Chapter 13

"That woman is a monster, right?"

At those words, a surprised sound escaped my lips.

"…Is Ralph’s acquaintance fond of jokes?"

"………"

"Ralph…?"

Even when I called out to Ralph, who was standing in front of me, he only looked at me with a troubled expression, not saying a word.

His unexpected reaction made me feel uneasy.

"Huh, you can actually talk. I’ve never seen a monster in human form before. Is Ralph using some kind of charm on you?"

"Because I’m not a monster—"

"Don’t play dumb, I can sense a strong monster aura from you."

"…What?"

The man who said this had a serious expression, one that didn’t seem to be lying. My heart began to thump uncomfortably.

"She’s not a monster."

Eventually, Ralph clearly stated this, and I let out a sigh of relief.

"Are you really that out of it? Not being able to sense an aura at this level is a disqualification for a hero."

"…Indeed, I can sense a monster aura from her, but she herself is not a monster. I guarantee it."

"Huh?"

—A monster aura from me?

Not understanding what was happening, I looked up at Ralph, who had a face that looked like he was about to cry.

I wanted to think it was a joke or a lie, but with that expression, it was impossible.

"I’m sorry, Lady Rizette. I was planning to talk to you about this after you calmed down a bit."

"R-Really, a monster aura… from me…?"

"Yes. I’m sorry."

"…No way."

Ralph apologized again, though he clearly didn’t need to. I was too shaken to think about that.

What is happening to me?

Is it related to being eaten by monsters and reincarnated multiple times? I even feel like I’m not myself, and I’m starting to feel sick.

"By the way, that man is the best magician in the country, who was in the same party as me during the battle against the Demon King."

"…No way."

"But I’m stronger, so don’t worry."

At Ralph’s words, the man named Melvin spat, "Annoying," but didn’t deny it, suggesting it was true.

Ralph completely shielded me with his back and turned to face the man.

"Once Beverly returns to the country, we have an appointment for her to see her. Don’t lay a hand on her."

"Huh? You might be killed before then."

"If you say anything more, I’ll cut off your right hand first."

"Ooh, scary. Well, I warned you."

With that, the man called Melvin turned his back on us and left, waving his hand dismissively.

Once he was out of sight, the tension drained from me, and I almost collapsed. Ralph quickly supported me.

He was still looking at me with a face that seemed like he was about to cry.

"…I’m really sorry."

"Why are you apologizing, Ralph? You saved me."

"I was keeping secrets from you. And you had to find out in this way."

Ralph, looking worried, asked, "Are you disappointed?" "Do you hate me?"

There was no way I could blame him.

"Ralph was thinking of me and kept it quiet, right? There’s no need to apologize. Thank you."

Even after I said this, he still apologized, lowering his long lashes.

"Anyway, can I talk to you?"

"Of course, of course."

Ralph immediately nodded, and we got into the carriage waiting nearby, heading back to the marquis’s house.

Thus, our first outing together ended in disaster.

◇◇◇

After returning to the marquis’s house, Ralph and I sat facing each other in his room.

It was the first time I had been in his room, but it was a normal room except for a large painting of me.

Taking a sip of the warm tea, which was supposed to have a relaxing effect, I felt a little calmer.

"…I noticed the monster aura from Lady Rizette when we met again. I was wondering when to talk about it, but I avoided it right after you fainted."

Of course, I didn’t want to believe it, but now I understood Ralph’s behavior when we met again.

He must have been looking at me with hostility and killing intent because he sensed the monster aura.

When we first met as children, he hadn’t yet awakened his powers as a hero, so he didn’t notice it then.

"What does it mean to have a monster aura…?"

"I can only sense it, but I don’t know the details. I’ve asked the Holy Maiden, who was also in our original party, to see you. She’s supposed to return from a neighboring country soon, so let’s go see her."

"The Holy Maiden…? Thank you, I appreciate it."

"Yes, leave it to me. Her eyes are special, so I think she can tell us a lot."

If it weren’t for Ralph, I would never have been able to see the Holy Maiden, no matter how much money I offered.

I felt like I was getting closer to the truth that I hadn’t discovered in my past lives, but at the same time, I was afraid to know the truth.

As if reading my thoughts, Ralph called my name, "Lady Rizette," in a very gentle voice.

"It’s okay, I’m with you."

"Thank you."

Why did his words, from someone I had only known for a short time, make me feel so relieved?

Perhaps it’s because he’s a hero. Taking my hand, Ralph smiled softly.

"–In this life, I will definitely protect you."

This concludes the first chapter. I hope you enjoy the second chapter as well.