Volume 2 - CH 18

Volume 2: Red Girl

The next day, Kris and I talked about many things while practicing swordsmanship.

Kris knew many things that I did not know because she had been to many places with Sieg-san.

She told me about desert cities, cities in the mountains, countries floating on the sea, and castles in the sky. All of them sound very exciting and it made me very much want to travel there someday.

“If you’re interested, Callus, why don’t you go on a trip someday? It will be fun!”

“Yes, I wish I could go too…”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

I told Kris, who tilted her head, that I was suffering from a serious illness.

And that because of it, I rarely even left the house.

“So that’s why…. I’m sorry, that was insensitive of me…”

Kris was sad when she heard my story.

I’m feel bad for making her sad.

“Don’t worry about it! Look, I’m much better now.”

I moved my body, both arms and legs, to show that I’m all good.

Kris saw this and let out a small, “pfft.” Okay, that’s the response I’m looking for.

“I’m sure Callus will be fine. And if he’s still weak when he grows up, I’ll be there to support him!”

“That’s very reassuring. I’ll be counting on you then!”

Traveling in an unfamiliar land with friends.

What a wonderful dream!

‘I must work harder to make this dream come true,’ I thought.

◇ ◇ ◇

“Well, I think it’s time for us to take our leave. Thank you, Your Highness.”

After lunch that day, we went outside to see Kris and Sieg-san off, as they were leaving the mansion.

They had originally just planned to stay for only one night before returning home, but because of Kris’ runaway yesterday, their stay had been extended to today.

I wanted to talk more with Kris, who’s my first friend in the same age, but Sieg-san is also busy, so I had no choice.

“I had a great time, Sieg. Come visit again anytime.”

“Yes, by all means. And thank you, Callus, I won’t forget you.”

“Yes!”

I took Sieg-san’s outstretched hand and shook hands.

His hand is tough and hard; the hand of a warrior.

“You should say goodbye too, Kris. You never know when you’ll see him again.”

“…… Yes.”

Kris, who had been unusually quiet, came up to me.

She seemed nervous. I wonder what’s wrong.

“Callus, can scoot over here a little.”

“Yes?”

I thought that it would be better if she just came to me herself, nonetheless I took a step forward.

At that moment, Kris suddenly grabbed me by the collar and pulled me to her as hard as she could.

“Eh!?”

I was caught off guard and was unable to resist, so I was pulled and… gently kissed on the right cheek?

“What…?”

Seeing me stunned and confused about what just happened, Kris blushed and smiled mischievously.

“Don’t forget me now, alright? If you do, I won’t forgive you.”

After saying this, she runs where the l carriage was parked. Then, just before she gets on the carriage, she stopped, turned to me and shouted loudly.

“I will work harder, become stronger and more beautiful! Look forward to it, Callus!”

“….. Un! I’ll work as hard as Kris!”

This time, I replied properly.

Satisfied with my response, Kris got into the carriage. I was sad to say goodbye, but more than that, I was looking forward to what the future holds.

I was looking forward to seeing Kris grow up, and I was looking forward to showing her how much I had grown up. Both of these thoughts will support me during the difficult times.

“She has grown up to be a very precocious girl… I’ll see you all soon. Thank you so much for all your help.”

After a final bow, Sieg-san also got into the carriage as well.

We kept waving our hands until we could no longer see the carriage.

―――― Thus, the noisy but fun three days ended.

But if there is an end, there is also another beginning.

Beginning. The word often gives a positive image.

But this time… This was the “beginning” of the worst.

“… Huh?”

Two days after Kris left.

I had finished my magic class as usual and was eating dinner when it “began”.

At first, I felt a small discomfort. I put down the spoon I was holding and tried to find out what that strange feeling was.

“What’s wrong, Callus? Does it hurt anywhere?”

“No, it’s just a little uncomfortable…”

Master looked at me with concern.

I don’t know what it is, but it’s like an uneasy feeling, as if you are standing on the very edge of a cliff. A sense of loneliness drifting in an endlessly deep sea. And a sense of anxiety, as if a knife is being held to my neck.

“……!?”

Suddenly, my vision tilts. I thought my eyes were going crazy, but they were not.

Before I knew it, my body had collapsed and I was lying flat on the table.

Ah, the food got spilled, what a waste.

I was so calm and even causally thought of such an idea. But in contrast to my thoughts, my body was in a serious situation.

“What’s wrong with Callus-sama? What should I do!?”

“Shizuku-dono, first of all, let Callus lie down!　And get some towels and water ready!”

I was lying on the table, foaming at the mouth and convulsing. It’s a dangerous situation.

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I felt as if someone else was watching me.

Somehow, I didn’t think of wanting to be saved. Rather, I just thought, “I’m sorry,'” before my consciousness was suddenly cut off—–