I have heard from Leight that Ryuryu is back. The little sister of the esteemed Miss Nene, and my dear friend.
When Miss Nene left the village, Ryuryu followed her. It was hard to say goodbye, but inevitable. After all, Ryuryu loves her sister.
When I heard about her return, I wanted to go see her right away, but held back. I told myself she must be tired from the long journey.
I have become the head of the shrine after I took over for Miss Nene, but it is not as though I am locked in here. I can leave if I want. Although I cannot stray too far from the village, I am mostly free.
But I feel safest here, so this is typically where I am. In fact, people often tell me that being stuck somewhere is bad for one’s health, and that I should go out once in a while.
“Aren’t you going to go see her?”
Asks Leight, but I can only nod.
After all, she is with…
◇ ◇ ◇
Three days after her arrival, she comes to see me. Maybe it would be more correct to say she has finally come.
But it will be fine if she is alone. In fact, I hope that she comes alone.
Sadly, that is not the case. I was hoping for it, because I heard people that came here with her went on an expedition to the forest, but…
This is why I am nervous.
“It’s been a while, Nell.
My expression loosens when I see Ryuryu’s happy face, but I quickly straighten my back.
“…? What is it?”
She asks while tilting her head.
I focus my eyes on her and try my best not to let her see it, but it is to no avail.
I take a big breath, and speak.
“Yes, Ryuryu… How many years has it been?”
My voice sounds hoarse, because the nerves have made my mouth dry.
“How many years? Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
She never used to talk like this. I feel like her speech has become rougher from being in the city.
“So what brings you here?”
“I’m here to see gramps. I had someone I wanted him to meet. But I’m not needed there anymore, so I came to see you. Ah, I’ve got you something.”
Her expressions change a lot, and she seems happy.
What did she get me? Clothes again?
“Ryuryu, I know you’re happy to see her, but you really should introduce us.”
I hear, as I wonder what Ryuryu has for me. The voice is quiet, but it echoes in my ears.
“Hn’ Is sometin’ wrong, Nell? Ah, everyone, this is my friend Nell.”
I slowly turn their way.
“I am Nell, it is a pleasure to meet you.”
I nervously bow.
“You don’t have to be nervous. My name is Mia. It’s a pleasure.”
The others introduce themselves after Miss Mia.
Miss Mia, Miss Chris, Miss Kaina, and Miss Shizune. And also Elsa and Alto.
Three of them in particular make me gulp. There is no doubt that they are…
“…? Seriously, what’s goin’ on with you?”
Ryuryu’s voice snaps me back.
“No, hum, I’m sorry.”
My mind is racing, so I apologize.
Surely they are all surprised by my sudden reactions, but… But…
“What?”
Ryuryu looks at me with a concerned expression, so I bring her away from the others.
“Ryuryu, did you hear anything from Miss Nene?”
“My sister? About what?”
“Those three… Miss Mia, Miss Chris, and Miss Kaina!”
“Not really.”
That cannot be… Did leaving this place make Miss Nene lose her power?
“Why are you callin’ her Miss Mia? Mia’s fine.”
“E-excuse me.”
“Excuse me…? Ah, my sister was in the castle when King End went to see Sora and the others, but she didn’t go with him.”
Yes! She definitely knew.
Of course. How could we not be nervous around people exuding such divine power?
“Who are those three?”
“Adventurers. Why are you asking?”
I tell her about this divine power, but I am not sure she gets it.
Normal people are probably unable to feel it. She tilts her head, and then tells the others about what I am feeling.
It all happens too suddenly for me to stop her, but if they were purposefully trying to hide it… I shudder.
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Thanks for the treat.
Just a comment, but I think “smiting” should be “smithing”. Numerous places.
Thanks for your excellent work!