After leaving the A rank party, I aim for the deep part of the labyrinth with my former students
“Totally satisfied!”
As we walked down the bustling main street, still lively even at night, Marina raised her voice in contentment.
Relieved to see her like that, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of worry — wondering if she was just putting on a brave face again.
In the end... I hadn’t managed to get any concrete answers out of her.
“When we eat a lot at the tavern, it really reminds me of when we first formed Clover.”
“Hm?”
“Remember? Our first fight — against the Steel Crab. Yuke took it down with just debuff magic! Then we all celebrated afterward.”
Marina’s words brought the memory back to me.
That’s right. That day, I was kind of pushed into becoming the leader of Clover.
There was a table full of food back then too, just like today, and Marina had eaten a ton — just like today.
“After you joined, Yuke, it felt like the world really opened up. Our battle with Zarnag was so close, and the Aion Ruins Labyrinth was so mysterious.”
“Yeah, that’s true. But if you think about it, Marina, you were the one who invited me to Clover in the first place, right? I’m still really grateful for that.”
At my words, Marina beamed with a big smile.
“That was, like, the biggest critical hit of my life! Total coincidence — or maybe fate?”
“Yeah… maybe it was. Then that would make you my goddess of fate, huh?”
“Oh, Yuke... But yeah, you know, the adventures with you and everyone have always been so much fun. Sure, there were a lot of dangerous moments, but there were also so many happy ones.”
As she spoke of the past, Marina smiled softly.
It was a slightly different smile from her usual bright self — a bit more mature, and it caught me off guard.
So she could make expressions like this too... I felt like I had just seen a new side of Marina.
“Yuke, you’re always so cool. I’m really glad you became our leader.”
“Hey now, you’re laying it on a little thick. Are you drunk or something?”
“No way. I really do love you, Yuke!”
Suddenly, Marina stopped in her tracks, spun around, and launched into a running hug.
“Whoa—”
Used to this kind of thing by now, I caught her lightly and gently held her.
The warmth of her alcohol-flushed body spread through her soft frame, making my heart race just a little.
Seriously... doing this in the middle of the street? She must be pretty tipsy tonight.
“You’re being awfully forward tonight, Marina.”
“Maybe. I just… felt like I needed to tell you properly.”
“What’s this all of a sudden?”
After hugging me tightly, I gently stroked her head.
Even if she was drunk, for her to be so clingy like this... it was a bit unusual for Marina.
“No, it’s nothing! I mean, I’m always sudden and impulsive, right?”
“Well, now that you mention it…”
“So don’t worry about it. I just wanted to say it while I had the chance — just the two of us tonight.”
Marina smiled brightly.
That cheerful smile had encouraged me so many times.
“We’ve still got time together, so there’s no need to rush things.”
“Yeah… you’re right.”
Marina lowered her eyes and gave a small smile.
Had I done something to make her uneasy?
“Shall we head back? We’re leaving tomorrow, after all.”
Marina tilted her head slightly, a hint of sadness in her voice. I shook my head in response.
It felt like a waste to just head home like this.
Rain’s voice echoed faintly in my mind — “I’ll forgive you.” — but I shook it off and gently took Marina’s hand.
“Let’s go to one more place. This time, somewhere that serves slightly nicer drinks.”
“Eh, is it okay for someone like me to go? I’m just in casual clothes.”
“It’s not that fancy. Not interested?”
“Maybe… just a little.”
I smiled gently at Marina, who nodded hesitantly, and took her hand.
We’d be leaving Finis again tomorrow.
A little luxury tonight wouldn’t bring down divine punishment.
“It’s a bit of a walk. That okay?”
“Of course! I’m really looking forward to it.”
As Marina bounced along cheerfully, I couldn’t help but chuckle as we strolled through the night-lit streets.
In the end, I hadn’t managed to get her to talk about whatever was bothering her. But seeing her like this, it felt like something had lifted from her heart.
If that’s the case, it’s probably best to just wait until she’s ready to talk about it on her own.
Thinking that, I glanced to my side and found Marina looking back at me.
She gave me a shy smile, then leaned in close and whispered softly in my ear.
“Yuke, I love you.”
Her whisper lingered in my ear, quietly filling my chest with warmth.
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