My Death Flags Show No Sign of Ending

Erica didn’t seem to be upset by such a crazy question.

“Why do you ask me such a thing?”

“If you say that you are interested, Erica is Harold. I’m not denying that he’s a fianc茅, so I wondered if there was another person I liked. “

” That’s not the case, but that. There is a big difference in values and ways of thinking with people. “

” So you can’t be with him? “

” Yes “

The same reply as before.

It doesn’t make sense to ask if the answer is a lie. There is no reason to overturn Erica’s words.

Erica is excellent without any price.

It turns out that she has some weaknesses as she has been acting together. Leafa may call it a weakness, but it must be said that it is fragile in terms of ease of use.

Erica himself is probably aware of its weaknesses. That’s why you should be careful not to expose it. The result may be a strong rejection of Harold.

Erica is more emotional about Harold. Rifa speculates that he is taking the current attitude to hide it.

And the camouflage is not perfect. At least to the extent that it is doubtful that the words that reject Harold are true. Liner and Collet, who didn’t seem to notice it at all, muddyed the tea in their chests, wondering if it was pure.

“… This doesn’t mean trying to persuade Erica, but can you listen?”

“To be a listener

Thank you, Rifa said a few seconds after returning the words.

“I’m a weirdo. In the village, my family didn’t even have a place to stay. Well, if I didn’t work and just studied, that would be it. Of course, “

My past that I haven’t even talked to Harold. Talk about it nakedly.

“In the beginning, people without magical talents have no choice but to become poor. I started studying because I wanted to change the world. If I could use magic that was as good as a talented person, the world would … Yeah, I wasn’t thinking about that big thing, but I just wanted to enrich my family and village. ”

Erica is quiet and devoted to listening as I said.

It was easy for Leafa to talk about not having sympathy or mercy here. I don’t want to brag about unhappiness. Perhaps he was aware of such subtleties.

Well, from the perspective of Leafa, I think that this kind of story is not unfortunate, but just a self-help.

“But that thought has changed for some time. I’ve come to think that I’m going to look back at my family and villagers who have forsaken me to devote myself to science … In short, I was stubborn. So when I got stuck because I couldn’t pull it, I did a lot of crazy things. “

unknown.

A little girl who has a dream that is disproportionate to her and does not know the reality is just stubborn. Even if I was told that, I couldn’t say it back.

“It was at that time that I met him. I only said that I was upset, and the impression I had when I first met him was the worst. Well, that was partly because of rumors.

The first impression might have been a little better if Elle, who was just there, didn’t tell us about Harold.

However, I wouldn’t have asked Harold to act as an escort without being taught by Ell.

“… He didn’t laugh at my efforts. I think he had some speculation now, but with the help of Justus, it’s a shame. Still, thanks to Harold’s help, I was able to move forward. “

I can guess that there was definitely a calculation there. There is. Maybe it’s just being used by Harold. In addition, it can be said that he was annoyed by the invitation of Justus.

But I decided to do something for Harold not because of such grace or annihilation. It’s simpler.

It’s the same as Rifa … No, Harold, who is fighting in a more severe loneliness than Rifa, acknowledged his efforts in any way. I was happy with that.

It may be a one-sided family consciousness, but that was enough reason for Leafa to want to help Harold without regard for danger. Rifa smiles with a bitter smile, saying that this feeling can only be understood by herself.

I’ve been working alone for a long time. There are many days when I was wondering if it was selfish and wrong.

I thought I was lonely all the time. There are countless nights weeping in fear that efforts may be denied without being recognized by anyone.

She shined light into such darkness and illuminated the way to go. No one else will know how much it was saved.

“… I was saved by Harold. No matter what he thought, it wouldn’t change.”

And That was enough.

Rifa was saved by Harold. Then I want to reach out to Harold. Even if it didn’t come true or it was annoying, Leafa couldn’t help it.

“… Mr. Rifa is trusted by Harold”

“I don’t trust …”

Certainly, there is a side to trust in the eccentric fighting power. No matter what you do, you won’t be late, but that sword will cut your lifespan, so you trust it too much …

(No, no. Now Erica is trusted by Harold 鈥?#8230; why do you say that–)

“> A momentary blank that occurred on the spot. It must have been a single piece of paper.

It’s not a conclusion drawn by thinking, but Rifa who noticed it with a kind of intuition raises his face. What was there was Erica’s face, which shook her eyes for a moment and broke the appearance of an iron wall.

Eyes meet tightly. There was a slight upset in Erica’s eyes, and I understood that it was recognized, or the next thing that came to my mind was the color of giving up.

Thinking catches up with the intuition I mentioned earlier. Oh, that’s what Rifa said.

Innumerable pieces that have been scattered so far are connected.

Why did Erica first realize that Harold trusted her when she heard the story? It was probably because he assumed that Leafa’s actions were tolerated by Harold. That’s how Harold’s judgment is absolute in Erica.

And I didn’t put it into words, but it was envy that the voice was slightly blurred. The meaning of them, including the upset immediately after, was already clear.

“… Fu”

Rifa exhales as if to break the silence. Erica facing each other doesn’t say anything.

After a short pause, Rifa began to speak as if to match the answers.

“I don’t know why, but Harold is trying to keep Erica away. You know that, right?”

” Yes, of course “

” That’s why Erica hates Harold, because she wants Harold to be hated by Erica. “

Erica closes her eyes to endure something.

Then I looked up at the night sky and spit out words with the thought of cutting myself.

“No … I got the answer when I couldn’t answer immediately”

What that line means Is affirmative.

After all, Erica’s stubborn attitude seems to have been in line with Harold’s intentions. The more I turn it over, the more I think of Harold.

“I can’t help but admit it honestly”

“Even if you do that, Rifa-san I don’t know. “

Apparently Erica evaluated herself as such.

I feel itchy when she tells me that, but now I’m not shy.

“I’ll correct it, but I’m not here because Harold trusts me. I just accompanied him. “

Harold may be a nuisance, but I’m convinced that it shouldn’t have been a waste because it helped solve the miasma problem.

“So do you know why he keeps Erica away more than necessary?”

Continued.

“Because we are not good for each other even if we are tied together. But what exactly are we worried about …”

Erica muddys the language.

However, Leafa had an idea. In the direction you didn’t want it to hit.

I feel heavy with my stomach and stomach as if I drank lead. Isn’t it the worst development that I had expected?

What can I do if that is the case? What kind of words should I say? Various thoughts swirl in my head without being busy.

“… I have one thing I want you to answer”

“What?”

“What do you think of Harold? Please tell me what you really mean.”

I’m sure it’s difficult for her to answer, maybe a question you don’t want to answer. unknown.

But I can’t move on unless I make it clear. Erica and Leafa. And maybe Harold too.

“… I love Harold-sama. I’ve been confessing my mortal sin since I was little.”

It was such a voice.

It painfully tells Erica how contraindicated it was to say it. At the same time, I felt how big her feelings were.

When we met at Sumeragi’s mansion, Erica said to Rifa, “We may have a hard time with each other.” At that time, I received that those who were involved in the troubles that Harold brought in had the meaning that they were likely to have a hard time.

But when I think back, I think that line of sight wasn’t limited to that. Perhaps it was because he thought that he was “similar people who think of Harold and act for him.”

At that time, I had little acquaintance with Erica, so I couldn’t notice it on the spot. Well, if I noticed there, something wouldn’t have changed.

After all, as long as Harold’s purpose and the means to do so are unknown, Leafa and Erica can’t do what they want to do.

Still. The relationship between Harold, who is willing to die while shaving his own life, and Erica, who keeps lying to his feelings to respect his intentions, is wrong. Rifa thinks.

I know that relationships are a problem for the parties themselves, but it is certain that Erica will be deeply hurt by Harold’s death, which will surely come as it is. It is absolutely not right, as a friend and as a human being, to understand and overlook it.

“You know, right? Harold can do anything unreasonable for the purpose”

“Yes, to yourself Stain “

Erica, who has known Harold since childhood. I’m not sure when it’s been like that, but I’m sure I’ve seen it in various ways.

And maybe that’s why. Erica seems to overlook Harold. If you think about it, Harold is an excellent person. If you’ve seen what he’s done up close, it’s not strange.

I think it’s even more so if you have the intelligence to understand how difficult they are.

But that’s overconfidence. No matter how good you are, there is a limit to what you can do by yourself.

And yet, believing in Harold’s judgment and doing only what he wants is no longer trust, but blind faith.

“I think Harold is an excellent guy who can do things that ordinary people can’t do. But he’s the same person as us, so it’s a mistake. It can fail. “

” … It’s a story that hurts my ears. “

” Erica should understand that much. However, I think he is a person who can think calmly. I may say something I know, but it’s more “likely” to desperately look for help to stop him from being unreasonable. Wow “

” I’m not confident “

Erica smiled with a selfish smile.

It doesn’t look good. Rifa thinks that she doesn’t want to see her.

“Is it really useful for Harold-sama … I just can’t have that confidence”

Now Erica begins to speak.

It was her half-life and at the same time a glimpse into Harold’s past.

鈼?

“I met Harold eight years ago when I was ten years old.”

p>

The reason I learned about the existence of Harold Stokes was that I became a married woman for political reasons. Erica, who understood her position from that time, accepted that it wasn’t just positive emotions, but it was unavoidable.

If marrying Harold improves the living environment of the lord, it is natural that he, the daughter of the lord, will marry him. I was trying to think so.

Well, now that I think about it, the Stokes family is pure-blooded, so I think I couldn’t hide my dark expression as to whether they would be related to them. However.

But the fianc茅e who fell down brought in a miasma-suppressing drug that was prevalent in the Sumeragi territory. It only cost the material to be collected and processed, and it was actually provided free of charge.

He insisted on selling his favor, but the Summeragi family was in a position to be assisted by the Stokes family, and Harold shouldn’t have had to do that. ..

At that point, Erica’s feelings about Harold had improved considerably.

“But I had a fatal dislike for Harold because of something.”

“What’s that?”

After hesitating a bit, Erica still opened her mouth.

The people here, including Leafa, understand what Harold is. Collet is a party.

“At that time, there was a story in Stokes territory that Harold killed a servant and his daughter in the mansion, and I told Harold that the rumor was. I asked if it was true. “

Please be a rumor with no roots or leaves. I still remember hearing that while wishing.

But Harold affirmed to shatter that wish.

“I killed because I had a disappointment,” “I’m free to save or kill with just one mood.”

The anger and disappointment I felt at that time. Because I was still young, I couldn’t even know what to hit because I had such intense emotions.

“But that’s to make me believe that, and Harold-sama’s hands actually kept the servant parent and child alive and fleeing from Stokes territory.”

Deceive your parents, prepare escape means and routes, and give them a large amount of money so that they will not have trouble with their new life.

On top of that, I have been stigmatized for killing people in order to give top priority to the safety of parents and children.

“… It’s a Harold-like way of doing things”

“Yes, and I knew it for some reason.”

Harold’s kindness, strength, and nobility.

Once I understood them, it was no good.

“I see. It’s more than enough to fall in love.”

“Yes, it was too late when I realized it.”

>

Well, when I first learned the facts, I couldn’t afford to think that I was swollen because of my conscience, but there is no doubt that this was a major factor in favoring Harold. rice field.

“He’s really crazy and doesn’t bother himself, so I’m going to do what I can to reduce that burden as much as possible.”

Harold continued to take the desired attitude so as not to give unnecessary worries. When I got a big injury, I gave a special training of healing magic so that I could heal it.

To keep up with him, I studied various fields not only for the manners and territorial management of aristocratic society but also for a wide range of knowledge, and to get out of the position of being protected. He also honed his skills in attack magic, archery, and physique.

“… But it was just passive behavior”

If you don’t want to worry Harold, hit it head-on. I should have understood each other, made efforts to build trust, and asked what role I wanted them to play. That way, I might not have been so seriously injured.

No matter how much you polish yourself, it doesn’t make sense unless Harold needs it. And he knew from him that the probability of needing himself was low.

And when he thought that he would need him, he himself. I have lost the option of compromise.

“Watch, support, snuggle up, and become a truly understandable person”

That’s the word Erica was given by her father. I have tried to do it, but now I realize that I haven’t done it at all.

What are you watching over Harold? I’m just looking at it in a long way.

Do you support him? No.

Is he snuggling up when he’s having a hard time? Harold doesn’t want that.

Do you understand why you risk so much? I don’t know what he is thinking.

It’s terrible. It’s no excuse that Harold doesn’t want it.

Rifa accompanies him even against Harold’s will and has earned his trust. If I really think for Harold, I shouldn’t have really faced it no matter how rejected it was.

I couldn’t do that because Erica didn’t have the courage. I couldn’t take a step because I was afraid of being rejected by my cuteness.

I was running away at the very beginning. I’ve fallen for the uncertain hope that I’ll avoid hitting Harold and reach out from the other side someday.

“What a pity …”

I can’t help but think back. I took Harold’s hand on a boat floating in a waterway in the city of Cabran. At that time, if I had clearly stated my feelings, there might have been a different future.

But I was afraid there as well.

“No matter how big a sinner you are, I’m ready to accept it–my brother might say that,” jokingly. I could only tell.

Whether or not you can walk up without fear of getting hurt.

That’s the difference between Erica and Leafa. Leafa could, but Erica couldn’t. After all, I am reminded that my feelings are that much.

You shouldn’t be confident. I haven’t done anything for Harold.

It doesn’t make sense to just try to satisfy yourself.

And most of all, I hate myself when I talk about Clara and Colette, who vowed to keep them in my chest until Harold confesses.

When I heard Leafa’s words, I was overwhelmed by my stupidity.

“Erica 鈥︹€?#8221;

Rifa tried to encourage her, but she didn’t know what to say.

I’m getting more and more sad because I’m annoyed by this. Erica can at least behave as usual.

“I’m sorry I spilled such a complaint. Now, Mr. Rifa, please take a rest.”

“But 鈥︹€?鈥?/p>

” Because I am a real man “

Similar exchanges continued several times after that, but At the end, Leafa broke and entered the tent, paying attention to Erica.

In a space alone, I stare at the bonfire that is still crackling and burning. But for some reason I don’t feel the warmth. It didn’t change even if I put a twig and increased the fire.

Ah, maybe this is what makes my heart break. Erica thinks like someone else.

“… I wasn’t qualified to stand by you”

And finally I said so .. Until now, when I went out again and again, I swallowed it on the verge of swallowing it, and it permeated deeply and deeply into my body as if the words were true.

Tears spill from Erica’s eyes as if pushed out by it. Only the tears that run down my cheeks are warm.

But the warmth feels like the love and love that Erica has solicited from Harold, and they endlessly flow out of herself. Erica was scared and just kept crying quietly until the sky began to turn white.