[Side Sophia] Beyond the reach of your hand
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Led by Aldo, I arrived in Dal Ane and was immediately taken to this room, separate from the Cloudel family's mansion. Since then, I haven't been allowed to leave.
――"You are, after all, my daughter, though of a noble bloodline. As long as you bear that blood, you must fulfill your duties."
――"You've started to resemble that thieving cat. Go quickly to the Empire. This is your atonement for the disgrace you’ve brought upon the prestigious Cloudel family. It’s an honor to sacrifice yourself for the people of this land, isn’t it?"
The words my father and mother spoke to me since coming here still cast a shadow over my heart.
In particular, my mother came to visit every day, throwing cruel words at me.
It hurt.
I couldn’t forgive my mother for speaking so harshly, not just to me, but even to the mother who gave birth to me.
I became an explorer and grew stronger.
Now, I thought, I could speak my mind to my mother without fear.
Or so I thought.
But when I faced my mother, I didn’t have the courage to say anything.
Like when I was a child, I could only endure in silence, waiting for the moment when she’d tire of it all.
In the end, I haven’t changed at all from the way I was back then.
I’m still powerless, a small and insignificant being who can’t change anything.
If my worthless self can buy the safety of the people, then I too think it’s a small price to pay.
As usual, I look up at the night sky through the window.
Then, casually reaching out to the moon, the moon hides behind a cloud at the worst possible moment, deepening the night’s darkness.
It’s like it’s reflecting how my heart feels right now…
Come to think of it, it’s been about three days since I last received a telepathic message from my sister.
Well, after ignoring her so much, it’s only natural she’d be fed up with me.
I’m no longer an explorer, and I’m about to marry into the enemy nation, the Empire.
Even if I were to see my sister now, I’d probably end up whining to her.
If that happens, I’d just burden her with my troubles.
So, it’s better to stay away from my sister and not see her.
But in her last message, my sister said, "I will definitely save you."
Maybe she knows what’s happening to me and is doing something in her own way to help.
(Ahahaha... I ignored her because I didn't want to cause any trouble for Onee-chan, so why am I thinking only of what is convenient for me...)
I really hate my own weakness.
But, what if, just what if, my imagination is right…?
"Has something happened to my sister...?"
Thinking that my sister might be in a situation where she can't contact me, I couldn't help but voice my concern aloud.
"---Selma is fine. She's tired and resting right now, but her life is not in danger."
"...Huh?"
Suddenly, I heard a familiar male voice from behind me, and I turned around in surprise.
This room is locked from the outside, and the windows are sealed. No one else should be here, and no one should be able to enter.
When I turned to look in the direction of the voice, the person was hidden in the darkness, and I couldn’t see them clearly.
Still, I knew who it was. There was no way I could mistake this voice.
"…Orn-san?"
Though hidden in the darkness, I could tell that Orn-san’s expression had a gentle smile on it as he heard my voice.
"It’s been a while. I never thought I’d meet you here in Dal Ane. I’m sure you’re not well, but I’m glad to see you’re safe."
It was me who never expected to meet Orn-san here.
Why is Orn-san in Dal Ane?
The only ones who should know where I am are my father, my mother, and Aldo. I can't imagine those three talking about this place to anyone else.
"Why is Orn-san here...?"
"The labyrinth expeditions were finished the other day. So, I came to Dal Ane to report to Princess Lucila."
Ah, right.
Orn-san had been exploring the labyrinths on the princess's request. It makes sense that he'd come to report the completion of the mission.
…I’m embarrassed that I briefly thought he came to Dal Ane because he was worried about me.
"I don’t have much time, so I’ll be direct."
As Orn-san spoke again, the atmosphere around him shifted to one of seriousness.
"I've already heard that Sophia is engaged. There’s only one thing I want to know. Does Sophia want to marry Count Emert, or does she not? I want you to tell me how you truly feel."
… I see.
The reason Orn-san is here at this time is because he’s part of the leadership of the Silver Moon Rabbits.
I came to Dal Ane without telling Clan anything.
I guess that’s really dishonest of me.
"...First of all, I’m sorry for coming to Dal Ane without contacting Clan. And as for the answer to your earlier question, I’ve made up my mind."
"...Made up your mind?"
"Yes. I’ve made up my mind to quit being an explorer and marry Count Emert. So, I will be leaving the Night Silver Moon Rabbits. I’m sorry it has to end this way. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me until now."
I lowered my head, holding back the tears that were about to fall.
After a while of silence, I hesitantly turned my face toward Orn, but his expression was still hidden in the darkness, and I couldn’t see it.
Unable to bear the silence, I opened my mouth again.
"This is the duty of someone born into the Cloudel family. If I marry Count Emert, the lives of the people in the territory won’t be at risk. If my life alone can buy the safety of everyone in the territory, don’t you think it’s a small price to pay? That’s why I will marry Count Emert."
"...I see."
This time, it seemed like Orn understood my resolve, as he nodded quietly.
...With this, I’m severing ties with Orn-san and the Night Silver Moon Rabbits.
My path is now—.
"So?"
"...Huh?"
Just as I thought my time as an explorer had ended, Orn-san surprised me with an unexpected question, and I let out a dumbfounded sound.
"I told you already, right? What I want to know is how you really feel."
"So, I told you, it’s for the people—"
"I heard that you're doing this to protect the people. But is that really what you want? To put it simply, even if the safety of the people was guaranteed without you having to marry, would you still want to go through with this marriage?"
Orn-san's words stirred up my heart.
I want to cry out for his help right now.
But I can’t do that.
As the daughter of a noble family, I’m not allowed to escape my responsibilities.
"Th-That’s not…! But it’s true that the Empire has the ability to flood the labyrinths, isn’t it?! My feelings are nothing compared to the lives of the people! This is the responsibility of being born as the daughter of the Cloudel family, as a noble!"
"...At least to me, your feelings are more important than the lives of strangers."
"!!"
"If you’re truly satisfied with the current situation, then I have no intention of saying anything further. —So this is the last time I’ll ask you. Are you ‘Sophia Cloudel,’ or are you ‘Sophia’? Which one are you?"
Orn-san’s voice, asking the question, seemed to grow even more serious.
I think what Orn-san wants to know is whether I am the "daughter of the Cloudel family," or if I am still an "explorer of the Night Silver Moon Rabbits."
"I... I am... Sophi—"
If I say "I am Sophia Cloudel" here, this conversation will be over.
Just one more word to say, but I couldn’t bring myself to say it. Instead of words, tears fell from my eyes.
"Last year, when I became your mentor, I told you, didn’t I? —I will always be on your side."
As I faltered, Orn-san spoke again.
"That’s something I will never go back on, no matter what happens. Never. If there’s anyone or anything threatening what you want, even if it’s a noble or a country, I won’t hesitate to make them my enemy. So, please tell me your true feelings."
Orn-san’s gentle words broke down the dam I had been holding back.
I no longer had the strength to pretend to be strong.
"I... I want to be Sophia...! I want to keep exploring with you, with Carol, and Log, and Lu-nee! I still want to be with my sister! I don’t want to marry some stranger! Please… Please help me... Orn-san...!"
My emotions overwhelmed me, and as I cried, I reached out, trembling, begging Orn-san for help.
Orn-san gently took my hand in his.
"—Alright, leave it to me. I’ll settle things with Sophia’s father by the end of today. I’ll cut through everything that’s binding you right now. So, just wait a little longer."
At that moment, as Orn-san spoke, the moonlight broke through the clouds, and I was able to clearly see Orn-san’s face.
His expression was just as I had imagined: kind and gentle.
"Yes... I’ll wait...!”