episode_0356

Information about the fifth and final treasure was obtained by finding a note, then moving on to the next note, as before, and then finding that note, then moving on to the next note.

It was annoying, but they had created a multi-device because it was dangerous if it fell into the hands of the enemy they referred to, the devil.

And the device is now in its final stages.

-Tiring!

▶You have entered the designated location. You have obtained the item.◀

◆Karn Bagrand’s Note #36

『The twilight moon that covers the sky in red, the moment when a gap of light appears between the horizon and the sun. That treasure will be revealed in this place where the oldest flowers in this world are in full bloom.』

The date of the treasure, the time it was found, and even its location were all revealed.

The day called the twilight moon refers to this month, January.

The moment when a gap of light appears between the sun and the horizon is considered sunset.

The oldest flower in the world refers to the flower of the oldest tree in the center of the continent, not the empire.

But, we can’t move like this.

That’s because of the following:

『However, there is something to keep in mind. If artificial light or magic stones interfere with this, you will not be able to find this treasure. Even if you force it out, it will not be able to exert its power, so if this happens, it would be better to come back the next day. It is an item with such a magical device.』

Interference from the outside. If it exists, the last treasure loses its power and does not function properly.

In a word, you must not be chased.

The status window was already deeply urging this.

▶You have reached the final information to find the fifth treasure. You must obtain the treasure by completing all conditions!◀

As soon as all conditions are met.

Still, the fact remains that we have reached the end.

If you just find this. If you just get this.

I was able to return to reality.

but…

Suddenly I looked back.

A lot has happened in the meantime.

The Duke left with the end of Chapter 3.

A path that must be taken alone, without any information.

This led to all sorts of difficulties.

Still, I tried to move forward alone, holding on to my poison.

As always, I was alone.

Wasn’t it common for the world to turn its back on me?

I had to figure it out on my own. I had to figure out my own path.

Because if not, I can’t survive. I’ll just collapse here and turn into a handful of ashes.

Even if I become a loner, it’s not much different. Surviving alone is a daily routine for me. I thought I could do it.

but…

To be blunt, was that even possible?

There was always someone else’s hand.

When running away, when avoiding eye contact, when hiding, when conserving energy for a short while, when closing your eyes or satisfying your hunger.

There were always people by my side.

A lot of people pass by.

Tasha, Camilla.

Residents of Rusmeyer.

Agents including Ferdi and Dyke.

The inhabitants of Chatren.

Radiel, Mark.

Carlton, 1st Division.

You bought me time. You provided me with what I needed and hid me. You believed in me instead of capturing me when I had a bounty on me. You took my side, throwing your weak body at those who had their eyes set on you for the bounty.

…Was that really just my strength?

Would I have survived until now without them?

There was no denying it.

…I don’t want to admit it though.

Flora.

Isabella.

Claire.

Now, the family members I thought of as strangers have stepped forward to help me, easing my burden at crucial times.

and.

-Click.

“It’s a bustling downtown area. There’s still a wanted poster out there, but I don’t see anyone moving around that actively.”

The last one.

She is still by my side.

I was able to survive because Harnie was there.

“But why is your expression like that?”

“…”

Yeah, I have something to say to this guy.

Before returning to reality, I had something to say to the person I was most grateful to.

I got up from my seat and hugged her without saying a word.

“Ka, Carcein?”

Harnie was greatly embarrassed, perhaps surprised by the sudden hug.

In the meantime, I tried to say what I wanted to say with a light hug.

But why?

My mouth won’t open.

I should say thank you for everything, but I can’t.

I had to show my sincerity for helping me from the beginning and for risking my life to help me now.

No. At least I should tell you everything I’ve been hiding along with our final greeting…

Why, why on earth?

Why aren’t you saying anything?

“Hey. Carcein…?”

His lips seemed to have become stiff.

It felt like my tongue, which could pronounce the words, was frozen.

It felt like my vocal cords were paralyzed.

It seemed as if all the muscles, organs, and nerves that produced sound had lost their function.

How can something like this happen?

That’s impossible.

What’s so hard about saying a few words while in good health? Is this not possible?

Meanwhile, Harnie lightly stroked my back.

“Are you hugging me because you’re afraid I’ll be cold? Your body is warm, which is nice…”

He strokes my back and says my body is really warm.

…At that touch, an odd sound came out of my mouth.

“Wait a minute, let’s do this.”

“Yes, yes?”

“I want to stay like this for a little while. Harnie.”

“I just want to hold you…”

She muttered that in a trembling voice, but continued to rub my back without saying anything else.

warm.

Soft and cozy.

Just holding you makes me feel like my body is melting.

A pleasant body temperature.

A fragrance that makes you shake off complicated thoughts.

It felt like something had disappeared as the hand that was stroking my back swept me.

I hugged her tightly, intoxicated by the sensation I felt with my whole body.

Stay like that for several minutes, several tens of minutes.

I wasted more time than that again.

…normally, I would have definitely scolded myself like that.

I wasted another precious moment of my time for nothing.

At this time, you should have at least opened your mouth and said what you wanted to say.

Instead of wasting it, you should have made a plan.

but…

There was no such whipping.

No. It didn’t even occur to me to do so.

***

The night was deep.

Still, I couldn’t bring myself to tell Harnie that.

Even during meal times.

Even after washing your body.

Even during the time it takes to chop firewood and light the fire again.

And… until I go to bed.

“…”

In the end, I couldn’t fall asleep.

Even at this time when we should be getting some sleep and preparing for tomorrow.

Why on earth is that?

Isn’t it enough to just say a few words?

Wouldn’t it be the least courtesy to say goodbye to Harnie in advance?

Besides that, I’m sure there’s a lot more to say, like thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Thank you for helping me and believing in me.

I couldn’t even get my first stroke.

I’m so frustrated I’m going crazy.

There’s no way this could happen unless my body is rejecting it.

So, it seemed like I would have to stay up all night with my eyes closed, unable to fall asleep.

…however.

Something came up that made me open my eyes wide.

Her long, soft hair tickled her skin.

My hair is neither that long nor that fine.

Thin, delicate fingers touched my face. I could also feel my palm. It was a soft sensation.

My fingers are neither thin nor fine. The blisters on my palms, which have become hard from training, will be even harder.

I can feel the breath of a thin breath.

It’s not my breath. Unless something is blocking it.

and…

Something touched.

A sweet taste came from my lips.

That… I had an idea what it would be.

As so many incongruities came to me in this brief moment, I had no choice but to open my eyes wide.

“…Harnie.”

“Are you awake?”

I opened my eyes and pushed the body that was clinging to me away slightly. I saw two purple eyes filled with confusion.

Harnie lifted his upper body, turned his head away, and then covered his lips.

I had a feeling it wouldn’t happen.

That’s right.

Yes. It was Harnie’s lips that touched my mouth.

but…

This made me realize something.

Since falling asleep with Harnie changes my sleep pattern, the current time was the time when I was most likely asleep.

So, that means I might have been doing this every time I fell asleep.

…and indeed it did.

When I woke up, my lips would taste strangely sweet.

Just like now.

But why?

Why did you kiss me on the lips?

I followed her and got up. I had to ask.

“…I want to hear the reason. Harnie.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Why did you do this secretly while I was sleeping?”

Of course, I know she doesn’t mean to harm me.

Then, isn’t there some reason?

Harnie was a smart woman.

I am not a person who does meaningless things.

So, I thought there must be a reason for doing this.

Otherwise…

Because it was just lips touching.

‘Yeah. There’s an example. Dipeshan syndrome… or something like that.’

It is said that you can easily inhale more mana by putting your lips on it.

Maybe I can release my tangled mana more efficiently.

Isn’t there something, something?

So, even though it took time, I waited.

Until she spoke up.

However, contrary to my expectations, Harnier gave an ambiguous answer to this question instead of a clear one.

“…Can you please not say anything?”

Please don’t say anything.

Usually when I’m angry.

When I did something wrong.

And when you feel very embarrassed.

Harnie often brings that up.

But… now is not the time for that.

It wasn’t the reaction I had back then at all.

“I won’t deny that I did this secretly. So… can you please stop asking?”

“…”

That’s more of a request.

A request I really hope you’ll grant.

So I couldn’t ask any more.

“I’m sorry for disturbing your sleep. Today… I’ll sleep separately.”

“Harnie. That’s not what I meant…”

Harnie left those words behind as she covered herself with her blanket and walked away from me.

For no other reason, it really seemed like that was the end of it.

So… you just locked lips?

For no reason?

“…”

No. There must be a reason.

I went over to her as she lay there and hugged her.

Even though he approached her by surprise and hugged her from behind, Harnie didn’t say anything.

I’m not sure, but I guess I did something wrong.

So that’s why Harnie asked not to ask.

Feeling sorry, I hugged Harnie tightly.

Was that the trigger for sleep? Only then was I able to fall asleep.

***

It was a paradoxical act.

Because I love you. I couldn’t say I love you because I love this man so much.

So every night, I waited until Karcein fell asleep and secretly kissed him.

I loved you alone and planned to let you go when the time came.

But… I ended up getting caught for this.

I didn’t want to get caught.

I didn’t want to get caught any more because I was going to have to leave someday.

Karsine noticed this fact.

I couldn’t bring myself to answer that it was because I loved her.

The best I could say was… to pretend not to know and let it go.

Still, the kind-hearted man listened to her.

‘Okay, that’s it.’

The price for not stopping love at the right line has come. The price for crossing the line.

Tomorrow… I will probably say goodbye to Karcein.

Because it was the last one, I shouldn’t have longed for it any longer.

‘Yeah. It actually turned out well.’

I can take all the hurt.

I’m the only one who has to bear the pain of separation.

Let your heart slowly calm down.

Let’s wake up tomorrow and send him off without any problems.

So Harnie closed her eyes and tried to fall asleep.

-Ugh.

“…!”

Harnie’s heart started beating again at the sudden hug from behind.

‘Oh, what should I do?’

It was truly a big deal.

Now, I’ve made a big decision to let him go.

It kept shaking.

Overwhelmed by the desire to catch him.