GalaxyTL
The journey through the sky was, as always, pleasant. Gil-san was flying at a perfect speed, neither too fast nor too slow, and the magic protection he’d cast on us completely blocked the wind and cold.
『A journey through the sky… It’s quite nice. I might have to ask Gilnandio again sometime.』
Kei-san, coiled around my neck, said this with narrowed eyes. Kei-san’s currently in their small flower snake form, and beautiful and cute as always. I used to be afraid of snakes, but when I think of it being Kei-san, I’m not scared at all. Rather, it feels nice and cool around my neck.
“Now that I think about it, we really are on the Demon Continent… Seeing you two transform into your beast forms finally made it sink in.”
I understand how Licht feels. When you’re inside the guild, since everyone’s in their human forms, it feels like being around humans, there’s no sense of discomfort. Well, the hair and eye colors are different, so it’s a colorful scene, and magic’s used normally. But still, seeing those fantastical beast forms really makes a difference.
“It might feel strange when we go to the city. Most demi-humans have beast ears, tails, or scales, even in their half-beast forms.”
“Really! I wish I could go.”
I swallowed the words, “We can go after we get back.” I have a feeling that Licht will stay at Ortus from now on, but… I haven’t actually heard him say it clearly. It’s just my wishful thinking.
He’s probably struggling to decide himself. Whether he should stay and live on the Demon Continent or return to the human continent where Ravi-san is.
So I’ve decided not to rush him for an answer. It’s for him to decide. Of course, I’ll be sad if we can’t stay together! But I want him to have the choice of staying here. So that he has options. And I want him to talk to Dad, no matter what.
And we don’t know what’s going to happen with Ravi-san yet. Whether she’ll be executed or atone for her crimes. If it’s atonement, maybe Licht will live near her and go to see her sometimes.
Because Ravi-san’s like his parent. The same as Gil-san for me. If Gil-san had done what Ravi-san did… I tried imagining it, but I don’t think I could handle it. But Licht endured it. And he’ll probably have to keep enduring it. I want to be there for him. I strongly felt that.
『We’ll be at the mine soon. Ready?』
Gil-san’s voice woke me up, just as I was starting to doze off. I-It can’t be helped! Traveling through the sky makes you so sleepy!
『It’s fine. Meg-chan just woke up.』
“You were dozing off so peacefully.”
“You still… sleepy?”
Stop teasing me~! It wouldn’t have been noticeable if you guys kept quiet!
『Are you sleepy, Meg? If so, once we arrive, I’ll…』
“I-I’m okay! I’m awake now!”
I thought he was going to say something like, “I’ll carry you,” or, “You can keep sleeping.” That was close. I do read the room, you know? Because I can’t just be sleeping peacefully when Ronny’s battle’s about to start!
It’s not a battle with his father, but a battle with himself, to convey his feelings.
I don’t know for sure, but from what I’ve heard, Ronny’s father is stubborn, and in a sense, overprotective. He loves his only son, but that son’s a bit of an oddball Dwarf, for the next in line to be the patriarch of the mine.
Maybe he’s not as bad as Schelmelhorn, the former patriarch of the High Elves, my grandpa, but I think he’s probably the type to adhere to old traditions and rules.
But he probably had Ronny work as his successor because he loves his son. But he must realize that Ronny doesn’t want it. Because he knows Ronny’s an oddball.
So, and this is really just a guess, but…
I wonder if Ronny’s father just doesn’t know what to do. Because all he knows is how to live as a patriarch, as a mine Dwarf.
Even if he thinks Ronny should be free to go out and live his life as he pleases, he must be incredibly anxious about sending out Ronny, who knows nothing about the world. But now there’s Ortus. It all depends on how that affects him.
It’s always through conversation that these things get resolved. And Ronny said he’s never clearly stated his feelings. And his father’s never asked. Basically, these two haven’t talked nearly enough.
“More importantly, Ronny. Are you ready?”
Ronny, when I asked this, smiled slightly.
“Yeah, I’m okay. Seeing you sleeping so peacefully helped calm my nerves.”
I’m glad my peaceful sleeping face helped! Guh, even Ronny’s teasing me now! He used to be the one who comforted me when I was being teased!
“Sorry, did you… not like it? I just wanted to say… that it’s thanks to you.”
But he’s still patting my head, consoling me. This is our Ronny. So kind! I love him! I unintentionally embraced him, telling him I didn’t mind.
『Ronaldo’s acting more like an older brother than Reki or Licht…』
“Why did you bring me into this!?”
Licht immediately retorted at Kei-san’s mutter. I feel like his retorting skills have improved since coming to Ortus.
But an older brother… It’s true that the next oldest is Reki… but I only see him as a friend. Even though, in human terms, I’m probably older than Ronny.
Maybe it’s because he has a Japanese-like vibe that makes him feel familiar.
Thinking about it that way, Ronny is certainly like an older brother. Kind and strong, the ideal older brother. Ah, Juma-kun? I do call him “Juma-nii,” but he’s in a completely different category.
“Ehehe, Ronny, onii-chan!”
“Yeah, Meg’s a cute little sister.”
Ronny properly accepted my embrace and continued to gently pat my head. Seeing his shy smile, I thought he looked cute.
“Since I’m your onii-chan, I have to show you how well I can do, right?”
“! Yeah! I’m cheering for you!”
“I’m cheering for you too. Good luck, Ronny.”
Just as the three of us were bonding, Gil-san said, “We’re almost there.” Is that the mine… this is my first time properly seeing it. I was unconscious when we were leaving… It’s right before our eyes, the mine we were striving to reach! The Demon Continent side, though!
“It’s been a while since I’ve come to this side of the entrance…”
“Ah, Ronaldo-sama! Thank goodness you’re safe…!”
We landed a bit away from the entrance. Gil-san and Kei-san transformed into their human forms, and then started walking. Two Dwarf guards who were standing at the entrance ran over to Ronny. Whoa, Ronaldo-sama, huh. As expected of the patriarch’s son.
“I told you not to call me “-sama” … But, yeah, it’s been a while… Where’s Father?”
Ronny answered, looking a bit uncomfortable. The guard then looked at us, nodded slightly, and then spoke.
“We’ve heard the story. Ronaldo-sama, it seems you have no injuries. Are you feeling unwell anywhere, Ronaldo-sama?”
They’re using honorifics with Ronny, but not with us. How easy to read…！
“I’m fine. They were very kind to me. So… will you guide us? Politely?”
“Y-Yes! Well then… Now that we’ve confirmed you’re safe, Ronaldo-sama, please follow us. The patriarch is waiting on the human continent side!”
He started using honorifics with us after Ronny said that. No, you don’t need to do that… but those are two extremes, aren’t they!?
And so, guided by one of the guards, we headed further inside. Wow, I wonder what’s in there?