Chapter 582 (2/2)

Right after she told us that, Rhyn’s body started to fade.

『W-wait!』

「You’re her master, aren’t you? Don’t just be a mere bystander. Keep your mind strong. You are Fran’s teacher――」

『Rhyn! Wait! Please tell me more about it!』

It was no good. She had said all she wanted to say and disappeared.

『Fran, can you sense Rhyn’s presence?』

「She is gone」

『I see…』

But, I was becoming a sword? How did that lead to tragedy?

「Master」

『What is it?』

「I prefer Master to remain as my master」

『Fran…』

There was a definite sadness in Fran’s voice. Her eyelashes trembled, and her eyes moistened slightly.

Fran pulled me out of the scabbard and hugged me tightly. I could feel Fran’s warmth and the beating of her heart.

「There are many swords. But Master is my only master」

『I’m…』

Fran was afraid. She was afraid I would turn into a sword. She even shed tears for me.

I was terrified at that moment.

Even though Fran had done so much for me, I wasn’t afraid of the fact that I was becoming more like a sword. If it had been me when I first met Fran, I would have definitely felt sorry and scared.

As Rhyn had said, I was on the verge of becoming a sword. The moment I became very aware of this, I was hit by a terrible chill.

『Guh…』

「Master!?」

It was the first time I felt this way since I became a sword. The next moment, I felt my body tremble with an unfamiliar urge that took over my mind. No, I don’t have a body to tremble though…

『Gha…』

「――!」

Then, I suddenly realized that I had a strong fear of becoming a sword.

This is――.

「――! Master!」

I became blind and couldn’t see my surroundings. I couldn’t even hear Fran’s voice anymore. However, the moment I heard the sorrowful call, I was able to rapidly regain my composure.

『…Fran?』

「Master! Are you okay?」

『A-aah, yes, I’m okay. I’m totally fine. Sorry, I was just a little distraught… Hey, have I been acting weird lately?』

「Just a little. But it is really just a little」

So, it was only a little, huh? Apparently, that was why she couldn’t bring herself to say it. But Fran was clearly relieved.

『Fran』

「Nn?」

『I’m still myself. I’m Fran’s master』

「Nn…」

Just what am I supposed to do? Rhyn told me to be strong-minded. I guess that means we can still do something about it.

『I’ll do my best』

「Nn!」