Chapter 46 (1/2)

Translator: DC, s.h.i.+mizu Editor: Matty Proofreader: Matty TLC: s.h.i.+mizu, DC, Lox

One day – Night

The incandescent sun had sunk into the horizon, and the pastel moon had begun to take its place high in the sky. On the main street of the southern section of the royal capital, s.h.i.+zuru walked at a brisk place.

This was perhaps the first time he had been alone since taking in Mary, marking for an unusual occasion.

At any rate, his train of thought greatly differed from that of the average human. And since Mary had a severely neurotic mental condition, she became dependent on s.h.i.+zuru's love and affection; it was like a drug to her. Even if she was notified in advance of his leaving her side for a few hours, she'd start to panic. As a matter of fact, one time, while s.h.i.+zuru was being carried off by a drunk Casca, Mary threw a fit.

Beth was there to take care of her on the fly that time, but it was only by sheer coincidence. Due to that fortuity, Mary had become emotionally attached to her as well. Well, it also has to do with factors such as the feeling being mutual. She could recognize if it wasn't so, and it seemed like Eliza didn't fit the requirement.

This evening, s.h.i.+zuru was on an outing, unaccompanied, while Beth was looking after Mary. Somewhat contrary to her pessimistic grouses, if s.h.i.+zuru was refused by Beth, or if Mary didn't take a liking to her, he wouldn't have planned this outing.

[Hah ―― you seriously owe me one. You better be back on time, unless you want to be skewered alive. ](Beth)

”She just can’t be honest with herself… ” (s.h.i.+zuru)

s.h.i.+zuru snickered as he recalled what Beth said the moment she agreed to take care of Mary.

Why are you so twisted? There was nothing to think about; Eliza was at fault. Every time she became guilty of something she herself incurred, the blame would be shoved unto Beth, as Eliza alone had the ability to change personas. After repeatedly being forced to clean up after Eliza, it wasn't surprising to see her with a screw or two loose as a result.

―― But back to the topic at hand. For now, let's put that aside and go back to why s.h.i.+zuru went out alone this time around.

”Ah…. Hey, Hound!” (s.h.i.+zuru)

Simply put, he had promised a rendezvous with a friend of his, to drink till the night in the sky ran dry. And that's where he was now, heading towards the meeting point.

”…. Hm,” a tall young man not much older than s.h.i.+zuru responded.

He wore a Mao Suit[1]m and his orange hair was slicked back, giving him a rather imposing appearance. His other hand withheld a large sword contained within a metal sheath  ―― seeming like a gimmick weapon from its silhouette―― giving him the air of someone working in a shady line of work.

”Have you been waiting long? Sorry, it took a little while to get here.” (s.h.i.+zuru)

”No… I just got here too.” (Hound)

The man simply shrugged s.h.i.+zuru off, who gave a dry laugh without a tinge of remorse in its tone. His name was 'Hound', and he was one of the few male members to join black Maria. The rest of the group, approximately 90% of it, were composed of females.

He was also the current commander of the second squad, left in charge of the Southern District.

They had entered their usual Pub, taking a seat at the counter where one could line up their gla.s.ses and mutedly compete with the other drinkers.

”So, to start us off, cheers!” (s.h.i.+zuru)

”Umu.” (Hound)

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