Chapter 18 - To the Western Continent (2/2)

You will probably be the most brightly shining person on the continent, though.

“I don’t want you to do anything that will be difficult for you. If you want to remain on the Eastern Continent, you can,” Nabel finished quietly.

Ronée chuckled watching him point out all the negatives of the Western Continent. It was as though he was trying to intimidate her before they went somewhere scary. But unlike his words, his expression was earnest: it said ‘Let’s go together.’

That was enough to convince Ronée.

“Is it scarier than that mansion?”

Nabel’s mouth fell shut at her words. His gaze flickered towards the window. The Rieda Manor was not so far off and was still vaguely visible. “It should… be scarier than that place.”

Ronée widened her eyes a little at his words.

“There will be even more petty, small-minded people than in that place. But there will also be more good people.”

Ronée’s smile returned at the last part. “That’s enough for me, Nabel.” She took his hand and Nabel could read her sincerity.

“More than anything, I just don’t want to be alone again.

“That was why I had already decided to get out of there. If you hadn’t come, I would have escaped.”

In which case, it must certainly have been dangerous… Nabel inhaled deeply and then exhaled. He let out a restless huff of breath that showed he was still restraining himself.

“Let’s go, then.” To the Western Continent. To the place I have spent ten years preparing for you. “You have given your permission,” he finished in a very small voice.

Inside his mind, the last remaining thread of rationality broke.