Interlude 20
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Here, we will refer to her as Omi, in accordance with her own wishes.
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Entrusted by Ichiro to look after the Tesoro siblings, Chloe and Chloa, Omi remains at Vienetta with Anon.
Anon, eager to discuss future plans as allies in the Sealed Domain, finds himself frustrated as both Chloe, the Clan Master, and Chloa, the Vice Master, remain unconscious in the infirmary.
Impatient and overwhelmed with other work, Anon asks Omi, 「I’m sorry, but would you mind looking after the two of them?」
Omi, without showing any displeasure, responds with a dignified expression, 「Of course, leave them to me. You should attend to your duties.」 She nods twice in quick succession. However, she soon regrets her decision.
By nature (?) Omi struggles to remain silent and has a somewhat restless personality.
She tries to distract herself by doing radio calisthenics without regard for being in the infirmary. Then she quietly performs some kind of dance, and just when it seems she’s finished, she starts humming a Japanese pop song while making window-washing gestures on the spot. She indulges in these solo activities that would make any onlooker raise an eyebrow.
As she inwardly sighs with melancholy, thinking 「Won’t they wake up soon?」, she senses Chloe stirring in his bed. Omi’s face softens with relief.
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「Are you awake, Chloe?」
「You are—」
「Stay as you are. Don’t strain yourself, just rest.」
She shows concern for Chloe, who tries to sit up quickly.
「No, this is necessary. Omi.」
Chloe sits up, his face filled with intensity.
「What is it?」
「First, I want to apologize for initially refusing your request so coldly.」
「Don’t worry about it.」
「And thank you for saving Chloa.」
Chloe bows his head deeply, revealing the nape of his neck.
「Really, it’s not necessary… but if you insist on thanking someone—」
Omi’s expression turns mischievous, like a playful cat.
「Say ‘thank you’ to my son-in-law.」
She flashes a charming smile, adding, 「You haven’t done that yet, have you?」
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「I promise. I’ll definitely thank him too.」
Omi nods with satisfaction at Chloe’s response.
「Still, who exactly is he—Low?」
「’Son-in-law’ is ‘son-in-law,’ that’s all I can say.」
Omi chuckles with amusement, 「Kufufu.」
「He possesses rare items that even royalty doesn’t have, and he uses them for others without hesitation. Moreover, he says he doesn’t want any reward. I would have been willing to offer him everything I have if he wished—」
「Regardless of my son-in-law’s true identity, such trivial matters don’t define him as a person. Besides, doesn’t everyone have a secret or two they can’t tell others?」
「Indeed… you’re right.」
A shadow crosses Chloe’s face.
Normally, this wouldn’t have shown on his face, but due to his lingering exhaustion, Chloe unintentionally reveals a bitter expression.
「Chloe, what my son-in-law needs most right now isn’t money or fame.
What he needs most is relationships with people he can trust each other with. That’s what’s most necessary for him, exhausted as he is.」
Omi continues,
「So, Chloe, be an ally to my son-in-law. I vouch for his character. He may be a fool, but he’s not stupid—he’s a genuinely kindhearted person through and through.」
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Chloe calls for a subordinate to bring the sword he had left in his office.
「This sword is the Magic Sword Catena, isn’t it?」
Chloe gasps in surprise at Omi’s unexpected statement.
「Moreover, this is 《Catena Unique》. I’m amazed. I’ve only seen 《Craft Catena》 once before… So that’s why such a dangerous thing as 《Eightfold Curse》—」
Omi stops mid-sentence, as if something has clicked. 「Ah, I see now,」 she says, clapping her hands.
「Why do you—」
Chloe starts to speak but swallows his words. He shakes his head three times.
「No, I won’t pry further.」
「Chloe. You’ve been through a lot of hardship too, haven’t you?」
Having said this, Omi has a flash of inspiration. Her lips curl up like a mischievous cat.
「So, you’re…」
「What…?!」
Hearing this, Chloe becomes flustered. He takes a deep breath, managing to calm himself down.
Omi smiles broadly, like a child who has successfully pulled off a prank.
「Ahem, it’s fine. Omi, if it’s you, you should understand how important this sword is to me. This sword is my very essence.」
Chloe’s eyes light up with blue flames.
「So, I swear on this Catena!
No matter what hardships Low may face in the future, I will be his ally and his strength, even if it costs me this Catena and my life!」
Chloe makes his vow, raising the unsheathed sword.
Omi watches this scene with satisfaction.
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