Chapter 3: Days Before The Catastrophe③
“—So, we’ll be leaving here by early afternoon, so make sure you’re prepared.”
The next morning, after hearing about last night’s events from Pulmy, Angelica couldn’t sit still. She hurriedly began preparing to head to Bordaf. What should she bring for him…? Do I need this too? If so, then that as well? And what about this? —With such thoughts racing through her mind, she busily stuffed various items into her Magic Bag.
Angelica knew. Just as she had said when she apologized to Ichiro, he was not a person who cared about wealth or fame. So why would he respond to the kingdom’s summons and confront the Hero…?
“Ichiro…”
He was clumsy, sweet, and endlessly kind. That’s why this time, he was answering the call for someone else’s sake. If it wasn’t for his overblown sense of self-importance, it might have been for us.
She felt her heart warm with his kindness, but at the same time, memories of him confessing his feelings to the White Girl and sharing a kiss flooded her mind.
No… that’s not it. She shook her head vigorously, trying to dispel those thoughts. During the time he was unconscious, before returning to Green Eyes, she had spoken briefly with Mika. She had said, hadn’t she? To atone without expecting anything in return… Yes, what I must do now is to support him… that alone. She firmly admonished herself.
In a room rented by the Guild, the two reunited. Pulmy had gone ahead to speak with Omi and left Angelica to meet Ichiro alone. Ichiro welcomed her into the room after she knocked on the door.
“Hey.”
“Long time no see.”
They exchanged greetings after a long while. Though it was a casual exchange, Angelica was so nervous she felt as if her heart might leap out of her chest. Unbeknownst to her, Ichiro was also tense. They both hid their feelings and acted as they always had. Yet still, Angelica felt there was something she needed to tell him once more.
“I’m sorry, Ichiro.”
Angelica apologized again.
“I told you it’s fine. I accepted your apology a little while ago.”
“Right… that’s true. But I thought it was necessary.”
“I see. If you think it’s necessary, then I guess it can’t be helped.”
Ichiro smiled gently. In that moment, Angelica felt a powerful tightening in her chest.
“I’m glad to see you’re doing well, Ichiro.”
She managed to utter those few words. I was so worried when you were swallowed by darkness—she didn’t say that. It felt somehow presumptuous to voice such feelings.
“Yeah, look at me.”
He exaggeratedly flashed a grin, flexing his muscles. Angelica couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
“You’ve never made such a ridiculous face before. It doesn’t suit you at all.”
Angelica knew. His playful antics were a reflection of his kindness.
“It suits me just fine. I’m a nice guy, after all.”
A gentle atmosphere enveloped them. “You’re such a rude guy,” she teased, but he urged her to sit down. He then began moving about briskly, laying out salads, cheese, and baguettes on the table.
“It’s still broad daylight, but sometimes it’s nice to indulge.”
Clink. He placed a glass in front of her and one in front of himself.
“What’s this…?”
The glass contained an amber-colored liquid. He grinned and said, “Just trust me,” as he lifted it. Following his lead, Angelica raised her glass as well. Eventually, guided by him, they clinked their glasses together, the clear sound of glass resonating in the air.
“Cheers!”
Their voices overlapped. They brought the glasses to their lips. The amber liquid turned out to be mead. The fruity aroma of the mead tickled her nostrils, and its rich sweetness filled her mouth. He had fruit juice, and I had mead—this had been their usual order back then.
“Today, I’m having the same as you, Angel.”
He raised his amber glass high. In that moment, Angelica was overwhelmed by emotions she couldn’t quite understand, and before she knew it, tears were streaming down her face.