CH 81

“…”

Child’s growth… huh?

When my parents and sister died in an accident in a previous life, I just listened to the explanation in a nonchalant way. It was as if it was someone else’s affair…… like a story somewhere far away.

At the time of the funeral, I was in a daze while my relatives were doing all the work.

I can’t quite remember what I was thinking at that time.

I was advised to leave the house where I was living and be taken care of by a relative’s uncle, and I accepted without thinking anything in particular.

But while sorting through their belongings, I found a diary that my parents kept. I just sort of opened it up and read through it and found out that …… dad and mom loved …… me and my sister very much. I couldn’t stop crying from the middle of the book, so I read it while crying.

I cried again when I learned that my little sister treasured the cheap hair ornament I gave her on her birthday.

Maybe …… that’s when I realized clearly that I had lost my family.

I begged my uncle, who is a relative, to agree to continue living in the house with various conditions.

…… Even if it was just a memory, I didn’t want to leave.

I decided to bury Darte’s body next to Sheila’s grave.

Emilia might be worried if I stayed too late. However, as Nina’s “otoshan,” I didn’t want to leave him out in the open like this.

I wanted to clean up the house, but I don’t have enough time.

Dig a slightly wider hole and carry the skeletal remains in several batches. On the way, I found a locket pendant that had fallen under the body.

Could it belong to Darte?

I picked it up slowly so as not to break it, and the lid of the pendant opened as if it hadn’t closed properly.

In the picture was a bespectacled, good-looking man holding a baby and smiling happily, and a kind-looking woman with long hair. This is Darte and Sheila, and this baby is Nina…huh

A happy parent and child who seems to be anywhere at first glance. The woman, however, is quite thin, emaciated, and looks quite unhealthy.

There are no photographs in this world, but there is a magic stone called a recording stone that can create something similar.

However, they are rarely seen for sale because of their small distribution volume and disposable nature. Even if they are available, they are sold out quickly.

It must not have been easy for Darte to obtain the record stone as well.

In the diary, it was written that Sheila died of illness soon after Nina was born. At this time she is already…

These two may have wanted to preserve their days as a family in some form.

I put the pendant in Darte’s hand. Then I pour soil over it.

…… I know you are worried about Nina, but sleep well.

After the soil is covered, the magic stone taken out from the magic bag is placed there as a tombstone.

My magic overwrites the recognition blocking magic that Darte would have cast on the magic stone he placed.

No one should enter this place.

I don’t pray

I don’t have a target partner for that.

“…Leave the rest to me.”

Saying that, I left the place.

I will make up for your innocence. I will not let live those who trampled on the delicate wishes of those who want to watch their children grow up.

There are still many things to worry about, but there are some things that have come to light.

My guess is that Nina is what the “goddess cult” is all about.

Considering that Nina possesses some kind of skill, and that “goddess cult” is looking for it.

I was wondering how Nina moved from this place to Bastok, but if that was also due to skill…

I can see tomorrow’s “deal maker” in sight.

Kidnapping, human experimentation, an enemy who targets Nina and murdered Darte.

I don’t even have to think about what to do.

―――――

“I’m sorry. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Oh, welcome back Gray…….you’re back late.”

By the time I got back to Emilia, the sun had completely set. Emilia still looked worried, perhaps because it was quite late.

“……sorry”

“Gray”

When I was wondering how to explain that house, Emilia started talking to me.

I looked at Emilia to see what was wrong.

“I don’t know what you found there, but…even if it’s difficult to talk about, please tell me the truth. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone else and I’ll try to keep my personal feelings out of the mission. …… as much as possible.”

She said that while looking straight at me.

No… I’m getting a lot of personal feelings in between.

“Oh, I understand. Actually…”