Episode 5: The Boundary Line
I was reflecting on the events from a few hours ago. It was when I was descending the mountain to meet Holy Knight Ashley.
“Even if Ichiro is strong this time, things won’t go so smoothly,” Sensei muttered quietly.
“Do you know something?”
“I do. But it would take a while to explain. In this urgent situation, I can’t afford to go on and on,” Sensei replied, his gaze seemingly lost in a distant past.
“Regardless, if you’re involved in this matter—no, if the seal has been broken, it’s all the same.”
That moment passed in an instant.
“Well, don’t worry. If the worst comes to pass, I’ll manage somehow,” he said, suddenly returning to himself and offering a reassuring smile to both me and Sena.
The route I took to descend into the town was one that Sena had meticulously instructed me on. By using this path, we would encounter almost no troublesome monsters or strange obstacles. Since I was already familiar with this well-trodden way, I led the three of us down the mountain.
This was what happened at that time. Ever since the discussion about descending to the lower world arose, Sena had been acting strangely.
However, because Sena had never shown any signs of distress before, I blindly believed she would be fine.
So, even when her pace was slower than usual, I didn’t think much of it and waited for her to catch up to me. But soon enough, I realized something was off and turned back to her.
Sensei was holding her tightly, soothing her by rubbing her back and gently patting her. I was about to ask what was wrong when I finally noticed.
Her small frame was trembling, and the skin peeking from her neck, which was already as pale as snow, had lost all color, turning an alarming shade of bluish-white, with her veins visible beneath the surface.
“Sena, are you okay?”
“Ichi—I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Just… wait a little, okay?”
Sena desperately squeezed out her words.
“Ichi, it’s fine. I’ll… I’ll help you,” she said, trying to reassure me.
At that moment, Sensei spoke up.
“Sena, after all…”
He murmured something and addressed her.
“It’s alright, Sena. Leave Ichiro to me. You just stay here and wish for our safety. That will be enough.”
Sena was always strong, always reliable, and always gave me the words I needed.
“Sena, what’s wrong?”
Yet, in my agitation, I didn’t know what to say.
“Ichi, just wait a little, okay?”
Even though she looked like she might collapse at any moment, she tried to comfort me.
“Sena, I will definitely protect you, no matter what happens. So don’t worry,” Sensei said, placing a hand on her head. When she murmured something, her palm glowed, and Sena slumped, losing consciousness right there.
“See, carrying Sena is the son-in-law’s job. Let’s head back to the cabin,” Sensei said.
I hoisted Sena onto my back as we made our way back. Along the way—
“Son-in-law, there are many things I need to tell you. If it’s something I can share, I’ll tell you everything soon—”
“However,” Sensei lowered her long eyelashes.
“If you want to know everything, could you wait without asking anything until Sena’s wounds heal?”
Her words were almost a plea. Seeing Sena trembling and Sensei worrying for her, I felt a tightening in my chest.
“Sensei, we’re like family—no, that’s not right. I’ll say it clearly. We’re already family, right? So please don’t worry.”
I liked the casual kindness Sensei showed to Sena and me. I wanted to repay her kindness. Those words came from that single-minded desire.
“What cheek! No matter how cool you try to act, you’re still just a kid,” Sensei said, her eyes crinkling with a smile.
“But you are the best man, the best family, and the best son-in-law,” she added.
I was on the back of the Eagle Dragon, recalling the earlier moments with Sensei and Sena. A strong gust of wind blew past. The dragon was equipped with a Magic Tool to combat the cold and air resistance, so most of the chill was cut off. Yet, I still felt an unsettling cold.
The fiery red sun was sinking lower, and darkness was beginning to creep in.
“It’s the Twilight Hour,” Sensei said from behind me, hands on her hips.
“Huh?”
“The transition between day and night. The boundary between light and dark. The moment when everything blurs and fades into one. This time is called the Twilight Hour,” she explained.
I waited for her to continue.
“Malice and spirits always seep out from the boundary during this time.”
The setting sun appeared hazy.
“That’s why I don’t particularly like this time,” she admitted.
Was she worried about something?
“—I just hope everyone comes through safely,” Sensei murmured, almost as if wishing for it.
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