episode_0046

Aria did not actively try to take Ian.

For the first time, I became greedy for people, but it wasn’t enough to ruin my relationship with Sylvia.

Comparing Ian and Sylvia, naturally Sylvia’s skills were more valuable.

Of course, Sylvia is a member of the first hero party equivalent to herself.

I did not achieve this position where I can hold everything alone.

The biggest contributors were the three monstrous warriors, including himself.

So, I hoped that my relationship with them would be maintained.

Although Ian’s importance may not be zero, I judged that it was not as high as theirs.

So I hoped that Sylvia wouldn’t find out… .

“… Aria?”

Compared to when I started under Jerry.

Than when I entered the depths of the demon world.

I was even more scared now.

Aria pretended not to be embarrassed and shook her head.

Don’t give any clues.

“… It’s probably the same reason as Sylvia.”

Sylvia thought for a while after hearing the answer.

Then he smiled weakly.

“… Yes. that’s right. Because I’m not the only one who was saved by Ian… .”

Fortunately, Sylvia had no time to doubt Aria.

“It’s not just me who can love Ian, and it’s not like Ian is the only one who deserves my love… . Still, I am the first and the most… . I… . Sigh… !”

Sylvia, who was mumbling, eventually burst into tears.

Aria felt relieved and continued walking.

“Even if I hadn’t done that… . It’s all because of me… . I, I ruined everything… . I have no right to blame anyone… .”

That was only half true.

It is true that Sylvia’s reckless behavior greatly disturbed the atmosphere of the first party.

However, there was something that Sylvia, who was too busy concentrating on Ian, did not know.

The other three were already thinking about kicking Ian out at that time.

At that time, regardless of Penny’s words, Aria was feeling bored and doubted how much of Ian’s functional value was left.

Even if there was a war, I thought there would be no need for Ian anymore.

There was also the discomfort of not wanting to keep something close to me that I couldn’t have.

Kylie was on the verge of killing Ian, but she was also on the verge of going crazy because she couldn’t do it.

Ian said that Aria’s ideas were the worst, but Aria couldn’t admit it.

No one has a more bizarre mindset than Kylie.

In fact, Ian also thinks Kylie is the best.

I only said that because Aria’s confession at that time was so unpleasant.

Lastly, Beatrice is the only person who believed Penny’s words were reasonable from the beginning.

“We shouldn’t have done that to Ian… . I can’t believe I no longer need Ian, and I don’t know what he’s doing… . That’s really funny… . It’s all thanks to someone that we’ve become like this… . There’s no need for the disgusting excuse that you didn’t know because Ian didn’t tell you. At least we, at least me, shouldn’t have ignored it… .”

Sylvia was almost furious.

His anger towards himself was greater than that of anyone else.

“If only I had trusted Ian a little more and been honest… .”

Among the many, many memories, there is one scene that confuses Sylvia’s brain the most.

‘I don’t love you anymore.’

That day, out of a laughable desire for revenge, I committed the act of murdering the heart of a precious person.

‘Sorry.’

It may already be too late.

Even then, if I hadn’t done that.

Have things changed between Ian and himself?

Ever since I reunited with Ian, that thought has been hanging over my head like a dark cloud and pouring down rain.

In a different sense than back then.

To those who can no longer hear.

To him who won’t even listen.

I regret the belated apology.

“I’m sorry, Ian… . Sorry… .”

I try to belatedly pick up the feelings I lost because I didn’t trust him.

***

In the evening, as the sun was setting, it was time to see Vivian’s magic.

Last time at McDerlin Abbey, we were asked to separate the rock shot and fire ball that were unstable together, and Vivian did an excellent job of that.

“Actually, I did it the very next day after you told me, but you seemed a little busy.”

“Ah… . I was a bit busy at the time.”

But you did it in one day?

Well, since I used that often, it’s not like it’s impossible… .

Right now, there is a shallow crater in front of us due to Vivian’s rock shot, and the fireball she fired on top of it exploded the rock, causing debris to spread around.

Naturally, all eyes could not help but be drawn to this incredible demonstration of magic.

Since it had already become famous, more and more people recognized it.

“Did I do well?”

Vivian asked with a bright smile, regardless of whether others saw it or not.

“Hmm… .”

As I deliberately hesitate to answer, my smile becomes tense.

“How well should I be praised… .”

“Oh, really!”

He stamps his feet and shouts, but he still smiles as if he is in a good mood.

Is there anything special about hitting this well? .

“It is clear that I have become more proficient than before. It feels like the size has decreased and the density has been maintained. The body’s mana flow has also stabilized quite a bit… . If you continue to do things the way you are now, I won’t have anything more to ask for, right?”

At first, when you praise him, he lifts his chin and likes it, but he doesn’t know how it will end, so he lowers his head and becomes embarrassed.

Normally, I think it’s better to be clear when complimenting someone.

Aside from that, the striking feel is so excellent that I have to add more praise.

“At this rate, the rumors of her being the next Sylvia will all disappear and the rumor of her being the first Vivian… .”

“Well, that’s not it… . You can stop… .”

I thought Vivian would melt, so I did that.

“Anyway, you did well. You can try the next dungeon right away, but you need to make sure Helena can follow you, so please wait a little while.”

“Yes, of course. of course. He’s a colleague.”

… Something feels unfamiliar.

I wonder if this normal and gentle reaction has become unfamiliar to me.

“I just need to train more in the meantime.”

It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but I’m grateful for no reason.

“Thank you for your understanding. So let’s go in now. I’ll teach you the next basic projection magic after dinner… .”

“Hey, wait a minute!”

“Yes?”

“I have something to say to Ian… .”

Vivian wiggles her fingers and avoids gaze.

I don’t think it’s a simple story.

There are a lot of eyes watching here, so they are paying attention.

“Would you like to change seats?”

“Yes… !”

*

There was no point in moving it.

Instead of each going to their own room, Vivian and I headed to my room.

I deliberately climbed the stairs slowly.

I think it’s a pretty serious story, so it’s to give you time to think deeply.

I passed the room where Katy and Helena were resting awkwardly.

Mercy will be somewhere else, preparing dinner.

Vivian didn’t make a fuss even after she came into my room.

I just opened the window to ventilate the room and waited.

Vivian, who had been quiet, called to me in a slightly more serious voice.

“Ian.”

“Yes.”

“It was there last time. Do you remember that I told Ian I was disappointed?”

“… I remember.”

“Well, back then… .”

Vivian was silent for quite some time.

Finally, I swallowed my saliva and carefully opened my mouth.

“I was really sad.”

“Umm… .”

“For me, there are so many things I am grateful to Ian. The fact that I was able to dream of becoming a warrior again and the fact that my children are living in a safe place are all thanks to Ian. Felix too… . Without Ian, I would have been helplessly frustrated. Even though they knew what happened to Humphrey, they probably didn’t know what to do. Or maybe I was about to do something terrible… .”

“Anyway, everything to me, even this life, was given to me by Ian. So I want to do better, I want to work hard, and I want to repay the favor. I want to get closer… . But at that time, those words felt like they were pushing me away, and I thought they might kick me out later… , I was sad.”

A sadness that goes beyond disappointment.

At that time, I pushed Vivian away without realizing it.

At that time, Vivian complained of disappointment in a watery voice.

“But, I thought about it on my own. I felt like I knew Ian’s feelings.”

“… My heart?”

“Yes. Ian, were you scared?”

“… … .”

“I know that Ian has been with the first party for as long as Philip. I don’t know why, but being kicked out after being with someone for that long must be very difficult and hurtful. Especially when Ian said he was kicked out, he looked lonely, as if he had been thrown out without any time to defend himself or talk. So, I think I was scared that I might change in the future.”

My mouth won’t drop.

This situation is so unfamiliar.

This is the first time I’ve heard someone reveal their true feelings so honestly.

Regardless of its unfamiliarity, Vivian’s voice penetrates your heart, not your ears.

I thought I was supposed to listen to my concerns, but on the contrary, my concerns were pricked and revealed.

In most cases like this, I just played the role of listening.

“I’m definitely not as great a wizard as Sylvia. still… . I’m not Sylvia… . I could be Ian’s Vivian. I would never betray Ian or kick him out. I promise. So, uh, that’s… .”

She spoke resolutely, but then trailed off and rolled her eyes.

The face that had been flushed from before became even redder.

I just waited blankly for her next words.

I didn’t know what to say, but my tongue couldn’t move.

“That… !”

Vivian suddenly grabbed my hand.

My tightly clenched hands were drenched in sweat and very hot.

The shaking of her hands told me how nervous she was now.

“Can you trust me… Do you have it?”

Just as my hands are shaking, my eyes are also shaking uneasily.

If I touch it, it feels like tears will fall.

She knows it too.

How difficult it is for people to trust others.

“I told you at the beginning. I’ll believe it… . I trust Ian now.”

Vivian, persuaded by my words, said that.

‘I’ll believe it… .’

Now, those words have been completed as ‘I believe.’

I watched Vivian’s expression carefully while choosing an answer.

My eyes are shaking because I am afraid that I will reject you.

However, he does not avoid eye contact.

He doesn’t force me to answer, but his tight grip pulls me in harder and harder.

Even though he was so scared and nervous, he was still waiting for my answer.

Even though it was a heartwarming situation, my mind cynically calculated my relationship with her as if by instinct.

It would be beneficial for me to say that I trust Vivian regardless of my true feelings.

If you say no, you may pretend not to, but she will be hurt, and in the long run, it will most likely lead to stunted growth.

In the worst case, you may leave.

However, isn’t it a bit humane to say that you believe something when you aren’t sure about it?

Not sure if I can really trust her… .

After continuing my pessimistic thoughts, I found myself laughing out loud because of the absurdity of it all.

Her words that penetrated my heart earlier resonate through my body once again.

‘Ian, were you scared?’

… Yeah, that’s scary. That’s right.

Vivian’s gaze rolled uneasily, as if she didn’t understand the meaning of my laughter.

I put away all the calculations I had come up with earlier.

“I brought him here, of course I trust him.”

If Vivian says she will work hard for me, then it would be right for me to work hard for her as well.

After hearing the answer, Vivian sniffled and smiled brightly like an idiot.

“Hehe, sniff, hehe… .”

I can’t possibly say that I don’t trust it here.

“Hehehe… .”

Seeing that innocent smile made me laugh too.

… And then came a terribly awkward time.

We were frozen in place for several minutes, unable to let go.

What do we do?

Who should put this first?

If someone doesn’t tell me to let go now, I think I’ll be like this forever… ?

“Now… .”

“Ian? Slowly dinner… .”

Unfortunately, Mercy saw it.

“… Oops. I forgot to turn off the lights. Something I need to take good care of… . Hehehe… .”

… … .

“It’s not like that!”

“It’s not like that!”

I had to spend a while chasing Mercy and trying to explain.

And after dinner, for some reason, Katy bit my hand like a mess and kicked me in the back.

“Why man.”

“Nyaan!”

I don’t know why, but this wasn’t the first time this happened, so I just thought it would be like that.

***

Penny was sitting at her desk in her office.

Only two words came to mind in my quiet mind.

Ian and Philip.

The truth will soon be known.

To go see him, I paid all the expenses with my own money.

Money wasn’t important right now.

-Crash.

The door opened roughly, and Aria, who had left to meet Ian, came in.

“Penny.”

Penny just raised her head and looked at Aria.

“As you may have heard, everyone in the first party has been feeling a slight decline in skills recently.”

“… Yes.”

“I came to see Ian because of that, but he wouldn’t open his mouth.”

“That’s right.”

“It’s not a problem that can be ignored like that. Isn’t it your job to manage the party’s condition?”

“… yes. All right. That’s how it should be. However, I would like to ask you just one thing.”

“Something.”

“Is it true that Ian raised you from the beginning?”

This has already been confirmed with Kylie and Beatrice.

I know because I heard Sylvia answer to herself before.

“That’s right.”

“… I understand.”

Penny stood up as if she had made up her mind.

“Many requests have been received for nearby Grade A dungeons. Coordination of the schedule has been left to the scouts, so you can move accordingly.”

“No information this time either?”

“… We only provide basic information.”

“Really… . That doesn’t help… .”

Penny ignored the taunts.

“I will come and meet Ian in person.”

“What do you think will happen if you do that? Even me and Sylvia didn’t work out?”

“… … .”

Penny left without answering.

Aria, who was left alone, burst out laughing in bewilderment.

‘It’s difficult… .’

In Aria’s opinion, Ian’s presence was poison.

Stimulating Sylvia’s lack of affection.

Awakening Aria’s possessiveness.

A fatal poison that touches Kylie’s twisted beliefs.

At the same time, the first warrior party grew to the point where it no longer needed Ian’s help.

At least that’s what they believed.

It was an expulsion that combined reason and emotion.

Sylvia’s muttering, which I had heard until my ears hurt the entire way, shook my consciousness.

‘It’s all thanks to someone that we became like this… .’

I had to admit that it was becoming difficult to ignore those words.

“Phew… .”

Ian alone was a headache, but now Sylvia was also on Aria’s mind.

‘I never thought I’d hear that… .’

I must never let Sylvia know that I said I loved Ian when I didn’t.

That was more important than Ian.

On the desk in Penny’s office, there is a distribution map of Class A dungeons scattered around.

Aria looked down at it emotionlessly.

The value of something that can be had whenever you can have it was low.

‘Ian… .’

However, that thing that you can never have even if you wanted it had a value that was difficult to calculate.

I couldn’t have it so I chased it away.

I didn’t keep it around because I didn’t need it.

His traces remained in Aria’s present like a ghost.

‘… ‘That’s funny.’

What information will Penny bring?

I won’t know until the results come out, but I wasn’t very excited about Aria.