GalaxyTL
We descended the stairs leading to the dungeon. The reason it feels chilly is probably because there’s no sunlight. But I also think it’s because of the heavy atmosphere.
When we reached the bottom of the stairs, the person guarding the dungeon stood up and unlocked the bars on the passage. Apparently, there are several cells at the back, where organization members and other criminals are imprisoned. And Ravi-san’s in the very last one.
“H-Hiek…”
“Are you okay, Meg?”
Walking down the passage, the cells are on both sides, so we could clearly see the people inside. So many familiar faces. And unfamiliar faces too… But the one thing they all have in common is… a lack of life in their eyes. And the organization members… some of them have white hair, because of Gil-san’s killing intent, which makes the atmosphere even scarier. I unconsciously let out a small scream, and Gil-san asked if I was okay, worried.
“I-I’m okay…”
“Don’t push yourself.”
Gil-san said that, tightening his grip on my hand slightly. He’s so reliable. Just that much is enough to calm my heart. His hands are magical.
“U-UWAAAAAAAAHHH!!?”
“Monster! There’s a MONSTEEEEEEERR!!”
But the moment of peace didn’t last. An incredible scream echoed from the cell. The organization members were looking at Gil-san, completely losing it.
It’s been about a month since then, and it’s probably triggering their trauma. Their hair color had finally returned to normal… but now it’s probably going to turn white again… but those screams are scaring me. I unintentionally shuddered.
“Tch, how irritating. Would you be so kind as to quiet down…?”
Father-sama then muttered that, releasing a bit of pressure. Immediately, the whole dungeon fell silent. The last sounds were of people collapsing. …What are you doing!?
“Mmm, it’s quiet now. It probably didn’t reach the very back. Let us proceed.”
“Did you really think I’d thank you for going easy on them, you idiot, Ash! Thanks to you, even the gatekeeper and Licht and Ronny have lost consciousness!”
It had no effect on Dad and me, and Gil-san and Kei-san were able to withstand it because they’re strong, but the others weren’t. Dad caught Ronny, and Kei-san caught Licht.
“…I apologize.”
“Haa, good grief. Well, I guess it’s fine since Meg was scared. But you need to learn to control it better.”
“Unlike magic power, the Demon King’s pressure is…”
Father-sama looked dejected. But it’s true he saved me! I’m grateful, but make sure to apologize to Licht and Ronny later… Geez, cheer up!
We somehow managed to wake up Licht and Ronny, and then Father-sama started profusely apologizing. No, it’s awkward if you apologize that much. We get it, your intentions are clear, but… why do you always overreact, Father-sama? You must have been born under that kind of star.
We finally reached the very back. There were 3 cells lined up, and in the left one, I could see Ravi-san crouched down, hugging her knees. She looks… thinner, maybe?
“Ravi…?”
“! …You came.”
Ravi-san slowly lifted her head at Licht’s quiet voice calling out to her. Her complexion’s bad. That’s right, we were able to give her first aid, but she hasn’t been treated by the Ortus medical team, so she’s recovering slower than us. Her wounds are probably… still there. I hope they don’t get infected. I’m worried.
“It seems like you were able to return safely. I heard the story… but haha, I’m not used to seeing you with those colors, Meg. It’s… incredibly dazzling.”
Ravi-san looked us over, and then said that, sounding relieved. She didn’t really react to Gil-san, so maybe she wasn’t affected by his killing intent that time?
“Well, I don’t have the right to say I’m glad, but… allow me to say it. That I’m glad.”
She said this with a self-deprecating smile.
“So, Ravi… what’s going to happen… to you?”
Licht muttered this. It’s a question you don’t really know who to ask. But Dad answered.
“…They said they’ll listen to your opinion. Mainly Meg’s. Because she’s the Demon King’s daughter, that’s the only reason this negotiation was even possible.”
“Me?”
There’s apparently an agreement that was made between the human and Demon Continents a long time ago, that’s been followed until now. But this time, the humans broke a taboo. It was a criminal organization, but a taboo is a taboo. It seems like in exchange for overlooking this, they decided to respect my opinion, as a victim, and the next representative of the Demon Continent, as much as possible, when deciding how to deal with the criminals.
“Th-That’s a lot of pressure…”
“I’m sure it is. That’s why they’re not leaving the decision up to you. It’s more like they’ll decide after considering your opinion.”
“So don’t think too hard and just tell me what you want.” Dad said, patting my head. Even so, it’s a huge responsibility… my words will drastically change someone’s life. I’m so scared I’m about to tremble. But if I decide to not say anything… then she’ll probably be executed.
I absolutely want to avoid that. I have to say something.
“Can I… talk to Ravi-san for a bit…? With Licht and Ronny too…”
“…Yeah. It’ll have to be through the bars. And you’re not to touch the bars, of course.”
After getting Dad’s permission, I approached Ravi-san’s cell with Licht and Ronny. Then I crouched down, following suit as Ravi-san sat down.
“Ravi-san. I don’t know if it’s okay for me to ask this, but… what do you want?”
I can’t decide on my own, after all. I wanted to know how she felt. Whether she wanted to die, be executed, or… live.
“Heh, you’re such an idiot, Meg. That’s not something you ask a criminal.”
“Even so… I want to know. Because I regret it!”
“Regret it?”
Ravi-san said this, her gaze admonishing. I know. But there’s something that’s been bothering me.
“That I never asked how you felt. What you truly felt. So even though I don’t know what’s going to happen next… I really want to know, right now, what you truly feel!”
I don’t want to have any more regrets.
“Feelings… huh…”
Ravi-san lowered her gaze and muttered this, then fell silent.
“Ravi, I also want to know. If you want to atone for your crimes, start over. …Or, if you want it to… end, just like this…”
Licht said this painfully. That’s right. We do want to know.
After a moment, Ravi-san slowly started to speak.
“Honestly… I don’t know. …What I want, or what I think… But…”
She clenched her fists, her hands still bound by chains.
“I think… I’ve done something horrible. Something unforgivable… Thinking about all the people I kidnapped, the innocent people I sold… it’s like my heart’s breaking.”
It was a cry so quiet you couldn’t hear it unless you were really listening, but it echoed in our hearts like nothing else.