Chapter 20: Even I
I had so much to say, so many thoughts swirling in my mind.
Riding on the dragon’s back, I reflected on the short yet intense time we had spent together.
There were countless things I wanted to talk about.
Yet, despite that—
“Welcome back, Ichiro.”
The moment I heard her voice, all those thoughts vanished from my mind.
“I’m back.”
But right now, at this very moment, that was more than enough.
Sena rushed over and leaned against me softly.
There were words I needed to say.
“Um, I’m sorry for leaving you alone.”
The weight of her presence felt comforting.
It was as if something that had been missing was finally being filled.
“Ichiro, that’s not true. You don’t need to apologize.”
She looked up at me, her small frame still leaning against me.
Her gaze unintentionally turned upward, making her look even more delicate.
“I was the one who pushed you to take action this time.”
Then Sena continued,
“And it was also me who couldn’t leave this place.”
“That’s—”
As I tried to argue that it wasn’t true, Sena gently shook her head, urging me to listen to her until the end.
“You would say, ‘That’s not true.’ You feel responsible for making me take risks, for leaving me behind.”
I quietly listened to her words.
“In the end, both of our perspectives are valid, and both are flawed.”
She tightened her grip on my hand.
Her fragile fingers felt as if they could break at any moment.
“Because, isn’t it true?
I don’t think you did anything that requires an apology, and you don’t believe I did anything wrong either.”
The warmth from her touch spread through me.
I could feel the strength of her feelings.
“So let’s stop apologizing to each other.”
A faint smile appeared on Sena’s face.
“More importantly, Ichiro.”
“What is it?”
“I’m hungry.”
That statement was undoubtedly a reflection of her kindness.
The day passed in a flurry, and the twilight was drawing to a close.
It was dark enough outside that one would struggle without any light, and in the markets, they were likely starting to pack up their goods. Meanwhile, the dining establishments were just beginning to see an influx of customers.
Before returning, I had prioritized seeing Sena over the Savage Mercenary Corps’ barbecue, hardly touching it at all.
Still, it had looked delicious.
Those lively folks were always grilling meat, and they were quite skilled at it. The meat Miro had offered me was dripping with fat and cooked to perfection, making for an exquisite barbecue.
“The meat they offered was dripping with fat and looked absolutely mouthwatering. I should have brought some back as a souvenir.”
Upon hearing my words, Sena paused just outside the hut, her foot hovering at the threshold.
“Ichiro.”
“Yeah?”
I understood what she was about to say.
“I want to eat some meat too.”
“Sure.”
My prediction had been spot on.
Telepathy?
“I want to eat delicious meat grilled outside.”
She huffed, her excitement palpable.
“I don’t mind, but the sun is already setting, and if we start preparing the meat now, it’ll be pitch dark outside.”
Sena shook her head gently.
“That doesn’t bother me at all.”
—Because look,
“We can just light it up.”
She raised her hand and waved her sleeve.
With a rustling sound like silk, particles emanated from her and spread around us, illuminating the space.
“This should be fine.”
“Yeah, that’s true. But are you really that eager to eat meat?”
I almost laughed at her serious expression.
Looking at me, Sena said,
“If you did something somewhere, then I want to do it with you.”
That was her answer.
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