episode_0024

The autonomous zone of the Arcana Academy was a gathering place for people from all over the continent.

Although the Arcana Academy is under imperial jurisdiction, it has become a kind of international school where students from all over the continent have gathered for decades.

It was perhaps natural that merchants from across the continent would gather at the Arcana Academy.

Yerena murmured as she picked up a short sword resembling a machete, “They use these kinds of weapons in the southern jungle areas. Indeed, such weapons are convenient in that type of terrain.”

“Yes. Long swords are quite restrictive in densely forested terrains. That’s why adventurers mostly use machetes in jungles.”

“Have you ever used one like this before?”

“Yeah. I had to go to the jungle for various reasons, and I learned how to use it from the indigenous tribes there.”

“I see.”

What caught Regina’s eye were the jewelry pieces from the western countries known for their gem craftsmanship. Regina looked at the display of jewelry and said, “In the western countries of the continent… they make jewelry with mana stones. It’s beautiful…”

“Well, indeed, the craftsmanship of the western countries is exceptional. Want me to buy you one?”

“Oh, no, it’s okay…! Uh, I mean… it’s not that I dislike Cyan, it’s just…”

“Just a moment, Regina.”

Regina started to answer alone and then began to stutter. I interrupted her words and gently stroked her head.

Even though this girl’s appearance was cute, and I hadn’t expected much when I first took her in. So, I wasn’t greatly disappointed.

However, constantly apologizing like that might be better to adjust a bit.

“You don’t need to apologize.”

“But… I feel like I disappointed Cyan and made him feel bad because of me, even though he’s my benefactor. I’m afraid he might feel bad because of me…”

“No. Actually, continuously apologizing like that is more burdensome. Regina needs to have more confidence.”

“Really…?”

“Yes. Above all, Regina is cute. Cute people usually don’t feel bad no matter what they do.”

It might sound too superficially focused on appearance, but the fact remains that cute people are cute no matter what they do. Being cute can make someone charming even if they are a bit foolish or timid.

“So, Regina, try to be more confident. Don’t think too much about it. As long as Regina doesn’t commit serious wrongdoings, I won’t dislike her.”

Regina is a child who was broken because of me. Unless she commits a massacre, I cannot let go of Regina.

This was not merely a fleeting emotion like pity… It was closer to guilt. Looking at Regina brought forth emotions that would follow me for a lifetime.

“Hehe… Got it. I’ll remember that…!”

“Yes. Always remember. Regina is more remarkable and cute than she thinks she is.”

Regina’s confidence had almost vanished into endless regression.

What she needed to fix herself was an infusion of confidence. If she gains the confidence that she can overcome anything, eventually, her current state will improve.

Seeing me dote on Regina so much, Yerena muttered quietly, “You two are like sisters.”

“Oh…”

Yerena’s voice sounded slightly dark. It was then that I realized I had been focusing too much on Regina alone.

In a friendship, what matters is an equal and balanced relationship. But I had forgotten that.

Whenever something like this happens, it might end up being toxic for both of us. I want to make you two happy. I don’t want you to feel alienated or fight because of me.

Reflecting inwardly, I approached Yerena.

“Well, how should I put it? Regina gives off a certain vibe.”

“I see. Then, what about me?”

As expected, Yerena’s voice wasn’t as cheerful. To lift her spirits, I deliberately responded in a slightly brighter tone.

“If Regina feels like a younger sibling, then Yerena feels like an older sister, right? She seems a bit strong and cool, like a cool older sister. Not someone I’d want to hug like Regina.”

As I answered like that, I lightly embraced Yerena. Startled but reflexively, Yerena’s arms enveloped me.

“I kind of… want to be held like this.”

As I nestled into Yerena’s embrace, a faint scent of shampoo enveloped my nose.

I thought Yerena would only know training, but surprisingly, she cares about her appearance. Thinking so, I buried my face in Yerena’s embrace.

Yerena’s face turned red, but she didn’t see me burying my face in her embrace. She just continued speaking, thinking Yerena wouldn’t mind.

Enduring embarrassment and pressing closer, I felt the well-trained muscles of her lower abdomen. Feeling too close, I hesitated slightly before cautiously asking, “How is it, Yerena?”

“…Huh?!”

But all I got in response was an incomprehensible sound. Quickly regaining composure, Yerena, with eyes tightly shut, struggled to maintain composure as she replied, “Uh, well. Having a sibling like Si-an would have been nice…”

“Thanks, sis?”

“…”

Emphasizing ‘sis’ in my response seemed to leave Yerena speechless. The strength in Yerena’s arms around me increased, and her body trembled slightly.

“Why? What’s wrong?”

Avoiding eye contact and not answering, Yerena looked at me with a slightly complex expression. Before I could think about what the problem was, she gently stroked my cheek with her thumb while supporting her chin with her hand.

“Approaching others so closely might lead to unnecessary misunderstandings.”

“Uh…”

For some reason, her touch on my cheek felt stickier than usual.

Perhaps she didn’t want to lose a friend to others. Even objectively, she had a face that anyone would find appealing.

Trying to push away the recurring misconceptions in my mind, I reassured Yerena, “Don’t worry. If you and Regina aren’t important friends to me, I wouldn’t get this close.”

I’m not particularly fond of people in general. Living as an adventurer isn’t just romantic; I’ve learned how despicable people can be.

Yerena worries that I might make many other friends besides her and Regina, causing my interest in them to wane. That won’t happen.

…Clearly, that’s what I meant by my words.

“I see. Got it.”

“Uh, yeah.”

For some reason, Yerena’s gaze seemed slightly different from before. Maybe it’s just my imagination.

However, my curiosity didn’t last long. Regina intervened between Yerena and me.

“To me, Si-an is also a precious… friend!”

“Me too. Cyan.”

“Hehe, thank you both.”

Engaged in casual chatter like that, we walked until we realized we were nearing the end of the shopping district in the autonomous zone. It was then that a thought occurred to me.

Come to think of it, I asked Regina what she wanted, but did I not ask Yerena? Yerena might secretly want something as well.

As this thought crossed my mind, I looked around one last time and asked Yerena, “Is there anything you want, Yerena?”

“Hmm, I don’t think there’s anything I particularly want. I’m not very materialistic in this regard. Still, it’s intriguing.”

“I see. Nevertheless, if there’s something you want later on, let me know, okay?”

“…I have more money anyway, so there’s no need to push it. Cyan. If there’s something I want, I’ll buy it myself.”

But what returned was a sharp rejection. I replied with a crestfallen expression, “Wanting to give isn’t just about money.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes. It’s not about money; it’s about wanting Yerena to think of me more. If I buy something for Regina, every time Yerena sees it, she’ll think of me.”

Regina, trapped by fate, and Yerena, trapped by obsession. Both lacked even basic knowledge about friendship.

Therefore, I decided to gradually teach them about friendship.

After all, the original heroines could live well without the protagonist. Most of the original heroines were members of prestigious families or daughters of high-ranking officials.

So, even if there were some changes from the original, wouldn’t it be better to help Yerena and Regina?

“It’s coming to mind… Well, it seems like I want something now too.”

“Oh, already?”

Yerena answered like that while taking my hand.

Curious about what Yerena might want on this market floor, I didn’t resist Yerena’s touch.