Book 2: Chapter 55 (1/2)

I have always thought that the light from a magic lamp is cold. The light produced by magic tech is constantly colder than light produced by natural flames or magic.

It is a wonder that even such a light seemed like the finest brilliance when reflected off the young lady’s scarlet pupils.

I saw myself reflected on her pupils, with a gentle smile – or at least desperately trying to put on a smile.

「What do you mean…?」

「Exactly what I said, my lady. From here on, our paths will be different. Mine leads outside this wall, and yours should stay on this side of the wall—as before.」

「Don’t say that even if it’s a joke!」

「It’s not a joke, or a lie, or a bluff. Thank you, my lady, for seeing me off so far. I have a feeling that my future will be brighter just because you sent me off.」

「Reiji, why… why do you say such a cruel thing?」

To refuse the young lady, while she is pale and trembling, is certainly “cruel”.

But still, it is something I have decided that I must do.

Because it is much more “cruel” to let the young lady make that decision.

「My lady, you have been worrying and looking back all this while, haven’t you? Worrying about the people of the mansion, and… the Earl.」

「…That is…」

「It’s okay even if I’m just misunderstanding things. That’s the way it should be. And that is why, I have made the arbitrary choice for you to “go home”.」

「…………」

「…My lady, you and the Earl are the only family left to each other. Many things happened today… No, many things have happened since the day of the “Sprout and New Moon Banquet”. So your mind can’t afford to process everything and make a rational decision right away. Of course, I am not saying this because you are a child. Even adults would have trouble processing all the things that have happened since..」

I bent my knees and looked into the young lady’s eyes, who hung her head down.

Tears were slowly rolling down her cheeks.

I think the young lady herself might have been slightly aware of what would happen to the Earl if she does not return – that no one but herself could save the Earl who was shaken to his core.

「It’s okay. Now go back to the Earl. He will surely be happy.」

「But then, Reiji… you will be all alone…」

「I am much more mature than you, my lady.」

「Even though we’re only 2 years apart…?」

「Yes. That difference of two years means everything.」

It’s obviously a lie, but it doesn’t make sense to reveal to the young lady that I’m a reincarnated person at this moment.

「My lady, like I said, this world is so vast that you can’t experience everything in a single lifetime. But on the contrary, a lifetime is still quite long. My lady, you should spend more time with the Earl. And once you grow up, if you still want to leave, then please leave this country. It won’t be too late. A lifetime is long enough that you can still travel to many different countries. That is why, don’t cry, my lady… This isn’t our last farewell.」

I stroked the young lady’s head as she finally started bursting into tears.

Now is the only time she can return to the Earl… If she does not return now, the familial bond between the young lady and the Earl will surely be irreparable.

「…Reiji, I, I…, I want to be with you all the time! Why must you go!?」

「It’s the secret I told you about. The Earl said he would protect me, but I think he is underestimating the problem too much. So I can’t stay with the Earl anymore. And my lady, I am not being kicked out, I am willingly leaving this country — I’ll tell you why the next time we meet.」

「I don’t like it! I won’t allow you to go alone!」

「I’m sorry, my lady.」

「Do not apologize!」

「…That’s the most difficult order you’ve ever given me. I will try my best to adhere to it. –Now, my lady, it seems that someone has come to pick you up.」

The young lady was taken aback, and looked back. Captain Maxim was galloping towards us on a horse. When he noticed us – noticed my gaze and the young lady’s crying face – he got off his horse at a distance.

That person looks like a musclehead, but is surprisingly smart. Well, if you’re not that kind of person, you can’t work under Earl Sillys.