Chapter 12
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: A Yellow Flower Blooming Between Rocks (1)
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"...Alright. Is everyone okay? No injuries?"
Nadia approached the party members while wiping the blood from her sword. Bobby, drenched in sweat from running for the first time in ages, panted heavily as he gave a thumbs-up.
"Looks like no one's hurt, thankfully. Sera put up a barrier nice and quick, so most of the attacks got nullified."
"Huh? Th-this is nothing! Easier than pie! You all owe me big time!"
"Gotta admit it. Well done, Sera. Now let's move. We know this place isn't safe."
"Yes, yes, sir Knight."
"Rick. Can't you do something about that tone?"
Rick and Nadia bickered as usual while walking ahead, with Bobby, Leo, and Sera following behind. I started to move too, but suddenly noticed someone missing and turned back.
"...Eli. What's wrong? Did you get hurt somewhere?"
"Eli's hurt?"
Sera whipped her head around in alarm at my words. Eli forced an awkward smile and bit her lip slightly.
"Huh? It's nothing, Sera. Just... twisted my ankle a bit. I stumbled back there when I got startled..."
"Figures you'd hurt yourself on something useless like that. What were you even doing to twist your ankle?"
"Rick, don't talk like that. Eli, let me apologize on his behalf."
"It's fine, Uncle Bobby. Really, everyone, go on ahead. I'll catch up slowly."
Eli tried to smile it off, but her injured ankle was already swelling red. Leo noticed too and approached her.
"Eli. If it's bothering you, want me to help you walk? No need to tough it out."
"I said I'm fine. Go on. Don't let me slow you down."
"Yeah. Let's go. She'll heal on her own if we leave her."
With Rick's indifferent remark, the party members lost interest and moved on. It must have hurt her feelings, but Eli didn't complain once, just dragged her leg along behind them.
That's Eli's biggest flaw. Too damn nice. Even back home, that personality always got her the short end of the stick, and she still hasn't fixed it.
I waited for the others to get farther ahead before approaching Eli.
"Does it hurt?"
Eli, who had been forcing a brave face, sighed deeply the moment she saw me and made a pouty expression.
"Yeah, it hurts."
"Want a piggyback ride?"
"You're a bit late asking, aren't you?"
She glared at me sulkily, then held out her hand. Her face broke into a bright smile right away. Before I could say anything, she hopped up onto my back.
"Ugh...! Eli. You could say no once in a while."
"You're such an idiot, you'd actually believe me if I said I was fine."
"I'm not that much of an idiot."
"You are. You don't get it at all."
Eli fussed playfully and wrapped her arms tight around my neck. A minty scent wafted over me, her gentle warmth seeping into my body.
"Can't... breathe."
"What? Feels too good having me on your back?"
"Can't deny that."
"Hehe."
She rested her head on my shoulder with a light tap, her jet-black hair tickling my cheek and scattering over my shoulders. Listening to her heartbeat and steady breaths, it felt like we were back home. I walked slowly on purpose, putting some distance between us and the party.
"Feels like it's just us two. Miss those days when it was always like this."
"Yeah. Brings back memories. If not for this nasty sweat and blood stench."
"...That bad? I swear I wash up."
"Might be soaked into your skin by now. Doesn't suit you at all, Luca."
Eli added bitterly, pressing herself closer. I adjusted her position with a sigh.
"Can't be helped. This is my job."
"Is it, though? I still don't get it."
It had been almost two years since we left home, but Eli still questioned the prophecy. I pretended not to hear and changed the subject.
"So, how's it feel getting a piggyback after so long? Pretty reliable now, right?"
"Your back's a bit broader. Just a little."
"Yours too—your chest is bigger than before. Makes it worth the carry. You can snuggle closer."
"This is close enough, perv."
"Fair enough. Don't wanna get hit again."
I cleared my throat and acted proper, but mischief struck—I tickled Eli's thigh lightly. She let out a cute squeal and gripped my shoulders tight.
"Eek...! Hey! You did that on purpose!"
"Duh? So this is your weak spot?"
"Sera told you! Cut it out!"
"Can't help it with you on my back... Ow!"
Eli bit the back of my neck hard since I wouldn't stop. A sharp sting hit, followed by hot saliva trickling down.
"D-don't bite! I'll fall!"
"Keep those naughty hands still!"
"Ow ow. Not twice in the same spot! That really hurts!"
We kept messing around until we burst out laughing. Soon, Sera noticed the commotion and came over to scold us. Watching her flushed face as she ran up, suddenly my vision went black, the surroundings fading away.
That's when I realized it was all a dream. Memories of that irreplaceable day. Moments I thought were trivial back then, but looking back, they'd never return. Nadia leading the party confidently, Sera showing her jealousy subtly. They're all gone now.
I don't want to wake up. But awakening always comes. No matter how I curl up in the cocoon of darkness, burying my face, the cruel sunlight eventually cracks it open and drags out the wings.
Waking from the dream, I opened my eyes to a blank world. Filled with pure white light, everything was pristine white. It'd drive a normal person mad, but it brought me peace. Finally blind. Now I don't have to see anything.
But then a warm touch brushed my hair—warm and so soft, I wanted to entrust my eternity to it. The hand stroked my hair, forehead, eyebrows, then gently over my eyelids. The white world shattered, colors returning to the real one.
And the world's sole inhabitant was the person I loved more than anyone.
"Hey, Luca."
As the snow pile covering my eyes was swept away, Eli smiled naturally. She brushed off the snow from my face, then blew warm breath on my cold hands to thaw them.
"Hoo... hoo..."
Her pleasant breath carried the usual mint scent across my face. She pocketed my reddened hands, then grinned mischievously.
"Hey, handsome bro. What're you doing out here alone?"
The familiar sensation brought a smile to my face unbidden. Eli's corny jokes weren't funny, but they always made me laugh. She winked and bent at the waist.
"Not as handsome as you, but I'm pretty cute. Wanna come play at my place?"
She tilted her head as if waiting for an answer, then lifted her chin haughtily and circled me playfully.
"No answer? I'll leave then. Got guys chasing me, you know? One's named Luca. Handsome as can be."
That's me. So don't go. I couldn't say it, but she approached with quick steps as if she'd heard, beaming.
"Knew it. Mind if I rest here? No lap pillow, so I'll borrow your leg."
Eli plopped down in the snow and leaned against my leg. Warmth spread from my thigh, but not seeing her made me uneasy. She stretched languidly, oblivious or not.
"Ugh... Haah. So tiring. Can't do everything alone without getting worn out."
Her casual daily gripe hit me like a fatal blow. Just recently, everyone was together. Now it was just Eli. As she loosened her tension with odd groans and sighed deeply, she spoke to me.
"Luca. You listening?"
Yeah. I've been listening. From start to finish.
No reply would come. But somehow, I felt Eli could hear.
"...A lot's changed while you've been out, Luca. Way too much. More than I can handle."
And like magic, Eli answered. She hesitated, then slowly poured out her heart.
"Dunno how much you've seen or heard... but you must have questions. Where everyone's at. Why Nadia hasn't shown up in days. Why Sera's not here."
...I know.
But say it from your mouth.
"Nadia's with Rick. Stuck together all day like newlyweds. Guess they like each other. Who knew her taste was so bad? Anyway, they're busy with their own stuff, basically out of party duties."
Their 'own stuff'—only you could pretty it up like that when they're just screwing around all day, Eli.
"Uncle Bobby's laid up sick again. What's a party healer doing getting hurt so much? He'll be sidelined for a bit too."
Heard vaguely in my sleep what happened. You're scarier than I thought.
"And Sera..."
Eli paused at Sera's name, holding her breath. Her emotions probably as unresolved as mine. She forced cheer into her voice, suppressing the surge.
"Sera's nursing Uncle Bobby. Could leave him, but that's Sera—too kind. Painfully so. Right, Luca?"
You're right, Eli.
...So how are you holding up? Doing okay?
Eli fell silent, staring blankly at the sky. Then, as if hearing my question, she replied.
"So I'm the only one working normally now, Luca. Leo helps sometimes, but he's busy with party drama too. At least one healthy member's left."
Yeah. That Leo.
I used to think he was annoying. Our roles overlapped, and honestly, he was better—I couldn't deny it. Gave me an inferiority complex. I'm the Hero. Why does he always shine more?
But now, petrified by the curse with everyone showing true colors, it was Leo holding the crumbling party together. I'd seen him scold Rick and Bobby briefly, supporting Eli too.
Maybe I wished the perfect guy had flaws, like instability. But he's doing his part—better than I thought. I should be grateful.
Should be. But anxiety crept in. Eli's only support now is Leo, not me. Feared losing my Hero spot to him—now scared he'd take her side too.
Especially knowing he's better than me.
"So, Luca. When are you waking up? Sleeping forever saves no one. Not the world, not people. Not even the pretty girl sitting here."
Eli joked through the pain—it hurt to hear. Only one thing I could say.
Sorry, Eli.
"No one to play along with my lame jokes. Can't reminisce about home. Guess I'm a loner now. Should've stopped you from leaving the village."
Sorry.
"Feels like a hole in my chest. Sometimes hurts so bad I can't bear it."
Sorry...
Just one word. Nothing more, nothing less.
But no miracle. Eli ended her emotional flood with a long sigh, then bonked her head on my knee.
"Now I stand watch alone because of you. So tonight, you're hearing me out as punishment. Got lame stories, complaints, even curses ready—take 'em sweetly."
If it cheers you up, anytime.
Thought tonight would be peaceful with just Eli. But footsteps crunched from afar. Eli jumped up, frowning, then named the intruder.
"Leo's here."
"Ah, Eli."
...Leo.
Under moonlight, he looked dazzling tonight. Clean brown hair, sharp nose, sturdy yet lean build. Even entering the capital, he drew women's eyes. He waved cheerfully at Eli as he approached.
"Knew you'd be on watch alone. Felt like it."
"Obviously. No one else to do it."
"True. Barely any able-bodied left."
Leo unbuckled his sword and stood beside Eli. She flinched slightly but didn't move away.
"Makes me sad you do all the grunt work and watch alone. Came to help."
"Thanks, Leo."
"...Thanks?"
"Yeah. What's weird?"
Leo scratched his head awkwardly and plopped down.
"Just... first time hearing thanks from you."
"Did I...?"
"Yeah. You were always kinda cold to us."
His tone was hurt but calm. Eli pondered, then exhaled deeply.
"Hmm... maybe. Too much on my mind lately."
"Makes sense. I was too. Anyway, sit? Hate looking up at you."
"Teasing my height now?"
"Yep, so sit before I trip you."
At the dumb joke, Eli sat and glared lightly. Leo laughed heartily, waving it off.
"Don't look so mad. Just kidding."
"Pretty violent for a joke."
"Huh? It's what I say to my little sis. Slipped out. Sorry if it bothered you."
"You have a little sister?"
Eli looked surprised. I perked up too, caught off guard.
"Yeah. About your height. Eight or so."
"Not that short."
"Kidding. She was fifteen when I left home. Probably twenty now. Wow, full-grown lady."
He chuckled, gazing at the sky. His wistful eyes sparkled among the stars.
"As a kid, she'd beg for hugs. Grown up, too shy. So I'd trip her playfully, then catch and hug. She'd fuss but laugh."
"You two were close."
"Yeah. Just us two—no other family. Mom passed long ago... Dad left for the border to defend the country. Had to be close."
"Sorry... shouldn't have asked."
"Nah, it's fine. Never felt unhappy."
So the occasional letters were to her. Kept it secret even when asked. Spills it now.
"Why leave home then? With a sister you love that much."
Eli's voice softened at the backstory. Leo smirked, shrugging.
"Mercenary sob story—needed money. Stuff happened back home. Someone had to earn, but a young girl? Only whoring. So I went. Took any job. Mercenary fit best."
"Surprising. Thought you were some noble's son."
"I do look slick. But if I were, no way I'd do this."
"Slick? You just look clean. No offense."
"Can take that as 'handsome'?"
"Ha. Sure, whatever."
They met eyes and smiled easily, like old friends. Or...
...
Night deepened under hazy moonlight, stars twinkling beautifully. Eli gazed endlessly, then spoke.
"Don't you miss her?"
Leo, staring at stars, shivered slightly in the cold.
"If I asked if you miss home, what'd you say?"
"Of course you do."
"Yeah. Terribly. Wanna run back right now."
He cracked his knuckles casually.
"...And you resemble her painfully. Except hair color."
"Do I?"
Eli turned to look. Leo shook his head.
"Forget it. Dumb thing to say."
"Well, she must be gorgeous then."
"Let's say."
They laughed again. But watching soured my mood inexplicably.
Eli's happy, so it should be fine. In this mess, her smiling is a blessing.
But my absence beside her made everything uncomfortable.
Oblivious, their talk continued. Eli was lonely too, probably. I tried thinking that, suppressing jealousy.
"Weather's getting colder. Gotta prepare."
"Cold, Eli?"
"Don't say you'll warm me or something cheesy. Not that cold."
"Nah. If you're not cold, strip. I'm freezing."
Lame. But Eli laughed—like it was hilarious.
Why does this hurt so much? It's nothing. She's not beaten or forced—yet my chest tore.
They kept smiling at each other. Then a vision rose: childhood dream of holding hands with Eli, kissing, our backs to the future. Long-cherished, vivid. Now Leo intruded.
"...Stop joking. Starting to sound serious."
"Back to formal? We're same age—use casual."
"Feels awkward."
"It's fine. Casual's good."
Please. Stop. It's getting painful. Even if I'm worthless, don't laugh with him, Eli.
"O...kay. I'll try."
"Drop the 'Leo-ssi' too. Never been called that."
Shut up, Leo. Stop... invading my head. Eli's all I have left. I know you're better, admit you're superior—just leave Eli...
"Got it... Leo."
"Ah... haha. Awkward for me too."
"You asked for it."
"Yeah. But Eli, snow in your hair. Lemme brush it."
"Oh? Sure..."
Leo reached naturally for her hair. Eli bowed her head innocently. Next scene flashed unbidden.
'Eli.'
'...Leo.'
My constricted heart shattered, melting like tears. Their tender voices calling echoed thickly. No strength to see more—I tried closing my eyes. No freedom for that. What came was...
"Leo."
"Yeah...?"
Suddenly, Eli's voice rang cold as ice. Looking down fearfully, I saw her gripping Leo's wrist tight.
"What's that on your lips right now?"