Chapter 21 Part2 (1/2)
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Tired from crying, Ellie fell asleep in Arisa's arms.
I carried Ellie on my back, and brought her to an empty bedroom.
……She's light.
She probably hadn't been eating enough; she's as thin as skin and bones.
To that fact, a cold wind blew in my heart.
I transferred Ellie from my back to the bed we prepared for her.
”……But still,”
At that time, I don't know if Ellie was awake, but she absent-mindedly mumbled.
”My mother, my father, my little sister, and everyone else died……
Even if only I'm saved, it's too late……everything.”
Saying just that, Ellie covered her head with the futon.
I stroked her animal ears that were slightly sticking out from the futon, and quietly left the bedroom.
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In the living room, Arisa was waiting for me with black tea and cookies ready.
”Ed, how's Ellie?”
”……She's sleeping.”
”……I see.”
Arisa placed the cup in her hand on the table.
A *kachari* sound rang.
”Tell me everything Ed, about that girl.”
”……Yeah.”
I forcefully move Arisa, who's trying to get on pushy trying to get on my lap next to me.
”……Mu.”
In a bad mood, Arisa tapered her mouth.
For some reason, today's Arisa is considerably more a.s.sertive.
”……Arisa, were you lonely?”
”……I don't care.”
Arisa was sullen, but I just smiled slightly at her cute face, and told Arisa what happened on the trip.
That I went to the village without telling Arisa.
What happened after someone had ma.s.sacred the villagers.
That Ellie was alive.
And, that I persuaded her and brought her here.
After hearing everything, Arisa 'Ha~' sighed.
”Ed, you're too nice of a person. Normally, people wouldn't lend a hand to troubling things like escaping slaves you know?
……Well, I'll forgive you this time though.”
Saying that, Arisa *kusuri* laugh.
”Thanks Arisa. That's why I want you to keep Ellie here as long as she wants to stay.
Can you do it?”
”Yeah, of course. Rather, I won't let you throw her out after doing so much for her, Ed.
Well……I wonder if I should have Ellie be my a.s.sistant or something……”
Saying that, Arisa *poki* broke a cookie, and put it in her mouth.
”Yeah.”