CH 38

“Have you understood my intentions?”

“Yes.”

“And yet you made the statement earlier?”

“Yes. I have no intention of changing my relationship with His Highness.”

I declared clearly and without hesitation, prepared for the consequences of disrespect.

But I could not compromise, so I spoke straight without hiding anything.

“Is it His Highness’s will?”

“No, it is my own.”

“Do you want to maintain your friendship with His Highness that much?”

“Yes.”

I wanted to shout it out, without looking away even if I was scared.

If I ran away here, I would remain someone who could only be protected.

“Do you have any ulterior motives? Are you trying to approach His Highness for rewards or something?”

“I do not need rewards. Being praised by His Highness is enough.”

Well done.

You’re doing your best.

Just those few words are good enough.

If it’s a word from Yuren-kun, that’s enough.

“I don’t need money, status, or honor. I just want to fulfill the expectations His Highness has of me. He needs me, and I want to respond to that feeling.”

“Your spirit is admirable. But does that change your identity or status, does it?”

“No, it doesn’t. That’s why I’ll make contributions as a Transmutation Master and work towards the future that everyone hopes for. If one thing is not enough, then two, and if that’s still not enough, then three. I’ll put all my abilities to work and bring this country closer to its ideal state.”

Yuren-kun spoke to me about it on that hill.

The beauty of Salem and the desire to change it into a more beautiful country, for the happiness of the people who live here.

I also want to help with that, as a Transmutation Master and as a friend.

“I am a Transmutation Master. As someone who has been chosen by His Highness, I will show more than what is expected…no, I will show outstanding work. I will prove that His Highness’s eyes are sharp, and be by his side without shame.”

And so, I start walking.

I cross Duke-sama, who blocks my path, and move forward.

Beyond Duke-sama, there was a room where Yuren-kun was handling official duties.

Looking back on it later, Duke-sama might have been standing here from the beginning as a warning not to go any further.

But I passed by him.

I had already made up my mind not to stop anymore.

Clap clap clap——

As soon as I passed Duke-sama’s side, I heard applause from somewhere.

I stopped and looked out the hallway window.

“Oh, wow, Nee-san, you’re amazing! I’ve never seen anyone stand up to the boss like that!”

A cheerful, black-haired boy sat on the windowsill.

He leapt lightly through the window into the hallway and landed with a somersault.

“Who might you be?” I asked.

“Why did you show up uninvited?”

Duke-sama demanded.

“Sorry, boss! I couldn’t resist coming out for a bit of fun,” the boy replied.

“How dare you be so presumptuous.”

The boy seemed to be an acquaintance of Duke-sama’s and spoke familiarly with him.

He looked to be around twelve or thirteen years old and wore cheap, easy-to-move clothing.

I don’t really want to say it, but he wasn’t a suitable match for Duke-sama.

“Hello, Nee-san! I’m Fusaki! If you see this, does this look familiar to you?”

“Ah!”

He takes out a knife that has a familiar shape.

I also have two of the same knives.

“Did you understand? I’m the one who threw the knife at Nee-san and sent the letter.”

“Heh, you’re mistaken. I instructed it for His Highness’ sake.”

“Ohhh~, you’re such a stickler. But let me explain. He told me from the very beginning not to hurt you.”

“I see… I understand.”

I am convinced after hearing that.

I see.

That’s why, although I felt uneasy, I never felt scared until the end.

“It’s true that I did something dangerous, but he’s devoted to His Highness! If it means that he will suffer any disadvantage, he is the type of person who will remove it even if it means being punished or hated.”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

“Why not~? I don’t want my master to be the bad guy either.”

“…Bringing you here was a mistake.”

The dumbfounded Duke and the cheerful boy, Fusaki.

I wonder what kind of relationship they have.

However, thanks to them, the atmosphere in the room became calm.

Perhaps he is behaving in a silly manner to lighten the mood.

“You’re Aria, right?”

“Yes.”

“The words you said earlier… were they not a lie?”

Duke-sama looks at me seriously.

Not with anger or suspicion, but with pure scrutiny.

I answer with just one word, without falsehood or pretense.

“Yes.”

My feelings have not changed.

To support Yuren-kun, to be of help to him.

Surely, Duke-sama feels the same way.

We are each aiming for the same future from different perspectives.

“I see. Then you should do your best. To prove that His Highness’s choice was never a mistake.”

“Yes! I will do my best!”

“I’m cheering for you too~.”

“You, be quiet for a bit! You’ll get a lecture later.”

“Eh~.”

Duke-sama and Fusaki-kun leave.

I watched their backs until they disappeared from view.

“…haa~”

I was nervous.

My heart was pounding until the end.

But it was good.

Duke-sama was not just a scary person.

He is someone who trusts Yuren-kun and listened to me properly.

The last word was meant to be understood as “I have expectations for you,” right?

“I have to respond.”

To the new expectations.