Chapter 35: They (Part 3)
“That’s exactly what I want!”
The one who answered with such vigor was Orphelia.
“First of all, we’ve already taken down the big fish, so I won’t just sit back and enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea while leaving the rest to you all—such a lame approach has no place in my dictionary.”
Nodding in agreement, Pulmy simply said, “I feel the same way.” Then Angelica added,
“I have to go see Sena. I’ll do whatever it takes for that.”
Omi placed her hand on her chin and thought for a moment before speaking.
“Anon, stay here.”
Even though Anon’s figure was hidden, the sound of a loud “Gagaan!!” echoed from their presence.
“A wise Master would understand without needing to ask why, right? You’re the one gathering all the information about the Sealed Labyrinth here in Bordaf, aren’t you? What would happen if such a key figure were to leave? It would be too late once something happens.”
“W-What?”
“Don’t give me that ‘W-What?’ nonsense. Besides, the son-in-law said, ‘Thanks to someone reliable like Anon organizing everything, we’ve come this far. I’m very grateful.'”
Internally, she thought, ‘Lies can be a useful tool,’ but she kept a serious expression as she placed her hand on Anon’s shoulder.
“I-Ichiro said that about me…”
“That’s right! He also said, ‘Only Anon can manage multiple influential figures like this. It’s because Anon is waiting for my return that I can head into battle with peace of mind.'”
I’m so sorry, son-in-law! Omi silently apologized to Ichiro while stifling a chuckle.
“Speaking of which, I think the son-in-law also mentioned that he wanted Anon to welcome you back.”
Omi’s mischievous spirit made a final strike with those words.
“I-Ichiro said that about me… Ah, ahaha, ahahahaha!”
Having successfully rendered Anon speechless with a silly face hidden beneath the hood, Omi continued with her next words.
“I’m taking Orphelia and Pulmy with me. Angelica, you stay behind.”
Angelica took a moment to process what she had just heard.
“Why do I have to be the only one—”
“That’s obvious. It’s because you dislike the Master.”
Once again taken aback, Angelica was left speechless.
“Of course, it’s not ‘I’ who dislikes him, but ‘Sena.’ I have a rough understanding of the situation from Mika. The Master must have his own reasons, but still, I can’t say whether Sena would quietly allow you—Angelica—to visit the Master.”
Angelica thought it was inevitable. What she had done warranted such treatment. But still,
“I’m not meeting Sena just to be forgiven. I want to hear Ichiro’s words—”
“—That’s why,” Sensei interjected, but Angelica wouldn’t allow that interruption and continued.
“I don’t want to be the kind of person who gives up on taking action just because I’m powerless in his time of need.”
“But,” Omi countered.
“It doesn’t change anything whether the Master goes or not. In fact, it’s your selfishness that’s causing us to waste precious time right now.”
“I know I’m a selfish person, and I understand that wanting to go with you is a self-centered wish!! But still, I have to follow you!!”
Angelica shouted, her emotions spilling out. It was a raw expression of feelings devoid of reason.
“For Eris and Mika, I must!”
“Hmm, did you just say ‘for those two’?”
Angelica affirmed, “Yes.”
“Those girls are me. Right now, I’m here, but if even one thing had been different, it could have been either of those girls standing here instead. We each twisted our beliefs and values, wasted a long time, and not only that, we hurt the ones we love.”
Her voice was tinged with intense regret and nostalgia for days gone by.
“If Mika and Eris were here, they would definitely say they would follow me. They are me, and I understand that feeling painfully well. I absolutely cannot betray that.”
Tears streamed down her face as she spoke.
“So, for my own sake, and for their sake, I cannot bend my opinion.”
Thus, Angelica sobbed softly.
“That’s enough. I was wrong. I was a bit mean. But I wasn’t lying. There’s nothing we can do about Sena’s anger. So, if anything happens, I will protect you.”
Angelica could only manage a heartfelt, “Thank you very much.”
“Perhaps this was just the right opportunity.”
Everyone raised an eyebrow at Omi’s monologue, wondering, “Huh?” but that question would go unanswered.
“Speaking of which, I had one concern regarding the son-in-law.”
Well, it’s not something to worry too much about, she prefaced before beginning her explanation.