| Author: Eltria | Original Source: Syosetu |
| Translator: Mui | English Source: Re:Library |
| Editor(s): Robinxen | |
After a brief sleep, I woke up at the usual time to go to school.
The house felt empty without my parents. Just yesterday morning, the three of us had been together, and Hom was there too. It had been a happy morning, but everything changed in just one night.
Despite not having the luxury of wallowing in sentimentality, I prepared a proper breakfast to help restore Hom’s strength, and we ate together.
I reheated my mother’s special round bread, accompanied by fried eggs and ham. I garnished the plate with colorful vegetables, just as she had taught me, taken fresh from the magical fridge.
“It’s delicious, Master.”
“Is that so? I’m glad to hear it.”
Hom said it was good, but I couldn’t really taste it. The flavor wasn’t bad, but I couldn’t shake a feeling of futility.
“I see… So, this is what true loneliness feels like…”
This was an emotion that Glass, who preferred solitude, never experienced. He didn’t care about being labeled as lonely because, unlike me (Leafa), he never knew the warmth of a family. I had lived a life of comfort, enveloped in the love of my gentle parents, Rudra and Natal. That’s why I understood happiness and now felt the fear of losing it so acutely.
Yet, I didn’t wish I had never known happiness. Nor did I want to return to the solitary life of Glass, who preferred being alone.
“I’ll ensure you’re born into a better situation than before, so you’ll feel much better than in your previous miserable existence. Although, it might be hard for you to find happiness, given you never really experienced it before.”
Now, I understood the weight of Goddess Fortuna’s words from the time of my reincarnation. It had taken a long time to recognize happiness, but the days since Leafa’s birth were indeed filled with it. That’s why I didn’t want to lose it.
On the usual route to school, Alfe was the first to speak as soon as I arrived at our meeting spot.
“Where’s Hom?”
“Oh, I asked her to stay home today.”
Though the Healing Mist spell had fully cured her injuries, I had ordered Hom to rest in her room to be safe.
“I see. So, it’s just the two of us today. How nostalgic.”
Alfe linked her arm with mine, holding on more tightly than usual as we began to walk.
“Do you prefer it when it’s just the two of us?”
Although Alfe got along well with Hom, I wondered if she might prefer being alone with me. Alfe looked surprised and shook her head.
“I like being with just you, and I like it when it’s the three of us with Hom. I can’t choose…”
“Ah, sorry. That was a poor question.”
Knowing Alfe cared about Hom as much as I did, I felt relieved.
“No, it’s fine… Leafa… I have a favor to ask…”
“If it’s a favor from you, Alfe, I’ll do anything.”
It had been a while since she asked me for something. I used to think of it as an equivalent exchange, but now, when it came to Alfe, I didn’t even consider any conditions.
“Hold me tight…”
I sensed from the slight tremor in her voice that Alfe was aware, to some extent, of my mother’s Black Stone Disease. Given that we lived nearby and considering Alfe’s close relationship with me, she probably heard about it from Ms. Judy.
“Why all of a sudden?”
If holding her would help Alfe feel at ease, I was more than willing. I opened my arms and embraced her as she had requested.
“…More…”
Given the significant difference in our heights, it was a bit challenging to embrace Alfe properly. I stretched up and pulled her closer, holding her tightly.
“Like this?”
“…Yeah. Can I hug you tightly too?”
“Of course.”
As soon as I nodded, Alfe’s arms gently wrapped around me. Being held by Alfe, I naturally closed my eyes.
The scent of the Dragon Tree’s greenery wafted through the air. I could hear Alfe’s heartbeat.
Ah, so peace still exists here…
It was a strange request coming from Alfe, but perhaps it was for my sake.
“Leafa…”
“Yes?”
I lifted my face within Alfe’s embrace and looked up at her. Her eyes, gazing straight into mine, were brimming with tears, ready to spill over.
“If there’s anything I can do, just tell me. I’ll do anything for you, Leafa.”
“…You’re already doing so much, Alfe…”
Alfe truly was wise. Wise and kind.
“Maybe I just wanted to rely on you like this… I just didn’t know how…”
Thanks to Alfe, I realized that. I hugged her, and she crouched down, embracing me tightly in return. I could hear her heartbeat. I felt her warmth. This was what it meant to be alive, to be loved1.
“…I love you, Leafa.”
“I love you too, Alfe… I really do.”
Even when despair’s footsteps echoed, Alfe always showed me that hope still existed. Having such an irreplaceable friend to walk through life with made me feel fortunate. My happiness wasn’t gone.
“…I’m so happy.”
Alfe gently pulled back and pressed her warm lips to the corners of my eyes, softly brushing away my tears. Thanks to her, a sense of peace returned to my heart.
“…I don’t know how much you’ve heard, but I’ll tell you everything. Is that okay, Alfe?”
Hearing my resolve, Alfe nodded with a serious expression.
“It’s okay. I’ve already heard everything. I asked your dad if I could share the burden with you.”
“…You’re really strong, Alfe. I truly respect you.”
This was my second life, but I doubted I’d ever reach Alfe’s level. For someone who loves me so deeply, I couldn’t allow any sorrow in this life. I didn’t want to give up on anything.
“…As you know, the Black Stone Disease is incurable. But I haven’t given up. There’s something I need to do to stop my mother’s illness from progressing.”
“Leafa…”
Hearing my conclusion and determination, Alfe smiled and nodded. With Ars Magna in my possession, I had a clear goal.
That said, there was only so much I could do as a child. I needed to consult the teachers at St. Salaius Middle School as soon as possible.
