The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet
"Did they perish because of human conflict?"
"I don't know the details either. By that time, I had already parted ways with humans. But I've heard rumors that something like that happened."
"I see..."
What exactly happened to Monica's family?
What was she thinking, what was going through her mind...
Why did she choose to side with the demons?
I don't know. But maybe, just maybe, there's something about her situation that's worthy of sympathy.
Just like Iris, perhaps she had a reason compelling enough to justify her actions.
However, unlike Iris, I don't think my path will ever cross with hers.
Even if, like Iris, Monica has valid reasons for her actions...
Even if she had some grand cause...
She tried to harm my comrades.
That alone is something I cannot overlook.
Even if there is some meaning behind Monica’s actions.
As long as she points her blade at us, I will draw mine as well.
No matter the reason or the cause, I will cut down Monica—to protect the comrades most important to me.
"What do you intend to do?"
"If possible, I want to learn the circumstances. If there's a good enough reason, I hope I can persuade her."
"Do you think you'll succeed?"
"Probably not. I sensed something unshakable in her conviction."
"Then what will you do?"
"I'll do everything I can. If that still doesn't work... I'll cut her down."
"Hmm."
The elder looked at me straight on.
It felt like he was peering into my heart, and I tensed up a little.
"Hmm... It seems you've grown a bit since then."
Was that... praise?
The elder's emotions are hard to read, so I'm not sure.
"Is that all you wanted to talk about?"
"Ah, yes. For now."
"Then shall we end here? Being the elder, I have other matters to attend to."
"Understood. Thank you for your precious time."
I bowed and left the elder’s house...
"...If anything comes up, feel free to come again."
"Thank you very much!"
I bowed once more and left the elder’s home.
――――――――――
"Oh! Rain's back!"
"Are you alright, Rain? The elder didn't say anything harsh, did he?"
When I stepped outside, I saw Luna, Sora, and Iris.
The twins, apparently worried about me, ran up to me first.
"I’m fine. He didn’t say anything harsh."
"Hmm… you're not lying, are you?"
"Even though he met with you face to face, the elder is usually strict with humans. So Sora couldn’t help but worry."
In contrast to the two who were genuinely concerned...
"Fufu, good work, Lord Rain. Did you gain anything useful?"
Iris remained calm as ever.
She probably trusted that I’d be fine on my own.
Whether it's concern or trust, both make me happy.
To have companions this wonderful—I truly am fortunate.
And… Monica tried to hurt them.
Her true intentions are still unclear...
But if she continues to raise her blade against us, then we’ll meet it in kind.
"Hm?"
"Rain, you’re making a scary face…"
"Ah, sorry. I was just lost in thought."
"It’s because of the talk with the elder, isn’t it? Sister, you should go feed him some of your home cooking."
"Understood… Wait, why are you treating my cooking like it’s some kind of weapon? I demand an explanation."
"Hyuu~ hyuu~" (whistling sound)
Sora glared at her, and Luna deflected by whistling.
It was blatantly obvious.
"So, Lord Rain?"
"Ah, yeah… I got permission to use the Crimson Tear. See?"
I pulled out the Crimson Tear from my pocket.
"Fufu, it's beautiful… However..."
"What’s wrong?"
Iris's expression turned serious as she looked at the Crimson Tear.
"So you were planning to seal me inside this, weren't you?"
"Yeah, that was the idea…"
"Even so, this gem contains an unusually large amount of magic. It far exceeds the power usually held by orichalcum… Why is that, I wonder?"
"Is that even possible?"
"Normally, no. That’s why I’m so perplexed."
I looked over to Sora and Luna, wondering if they knew anything.
But both shook their heads.
"I know nothing of this."
"Neither do I."
"Was it perhaps enhanced with magic, or forged by an alchemist?"
"No, nothing like that. I’ve just been carrying it around."
"Ah… I see. That explains it."
"Explains what?"
"You’re always surrounded by the strongest kinds of beings. Over time, the magical energy must have seeped into the gem, causing it to evolve naturally. It’s no longer simple orichalcum… If I had to name it, perhaps Rare Orichalcum would be fitting."
"It became something like that…?"
I suppose forgetting to return it ended up being a good thing after all.
"If you use Rare Orichalcum, Lord Rain, your weapon will be vastly more powerful. Fufu, you'll become even more absurdly strong than you already are."
"I don’t love being called some kind of freak of nature… but still, I’m glad to have more power."
"Oh my, that’s surprising. I thought someone like Lord Rain would respond more humbly."
"Things have gotten too serious for humility."
I’ve seen the darkness lurking behind the world…
They’re plotting something dangerous and act from the shadows daily.
We never know when they’ll bare their fangs.
"After what happened with Lin, I need to become much stronger. I have to protect everyone."
"That’s where you’re wrong, Rain."
"Huh?"
"It’s not just you who protects us—everyone works together to protect each other."
"Rain doesn’t have to carry everything alone."
"You're right… Yeah, you're right."
I’d been on the verge of rushing ahead alone again.
I’ve still got a lot to learn.
But… when I fall short, my companions are there to support me.
And if I go astray, they’ll correct me.
Their kindness means so much to me.
"It might be a bit late to say this, but… I’m counting on you, all of you."
"Yeah!"
"Of course!"
"You too, Iris."
"Fufu, I’ll give you everything I have, Lord Rain. Ah… excuse me, I’ll step away for a moment."
Saying that, Iris walked a short distance away.
There stood Al-san.
――――――――――
"Good day."
"Mm, it’s been a while."
When I greeted her, Al-san returned a pleasant smile.
Even though we once fought as enemies—trying to kill each other—she didn’t seem to be bothered by it at all.
No… the truth is, I was the only one truly trying to kill.
Al-san never intended to kill me from the start…
Just like Lord Rain, she had chosen the option of sealing me away—letting me live.
"I’ve heard about you from my daughters… Still, I must say, I’m surprised. I didn’t expect you to be part of Rain’s party."
"Oh, it’s nothing strange at all. I like Lord Rain, after all."
"Hm. Sounds like my daughters have a formidable rival now."
"Fufu."
"So… what brings you here today? I figured you’d find some excuse to avoid coming to the spiritfolk village."
"Well, I did think about staying away… but in the end, I felt it was important to speak with you properly."
"With me?"
"Yes."
I smiled…
And gently bowed my head.
"Thank you for not killing me back then."
"Hm…"
"I’m very grateful that you chose to seal me instead."
"I knew about your circumstances… I couldn’t bring myself to condemn you as purely evil. I simply felt sympathy for you."
"That sympathy… I’ve come to learn just how important it really is."
Someone with high pride might scoff at cheap sympathy—but not Lord Rain.
He always considers the feelings of others, shares in their pain.
And what’s wrong with that?
He’s that kind of person…
And now, I too have come to feel the same way.
"So, thank you."
"I see… Yes. Hearing that from you makes me truly happy."
"If you don't mind, may we shake hands?"
"Yes—let's call it a truce."
We smiled as we gently shook hands.
The warmth I felt in her hand—I finally realized that this was Al-san’s kindness.
I learned it far too late…
But even so, it’s not too late.
Yes… everything starts from here.
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