Chapter 41

"......The best thing would be to create a situation where that woman would want to swap bodies."

After recounting the story I heard from the Archbishop again, Neil muttered these words. Currently, the five of us, including myself, are gathered around a large table in the hall, discussing what to do next.

......After that, Neil came to me while I was still pinned down and stopped Gerald, saying, "What are you doing?"

His voice, saying that doing such a thing without consent was unacceptable, was surprisingly low and cold. It seemed he was genuinely angry.

Eventually, Gerald let go of me and got up, saying, "Sorry," and "I'm waiting for your answer," before taking my hand as I stood up.

"If you don't like it, you can push me away."

"......Um"

"You're being mean, Neil."

We returned to the hall with this conversation and continued discussing. Gerald, sitting next to me, wore his usual smile, and it seemed only I felt the awkwardness.

I had always thought of him as the closest person to me, but recently, I couldn't understand what he was thinking at all.

"What kind of situation would make her want to swap bodies...?"

"Like getting a lifelong injury or being cursed."

"That's not okay!"

I understand that the best way to completely destroy a magical artifact that might be near its limit is to use it.

Still, the body belongs to Eliza. That method is far from acceptable. However, Eliza, sitting diagonally across from me, smiled and said, "That's fine, go ahead. It's better than being in this body for life."

She seemed to genuinely think so. Eliza has always been rather decisive. When I firmly said I was against it, Eliza looked troubled and lowered her eyebrows.

"That woman will never reveal the location of the magical artifact, and this seems to be the most realistic and fastest way. Of course, it would be best if it didn't burden Eliza's body."

"A poison that causes endless suffering without leading to death would be ideal. We could prepare a specific antidote and use it as soon as Eliza returns to her original body."

"Does such a convenient thing even exist?"

"I'll look into it. Since I suggested it, I'll test everything on myself before using it on that woman, so you can rest assured."

Neil said this and then shifted his gaze to me.

"I understand how you feel, Sadi, but I don't think there's a completely risk-free good method in this situation."

"......"

"Let's think about it a bit more. I'll do some research too."

I know it's not good to just say no without suggesting alternatives, but I was worried about Eliza. I need to look for and think of a better method.

We set a date to hear from the man who had taken Tabitha and Norman's bodies again, and the discussion for the day came to an end.

After that, the five of us had a leisurely conversation for the first time in a long while. I never thought we would have a day where we could talk with warm, beautiful surroundings and delicious tea in hand.

I strongly wished to laugh together with Eliza and Norman once they returned to their original bodies.

In the evening of that day, I received a letter from Rufus asking if I could meet the next day. It seemed he had some urgent business.

Since Lord Kevin would also be present, I became even more worried that something had happened.

I immediately wrote a reply agreeing to meet and asked for the letter to be delivered to Lord Kevin's mansion to ensure it reached him.

◇◇◇

The next afternoon, I welcomed the two who visited my house right at the entrance. Rufus was dressed unusually formally, and his face looked as if he might collapse at any moment.

Lord Kevin, standing slightly behind him, also looked extremely uncomfortable. As I led them to my room, I became increasingly anxious that something had indeed happened. After seating them across the table from me, I asked the maid to prepare tea and then asked her to leave the room.

As soon as the maid left and the door closed with a click, I spoke.

"Did something happen...?"

"......I heard what happened that night."

"Huh?"

That night refers to the day Rufus met the Archbishop and got drunk.

His extremely troubled appearance and Lord Kevin's awkwardness made sense. I had lied and said nothing happened because I had anticipated this.

"I'm truly sorry. I'll make sure this never happens again. I'm willing to do anything until you forgive me."

"W-Well, I'm fine. I don't mind at all!"

......In truth, I often thought about that night and felt very uneasy.

Still, not wanting to burden Rufus, I said this with a smile. For some reason, he looked even more shocked.

"Let me clarify, Rufus is not the type of person who would express affection or touch others when drunk. This was probably the first time."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, I swear."

"That's a relief..."

Hearing Lord Kevin's words, I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. Why did I feel so relieved?

Seeing my reaction, Rufus looked even more dejected. On the other hand, Lord Kevin looked confused.

"If that's the case, why did you do such a thing that day...?"

"......Well, that's..."

When I casually asked about what was bothering me, Rufus hesitated. Thinking he might not want to say, I quickly added, "It's nothing, don't worry about it." I couldn't make him feel worse.

Then, Lord Kevin spoke.

"What exactly did you mean by 'that's a relief'? Are you saying it's good that Rufus won't cause more victims?"

At the same time, Rufus, who had just taken a sip of tea, started coughing violently. I hurriedly handed him a handkerchief, and he said, "Sorry," as he took it.

"......Um"

I thought about how to answer Lord Kevin's question. Of course, I didn't mean what he suggested.

"The thought of Rufus saying he likes other women was really unpleasant. So, I felt relieved."

As I said what I was thinking, Rufus's obsidian eyes widened, and he let out a "Huh?"