The birds chirped with a crisp clarity.
Soft sunlight filtered through the leaves, granting me a slow, gentle transition into wakefulness.
It had been six months since we left the Holy Theocracy.
We were now living on the outskirts of a small village. Though I called it a village, our home was a small wooden house built atop a hill.
Opening the window revealed a vast meadow. Birds sang at dawn, and a blanket of stars filled the sky at night.
Our days were so peaceful it was hard to believe that only half a year ago, I had been locked in a life-or-death struggle.
"Luca! Breakfast is ready!"
Licia’s voice drifted up from the floor below.
"I didn't burn it today, so don't worry!"
"Could you stop talking like that's the default?" I called back.
I descended the stairs with a wry smile. When I opened the door, the savory scent of bread tickled my nose.
"I helped out today too," Sera said with a smile. She looked far more natural than she had when we first arrived.
She wore a black eyepatch over her right eye. Licia similarly wore one over her left. I had already grown accustomed to the sight.
"Here, sit down," Licia urged, and I took my seat.
"Let’s eat."
Let’s eat.
It was a quiet table, yet strangely, it didn't feel lonely. Moments like these were perhaps the peak of happiness.
◇
"Luca-niichan!"
As noon approached, the children ran up the hill just like they did every day.
"Back again?" I asked.
"Let’s play!"
"I brought a wooden sword today!"
"I played with you guys yesterday too..."
As I gave a weary smile, Licia shrugged.
"You’re quite popular, aren't you?"
"Don't talk like it’s someone else’s problem."
"I’m busy with a nap, so I’ll pass."
"Don't be so proud of being lazy."
Sera let out a small laugh as she watched our exchange.
At first, there had been a certain distance between us and the villagers. We were fugitives who couldn't speak of our pasts, and I hadn't intended to get involved with them more than necessary.
However, things changed. I helped with the farm work. I split firewood. I fixed fences the children had broken. Through the accumulation of such trivial things, the villagers eventually began to treat us as their own.
"Luka-kun!"
I turned to see the woman from the bakery walking toward us with a basket.
"I baked a few too many, so take these!"
"Again?"
"It’s fine, it’s fine! Young people need to eat!"
"Thank you very much."
"Give my regards to Licia-chan and Sera-chan too!"
The people here were truly kind. They never tried to pry into our circumstances. Since I couldn't have answered them anyway, I was grateful for their restraint.
"Luca-niichan!"
"Let’s go fishing next time!"
"Today is tag!"
"One at a time, one at a time!"
The children tugged on my arms, and I couldn't help but laugh.
"...Luca," Sera murmured softly. "No matter where you go, it ends up like this, doesn't it?"
"He's always been that way," Licia agreed with a smile. "He just doesn't notice it himself."
"No, that's not—"
"Yes, it is," they both said instantly.
Sera gave a little giggle. "It really is."
"Even you, Sera..."
Just as I was about to argue, a little girl tugged on my shirt.
"Big brother!"
"Hmm?"
"I love you!"
I froze. The surrounding adults burst into laughter.
"Now, now, don't trouble him."
"But it’s true!"
"...Haha."
"Ehehe!"
When I patted her head, the girl laughed happily. Just looking at that smile made me think...
Ah, this was for the best.
I found myself truly believing that.
On the way back up the hill, I looked back to see smoke from the evening meals rising from the village chimneys.
"...It’s peaceful," Licia murmured.
"Yeah," Sera agreed.
I smiled slightly as I gazed at the village dyed in the colors of the sunset. The two of them went inside to prepare dinner, while I remained outside, staring at the horizon.
"I wish this could last forever."
That wish reached no one’s ears.
No, it wasn't meant to be heard. I was the one who had abandoned everything and fled.
...I wonder how everyone else is doing.
Father, Mother, and my older brothers must be worried.
"I'm sorry, but..."
I swallowed the shameful words before they could leave my lips. I had no right to even speak them.
"Luca, dinner's ready."
"...Yeah, thanks. Shall we go?"
"Mhm."
At the very least, I wanted to ensure that Licia and Sera never felt a hint of regret or resentment.
...I'm sorry, Yuka.
In the silence of my heart, I apologized to the girl I had left behind.