Chapter 60

After using healing magic on Alro, Cynthia spent much of her day lying in bed.

She felt dizzy when she moved too much, so she thought she would just stay in bed today.

It was a reaction to using her power. Alro had quite a few injuries, and for some reason, it required more magic than usual.

In the past, she had to rest for a few days after using her power. Cynthia's power wasn't that strong, so it was inevitable.

At times like this, if Meia were here, she would notice and help. But she had left Pencilia a while ago. The elderly Meia didn't want to be a burden to Cynthia with her body that no longer moved as she wished.

Cynthia sent her off with a sense of loneliness, as if parting with her mother.

In the middle of the night, a shadow slipped into the bed. — It was Rias.

Rias gently stroked Cynthia's bangs, as if comforting her.

"Would you like something to drink?"

"No, I just want to sleep like this."

Rias gently slipped his arm under Cynthia's neck and pulled her close.

The scent of Rias wafted, and the comfortable embrace made her feel at ease.

"The children are—"

"Asleep."

"Ah—"

Rias spoke quietly to Cynthia, who didn't seem ready to sleep.

"Alro's father—Lennon, was a stateless wanderer."

"He wasn't a citizen of Fandrag, then?"

"Alro himself has Fandrag citizenship because he was in an orphanage. —Lennon, on the other hand, claims to be stateless, but the details are unclear."

"Unclear...?"

"His words are incoherent."

"Oh... so he really was sick."

Rias shook his head.

"It's due to heavy drinking. He has lost control not only of his memory but also of his emotions."

He would get angry and violent over small things, and recently, it had been escalating.

According to the healer, most of his brain no longer functions normally. He couldn't even control his bodily functions.

Alro might have been taking care of him.

"Moreover, he is now experiencing withdrawal symptoms and is in no condition to have a conversation."

He is writhing in pain from the intense symptoms. He screams, hurts himself, and is in agony from fear and anxiety.

Alro's salary was about 20 silver coins a month. If he spent most of it on alcohol, it must have been a considerable amount. Recovery is unlikely.

Even if the alcohol is out of his system, daily life will be difficult.

"Alro will be sad... "

"He's a bad parent, but—"

He is an important father to Alro.

"I'll arrange for him to be admitted to a facility. A secure one. He'll spend the rest of his days there."

It probably won't be long.

Cynthia nodded, letting out a dark sigh.

Rias, who had seen Lennon, was puzzled.

"Even after being treated so badly, he can't abandon his father?"

"For a child, parents are supposed to be an absolute presence that protects them. The idea that a parent could harm them is unbearable."

It's a matter of life and death for a child. Instinctively, it feels like they are being protected.

Looking at Alro, that's how it felt.

Perhaps he understands, deep down, that being hit by his father is different from other things.

But his parent is the only one he has. He suppresses his emotions. It will take a considerable amount of time for those feelings to surface.

"No matter what happens, the fault is always his own, and the parent is always right. If he doesn't behave well, he won't be protected. He can't bear the fear and can't endure it."

Alro is desperately trying to protect his heart.

—He said he loves me.

When Alro said that, his face didn't look happy. It was tense and strained.

But at the same time, Alro wasn't just protecting his own heart. His sensitive and delicate care, his sensitivity to wounded hearts, and his gentle and strong support for Marivelle show his kindness.

Cynthia thinks of Alro this way.

"That child is strong. —I want to protect Alro's strength."

It was a statement like a soliloquy, but Rias nodded and said, "I understand."

A few weeks after Alro came to Pencilia, Cynthia visited Alro's room.

As usual, Marivelle was studying with Alro.

Cynthia also teaches the magic of light, but for academic subjects, it seems that studying with Alro is the most effective.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?"

When Cynthia said this, Alro hastily stood up.

"It's fine. Please sit down."

There were two chairs, so Marivelle stood up and sat on the couch next to the bed.

Today, she had come to tell Alro something.

"Alro, about your father—"

Alro stiffened. Cynthia spoke as calmly as possible.

"Due to the effects of alcohol, he's not in good condition. I think it would be best for him to recuperate at a facility run by Pencilia."

"But, the money—"

"If it's okay, how about if you work here, and part of your salary goes towards the admission fee?"

Actually, it's a charitable facility, so they don't need the money. But if Alro were given special treatment, he would probably hesitate.

"I, I'm not someone who can work in a place like this—"

"I have permission from the Zeig family."

"But, I can't do anything—"

"You're already tutoring Marivelle. It's a big help since the academy is on break."

Marivelle nodded vigorously behind Alro.

"Rias has also agreed. I really want you to stay. What do you think?"

Alro seemed hesitant, almost intimidated.

She didn't expect him to decide immediately.

"Your father's condition is still unstable, so it might be difficult to see him for a while. But if you want to, I can arrange it after a bit more time."

"Yes."

"But, Alro—"

Cynthia looked directly into Alro's pitch-black eyes.

"I think it's better not to see your father."

"Wh-what...?"

"I think it's not right to let you see him, given the injuries you've suffered, even if he is your biological father."

"But, it's my fault—"

As Alro searched for an excuse, Cynthia spoke calmly, trying not to hurt him. How could she convey this without hurting him?

"My father hurt his leg because of me... That's why—"

"Alro—"

She didn't want to make him say more.

"No matter who it is or what the reason, it's not acceptable to hurt you."

Alro initially looked bewildered.

Had no one ever told him such a thing before?

"You haven't done anything wrong."

Cynthia emphasized "nothing."

"But, I—"

"You are a wonderful person. You're always kind and supportive to Marivelle, you never complain, and you haven't been broken by violence."

"But, violence—"

Alro denied it desperately.

"That's not true. I'm a useless person. I have no redeeming qualities... I shouldn't even be here."

This bright, sunlit place is not for someone like him.

It's outrageous to use the precious power of light.

If he stays, he might taint this warm, sunlit place.

"I'm sorry. I—"

He was thinking about how to leave. Cynthia looked at him with a sad expression.

She didn't intend to force him.

She was prepared to have the same conversation multiple times.

So that Alro could think slowly and find a way to reconcile with himself.

But—

"Look behind you."

Alro turned around.

There, Marivelle was shedding large tears.

"Ah, Princess—!?"

Alro hurriedly stood up and rushed to her.

Tears streamed from her beautiful golden eyes, one after another.

He hesitated to touch her, even to wipe away the tears. He didn't even have a handkerchief to offer.

"Sniff, sniff—"

Marivelle's face was contorted.

"Alro, waaah, waaahh!!"

Like a small child, Marivelle cried out loud.

Alro knelt in front of Marivelle, at a loss.

"Princess, please stop crying."

"But, Alro—"

"Me—?"

"My dear Alro, saying such things—"

Marivelle continued to cry and sob.

"Didn't you like being with me? I was happy being with Alro, but Alro wasn't, right?"

"No, I'm happy! —But, that's why, if I stay here—"

"Why, why, waaahh!"

It had been a while since Marivelle cried so loudly.

"My dear, Alro!"

She said it as if she were angry, even while crying. "Dear," she said. Alro's eyes widened.

Marivelle sensed that Alro was about to leave.

She probably believed her terrible father more than her own words.

Alro belittled himself, accepted the violence, and thought he deserved it.

Marivelle couldn't express her frustration, not knowing where to direct her anger.

"Shh, it's okay."

Cynthia slowly approached Marivelle and hugged her tightly.

"It's okay, Marivelle. Don't cry. Alro loves you."

Is that true? she asked, and Alro nodded repeatedly.

"Someone as wonderful as you will eventually come to love Alro."

Even if Alro doesn't believe in himself, he probably believes in Marivelle.

Alro's heart had been empty until now. If it could be filled.

"So, for now, let's wait, Marivelle."

Even if it's frustrating, don't rush. I want to wait until Alro's feelings catch up.

So, for now, just staying here is enough.

"Alro, Marivelle is so sad. I know it's a lot to ask, but can you stay a little longer for us?"

"But—"

"I want you to become a part of Pencilia."

Cynthia's strong tone left no room for argument.

Alro, who was neither physically large nor strong, felt overwhelmed by the weight of each word from this lady of Pencilia, which sank deeply into his heart.

It wasn't a question of whether to come to Pencilia, but whether to become a part of it, as if it were a given. Perhaps Cynthia was saying it in a way that Alro didn't have to make the decision himself.

"Alro, I want you to take back control of your life."

Cynthia's words were calm, but they resonated strangely in his mind.

Control of your life.

Your own life—

Marivelle had stopped crying, her face red. Cynthia took her out of the room, saying, "See you later."

Alro, left behind, felt a sense of relief at not being forced to make a choice. He thought about what Cynthia had said for a long time.

He didn't understand the meaning immediately, but he felt it was something he shouldn't forget.