The Only One For Each Other (1)
The fox didn't trust humans.
It was because of a memory from a more naive time, when her life had crumbled due to an utter betrayal.
-I'm a small business owner from the capital.
-I came near the village for work, and since I'm here, I'd like to get to know you all.
-I want to be your friend.
She couldn't count how many times she'd regretted it.
If she hadn't trusted that man, if she hadn't relied on him so easily, the village wouldn't have turned into a sea of flames.
The cruel memory remained as a massive trauma.
The day her world vanished in flames.
Irene swore.
That she would never trust humans again.
That she would never be pathetically betrayed again for relying on others with a weak heart.
The principle that had grown within her bound the girl tightly.
'I won't be fooled.'
I won't believe.
I won't rely.
I don't want to.
Even if they seem nice now, humans will betray you the moment you turn your back.
I must never depend on them.
She had lived by that belief.
She thought it would always be that way.
It certainly was like that.
-Would you like to be tamed by me?
She had met a strange boy.
At first, she had no choice.
To save her siblings, she had to accept help even from the humans she hated.
She joined hands with him, thinking it would be just this once.
-I'll take you in.
-I'll help you escape this hellish place.
But she didn't let her guard down.
She had made a choice out of necessity, not because she connected that shallow hope with trust.
Rather, she often displayed open hostility.
However.
-I just need a friend.
Even then, the boy didn't back down.
He just stood quietly beside her, extending his hand.
She received help every time.
-You don't have to worry.
-Your siblings are being well taken care of here.
He took in her siblings, who were her entire world.
He gave the children, who had been confined to cages, a warm home and a life free from anxiety.
-I came to rescue you.
-It's all right now. You really held on well.
Even when she was captured by the dark mages, the boy came running as if it were natural.
He held the exhausted fox in his arms and comforted her for a long time.
Whispering the kindest words.
-Irene.
-If I can make you even a little less unhappy, I'll gladly lend you my strength.
Every time, the fox was confused.
She didn't want to admit it.
The hatred she felt towards humans was gradually fading.
So she kept pushing the approaching boy away.
'This is strange.'
Cracks appeared in her firm resolve.
Light entered her dark life.
He gave her the peace she had longed for.
Listening to his kind words, it felt like the walls she had built deep within her heart would collapse at any moment.
She couldn't say it, but she felt afraid.
'I shouldn't rely on him.'
I shouldn't let my guard down.
I shouldn't trust him.
But her heart wouldn't listen, and she found herself increasingly leaning on him.
So she tried to be alone even more.
'I have to··· handle my own affairs.'
That was the reason she didn't ask for help.
She couldn't bring herself to ask.
Because of her foolish stubbornness not to trust humans.
She seemed to be collapsing in a mess, but the boy was watching over her this time as well.
He supported her at the most dangerous moment.
-You did well, Irene.
-Lean on me and rest for a while. I know you have a lot to say, but it's okay to postpone it.
A gentle voice that melted her ears.
The moment she heard it, her heart relaxed.
Her fear dispersed, her legs lost their strength, her eyes grew hot, and her fists clenched involuntarily.
Why did she feel so reassured?
'I.'
The fox realized.
She couldn't deny it anymore.
The emotions that kept surging felt like they were about to spill over, crashing like waves.
She decided to accept it.
'I, you.'
She had come to rely on him.
Despite her lifelong vow to distrust others, he was the only one she came to trust.
Perhaps it had taken too long
"Haa..."
A tired breath stretched out thinly.
We almost became fish food together.
The waves that crashed in the dawn were truly a disaster.
At least, thanks to my body recovering to some extent, I was able to survive.
Irene roughly brushed back her tangled hair.
"...I can't afford to be exhausted."
A softly muttered monologue.
As if hypnotizing herself, she mumbled and forced her shaky legs to stand up.
Then, she carefully lifted the boy's lying body.
It was obvious that there would be a problem if she left him like this.
He had overcome a major crisis, but he hadn't regained consciousness yet.
Since he had fallen into the sea, it would be difficult to maintain his body temperature.
He needed to change out of his wet clothes and rest in a warm place right away.
'It's such a large ship... there must be cabins, right?'
The girl thought as she took a step.
Just as she was about to step inside the ship.
"We meet again."
A voice came from behind.
It was Obscurity.
When did he return? The young man was leaning against the railing, cleaning his hidden weapons.
His black suit was drenched in blood.
"...!"
The fox reacted belatedly and stepped back.
She hid the boy she was holding in her arms and raised the sword she had been using as a cane.
Perhaps it was because of her depleted stamina.
Her arms trembled, but the girl didn't show it and took her stance.
At the end of the sword's gaze, green hair fluttered.
"I don't know why you're on guard."
Obscurity responded indifferently.
His expression was unwavering, without a hint of emotion.
At first glance, he seemed uninterested in her, but Irene didn't dare let her guard down.
It was because she remembered the conversation the two had just had.
'They didn't seem to be on good terms.'
At the very least, it was clear that they were opposing forces.
The content of their exchange had been fierce.
Since he had said he had cut off the monarch's right arm, there seemed to be enough reason for Obscurity to hold a grudge against him.
Moreover, wasn't this the perfect opportunity with the boy unconscious?
'Damn it... he's not going to miss this chance, is he?'
Convinced, Irene prepared for battle.
However.
Obscurity didn't make any move.
He just silently checked his equipment and straightened his dirty clothes.
"Hmm."
"...?"
Her ominous prediction was cleanly overturned.
As she looked at him with a questioning look, Obscurity, who had finished his preparations, spoke to her calmly.
It was a very businesslike tone.
"You don't have to be on guard. I have no intention of attacking."
"What...?"
Irene narrowed her eyes.
She seemed confused.
To refuse to attack in this situation.
She stared at him as if asking his intentions, but Obscurity remained indifferent.
He only muttered a few incomprehensible words.
"I'm just following orders."
"What does that..."
"He doesn't want the star to die. Even if we seize the right opportunity, it's meaningless if it doesn't please the master."
Obscurity fell silent for a moment.
Then he continued.
"...More importantly, there's a reason why I can't kill him."
"A reason?"
"Unfortunately, I can't tell you any more. It's not something I can speak about carelessly."
"..."
"If you're really curious, ask him yourself."
Obscurity unilaterally ended the conversation.
He was already standing on the railing, as if he had finished tidying up.
He bowed his head politely.
"I'll be going now."
"What?"
"I've fulfilled the deal. There won't be any other troops on the ship. I've taken care of the bodies, so feel free to use it."
"Wait a minute..."
"Please give him my regards when he wakes up. Then, I'll be off."
Flap-!
Obscurity jumped over the railing without hesitation.
The young man disappeared without a trace.
Then, a bird appeared.
Green wings flapped powerfully.
It glided through the night sky at high speed, moving away.
The fox just stared blankly at his retreating figure.
***
"..."
I opened my eyes with a hazy focus.
What came into view was an unfamiliar ceiling.
As I retraced the faint memories, I soon realized that this place was inside a ship.
It was exactly the same as the rooms I had glimpsed in passing.
'It was Irene, after all.'
Just before losing consciousness, I recall the crimson hair that had waved before my eyes.
How much time has passed?
A throbbing headache reverberates through my head.
Perhaps it was because I overexerted myself using my abilities; my condition wasn't very pleasant.
I exhale deeply.
'First, I need to assess the situation.'
As I shake off the remnants of sleep and try to lift my body from where I lay,
I suddenly feel a sense of discomfort.
"Hmm...?"
My body felt unusually heavy.
It was as if something soft was pressing down on me.
Following the direction of the weight, I lower my gaze and see an entirely unexpected scene.
There was a swaying crimson tail.
"......"
Black eyes stared intently at me.
The girl lying on top of me gave a faint smile as our eyes met.
"......You're awake."
A calm whisper tingles in my ears.
It was none other than Irene.
The fox, wearing only a thin white shirt, was lying against me as if she were nestled in my arms.
The ears atop her head drooped comfortably.
"I was worried... You didn't wake up for two days."
Irene rested her cheek against my chest.
I could only remain frozen in place, repeatedly asking questions in my bewilderment.
"......?"
What is this?
What exactly happened?
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