Chapter 240
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「That was quite a long talk. But lastly, I want to ask you three something,」
Angie tilts her head and asks, 「What is it?」
「What are your plans from here on out?」
It’s an incredibly vague question.
However, my true meaning should be clear to them.
「I want to stay by Master’s side.」
Eris says, quickly moving to stand next to me.
When I burst out laughing, Eris looks at me with sad eyes and asks, 「Is that… not allowed?」
「It’s not that it’s not allowed, but having you stay at the cabin just like this would be…」
「Master… is it really not allowed?」
Eris asks with even sadder eyes.
「Talk it over with Sena.」
Sorry Sena! As I mentally apologize to Sena for leaving this to her, Angie answers my question next.
「I’ve received an offer to teach at the Royal School, so I’m thinking of accepting that. I’d also like to do some research on the side.」
「That’s amazing! You’ll definitely make a great teacher, Angie! You were so patient with someone like me who started with zero knowledge.」
Almost all the magic I use now was created and developed together with her. It’s thanks to her that I, who started with no knowledge, can now use magic to this extent.
「Stop that. It’s because Ichiro worked hard.」
「Don’t be so modest. Angie, you understand how people who struggle feel. That’s going to help a lot of people.」
「Flattery will get you nowhere.」
She says with a laugh, patting my shoulder.
Every day without getting bored, we would spend hours talking about trivial things, staying up all night in conversation.
That’s right. This is how she and I would laugh together.
「Angelica’s abilities are truly remarkable. I have no doubt she’ll become a first-rate teacher.」
Mika gives her stamp of approval.
「More importantly, what are you planning to do, Mika?」
Angie asks.
「I plan to revisit the path we’ve traveled together.」
Eris tilts her head, seemingly not understanding. Noticing this, Mika continues with a more detailed explanation.
「In the towns we passed through, there are still people suffering from Ryūgūin’s foolish actions. I want to help heal them, even if just a little. Of course, this is just for my own satisfaction, but…」
Back then, she was dominated by a sense of nihilism.
「I’m ashamed to admit it, but until just recently, I was planning to seclude myself in a monastery in the far north to take responsibility for everything.」
At that time, I had no way to stop her from withdrawing from society. However—
「During my time with Lady Omi, she repeatedly taught me that ‘withdrawing from society is not atonement,’ that ‘leaving society without making amends is running away,’ and that ‘surely there are things to do before running away.’」
That’s so like Sensei!
「Taking her words to heart, I kept thinking about what I should really do from now on. That’s how I arrived at the idea of healing those who were hurt by our actions during our previous journey.」
She, who had once worn an expression of complete resignation, is now trying to think and act for herself. Back then, I couldn’t have convinced her.
I love you, Sensei!
「When I told Lady Omi about this plan, she said ‘I’ll go with you,’ and before I knew it, we had decided to travel together.」
「Wait, what?! Sensei is going too?」
This is the first I’m hearing of this.
What about Sena? Is she going to leave Sena, who adores Sensei, and go somewhere again?
「Yes, with Lady Omi. Just thinking about having her with me makes me feel relieved and stronger.」
Mika answers my question.
「I see… is that why? You look better than when I last saw you, Mika.」
「Sir Yamada, what are you saying… geez…」
Mika blushes, placing both hands on her cheeks.
Though she’s as serious as ever, her expression is incredibly endearing.
After discussing everyone’s future plans, we’ll soon part ways.
But I absolutely won’t let this be the last time.
「I have something I want to give to everyone.」
I take out three of *those* from my magic bag.
These were finally made after I begged Chloa with the most unreasonable of unreasonable requests, paying for the missing materials and costs by emptying out my treasure trove of gold, silver, and valuables.
I’m so nervous my heart feels like it might jump out of my mouth.
While all three of them look puzzled at my words, I continue speaking as I hand these items to them.
「You all said you wanted to make amends to me, right?」
Unable to read the intent behind my words, they all nod timidly in their own ways.
「In that case,」
I pause here to wet my lips with my tongue.
「Would you listen to the favor I’m about to ask?」
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