Ch. 171
“…Hey. Ash, what are we supposed to eat?”
“You can go catch more.”
“This guy… I didn’t think you were the type, but look at that discrimination.”
“It’s not discrimination. It’s about valuing life. Isn’t it a blessing that one person doesn’t have to die just because of three roasted legs?”
I glared at the merchant while gnawing on the leg.
Grrr.
“What are you even talking about? Seriously… Chad, Ash’s acting weird.”
“No. He’s right.”
“What?”
“What do you mean?”
“Guess it’s time you knew. You’ve been deceived. He looks normal when he’s calm, but once he explodes, it’s over. I honestly thought he might be a dragon in polymorph.”
Enk and Gale stared blankly at me, so I smiled elegantly.
Oh my, did something happen?
Chad’s full of nonsense.
“Just give up. If there are no legs, eat the breast meat. That’s your best option.”
He had a point.
—
The closer we got to the seaside, the fewer monsters appeared. It was natural — the farther from mountains and forests, the less danger.
Usually, bandits took over instead, but there weren’t even those here, so the journey went smoothly.
We reached the port city of Femmington half a day earlier than planned.
First, we were shocked by the crowd, as large as one from a festival. Then we were shocked again — red hair everywhere we looked.
It really was the trend.
“Ugh…”
I was horrified — like a cat near water or a vampire struck with a cross. Gripping the reins tightly, I slowed down.
“What’s with the face now?”
Chad, riding behind me, sneered and passed ahead. That guy always had to pick a fight.
“I hate red hair.”
“Why?”
“Because I hate Rovenin Fedri!”
“Ah, so that’s why you agreed to come see him. Makes sense.”
He laughed, finding my irritation amusing. I calculated whether my hand could reach the back of his head.
We were both on horseback, but he was taller even while sitting. Probably out of reach.
Quietly, I drew my riding whip. This would reach.
“Tickets! Selling tickets to Heidrike! Buying multiple tickets at top price! Immediate trade!”
“Whoa there.”
A scalper roughly cut between our horses. The crowd was too thick; it seemed time to dismount.
“People are really losing it.”
“Well, Rovenin Fedri’s popularity isn’t ordinary.”
“Yeah, but they’re here to watch him covered in blood. That’s messed up.”
“You’re one to talk. Who voted yes for this little trip again?”
“I’m just saying everyone’s got such refined taste.”
As I grumbled while calming my startled horse, Lox took the lead like some responsible teacher and gave directions.
“Let’s organize here. We should return the horses first. Everyone dismount.”
“I’ll handle the return. Hand me the reins.”
“Pile your luggage here. I’ll keep watch.”
Chad took the reins skillfully, and Gale handled the bags.
Our party divided tasks precisely — a sign of a good team.
No confusion, smooth cooperation.
“I’ll check at the ticket office if we can board today.”
“Then I’ll buy the missing supplies. Prices in Heidrike are steep.”
While Lox and Enk figured out what to buy, I unloaded my luggage and quietly slipped toward the back.
I planned to disappear into the crowd naturally.
My signature move!
Stealth technique… or so I thought, until a man with hawk-like reflexes caught me.
“Geenie? Trying to sneak off again?”
“Tch.”
Ash had recently become far too interested in what I did — where I went, what I looked at, what mood I was in.
Why? Was he worried I’d hurt someone again?
Was that why his eyes always looked so uneasy?
“If there’s somewhere you want to go, just say so.”
“Not really. Just looking around.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“How bothersome…”
Ugh, that wounded look again.
“Hmph, follow me if you want.”
“…Ash!”
Right. The nuisance — Lox. No way he’d let us go off alone without saying something.
I expected him to protest.
“Keep an eye on that woman… if she commits murder again, we’re not getting on that ship.”
So Ash’s constant vigilance really was part of “monitoring the dangerous one,” huh. Lox clenched his teeth but said it anyway.
He hated seeing me near Ash but knew Ash was the only one capable of restraining me.
But the truth?
Ash couldn’t stop me either. He just couldn’t bring himself to kill me.
Who’s the real crazy tyrant around here?
It’s me.
—
I usually did things as I pleased, so being alone suited me.
Even with Ash nearby, I still wandered as I liked.
I’d expected more from a port city, but honestly, it wasn’t that different.
Waves echoed everywhere, fish markets were plenty, and trade seemed lively. That was about it. And many unfamiliar races filled the streets.
Ah, and of course, that disgusting play again.
“O mighty Dragon! I offer myself as sacrifice, forgive humankind!”
“Stand for the Saint! Everyone!”
Damn it. Damn it!
That damned Rovenin again!
People still thought I was dead. Street vendors sold tiny figurines shaped like me, and children sang songs praising the “Saint” while playing in the streets.
Disgusted, I found a quiet alley and slipped in.
Ash immediately noticed my sour mood — and the reason for it.
“Geenie, everyone admires you. Why does that upset you?”
“Because it’s a lie.”
“A lie?”
The alley was empty, so I didn’t bother holding back my voice.
I’d wanted to say this for so long.
“I’m not a saint! They just see what they want to see — they’re all wrong!”
“No. I don’t think so.”
“Hah?”
He’s seen me, lived with me — and still says that? Ridiculous.
“What’s false about it? It’s all true. Geenie, they’re praising ‘that day’s you.’ How could there be any falsehood? Who else but you stood before everyone and saved them?”
“Idiot! I didn’t save anyone on purpose — I was just trying to survive! Don’t you get it? I’m the farthest thing from self-sacrifice!”
“No. I’ve heard the truth — not the twisted version.”
Why was he suddenly so serious? Ash stepped closer, like my anger had insulted him personally.
Before I knew it, I was backed against the wall.
“When it broke through the ceiling, when everyone screamed seeing death before them — only you stood firm to protect that place. Isn’t that right?”
“…I was just the only one who could.”
In that desperate moment, only a Spirit Mage could act.
The swordsmen were helpless, and the mages had no time to cast a large-scale barrier.
It sounded like an excuse, so I forced a smirk.
I wasn’t a saint — just a Spirit Mage unlucky enough to be there.
“When it raged to kill everything, who bought everyone time to escape? You did.”
“…”
“Geenie, that’s sacrifice. That’s what it means.”
“I don’t see it that way.”
“Everyone else does.”
“I just tried to live, survived, and happened to save others while doing so.”
“That’s what makes it noble.”
“Ugh! Shut up! Stop arguing!”
I pushed him, irritated — but he only caught my hand.
You’ve been touching me way too often lately!
Though… I do hit you first.
“You’re just embarrassed. You don’t want to admit you did something good.”
“I’m not! I’m not, okay!”
“They say strong denial is an affirmation. And now that I think about it… I’m glad I can finally say this. Geenie?”
What now— his face is too close…
“Thank you for saving everyone. My father, my brothers…”
“…You had brothers.”
Fine, I admit it. I was embarrassed.
“They were there that day. They remember you especially well.”
Instead of answering, I pouted and looked away.
His eyes were too gentle — hard to meet.
Then Ash stepped closer, kneeling before me.
Looking up at me, he took my right hand with reverence and pressed a slow kiss on it.
His pure, ungreedy lips brushed over my fingers and rested on the back of my hand, whispering softly as if unwilling to let go.
“I no longer know how much I owe you.”
“Not really…”
I muttered under my breath. Ash stood, still holding my hand.
His grip tightened, then softened. Our eyes met.
Come to think of it, being alone together like this was rare — even Rai wasn’t around.
“Will you tell Enk and Gale the truth? Are you planning to keep hiding it?”
“That I’m Geenie Crowell?”
“Yes.”
We leaned close, whispering as if sharing a secret.
I leaned against the wall; Ash stood before me like a tree offering shade.
“There’s no need. If they figure it out, fine. If not, fine. It’s not important.”
“Lox seems to have noticed. He’s a sharp one.”
“I heard his illusions were shattered.”
“He knows — but he’s pretending not to. Because it hurts.”
Someone laughed softly.
See? That’s exactly why I keep it secret.
Even as my eyes said the words, no one entered the alley. It felt like the world had paused just for us.
In that strangely quiet moment, I realized I liked talking to Ash like this — in whispers, just the two of us.
It made me feel oddly… peaceful.
“Hey… do you really want to be emperor?”
“I only strive toward it. There’s much I want to protect.”
“You’re nothing like me, then. I’m the most important person to me.”
“You’re important to me, too.”
He smiled at me.
I smiled back without meaning to.
And it felt strange.
A feeling I’d never experienced before.