| Author: Tensei Mikami | Original Source: Syosetu | Word Count: 2269 characters |
| Translator: Jiro | English Source: Re:Library | Word Count: 943 words |
| Editor(s): Robinxen | ||
“Haa… Haa…”
Imitia awoke, her body drenched in sweat, feeling sticky and uncomfortably hot. She had been sweating so profusely that the sheets beneath her were steaming and damp.
She was familiar with the room she was in. It was a room in a luxury inn. It was the room she’d been using for her stay in Ulbdor.
When she gazed out the window, she saw a stunningly beautiful half-moon hanging in the night sky. Outside, a heavy silence contrasted with Imitia’s racing heart and labored breath.
“……”
Imitia reached for the jug on the side table without bothering with a glass and immediately tilted it to her lips. The warm water rushed down her throat and spilled from the corners of her mouth.
So hot…
She thought as she placed the now-empty jug back on the side table and let out a sticky sigh. It had been a bad dream, a glimpse into a past she disliked, one that had occurred fourteen years ago.
Imitia clutched the locket and traced the texture of its relief with her finger. It had become a habit, a source of comfort. Whenever she felt anxious, frustrated, or deep in thought, touching that locket could calm her racing heart.
“Phew…”
Gradually, her throbbing heart calmed, and the pent-up tension began to dissipate. She rose from the bed and opened the window to the brisk, early spring air. Inhaling deeply, the cool air filled her lungs, providing a refreshing sensation.
After a while, there was a reserved knock at the door of Imitia’s room. Before she could respond, the door opened slightly, hesitantly.
“Boss! You’re awake!”
The visitor, Remilia, widened her eyes. Her signature low ponytail was absent, most likely because she had just gotten out of the bath, and her glossy dark blue hair flowed down her back like a stream.
Imitia let out a hearty laugh and settled into a nearby chair.
“Just woke up would be a better way to describe it.”
“Indeed. How are you feeling?”
“The worst. I’m drenched in sweat. I could really use a hot bath. Is there still hot water left?”
“Yes. It should be fine if you go in now.”
“I see. That’s great then.”
“In that case I’ll prepare a change of clothes for you, Boss.”
“That won’t be needed. More importantly, what happened to Woodback?”
Imitia asked while her expression seemingly got darker. Remilia adjusted her glasses and replied hesitantly, choosing her words carefully.
“Sir Woodback has passed away.”
“I see.”
Imitia responded, her voice not wavering at all. It was a response filled with a heavy sadness.
Remilia felt her chest tighten up as she heard that, and turned to face away from Imitia.
“Condolences have been offered, though they were simple. We’re in an emergency, so it couldn’t be helped…”
“That’s fine. Thank you. No matter how simple, it’s the thought that counts. You’re the one that arranged it, right? Thank you for that, Remilia.”
“Are you angry?”
“About what?”
“That we didn’t wake you up…”
Remilia’s expression resembled that of a scolded child, which warmed Imitia’s heart.
“Like hell I’d be angry. If I had stayed awake, I probably would have continued to stubbornly cast Healing Magic on Woodback. I, too, would’ve been dead by now.” Imitia continued, “Besides, Woodback pulled through. Thank goodness there was someone willing to stop me, even if it meant physically restraining me.” Imitia chuckled.
They both wore masks of smiles, but deep down, their hearts likely cried out in sorrow.
Nonetheless, her words weren’t insincere. It was a form of self-indulgence, a way to cope with the frustration of not being able to do anything for her dying comrade.
She’d known that Woodback was going to die. The Healing Magic was just a facade to comfort her own mind. But she hadn’t been able to stop, she hadn’t been able to control her impulses. Otherwise, she would have been reminded of the pain of losing Orthus all over again.
Imitia’s smile appeared fragile, cracked, and imbued with a sorrow that seemed as if it might shatter at any moment. Aware of this, Remilia couldn’t bring herself to meet Imitia’s gaze.
“That aside, that blond pipsqueak sure was something. Even though I was taken by surprise, I can’t believe how easily he managed to knock me out.” Imitia spoke in a cheerful tone, clearly attempting to divert from the topic.
Remilia, in turn, decided to go along with it.
“He’s an adventurer, they say. His name is Tieck. The red-haired man accompanying him goes by the name Lichter.”
“Tieck and Lichter, huh. Those names aren’t common around here. And with their skills it wouldn’t be strange for rumors to go around.”
“About that…”
“What is it?”
“The young man who calls himself Lichter apparently wears armor made by the Kingdom… and the sword wielded by the boy named Tieck is likely the Sacred Sword Elyutinias1.”
“The kingdom’s armor? And what’s this Sacred Sword?”
“The Sacred Sword Elyutinias is one of the seven legendary swords forged by the renowned blacksmith Wolvaus. It’s highly suspicious for a run-of-the-mill adventurer to possess such a weapon. Those two are surely hiding something.”
“Hmph… Armor from the kingdom and an adventurer with a Sacred Sword… Whatever it is, I can’t wrap my head around why they came all the way to a city that’s on the brink of ruin.” Imitia said, lighting a cigarette2.
Right now, the topic of the two adventurers held only superficial interest for her at the moment. Her primary concern was consoling herself over the loss of Woodback.
The cigarette smoke wafted aimlessly through the air, mirroring her wandering thoughts.
