Chapter 92 Sermon
"I wonder if Monica and the others are okay..."
"They'll be fine, especially Ms. Monica."
After parting ways with Monica and Gray to evacuate due to the monster attack on Emerald Cat Village, we made our way to the shelter set up in the port town.
I never thought Monica would say she wanted to fight... but she's strong, so she'll be okay.
Yes, I believe in her.
...I want to believe.
"My lady, the Belmont Knights have returned!"
"Really!?"
As soon as I heard Lisa's report, I tried to run... but with my current legs, that was too much, and I ended up falling flat.
"Yumie, are you okay...?"
"Don't worry, everyone is safe. Let's take our time getting there."
"Y-yes..."
With Lisa and Thea helping me, I made my way outside the shelter.
There, I saw the knights of House Belmont being welcomed with cheers from the beastmen... and at the center, there was Monica.
"Ms. Monica!"
"Ms. Yumie! I've just returned! ...and"
Seeing Monica cheerfully raise her hand, I ran up and hugged her tightly.
To that, Monica gently patted me.
"I'm glad you're safe, Ms. Monica...so glad"
"...Hehe, Mr. Neil isn't the only one getting stronger. Do you understand that?"
"Yes...!"
I told Thea that I was fine, but deep down I couldn't help but worry about Monica.
After all, it was my own selfishness that led me to attack the one I was most interested in, instead of kicking out Gray... I'm so glad he's safe.
Not only Monica, but everyone else there looked at me with warm eyes, even as I shed tears.
...Yeah, I'm starting to feel a bit embarrassed.
"By the way, what about Gray? How is he doing now?"
"We have confirmed that he is connected to the attacker, so we are detaining him and questioning him just to be sure. Would you like to go and see him?"
"...Yes, please"
When I half-heartedly asked the question, I received a response that was somewhat expected.
If nothing had happened yet, that would be one thing, but alongside the terrible incident of the monster attack, connections to those who are likely the main culprits have now been revealed.
Thanks to the evacuation routes functioning properly and knowing in advance that the Emerald Cat tribe was likely the target due to Gray's presence, the monster threat was completely suppressed, resulting in 0 casualties.
Of course, all the non-combatants and even the beastman warriors were safe.
Even so... allowing Gray to roam free was probably asking too much.
This was also the result of my selfishness, and I have to take responsibility for it.
So, I headed towards the building where Gray was being questioned...
"How dare you, you bastard!!"
Boom!!
A tremendous sound echoed from inside the building.
Feeling the atmosphere trembling from Mr. Lygar's furious voice, I urgently asked Lisa to rush inside with me.
There, I found a shattered interrogation table and Gray, who was just looking down in front of such destruction.
And there was Mr. Lygar being restrained by the beastman people.
"You survived Neithardt and came to this country with the help of the Golden Fox!? I'll kill you with my own hands right now!!"
"Mr. Lygar, it's really not a good idea to kill him right now!!"
"I understand your feelings completely, but please hold back...!!"
The two people holding Mr. Lygar down seem to be relatively calm, but... as they say, they probably feel the same way as Mr. Lygar.
Their eyes are filled with murderous intent, and it is unclear when they will release Mr. Lygar.
"Mr. Lygar! Please stay calm!"
When I shouted, Mr. Lygar stopped raging and looked at me with a surprised look on his face.
Judging that now was the time to have him listen to me, I went to see Mr. Lygar.
"Can you leave it to me to talk to Gray? I want to talk to him one-on-one."
"Hey, you idiot! If you're a weakling and you talk to yourself, who knows what'll happen to you!!"
"Please"
I'm aware that I'm saying something really ridiculous.
Still, I think this is something I have to do.
"...Tch, fine. If it's you, it shouldn't lead to anything bad. But still, you can't do this alone; at least have one person by your side."
"I'll take care of that, so don't worry."
When Lisa stepped forward, Mr. Lygar agreed with a time limit, saying, "In that case."
So, a replacement for the broken desk was provided, and I faced Gray once more.
"Gray, your condition... doesn't seem very good. Are you okay?"
"...You don't have to smile like that. I understand."
"What do you mean?"
"I heard that you were hurt by Neithardt, looking at your face and limbs... I haven't been able to say it until now, but... I'm sorry."
"It's not Gray's fault, so you don't need to worry about it."
"Of course I'm concerned! How could I not be!?"
For the first time since meeting Gray, I heard his scream.
Did Mr. Lygar and the others hear it too? There was a loud thud outside the door!
It sounded as if someone was about to burst in.
"I didn't choose to be born as Neithardt either!! But I understand that once I'm born with that name, I have to carry it for life!!"
Blood ties are incredibly burdensome in this world.
Whether the person wants it or not, that name will follow them for the rest of their lives.
To me, being connected to my family is a blessing... but for Gray, it was probably a curse.
"But I wasn't prepared to die bearing the name of Neithardt, nor did I have the courage to abandon everything and live alone. So, even though I knew it was wrong, I continued to cooperate with them... so I'm sorry. ...I wouldn't complain even if you killed me."
Having said everything he wanted to say, Gray once again lowers his head, like a criminal waiting for his trial.
...it would be easy to just keep saying I don't care.
Actually, I don't have any feelings for Gray personally, not even for the "Neithardt family."
But even if I say that, Gray probably won't be convinced, and at this rate, he won't be able to listen properly.
That would be a problem.
"Gray. I'm not going to punish you."
"Why...?"
"Even if I did that, it would only make you feel better."
When I said that, Gray's eyes widened in surprise.
...Gray said he didn't have the resolve or courage to judge himself.
So it feels like he wants someone else to judge him so he can be free from his pain... that's the impression I get.
"It's natural not to have the resolve to face death. It's natural not to have the courage to live on your own! That's why you shouldn't leave such a heavy decision to someone else!!"
Thea felt the same way.
Unable to bear the weight of her sins, losing her will to live, it was painful and hard... yet, she still made the decision of life and death herself.
I believe that is something people should never let go of, no matter what.
"What does Gray want? If you truly want to die, then I won't say anything more. But if you're just saying that out of pain even though you really want to live... I won't allow that!!"
At my words, Gray gritted his teeth and looked down.
I also realize I'm saying something harsh.
So I don't think Gray can decide anything right away.
It's late, so I guess this will be it for today.
"If Gray wants to live...I can help you. Let's find a way together to make up for the sins you have had to bear in the name of 'Neithardt' and for this incident."
"......"
There is no reply from Gray.
Without waiting for that, Lisa took me and we left the room.
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