Volume 1 Chapter 30 Interlude： Suzu's Hell
*This is from Suzu's first-person perspective.*
<hr>
"Hey, Suzu! Where the hell did Minori go?"
...Right now, I'm busy reading the magic book. I have no time for Guy.
I glanced at him with half-open eyes and shut the book. He had come here with his lackey, Sean, and the suspicious newcomer, Marie.
Sis Minori calls him a monkey, and honestly, that might be accurate. His loud, desire-driven nature makes him seem just like one.
"Sis Minori left town yesterday. I don't know where she went either," I said.
That was a lie. I did know. But Guy didn't need to find out.
He probably wanted to chase after Sis Minori since he had feelings for her. I wouldn't let him.
Besides, he took over our party—the one that had been just me, Big Bro Ryuuji, and Sis Minori—and then kicked Big Bro Ryuuji out.
I may resent him, but I owe him nothing.
Why would I tell him anything?
Maybe it's because he's a monkey. Not too bright.
"You're lying! No way you don't know!" he shouted.
I sighed. "I really don't know. Suzu is busy reading the magic book right now, so go away."
I reopened my book and waved him off dismissively.
He'd get angry, but he wasn't stupid enough to start something here. The guild master already had his eye on him for causing trouble.
"Little brat... Who the hell do you think you are?" Guy growled.
I scoffed. "That's my line. You call yourself the party leader, but Big Bro Ryuuji and Sis Minori were always the ones cleaning up after you.
By now, you should be relaxing, free from responsibility. Instead, why don't you take a good look at yourself, Guy?"
His face twisted with rage. Before I could react, he snatched the magic book from my hands and threw it.
The magician standing by the wall barely moved his head in time to dodge. The book slammed into the wall with a loud *thud.*
"Hey, that's borrowed—"
Before I could finish, a fist smashed into my nose.
Pain exploded across my face as I flipped backward, crashing out of my chair.
No way. He's—
"Hey, you brat! Don't get cocky, you bastard!"
He grabbed me by the collar and drove his fist into my stomach.
The force made my insides churn. Bile rose up, spilling onto the floor.
Screams echoed around us.
Ah, no good... I can't breathe... it hurts...
"Hey, wait, Guy! That's too much! She's going to die!" Marie's voice rang out, frantic.
"Huh!? What's too much about it, Marie!?" Guy shot back. "This brat had it coming!"
Marie tried to pull me away, but he ignored her. His fists kept slamming into my gut.
Ironically, the repeated hits forced some air back into my lungs, letting me breathe just enough to stay conscious.
"Hey! Guy! What do you think you're doing?!"
A strong grip yanked me away from Guy, and I collapsed into someone's arms. A sharp blow landed on my back, jolting my lungs into working again.
That voice... Guild Master?
My head spun. I couldn't think.
Voices blurred together, someone yelling at Guy, but my mind cut off there.
* * *
The next day, I returned the magic book to the magician.
I apologized for the damaged binding, but they said nothing—they'd already heard about yesterday's mess.
I hadn't even finished reading it. Guilt gnawed at me, but there was no helping it.
I headed straight to the adventurer's guild reception. It was time to leave this town.
As I wrote my party withdrawal notice and transfer request, a voice rang out behind me.
"Hey, Suzu. Where are you going?"
I stopped writing.
"...It's none of Guy's business," I muttered.
He scowled. "How's it none of my business? What's with just leaving the party like that, huh?"
"It's a personal choice," I said flatly.
Before I could react, he snatched my papers and tore them to shreds.
I shot to my feet. "What are you doing?"
"I won't let you leave the party," he sneered. "Take Minori with you if you're going anywhere."
Sean moved in behind me. Before I could escape, he and Guy grabbed my arms, holding me in place.
I looked to the guild receptionist for help. She just stared, frozen.
"Excuse me, Mr. Guy!" she finally managed. "Party withdrawal is Ms. Suzu's personal right!"
"Shut up, receptionist! You're out of line!"
As she rushed off to get the guild master, I was dragged out of the guild.
* * *
"Tch. Still not gonna puke, huh? You're a tough one."
Water splashed over my face, shocking me awake.
I was in an alley.
Beaten.
"Hey, Marie, cast〈Heal〉on her," Guy ordered.
Marie hesitated. "Guy, are you finally letting her go?"
Her voice trembled.
Even she—someone I didn't trust—seemed disturbed by what was happening.
Guy laughed. His eyes gleamed with amusement.
"Huh? What are you saying? Of course not."
Marie blinked. "Eh? Then why—"
"I'm gonna keep healing her so she doesn't die. Then I'll keep torturing her until she tells me where Minori is."
His words sent a chill through the air.
Marie and Sean paled.
Wait... does that mean...?
If Sis Minori doesn't show up, I'll just keep getting beaten.
"Hey, do it, Marie. ...Ah! Wait!"
I didn't let him finish. The moment he let his guard down, I bolted.
I sprinted out of the alley, ignoring the shocked stares of passersby.
But I couldn't go back to the adventurer's guild. That would just get me dragged out again.
Then—
I turned on my heel and ran toward the merchant guild.
I had a letter to write.
* * *
"Ugh..."
"You awake, SuzSuz?"
Something soft cradled my head.
I blinked up at a familiar face—an elf with kind eyes.
"Lene...?"
"You're behind the guild, in the training area," she explained. "Your brother and sister came for you. I've been looking after you for now, so you should be okay."
At her words, I shot up despite my aching body.
Big Bro Ryuuji? Sis Minori?
I spotted Sis Minori standing nearby.
Her face was unreadable. But her sharp gaze was locked onto someone with pure hatred.
I followed her line of sight—
Big Bro Ryuuji and Guy stood in the center of the training ground.
Glaring at each other.
Keeping their distance.
A duel.
"Sis Minori... what's going on?" I asked.
She didn't look at me. Her eyes stayed on Guy.
"Big Bro Ryuuji is dueling him," she said coldly. "With you as the stake."
Then, finally, she turned to me and smiled.
A confident, unwavering smile.
She didn't doubt for a second.
"It's okay," she said. "He's our Big Bro. He won't lose to Guy."
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