Chapter 19

When it came to explaining what had happened, Shizuku didn’t know where to start. Her nerves made her whole body break out in a sweat, and she wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. “I didn’t do anything special. But, um, it seems like there are still plenty of henchmen lurking around in this city—the kind who work for nobles that have no respect for human rights…” “I’m aware. I’ve taken measures to put a stop to that. Still, this girl isn’t very streetwise, so I’ll get her to stay home and keep a low profile for the time being. Until she’s able to teleport properly, at least.” “I never should have tried…” Lyshien’s head drooped slightly, then she stepped away from the man and turned back toward Shizuku. “Thank you so much, Shizuku.” “I didn’t do anything. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to help.” “That’s not true.” Lyshien grabbed Shizuku by the hand. Her smile was as beautiful as a flowering bud, and her dark eyes were fixed on Shizuku. “Thank you for believing in my freedom.” These words warmed Shizuku’s heart more than any compliment ever had. “Okay, then. We just need to—” Before Shizuku could get out the words “reconvene with Erik,” everything shook again. “Huh?” “Shizuku!” Lyshien reached out to catch her, but the damage was already done. Shizuku collapsed against the wall and fell to the ground, breathing shallowly as a surge of nausea welled up inside her. The change was so sudden that she hadn’t even had time to comprehend what was happening. It hurt. She was frightened. She needed to hurry up and shut it away. Farther away, deeper down inside her. “I…feel sick…” An incomprehensible fragment of information flashed through her mind, and she heard the familiar voice of a young man. “Shizuku!” “Erik…” Relieved that he’d come to look for them, Shizuku let go of consciousness, falling into a dream where nobody could reach her.