Chapter 193: Reflection

Each of her words felt like a physical stab to the chest.

I hadn't been thinking at all, had I?

I’d been so absorbed in my own head. I’d genuinely convinced myself that keeping her in the dark was for her own good. Never mind that whenever things actually matter, I’m always leaning on her.

“...That’s not true. I was wrong.”

Cynthia rushed toward me and pulled me into a crushingly tight embrace. I could feel her entire body trembling against mine.

“I’m sorry...”

“There won’t be... a next time for this...”

“Yeah.”

Even as she wept quietly, Cynthia didn't voice another word of reproach. I tentatively glanced over at Lilith, and her expression told me everything I needed to know: she felt the exact same way.

Good grief, I really am an idiot.

“Cynthia-san, I am so sorry,” Carta chimed in, sounding distraught. “I’m just as responsible...”

“It isn’t your fault, Carta-san,” Cynthia replied softly. “I heard that you’re the one who saved him. You have my gratitude.”

Just then, I saw Lilith behind her making frantic gestures for me to take out a handkerchief. I scrambled to pull one from my pocket and pressed it into Cynthia's hand.

“Sorry.”

“...It’s fine,” she said, dabbing her eyes. “I apologize for lashing out like that when we haven’t seen each other in so long. Anyway, Carta-san, thank you again for the dinner invitation.”

“O-oh, no! Please!” Carta stammered, clearly flustered. “B-both you and Lilith-san are more than welcome!”

“Thank you very much! And Weiss-sama, don’t think you’re off the hook with me, either!”

“Right, my bad... Lilith.”

“Oh well,” Lilith teased. “I did get to see a very rare side of Weiss-sama today, so I suppose I can forgive you.”

Cynthia finally let out a soft chuckle at Lilith's comment. I really am useless without these two. As we turned to head back into the mansion—

“So, what was it you were trying to say a moment ago?” Cynthia asked.

“Oh, it was nothing.”

“Is it a secret?”

“...Uh, well...”

I have no idea what the right answer is here. Someone, help!

“I’m just joking. Come on, Weiss, let’s go.”

“...Thanks.”

Beside us, I could have sworn I heard Carta mutter, “...Must be nice.”

However, I have to take this to heart. I really need to reflect on my actions this time.

If it had been you, you probably would’ve handled this a lot better... wouldn’t you, Weiss?