Chapter 55
Translator: Missme
Editor: Aru
“Vivian?”
Lord Vessel urgently tapped Vivian’s shoulder.
However, there was no response.
Lord Vessel’s face blanched as it became clear that Vivian had passed out.
“What the heck is this all of a sudden…”
“Please keep your cool, Lord Vessel. Let us calm down and move to a location where we can examine the condition of Lady’s Vessel.”
“Yes, yes! Let’s do that.”
Lord Vessel, who had come to his senses as a result of Caleb’s words, hugged Vivian.
It was time for me to follow them.
“Are you leaving right now?”
Only then did the situation come to mind in the woman’s voice, who had suddenly intervened.
Ah, right.
I came to a fortune-teller, right?
“I’m sorry, but I believe I should leave right now. Here’s the money.”
I paid as much as I could get my hands on it.
At first glance, the money in my hand appears to be quite generous for the price of a fortune-teller, but there was no time for me to choose the appropriate amount of money because the situation was urgent.
It was time for me to hand over the money and remove my hand from the woman’s.
The fortune-teller took my hand and drew me in.
“Wait a second, Lady, and listen to this.”
“Just what…”
“Don’t get too tangled up. I’m simply letting you see in order to help you.”
Help?
The fortune-teller let go of my hand and said, as I tilted my head at an incomprehensible word.
“Hurry up and leave. Your companions will be waiting.”
* * * * *
We headed straight to the center of the square.
Private therapists were unable to work because it was a festival, but a tent was erected in the center of the square at the temple to create a temporary treatment center where lower-ranking priests awaited to treat the patient.
Some people are unaware of this fact, but Caleb and Lord Vessel were aware of it because they had several records of patrol duties at the festiva As a result, we were able to arrive at the treatment center quickly and without having to take a long distance.
There were a lot of people in the treatment center when we arrived. It’s gotten to the point that it’s difficult to find a priest.
Fortunately, the people who witnessed Vivian’s fainting gave up their turn, so our turn came sooner.
When Lord Vessel placed Vivian on the cot, the priest shrugged and looked at her.
“Seeing that there is no trauma, I think she just fainted for a moment. You might have to wait until she regains consciousness.”
“Thank you very much, Priest.”
“No, it’s nothing. Then, I’ll get going now.”
The priest greeted Lord Vessel elegantly before departing to see another patient.
“You two should get going too.”
“What? What are you…”
“Aren’t you supposed to enjoy the festival? I’m not sure when Vivian will open her eyes, but I can’t keep you both.”
“Then what about you, Lord Vessel? Are you planning to stay?”
“I believe I should do so. Because Vivian was entrusted to me by my mother. But I don’t want to bother you both any longer regarding my sister. So I hope you two enjoy the rest of the festival.”
Lord Vessel’s face was filled with remorse for me and Caleb.
Looking at his expression, I think that even if I say I’ll stay, he’ll feel even more difficult.
‘And, to be honest, it’s better to do as Lord Vessel advised…’
The matter was what Caleb thought.
I met his black eyes when I turned my head to the side.
He didn’t say anything, but I got a feeling. That Caleb feels the same way as me.
* * * * *
We left the temple treatment center praying for Vivian’s recovery.
So far, so good, but there was a problem ahead.
‘How should we proceed now?’
It’s just that we’ve already done enough exploring to say, “Let’s see more of the festival.”
It is, however, difficult to predict what type of event will be held.
Isn’t it better to just ask him to come back now?
But, I’m not sure if it’s just my perception, but I feel like I’ve been forgetting something…
Oh, I forgot to return the badge to him!
“Uhm, Lord Egon?”
“Yes, what exactly is it?”
“Could you please extend your hand for a moment? Just one hand is enough.”
Caleb gently extended his hand.
This time, I was able to deliver the badge without being disturbed.
“I’ll return this to you.”
Caleb looked at my face with a peculiar expression.
What is it?
Is there something on my face?
I was about to sweep my hand across my face when Caleb clenched his hand that had received the badge.
Oh, he did accept it.
That’s a relief.
I was worried if he would not accept it again this time.
My heart was relieved.
Because the badge is so important, I was terrified of losing it while carrying it for the past hour.
But now that I’ve returned it, I don’t have to be concerned about it.
Bang!
I trembled at the sound of something bursting to the point where my ears were deafening.
What is it?
I just heard something burst from the sky.
As I raised my head, I could see the red smoke spreading.
“Why smoke…?”
“It seems to signal the start of the parade.”
Caleb explained to me, who was surprised because I didn’t understand the meaning of the smoke.
I see.
I was surprised because I thought a war had broken out here all of a sudden.
“Would you like to go see it?”
“Shall…”
Shall we?
I tried to speak casually, nodding, but I couldn’t.
‘Wait, if I ask him to do that here, I’ll have to watch the parade with Caleb, right?’
But, going home like this, I’m curious about the parade in this world…
I might be able to bear it if I vaguely remember the scene where Lena was watching the parade.
But there’s no memory like that.
I don’t give a damn.
Let’s take a look.
The next festival won’t be held until next year, and if I don’t watch it now, I’ll be disappointed when I come back home.
“Okay. Let’s go see it.”
Caleb, in my words, pointed me in the right direction, saying, “This way.”
Normally, people would have grabbed our hands in this situation, but Caleb simply showed me the way.
In the past, I thought this aspect of him was just fine.
But I’m a little disappointed right now.
I can go and watch the parade by myself, but why does he want to watch it with me?
Even if I get lost, I can simply go to the guard and return home, but why is he always trying to be with me?
Why did he even tell me it was alright to lose the badge?
Caleb was just being himself to me, and I am the only one who interprets his every action.
I know I’m not in a position to hold these emotions, but I resent his affectionate side.
Perhaps that’s why I ended up here without realizing it.
‘Enough of this.’
Isn’t it reasonable to be greedy?
In any case, I won’t be able to do this later.
So doing this is enough to.
I reached forward and grabbed the hem of his cape while biting my lower lip.
Caleb looked back at me with a surprised expression.
“Elena?”
“……there are far too many people here. Lord, I might get lost after being swept away by people.”
I boldly responded, giving strength to the hand clutching the hem of his cape.
I’m pretending to be fine, but I was actually worried.
In case Caleb noticed my feelings through my actions.
So I was afraid he’d throw my hand out.
My senses were tingling with apprehension.
My heart was racing so fast that it hurt like it was going to burst.
Caleb took turns looking at his cape I was holding.
Soon, the hem of his cape slipped out of my grip.
Then an emptiness flooded into my hand, and the cape slipped out.
Was it too much?
Was my behavior too obvious for this to be an excuse?
Yeah, I guess so.
The moment I was about to apology by clenching my hands, which had become empty in an instant.
“… If you need something to hold.”
I felt something full in my hand as soon as I heard his soft voice.
As a result, I forgot to apologize and instead lowered my gaze.
Then I noticed black gloves made of Verro’s leather.
“Isn’t it better to just hold hands? This way, you won’t be swept away and lost.”
To be more specific, I could see his large hand wearing gloves.
On behalf of the emptiness in the slipped-out cape.
Belatedly, I realized that Caleb was holding my hand.
It felt strange to have a hand, an adult man’s hand, intertwined between my fingers.
Even weirder is the appearance of my hand being covered by his, as if being eaten by his hand.
But I didn’t take my hand out.
Rather, I carefully folded my finger and covered the back of his hand.
A light flashes and music can be heard not far away.
Thump, thump-
The thumping was so loud that it rang my heart and eardrums.
I can’t tell if it’s the sound of the parade’s drums or the beating of my heart.
* * * * *
We couldn’t go very far because there were so many people, so we had to stop in the middle of the street to watch the parade.
The parade was more colorful and large than I had expected.
The band walked ahead, hitting a drum, and white horses led a high carriage that appeared to be two stories tall.
And in the carriage, there was a woman dressed in heavenly costumes and colorful ornaments, as if she were a goddess from Greek and Roman mythology.
A swarm of white lights erupted around her as she waved her hand to the crowd.
As the parade passed, I realized that the festival had come to an end.
Most people were walking back to their homes, and street vendors were also cleaning up.
Caleb and I were among those who returned home.
Even in the dead of night, the streets shone brightly.
It was made possible by street lamps made of magical stones “I was impressed earlier. Since the temple was hosting it, I thought it would be a small parade.”
“Are you seeing this parade for the first time?”
“Yes, this is the first time I’ve seen it. I always returned before the parade began. In fact, I’m seeing the Kitara competition for the first time today. Have you seen the parade all the way through, Lord?”
“There have been a few occasions. When it didn’t overlap with the dispatch period, I would come to every festival for patrol and even watch the parade.”
“Ah, I see.”
He was saying that he had watched it all the way through.
I could see my breath flowing out as I inadvertently opened my mouth and exhaled.
There’s still a long time until winter, but I could already see my breathing.
Is it because it’s early in the morning?
The sight of the white steam floating through the air made me feel cold.
My body trembled slightly without my being aware of it.
“Do you feel cold?”
“How did you know?”
“I noticed you trembling a little.”
Caleb’s gaze was lowered. And I could still see his hand was holding mine.
That’s why he could perceive my trembling.
“It’s a little chilly. I thought I was dressed warmer than usual, but apparently not.”
“I’ll lend you my cape if it’s too cold.”
“It’s all right. It’s not cold enough to cause you any concerns.”
I quickly dissuaded him. Otherwise, I knew he was going to take off his cape.
“Are you sure you’re all right?”
“I’m fine.”
Fortunately, Caleb no longer recommended his cape.
‘By the way, what should I do with my hand?’
There aren’t many people, so I don’t have to worry about being separated from him and becoming lost. Should I then let go of my hand?
Of course, it was nice to hold hands with him more.
I’m just worried that Caleb will notice my feelings at this rate.
Yeah, let’s stop now
Don’t be greedy any longer.
Over and over again, I was enticed to surrender to temptation.
It was fine until I thought I let go of my hand, but the problem was the following.
I couldn’t decide whether to let it fall off naturally or to tell Caleb first and then take it off.
Despite the fact that it isn’t particularly noteworthy.
It was when I wriggled my hand, which Caleb was holding in his hand.
Suddenly, he grabbed my hand and stuffed it into the coat pocket inside his cape.
Our bodies were in close contact as our hands were drawn closer together.
‘Ah, so he’s wearing a coat underneath his cape… no, that’s not the issue right now!’
I looked up, embarrassed by Caleb’s unexpected behavior.
Caleb replied as if he understood my question.
“It’ll be warm soon.”
Chapter 55
Translator: Missme
Editor: Aru
“Vivian?”
Lord Vessel urgently tapped Vivian’s shoulder.
However, there was no response.
Lord Vessel’s face blanched as it became clear that Vivian had passed out.
“What the heck is this all of a sudden…”
“Please keep your cool, Lord Vessel. Let us calm down and move to a location where we can examine the condition of Lady’s Vessel.”
“Yes, yes! Let’s do that.”
Lord Vessel, who had come to his senses as a result of Caleb’s words, hugged Vivian.
It was time for me to follow them.
“Are you leaving right now?”
Only then did the situation come to mind in the woman’s voice, who had suddenly intervened.
Ah, right.
I came to a fortune-teller, right?
“I’m sorry, but I believe I should leave right now. Here’s the money.”
I paid as much as I could get my hands on it.
At first glance, the money in my hand appears to be quite generous for the price of a fortune-teller, but there was no time for me to choose the appropriate amount of money because the situation was urgent.
It was time for me to hand over the money and remove my hand from the woman’s.
The fortune-teller took my hand and drew me in.
“Wait a second, Lady, and listen to this.”
“Just what…”
“Don’t get too tangled up. I’m simply letting you see in order to help you.”
Help?
The fortune-teller let go of my hand and said, as I tilted my head at an incomprehensible word.
“Hurry up and leave. Your companions will be waiting.”
* * * * *
We headed straight to the center of the square.
Private therapists were unable to work because it was a festival, but a tent was erected in the center of the square at the temple to create a temporary treatment center where lower-ranking priests awaited to treat the patient.
Some people are unaware of this fact, but Caleb and Lord Vessel were aware of it because they had several records of patrol duties at the festiva As a result, we were able to arrive at the treatment center quickly and without having to take a long distance.
There were a lot of people in the treatment center when we arrived. It’s gotten to the point that it’s difficult to find a priest.
Fortunately, the people who witnessed Vivian’s fainting gave up their turn, so our turn came sooner.
When Lord Vessel placed Vivian on the cot, the priest shrugged and looked at her.
“Seeing that there is no trauma, I think she just fainted for a moment. You might have to wait until she regains consciousness.”
“Thank you very much, Priest.”
“No, it’s nothing. Then, I’ll get going now.”
The priest greeted Lord Vessel elegantly before departing to see another patient.
“You two should get going too.”
“What? What are you…”
“Aren’t you supposed to enjoy the festival? I’m not sure when Vivian will open her eyes, but I can’t keep you both.”
“Then what about you, Lord Vessel? Are you planning to stay?”
“I believe I should do so. Because Vivian was entrusted to me by my mother. But I don’t want to bother you both any longer regarding my sister. So I hope you two enjoy the rest of the festival.”
Lord Vessel’s face was filled with remorse for me and Caleb.
Looking at his expression, I think that even if I say I’ll stay, he’ll feel even more difficult.
‘And, to be honest, it’s better to do as Lord Vessel advised…’
The matter was what Caleb thought.
I met his black eyes when I turned my head to the side.
He didn’t say anything, but I got a feeling. That Caleb feels the same way as me.
* * * * *
We left the temple treatment center praying for Vivian’s recovery.
So far, so good, but there was a problem ahead.
‘How should we proceed now?’
It’s just that we’ve already done enough exploring to say, “Let’s see more of the festival.”
It is, however, difficult to predict what type of event will be held.
Isn’t it better to just ask him to come back now?
But, I’m not sure if it’s just my perception, but I feel like I’ve been forgetting something…
Oh, I forgot to return the badge to him!
“Uhm, Lord Egon?”
“Yes, what exactly is it?”
“Could you please extend your hand for a moment? Just one hand is enough.”
Caleb gently extended his hand.
This time, I was able to deliver the badge without being disturbed.
“I’ll return this to you.”
Caleb looked at my face with a peculiar expression.
What is it?
Is there something on my face?
I was about to sweep my hand across my face when Caleb clenched his hand that had received the badge.
Oh, he did accept it.
That’s a relief.
I was worried if he would not accept it again this time.
My heart was relieved.
Because the badge is so important, I was terrified of losing it while carrying it for the past hour.
But now that I’ve returned it, I don’t have to be concerned about it.
Bang!
I trembled at the sound of something bursting to the point where my ears were deafening.
What is it?
I just heard something burst from the sky.
As I raised my head, I could see the red smoke spreading.
“Why smoke…?”
“It seems to signal the start of the parade.”
Caleb explained to me, who was surprised because I didn’t understand the meaning of the smoke.
I see.
I was surprised because I thought a war had broken out here all of a sudden.
“Would you like to go see it?”
“Shall…”
Shall we?
I tried to speak casually, nodding, but I couldn’t.
‘Wait, if I ask him to do that here, I’ll have to watch the parade with Caleb, right?’
But, going home like this, I’m curious about the parade in this world…
I might be able to bear it if I vaguely remember the scene where Lena was watching the parade.
But there’s no memory like that.
I don’t give a damn.
Let’s take a look.
The next festival won’t be held until next year, and if I don’t watch it now, I’ll be disappointed when I come back home.
“Okay. Let’s go see it.”
Caleb, in my words, pointed me in the right direction, saying, “This way.”
Normally, people would have grabbed our hands in this situation, but Caleb simply showed me the way.
In the past, I thought this aspect of him was just fine.
But I’m a little disappointed right now.
I can go and watch the parade by myself, but why does he want to watch it with me?
Even if I get lost, I can simply go to the guard and return home, but why is he always trying to be with me?
Why did he even tell me it was alright to lose the badge?
Caleb was just being himself to me, and I am the only one who interprets his every action.
I know I’m not in a position to hold these emotions, but I resent his affectionate side.
Perhaps that’s why I ended up here without realizing it.
‘Enough of this.’
Isn’t it reasonable to be greedy?
In any case, I won’t be able to do this later.
So doing this is enough to.
I reached forward and grabbed the hem of his cape while biting my lower lip.
Caleb looked back at me with a surprised expression.
“Elena?”
“……there are far too many people here. Lord, I might get lost after being swept away by people.”
I boldly responded, giving strength to the hand clutching the hem of his cape.
I’m pretending to be fine, but I was actually worried.
In case Caleb noticed my feelings through my actions.
So I was afraid he’d throw my hand out.
My senses were tingling with apprehension.
My heart was racing so fast that it hurt like it was going to burst.
Caleb took turns looking at his cape I was holding.
Soon, the hem of his cape slipped out of my grip.
Then an emptiness flooded into my hand, and the cape slipped out.
Was it too much?
Was my behavior too obvious for this to be an excuse?
Yeah, I guess so.
The moment I was about to apology by clenching my hands, which had become empty in an instant.
“… If you need something to hold.”
I felt something full in my hand as soon as I heard his soft voice.
As a result, I forgot to apologize and instead lowered my gaze.
Then I noticed black gloves made of Verro’s leather.
“Isn’t it better to just hold hands? This way, you won’t be swept away and lost.”
To be more specific, I could see his large hand wearing gloves.
On behalf of the emptiness in the slipped-out cape.
Belatedly, I realized that Caleb was holding my hand.
It felt strange to have a hand, an adult man’s hand, intertwined between my fingers.
Even weirder is the appearance of my hand being covered by his, as if being eaten by his hand.
But I didn’t take my hand out.
Rather, I carefully folded my finger and covered the back of his hand.
A light flashes and music can be heard not far away.
Thump, thump-
The thumping was so loud that it rang my heart and eardrums.
I can’t tell if it’s the sound of the parade’s drums or the beating of my heart.
* * * * *
We couldn’t go very far because there were so many people, so we had to stop in the middle of the street to watch the parade.
The parade was more colorful and large than I had expected.
The band walked ahead, hitting a drum, and white horses led a high carriage that appeared to be two stories tall.
And in the carriage, there was a woman dressed in heavenly costumes and colorful ornaments, as if she were a goddess from Greek and Roman mythology.
A swarm of white lights erupted around her as she waved her hand to the crowd.
As the parade passed, I realized that the festival had come to an end.
Most people were walking back to their homes, and street vendors were also cleaning up.
Caleb and I were among those who returned home.
Even in the dead of night, the streets shone brightly.
It was made possible by street lamps made of magical stones “I was impressed earlier. Since the temple was hosting it, I thought it would be a small parade.”
“Are you seeing this parade for the first time?”
“Yes, this is the first time I’ve seen it. I always returned before the parade began. In fact, I’m seeing the Kitara competition for the first time today. Have you seen the parade all the way through, Lord?”
“There have been a few occasions. When it didn’t overlap with the dispatch period, I would come to every festival for patrol and even watch the parade.”
“Ah, I see.”
He was saying that he had watched it all the way through.
I could see my breath flowing out as I inadvertently opened my mouth and exhaled.
There’s still a long time until winter, but I could already see my breathing.
Is it because it’s early in the morning?
The sight of the white steam floating through the air made me feel cold.
My body trembled slightly without my being aware of it.
“Do you feel cold?”
“How did you know?”
“I noticed you trembling a little.”
Caleb’s gaze was lowered. And I could still see his hand was holding mine.
That’s why he could perceive my trembling.
“It’s a little chilly. I thought I was dressed warmer than usual, but apparently not.”
“I’ll lend you my cape if it’s too cold.”
“It’s all right. It’s not cold enough to cause you any concerns.”
I quickly dissuaded him. Otherwise, I knew he was going to take off his cape.
“Are you sure you’re all right?”
“I’m fine.”
Fortunately, Caleb no longer recommended his cape.
‘By the way, what should I do with my hand?’
There aren’t many people, so I don’t have to worry about being separated from him and becoming lost. Should I then let go of my hand?
Of course, it was nice to hold hands with him more.
I’m just worried that Caleb will notice my feelings at this rate.
Yeah, let’s stop now
Don’t be greedy any longer.
Over and over again, I was enticed to surrender to temptation.
It was fine until I thought I let go of my hand, but the problem was the following.
I couldn’t decide whether to let it fall off naturally or to tell Caleb first and then take it off.
Despite the fact that it isn’t particularly noteworthy.
It was when I wriggled my hand, which Caleb was holding in his hand.
Suddenly, he grabbed my hand and stuffed it into the coat pocket inside his cape.
Our bodies were in close contact as our hands were drawn closer together.
‘Ah, so he’s wearing a coat underneath his cape… no, that’s not the issue right now!’
I looked up, embarrassed by Caleb’s unexpected behavior.
Caleb replied as if he understood my question.
“It’ll be warm soon.”
