Chapter 32 (2/2)
— Special Rank Magic – Divine Protection of Demon King – Seam into the Mountains: Magic —
”Al–” (Aina)
”…There is nothing you can do with your magic, Princess. Anyhow, it's irritating. Please keep your silence a little bit more.” (Albert)
”…gaah!” (Aina)
She wasn't sure if something was done on her.
It was the same as what was done in that forest.
When Aina realized it, she was blown away and hit the wall of the prison.
What was different from that time was she could clearly feel the pain.
Aina spit out something that got caught up from her throat, and it was a red-black liquid.
As she fell down to the ground due the gravity, the pain spread further to the whole body.
”…Guuhh, aarghh…” (Aina)
”Hmm… I wasn't interested in collecting insects, but it seems a little bit interesting when I look at you, don't you think so? Well, it is to my liking after all.” (Albert)
”Gahh…!” (Aina)
She suddenly leaked a voice because of the pain ran to the arm.
When Aina looked at it, Albert's foot was there.
Understanding that she was trampled… she clenched her teeth and looked up at his eyes.
”Al-bert…!” (Aina)
”Oh my! I thought that you would cry because of pain, but to think that you have such a spirit until this far. Something has changed in the past year… Yes, in this case, it seems more enjoyable.” (Albert)
”Ughh… guhh…!” (Aina)
As she was grinded and trampled, more pain ran through her body.
But, Aina clenched her teeth and endured it.
It wasn't like she would do anything but… it was just her obstinacy.
Whether it made Albert felt satisfied, that was probably it.
'I can't do nothing now, and… I couldn't do anything in the past, but… at least…'
”Hmm, I thought that I held you in a cage, but I guess it is necessary to change my evaluation a little? Well, nothing is change after all. It's ridiculously interesting to watch this, but if you get bored, just be strangled and killed. You are kept alive, just for that reason, you know.” (Albert)
Aina heard his voice but she didn't say anything in return.
She couldn't afford to do that, but… she kept enduring the pain.
”Of course, my evaluation is not the only the thing that goes down. Well, you probably know that, but… it appears that you haven't changed even after running away, do you?” (Albert)
”…Uh.” (Aina)
”Oh my, hehe, what is the meaning of what I said earlier, is it? It's alright, I will properly tell you. If you think about it a little bit, you will understand it, but… here is a question. How did I know that you were there? …Yes, it's very simple. It's because I was informed. From whom it was or for what reason… well, it's not necessary to say it. Even with that, I am still merciful.” (Albert)
Aina spontaneously thought who it would be.
However, she couldn't think of anyone.
In that village, Aina had almost no contact with the surroundings.
If she excluded that two people, and… even so, people who knew about Aina was limited.
However, she didn't feel doubt, even how small it was.
Aina didn't think that Albert's words were lies.
Perhaps, it was true, but… she surely had mistaken something.
There was no need for reasons to convince that fact.
”…You don't get it, huh. No way, even with this, you still haven't fall into despair… it can't be helped then. Although this is not a smart move, I guess that I have to use force to make you understand.” (Albert)
”!?” (Aina)
Immediately after the words, the pain became more intense.
Being grinded again and trampled, but… she still endured.
Aina could do it because it was the only thing she could do now.
She also understood that strength already left her whole body.
Perhaps, she would die before long.
”Oops, this is not good. It's probably not good to do this until the ritual ends. Yeah, I guess I should keep the Princess alive only? Aah, yes, that is a good idea. Princess, since I am generous, will you beg for her life? If that's the case, you can ask to be healed, you know? Well, I will kill you later anyway, but at least you shouldn't be hurt until that time.” (Albert)
Since her heart didn't incline even once when listening to those words, the words felt like a lie.
And Aina just clenched her teeth.
That was the best resistance she could do.
Even nothing else could be done… even if that was the only thing she could do… she decided to do that.
”…Haaa. What, you're not going to beg for your life? This is not amusing. …Ah, by any chance, are you expecting help will come over in the meantime? Such a convenience is not possible, you know?” (Albert)
When it was about asking for help, she remembered someone's figure in her mind for an instant.
However, Aina desperately shut that idea.
The moment she realized it, her heart instinctively broke.
Besides, she knew such a thing without saying anything…
He wouldn't come to help.
Well, of course.
Because it wasn't worth it.
And it was pointless.
Aah, no, perhaps, he would come to save her sister, but… it was to save her sister.
And not because of her…
Well, either way, it was the same thing.
Aina knew since long time ago that the world was not made to be kind.
Even so, Aina had been saved once.
For this reason… there was still more…
Such a thing like… for second time..
”Hmmm… It can't be helped then. Shall I give priority to make you cry? Now, please let me enjoy this one more time, alright? Cry in full of despair… and to my heart's content…” (Albert)
”…That's harsh. If you want to make her cry in despair, you don't need to ask. You can just do it.” (??)
Together with that voice, the weight on her arm went away.
Immediately after that, there was a roaring sound as if the wall was done with something… No, she didn't care about it at all.
That voice earlier… and that figure… appeared before her.
”I'm sorry. Lina was in greater danger, so I had to prioritize her.” (??)
”…So-ma?” (Aina)
”Hmm? Do you see anyone else?” (Soma)
”… No, I don't.” (Aina)
”If that's the case, I'm glad. Hmm… Although I was a bit late, I have come to help you as promised.” (Soma)
And one clear drop flowed on her cheek when looking at that familiar figure.
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