242. Exit from a branching point
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I have only lived for about twenty years, but even so, there is something I have come to understand.
That is: "A life without regrets? Such a thing doesn't really exist."
Even when you think you've made the best choice, failure is always inevitable.
However, at the same time, there are also many things you can gain from that choice.
That's why, when in doubt, I think it’s more constructive to focus on what you can gain from the path you choose.
And the most important thing is to give your all on the path you've chosen.
Continue to strive so that you can gain much and feel satisfied.
So that you no longer have to imagine the future you didn’t choose.
…Even so, if I were to get the chance to start over, I would—fight against that injustice.
My grandfather risked his life to give me another chance.
To honor his wishes, and more than anything, so that I would never have to experience such pain again.
I swear again, no matter what kind of injustice awaits me from here on out, I will not stop walking.
I will give everything I have, so that nothing precious will slip through my fingers, and so that I will never lose anything again!
After seeing off August, it was just Shion and me left in the Otherworld, and I renewed my vow, engraving it deeply in my heart.
"Well then, shall we go, Orn?"
With that, Shion, who was smiling at me, spoke in a cheerful voice.
Once again, our time together began to move forward.
―― "I think there are many beautiful sights in the 'outside world' that are just as stunning as this one."
―― "Are you going to the outside world, Orn...?"
―― "Yeah. I know there are a lot of problems, but I want to solve them and see the outside world for myself. ...So, Shion. How about we go see all kinds of sights together?"
―― "Huh, can I really go with you?"
―― "Of course! Why would you think you couldn’t come? Traveling alone is lonely, and I’d be happy if you came with me."
―― "If that's the case, then I want to go with you too!"
―― "Alright! It's a 'promise' then! Let's go see the outside world together!"
―― "Yeah!"
When I remember the promise we made in that silver world made of frost, the one Shion showed me that day, my heart warms.
However, at the same time, feelings of regret grow within me for having forgotten that promise for nearly ten years and causing Shion such pain.
So, from here on out.
Everything starts again, right here.
"—Yeah. I'm going to tear this world apart... Shion."
With a renewed heart, I began to walk once more.
◆
"—Heavy..."
The day after the events that started with Sophie’s engagement scandal, the battle with the 'Doctor,' a member of the 'Cyclamen Cult,' and the judgment of the former Count Claudel.
Today began with a sensation as if something heavy was resting on my abdomen.
(……Ah, I see. —So it starts here...)
I clearly recognized that today was the day I would leave Dal Ane.
And yet, I still remember everything that’s going to happen and the events in the Otherworld clearly.
It feels a bit strange, but the sense of relief from not forgetting anything is stronger.
As I thought about this, I sat up, and as expected, there was Fuuka, sleeping soundly, lying face down.
"Mm... Mmm..."
As I looked at Fuuka with a smile, she suddenly sat up.
"…………Orn, good morning."
"Good morning, Fuuka. …I see. You were here because you knew this was the turning point from your 'Future Vision,' huh?"
When I said the word "turning point," Fuuka’s eyes widened.
Her expression then changed to one I had never seen before—it became serious.
"—Orn, how do you feel?"
It was the same question she asked me back then.
"Yeah. I’m in perfect condition."
As I answered, Fuuka nodded with a satisfied expression.
"I see. You’ve come back, huh…"
"Yeah, I came back with my memories and abilities restored."
"I’m glad. Welcome back, Orn."
"Thanks for waiting. —And right away, I need your help."
At those words, Fuuka nodded immediately without hesitation.
"Of course. I’m your sword."
(My sword, huh. Haha, that’s an apt description.)
It was a phrase I had heard several times before, but back then, it didn’t make any sense to me.
But now, I understand its meaning.
She is someone who fights alongside me.
And—she is someone who won’t let me escape from the battle…
After finishing my morning preparations and leaving my room, I met up with Fuuka, who had been waiting outside.
"Orn, what are we going to do next?"
As we walked down the hallway of the mansion, Fuuka asked me the question.
"I have a lot of things to take care of, but the top priority for me and you is to eliminate the 'Rakshasa' and 'War Demon.' Fuuka, next, don't hold back any of your abilities or demonic powers. Use everything you have to take down the 'War Demon.'"
The two who caused chaos in Tutril—there is no mercy for them.
"I'm good at that. Leave it to me."
As we were talking, we arrived at the dining hall, and—
"Ah, Orn-san, good morning!"
"Master, good morning!"
"Good morning, Master!"
My disciples greeted me with smiles.
Following them, Luna and Selma-san also offered their greetings.
Hearing their smiles and voices, my vision blurred slightly.
(I’ve come back to this day...!)
The precious things that once slipped from my hands.
They are now right before me.
Everyone here is a precious presence that warms my heart.
—That's why, I never want to lose them again.
Even if I can’t be by everyone’s side anymore... I want everyone to live in their own way.
As long as they can live true to themselves, there’s nothing more I could ask for.
"……Ah, good morning."
"Hmm? What’s wrong, Master? Did you have a scary dream or something?"
"It’s rare for you to wake up this late, Orn-san. Could it be that you’re not feeling well? If that’s the case, we can delay going to Tutril..."
Carol, who quickly noticed my subtle shift, and Luna, who’s known me the longest, both looked at me with concern.
"Yeah. I had a bit of a scary dream. But seeing everyone here made the fear go away, so I’m fine. My health is good too."
"If it’s a dream that scared you, now I’m curious about what it was about."
To prevent the atmosphere from becoming too heavy, Selma, who was there, casually joined the conversation with a teasing tone.
"Haha... If there’s a chance, I’ll tell you about it. This dream, even though it was scary, is... something I must not forget."
I once regretted the choice to join the Night Sky Silver Rabbit.
But because I joined Night Sky Silver Rabbit, I was able to meet my disciples, Selma, and many other irreplaceable companions.
I was also able to spend time with Luna again.
There were many things I gained from this choice.
The cult is now trying to take away those precious things from me for unreasonable reasons.
I cannot allow that.
Ironically, the end result that the cult and I are aiming for... is the same.
However, the process and what it brings are completely different.
That’s why I will crush the Cyclamen Cult!
So that I will never lose anything precious again.
With that resolve, I take my first step down a new path.
——.