Chapter 120.4

Chapter 120.4

[Part 4/4]

It was completely anecdotal, lacking coherence, just reminiscing about the carefree and enjoyable days of our childhood...

"Oh, that's right. Do you remember when you finally found me hiding in the closet during mansion hide-and-seek and I was crying? Moreover, as soon as you found me, you pretended to have a stomachache and ended up eating all the konpeito candy I had prepared."

"Hahaha. Those were the days. You remember so well?"

"They are cherished memories with the princess. I haven't forgotten a single one."

As I spoke, my words weren't exaggerated flattery. There was an ulterior motive, but at the same time, my days with her were truly enjoyable back then. In fact, it was surprising that she remembered so much.

"Of course, right? Whether it's you or me."

Hina responded as if it were obvious. She smiled pleasantly and replied to me. There was no hint of resentment. Her genuine affection overflowed.

"...That's kind of you."

Comparing her to when she was younger, she had matured, yet her innocent and pure demeanor remained unchanged. Seeing me like this, she directed a gentle gaze at me.

"I'm glad you're smiling."

"Huh?"

"You've been by my side for a while now, and I've noticed that you've been accumulating quite a bit of stress from an outsider's perspective. ...If I've brought you even a little comfort, then I'm glad."

As we walked through the bamboo grove, Hina spoke, voicing my concerns, considering me.

"...Seems like I've caused you some worry?"

"No need to worry about that. ...Didn't I tell you earlier? You and I are close. I've caused you trouble and worry many times. This time, you can lean on me if you need to. Don't hold back."

And then, with a slight pause, Hina continued.

"I understand that you're in a complicated position. Not to mention dealing with Onitsuki family matters... That's been causing you stress, right? It's a difficult situation. I'm not unrelated to it. So... could you rely on me?" N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.

Hina's words might have been a sort of plea. I continued to gaze at her as she stood there for a moment...

"...Okay, I'll rely on you when the time comes."

"...I see. Then when that time comes?"

Hina half-jokingly nodded, though there was a hint of disappointment in her expression. She might think that I'm hesitating. But there's no need for her to worry about that. After all...

(I don't want to cause her trouble...)

I owed gratitude and favors to Onitsuki Hina, and at the same time, my goal was to repay those debts with my actions. Regardless of the person's character, to desire... Even thinking that way, it might have been a futile wish. Still...

"Hey."

"That's a bit exaggerated. However, I'm genuinely pleased with your words of gratitude. I suppose you'll accept them openly?"

Hina laughed cheerfully, her smile like the sun. In front of her, I found myself smiling in response. As I laughed, I also chuckled at myself. What would happen when she learned about the ugly emotions swirling inside me?

(Even if she kills me... I won't have any complaints)

Indeed, it wouldn't be unreasonable if I were eradicated. Fortunately, given Hina's personality, it was unlikely that she would implicate family or acquaintances. That was a relief.

"...It's getting late. Should we call it a night?"

Putting the seal case in my pocket, I suggested it was time to wrap things up. It was getting quite late; Magoroku and the others probably wouldn't eat until I returned. Hina, too, couldn't stay here indefinitely. She'd have to find an excuse sooner or later.

"Right. ...No, you're absolutely right. It's regrettable, but it can't be helped. Let's end it here for today."

Hina responded slightly wistfully to my suggestion. In the past, she might have thrown a tantrum, but she had grown up now. It was unexpected, but her growth made me both happy and somewhat melancholic.

"Hey, what if... If we had another two hours, would you meet like this again? I thought this time was enjoyable, and I believe you enjoyed it as well... Would that be okay?"

"..."

Taken aback by Hina's unexpected proposal, I was momentarily speechless. Actually, I was more surprised by her attitude than the actual suggestion. Her anxious eyes looking up at me weren't the commanding gaze she usually had, nor the dignified or affectionate ones. Instead, they were like the cloying gazes she used to direct at me...

"Yes. By all means, let's do that together."

I naturally and eagerly accepted her suggestion.

After all, I, too, cherished this time with her, and it was over too quickly...

"...I'll head back first. You should return shortly after."

Hina nodded slightly, then turned on her heel and left swiftly. She must have intended to return to her residence first, considering me. Her considerate actions made me feel grateful in the present moment.

"Seriously, she's always so considerate... Even though I'm just a mob, it's embarrassing to feel like a man."

'(-_-)zzz ( ゚д゚) Huh!(* ́∀`)ノ Whoa!'

Suddenly, a foolish voice intruded into my thoughts, addressing my self-deprecating thoughts directly.

"..."

'(-∀・) It's time to breakfast~♪'

This voice, with a pace that completely disrupted the atmosphere, turned my focus inward. I no longer felt surprised by the white spider's appearance emerging from my mentally contained frustration. It rubbed its eyes and chuckled with a smile. That's right, it all made sense now. Yeah. For now...

"It's already late, you d*mn spider!!"

In response to the extremely unhealthy lifestyle of this utterly ridiculous spider, I let out a derisive comment to preserve my sanity.

...The announcement of Joraku (visiting capital) personnel responsible for guarding the capital was made on the day after this event.