Chapter 27-5 Side Story 'Shock'
It's been a few days before our Labyrinth Conquest Team (Clan) tackles the Dragon Mountain floor.
I heard that Fiona, along with the members of the Adventurer Party (Flames of Dominance), had defeated the 40th-floor guardian――the Ice Elemental Treant――which we had failed to defeat during our previous exploration. I really wanted to confirm this, so I called Fiona to our usual tavern.
"What's up, want to talk?"
"Ah, you're here. ...Well, take a seat."
I tapped on the counter seat next to me, urging her to sit down.
The usually energetic Fiona was uncharacteristically quiet, not speaking until the drinks we had ordered arrived. When she finally opened her mouth, she seemed tense.
"This is unusual, isn't it? You're the one calling me out..."
"Yeah... I just wanted to ask you something..."
"What!? What is it?"
I noticed that her cheeks were already red, even though she hadn't drunk much. Maybe she wasn't feeling well. I decided to get straight to the point, not wanting to waste time.
"Fiona, what's the deal with (Flames of Dominance)...?"
"What do you mean? I don't know what you're worried about, but all the members of (Flames of Dominance) are girls, right?"
I already knew that. I stared at Fiona's red face.
"Don't try to dodge the question. I want to hear it from your mouth."
"Yes? ...Well, they're friends, but..."
"――What did you just say!?"
I was shocked. I felt a huge impact.
"Now, you're saying that they're friends...?!"
"Huh? Yeah, that's what I said, isn't it?!"
"You're lying, aren't you?!"
"Why would I need to lie about that?!"
"You're ridiculous...!!"
It seems like the truth is being revealed. I'm getting flustered.
"I think you're a loner, and the only friend you have is Lady Eva, or something...!!"
I feel betrayed!
"What's with that?! Do I not have friends too?!"
I thought I only had one friend, Lion. I was sympathizing with Fiona because we both had few friends, but I guess that was just my misunderstanding...
"What's going on here? Are you making fun of me?"
I gave a lonely smile as Fiona glared at me with a sharp gaze.
"I'm not making fun of you, but if I made you think that, I'm sorry... I just wanted you to understand that you're a person with few friends, that's all."
"...I get it, I'm being treated like a fool."
Fiona's gaze turned stern. I guess I didn't understand her heart after all. This is the difference between having one friend and not having any...
"Anyway, if you live normally, you can make friends with several people, right? It's not just Eva, is it?"
"Hmph, stop it, Fiona..."
I looked up quietly.
"Those words really hurt me..."
"Eh...ah...so...yeah, want to grab a drink or something?"
I thought I'd get scolded for saying something rude, but Fiona was unexpectedly kind today.
However, I learned that sometimes kindness can be more hurtful than insults...
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