CH 274

I slowly approach the hole that appeared in the space in front of me. A shadow crosses in front of me, and the homunculus hops into the empty bottle in my hand.

It feels like it’s saying its job is done, as it swipes sweat off its brow that’s not actually there, and descends into the bottom of the bottle.

As I watch the hole in front of me, Roa walks to my side and hands me the magic item.

“Hn.”

“Thank you Roa. It’s because of you that this worked.”

I say while putting everything away.

“Your preparations were perfect. The adjustments halfway through too. I just did what you said.”

“That’s not true… Are you feeling all right?”

“Yes.”

“Great. And we should talk… You really should stay here.”

I tell Roa what I told her when we were preparing.

“No. You go too far.”

“Ah…”

I remember everything I did that upset her and her sister, and smile awkwardly. And then I try to convince her again.

“I can’t promise I won’t do it again, because I don’t know what’s over there, but that also means it’s dangerous.”

“I know. I’ve already said goodbye to my sister. I’m a fighter too. No problem.”

Roa then stops talking, and stares up at me through the glasses magic item.

I give up, while thinking that Roa is just as stubborn about these things as Ahri.

If I keep insisting, I’m just going to be sullying her pride and resolve.

“All right. I’m counting on you then.”

I say while putting out my right hand, and Roa stares at it in confusion.

“Can you give me your hand?”

“Yes.”

She puts out her dominant hand.

I carefully put my right hand on hers, and apply an improved magic crest on the back of her hand, while activating a scroll.

“All right, that’s done. Take this too.”

I take out a belt with holders she’s worn before.

She looks at the belt, says nothing, and raises both arms.

That’s right, before she also…

My eyes meet hers.

I let out a sigh, and do as she wants, and meticulously carry out this high-stakes mission.

“Yes, perfect.”

“Good to hear.”

“These aren’t potions.”

“Not really. I hope we won’t need them.”

We look at each other and nod deeply.

“Are we going?”

“Yes, we are. I’m ready.”

“Then let’s go rescue the captured knight.”

I guess that’s Roa’s idea of a joke.

“Yes, let’s go save her.”

I kind of go along with it. I take Roa’s hand, face forward, and we walk into the hole.