NOVEL NEXT Chapter 133
133. What I Wanted to Ask
“—So, what now?”
The three of us stepped out of the guild and sat on a bench to talk.
However, Laura stared blankly at the sky as if her soul had left her.
“…Laura?”
“—Sorry, I spaced out for a bit. Seeing Gerda like that was a bit of a shock.”
Laura is incredibly compassionate. She must have seen Gerda’s behavior countless times, yet she still hoped Gerda would change.
Being betrayed like that must hurt. I felt a twinge of sympathy for Laura.
“It might be a shock, but now that we know what kind of person Gerda is, we need to do what needs to be done.”
Raize took charge, raising a finger.
“Our task is simple. We go to the capital, present the evidence we gathered, remove Gerda from the leadership of the strategy team, and replace her with Laura.”
“I have no objection to that. But do I really have to be the leader?”
“Changing leaders right before the operation could cause coordination issues on the day. So, just for this operation, it’s best for Laura, who has the skills, to be the leader. Do you have anyone else in mind?”
“No, that’s fine.”
“Then it’s settled.”
Raize said, pointing at me this time.
“Come on, let’s head to Montloria. Summon the Warp Slime.”
I had registered Montloria as a destination the last time we went, so we could teleport there instantly. But—
“Sorry, I’m not going. I’ve got something I want to do.”
“Wha—!?”
Raize pinched my cheek. It hurt. Unlike with Ilza, she was genuinely attacking me.
“Haven’t you been acting on your own a bit too much lately!? What’s going on!?”
“S-sorry…”
“Seriously… Is it really that important!?”
I nodded. Seeing this, Raize sighed deeply.
“…Fine. Laura and I will go. But you know what that means, right?”
“I owe you a crepe next time.”
“Exactly. The one with lots of cream.”
Raize patted Laura on the shoulder and told her they should go.
Despite everything, Raize understands me. It’s a skill she’s developed over the years of our relationship, along with her thoughtfulness.
I summoned the Warp Slime and sent Raize and Laura off to the capital. After waving them off, I turned around to look back at the guild.
＊
“Huh, you want to talk to me?”
I went back into the guild and, ignoring Gerda’s ranting, approached Sierra-san, who was sitting at the counter.
“A-are you sure it’s important?”
“Yes. It’s a very important matter regarding you and me, Sierra-san.”
“W-wait a minute! I need to mentally prepare…”
Sierra-san stood up from her chair, turned her back to me, and started taking deep breaths.
“…Okay, I’m ready. But I’m at work now, so can it wait until my break?”
I agreed to her suggestion and returned an hour later to meet her.
“…So, what is it?”
Sierra-san, now on break, led me to the back of the guild. I could see she was blushing and nervous.
I don’t know why, but her nervousness feels different from mine.
Regardless, I decided to get to the point.
“Please tell me about you and Laura.”
“About Laura…?”
Sierra-san’s blush faded, replaced by a look of understanding.
“I’ve told you before, right? Laura and I are sisters. Nothing more, nothing less.”
“Are you sure? If that’s the case, then why do you unnecessarily avoid Laura?”
Sierra-san’s behavior is clearly off. Something happened between them.
I’m curious about what exactly occurred.
“Really, there’s nothing. Did Laura say something to you?”
“She did. She said, ‘If I get involved with Sierra-san, I’ll take away her happiness.’”
Sierra-san’s expression darkened. She looked away and hesitated to speak.
“Sierra-san. Please tell me. What happened between you and Laura in the past? Why did Laura start distancing herself from you?”
I’ve wanted to ask this ever since we started exploring the dungeon.
Laura is kind, strong, and I consider her a companion. I feel the same way about Sierra-san.
That’s why I want to know why they’re keeping their distance. The fact that they’re both good people only strengthens my conviction that there’s a reason behind it.
“…I guess I have to talk about it now.”
Sierra-san sighed deeply and leaned against the wall, looking at me with sad eyes.
“…Alright, I’ll tell you. About the past of the Hansten family, and of Laura and me.”
And so, Sierra-san began to speak.