NOVEL NEXT Chapter 16 - The Little Girl Being Comforted
The Little Girl Being Comforted
“It slipped my mind, I was too excited and forgot to mention the most important thing.”
Upon entering the room, Saura-san apologized for keeping us waiting and then announced this, her expression turning serious. Sensing the change in her tone, which was laced with a hint of gravity, I straightened my back, mimicking Gil-san and Schlie-san.
“Gil, what’s the status of the investigation?”
“I left a few shadow clones behind. There’s no significant information so far, but I want to head back immediately.”
“Alright.”
Eh…? Did he just say head back, immediately? Gil-san, are you going somewhere…?
“Time is of the essence when gathering information. I know you just got back, but as the head of Ortus, I have to give you an order. Gilnandio, head back immediately and gather as much information as you can. Focus on investigating, but if you deem it necessary to intervene, do as you see fit.”
“Understood.”
Right, it’s work. This is his workplace, a company, so to speak. And Gil-san was an expert in gathering information. He probably spent most of his time away from the guild. I know, I know, but still!
Tears welled up in my eyes, and my nose tingled. Why was I feeling so uneasy? I must be mentally regressing to the state of a child, scared of being left alone without someone to protect me.
“Wha!? Meg!?”
“It’s understandable she’d feel uneasy. To Meg-chan, Gil is her savior.”
Gil-san’s voice was laced with concern, and Saura-san’s voice was filled with gentle understanding. Nooo, I can’t be a burden! I have to be strong and see him off properly!
“Right, Meg. Let’s study while Gil is gone? I told you about it, remember? The nature magic only elves can use. Let’s surprise him by learning all sorts of things, okay?”
“Fufu, that’s a good idea. Schlie, I’ll leave her to you for a while.”
“Of course, with pleasure.”
Their words were overflowing with kindness, and I almost burst into tears again for a different reason. Everyone’s too nice.
“So, Gil. Obviously, be cautious and thorough. But also quick and safe. Think you can manage?”
Saura-san said to Gil-san provocatively. He hardened his gaze and then smirked confidently.
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Fufu. Well then, off you go, and get back here quickly!”
“Yeah.”
And so, Gil-san, seen off by Saura-san’s lighthearted tone, came over to me and gently stroked my head before leaving the room. Then, he bent down, met my eyes, and said softly,
“Be a good girl.”
“Okii! See you later, Gil-shan! Take care!”
I forced a smile on my tear-stained face, trying to be as cheerful as I could, so as not to waste everyone’s kind efforts. He wiped my face with a towel that he’d probably taken out of his shadow. When he pulled it away, I saw that he was smiling.
Then, he put his mask and hood back on, returning to his usual suspicious black attire, and left the room with a brisk pace.
“There, there. Good girl, Meg-chan. You’ve been very patient.”
And now, I was being comforted by Saura-san.
The moment Gil-san was out of sight, my tears came flooding out. I burst into tears, wailing, “Waaaaah!” Saura-san and Schlie-san rushed over to me in a panic.
I felt terribly guilty. Wasn’t I crying too much? Even if I was a child. I hadn’t cried this hard in a long time, so it felt even more excessive. It must have been the last time since my father passed away.
Back then, I was almost an adult, so I didn’t make this much noise. Children are so honest with their emotions. I realized that even with reason, there are some things you just can’t fight.
“She’s such a brave, good girl. We have to mobilize the entire guild to protect her.”
“Of course, we’re all committed to that! Meg-chan is a child of Ortus! We need to contact the Don immediately. …I wonder where he is right now.”
Those two were having that conversation above my head as I was sobbing. The Don, huh? That title sounded so imposing. Besides the point, from what I’d heard, that person was like a god to me. I wondered if I was even worthy of being in his presence? I was uneasy.
“That’s all well and good, but shouldn’t we have lunch soon? Meg, you must be hungry.”
Come to think of it, it was probably about lunchtime. The sandwich Gil-san had given me for breakfast was filling, but after everything that had happened and all the crying, I was starting to feel hungry again. As if to prove my point, my stomach rumbled, “Guuu~” Oh, how embarrassing!
“Fufu, you’re right. Meg-chan needs to eat well and get some rest. I have some work to catch up on, so Schlie, can I leave her to you? Take her to the infirmary after lunch. She seems fine, but it would be a disaster if there was something wrong with her.”
“I’ll take care of it. It’s an honor to have a date with Meg.”
Huh!? It seemed like I was going on a lunch date with Schlie-san! Eek, being alone with the beautiful Schlie-san is making me nervous! But more importantly, what a treat! Schlie-san was so divinely handsome, we might attract envious stares, but I’m going to enjoy this opportunity to the fullest.
Though a visit to the doctor awaited me after this treat! I-I’m not scared or anything! I’m an adult! Sniff.
“Shall we go then, Meg? Your hand, my princess.”
Ahh, thank you so much! I want to praise myself for not collapsing from a nosebleed! You’re so good at this aristocratic roleplay, Schlie-san! I’m weak against these sudden acts of chivalry! Wonderful!
Unable to contain my excitement, I placed my hand on Schlie-san’s with a giddy heart, and I heard both of them chuckling. Fufu, I don’t care if you’re laughing! When an opportunity like this arises, you have to enjoy it to the fullest!