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Episode 42. The Center of My Life

Everything returned to normal.

Lapin returned to the knights and trained, and I resumed my assistant work.

"I refuse."

This clear refusal… I felt like I'd heard it before.

"I'll accept any other punishment."

It was Lapin.

At Damian's order to take on a solo mission in the west for a week, he immediately answered.

"This is the mildest punishment, Lapin."

"We just returned to the territory."

"You brought this upon yourself."

I knew this would happen. As expected, a battle of wills ensued. Both men were too stubborn to admit defeat, so it was a fight with no winner.

"The director is right. Go without complaining, Lapin."

So I sided with the director.

Turning to look at me, Lapin's eyes widened as if deeply betrayed. At his gaze asking if I really meant it, I nodded.

"Go. You were in the wrong this time."

This time, Lapin was caught off guard.

"Did Lucy threaten you?"

Instead of asking me, Lapin glared at Damian as if to kill him.

"I didn't. Lucy Ohan, you'll just make things more annoying, so get out."

"Don't leave, Lucy. You were threatened, weren't you?"

"Lucy, get out now."

One told me to leave, the other told me not to.

Usually, I would have gone along with Lapin, but today I sided with Damian.

Before turning my head, Lapin, sensing my move, stared at me in shock, speechless.

'Sorry.'

Thud. I stepped out of the study and closed the door before he could grab me.

I'd have to stay outside the office until Lapin left.

---

I stopped by the annex for a moment and looked at the nearby blacksmithy.

Despite the cold weather, heat radiated from the place, and many members were stripped down. Jamie, among them, was hammering with sturdy arms, sweating profusely.

"Did you do the finishing work on this?"

Jamie, wiping his sweat, glared at a passing colleague.

"Slacker! There's rust here."

Whose mouth did that come from? I doubted my ears.

"You must be feeling pretty pleased with yourself, getting paid with this skill, huh? If you don't have skill, at least do it properly. What's this? It would break with one swing."

A colorful stream of curses came out of Jamie's mouth.

It reminded me of someone.

Like Damian, or the director, or the founder of the Bendon Guild.

After cursing freely, Jamie felt my gaze and looked up.

"…Lucy?"

The hammer in his hand dropped to the floor. At the dull sound, the members also turned their attention to Jamie.

"Lucy! What brings you here!"

As if he'd never cursed, he smiled brightly and approached me. Ignoring the members staring at him with disgust.

"You didn't see all that, did you? That bastard made a huge mistake— I mean, that member made a huge mistake!"

Then he smiled shyly.

Seriously, Jamie could be an actor. He had the face, the body, and the acting skills. What are theaters doing, not recognizing such a talented person?

"Speaking of which, I heard! About Lapin's punishment. He's going west for a week, right? Compared to tying us up with ropes, it's a weak punishment, but I hope he comes back with his head straight."

Jamie grumbled to himself, then realizing his slip, quickly checked my expression.

"I was careless. You must be upset about this, Lucy."

"It's fine. Lapin was in the wrong."

"Right? He went too far!"

Jamie immediately changed his tune.

"I wanted to go on the trip with you too… He didn't do anything to you, did he? Like, force himself on you. Or almost force himself."

Annie had asked me the same question, but the expedition with Lapin had been very enjoyable.

I wish we could have gone together as a trip, not an expedition. Lost in thought, I recalled the meeting with the Tulda family and the Magic Tower.

'How much time do I have left with Lapin?'

If the Tulda family backed off and Lapin went to the Magic Tower, I'd have nothing to worry about. Freed from the original tragic story, he would live freely.

He'd adapt well to the Tower, gain honor, earn incomparably more money, and marry a fine mage.

'Marriage…'

Yes, marriage.

That word had been oddly bothering me. Having another man beside me, or another woman beside Lapin — it felt strange.

Why?

"Lucy, are you okay?"

Jamie asked, checking my face.

"Sorry. I was just thinking."

"Don't tell me he really did force himself on you?"

"No. Why do you and Annie both think Lapin would do that?"

Do they see Lapin as a pervert?

"Of course, because he—!"

Jamie stopped.

"…Lucy and Lapin aren't siblings. So why do you care so much about him?"

Because Lapin is the male lead of <Flower of Revenge>!

Having only made it to the reserve team, I followed Lapin's hardships with empathy and compassion. That's why this time, I wanted him to no longer be the male lead of a tragic story, but…

"Lucy?"

Lapin was no longer the original male lead. He'd gained enough power to defeat Tulda knights. He'd grown into a fine adult.

"…Why indeed?"

So why had I still been making Lapin the center of my life?

---

"Lucy. You mustn't skip meals."

And why does he worry about me so much?

Lapin's punishment date was set.

"Dress warmly. If you wear thin clothes out of laziness, you'll get sick."

After that, he came to see me whenever he had a chance. Even during training, he'd come and say: 'Contact me if the director does anything strange.' 'I'll send you a carrier pigeon every day, so please reply.' And so on — advice fit for a child.

"…What am I supposed to do when I miss you?"

He didn't know about the Tulda family matter, of course.

"Will you miss me that much?"

"Why are you asking something so obvious?"

Lapin smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. At the natural touch, I held my breath.

I've noticed it before — doesn't he feel embarrassed by these gestures?

"If I'm far away…"

His hand, pausing at my ear, slowly moved to my cheek. His fingers barely brushed my cheek before falling.

"Won't you miss me?"

Lapin waited for my answer with a hardened expression.

One week.

"Of course…"

It was a short time.

"I'll miss you!"

No need to even ask.

A short week without Lapin felt long already — how much more would I miss him if it were a month or longer?

His trembling lips curved into an arc. With a brightened expression, Lapin stared at me, unable to find words.

Instead, his red eyes, slowly scanning my face, desperately wanted something. His gaze traveled from my eyes, to the bridge of my nose, to my lips, and back to my eyes.

"I'll always think of you."

His dry voice came out. The tone, so earnest like a lover bidding farewell, made my fingertips itch.

"Don't get hurt. Stay safe."

I took off my scarf and wrapped it around his neck.

"Eat properly. Dress warmly."

I wound the fabric carefully so no wind could slip through. Finally, I checked his face. Lapin, who had been still, lowered his face and buried his nose in the scarf.

"It smells like Lucy."

His cheeks flushed.

"When I come back, there's something I want to say."

I plan to suggest the Magic Tower to him.

I want him to be safe now. To do what he wants, and to fully display his abilities. But if he still says he wants to be with me — I wanted to stay with him just a little longer.

"So come back safe. Got it?"

"Yes, Lucy."

We smiled at each other.

After a brief farewell, Lapin headed west to fulfill his punishment and mission.

"In two days."

Damian's voice came from behind.

"Tulda will come. Ready?"

"More than enough!"

Now all that was left was to completely drive off the Tulda family, who were once again trying to cross into our space.

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