Chapter 53

The day to return to the academy had come.

Vain remained silent, saying nothing.

I couldn't help but think that he should say something.

Just before departure, I was able to meet Cross again.

"Master, I'm sorry I couldn't do anything for you despite you coming all this way."

"It's okay. I've heard from everyone that Cross is going through a tough time. It will be difficult from now on, but can you keep going?"

"Yes, I'll be fine. But..."

"But?"

"No, it's nothing. Well, this is goodbye. I don't know when we'll meet again, but I believe we will."

"Ah, I feel the same way."

It was time to say goodbye to Cross.

I really felt sad.

Ruel also regretted parting with Cross.

They weren't particularly close friends, so he didn't seem to have deep feelings about it.

The problem was Vain.

He should be the most sad, yet he didn't even try to say goodbye.

"Vain"

Cross called out, and finally Vain turned his face.

"What is it?"

"What do you mean, 'What is it?' We might not see each other again."

"Ah, that's right."

"Is there nothing you want to say?"

"Not really..."

"You... are a fool..."

"Kururi, let's go."

Vain said this with a dark and heavy tone.

"Is it okay? Cross came all this way."

"It's fine. I've already said my goodbyes."

Cross looked down, and Vain turned away.

I knew how they were feeling, but there was nothing I could do for them, as they wouldn't be honest with each other.

I got into the carriage and signaled the driver to start.

I stuck my head out of the carriage window and said my goodbyes to Cross.

I kept looking outside, trying to catch one last glimpse of Cross's face.

Memories flooded back.

It felt like such a happy time.

Tears wouldn't stop.

I sobbed like a girl, but the carriage continued on its way, indifferent to my feelings.

I might never see Cross again.

The thought made me feel helpless.

"Are you okay, Kururi?"

After the carriage had been moving for a while and I had calmed down, Ruel spoke to me.

"Yeah, I'm feeling better now."

"That's good."

The carriage fell silent.

No one tried to start a conversation.

I didn't feel like talking either.

"Shall I sing a poem?"

Ruel tried to change the atmosphere, but I didn't want to hear a poem.

Why does this guy sing poems?

Despite my silent refusal, Ruel started singing.

Surprisingly, his voice was beautiful and rhythmic.

It sounded like a bird singing.

The long journey that had felt endless before seemed shorter while Ruel was singing.

Why can this guy sing poems so well?

It's such a wasted talent.

"Cross will surely have a tough time from now on."

"So what?"

I answered Ruel's comment with a sharp retort.

I already knew Cross would have a tough time.

She had been in a position where she had to flee the country.

It's impossible for a princess who is rebuilding a nation to have an easy time.

How many years will it take for her to rebuild the country?

The thought was overwhelming.

Today might really be the last goodbye.

"Do you really understand, Kururi?"

"What do you mean?"

I've heard that answering a question with a question is not good, but this guy is the one who's being annoying.

Ah, basically, Ruel is the problem.

"I've always been with the prince, so I understand the difficulties of being royalty."

"Okay, but be more specific."

Ruel, who had been looking out the window, glanced at me and started talking with a sigh.

"From what I know, Arc has been targeted for assassination three times. Even in Kudan, which is relatively stable. Do you understand the implications?"

"Yeah."

That's right, I hadn't realized until now, but the hardships I imagined for Cross and the ones Ruel described were completely different.

Despite facing such direct threats, Cross returned.

I really didn't know anything.

"V, Vain?"

Next to me, Vain suddenly stood up in the cramped carriage, hitting his head on the ceiling but not seeming to feel the pain.

He was more shocked by Ruel's words than I was.

"Ruel, is what you just said true?"

"Yes, I swear it's true."

Vain clenched his fist, digesting Ruel's words.

"Driver, stop the carriage."

"Huh? What's going on?"

"Just stop it!!"

The driver had no choice but to stop the horses, overwhelmed by Vain's intensity.

Vain got out of the carriage without a word, picking up his meager belongings and his prized sword.

"Kururi, I have to go."

"...Yeah."

I didn't understand at first, but knowing Vain, I knew what he meant without him saying more.

"Are you going?"

"Yes, I'm going."

"You might not see him again."

"Even so, I have to go. I'll protect Cross with my sword."

Vain brandished his sword and declared this firmly.

He looked even more handsome than usual today.

"Then take these."

I gave Vain two short swords with my name engraved on them.

"They're for good luck."

"Thank you."

Vain took them and put the swords in his empty bag.

This might be the final goodbye.

We hugged, but didn't exchange words.

I didn't watch Vain's back as he left.

If I did, I might start crying again.

Saying goodbye to two close friends in one day was too much.

The carriage started moving again.

We came as three, but now we are two.

Without Vain, the carriage didn't feel as cramped.

"Vain is really decisive, isn't he?"

"Yeah, that's the kind of guy he is."

"Moreover, he cares about his friends."

"Yeah, that's the kind of guy he is."

"Moreover, he's incredibly handsome."

"Yeah, that's the kind of guy..."

I couldn't find the words.

For the first time, I cried my heart out on Ruel's chest.

Ruel smelled of roses.

What? I was a bit taken aback.