bury it in her heart, remember, and move forward rather than blame herself for their deaths.

“I can tell you this because I’ve been through it and felt it. That’s all I have to say. Additionally, grow. Drive out the hero within you and prove yourself to be the hero. That’s what you need to do.”

“Yes.”

Unlike before, Arienne had a determined look in her eyes.

‘Is the protagonist really a protagonist?’

The strong gaze of the protagonist who had overcome difficulties and hardships, as seen in the original work, appeared in Arienne now.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”

Thinking that there was no need to worry anymore, I got up from where I was sitting, but Arienne spoke.

“I… Is there anything else you want to say?”

“Someday… I will definitely repay this kindness.”

With determination in her voice to repay this kindness no matter what happens.

I chuckled.

“If a true hero repays a kindness, you can expect it.”

“Of course.”

“It’s truly exciting to think about how a self-assured hero like you will repay this kindness. Unfortunately, there’s no real need for that.”

At the end, since I won’t be there anyway.

I conveyed my intentions while swallowing the rest of my words.

Arien nodded slightly and said, “That’s what I want.”

Seeing her unwavering determination, I chuckled and said, “In that case, I have one request.”

“What is it?”

“Someday, when you face a truth that you can’t believe and feel like denying everything. I hope you won’t crumble and will keep moving forward. That’s my request.”

Arien looked at me as if she didn’t understand my words.

Looking at her like that, I added, “There are too many towers built on false hypocrisy in this world. But towers built on falsehoods instead of truths are bound to collapse. Eventually, that truth will be revealed. So when you come to know the truth of the false tower through your experiences in the future, don’t collapse. Lastly, remember that the false truth may be closer than you think.”

Arien seemed to understand better than before and nodded slowly.

“In other words, even if a shocking truth approaches, don’t fall, don’t crumble, just keep moving forward. Is that what you mean?”

“Put simply, yes.”

“Good. As long as you firmly hold onto that belief that you won’t crumble.”

A confident Arien spoke.

Nodding slightly at her, I said, “I hope you truly keep that promise. A true hero.”

“Shall we go now?”

“There’s no reason to stay here anymore. There’s a lot to do.”

Actually, Lena is taking care of everything I need to do, but staying in her party right now wasn’t ideal.

Arien needed to grow up quickly.

“…Thank you.”

Arien bid me farewell with a somewhat regretful expression.

Nodding, I left that place along with her farewell.