Seeing everyone suddenly show up made me purse my lips. I wanted to scream: “I had this, you know!” But at the same time, my heart felt fluffy and warm. I had no idea who the beastkin people were, but Sir Derek, Runa, and Sei were all here to help me while Gesel and Thurul were protecting those important to me.
When I lived in the village with my family at the start, there were only a handful of people who were willing to even look my way. Now that handful has grown so much that now I have so many people who are friendly with me and treat me as a normal person. I truly feel blessed. I feel blessed for everything that has happened and the things that are to come.
The warm gaze that I looked at the backs of the people in front of me with, slowly turned cold as I looked at the group of assassins seemingly trying to assess the situation. I could see the Announcer gritting his teeth. I guess he probably never expected their barrier to be broken into. I guess the rabbit girl and cat boy are both very powerful.
“What is going on, are you not making a move now!?” The cat boy yelled out.
“Humph! Just because more people showed up does not mean you will survive. Fanmari!” The Announcer yelled to Fanmari before jumping back.
“On it!” Fanmari grabbed something from her waist before unfolding her fan and raising it into the air.
I did not plan to let them finish what they were doing, so because she could finish executing her attack, my eyes glowed as ten magic circles activated all at the same time. Spears of ice shot toward Fanmari but just like before, a barrier suddenly appeared blocking the attack, but that was all I needed. My eyes glowed once more, and another magic circle appeared within the area the barrier protective radius. Not even a fraction of a second later, a spear of ice shot out of it and pierced into the Fanmari’s chest. Her gaze, which was full of confidence suddenly showed one of shock and surprise. She looked down at her chest to see a shard of ice piercing through it, then looked up at me. Her eyes locked with mine.
I really do not know what to say when I looked at the enemy I had just killed, whose eyes seemed to be full of regret. I was not a cold blooded person, so seeing such a thing really messed with my heart and mind. I am sure I will have nightmares about this later.
“Finish them!” I heard Sir Derek yell out. Everyone else charged at the enemy. Only Runa stayed behind as she ran over to my side. She was saying something, but I could not hear it. Those eyes were penetrating into my mind, burning themselves into me.
I felt dizzy. I felt sick. I think my stomach had already emptied a few times. This was much different than killing a soldier on the battlefield. Fanmari was someone close to my age. While she came here to kill me, it still does not change the fact that she was so young and had her life ahead of her. And that look of regret as if she regretted coming here. As if she regretted ever making me her enemy. What if I could have disabled her? What if I could have kept her alive so that she could do her time and turn over a new leaf? Why did I only think of killing her instead of just capturing her?
These thoughts plagued my mind and made me feel even worse. The world around me was spinning, and my eyes were starting to grow dark…..
—
I guess I passed out because right now, I was staring at an unfamiliar stone ceiling. My eyes blinked a few times as I looked around. I was lying on a cot, and next to me, with their heads resting on the cot, were Runa and Sophie. “You are awake.”
I turned to see a young cat boy with two tails standing there staring at me with eyes that seemed to be judging me. “You are?”
“My name is Prince Rythilin, and I am the crown prince of the Kingdom of Lodinia.” Prince Rythilin gave me a proper noble bow. Even Prince Lance never gave me such a bow before. At least, I do not think he did…
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Prince Rythilin. My name is Faith Cyrilia. I hope you don’t mind my discourtesy of not getting up.” I bowed my head slightly to him. To be honest, I am not sure why he was here.
“It’s fine. I am glad you are okay. I stopped in because I wanted to be sure nothing was seriously wrong with you. You gave many a fright when you suddenly collapsed.” I see. Well, this is truly nice of him. Although why do I feel the way he looks now, and from when I first saw him, he seems much older than before? At least around my age.
“I thank you for your concern. It was more of mental fatigue than anything I guess you can call it.” I said with a forced smile. I really did mess up back there. I let my emotions get to me, and now…. Luckily my mind seems more firm now. Maybe it was just because of the moment.
“I see. It does happen when you are overwhelmed. I am sure eventually you will learn how to deal with such things in the future. Oh, they seem to be waking up. Miss Cyrilia, I do wish to speak with you more. Are you free in the next few days?” Prince Rythilin asked.
I looked at him and thought for a moment. I saw no reason to turn him down, so I nodded my head. As long as he was not planning to ask me to do something strange, then I see no reason not to speak with him. “I should have some time before I move to my new place in the next few days after the tournament is over if it is still on.”