Volume 4 Chapter 12 Part 1 (2/2)

While thinking about how good it would feel to lay in a bath full of this pleasantly cold water, I became aware of a noise. What was it? It was a sound of some heavy footsteps getting closer, somewhat violently. I forcefully tried to wake up my overheated mind and put myself on guard. But then the door burst open with so much force, it got ripped off the hinges.

「Found her!」

「The magician is not here? Drag her out!」

「Huh…. Ah!?」

I didn’t understand what was going on. A few men broke into the room and violently lifted me up. The bowl I had soaked my hand in, fell to the floor with a horribly loud clatter. Ah, it’s more work for the maid. How could I explain this to her?… No, there’s no time to think about that. Grim faced Islanders were taking me away from the residence and there is no way for me to oppose them. The blue moon was shining on the night sky. It’s light brightening the night. It had been long since I felt fresh air on my skin. Even though it was early summer in a southern country, somehow the air was nice and chilly. Or maybe it just felt like that because my own body temperature was so high. While I was thinking about my poor physical condition again, I was thrown on the ground. Not thinking about the crash, I tried to stand up. I stifled the scream of pain and somehow got on my feet and looked around. I was surrounded by men holding weapons.

「You! You came with Elizabell’s magician, didn’t you! Did you think you could fool us?! 」

「I don’t know what you said to the governess to trick her, but you won’t trick us!」

「Leave the island before the disease spreads! All of you! 」

「No, better just kill them now. Maybe that will open the governess’ eyes.」

「Right. Find that damned black wizard too and kill them both.」

Now I understand. It seemed like they made an arbitrary decision to act so violently. They must believe that a dark being, a black wizard, just like Elizabell has once again started to inflict disasters and calamity on the Islanders. Naturally seeing the state I was in, it was reasonable for them to think so. I am strangely calm as I analyze my current situation. I am amazed at my own composure. Perhaps the high fever clouding my train of thoughts was actually a good thing. With my judgement clouded, my heart was full of calm relief and I didn’t feel any fear or anger.

Indeed, what a relief. All this time I had been unhappy that he hadn’t come to see me but now, for the first time I was thankful for that. The thought that he’s safe was enough. It’s perfectly enough. Ah, but when that boy, that man, finds out I lost my life in such a way…

「I would make you cry again, wouldn’t I…」

「What the hell are you laughing about?」

At the sound of the angry voice I froze. Of course, I cannot die. I don’t want to die. There’s no way I die here. I will not die and leave him behind! If I die before this man, it will be on my deathbed, after living a long and fulfilling life. I will not accept it happening any other way. My life is worth more. I won’t let it get stolen in such an absurd way.

Losing my focus while swaying and supporting myself with both hands, I glared at the surrounding men. For an instant, the islanders were caught off guard by my sudden change but then they glared back at me. Spears and swords in their hands reflected the dim moonlight. The edges of the weapons rose into the air and I shut my eyes instinctively. And then it happened.

「What do you think you’re doing to my Filmina?!」

I heard a loud noise and felt a wind as strong as a storm. Timidly, I opened my eyes and saw that the wind, not even moving a single hair on my head knocked down all the men around me.

「Edi…?」

「Filmina!」

I muttered his name dumbfounded as he came running to my side, carrying a basket in one hand. Fascinated I watched his silhouette under the moonlight. After not seeing him for so long, he looked even more beautiful and sweet than how I remembered him. I knew all too well that it wasn’t the case, though. However, after getting relieved from the previous distress, I suddenly felt exhausted. The strength slowly left the hands supporting my body. I started to shake violently and fell down. Just before I hit the ground, the boy caught and supported me.

「Filmina, are you alright?!」

「Y-yes…」

I nodded with difficulty and he smiled in relief. His smile vanished instantly however, as he shrewdly glared at the surrounding people. The Islanders had their eyes fixed on us with a mixture of fear and fury.

「Black hair! Elizabell’s wizard has come!」

「Quickly, kill him!」

「R-Right.」

The boy’s arm was around me, supporting me. I felt how strained it was, unconsciously I touched his hand with mine. The Islanders tried to unanimously attack us while pointing their weapons in our direction with trembling hands, but he moved them out of his way. He wasn’t hesitant at all, on the contrary, he behaved like a nonchalant child, pulling risky stunts.

「Foolish. Even if it is a curse, it’s harmless to you.」

At these words not only the Islanders were surprised. I was also startled, I looked up at him and saw his glare fixated on the Islanders, while he still supported me. There was no fear nor any uneasiness in his stare. His face expressed complete self-confidence, as if he was stating the truth matter-of-factly.

「W-What are you saying?!」

「Do you have any proof?」

It was a fair question, in response to which Edi let me go after a brief embrace and took something out from a basket he had been carrying.

「This is the source of Filmina’s illness.」