Chapter 29: Suddenly a peddler appeared, Part 2

Lucia’s expression after hearing my dramatic declaration was… complicated.

Mostly confusion, with a hint of relief.

Relief not because I was there to help, but more of a “Why are you here?” kind of confusion.

I could explain the circumstances of my arrival, but did it matter? Saving lives took precedence.

Lucia, momentarily disoriented, quickly regained her composure and spoke, her voice strained.

“…Help… Carmel… and Ciella…”

“Of course.”

Despite her own injuries, she prioritized her companions. Even in her weakened state, her heroic nature shone through.

However, while admirable, her selflessness irked me slightly.

“I’m just a merchant, and you’re a customer. I know it’s not my place to say this, but…”

“…Yes?”

“I suggest you don’t undervalue yourself.”

Carmel and Ciella were compelling characters, but ultimately, only Lucia, the bearer of the First Divinity, could save the world.

In the game, all characters’ levels scaled with the protagonist’s, so ultimately, only Lucia mattered.

“You have great things to accomplish, and you will accomplish them.”

“What… do you mean…?”

Lucia, walking towards the unconscious Carmel, stopped, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Hmm… perhaps I’d been too vague.

“It’s nothing important. Forget I said anything. Heehee…”

I wanted to explain, but spoilers were a no-no. Even if these events were predetermined, and even if knowing wouldn’t change the future.

Besides, the main storyline was already deviating slightly. I didn’t want to create further ripples.

That was also why I hadn’t killed Rahat myself.

While I wanted to tear that shirtless exhibitionist in half, the game needed to proceed according to the main storyline for a smooth, “canonical” ending.

If the boss was defeated by someone other than Lucia, it might create unforeseen bugs. That’s why I’d opted for temporary incapacitation.

Time stopped during transactions, so it shouldn’t affect the overall flow of events.

“…Why… why did you… save us…?”

Lucia, recovering slowly after drinking the potion I’d given her, asked.

I could repeat my earlier statement about saving the world, but it felt insufficient.

While I viewed her as a tool, my willingness to help also stemmed from a genuine fondness for the character Lucia.

However, expressing such sentiments now would be inappropriate.

We’d only met a handful of times. Declaring my affection would likely creep her out.

While love at first sight existed in fictional stories, my encounters with her hadn’t been particularly positive.

She’d been hostile during our first meeting, running off without paying for the potion.

And during our second encounter, she’d simply purchased some goods and left without a word.

Saying I’d developed feelings for her under such circumstances would sound… creepy.

Neither answer was appropriate, so I opted for another vague response.

“Well… perhaps… I was a little worried…?”

Lucia still looked confused, but it was the best answer I could offer, encompassing both reasons.

My concern about the game not being cleared, about me being trapped here.

And my concern for her, seemingly more fragile than the original protagonist.

Rahat’s attack on the academy was a pivotal moment in the original storyline, significantly impacting the protagonist’s resolve.

While her companions survived, many students were injured or killed.

The original protagonist persevered, but Lucia, who had seemed so vulnerable during our previous encounters, might break under the weight of losing her companions.

Greater trials and tribulations awaited her, but I didn’t want to burden her further, not yet.

At least, not here, not now.

I wanted Lucia, who resembled that child, to be free, even if just for a little while.

“I just… don’t want you to suffer too much…”

I smiled softly, watching Lucia tend to Carmel and Ciella, her back turned to me.

[Critical bug detected. Bug will be eliminated.]

“Ugh…”

Oh no… not this…

Seriously, talk about bad timing. This was supposed to be a touching moment…

“Cough… cough…”

“W-wait… you…!”

I’d anticipated something like this.

Considering Rahat’s premature appearance, there was clearly a force trying to keep the story on track.

But I’d thought I was treading carefully. Apparently not.

A sharp pain shot through my head. My vision blurred.

Something was being ripped away, torn from my very being.

What was even stranger was the look of concern on Lucia’s face, the same Lucia who’d been wary of me just moments ago. Even this vulnerable side of her was endearing. This was the protagonist I knew.

Ah, right. I’d almost forgotten something important.

“Here’s a gift, customer.”

“No, this isn’t the time…!”

Despite her protests, Lucia accepted the golden gem I offered.

Even with her injuries healed, defeating Rahat in her current state was practically impossible. This was a workaround.

A gem necessary for Lucia’s breakthrough. Another item available in the shop, which I could provide.

With this, she should be able to defeat Rahat.

“I… I haven’t paid you anything…”

Honestly, with my ample funds, and considering my willingness to help, I didn’t require payment.

The “lowest price” offer was just a figure of speech.

But if she insisted…

“Your name. I’d like to know your name. That’s payment enough.”

Lucia hesitated, then looked at me.

“Lucia… My name is Lucia.”

“I see.”

The default name, as expected.

“I’m… Kayleen. You can call me Rin.”

I spoke slowly, deliberately, fighting the encroaching darkness.

“Just… an ordinary peddler…”

Red error messages flashed in my vision.

Ah.

So that’s what was interfering.

That damned status window.

And then, everything went black.

“Ah…”

Lucia reached out, her face etched with confusion.

The woman she’d been speaking to had vanished along with the blood she’d coughed up.

The only evidence of her presence was their healing wounds and the golden gem in Lucia’s hand.

What was this gem? Despite never seeing it before, it felt strangely familiar, its light resonating with her.

But that wasn’t important right now.

Lucia carefully placed the gem in her pocket and stood up.

Color returned to the grayscale world, and the birds in the sky, unaware of the time freeze, resumed their flight.

Lucia remembered the woman’s last words.

“…Status window… she said…”

The secret that had haunted her, the secret she’d never shared, the secret no one would believe, was somehow known to this woman.

And that wasn’t all.

The woman, Kayleen, clearly knew more than she let on.

She’d vanished with the words “bug eliminated.”

With so many coincidences, Lucia couldn’t help but consider a possibility.

“Could it be… you too…?”

The possibility that there was another person… like her.

Crack. Crack.

As Lucia stood there, lost in thought, the space before her began to fracture.

The same direction the white-haired girl and Rahat had vanished.

Seeing Rahat slowly reappear, Lucia straightened, her expression hardening.

The gem in her pocket began to glow, slowly seeping into her body, though Lucia didn’t notice.

She only felt her holy sword’s power intensifying.

No, focus, Lucia.

There will be time for questions later.

Despite the influx of new information, her mind strangely calm, Lucia’s resolve solidified.

“Haaaaah!”

As Rahat fully materialized, Lucia charged, her sword flashing, faster than before.

The outcome of the battle was the complete opposite of before the mysterious merchant’s arrival.

The victor collapsed, letting out a sigh of relief.