ALL NOVEL Chapter 162.1
162.1. I’m Feeling Uneasy, So I’d Rather Stay Together, Isn’t It?
Myrna clings to me tearfully as Kyle gives a fierce smile.
In this situation, I can’t help but think it might be okay to collect Myrna’s… the Saint’s Tears, and my alchemist instincts stir slightly. After all, Myrna kind of brought this on herself.
But I don’t have the nerve to act on it in front of Kyle, who’s radiating a dark aura.
Kyle, who had been staring intently at Myrna, suddenly lets out a heavy sigh, dispersing the tension.
“I didn’t think Myrna would go this far.”
Me neither. But after some thought, considering she’s been hanging around the Kendall siblings lately, it’s not all that surprising.
“…Me too.”
Myrna mutters softly.
“I’m going… too.”
“Myrna… I’ve told you many times, that we don’t know what lies ahead. It’s dangerous. Have you forgotten the eight-headed Hydra we encountered in the swamp?”
Back then, it was partly due to our own carelessness, but Myrna had experienced true terror, hiding alone inside a tree hollow to escape the Hydra. Remembering that, Myrna shivers slightly.
“That’s why…”
“What?”
“That’s why! I’m going with you!”
Myrna clings tightly to me while gripping Kyle’s sleeve firmly.
“Waiting… alone… I don’t want that!”
At Myrna’s resolute statement, both Kyle and I widen our eyes.
“Myrna…”
Kyle looks at Myrna, clearly at a loss. I take a moment to think.
“Raidoc.”
“What?”
I turn to Raidoc, who has been standing nearby, and he gives me a knowing smirk.
“Would Myrna make it harder to protect everyone?”
“Come on. Who do you think you’re talking to? As long as Myrna-sama stays by Kyle-sama’s side, I swear there’ll be no repeat of the Hydra incident. I’ll protect them both… no, everyone, including you.”
He flashes his left hand, where the Swordmaster’s emblem gleams brightly, almost as if symbolizing his resolve.
“Kyle-sama. We have fewer people than before, but our strength is beyond compare. One more person like Myrna-sama won’t cause any issues.”
Raidoc faces Kyle confidently.
“Of course. Even if it means escorting Myrna-sama to the base camp, it won’t be a problem.”
As Raidoc shrugs, Myrna clings to me with a look of despair. Hey! This is where you’re supposed to back Myrna up!
“Kyle, what are you going to do?”
“…”
Kyle closes his eyes, deep in thought. Myrna looks up at me with anxious eyes. I let out a dramatic sigh and sided with Myrna.
“Why not? It could be a valuable experience for the lord’s daughter to see the world firsthand. Besides, this time, I’ll protect Myrna myself.”
“Nii-sama…”
That seems to make up Kyle’s mind, and he nods reluctantly.
“Myrna, during the journey, you must stay close to Craft-niisama, study every day, listen to everyone, refrain from selfishness, and uphold the manners expected of a lord’s kin. Can you follow these rules?”
At Kyle’s matter-of-fact tone, Myrna raises her head energetically.
“I promise…”
“Is that how a noble responds?”
Myrna, who had been clinging to me, lets go, lifts her skirt gracefully, and gives a small curtsey.
“I give you my word.”
I’m a little surprised at her refined response—both from Myrna and Kyle.
“Very well. I approve of her joining us.”
With a sigh, Kyle finally gives in.
“Craft-niisama. Contact Persia. She must be struggling, especially if Myrna’s joining us. Persia’s help will be needed.”
“Got it.”
I pat Myrna’s head, and she turns around with a radiant smile. For some reason, I can’t take my eyes off that smile. I didn’t know she could smile like that.
Eva, noticing my pause, looks at me in exasperation.
“Shouldn’t you make contact already?”
Why does she sound so cold!? Typical mage—always composed!
Hurriedly, I activate the communication artifact. Made of orichalcum, it connects our spirits, allowing us to share what the other sees and hears. However, its massive magic consumption makes it usable only by me or Jabil-sensei.
Wait… Eva, now marked as a Wise Sage, might be able to activate it. I should discuss this with Kyle later, so we can exchange our single-use device for a two-way one. Having two operators would be a great advantage. Though Ryuko can also transmit, it only works with me due to the familiar bond, which keeps the magic cost low but becomes exorbitant for others.
While considering this, I connect with Persia.
“Hello, Persia? All is well—”
[You’re late! Too late!]
Without even seeking permission for a connection, she instantly links our minds. The scenery around her appears in my head—she’s standing on some balcony. Sipping tea, perhaps?
[Myrna-sama! Myrna-sama is missing! She escaped by rope from her room! I’m about to alert Alphard and wake every soldier—]
“Wait, wait, wait! Calm down, Persia!”
[How can I stay calm!? Even if she left on her own, there’s a chance she was kidnapped!]
“Can’t you see through my eyes!? Focus and share my vision!”
[This isn’t the time for—!]
I shift my gaze to the table. Myrna is there, eating with Ryuuko’s assistance, completely engrossed in her meal. Well, she hadn’t eaten since morning. Her manners are proper, but the speed of her eating is astonishing.
[…Huh?]
“See? Myrna’s right here, so calm down.”
[You…you…]
You? Expecting relief, I’m surprised to sense Persia trembling with rage.
[You’re the kidnapper!!]
“Of course not, you fool!!”
My shout echoes into the night forest. Someone, please deal with this bumbling knight!
Calming her down took as long as boiling water. What a drag.
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