Those words cleared my mind of any anguish.
This hardship was inevitable, but Albert would be able to overcome it better if we were together.
Me as well. I can overcome this ordeal! I have to see Albert and Blanc again!
My determination was renewed. The burden weighing down on my mind was lifted.
Besides determination, I thought about what I could do.
I recalled the conversation I had with Emmett before.
If I couldn’t change the situation surrounding his death, I just wish that the pain and shock that Albert would feel after Emmett’s passing could be lessened.
Originally, Emmett was going to start his ordeal without even saying anything to Albert before leaving. Then, when he had returned, he was already on death’s door, showing the child the last breath he took.
His death would remain as a traumatic experience to Albert. He even hated dragons for the rest of his life.
Back when he had just received the payment he had extorted from Belfort, I met up with Emmett again.
Once more, I tried to persuade him. I reiterated that the end between him and Albert didn’t have to be so tragic.
This was possible only because I knew how strong Albert’s hatred against dragons was.
But further, even if it wasn’t for Emmett’s death, Albert would later witness Blanc taking me away and disappearing. It was also because of me that Albert started to hate dragons.
In my persistent persuasion, Emmett eventually raised both hands in surrender—living a long life with a few hundred years behind him, apparently, didn’t mean that one would become as stubborn as a mule. In the end, Emmett decided to say goodbye properly.
…No, well, that’s what he told me he’d do, but Emmett had yet to say anything to Albert until now.
This isn’t what you promised! I shouted in my head as I looked at Emmett strongly, trying to convey the words.
At my piercing gaze, Emmett let out a sigh. Then, he finally spoke.
“Ah, Young Count. Just so you know.”
“…Yes.”
“Tomorrow is Noir’s 500th birthday.”
Albert looked at Emmett blankly, mouth slowly opening in a gape.
But surely enough, Albert’s gaze grew ferocious. Emmett flinched. He seemed to know what exactly he had done wrong.
“I didn’t want to say it because I knew you’d react this way…”
While pressing his fingers against his temples, Emmett muttered so quietly that I could barely hear him. Of course, my conscience didn’t get stabbed at all from hearing that.
With narrowed brows, Albert exclaimed.
“Why are you telling me that now—!”
However Emmett interrupted Albert, waving one hand nonchalantly.
“I told you, didn’t I? Don’t get too attached to me.”
Such words were cold. Rendered speechless in that instant, Albert pressed his lips together tightly.
Emmett’s words were like sharp daggers, and as Albert looked up at his teacher, there was a pained expression on his face.
The air between them seemed to have dropped several degrees. I sweated at the sight.
No, I didn’t tell you to say it like this! I just want the end between student and teacher to be more beautiful!
“Still, Albert. What Emmett means is that he wishes to spend his last moments with you.”
Since Emmett didn’t seem to be initiating it, I was trying to fix the situation in his stead.
However, Albert’s expression still didn’t change. He continued to glare at Emmett as he asked.
“…Master, are you sure?”
Emmett tried to avert his gaze from Albert.
“I’ll see you when you get back.”
He did not say no to Albert’s question.
I looked at Albert.
They insisted that they didn’t resemble each other, but their body language couldn’t hide how much they actually cared about each other.
And despite that, Emmett must have continuously tried to act only coldly.
Albert’s face was also a little brighter. Scratching the back of his neck with a shy face, Albert turned and looked at me.
“Are… Are you coming with me?”
Emmett did not stop him from going. He must know that today’s banquet was an inevitable occasion that would shape Albert’s future.
The sage wouldn’t even accompany the child. It must be because he didn’t want to see Albert suffer.
But I was different.
Even though I couldn’t stop him from going there, I didn’t want Albert to go alone.
And this banquet was also a part of my ordeal.
I took Albert’s hand, giving him a broad smile.
“Of course. How can I let you go there alone?”
Albert’s eyes widened at my words, and he smiled back.
But after that bright smile on his lips, Albert hastily spoke in a hurry as though he had just remembered.
“…No, you don’t have to come with me.”
He must have roughly guessed what was in store for him today, and he was conflicted—it was a relief that I was coming with him, but at the same time, he didn’t want me to see what he’d have to go through.
Even so, that’s how afraid he was of being alone.
Looking into his eyes, I spoke.
“If there’s anything you don’t want me to see or hear, tell me.”
“……”
“I’ll make sure to cover my eyes and ears whenever you want.”
If he didn’t want it, then I would do my best to respect his choices.
But I wasn’t entirely sure I’d be able to hold up my word on this.
Because I didn’t know what kind of situation he’d be thrown into.
And, my hunch was not wrong.
Those words cleared my mind of any anguish.
This hardship was inevitable, but Albert would be able to overcome it better if we were together.
Me as well. I can overcome this ordeal! I have to see Albert and Blanc again!
My determination was renewed. The burden weighing down on my mind was lifted.
Besides determination, I thought about what I could do.
I recalled the conversation I had with Emmett before.
If I couldn’t change the situation surrounding his death, I just wish that the pain and shock that Albert would feel after Emmett’s passing could be lessened.
Originally, Emmett was going to start his ordeal without even saying anything to Albert before leaving. Then, when he had returned, he was already on death’s door, showing the child the last breath he took.
His death would remain as a traumatic experience to Albert. He even hated dragons for the rest of his life.
Back when he had just received the payment he had extorted from Belfort, I met up with Emmett again.
Once more, I tried to persuade him. I reiterated that the end between him and Albert didn’t have to be so tragic.
This was possible only because I knew how strong Albert’s hatred against dragons was.
But further, even if it wasn’t for Emmett’s death, Albert would later witness Blanc taking me away and disappearing. It was also because of me that Albert started to hate dragons.
In my persistent persuasion, Emmett eventually raised both hands in surrender—living a long life with a few hundred years behind him, apparently, didn’t mean that one would become as stubborn as a mule. In the end, Emmett decided to say goodbye properly.
…No, well, that’s what he told me he’d do, but Emmett had yet to say anything to Albert until now.
This isn’t what you promised! I shouted in my head as I looked at Emmett strongly, trying to convey the words.
At my piercing gaze, Emmett let out a sigh. Then, he finally spoke.
“Ah, Young Count. Just so you know.”
“…Yes.”
“Tomorrow is Noir’s 500th birthday.”
Albert looked at Emmett blankly, mouth slowly opening in a gape.
But surely enough, Albert’s gaze grew ferocious. Emmett flinched. He seemed to know what exactly he had done wrong.
“I didn’t want to say it because I knew you’d react this way…”
While pressing his fingers against his temples, Emmett muttered so quietly that I could barely hear him. Of course, my conscience didn’t get stabbed at all from hearing that.
With narrowed brows, Albert exclaimed.
“Why are you telling me that now—!”
However Emmett interrupted Albert, waving one hand nonchalantly.
“I told you, didn’t I? Don’t get too attached to me.”
Such words were cold. Rendered speechless in that instant, Albert pressed his lips together tightly.
Emmett’s words were like sharp daggers, and as Albert looked up at his teacher, there was a pained expression on his face.
The air between them seemed to have dropped several degrees. I sweated at the sight.
No, I didn’t tell you to say it like this! I just want the end between student and teacher to be more beautiful!
“Still, Albert. What Emmett means is that he wishes to spend his last moments with you.”
Since Emmett didn’t seem to be initiating it, I was trying to fix the situation in his stead.
However, Albert’s expression still didn’t change. He continued to glare at Emmett as he asked.
“…Master, are you sure?”
Emmett tried to avert his gaze from Albert.
“I’ll see you when you get back.”
He did not say no to Albert’s question.
I looked at Albert.
They insisted that they didn’t resemble each other, but their body language couldn’t hide how much they actually cared about each other.
And despite that, Emmett must have continuously tried to act only coldly.
Albert’s face was also a little brighter. Scratching the back of his neck with a shy face, Albert turned and looked at me.
“Are… Are you coming with me?”
Emmett did not stop him from going. He must know that today’s banquet was an inevitable occasion that would shape Albert’s future.
The sage wouldn’t even accompany the child. It must be because he didn’t want to see Albert suffer.
But I was different.
Even though I couldn’t stop him from going there, I didn’t want Albert to go alone.
And this banquet was also a part of my ordeal.
I took Albert’s hand, giving him a broad smile.
“Of course. How can I let you go there alone?”
Albert’s eyes widened at my words, and he smiled back.
But after that bright smile on his lips, Albert hastily spoke in a hurry as though he had just remembered.
“…No, you don’t have to come with me.”
He must have roughly guessed what was in store for him today, and he was conflicted—it was a relief that I was coming with him, but at the same time, he didn’t want me to see what he’d have to go through.
Even so, that’s how afraid he was of being alone.
Looking into his eyes, I spoke.
“If there’s anything you don’t want me to see or hear, tell me.”
“……”
“I’ll make sure to cover my eyes and ears whenever you want.”
If he didn’t want it, then I would do my best to respect his choices.
But I wasn’t entirely sure I’d be able to hold up my word on this.
Because I didn’t know what kind of situation he’d be thrown into.
And, my hunch was not wrong.
