“I shall assist you in getting dressed today.”
“Thank you, Himari.”
Day had broken. We had a long journey ahead of us, so after enjoying an early breakfast, we were preparing to leave. The sites I wanted to visit were scattered far and wide, and the journey was sure to be a bit hectic.
“First, we will make our way to the vicinity of the Volcanic Miasma Zone, correct? Do you wish to wear your saint’s attire?”
“Yes. No one has found a way to cultivate Moontear Flowers outside that area, and we have far too few to utilize in our research. I want to see if there’s a way to stop the explosions.”
With more Moontear Flowers, we might be able to develop a cure not just for the devil’s seed, but for other diseases as well. The benefits would be enormous.
“Hence your need to approach the area.”
“Exactly. I have a theory, but I need more information,” I explained. “I want to observe the zone more closely.”
During my previous visit to the Volcanic Miasmic Zone, I’d been struck by an explosion, and Mia had been forced to rescue me. But it hadn’t been for nothing. I’d observed that the mana in the zone was unnaturally dense and unstable. To stop the explosions, I needed to stabilize the mana.
However, that was as far as I’d gotten in my field research.
“You believe you will be in no danger this time?”
“Of course not. I’m sorry for the concern I—”
Himari pressed her finger against her lips, cutting my apology short. “You have no reason to apologize to your attendant.”
If that was how she felt, I had to respect her wishes.
“It is not my place to object to any of your decisions, Lady Philia.” Himari looked forlorn. “Nonetheless, I would prefer not to lose anyone important to me for a while.”
“Himari…”
Before I realized it, many people had begun to value my presence. Now that I knew how much they cared, I owed it to them to be more careful. On the day I risked my life in search of the Moontear Flower, one thing became painfully clear to me: my life wasn’t mine and mine alone.
“Thank you. You don’t need to worry, Himari. I wouldn’t dream of betraying the kindness you’ve shown me. That’s a promise.”
“Lady Philia… Simply hearing those words takes a weight off my shoulders. I’m grateful that my worries were unfounded.”
After a short pause, Himari’s sadness dissipated, and her black eyes took on the commanding, authoritative sheen I found so compelling. I was certain she’d come to my rescue time and again.
When that happened, would I manage to prove myself more than I had before, and help lighten her burden?
“Preparations complete. Let us make our way to the carriage.”
“Good idea. We can’t leave Sir Osvalt waiting.”
Now fully dressed, I headed to the carriage with Himari by my side, eager to set out for our next destination.
The Volcanic Miasma Zone, designated as a no-go area, straddled Parnacorta’s border with Girtonia. Entering the zone required permission from both nations, but since we were only venturing to the edge, we hadn’t asked for clearance.
“I’ve never been to the Volcanic Miasma Zone before,” Lena mused, cocking her head as she examined the map. “When Lady Philia and the others went last time, they just popped over and came right back. Thinking about it now, that was kinda weird.”
She must have noticed how far the zone was from the capital. It was along the border of Girtonia, after all.
“Mammon opened a teleportation gate for us,” I explained. “With his help, we also reached Gyptia in the blink of an eye—and that’s even further.”
“Oh yeah, that’s right. Mammon is something else.”
Only demons could open teleportation gates, but they were incredibly convenient. According to Mammon, they could take one almost anywhere, save for certain places like Dalbert Cathedral, which was safeguarded by a barrier.
If I could teleport, it would make life so much easier. But demon magic was outrageous. To use it, one had to literally detonate magic power inside oneself. A human body simply wasn’t strong enough to endure that kind of force. Only demons, who could even survive decapitation, could handle magic like that.
“We’ve relied so much on Mammon’s teleportation gate, I almost forgot,” said Sir Osvalt, “but even traveling within our own country can take a long time.”
“Yep. We had to get ready early,” said Lena. “Working for Lady Philia, though, we’re used to that.”
We’d gotten ready and set off on our journey before the sun came up. As Lena said, it was around this time that I usually left the mansion to fulfill my saintly duties.
After surveying the area around the Volcanic Miasma Zone, we planned to visit the ruins where Rick awaited us. They were some distance away, so we would be on the road for a good part of the day.
“As convenient as it is to arrive at your destination in the blink of an eye, I do enjoy chatting during our journey.” After all was said and done, I appreciated the lively atmosphere in the carriage.
“As long as you’re having fun, that’s all that matters.”
“I truly am. After all, I get to be by your side.”
“Is that so? I’m very comfortable with you, too.”
Our hands touched.
It had become second nature for us to bask in each other’s presence, and I cherished that. I still didn’t fully understand what it meant to be married, but simply being with Sir Osvalt put me at ease.
“I’m glad we have a long journey ahead of us…”
“What was that? Did you say something?”
“Oh, no. It’s nothing.”
I shook my head nervously, embarrassed that I’d allowed my thoughts to slip out.
I didn’t know why I felt the way I did. Still, I was sure he could sense my body temperature rising—in the same way that I could sense his.
Perhaps sensing how flustered I was, Sir Osvalt pointed out the window. “Look, you can see the lake. The morning sun is so beautiful reflecting on the water.”
“Oh yes! You’re right. How spectacular.”
The lake was bathed in sunlight, making for a breathtaking view. And yet Sir Osvalt’s golden hair, glowing in the sunlight, was even more dazzling to me. As he smiled at the view outside, I found myself captivated by his profile.
I hope I can stay by your side forever, Sir Osvalt.
As I let his luminescence—which had given me everything I had—burn into my memory, selfish desires began to creep up on me again.