Chapter 43

"──So, we'll all set out for the capital tomorrow morning. This time, our disappearance plan has ended in failure."

"Indeed, it was a terrible failure."

"I actually quite liked this village."

"I feel the same. But there's nothing we can do about it."

That evening, I gathered Yana, Evan, and Haniwa in the common room to explain our plans for the next day.

We need to hurry back to the capital and immediately disappear again. Since it takes three days to return from here, we'll have wasted two weeks just on this trip.

The more I think about how we're drifting further away from the main plot of the novel, the more anxious I become.

"Well, in any case, once monsters appeared in that area, it was difficult to stay around here."

"...Yeah."

Monsters are said to be born from places with high concentrations of miasma. These places are limited, and it's rare for them to appear in areas where people live, so something is clearly wrong.

Then, I suddenly realize something.

"Could it be that the miasma is already starting to increase...?"

In the novel, the miasma spreads in the Kingdom of Siwell and the surrounding countries, monsters increase, crops fail to grow, and the resource known as magic mineral water, essential for life in this world, is lost.

And from the resulting struggles, wars break out.

Originally, this was supposed to happen much later, but if things are progressing faster than planned, it's not impossible.

I had previously explained to the two of them about the war and other reasons for my decision to reject Lord Zain, and they seemed to understand.

"A single monster wandering in isn't that unusual, and I don't think there's any need to worry."

"I hope so..."

"I'll also use my connections to investigate any changes in the monster population."

Evan says this with a smile, adding, "Even if they increase a little, I'll take care of them all."

Despite his carefree attitude, Evan is very reliable, so I decide to let the earlier incident go.

"Then, let's set out as soon as we finish breakfast tomorrow."

"Yes, I'll get ready."

"Thank you. Haniwa, can you help me?"

"Po!"

"C-cute... Thank you, I appreciate it."

Haniwa, who always responds energetically, heads over to Yana. She's actually very good at carrying things and often helps everyone.

With that, I leave the common room first, thinking it's early and I should go to bed. I walk towards my room.

"Grace?"

"…Huh?"

Suddenly called by my name, I turn around to see Lord Zain. His hair is wet from a bath, and he's dressed casually, making me quickly look away.

"Is something wrong?"

"N-no, nothing at all…"

His damp hair and open collar make him incredibly attractive, and just looking at him makes me feel like I might pass out.

Seeing this side of Lord Zain, who is usually so composed, makes my heart race.

Since the guest room where Lord Zain is staying doesn't have a shower, he must have just come from the main building.

"Why aren't you looking at me?"

"…You know very well."

"You're so cute when you're shy."

Lord Zain, who is my favorite character, gives a mischievous smile. Seeing this private side of my favorite character in person, no fan could remain sane.

I take a deep breath, thinking it's irresistible.

"May I escort you to your room?"

"Ah, thank you."

He takes my hand as if it's the most natural thing in the world, making my heart skip a beat. He leads me along, pulling my hand.

"I really wanted to spend a few more days with you."

"Y-yes, me too."

"Next time, I'd like to invite you to the Duke of Winslett's territory. It's a wonderful place."

"Yes, I'd love to."

While making promises that may never come true, we walk at a much slower pace than usual. It feels like we're reluctant to reach the room.

Just before we reach my room, I stop suddenly, and Lord Zain stops with me.

My gaze is fixed on the large window facing the balcony, where a sky full of stars spreads out, and I can't help but exclaim in awe.

"Lord Zain, look! It's so beautiful."

I had heard from Ranhart that the stars in this village are beautiful, but it often clouds over at night, and this is the first time I've seen such a beautiful sky.

I'm glad we managed to see it on the last day.

"…Lord Zain?"

But Lord Zain doesn't respond, and when I look up at him, he's staring intently at the stars.

The side profile of Lord Zain, illuminated by the starlight, is so beautiful that I can't look away.

Lord Zain is truly beautiful and dazzling. I can understand why the villainess Grace wanted him.

"──I've loved the stars since I was a child. I often went stargazing with my parents and young Mariabel."

Hearing this story from Lord Zain for the first time, I feel a bit confused but listen attentively.

"But after losing my parents, I was too busy protecting Mariabel and the duchy to see anything beyond my immediate surroundings."

"…I see."

"This is the first time in years I've looked at the stars."

No matter how perfect and capable Lord Zain seems, he has worked hard and faced difficulties.

His willingness to share this vulnerable side with me fills me with joy and a sense of longing.

"It's really beautiful."

"Yes, very."

I squeeze his hand, and Lord Zain's golden eyes soften.

"Thank you, Grace."

Hearing those words, I feel that what I've done is not wrong and that I've been rewarded.

I also reaffirm what I want and what I should do.

──I want Lord Zain to be happy.

I vow to keep working hard for that, and I reflect on how I've been drifting along recently.

I've been happy and comfortable because Lord Zain has said he likes me and treats me well.

But I've decided to end this, and I smile at Lord Zain.

"Thank you, too."

"No, I haven't done anything for you yet."

"That's not true! You helped me the other day and today at lunch."

"That's just what I should do."

He smiles and says, "It's getting cold, let's go inside."

"Good night, Grace."

"Yes, good night."

After he escorts me to my room, he gently strokes my head and quietly closes the door. I go to my bed, fall onto it, and hug my pillow.

"…The stars were beautiful."

When I close my eyes, the beautiful night sky I saw with Lord Zain appears in my mind. Just thinking about it, I feel I can still keep going.

And so, my first escape attempt came to an end.

For those who have read various works by Koto, you might have noticed that I like handsome characters looking up at the stars...