192: Cynthia’s Tears

I’d been worried about the fallout if anyone caught the two of us sharing a broom, so I was relieved we’d managed to beat the others there.

In front of the mansion, a carriage ascended the slope, the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves echoing through the air. It hadn’t actually been that long since I’d last seen her, but it felt like an eternity. I tried to suppress my racing heart, but I couldn't stop a grin from spreading across my face.

The carriage finally pulled to a halt, and Lilith was the first to step out. She usually handled maid duties for me, but it seemed she’d taken some time off specifically to go and pick her up ahead of schedule.

Then, leading her by the hand, Cynthia appeared. Her long, beautiful hair shimmered like spun gold—looking even more radiant than usual. She was supposed to be incredibly busy with matters outside of the Academy in Noblesse, yet she always managed to carve out time for me like this.

"Lady Carta, it has been a long time," Cynthia said, greeting her with perfect poise.

"Eh? Ah, yeah! I hope you've been doing well too, Cynthia?" Carta replied, sounding a bit caught off guard.

"Yes. I am as I always am."

Cynthia had addressed Carta before even looking at me. Her expression was one of genuine, profound relief. Lilith, standing beside her, was wearing a look even sharper and more piercing than usual.

Wait, did they see us on the broom? Crap... I’d better say something before things get ugly.

"I'm sorry, Cynthia. I was in a hurry—"

"Weiss," Cynthia interrupted. "Is there not something you should say to me first?"

She had almost never cut me off like that before. Oh man, she’s beyond pissed. I started to scramble for an excuse, my mind racing in a panic.

"No, you've got it wrong, Cynthia! Allen is—"

The next thing I knew, her right hand was a blur.

CRACK.

She slapped me across the cheek with everything she had.

I was too stunned to even make a sound. My vision swam for a moment. I was shocked that my Inviolable Domain hadn't triggered to protect me, but more than that... Why did she do it?

"Wh-Wh-What?! Cynthia?!" Carta screamed, sounding just as panicked as I felt.

I finally snapped out of it and looked back at Cynthia. Tears were streaming down her cheeks.

"You likely thought I was too busy, or that I would only worry," she sobbed. "I understand that much. But if one thing had gone wrong, it would have been a catastrophe! Why... why didn't you tell me? I... Weiss, if something happened to you... I couldn't bear it."

And there it was. I finally realized just how much of an idiot I’d been. I had kept her in the dark about the fact that I’d been thrown in a dungeon. Looking at Lilith’s grim expression, the pieces fell into place. Cynthia was right; that was exactly why I’d hidden it from her.

I had no idea how the news had reached her ears, but there was something far more important I had to convey first.

"...I'm so sorry."

"Do you not trust me?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Am I not standing by your side?"

―――――――――――――――――――――――

【Kakuyomu Contest 9 New Work】

I have posted a new work!

There are a tremendous number of entries this time, and stories can get buried very quickly ( ;∀;)

I really believe the content is interesting, so would you please consider following the story and giving it a ☆?

To my readers, please lend me your strength!

Reincarnated as the Strongest and Most Evil Villain, I Act Behind the Scenes for the Sake of the Original Hero

https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16817330668130826322