GalaxyTL
In the end, the homeowner, Gordon-san, turned out to be a good person, despite his appearance. Probably.
He’s not friendly, but he doesn’t pry into our business, and he even went out of his way to heat up the bath for us. After we took turns bathing, he even prepared tea for us. If this isn’t a good person, then what is?
Well, he and Ravi-san did have some secret talk, but that’s, you know, because they’re adults. It’s not good to pry into adults’ conversations. Especially if they’re old friends, they must have things to catch up on.
But I was a bit concerned about how Ravi-san looked pained. Or rather, sad… There was also an atmosphere of them having a serious talk, which made it even harder to intervene.
I wonder if there’s some problem because of us… I’d like to listen if she has worries, but… The possibility that we’re the cause makes it hard to butt in. Hmm, it’s frustrating!
“Ah… Don’t make that face. Sorry for making you worry.”
Ravi-san can even see through my thoughts, I really can’t win against her! She patted my head apologetically, but it’s me who should be apologizing!? But I hate myself for not being able to say anything good…!
“And one more thing, sorry. We’ll be staying here tonight. I thought it’d be rude to refuse, so I decided on my own.”
“That’s totally fine! You finally got to meet, so at least talk at your leisure today!”
When she apologized with her hands together, looking truly sorry, I unintentionally clenched my fists and retorted. Geez, Ravi-san!
“That’s right, Ravi. It’s not like you to hold back.”
“We’ll also rest our bodies properly until tomorrow.”
“You guys…”
When Licht and Ronny said the same thing, Ravi-san was at a loss for words. Her eyes might have been a bit moist. …Somehow, it’s really unlike her. I wonder what’s wrong. Is it because she has worries? I unconsciously peered at her face, worried.
“…Meg, you should take a nap. Just sleeping a little will take away your fatigue. You’ve been working especially hard lately, haven’t you?”
Ravi-san gently placed her hand on my head and said that. Ah, she probably doesn’t want to talk about it. With that in mind, I obediently followed her words. But I hope she’ll tell me someday, I thought.
『 It’s my fault… It’s all my fault… 』
It’s a dream. A precognitive dream, at that. I’ve recently become able to tell immediately, so I can say that with certainty. But this is…
『 You guys did nothing wrong…! We have to escape somehow… 』
In a dark room, Licht is hanging his head, his hands and feet tied up. Looking closely, it seems like Ronny and I can’t move either. …We get caught after coming all this way!?
『 Licht, it’s not your fault. …It’s no one’s fault. 』
『 How can that be!? In the first place, I…! 』
Licht shouted, interrupting Ronny’s words of support. But he couldn’t finish his sentence and was choking on his words.
『 Why… Why is this happening… 』
Somehow, seeing him like that was so painful and sad. Even though I should say something, the me and Ronny in the dream seemed unable to find the words and stayed silent.
This is no good. I have to say something, anything. At this rate, Licht’s heart… might break.
It’s okay, it’s okay, Licht. I don’t know what happened, but there’s no reason for you to feel so responsible. I’m sure it’ll work out somehow. So, lift your head? Come on, me in the dream! Say something—
“Meg, Meg! What’s wrong? That was probably just a dream!”
When I woke up, I was in the same cabin as yesterday. Moonlight was streaming in through the window of the room I was sleeping in, making it dimly lit. It’s different from the room in the dream, and we haven’t been caught. Only after confirming that did I finally let out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness it was a dream. I must have looked dazed, because Licht peered at my face, looking worried.
“Are you still half asleep? You were sleeping quite a bit… I got a little worried because you seemed to be having a nightmare. What kind of dream was it?”
“Uh, um… I-I forgot.”
“What the heck. Well, that’s how dreams are, I guess.”
Licht laughed and stood up. Then he stretched out his hand, saying it’s almost dinner time, so I took his hand. …It’s warm. Licht is still doing fine.
That’s right, that’s right. We haven’t been caught yet. What I saw was something that will happen in the future, but it hasn’t happened yet.
I don’t know what kind of situation will lead to that, but I can mentally prepare for it. Maybe we can even avoid it. …This isn’t the time to be afraid. I can’t tell everyone about the precognitive dream, so I have to do something about it! With that resolve, we headed to the dining table.
Everyone was already seated in front of their meals when we arrived. It seemed they were waiting for me. I’m sorry…!
“S-Sowwy! I couldn’t even help…”
“Don’t need that. Come on, hurry up and eat.”
When I bowed my head and apologized, Gordon-san said just that bluntly and started eating. His attitude is bad, but when I think about how he waited for me despite his grumbling, I don’t mind. Even Ravi-san had a wry smile on her face, so I figured he’s probably like this with everyone.
“But you slept quite soundly. …Will you be able to sleep at night?”
Ravi-san asked with a slightly worried look while we were eating. I didn’t think so myself, but I guess I was tired after all. Which means I should still be able to sleep. I’m a little girl after all. I have plenty of energy to sleep!
“If you can’t sleep, I’ll keep you company!”
“Me too.”
Licht said teasingly while munching on bread and soup, and Ronny followed suit. I appreciate it, but stop that grin!
“I’ll be in trouble if you don’t sleep…”
“Why? I’m almost an adult, I’ll be fine even if I don’t sleep a little.”
“Well, that might be true, but you’ll collapse when you’re almost there, you know?”
Ravi-san furrowed her brow and lightly poked Licht’s forehead with her index finger. Then Gordon-san, who had been watching, interjected.
“Hah, no need to worry. Rest assured, you’ll all be sleeping so soundly that you won’t wake up easily.”
“How can you say that… H-Huh…?”
Suddenly, Licht’s body swayed greatly. And then he collapsed on the floor.
“Licht!? What’s wro- ng…”
Ronny, who immediately stood up, also swayed and collapsed in the same way. Eh, what!? What happened…!?
“Don’t tell me, Gordon… You…!”
“…Sorry, Ravi.”
Ravi-san stood up with force and grabbed Gordon-san. Don’t tell me, Gordon-san… betrayed us? No way… Is it going to turn out like that dream so soon!?
“Gordon! You—!”
“It’s just a sleeping drug—. You—…”
As the two argued in front of me, my consciousness also kept drifting away. It’s strange, I was sleeping until just now, but I’m getting this sleepy again. Do sleeping pills… have this much effect? Or is it a special make…?
Just before I completely lost consciousness, I thought I heard the two shouting at each other and a loud noise.