Chapter 386 (Self Edited) – Going on a Date
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It appeared before Felicia on the very day she visited the Holy City. Soma had business to attend to, but unfortunately, he was not there, and it seemed that Hildegard was the only person she knew. Though she could have come back another time, she felt a bit uneasy about it. She understood, without anyone telling her, that she was nearing her limit.
That was why the Holy City was convenient. Though it was dubious that G.o.d resided there, it was certain that the Fifth King was present. In the event of an emergency, she believed they would handle it well. However, Soma’s absence was noted… but in a sense, this might have been convenient. Hildegard was the only one there.
Felicia thought that Hildegard would understand her feelings and respect her decision. If she were to consult someone before telling Soma, Hildegard might be the most appropriate choice. Thinking this, she waited in the room she was led to… but the one who appeared before Felicia was not Hildegard.
She didn’t know the name. It wasn’t given. Perhaps it never existed from the start. What was certain was that he was a boy of about ten years old. A smile adorned his face, and just as suddenly as he appeared, he spoke these words.
“—As things are, it is almost certain your wish will not come true. Even though you are a Witch, you no longer possess that kind of power. No… perhaps it was impossible from the beginning. However, if you use this power, your wish will surely come true. I will stake everything I have on this guarantee.” (??)
She understood about half of what he said. The one thing she comprehended was that his words and his eyes held a sincere determination. Of course, it would be a lie to say she wasn’t suspicious. It was too convenient, too suspicious. There were countless doubts… yet, surprisingly, she didn’t hesitate. For some reason, she felt she could believe from the bottom of her heart. So, she took his hand. And then—
—
Three days pa.s.sed in the blink of an eye. During the day, Soma spent peaceful days at school, and at night, I searched for and defeated ‘ones who resist’. It was an unchanging yet irreplaceable time. But that was coming to an end. Today was the day this world ended. And it was also the day when a life would be lost along with the world.
Thinking about such things, Soma headed to the living room, and to his surprise, only Felicia was present. She was staring blankly at the TV, doing nothing in particular. She seemed to be lost in thought, her mind elsewhere.
“Hmm… it’s rare to see only Felicia here.” (Soma)
“Oh… good morning, Soma-san. You’re taking it easy today, aren’t you?” (Felicia)
“Good morning. Well, it’s Sunday, after all.” (Soma)
Yes, conveniently, today was Sunday. Perhaps it was decided to be so from the beginning… well, it didn’t matter either way. What was certain was that today, they wouldn’t be bound by unnecessary things.
“So, where are Sheila and my parents?” (Soma)
“Sheila had something to do, so she hasn’t been here since this morning. Sophia-san and Kraus-san have gone out. They said they were going shopping together, and when I teased them about going on a date, they both got embarra.s.sed.” (Felicia)
“Teasing other people’s parents, Felicia, you’re quite something.” (Soma)
“No, not really… but they did seem happy, even though they were embarra.s.sed… To be honest, I felt a little envious.” (Felicia)
Felicia, who said this, had a distant look in her eyes as if recalling something. What was there seemed to be envy… and resignation, or so it appeared. Was it just his imagination? Gazing at Felicia, Soma murmured thoughtfully. Perhaps the reason his parents went out was to ensure they wouldn’t be disturbed, even if by chance.
According to that Devil, this world is merely a stage set. If so, there’s no need to place unnecessary extras on the stage. However, Sheila’s absence was intentional. Yesterday, Eleonora officially informed us that today was the deadline. It seemed she struggled a lot… but the fact that she wasn’t here today meant she decided to accept it. She was probably waiting with Aina and the others at a certain place. And today, Soma’s task was to take Felicia to that place.
“So, Felicia, how about joining me?” (Soma)
“Huh, for what?” (Felicia)
“Of course, for a date.” (Soma)
Soma shrugged as Felicia stared at him with her mouth agape. Those words were not entirely random. The place where Aina and the others were waiting was a park they had visited several times before. If they were going to the park to play, it was undeniably a date. Even if calling it “play” seemed a bit too ominous. Felicia stared at Soma for a while, then eventually snapped out of it and let out a small chuckle, as if finding something amusing.
“It’s rare to hear you say something like that, Soma-san. Or maybe this is the first time?” (Felicia)
“Hmm… indeed, perhaps it is.” (Soma)
“I see… in that case, it’s enough.” (Felicia)
“What’s enough?” (Soma)
“For me to have a reason to go on a date with you, Soma-san.” (Felicia)
Felicia said this with a smile that seemed genuinely joyful.
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—
Even with fancy words, the substance of the situation didn’t change. Without bothering to change their clothes, Soma and Felicia headed outside as they were. The sunlight was soft, and the wind was warm. Soma didn’t know what month it was supposed to be, but it was probably set to be spring. It would have been wonderfully pleasant to doze off in the sun.
As Soma was looking up at the sky and thinking these things, Felicia, who was walking beside him, seemed to be thinking about something entirely different.
“Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since we walked together like this. About five years, I think.” (Felicia)
“Is that so? It feels like we walked to school together just a few days ago…” (Soma)
“But that was just going to school. Well, I suppose the previous time wasn’t really a date either.” (Felicia)
“Hmm…” (Soma)
When Felicia mentioned five years ago, Soma naturally had no memory of it. Whether it was a bad search method or something else, he couldn’t find any relevant memory. However, there was no need to mention this.
“My apologies, then.” (Soma)
“Why apologize? I was happy. No matter the reason, being able to walk together and chat with you, Soma-san, makes me happy.” (Felicia)
Soma couldn’t bring himself to ask what she meant by that. The park came into view, and at the same time, their steps halted. A familiar figure was standing there. It was Aina.
“Aina…?” (Felicia)
Of course, it wasn’t strange for Aina to be here. She was supposed to be waiting here. But waiting like this was something Soma hadn’t heard about.
“Sorry for interrupting your date.” (Aina)
“No… but why are you here, Aina-san?” (Felicia)
“The reason I’m here… well, you could say I’m here to explain. My role is to tell you what’s going to happen to you, why it’s happening, and all that.” (Aina)
“Aina, that’s…” (Soma)
Soma had thought he would be the one to explain. Certainly, in terms of knowledge, Aina or Eleonora would be more suitable. But Aina had only known Felicia for a few days, and it wasn’t clear how well Eleonora knew her in this world. Given what had to be said, it would sound too suspicious, and the likelihood of Felicia believing them was low.
That made Sheila the most suitable, but judging by her demeanor yesterday, it was doubtful she could talk calmly in front of Felicia. Therefore, Soma had a.s.sumed he would inevitably take on the role.
“I’ll do it. This is… my responsibility.” (Aina)
Faced with Aina’s earnest gaze, Soma had no choice but to step back. Felicia tilted her head at Aina’s demeanor, but she understood that something serious was happening. Nodding vaguely, she followed Aina into the park, with Soma trailing slightly behind. Soma watched from a step back as Aina and Felicia faced each other in the center of the park.
“Well, I’m sure you won’t believe what I’m about to say, but it’s all true. And I’ll start with the conclusion… You’re going to die here today. Or rather… you’ll be killed.” (Aina)
Aina began to explain the ‘ones who resist’, their connection to Felicia, the events of the past, the current situation, and the predicted future. Felicia listened in silence to the words that were far removed from everyday life. After hearing everything, she did not deny any of it and asked only one question.
“…I understand. I have just one question… Earlier, you said I would be killed, right? Who is going to kill me?” (Felicia)
“That would be me—” (Aina)
“No, I will do it.” (Soma)
Soma interrupted Aina, who was about to speak. Aina looked at him in surprise, but this was something Soma had already decided.
“Soma, you don’t need to go that far…” (Aina)
“It’s not about whether it’s necessary or not. This is something only I can do, something I decided to do. It has nothing to do with anyone else. It’s simply my will.” (Soma)
Speaking straightforwardly just as Aina had earlier, Soma left her silent. Then, he turned to Felicia and slightly widened his eyes. There was no confusion, grief, or resignation on Felicia’s face—just a smile.
“…Felicia?” (Soma)
“I know it may sound strange to say this, but… honestly, I feel relieved.” (Felicia)
“Relieved?” (Soma)
“Yes. I’m glad it’s you, Soma-san, who will kill me. That is… my wish.” (Soma)
Felicia’s demeanor and words were peculiar. It was unusual for her to accept the situation so readily. She should be more confused and in disbelief. However, Felicia’s eyes were clearly sane. And simultaneously, Soma realized that the light in her eyes, the gaze directed at him, was undoubtedly from the Felicia he knew well.
He was about to voice this realization but stopped. He didn’t know when it happened, but Felicia had also regained her memories. Her not mentioning it meant she saw no need to. Therefore, saying anything now would be meaningless. The only necessary fact here was that Felicia had accepted everything. Thus, Soma silently swung his arm. In his hand was his familiar beloved sword.
Felicia’s smile deepened silently, but she turned her face once toward the edge of the park.
“…Sheila, I’m sorry. And thank you.” (Felicia)
How much emotion was in those words?
Soma didn’t know, but it surely reached Sheila. There was a slight disturbance in the presence but nothing more. Felicia turned towards him and took a step forward. Soma matched her step, thrusting his arm forward. He grimaced slightly at the sensation of piercing and tearing flesh but did not relent, driving the sword through Felicia’s chest, her heart. Blood flowed, but no sounds of pain or screams escaped Felicia’s lips.
Until the very end, Felicia maintained her smile… until her body went limp as if a string had been cut. Soma caught her falling body, now lifeless like a doll, distinguishable from one only by the blood flowing from her chest. When he pulled out the sword, more blood poured out, but the body remained motionless. Soma gently laid her on the ground, and a pool of dark red liquid spread around her.
Aina, who had been staring intently at the scene, was trembling slightly, and her voice, equally shaky, broke the silence.
“…It seems there are no signs of the ‘ones who resist’ appearing. Does that mean our concerns were unfounded?” (Aina)
“No… it doesn’t seem to be that simple.” (Soma)
At that moment, darkness erupted from Felicia’s body lying on the ground. The darkness rose, reaching about ten meters high, and didn’t dissipate like mist. Instead, it grew denser, beginning to take a definite form.
“…Is this really the ‘ones who resist’!?” (Aina)
“No.” (Soma)
Soma firmly denied Aina’s scream, which bordered on a cry of fear. It wasn’t something ambiguous like the ‘ones who resist’. More importantly, Soma recognized the presence emanating from it.
“This is a Devil.” (Soma)
At those words, the figure, began to take a humanoid form, moved its face. Though it bore no resemblance, there was something in its smile that vaguely reminded Soma of that boy’s grin.
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