“…Ahh… My stomach hurts.”
“Hey Merlin. Quit it already.”
“Xellos… It’s all because you made a promise without asking me.”
“I didn’t do it because I wanted to either!”
Luna and I are going back after we washed our faces, and Xellos and Merlin are following us while having a little argument.
I just wanted to invite our neighbors to have lunch with us, but they have despair painted on their faces like they just stepped into the first layer of hell.
“Mister, why are those two looking so gloomy?”
“Hm, how should I put this… I think they’re misunderstanding all sorts of things.”
“Are they…”
I want these misunderstandings to be cleared as soon as possible.
It’s been a while since I reincarnated on this island, but I’ve only met good people.
I’m sure Xellos and Merlin can smile along with us if we eat together.
“…The path is pretty nice in this area.”
“Yes, we use it a lot, so I fixed it with earth magic.”
“You did? Are you a mage?”
Unlike Merlin, who is still wary of me, Xellos talks to me like he’s sort of used to me.
His voice sounds particularly friendly now, probably because this is a topic that interests him.
“I wouldn’t call myself a mage, but I’ve been learning magic from Reina.”
“Eh… Well, she was called Myriad Mage, so it might be nice if she can teach you the details.”
“Myriad Mage?”
I repeat it as I tilt my head, because I’ve never heard that before, and Xellos also tilts his head.
“What, you didn’t know?”
“No. I never really needed to know, and I didn’t even know mages had nicknames until you two got here.”
For example, Xellos’ is Extinguishing Fire, and Merlin’s is Holy Water. It’s easy to imagine what kind of mages they are by those nicknames alone.
“…What does Myriad Mage mean?”
“Well…”
“Hey Xellos. Aren’t you getting a little carried away, leaking information about other mages?”
Merlin interjects.
“So what? It’s not like he’s an enemy. It’s fine.”
“It’s not fine. If Reina hasn’t told him about it, she must have a reason.”
“Ah… You have a point.”
Xellos says, looking a little awkward.
“Sorry, but you’ll have to ask her.”
“Ah, sure. I don’t mind.”
It’s not like I’m all that curious, but it feels a bit sad to know that Reina’s going out of her way to not tell me.
Then again, maybe she just didn’t feel the need to tell me because I don’t know anything about mages or the continent in general.
As I think that, Luna starts pulling on my clothes.
“Hey mister.”
“Hn?”
“It’s all right. Reina likes you a lot.”
Did I have a sullen look on my face?
If I did, it’s gone now, replaced by a smile caused by Luna saying that like it’s obvious, with those pure eyes of hers.
“Yes. And I like Reina too.”
As a friend, of course. Reina said the same thing to me.
We’re building a relationship of mutual respect, so I’m thinking that small sadness I was feeling just now was misguided.
“Thanks Luna.”
“Nfufu.”
I say while petting her fluffy fox ears, and she smiles.
“…”
“…Kind of cute.”
The two people behind us are staring at us.
After walking through the path in the forest that I’m used to walking every day, we reach the tent that’s pretty much my home now.
“We’re back Reina.”
“We’re back!”
Reina comes out of the tent, looking even more intelligent than usual, with the small glasses she uses when she reads.
Apparently she’s done showering Katima with questions, and she’s also done preparing breakfast, so she was just reading and waiting for us to come back.
“Welcome back you two… And why are there two more with you?”
“Actually…”
That’s right, I forgot to talk to her about Xellos and Merlin because of everything that happened yesterday, so I do so now.
After listening to what I have to say, Reina looks like she’s thinking for a moment, and then she sighs.
“…Was that bad?”
The past is the past, and the present is the present. It’d be nice if it was that simple, but apparently it isn’t.
From what I’ve heard, Reina didn’t have a friendly relationship with the other members of the seven great mages, but it’s not like they were enemies either.
That’s why I figured it was all right, but maybe I was too naive.
But maybe Reina senses that I’m feeling unsure, because after looking a little troubled, she gives me a light smile.
“Don’t make that face. If that’s what you wanted to do, it’s fine. But it’s not like I don’t have my own thoughts about it.”
“I just think we should get along, if we’re going to live on this island together.”
“Well, sure… We’re not in the kingdom anymore.”
Says Reina, as she turns their way again.
“Xellos, Merlin… This island is an incredible place, but it’s not a bad place to live once you get used to it. I know you have your own thoughts about it too, but let’s forget the bonds of the past and get along”
““…””
They look a little awkward. There really might be more to it that I don’t know, but it’s not my business, so I shouldn’t pry any more.
And judging by what I’ve learned about them so far from talking to them, Xellos and Merlin aren’t bad. In fact, they seem to be troubled by a lot of things about this island, but they’ve shown to be caring from time to time.
They hesitate when Reina puts out her hand, but Xellos is the first one to respond.
He scratches his head, and takes a step forward.
“Ah! Geez! All right all right! Sorry about everything, Reina! Let’s get along from now on!”
“Yes. I hope we can, Xellos.”
They share a firm handshake, and Xellos turns to Merlin.
“Hey, give it up already.”
“…All right. Ahh… I never thought this would happen after I climbed my way into being one of the seven great mages.”
Merlin looks tired, but still takes Reina’s hand.
“Let’s get along, Reina.”
“Yes.”
They’re both beautiful, so it looks wonderful when they stand together and smile like that.
Merlin in particular has an adult allure to her that I’m sure would’ve charmed me immediately if I was a normal guy.
“Just so you know, she’s pretty old.”
“…I don’t think that’s a good way to put it.”
I’m sure if she heard it, Xellos’ partner would make him leave this world quicker than any of the beasts on this island.
“You can be more casual with us too. We owe you, and I don’t like to be too formal either.”
“All right, likewise.”
“Then, again, let’s get along.”
As we talk, Reina and Merlin talk a little far away.
Now that I think about it, the only guys I’ve really talked to since I got here are Elga and Gaius. It feels weirdly nice to have a new male friend.
And as I think that, Luna, who’s been quiet this whole time, approaches Xellos.
“Hey.”
“Hn? What?”
“Aren’t you scared of Luna anymore?”
Luna asks as she looks up at Xellos with a worried expression.
…Was she actually shocked that someone was scared of her?
I think Xellos is thinking the same thing, as he has an awkward look on his face, but still makes sure to face Luna.
“Sorry. I’m… Not scared anymore. Oh, and I forgot to say this, but thanks for saving us yesterday.”
“…Yes!”
I can feel that Xellos’ apology and gratitude are sincere, and Luna responds with a full smile on her face.
And as a peaceful mood fills the air, Katima the alfar girl exits the tent.
“…Katima’s getting hungry…”
Reina and I laugh when we hear this. We also realize that we really are having a late breakfast today.
“Well then, let’s eat. And let’s splurge too, as a way to welcome Merlin and Xellos.”
“Yay!”
“Yes… Can’t wait.”
The two girls exude happiness after hearing Reina.
As for me, I think it’s nice that Reina is accepting Xellos and Merlin.
“Let’s all try to work together.”
“Sure.”
“Yes.”
I don’t know what their lives are going to be like on this island.
Maybe they’re going to keep trying to escape no matter what. If that’s the case, I guess it’s fine. I’ll help them.
This island is free. Do what you want, and live in a way that makes you smile.
I’m sure I’m going to meet a lot more people from now on. And a lot more things are going to happen too.
I’m going to take it all, and try to enjoy my life here as much as I can.
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Thanks for the treat.