Chapter 32: Wish (1) (2/2)

Leonel smiled. ”It's not your fault.”

”I…”

”Do you have my pants?” Leonel cut her off.

Aina stared blankly for a moment before nodding. She had even managed to patch together the tears in it a bit.

”… They're a bit small for you now, though.” She said softly. ”I think you've gotten taller.”

Leonel's smile widened. ”So you pay enough attention to me to notice?”

Aina blushed and turned away, throwing his pants over.

Leonel managed to slip his pants on before standing up and stretching. He was certain that this carriage was only built recently. He likely had the siege engineers to thank.

”You still haven't answered my question.” Leonel turned back toward Aina. ”Are you alright?”

”…” Aina sighed. ”Put a shirt on first and I might consider answering.”

Seeing that a bit of Aina's cheekiness was back, Leonel's heart felt lighter. He happily obliged and put on his flexible armor before covering it in an off-white linen shirt he wasn't sure of the origin of.

”Happy?”

Aina turned away. If one focused on his upper half and not his sorry excuse for pants, Leonel actually looked quite good. Luckily he hadn't thought about why he had been unconscious for so long, yet still managed to stay clean.

”… My Lineage Factor has a negative effect on my psychological state. I lose control of it from time to time, but especially when I'm on the verge of a breakthrough. Only when I stabilize into my new realm will I be able to rein it in again.”

”I already guessed as much.” Leonel waved a hand. ”Like I said already, it's not your fault. I only want to know if there are any lasting impacts to your health.”

”No… Aside from fatigue, there are no other side effects.”

”That's good. Then don't recklessly act when you're on the verge of a breakthrough again. You should have stayed by my side like I asked.” Leonel said sternly.

”But you…”

”Hm?” Leonel tried to probe out the rest of her words, but Aina seemed to not want to speak anymore.

'But you…?' Leonel frowned. Suddenly, he froze as though he was hit by a lightning bolt.

He realized he had made a mistake. He and Aina were partners, but he had unilaterally decided to help the Frenchmen. Could it be that Aina took the risk despite knowing the possible outcome because of his decision?