Chapter 163 Names
This is a story about when I was synthesizing alone in the synthesis room prepared by Reinhardt-san and the others.
"Hey, Laura!"
"Whoa?!"
A voice suddenly came from behind me, where no one was supposed to be, and I accidentally dropped the synthesis tool from my hand. Luckily, it didn't break, but I hastily picked it up and held it close to my chest. Then, I quickly turned around.
The person standing there was a green-haired boy. This boy, who seemed familiar, was――
"Uh, Wentle-sama...?"
When I called out to him, the boy――Wentle-sama――made a big smile and handed me a large bag. When I looked inside, I saw souvenirs like snacks and fruits that Lukas and the others had bought in the city, and a letter.
I thanked him with a bow, and Wentle-sama, who seemed slightly displeased, nodded with a somewhat forced smile.
"Where are Lukas and the others now?"
"They're taking a break in Geel village. Since there's a spirit's dwelling near the village, they told me to check on Arnold and Laura's condition while I'm at it."
Wentle-sama raised his voice, saying "They're using spirits like servants!" It seemed that was the reason for his displeasure.
I thought the same thing when the water spirit delivered a letter the other day ―― it's rude to use high-ranking spirits like errand boys. I should be grateful for their kindness in granting our requests despite their displeasure.
"Are you going to go see Arnold's face?"
"He's probably sleeping, right?"
"Well, yeah, that's true...."
He was told to check on Arnold's condition, so I thought I'd guide Wentle-sama to the civilian's house where he was sleeping, but Wentle-sama didn't seem too enthusiastic. Was he sulking?
I forced a smile and persisted.
"I want to write a reply to the letter, so just for now..."
"Fine, whatever..."
Ugh, Wentle-sama took my hand with a "come on" kind of attitude. It seemed like he wanted to guide me somewhere.
I carefully gathered the synthesis tools on the table and put them away in a box, thinking I'd clean them up later, and then left the synthesis room with Wentle-sama still holding my hand.
As soon as the door closed with a "thud" sound, I felt a warm and fuzzy sensation around my feet. Before I could even look down, Wentle-sama let out a "ah!"
"You! Did you follow me?"
As expected, Wentle-sama picked up the water spirit with one hand, and it was breathing with its tongue out, looking like it had been chasing after us.
Since we couldn't force it to go back, the 3 of us ―― Wentle-sama, the water spirit, and I ―― headed to Arnold's place. The people of Rustu, who were on lookout duty, didn't seem surprised to see the young boy and puppy-like spirit, and they welcomed us without asking any questions.
As I glanced at Wentle-sama, who was observing Arnold's sleeping face, I read the letter that was in my luggage. It seemed that the demon king's gathering of monsters was having an effect, and they were making good progress without any obstacles on they journey.
"Hey, did you name it?"
Wentle-sama asked me while I was writing a reply.
For a moment, I didn't know what he was talking about, but the word "name" clicked into place. I had promised to name the water spirit, after all.
I put down my pen and let out a wry smile.
"Not yet, I haven't thought of one..."
"Aww, that's so poor! You're taking so long!"
Wentle-sama picked up the water spirit and started talking to it. The spirit responded with a "woof" sound, as if agreeing.
I did feel guilty for keeping it waiting, but it wasn't something that could be decided easily.
"Well, but naming Spirit-sama is a big responsibility..."
"It's like naming a pet, it's not a big deal. The name doesn't have any special meaning anyway."
"Ugh..."
Giving a name to a pet and giving a name to a spirit who has helped me out so much, even if I just met them, are 2 completely different things I want to argue that, but I think it's just a difference in how spirits and humans think. I swallow my words.
Wentle-sama lets out a deep sigh as he looks at me, still undecided. Then, he approaches me while holding the water spirit, and suddenly pokes the puppy's nose against mine.
"Any name is fine, whether it's one you came up with yourself, or one someone else thought of. The problem is, if we don't decide soon, I won't know what to call it."
I agree with him on that point. In reality, I've been calling the water spirit "water spirit" this whole time, and it feels awkward.
Wentle-sama holds the water spirit to his chest again and says in a voice like he's talking to a small child.
"How about Laura? Is that okay with you?"
Laura? Please, just spare me that. No matter how much the spirit likes it, I'm not comfortable with it.
But the water spirit nods in agreement and lets out a happy "Woof!"
"Don't you have another name or something?"
"What a ridiculous thing to say..."
I slump my shoulders at Wentle-sama's absurd words.
It's not like someone would have 2 names.
(Another name...)
And then, I remember. That's right, I have 2 names. My current name and... my past life's name.
I've been regularly recalling my memories of "Last Brave" aside from that, but they're gradually fading away. However, I still remember my own name.
I don't remember the voices of people who called me by that name, but I was called by that name in the distant past...
"...Akari."
"Woof!"
The water spirit responds to my small murmur with a bark, and I let out a loud "Huh?!"
Did the water spirit really react to the name "Akari"?
Wentle-sama says to me, who's shocked, in a teasing tone.
"Oh, It seems to like the name! You said Akari, didn't you?"
"Hey, wait a minute!"
The name has completely fallen into the 'Akari' flow, and I'm getting flustered.
Of course, that name is another one of mine. But it's not like I wanted to give that name to the water spirit because of Wentle-sama's whims; it's just that I remembered it because of him. This is no different from naming it "Laura".
As I'm getting flustered, the water spirit happily repeats the name.
"Akari, Akari."
"It's fine since it like it, it's decided!"
Hmm, and Wentle-sama has a proud expression for some reason.
As for me, I wanted to raise an objection, but I couldn't forcefully take it back from the person who's already decided on it. Besides, if the person themselves has decided on that name, no matter how much I say, it's pointless.
Ah, I shouldn't have said it carelessly.
Wentle-sama asks me brightly, as I'm regretting my words.
"Is Akari someone's name? I've never heard of it before."
That's right, I think. Akari, what a name that wouldn't be used in this fantasy world.
I hesitate for a few seconds, wondering how to answer, and then open my mouth as if I've given up.
"...It's the name of my other self in my dreams."
I remember telling Arnold about my past life in my dreams.
Even I think it's weird to have a different name in my dreams, but Wentle-sama seems to have accepted it without a fuss.
"Hmm? So it's like Laura no. 2, huh?"
"No, but, maybe it's like that, but not exactly..."
I reflexively deny Wentle-sama's words, but since I've thought the same thing myself, I can't argue back.
I glance at the water spirit without thinking.
"Sorry, if you don't like it, just say so. We can think of a different name together."
"Akari is fine."
The puppy-like child answers my words in a more decisive tone than usual, without hesitation.
I honestly don't know why they like it that much, but as I watch the water spirit repeat the name "Akari" many times, I feel a mix of emotions, but not a bad one.
"Akari, Laura, precious."
One word at a time, the water spirit seemed to savor each syllable ―― Akari said so.
It seems this child has decided to make "Akari" its own name.
"Thank you, ...Akari."
The name I thought I'd never utter again had somehow become familiar on my tongue.
*
"The luggage is heavy."
Wentle-sama slung a large, puffed-up bag over her shoulder, pouting with dissatisfaction.
The bag was mainly filled with healing potions. As a result of cramming so many things in, it had become quite heavy.
"I'm sorry... I just..."
When I apologized, Wentle-sama smiled and said, "It's okay, don't worry about it."
"Take care of Arnold for me."
"Yes, Wentle-sama, take care of Lukas and the others too, please."
"Leave it to me!"
Wentle-sama thumped her chest strongly.
Just like my crossbow, which was imbued with the spirit's power, Lukas's weapons could also be strengthened in a similar way. I just wanted to borrow his power a little longer, until the very end.
I crouched down and gently petted the head of the child sitting at Wentle-sama's feet, who was obediently quiet like a puppy.
"Akari too, take care."
"Yes."
With a big nod, Wentle-sama and Akari vanished into the narrow gap of time and space.
Akari. My past self. For some reason, I felt refreshed now that that child had taken on that name.
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