Chapter 53
People are born lacking something, and spend their lives becoming more and more lacking.
At least, that was what Gina believed.
For her life had been one long succession of losses.
Everything in the world was like that, but tragedy was always close at hand.
Even people she'd spoken to just yesterday, even those who seemed like they'd never die, could keel over and die in an instant.
It was a heartless world where everything she'd grown attached to eventually withered away.
In a world like that, I met you.
‘Won't you become mine?’
Didn't you say so?
That you'd make me happy if I became yours.
That you'd teach me what happiness was.
You were such an absurd swindler.
Even now, I belong to you from head to toe.
I'm neither happy nor having fun.
“Hoo.”
She sighed.
Gina sat quietly in the reception room, sipping her tea.
Despite the two burly men standing by the entrance, she showed no sign of intimidation.
If anything, the men were the ones who looked cowed.
They didn't know who the little nun was, but their superior had ordered them to treat her with the utmost courtesy.
It was plain as day that their heads wouldn't remain attached if they gave her even the slightest cause for complaint.
And so, the awkward standoff continued.
The purple-haired nun surveyed the reception room with a critical eye.
There were several items made from the furs of northern beasts.
A large frame hung on the wall, displaying a painting that made no sense to her.
When Gina had first seen this painting, she thought it was a magical spell formation.
According to the burly men, it was a work that captured the anguish of a renowned painter.
From her perspective, she couldn't understand what was anguished about a painting made by slapping paint on at random.
And even if there was anguish in it, wasn't it the kind of anguish only the well-fed could afford?
Just how much could something like this possibly be worth?
Its value couldn't be much, at any rate.
It was an extremely disrespectful thought, but with her long life behind her, she was set in her ways and narrow-minded; it would take a lot to change her thinking.
……Setting aside her pointless critique of the painting, it was a fairly nice reception room.
After all, this was where the head of the underworld entertained guests. He couldn't very well fill it with cheap things.
Even when she was in her prime, she'd adorned her reception room with expensive items.
Click.
The door opened, and a man entered in a neat black suit, his hair slicked straight back.
His hair was as red as blood, his eyes were sunken, and his rough face was far from handsome.
His features suited someone who operated in the shadows of the underworld.
When he entered the reception room, the burly men bowed crisply to him.
They weren't short by any means, but they seemed small beside him.
He was a man of imposing stature.
The word ‘giant’ suited him well.
The man raised a hand to acknowledge their greeting, then looked at Gina.
“You two, leave us. I'd like to speak with her alone.”
At his dismissal, the men left the room.
Only the huge man and the tiny girl remained.
Clatter.
Gina set down the teacup she'd been holding.
“This tea has a lovely aroma, Daipol.”
Daipol sat down on the plush sofa.
“Isn't this one of your favorite indulgences?”
“For all your looks, you do have a good memory.”
“………Is that something you should say, when you're the one who told me not to judge people by their appearance?”
“Hmm, that reminds me of a snot-nosed brat who said he'd act just like he looked.”
It was an argument Daipol couldn't win.
They were from different generations, after all.
“Damn old hag.”
Of course, no matter the era, bringing up a woman's age was one of the most fatal mistakes a person could make.
A flush spread across Gina's pale face.
“……Do you want to die?”
“Judging by that healthy flush, you don't seem to be wearing a human skin.”
Gina wore an unhappy expression.
She had no disgusting penchant for wearing another person's skin.
Naturally, her reply was sharp.
“Do you suspect me?”
Daipol waved a hand.
“Things worked out so strangely that I thought those bastards had hired some skilled tanners to pull a trick on us.”
“The Kingdom? What would they gain by impersonating me?”
“It's not the Kingdom.”
“Then who?”
“It's difficult to discuss internal affairs. More importantly……”
Daipol let the end of his sentence trail off and glared at Gina.
His eyes were filled with reproach and blame.
“It would've been nice if you'd contacted us in advance. How is it that you never consider giving us any time to prepare?”
Gina lowered her head.
Even if she had ten faces, she wouldn't have one to show him.
“………I'm sorry.”
“That's enough. It's hardly the first time you've done whatever you pleased. So, is your little amusement over?”
Amusement, huh.
Back then, she'd definitely called it amusement to Daipol.
But were the feelings she held now really limited to a mere diversion?
No.
This feeling couldn't be dismissed as mere amusement.
Daipol continued to press her.
“Or was this visit also part of that amusement?”
Gina sighed.
“I need to correct you. It isn't amusement. I'm serious.”
“That's the kind of embarrassing thing only girls with sugar-soaked brains would say.”
“Is that strange?”
“If not for those wavering shadows, I would've thought you were an impostor.”
Sharp shadows, like the fangs of beasts, sprouted around Daipol.
To threaten her so openly—Gina had always been confident in her abilities, both then and now.
The man frowned and asked,
“So what is your point?”
“Can I get back the things I gave you?”
“In other words, you intend to break the taboo again?”
Gina nodded, her expression somber.
“………Yes.”
“I'm worried you've grown foolish.”
“You're long-winded. I'm not asking you to give it to me for free, so tell me what you want. I'll even sweeten the deal.”
“Who could be more vicious than someone who gives something, then takes it away?”
“Isn't that why I'm offering you proper compensation? Stop being sarcastic and make a deal.”
“Come back to us.”
“……”
“The situation is bad.”
“……I already have someone I follow. I need that person's permission.”
Daipol's eyes widened.
It was the first time since entering the room that he showed any sign of astonishment.
“Someone you follow? You? What is that person, a dragon or something?”
“They're human.”
“An ordinary human?”
“They're not ordinary. To me, they're special.”
Groan.
Daipol narrowed his eyes and pressed his fingers to his forehead.
“This isn't like you.”
“I guess it's about time I died.”
“An immortal, you mean?”
“Nothing lasts forever.”
He looked at Gina.
He simply gazed at her without saying a word.
Even in the face of that silent protest, Gina didn't waver.
Deciding there was nothing to be gained from this interminable staring contest, Daipol changed his request.
“In that case, could you eliminate someone for me?”
“Who?”
“The Second Prince.”
* * *
“Aria.”
“Yes?”
“Your hair's gotten a little long.”
At Ashtein's words, Aria took hold of a lock of her hair and checked.
Just as he'd said, it had grown longer.
It used to barely reach her shoulders, but now it came down to around her collarbones.
“Should I trim it?”
“You can do whatever you're comfortable with.”
“What style do you like, Ain?”
“Me?”
“Yes.”
Ashtein pressed his lips to the back of his hand and fell into thought.
It seemed to be an unexpected question.
Thinking of his late sister, Amelia, he replied,
“I like it when it's moderately long.”
“Then I'll leave it as it is.”
At Aria's words, Ashtein remembered something Azazel had once said.
Long hair was heavy and uncomfortable, and a hassle to take care of.
So he asked,
“Doesn't your hair feel heavy?”
Azazel, who'd been listening, half-lidded her eyes and cut in.
“Of course it's heavy, idiot. Can't you tell? Big Sis wants you to think she's pretty.”
He rested his chin in his hand, looking serious.
“………Hmm, have I not made it clear how much I like you, Aria?”
“N-no! Y-you care for me plenty! I-it's just that I-I want to match your tastes……”
Ashtein pulled the Saintess into his arms and bit her earlobe.
“You're already my type.”
“……Hauu.”
Azazel closed her eyes.
She had far too little tolerance for enduring the cheap little farce playing out in front of her.
Anyway, when were they going to arrive? This damned carriage was taking forever.
She wanted to get there soon so she wouldn't have to watch that anymore.
Perhaps Azazel's wish had reached the heavens.
The carriage came to a stop.
The coachman opened the small rectangular window and told them they'd arrived.
In other words, their long, long carriage journey was over.
“I'm getting out first!”
Azazel sprang to her feet.
When she opened the carriage door, a magnificent medieval cityscape came into view.
The bright sky and the tightly packed buildings combined to create a breathtaking scene.
Aria stepped out too, setting foot in the Royal Capital of Gallia.
She wobbled a little, but not as badly as before.
It was proof she'd gotten somewhat used to riding in a carriage.
But she still wasn't completely fine, and Azazel voiced her concern.
“Aria Big Sis, you look pale.”
“……Ugh, Azazel, are you all right?”
“I even fly around. A little motion sickness is nothing.”
“I need to get used to it soon, too……ugh.”
A small hand stroked Aria's back.
Azazel grinned mischievously.
“You'll get used to it someday.”
Ashtein spoke with his usual unchanging expression.
“I'll pay the coachman. Wait here.”
Aria and Azazel answered at the same time.
“Yes.” “Go ahead.”
While Ashtein paid the coachman and exchanged a few words with him, Azazel gave Aria a brief explanation of Gallia.
She talked about things like the mages' tower, the mercenary guild, and the residential district for nobles. Azazel was such a gifted speaker that Aria never found it boring.
A little while later, when Ashtein returned, Azazel stopped talking and grumbled.
“Why are you talking so long with some man?”
“There was something suspicious.”
“Oh, really?”
Azazel shook her head, then noticed a curious gaze fixed on her.
The gaze came from Aria.
“……Azazel, what about the rest of the story?”
“Uh, Ashtein's here now, so shouldn't we stop and get moving……?”
Aria's black eyes sparkled brightly.
“No, I want to hear it all.”
Azazel looked at Ashtein.
Her look clearly asked him to deal with her big sister, but he shook his head.
He'd rather see her get embarrassed later over her own stubbornness than watch her be disappointed now.
Azazel offered a compromise.
“……Then let's hear Ashtein's plans first, and I'll continue the story afterward. Okay?”
Aria accepted immediately.
“Yes, sounds good!”
Azazel turned her gaze to Ashtein.
He cleared his throat and spoke to Aria and Azazel.
“First, we should look around and find an inn.”
Azazel repeated Ashtein's plan as if surprised.
“Really? I thought someone like you would head straight for Gallia's royal palace.”
Aria nodded, agreeing with her more than a little.
Ashtein's thinking was so focused on efficiency that he sometimes came up with rather eccentric plans.
“If I were alone, that wouldn't matter. But since you two are with me, I'll follow the proper procedure.”
Aria tilted her head.
“The proper procedure?”
“If we want to meet the king in person, we'll have to wait a few weeks.”
The king?
Out of nowhere?
Aria's mind went blank.
She couldn't even remember the interesting story Azazel had just been telling her.
As if she'd expected this, Azazel shot Ashtein a sidelong glance.
“Y-you're planning to meet His Majesty the King?”
Ashtein nodded at Aria's question.
“You need the homeowner's permission to look around a house, don't you?”
That's right.
The Hero never backed down.
He always charged straight ahead.
His approach just wasn't very polite.