𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟔: 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞

Day three of our escape abroad.

According to the information Cid gathered from the tavern and mercenaries, it seems that my pursuers have not entered Fumble yet.

While I was getting ready, Cid watered the horses and loaded our few belongings.

“Vi-sama, we will be making the horses run a lot today. Are you feeling alright?”

Completely forgetting about what happened yesterday, Cid looked down at me with a gentle smile.

But I had already changed the destination in my mind for today.

“Yes, I’m fine. Let’s head to Welhinesta right away.”

“. . .Huh?”

I grabbed onto the horse’s mane and climbed onto its back. Cid blinked his eyes and showed rare signs of agitation on his face.

“I told you there’s no need to go.”

Resting my hand on the saddle, I tell Cid with a furrowed brow.

“Oh, really? But I clearly said yesterday that I have to go and thank her.”

“Was that what you meant?! Are you really planning to go?!”

Of course. While it may be a bit of a detour since Welhinesta is inland, but it’s not in the opposite direction. The point of our journey is going to Nice anyway. It should be fine even if we’re a day or two late.

“Really?”

Looking down from atop the horse, I can see Cid’s face clearly. It’s rare to be looked up to, and I feel like I could get lost in his gaze, but I quickly turn my gaze forward.

“If we don’t go now, we might never get the chance, right?”

Cid is quite stubborn, so once he has decided to protect me, he would prioritize my safety over his own homeland.

“Don’t assume that parents and cats will be there forever.”

“What’s that saying?”

It’s a phrase that our house steward used to say.

It’s a saying for when a cat escapes from home, but as someone who has already lost both parents, I feel that if there’s a chance to meet, I should take it.

If he’s this close, It’s unacceptable for them not to meet.

Cid laughed as if giving up and agreed to go to Welhinesta, always accommodating my wishes.

“They might have already moved by now, you know~?”

“If that’s the case, Onii-sama should have told Cid that yesterday. He won’t let his target escape.”

“Target, huh.”

Yes. There are countless possibilities that even if we go, we may not be able to meet. The chances of meeting are probably lower. But even so, we won’t know unless we go and try.

“If we’re going, we’re going! It’s a picnic, and the weather is nice.”

“We’ll arrive in the evening.”

“Oh, then we need to hurry. Get on quickly.”

Ending the conversation forcefully, Cid reluctantly mounted the horse. What if he gets angry? I couldn’t bring myself to turn around.

But his hand holding the reins wrapped around me just like yesterday, and he was as gentle as always.

But instead of leaving immediately, he buried his head on my left shoulder.

“Cid?!”

I was startled, and my shoulder jerked. But Cid just rested his head there, making an affectionate sound.

“Just a little longer, like this.”

“O-Okay. . .”

He is going to meet his mother for the first time in sixteen years. Maybe he’s nervous. . . Thinking that, I suddenly had an urge to gently stroke his hair. As I tried to reach out my hand, he suddenly lifted his head.

“Oops!”

“Yes! Let’s go! Departing now!”

So fast! He recovered so fast!!

I wish we could have stayed like this a little longer. . .!

Cid lightly kicked the horse’s belly and quickly left the inn’s premises.

The sea breeze tickled my nose, And I could see many small white birds along the coastal road.

As the speed gradually increased, I realized that I couldn’t keep my eyes open.

“Isn’t this a bit too fast?! Are you using magic?!”

The wind grazing my ears was so painful, and instead of a gentle whooshing sound, It was a thunderous roar.

We’ve only just left the town, and yet we’re going at this speed without crashing into the merchants’ carriages?!

“Vi-sama said, ‘We need to hurry!'” 

“But this is rushing too much!!”

The wind blowing directly at us was so strong that I completely relied on Cid’s back. He wrapped me with his arms to keep me from falling, but my eyes were tightly shut and I could barely breathe.

“Now, let’s go on a picnic together!”

Cid said with a strangely cheerful voice.

Is this his way of being mean to me,For forcibly changing the destination and meddling in his affairs?!

He rested his chin on my shoulder and held me tightly, even more closely than necessary.

If it weren’t Cid, I would have elbowed him, but in my heart, I whispered, “Thank you.”

It’s a big mistake to think that I’ll be in a constant state of agitation. Even if my face feels hot and feels like it’s burning, I’ll show that I can enjoy this rewarding time!!

However, I wished he would speak in a softer voice near my ear. It sends shivers down my spine, and my heart feels like it’s about to burst.

“Vi-sama, I hope I can reunite with my mother, you know?”

“Huh? Of course, I do.”

“In that case, please reward me when I meet her and fulfill your expectations.””

“A reward?”

“Yes.”

“Is ten gold coins enough?”

“What a rich idea! That’s not what I meant.”

Then what does he want? What does Cid want. . .What does Cid want to eat?

“Cheese-filled rolled omelette!”

He mentioned wanting to eat it the day before yesterday. I can understand everything about Cid. Truly the power of love. Hooray for my memory!

“Well, let’s discuss it later.”

“Uh, um. Yes, that’s right. I’ll give you anything I can.”

“You said it. . .I’m looking forward to it, Vi-sama.”

What is it? Why does his voice sound slightly threatening?

It’s like he enjoys tormenting his prey. . .

Is he plotting something?

Well, it’s not like I, a fallen noble daughter, have much to offer as a reward. 

If I put a ribbon on myself and said, “I’m the reward,” I’ll probably be looked at with cold eyes. I need to think of something more appropriate.

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