Seeing Ilu Off

—We seem to get along so well; we really should have talked more.

Time rewound to the morning at the village entrance. After saying her goodbyes to Hisaba and the villagers gathered there, Ilu’s gaze finally landed on me.

“We seem to get along so well; we really should have talked more.”

As she spoke, a trace of emptiness flickered across Ilu’s face.

“I feel the same way, but you have important matters to attend to, Miss Kotetsu.”

I spoke with a light smile, my expression one of helpless understanding.

“True. In any case, if you need anything in the village, find Hisaba. She will handle the arrangements for you.”

In response to Ilu, Hisaba, who was standing nearby, gave a nod.

“Alright. Thank you, Miss Kotetsu. I wish you—”

“Just Ilu is fine. Surely we don’t need to be so formal with each other anymore?”

Her words were a mix of etiquette and sincerity. Standing a head taller than me, she rested one hand on her hip, exuding a heroic, dashing aura that contrasted with her feminine features. Staring at her and meeting her unwavering gaze, I, who had intended to stick to formal titles, shrugged and abandoned the idea.

“I understand. Then…”

I paused deliberately, returning her look with a gaze just as steady as her own.

“Miss Ilu, I wish you a safe journey.”

“You as well.”

Hearing me use her name, the corners of Ilu’s mouth curled up slightly.

“Enjoy the festival tomorrow, Miss Leni. And I’ll wish you a safe journey for the day after in advance.”

Leaving behind a broad, cheerful smile, she shouldered her simple travel pack and set off toward the great mountains to the east.

I really did want to talk to her more… For some reason, despite the brevity of our time together, I felt no rejection toward her. Was it because Ilu looked so much like her?

As I watched her figure recede, our conversation quietly replayed in my mind.

—But what about you, Miss Leni? What are your plans from here?

That was a good question.

Even as I watched Ilu depart, my brain had not stopped searching for the answer.

I am still alive.

My chest rose and fell with each breath, and my heart beat with hope, yet… I felt somewhat lost regarding the future.

The recent crisis had kept my nerves wound tight, and the sudden shift to this peaceful environment upon waking had swung my spirit toward a state of relaxation. This tension and release over such a short period often led to this kind of mental fog, but this wasn’t my first time experiencing it. It happened during the Hero War, when I was thrown into prison, and even more so after the arrest warrant was issued.

I have always known what I am doing, and I know even more clearly where I belong.

I have to go back. I cannot stop here.

To achieve that, there is only one thing I must do.

“Miss Leni, do you have any plans for the rest of the day?”

After seeing Ilu off, Hisaba asked as we walked back into the village together.

“Getting ready. There are many things that need to be prepared. Why do you ask, Miss Hisaba?”

“My Lord has left the festival arrangements entirely to me, so I will be very busy until tomorrow. I was worried I might neglect my duties as a host.”

As she spoke, a slightly awkward smile appeared on Hisaba’s face.

“No, it’s quite alright. I’ve lived on my own for quite some time now; I can look after myself. If anything, I suspect I’ll be the one troubling you instead.”

“Hm?”

Hisaba seemed puzzled by my statement, tilting her small head to the side.

“I noticed there are some discarded tools in the village. If you don’t mind, may I use them?”

It had been quite a long time since the Hero War since I had last engaged in tool-making. Yes… looking back now, the complacency I felt after becoming a hero had made my body lazy. Yet, without the aid of my tools, I wouldn’t even be able to survive.