NOVEL NEXT Chapter 167
I handed the guide I received from Adelia to my group and climbed the easiest-looking slope.
“Where are you going?”
“I thought I’d get some fresh air.”
Yurasia and Pina trailed behind me. Silina claimed she’d enjoy her tea in a quiet spot as per her usual concept, while Gailan went back to the wagon to settle his motion sickness.
Seeing that the exam starts at 6 AM tomorrow, we must be expecting the arrival of other students tonight.
So, since we’ve already arrived, we’re practically swimming in leisure.
“Can I come with you?”
“You’re already coming with me.”
“Hehe, I just wanted to ask out of courtesy.”
Next to the beaming Yurasia, Pina also smiled broadly.
[The air here is really nice!]
“Yeah, Anketin Mountain Range is certainly known for its good air.”
But for spirits, it could be terrifying.
Anketin Mountain Range. While the entrance might be tolerable, the deeper you go, the thicker the magic becomes.
And it’s not just any ordinary magic. It’s the Gluttony Spirit, the purest form of magic, embodied by the Legion Commander.
The magic that enveloped the entire mountain range from the battle 400 years ago still hasn’t disappeared.
Of course, I didn’t explain any of this. It’s obvious that Flora would tell Pina, and there were plenty of ears around to hear.
Adelia Baros.
She seems to be chatting with professors way over there, but the uneasy feeling telling me she’s probably watching this area with that damned ‘eye’ makes me feel certain.
No, I’m sure of it.
With the Merchant Association opening, the changes allowing me to feel the ideation of those around me more distinctly make me confident.
Whether this is from a protective perspective for students or driven by ulterior motives, I can’t tell.
Adelia Baros.
I still can’t discern her true intentions.
“Where are you going to get some fresh air?”
“Hmm? Just wherever I feel like, I guess.”
“Eh…”
“Eh…?”
I didn’t stop walking, turning to look at Yurasia. A playful smile was plastered on her face.
“You’re going to check if Stella is coming, aren’t you?”
“…Not really.”
“Hmph… That’s a lie. I know all your little habits when you lie.”
“What… habits? I don’t have any! I’m a lying expert!”
Yurasia poked my eyebrow with her slender finger.
“Oh really?”
“When you lie, your right eyebrow lifts up. Your lips stiffen, and your voice gets ever so slightly lower.”
Is that really true? I’m not sure. I don’t pay much attention to facial expressions or body language unless it’s in battle.
“…Stop lying.”
“I don’t lie about the things you ask me. But you lie to me all the time.”
“You’ve gotten pretty cocky lately, Yurasia.”
I gently pulled her hand away and shot her a pointed glare. In response, she beamed that cheeky smile and chuckled lightly.
“If you say you don’t like it, I’ll go back to how I was before.”
“Seriously, you’ve become so cheeky.”
“Hehe.”
I clicked my tongue and turned away. There was Pina, looking at us with sparkling eyes.
“…What’s with your gaze?”
[You two seem really close!]
“Of course, we are close.”
In fact, we’re so close it feels like family now.
Even though we’ve lived together in the same house for about six years, our sleeping and daily living quarters are different.
In fact, for five of those six years, I spent more time with Yurasia than I did with my mom, dad, or even my personal maid, Sara.
Each day was filled with training, meals, weapon maintenance, and naps.
Sometimes I’d lend an ear to Yurasia’s worries, celebrate her birthdays, and congratulate her on her achievements.
While six years may not seem long, the density of those moments was immense.
So, it feels entirely natural to have her by my side.
And that goes for the comrades I fought alongside 400 years ago as well. Throughout the 20 years of struggling, we relied on each other, and a single wrong blink could spell death.
So.
If anything, the bond has only deepened, never diminished.
Well… 400 years is a long time, so those guys might differ from me, but for someone who died and came back, the memories are still intense and vivid.
“…How close are you guys?”
Just as I started to drift into sentimental thoughts, Yurasia’s cautious voice brought me back.
But how close are we?
“Why are you asking such a thing?”
“I’m just wondering, um… I really think we’re super close, but you might not feel the same…”
“I do… um, I really think so… eh, yeah. Don’t ask silly questions.”
“Really? Hehe… Then I’ll think I’m just a tiny bit closer than you.”
“Suit yourself.”
What does it mean to be closer when we’re already like family?
That thought crossed my mind, but I didn’t dwell on it too much.
Overthinking these kinds of conversations always makes me feel weird inside.
[That’s amazing and envy-inducing!]
“What’s so amazing or enviable about that?”
Why did this suddenly turn into a cringeworthy conversation?
I don’t know, but I muttered under my breath and kept walking.
“You and I are close enough.”
Pina knows about my past life.
At my words, Pina tilted her head.
For a moment, I wondered if she fully understood what I meant or if Flora interpreted it for her.
Her eyes sparkled as she beamed a bright smile.
*
At some point, we’d climbed to a decent height.
Adelia’s gaze was still palpable. I couldn’t tell whether to feel relieved or cautious, but for the time being, I opened my eyes wide.
A breathtaking view stretched before me.
How much focus is needed to see it?
The average arrival time seems to be tonight, and I wondered if I had arrived too early.
That thought quickly faded.
“Aha.”
In the distance, it was perfectly visible.
No doubt about it, I’m right here, proudly emitting purple mana.
A girl with blue hair was floating a gigantic load in the air with magic, striking an arrogant pose.
Our little darling… um…
Anyway, Stella.
With her lips moving, she seemed to be complaining and showing off to her group.
And right behind her, four students followed—all commoners. No nobles in sight.
I knew Stella wasn’t close with other nobles. The reason? Well, I’m not quite sure since she hasn’t shared, but I can guess a bit.
I didn’t feel the need to meddle in it though.
It’s not like I’m causing trouble for Stella, and she seems to prefer it that way.
Well, it’s kind of ridiculous for me to get involved in the kids’ affairs anyway.
“Can you see her?”
“Yeah… I see…”
I stopped mid-response and closed my mouth.
Yurasia let out a little laugh, giggle.
“Told you. You were lying earlier, weren’t you?”
“…Shut up.”
Rubbing my tired eyes, I turned around.
“Let’s head down. We need to eat.”
Having seen she was doing well was enough.
I mean, if they tossed us into the mountains like this, the professors would definitely keep an eye on the students with fierce determination.
“So, how’s Stella doing?”
“Yeah. She’s floating her stuff all around.”
“Stuff? Didn’t Adelia say earlier that they’d be robbed?”
“I guess she held onto what she could. It’s not that much.”
She entrusted her own belongings to me while somehow holding onto other stuff. It might not even be Stella protecting it, but judging by the smug look on her face, it definitely seems to be her handiwork.
“Stella seems like such a good person.”
Maybe thinking the same, Yurasia offered a warm smile.
[That’s right! No matter how frustrating or foolish I am, Stella never gets annoyed and teaches me until I understand!]
Pina too… no, Pina has been so bright lately.
“You dumb idiot. So foolish.”
“Wh-what!?”
Pina’s face showed shock.
Yurasia chuckled softly beside her.
“She meant you’re kind and selfless.”
[Is that so?]
“Yep. She’s a bit shy, so she can’t always say it directly.”
[Of course, Yurasia knows that because she’s really close to Lady Eliaernes, right?]
“Yep. I can interpret everything the lady says.”
“…Stop with the weirdness.”
“Ouch!”
I slapped Yurasia’s forehead with a thud.
She could have avoided it, but she never does. That’s just how Yurasia is.
But.
I don’t mind it.
Yurasia probably knows that I think of her that way. That’s why she acts this way.
Cocky, cheeky, and just a tad mischievous.
[How about today’s lunch be something I’ve personally packed? I brought some local delicacies from the Beastmen!]
“Oh my? You made this yourself, Pina?”
[Yes!]
What kind of picnic are we on that you’re packing a lunch?
I couldn’t help but snicker in disbelief.
But I was curious about the menu.
Local Beastmen delicacies. I quite enjoy them.
“Do these local delicacies include, um… what’s that? Meat rolled in leaves or something?”
Pina nodded enthusiastically.
[Of course, there is!]
“That’s really key for the cedar scent. Did you do it right?”
[You can look forward to it! I was the best cook in my family!]
Pina doesn’t have parents.
So, um… not in a derogatory sense; she truly has no parents. When she refers to family, she means the family she met in a Beastmen orphanage… something like that.
“If you’re saying that, it must be delicious.”
Slurp—I licked my lips and quickened my pace.
With cheerful Pina and a strangely smiling Yurasia following behind me.
“Lady.”
“Hmm?”
“If, if I may ask?”
“Yeah.”
“If today, like Stella, I’m not by your side… would you still come looking for me?”
“Why would I look for you?”
“…Huh? Why? You think I can manage on my own? You wouldn’t worry about me…?”
I poked Yurasia’s cheek, which was drooping down sadly.
“You’ll always be by my side, so there’s no need to worry about searching for you like that.”
“…Huh?”
“Why? Don’t want to be with me anymore?”
“Ah, uh… no…”
Yurasia shook her head.
At that moment, a cool breeze blew through. Yurasia’s radiant blonde hair danced in the wind. I helped straighten her tousled locks.
“I feel the same.”
And I chuckled softly while tucking my own wind-tossed hair behind my ear.
With that, Pina blushed and clapped her hands, clap clap.