I also knew that deep down she felt responsible for my injury. But that was my fight, not hers. I had wanted to stop Amy for my own reasons and lost my arm because I didn’t care what was necessary to win. I didn’t regret it, either.
Perhaps Almelia wouldn’t feel so bad if she knew my connection to Amy. On the surface, it looked like I’d sacrificed my arm specifically to protect her. Then again, Almelia would likely feel responsible no matter what.
“My right arm, huh…?”
Maybe it was better to replace it.
A crying child ran up to Almelia. There must have been a fight.
Almelia wasn’t a hero or a princess here. She was simply an older girl for the kids to rely on. It suited her, in a way.
I said my good-byes to Almelia and Lina, then left.
“Knave, today was your day off, wasn’t it?”
That was the first thing Rila asked me when I got home. Her lips were pursed. Milia, standing opposite her in the dining room, giggled softly.
“Apparently it was. I only realized after Iris told me, though.”
“Now, that won’t do, Mr. Roland! You really should check the time sheet regularly.”
Evidently, Milia also had the day off, and she’d come by for a visit. She must have clued Rila in.
“I intended for you to accompany me to the capital on your next break so we could shop together!”
“Enough of that, Miss Prima Donna. Don’t you have something to say to Mr. Roland?”
“Hmph. Yes. I nearly forgot… Welcome home.”
That left me at a bit of a loss. I thought it was going to be something more momentous.
“Thanks. It’s good to be back,” I said.
“We’re going out for drinks with everyone who went to Bardenhawk, so you can’t eat yet. We should head to the guild in a bit.”
Rila raised an eyebrow. “What is this, now? Will there be drink?”
“Uh-huh! And our manager said she would treat everyone.” Milia, chin in her palms, happily kicked her feet back and forth.
“I shall accompany you,” Rila insisted.
“Nuh-uh. You’re not part of our group, Miss Prima Donna.”
“Are you implying I should eat all on my own tonight?!”
“Yes. You’ve been keeping Mr. Roland holed up here for too long.”
“Th-that has not been my intention in the slightest!”
“If you restrain him from doing things and demand that he take you places, he’ll get tired of you.”
“Urgh.” Rila scowled in chagrin.
An average village girl was holding her own against the strongest demon lord.
“We should get going soon,” Milia said, all but tugging me out the house. “We’re celebrating our work, so let’s drink and have a great time!”
“H-how unreasonable that I am forbidden from attending!”
It was a bit absurd that Rila should say that. Her very existence here was unreasonable.
“It’s perfectly fine,” Milia argued.
“I’ll try to come back as early as I can,” I said. “Just wait for me.”
“Mm-hmm… Acceptable,” Rila replied.
She didn’t seem pleased, but saw us off anyway.
I was certain she’d wait until I got home to eat. I’d have to buy something and get home as soon as possible.