CH 5

He extended his hand to me.

His gentleness made me want to receive that hand—

—however.

Allen’s words returned to me.

The silver haired man’s warmness only reminded me of Allen.

Not to mention, their stature was similar, too.

Back when he was trying to take advantage of me, Allen was kind, too. He’d always smile and treat me like a woman after his own heart.

After that experience, I couldn’t help but feel that the silver haired man was merely putting up a front. The sight of his extended hand made me nauseous.

“What’s wrong?”

“…Why?”

I wished I could say thank you.

Instead, I could only suspect him.

“Why did you help me?”

“Isn’t it only natural? You were assaulted by them.”

“You should’ve left me alone.”

Instead of taking his outstretched hand, I hugged my knees and buried my head.

Afraid of being deluded once again, I was desperately trying to not gaze at his kindness.

“Did something happen?”

“Not that it matters.”

“I see. Still, it’s dangerous for a girl to be alone in a place like this. I’m not defending those three. I’m saying that you being here only increases the risk of being attacked by the likes of them.”

“…”

“The rain is getting worse. At this rate, you’ll catch a cold. Where’s your house? Let me escort you.”

“…I told you already, leave me be. Don’t bother with me.”

Then, I heard a snapping sound.

From the corner of my eye, I could see him.

For some reason, he was sitting next to me.

“W, what are you doing?”

“Nothing. I just feel like sitting down. I’ll go once I feel like it.”

“Seriously, why?”

“’Why?’, I can’t just abandon you here, can I?”

“What, is that… uuh—”

—don’t treat me like a woman.

“Don’t… be kind to me.”

“That’s not my intention at all.”

Having said that, he still didn’t budge from my side.

Afterwards, he didn’t say anything. He just sat next to me.

Because of his kindness, without realizing it, I started to cry in the rain.

After a while, I calmed down a little.

The cold rain might have helped calm my head down.

He sat next to me the whole time.

Then, I spoke gently to him.

“…For a while ago.”

“Hmm?”

“Thank you for your help.”

Both gratitude and remorse were mixed into my words.

After I mustered those words, he exhaled a sigh. His sigh was tinged with joy.

“Have you calmed down?”

“…Yes.”

“Okay, then I’ll send you home.”

“…—nowhere.”

“Eh?”

“I have nowhere… to return to.

I crouched again.

Then, he told me.

“…Um. It’s fine if you don’t want to, I won’t force you. But, can you please tell me what happened?”

“Eh…?”

“Unless I know what happened, I won’t know if I can help you.”

“…”

Again, he spoke some kind words to me.

I was sure his words came from a good place.

Despite that, I found it difficult to believe him.

…In the end, I told him what happened.

I was already exhausted. I just spilled everything.

“What’s that… that’s just too horrible.”

After listening, he was so angry, his eyebrows were furrowed while his fist shook.

Why was he so angry? It wasn’t like he had anything to do with me…

“Toying with someone’s feelings… that’s the worst thing a man can do. That kind of guy is the hero? The holy sword must be blind, then.”

“…Why are you so angry?”

“Anyone would be angry if they hear such a story. Aren’t you frustrated for being treated like that?”

“I am.”

Only after he said that did I notice.

I was so busy drowning in my sorrow, I had forgotten about my anger.

It was too sad, too painful—as such, I was too weak to get angry.

After I had calmed down, my anger gradually rose.

“I’m frustrated… I indeed am! It’s not like I enjoyed getting covered in soot, either!”

That was right.

The court blacksmith was a position I aquired after I desperately tried to survive.

I wanted to fulfil my parents’ wish so they could watch me from heaven with peace of mind.

At first, that was my only drive. However, because Allen treated me nicely, I began to fall for him…

“Aah—! How foolish I was—! To fall for such a man, I’m so stupid—!”

“Pfft, hahahaha—!”

“W, what is it?”

“No, nothing. I’m just glad that you’re feeling better.”

He gradually stood and turned to me.

“Can you stand?”

With that said, he reached out his hand once again.

His smile looked even gentler than before.

I hadn’t only vented my frustration, but also told a stranger my life’s story—I felt a little relieved.

“Yes.”

I took his hand and tried to get up as well.

After managing to stand up, I faltered and almost collapsed.

He kindly supported me.

“If you like, why don’t you come to our guild?”

“Guild?”

Guild—as in, a group of adventurers?

“It’s called the ‘Sword of the Blue Sky’. It should be quite famous in this city. There’re women, too. Because our members are people of various circumstances, I’m sure they’ll accept you with open hands.”

“…Is it okay?”

“Yes. I’ll speak to the guild master.”

“…Why are you so kind to me?”

“I’m not. But, since you are asking me that, I guess it’s because I can’t leave you alone.”

He pretended to laugh in a shy manner.

“W, what are you saying?”

“Hahaha, then? What are you going to do? Are you coming with me?”

“…Yes.”

I nodded.

I still didn’t wholly trust him.

Despite that, I felt that he was different from Allen.

I had no basis, but the warmth from his hand assured me.