Chapter 66

EPILOGUE “Oh, you’re alive.” When Ryouta came to, he was in a hospital bed. He had been put on the cable car, then loaded onto an ambulance that was waiting for him at the bottom of the mountain. Sasara hadn’t had the time to call one, so it must have been waiting there this whole time. Alfoncina had apparently called for it. It was unclear why she knew exactly where to send it, but she had said, “I know my minions.” Thanks to her, Ryouta didn’t have to wait a single second to get to the hospital. The need to thank Alfoncina had vaguely bounced around Ryouta’s head until he soon blacked out. I wondered if I would ever open my eyes again. He suddenly realized that someone was gripping his hand as his consciousness returned. Sasara was asleep, leaning over Ryouta in the bed, her hand in his. “I think it’s your strength that saved me,” he said. With gratitude, he reached out to gently touch her head. “I am awake, you know.” Sasara suddenly sat up. “But I did not think you would try to pat my head,” she said with a cool voice. “Sorry, I forgot myself for a sec…” This would be super embarrassing if anyone had seen them. “But it’s all right. Everyone feels lost at some point. I cannot fault you for it.” “Thanks… Man. I’m surprised I survived…” “Well, ever since I passed out from a nosebleed once before, they’ve improved the distribution of blood for transfusions. We were able to get you one easily.” “That’s how you’ve saved me?!” “Relationships are a strange thing, you see.” Sasara smiled as she drew back the curtains on the window. Bright light poured into the hospital room. “I spoke to my parents about canceling the engagements, everything.” “Did they…approve?” “They did. They wanted me to be happy.” Ryouta thought about how strong she was, and he could see the newfound sense of freedom in her. “Ah, and they had no problem transfusing blood and stopping the bleeding, so I have summoned all various related parties.” “What does that mean?” The door opened, and a familiar set of pigtails caught Ryouta’s eye. “Oh, Shiren, it’s not too ba—” She jabbed her fingers into his eyes. “Owwwwww! Why would you do that to an injured—?” “I don’t want to hear it! You are always, always, always causing trouble for your master! Get a grip! Get a grip on yourself, Ryouta!” She started raining punches on him. Including where he’d been stabbed. “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! Stop! You’re going to reopen everything! I’m gonna die!” “I thought I told you to come home in the morning! Why did you get so injured that I’m the one who had to go see you?!” Shiren hugged him. “Oh…” Shiren had indeed told Ryouta to come back just as he was leaving. He hadn’t given much thought as to what feelings lay behind those words. “I… I get lonely easily. Whenever you go out somewhere, I start worrying you’ll never come back. If you don’t, I won’t be able to read my favorite manga!” “Sorry. I should’ve been more careful…” “Good. Because you need to think hard on what you’ve done. I think we might need an apology press conference for this.” “But this is how I personally wanted to take responsibility for things. You told me to do that, Shiren. I was kind of following your message—can you try to see it that way?” “Oh…” Getting hospitalized wasn’t part of the plan, but his actions made sense to him. “You’re so stupid, Ryouta. I think you might be even more stupid than me.” Shiren slowly wrapped her arms around him. “Where’s the seat of the Kanagawa prefectural government?” Ryouta asked. “Mexico.” “Yeah, I think you’re still the champ on that front.” “Well, I see how hard you’ve worked. I suppose I can acknowledge that. But the fact still remains that you didn’t follow what I said to the letter.” Shiren pouted. “Yeah, you’re right… We’re seeing each other again at the hospital.” “This warrants a seveeere punishment.” “Please don’t suck my blood… I would actually die.” “—Your sentence is…I am going to serve you.” “What?” “It’s going to take several days before they let you go, right? So I will serve you until they do! And I will make you understand just how great your master is! When I’m finished with you, you won’t be able to think of anyone else! Be ready!” Shiren declared proudly, puffing out her chest. She hadn’t remotely considered the implications of the role reversal. “Uh, okay… Please be gentle…” The door opened again. “Ryouta dearest! You’re all right! I flew here at Mach speed when I heard you were injured!”