Chapter 18 - To the Western Continent

Chapter 18 – To the Western Continent

He had never wanted to hold her hand as much as he did just then. He would be able to hear all of her thoughts if he touched her hand. But it was more respectful of him to wait to hear it from her herself. He restrained his desire.

“However, if we go to the Western Continent like this, we may never be able to return to the Eastern Continent.”

The two continents were far apart. The only land connecting the two was a thin stretch of ground called ‘Finnely’s Leg’ which could be crossed only once a month.

Now was just the right time period when Finnely’s Leg could be crossed safely. They could not be sure that they would be able to return from somewhere that was so difficult to reach.

That was what he was implying. He wanted her to know that she may not be able to return. Did she truly want to leave this place? Was it really okay for her to come with him to a foreign land?

“The Western Continent… is very different to the Eastern Continent. As I’m sure you know,” he said slowly. The words were reluctant to come out.

Come with me. Let’s be together forever. Just like the wish I made when I was younger. I want to be with you always.

That was what he really wanted to say. But they were nothing but his selfish desires. Nabel did his best to control himself. He had not come here to restrain Ronée.

He had not forgotten how Ronée had let him into her small sanctuary that had been the only place where she could breathe freely. He had not forgotten how great a kindness she had done for him.

That was why he was able to push down his own desires. How could he dare to try to control Ronée?

The people of the Western Continent, who had known him as the Western Kingdoms’ young tyrant, would have been shocked to see him now.

“The Western Continent is huge,” Nabel went on, finally stifling his desires. “Because it’s big, the monsters there are also large and vicious. It’s dangerous. The people of the Western Continent also do not know much about people from the Eastern Continent. A lot of things will be uncomfortable for you. More than anything, that pink hair of yours is a color you can only see on the Eastern Continent.”

Nabel delicately brushed Ronée’s pink hair with his fingertips. “Since the Westerners think of people from the Eastern Continent as outsiders… You might struggle to adjust to life there.”

You will probably be the most brightly shining person on the continent, though.

“I don’t want you to do anything that will be difficult for you. If you want to remain on the Eastern Continent, you can,” Nabel finished quietly.

Ronée chuckled watching him point out all the negatives of the Western Continent. It was as though he was trying to intimidate her before they went somewhere scary. But unlike his words, his expression was earnest: it said ‘Let’s go together.’

That was enough to convince Ronée.

“Is it scarier than that mansion?”

Nabel’s mouth fell shut at her words. His gaze flickered towards the window. The Rieda Manor was not so far off and was still vaguely visible. “It should… be scarier than that place.”

Ronée widened her eyes a little at his words.

“There will be even more petty, small-minded people than in that place. But there will also be more good people.”

Ronée’s smile returned at the last part. “That’s enough for me, Nabel.” She took his hand and Nabel could read her sincerity.

“More than anything, I just don’t want to be alone again.

“That was why I had already decided to get out of there. If you hadn’t come, I would have escaped.”

In which case, it must certainly have been dangerous… Nabel inhaled deeply and then exhaled. He let out a restless huff of breath that showed he was still restraining himself.

“Let’s go, then.” To the Western Continent. To the place I have spent ten years preparing for you. “You have given your permission,” he finished in a very small voice.

Inside his mind, the last remaining thread of rationality broke.