I stared out the window in a state of gloom, lost in the void.
"…Lord Luca, just where did you go…?"
It had been nearly a week since Lord Luca’s sudden disappearance.
To call it a disappearance was to understate such an utterly mysterious phenomenon. Light had abruptly swallowed Lord Luca, and he had vanished just like that.
I needed to find him immediately, and yet my body wouldn't move.
I had been searching—searching for so long. From the very moment he vanished, I had scoured the Holy Kingdom relentlessly, looking for Lord Luca…
"…Rain, again."
Ever since Lord Luca vanished, the skies over this country had never cleared. Rain and that ash continued to fall without end.
Somewhere, even now, Lord Luca might be shivering.
…I had the nerve to say I would protect him no matter what. Even though Lord Luca is weak, and he said he can no longer use the power of his Artifact.
What if he was transported to an unknown land all alone?
What if… he is dead?
Hypotheses I didn't even want to consider kept echoing in my head of their own accord. If only I knew for certain, I could have hope. If only I knew his status, I could follow him.
To me, who had lost everything, you were the one who gave me a reason to be… If I lose that, can I even say I am alive?
My eyes happened to fall upon a thick, ominous black book sitting on the desk. It was the calamity itself, known as an Original Tome, which I had kept hidden ever since the incident in the Royal Capital.
Perhaps now is the time.
If I burn everything to ash, maybe he will be found.
Despair made me reach my hand toward the Original Tome. Just as my hand touched the cover and began to open it—
『—How about Yuka?』
…!
『There’s a tree called the eucalyptus.』
A nostalgic, gentle voice—young, yet filled with a sense of responsibility.
『They say its flower language is "happiness."』
『So, I thought this would be a good name for you.』
The scene from that day came back vividly, as if it were being reenacted right before my eyes.
Back then, my eyes must have been dark, devoid of light. The smile of the person who looked after me then felt incredibly precious. Those words colored my world once more.
…It is too soon to dye the world in ash. That would waste even Lord Luca’s mercy.
I cannot afford to lose this name I received from Lord Luca. I cannot die yet. Lord Luca is alive.
…But if this world continues to keep me and Lord Luca apart, then this world has no value. I cannot find any reason for its existence.
Please wait for me, Lord Luca… I am coming for you now.
Rain continued to fall on the Holy Kingdom. The eyes of the girl staring out at it were deep and beautiful, yet clouded with a profound darkness.
◇◆◇
"Alright, Licia, hit me with your best shot!"
"Yes, do your best."
Licia used her Flame magic to herd a rabbit running through the forest toward me.
With Licia’s Route Restriction and my catch, it’s game over for you! I’ll show you the power of a Former Life Goalkeeper (Lies)!
"Right there! Ha!"
The rabbit came flying straight at me; its trajectory was as unreadable as a Gyroball. …But it seemed my luck wasn't half bad. I managed to pull the fluffy object into my embrace.
"…Are you alright, Luca?"
"Yeah, thanks to Licia, I caught it perfectly…!"
T-this guy has some pretty good physical specs.
"Are you really okay?"
"Yeah, I’m—gaff!?"
He kicked me right in the stomach…!
"Ah, Luca, give that to me. I’ll turn it into ash."
"No! We have to eat it—ack (Passes away)."
…Farewell, My Little Junior.
Heh, my consciousness is about to be reaped right along with it.
"Lu-Luca? What’s wrong?"
"Don't worry about it. It's just that my crotch is dead."
"I see. I'm definitely burning it to a crisp then."
Poor Mr. Rabbit, I couldn't even find the strength to say no anymore. My junior… my junior…
For a while, I remained face down in a half-conscious state while holding the rabbit. Night soon arrived. We were living as usual by a campfire near the lake.
"It looks like it's already dead."
"Maybe it ran out of strength because you were squashing it for so long."
I had been wondering how to process the rabbit, but it seemed the task was already done. I felt a bit sorry for it, but considering the grudge from my stomach and my junior, we were even. I would try to be as grateful as possible while eating.
The Stone Knife I made yesterday—a Stone Tool, so to speak—had a surprisingly good edge for something just chipped into shape. I realized then that the act of catching, killing, processing, and eating an animal yourself is the best way to truly empathize with it. If you just buy it or just grill it, the gratitude and the weight of that life feel lighter.
I cooked it thoroughly before carving it up. Since there were no seasonings, I wasn't used to the taste, but I still found it delicious.
"Here, say 'ahh'."
"I'm not doing that."
"What are you saying? Love is the best seasoning, you know?"
"Don't say things like that so casually."
Licia looked a little dejected. …It wasn't that I disliked the idea, nor was I particularly embarrassed.
"…Licia, here."
"Eh?"
"I thought I should go first. Look."
I held out a bite-sized piece of rabbit meat in front of Licia. Surprised, she took it in one bite.
"How was it?"
"…It's delicious."
Licia’s face was a bit red as she said that.
"N-now it's Luca's turn."
"Yes, yes. Down the hatch."
I stuffed the meat she offered into my mouth and chewed. …Indeed, it felt like the flavor grew richer with every bite.
"…How is it?"
"It's delicious. Thanks."
"Let's do it one more time."
"W-was it really that good?"
Licia opened her mouth for another 'ahh,' and without any resistance, I prepared to offer her another piece of meat.
It was then.
Rustle!
"—!"
"…It's a person. Get closer to me."
Licia remained calm while I was startled. I followed her lead and stood by her side.
"Who's there? If you're hostile, I won't show mercy."
Licia warned the bushes.
Swoosh!
The reply that came back was incredibly dangerous. A dagger flew between us and thudded into a tree trunk.
"Looks like we pulled a dud for our First Villager…"
"Don't move away, Luca."
Magical Power and a Red Magic Formula enveloped Licia. The presence that had yet to reveal itself from the bushes continued to emit an eerie aura.