Chapter 30

"I can't help but worry about Fiaraat right now. My heart feels like it's about to tear apart. Without your eyes, I might have lost my composure. So, I want to say this: if, by any chance, he is harming Fiaraat—then I will oppose him."

In the dimly lit underground temple, where only a faint light illuminated the surroundings, Celia Bardonic stared at her own white fingers and frowned at her own words.

It's strange. No, perhaps this is normal. But I can't quite understand my own feelings.

Helt Stanley. He is undoubtedly a man who upholds righteousness, and his words are sincere. If I were to say whether I can trust him or not, I probably can.

However, we only met a few days ago. In fact, this is the first time we are having a serious conversation. Yet, why? Why is it that his words seem so right? The moment Louis said that he was harming Fiaraat La Borgograd, my brain almost made a judgment that it was true.

"...That's not something to debate now. When the time comes, I will take the necessary action."

"Let us pray that your sincere words are just."

Even though these were my own words, Celia was repulsed by their ugliness. Taking necessary action when necessary.

What a cop-out. Isn't this exactly the kind of ambiguity, deceit, and fraud that I despise the most? Indeed, something is off. I am certain that this line of thought is not entirely serious. But why? I don't understand the reason.

Louis. He is far from a good person, as Helt said. Despite his nonchalant demeanor, he commits evil deeds with a cool face. He can deceive people without a second thought. While Helt didn't call him malicious, from Celia's perspective, after their brief but intense acquaintance, he is undoubtedly a malicious type. He doesn't choose his means for his ends; he is that kind of person.

Ah, then, is Helt Stanley right after all?

It's not just intuition; even my reasoning points to the same conclusion. If that's the case, if that's the case, I should follow what is right.

"What's wrong, Celia?"

Perhaps lost in thought, she had stopped walking and was looking down. Her shadow flickered on the stone floor, illuminated by the faint light.

She was about to say nothing was wrong and continue speaking. That you are right. What is right should be done, of course. Despite the dim light, Helt's presence grew hotter, like the sun, with its purity and the light that illuminates the truth. Ah, indeed, it is right.

As Celia was about to lift her head, something moved at the corner of her eye.

It was a shadow. A shadow that flickered, moved, and took shape, lingering in Celia's eyes.

—The words of one favored by God, to lean on and rely on, how wonderful it is.

The shadow. It was as if the shadow was speaking to her, and she could understand the words echoing in her ears.

Too unbelievable, Celia blinked and quickly swallowed the words that were about to come out.

—So, if you are going to abandon, then abandon, Celia Bardonic. Like a tamed sheep blindly following the shepherd and falling off a cliff. Without thinking, without questioning.

The words were rough, like a storm. It was as if a poor play was being performed right in front of her. Her body was frozen, and her throat couldn't even tremble.

But, I can't accept the content. Involuntarily, Celia's back teeth clicked.

—Indeed, it would be bliss. Drown, drown. Go ahead and abandon your reason!

Be quiet. The words didn't come out of her throat; only her mouth trembled slightly.

Celia's body felt as if it was burning from the tips of her hair to the tips of her toes, as if poisoned. Her heart was boiling and bubbling, and if her expression could move, it might have shown a fierce look.

But, there was no doubt that her silver eyes were burning with rage. Ah, yes. What is this? Ridiculous. Ah, how ridiculous.

Righteousness is wonderful. With which mouth do you say these words, and with which mind do you think these thoughts? After breaking the guild's rules and entering the Great Forest. As a knight, living such a reckless life.

Involuntarily, a mocking thought, as if laughing at the world, surfaced in Celia's mind.

—Who do you think you are? Celia, who abandoned her home along with the law. Foolish Celia.

Glaring at the shadow, Celia spoke in her mind.

Celia shrugged lightly. Strangely, her body was moving again. The shadow no longer spoke. Whether it was a hallucination or a real word from the shadow, it was no longer clear.

For the result, any means are acceptable. Of course. I was the same. To suddenly correct and twist it. That would be trampling on one's own pride.

"...No, I've decided. If Louis is acting unlawfully, that's the case."

She said this to Helt, who was still looking at her, his presence still divine and radiating undeniable heat.

"Yes. Currently, due to the contract, I cannot act against Fiaraat. No matter what is happening, I don't think it's strange. If so, I must take responsibility. The responsibility for not stopping Fiaraat at that time—when I don't want to harm you as well."

"I see."

Indeed, it is right. Wonderful. I even feel joy. Celia moved her body again, her silver hair bouncing, and the sword at her waist swayed.

"Then, unfortunately, we cannot agree. I don't know what you think, but he, Louis, saved my life and protected my honor."

The battle with the large magical beast. The questioning at Coriden Fort. And the escape from the Bardonic family.

All of these were lawless. Really, what a hopeless person, Celia thought, a smile that seemed to find something amusing on her face.

It was a smile that could put others at ease, a graceful and warm smile.

That's what Celia would definitely not show when she drew her silver longsword.

"I will decide what is right for myself. He led me here, and I decided to take his hand. Therefore, the choice is already made—we are comrades."

Her heart felt light. Celia was enveloped in this feeling. Ah, I see, perhaps this is what it feels like to think of someone. It feels like a heavy burden has been lifted. But this is not love, affection, or lust. That's why I call him a comrade.

In the dark, still dim underground passage, Celia, who had fully drawn her silver longsword, and Helt, who was wide-eyed with shock, stood quietly facing each other.