“…I understand. Standing by your side… I’ll give that up. As for dark magic, well, can I really just stop it? …I’m not sure if it’s something I can quit even if I wanted to. But I’ll try not to use it. And I won’t offer my body to that demon anymore… Haa. I guess wanting to stand by your side was just my own greed. It’s kind of funny, isn’t it? Even though my body hasn’t grown stronger, I acted like I could stand by your side…”
Myungho said this as he broke the silence after a while. His appearance looked strangely refreshing, yet also bittersweet. One thing was certain—it felt relieving in some way. However, more importantly…
His figure oddly resembled that of a herbivore. Yeah, like a deer or rabbit who tried to eat meat out of envy for carnivores but eventually realized their body couldn’t handle it… That kind of feeling. When this thought came to mind, he seemed less pitiable and slightly endearing.
Nevertheless, separate from that, there was still a faint seed of distrust toward Myungho growing within me. Unlike the disrespectful doubt I had harbored before, I believed this one was justified.
Think about it. If your fiancé hides the fact they’ve been practicing dark magic and offering themselves as a sacrifice—unless it’s something trivial—anyone would start doubting them.
In fact, continuing to trust someone who has hidden such things would be problematic in itself. Eyeing Myungho with distrust, he averted his gaze from me.
“…So you’re not just asking me to believe you without proof again?”
“Uh, ‘again’? Alterra, sorry, but wasn’t this the first time I deceived you… Oh.”
Did he not realize what he was saying? Instead of staying silent, Myungho tried to defend himself, insisting he hadn’t lied before. But I clearly remembered otherwise.
“Back then, who claimed that the heart was given by the goddess? And it wasn’t just outright lies; you’ve concealed truths from me countless times.”
I don’t want to doubt him. After all, Myungho never acted out of malice toward me. On the contrary, he always strived to help in some way, which made me feel apologetic for questioning him. Still, there are limits. Worrying someone who wants to help is counterproductive, isn’t it?
After hearing this, Myungho seemed at a loss for words and hung his head low. For some reason, it reminded me of how I used to look when I was younger, terrified before receiving punishment. A sigh escaped me.
Not that I intended to hit him. He did make mistakes, though. Maybe I was being too harsh? No, honestly, this wasn’t even harshness. Feeling exasperated, I grabbed Myungho’s shoulder and pulled him up.
“You did wrong, but… sigh. It’s fine. You didn’t do it with bad intentions. Get up; acting like a sinner won’t change anything.”
There was a slight discomfort in my heart, but I chose not to voice it. Myungho understood he was at fault, didn’t he? Thank goodness. If he hadn’t, I might have reconsidered our entire relationship. Setting that aside, right now, he needed to look me straight in the eye.
“Myungho. Look me in the eye. Don’t avoid my gaze.”
Though hesitant at first, Myungho finally met my eyes. We exchanged silent glances. If only we could convey intentions through looks alone. Since verbalizing it seemed necessary…
“…Promise me. From now on, absolutely, no matter what… you will hide nothing from me. You can deceive the whole world, but you must tell me the truth.”
I extended my pinky finger to him with utmost seriousness. However, he appeared somewhat perplexed. What was the problem?
“It’s not a contract… just a promise…?”
“What contract exists between us? Besides, promises and contracts are essentially the same thing, aren’t they? So, will you do it or not? Decide quickly.”
Muttering to himself, Myungho wondered if I planned to cast some binding spell. Would I? Honestly, I didn’t even know any such magic. Though, considering Myungho practiced dark magic, maybe he did… Still, I wouldn’t force it.
Life allows room for lies sometimes. Though if you lie to me… Well, I might leave. Or perhaps… Hmm. I’m uncertain. Father never explained how to reform liars.
What exactly was he thinking during all these years? All he ever talked about were lengthy lectures on interrogating people instead of teaching practical lessons.
Myungho hooked his finger with mine. Despite feeling oddly uneasy about ending it there, I asked for another gesture.
“Thumbs-up seal too.”
Myungho stared at me in genuine surprise, clearly unprepared for this request. Was it really so shocking? Putting a thumbprint after making a promise isn’t unusual, is it?
Despite hesitating, Myungho eventually pressed his thumb against mine. Although his skeptical expression annoyed me, I decided to overlook it since I was forgiving him.
“…Don’t lie from now on. Then… that’s it. Let’s go back. Yuna will worry.”
There was more I wanted to say, but we needed to return as it was about time Yuna would start worrying. Myungho questioned whether everything was settled. Well, according to what I’d said earlier, I hadn’t fully forgiven him yet…
But holding grudges continuously is tiresome. We’re going to continue working together, so I should trust him. Taking his hand, I led him back toward the inn.
—
When I opened my eyes, I realized something heavy was pressing down on me. Looking around, I saw Alterra’s tail resting heavily on my stomach.
I gently pushed it away, but in her sleep, she tightened her grip even more. Giving up on getting out of bed, I stayed put. Despite yesterday’s events, we both managed to sleep soundly.
Or perhaps we slept well precisely because of those events. The mental exhaustion must have been immense.
The room still bore yesterday’s scars. The bathroom pipes seemed repaired since water wasn’t flowing, but everything else remained in disarray. The door leading to the hallway was hastily fixed, its frame barely holding together.
The innkeeper kindly requested we vacate tomorrow as new guests were arriving. Feeling apologetic, we complied without complaint.
Yuna… Well, upon hearing everything was resolved, she rejoiced but curiously asked why Alterra had gotten so angry.
I always needed to be honest with Alterra, but there was no such obligation with Yuna, so I omitted the part about dark magic. Instead, I told her that Yuna caught me lying repeatedly, which caused Alterra’s outrage.
Akashi already knew everything, so there was no need to explain further. Handing him a gold coin under the pretense of visiting a healer or buying potions, he promised to keep quiet.
That leaves Alterra. Could it truly be that all resentment between us had vanished? Somehow, it still felt unbelievable.
Could someone who lashed out so violently yesterday genuinely forgive and forget so easily? Even though Alterra tends to be merciful, I doubted she could let go overnight.
Actually, mercy isn’t quite her style. Yet, she does treat those close to her leniently. And among those “close” people are only party members…
Observing this, it struck me how limited Alterra’s social circle was. She hadn’t settled anywhere permanently, and even Golmet, her hometown, had been sealed away forever.
Moreover, her actions yesterday stood out. Extending her pinky finger for a promise was understandable, but adding the thumbprint… It reminded me of something.
Where did this familiarity stem from? Reflecting deeply, it was an action I often witnessed when volunteering at the town hall, where elderly folks frequently sealed promises this way.
To become a perfect child, one must also be kind, so I was often sent to volunteer. While others found it bothersome, I cherished those moments greatly.
Especially since it allowed me to escape my parents. The elders treated me sincerely, though whether they noticed or ignored my true nature remains unclear now.
Her skill with firearms as if they were familiar tools, her occasional peculiar behaviors… I hadn’t pondered her identity much, but lately, curiosity has arisen.
No, it must be coincidence. Perhaps she has a natural talent for firearms. As for the thumbprint, it’s merely something older generations commonly practiced—not entirely unreasonable.
Shaking off the unease, I cautiously called out Alterra’s name. How long would she stay asleep today? We had another mission ahead—something grandiose like “Trench Destroyer” or “Moving Fortress.” Her reputation as such a powerful entity couldn’t remain unnoticed by the military.
“…What time is it…?”
“It’s ten o’clock. You should wake up soon. The military might start pestering us… Also, isn’t lying face-down uncomfortable?”
Alterra slept sprawled forward. Given her horns and tail, sleeping normally or on her side must be difficult for her, so this position wasn’t surprising.
She occasionally demonstrated normal sleeping postures, but somehow ended up like this. Plus… considering certain physical attributes, it seemed uncomfortable.
“…Not really. And I’m not going out today anyway. There’s still a meeting going on… right? Besides, they haven’t said it’s okay for you to come along. Who knows what trouble you’ll cause while I’m gone.”
After slightly lifting her tail, Alterra stretched her body despite still lying down, letting out a small groan. Though her words suggested otherwise, her body language hinted at discomfort.
“Ugh… Hey, didn’t you say you confronted Durian? Or was it Duiro…? Be honest. That wasn’t a normal negotiation, was it?”
Alterra cut straight to the chase. Asking this immediately after promising honesty felt a bit unfair, but…
“…Yeah. I borrowed some strength from… a blade and a brush…”
Better to disappoint her slightly than fully deceive her.
Yet, it seems I’ve already disappointed her.
