Volume 1 Chapter 83 No Topic
"Let's take it easy at the inn today and save the preparations for tomorrow."
Edward suddenly said as we left the tavern. He suggested that it would be better to use the day for rest rather than going around to different shops.
However, we still needed to catch up with Balzark, who was ahead of us. The guardians probably haven't been defeated yet, so we couldn't afford to be too relaxed. I had planned to finish the preparations today as scheduled and head to the Inferno Pathway early tomorrow.
"There's a good shop where the Clow Merchant Guild does their trades. I'll show you tomorrow. It won't take much time."
In the end, I decided to change the plans for today and rest immediately.
By the time we found an inn and got four rooms, the evening was slowly approaching. I borrowed the bath and washed myself clean with hot water. Then, I sat on the bed and checked my stats.
At that time, I heard a knock on the door. Looks like someone came. I stood up and opened the door to find Edward standing there. His face was red and his breath smelled of liquor.
"...Did something happen?"
"Yeah. Come hang out with me for a while. I got some good wine."
"No, I..."
"You don't have to drink, just come talk to me. I'll be waiting downstairs."
Edward dropped the words and headed down the stairs to the first floor.
What's going on here, anyway...?
Despite thinking like that, I decided to follow along in the end.
On the ground floor of the inn, near the entrance, there are several tables and chairs set up. It seems to be a place for guests to have their meals. Perhaps by chance, or maybe because there aren't many guests, the only person sitting at a table is Edward.
"Hey, how about a drink for starters? I'll leave it here for you."
Suddenly, I heard the sound of someone coming down the stairs. It was Mel who showed up.
"Hey, Mel? What's up?"
"I couldn't sleep well... What are you guys doing here?"
"You can tell just by looking, right? We were drinking liquor. How about a glass for you too, Miss? It helps you forget the bad stuff and fall asleep quickly."
Edward poured wine into an empty wooden mug and handed it over. Mel stayed silent for a moment, staring at the mug, but then took it and sat down. It seemed like an unexpected action coming from Mel.
"What about Fatina?"
"Fatina-san fell asleep after using magic to cool down her room after taking a bath."
"I guess she's not used to the heat here as a beastfolk. It's probably better to let her sleep. Anyway, we have plenty of liquor here."
After that, both Mel and I drank liquor with Edward. The conversation was mostly one-sided. Edward talked about Chester's embarrassing stories and the hardships he faced at work. It felt like I could feel the struggles of a coachman just by listening. I thought we would talk about the dungeon, but I was mistaken.
I wonder how much time has passed since then. Edward closed his eyes and crossed his arms, rowing the boat. Maybe it was because we drank quite a bit of liquor, but sleepiness started to kick in.
In the end, both Mel and I ended up drinking about three cups. Just as Edward said, the liquor was delicious.
"Let's go outside for a bit."
"Yeah, I'll come too..."
To clear our head, we stood up from our seats. I opened the door and stepped outside together.
In Metis town, after the sun had completely set, a pleasant evening breeze blew through the streets. It was cool and more comfortable than during the day. However, compared to Voltana and Trasverum, there were fewer lights, making it somewhat dim.
"Ah... I feel really good for some reason."
"Are you drunk? It's not your first time with liquor, right?"
"Yes. But today is the first time I've had enough to make me feel good. And... right now, I feel like I can forget all the unpleasant things."
It was easy to imagine that the unpleasant things referred to the problems she was currently facing.
The ongoing struggle revolving around an item that had the power to ignore the predetermined Level Cap in this world, which only a few individuals like Allen in the past, and now Balzark, and her father King Cretia, knew about. This burden seemed to constantly press on Mel's heart, not allowing her to find peace. That's what it seemed like.
"Are you okay? If something happens, I might be able to help."
"...You always say that, don't you?"
Suddenly, I felt a sensation like someone pushing the middle of my back. It was a small area, but it felt like something warm was leaning against me.
"I can't become as strong as Ark-san or Fatina-san. I'm weak... I can only live by relying on someone else."
"That's not true. I'm weak too."
That's right. That's why I need to become stronger.
In reality, the (Ruin) effect was weak against that black beast I encountered in the forest. No, you could even say it had no effect at all.
Still, I only have Instant Death Magic. If I don't strengthen this power further, I will be the next one to die. I will lose everything. To prevent that from happening, I need to level up, acquire new abilities, defeat enemies, and increase my stats. I will repeat this process over and over again until I can't be defeated by anyone...
That's why I'm searching for the key. My interests align with Mel's. It's not a lie that I have the desire to help her. In Voltana, I can't deny that I was influenced by Fatina's opinion to some extent. However, in the end... it might just be an excuse for me to become stronger.
"Ark-san is not weak. Not just as an adventurer, but also in terms of strength of will and such. It's a strength that I don't possess, the ability to face things head-on..."
From behind, arms wrap around my chest. The warmth that I faintly felt before now spreads over a wider area, more vividly.
"I've always been anxious. What will happen from now on, and what has happened so far... Are the people who helped me, the people of Voltana, the maids, and the knights all safe? Will Iria come? After breaking all the keys, will I be able to reconcile with my father... I'm always thinking about things like that. I should focus on what's in front of me. But I just can't..."
"Are you thinking too negatively about things?"
"If my heart were stronger, I might think that way. But in reality, it's different. Even in this moment, as we're touching, I'm afraid of being told to 'let go' at any moment. That... is the real me."
A warm breeze blew through. I felt like the strength in her arms had become even stronger. I couldn't come up with clever words, so I hesitated to look back.
After going through various events, Mel's spirit might have worn out. I remembered how she cried at Trasverum's mansion on a similar night before. And the expression she had when she was worried about Iria at the tavern today.
The weight I carry as a simple adventurer is different from Princess Merletta of Cretia. I can't take her place. All I can do is kill the enemies in front of me and keep moving forward. I've done it before, and I will continue to do so...
"If you're having a hard time, you can wait at the inn tomorrow. Just Fatina and I will go get the key."
"I don't like that either. I don't like just waiting even more. It feels like there's no place for me anymore, and it's scary."
I felt like I understood. When you feel like you don't belong anywhere, the loneliness and emptiness...
Maybe me and Fatina going out to fight often made her feel even more like that.
But, today's Mel seems a bit strange. If it was her usual self, she definitely wouldn't say such things. So, I thought maybe it's because of drinking too much liquor that her emotions have become unstable.
"You've had too much to drink. Drink some water and rest, you'll feel better. It's best for you to go back to your room now."
"I have one favor to ask. Will you listen?"
"Yes."
"Could you stay by my side? Even after everything is over..."
"Okay."
I replied, let go of her arm, and turned towards Mel.
"Well then, first we have to talk to your father and get his forgiveness. Then I can also join the royal family."
Of course, just kidding.
Mel looked surprised, and then--
"Pfft... Hahaha!"
Mel laughed out loud.
Then, she placed her index finger under her right eye and stuck out her tongue.
"Phew!"
It was a playful gesture, just like a child.
Maybe this expression was the true form of Merletta, not the princess. Or maybe it was just my imagination.
"Oops!"
As Mel approached me, she almost tripped. I quickly reached out my arm and grabbed her hand.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine... Oh!"
Before I knew it, I had taken hold of Mel's hand and pulled her closer to me. Our faces were so close, and our eyes met. Maybe the slight shimmer in her eyes was because she had drunk too much liquor.
We stayed in that position in silence for a while... and then we heard a growling sound from somewhere. We looked towards the open door and saw Edward sleeping soundly, snoring away.
Mel, who had found the source of the voice, chuckled once again and said, "Goodnight" before quickly climbing up the stairs.
Edward, who was sleeping, had a smirk on his face. Maybe he had noticed something about Mel's state of mind... or so I thought.
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