Chapter 32
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: Welcoming Rain - 1
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As I stepped out of the grand cathedral onto the empty street, a hazy darkness wrapped around my feet like a blanket. The familiar chill that always seeped between my skin at night was there, but oddly enough, today it came with an irritating heat. It looked like rain was coming tomorrow.
The salty scent of impending rain hung in the air, and suddenly a long-forgotten loneliness washed over me. It was probably because the heavy weight I always carried was gone. I sneered at myself for missing my sword now that there was no one left to miss. Still, feeling this lonely meant my heart was probably still in there somewhere.
The joke I tossed at myself left only a bitter aftertaste. I used to come up with pretty decent ones back in the day. Whatever human sensations remained had long since corroded away in the waves of time. I scraped around inside myself just in case, but all that came up was a salty grudge for revenge.
"Hoo..."
Try as I might to think of something else, Sera's face kept surfacing. But strangely, it wasn't the broken version I'd just seen—it was the pure, innocent girl from the old days. The one I could never hate, no matter how much she nagged and annoyed me.
Why? I tried to guess but soon gave up, shaking my head. Pointless now, a waste of time. No matter how much I reminisced, I could never go back. And neither could she.
Hell, I'd just asked her to hurt herself. Indirectly, sure, but the intent was clear. Telling her to scrape away every last remnant of her old self, then pining for the past? Laughable. If I checked on her in two days, she'd probably look even worse.
...
Now, I didn't even have friends left to miss.
"You're earlier than I expected."
I was mulling over my solitude, walking in the shadows, when a familiar voice called out. Turning, I saw Rachel leaning against a small lantern, reading a newspaper.
"How long were you planning to wait?"
"I figured maybe until tomorrow. If you didn't show, I was going to go in after you. Guess I didn't need to."
"Not like you could've done anything if you did."
"At least I'd know what happened to you."
She folded the newspaper and tucked it into her pocket. I watched her for a moment before speaking.
"Anything interesting?"
"Not really. Just that demon forces are stronger this year than usual. The palace is denying it through gritted teeth, but demons have shown up even in safer areas like the Letter region or the Haim territories. No casualties reported, thankfully. And the usual hero worship for Sir Leo—articles about how great he is. You probably don't care about that."
"What do they say?"
"Want me to read it? It's kinda cringy. If you're that curious, we can do it at the lodging—you can read it yourself."
"Sounds good. Did you book a place?"
"Nah. Vanessa said to crash with her if we had nowhere to go. Could get an inn, sure, but why pass up free? I'm not exactly rich."
Rachel pouted a bit like she was sulking and started walking ahead. I rubbed my fatigue-heavy eyes and followed.
"Good night vision. Reading a paper by lantern light."
"The light helped, but sure, let's say that. This body's got nothing going for it anyway—might as well have good eyes."
"That priest didn't seem to think so."
"Getting approval from a creep like that wouldn't make me happy anyway. Some pedo priest who drools over any young girl? Wouldn't touch him even for pay."
"Fair enough."
I let out a long breath and tossed out a casual remark without thinking.
"Thanks."
"...For what?"
"For helping. Thanks."
"I've been waiting for you to say that. Quicker than I thought."
"When'd you expect it?"
"Honestly? Never. Figured I'd never hear it."
Rachel spat it out curtly, then paused, lightly scratching her cheek.
"Kinda ticklish, though. First time anyone's thanked me for this job."
"I don't pay you. Least I can do is say thanks."
"Money helps more."
She flashed a light smile my way. I tried to smile back out of courtesy but gave up when it wouldn't come. My face must've looked weird because she winced and turned away.
"Don't force it. You might forget how to smile for real someday."
"I thought it'd be the opposite."
"Maybe. But if all you can do is fake it when you really need to smile someday? That'd be sad."
"Hope that day comes."
Before I knew it, our banal chat had brought us to the shack. Vanessa waited out front with her crossbow, waving at us.
"You're late. Treat him well?"
"Yep. Took real good care of him. So, Vanessa, where do we sleep?"
"Was gonna just lay blankets on the floor together, but rain's coming. Basement's better. Cramped, but it'll do. You hate kids?"
"Love 'em, actually."
"Not my thing."
Vanessa heard me and scratched her head with her maimed left hand.
"Better than sleeping in the rain, though. Head down—I'll talk to the kids."
"Yay! Snacks?"
"Bugs okay?"
"Eww."
"Don't knock it—some bugs are good."
Vanessa leaned on Rachel instead of her crutch and headed inside. I rubbed my eyes and followed.
"Eek! A man!"
The shrill scream hit my ears as soon as we entered the basement. Already dreading the hassle, I silently looked for a spot to lie down. But the kids kept making a racket.
"Mister, please! Eat her, not me! She's an elf—she'd taste better!"
"Hey! My ears are just big, okay? Not an elf! Please, mister! I've got a family!"
"Bella. Shut it, or I'll gouge your eyes again."
The noise died like magic when Vanessa came down. The six kids in the basement sat quietly, looking up at her innocently.
"Sorry. They have trauma about this stuff. Ugly as they are, they're cowards at heart—scare 'em once, they stay down."
"They're cute! Hi, kids!"
"Don't encourage them, detective lady. They'll ask a million questions."
"Detective? Sis is a detective?"
Bella, the girl they'd called, approached with sparkling eyes—one blue, one yellow. They held depths far beyond her years.
"Yeah? Uh, yeah. I'm a detective. Got someone you wanna punch? Say the word—I'll do it for pay."
"For real? Punch that ugly boy over there? I'll give you my leftover bread."
"Which one? Oh, him?"
"Figures you'd know right away. Alright, kids. Gather up."
Vanessa waved them over and spoke as gently as she could.
"That guy's a killer by trade, and the detective sis sells people out for cash. But if you shut up and stay still, they won't eat you. So behave. Got it?"
"Talented healer, lousy teacher."
"I know."
As we muttered, one kid shot up a hand. Vanessa nodded despite her annoyed look.
"Yeah, Kate. Speak."
"Can I sleep next to detective sis? Please, priest lady."
"Me too!"
"...If the detective says yes. Rachel?"
"If Luca says okay. Luca?"
The question chain landed on me. I'd been trying to sleep quietly, but I sighed and nodded.
"Do what you want."
"Yay! Love you, killer bro!"
"Bella, side spot. I asked first."
"Hmph. Cheater..."
"Alright. Lights out. Too noisy, and you're sleeping upstairs with me."
"Aren't you staying, Vanessa?"
She shook her head and reached for the candle.
"Someone's gotta fix the house if it collapses. Don't worry about me—sweet dreams, all."
She snuffed the candle, plunging us into darkness with a faint burnt smell. Her footsteps climbed the stairs, the door shut, and silence fell.
But it didn't last. Soon after, rustling and Bella's voice.
"So, sis, real detective? Like, solving cases?"
"Duh, idiot. Detectives don't do that. Right? You smash cheating guys' junk for girls, yeah?"
"Shut up, Kate. I asked first."
"Kids. I'll answer everything—just no fighting."
Rachel soothed them gently and glanced my way.
"Ten minutes of chit-chat with the kids? Okay?"
I didn't reply. She knew silence meant yes and turned back.
"More like finding people. Punch targets or lost loved ones—anyone someone's desperate to meet. I find 'em for pay."
"Can you find my mom?"
"You don't have a mom, Bella."
"That's why I asked. Ever found someone who's... gone?"
"Hm..."
Finding someone no longer in this world.
I felt Rachel glance at me again. I stayed silent. She sighed deeply and answered firmly.
"No."
"..."
"Never once thought I was looking for someone gone from this world."
Her words, clearly meant for me, lingered in my ears. As I mulled them, Kate piped up mischievously.
"Means you won't find her. Bella, no mom forever."
"Hmph. Like you're so great. Sis must've traveled tons as a detective. Been to the capital?"
"Of course. Barely any spots in the empire I haven't seen."
"Seen Leo? Or His Majesty Leo?"
"Dummy Kate. Leo's not the emperor. He's, uh... what'd they call him? Um..."
"Majesty's fine. He's basically emperor now. His sister, Princess Reina, is gorgeous, they say. Shame I never saw her."
"Whoa, you really went. Met bro there?"
Rachel chuckled playfully at Bella's question.
"Why? Think he looks capital?"
"Nah. More like some hick. Total country bumpkin. Where you from, bro?"
"Rachel."
I spoke heavily, eyes closed.
"Ten minutes up."
"Yeah... bedtime anyway."
"Aww..."
Bella and Kate grumbled but quieted. Peeking, I saw them huddled under a straw mat blanket, wriggling.
"You were listening."
"Yeah."
"Don't sleep much, huh."
"Never have."
"Figured."
Rachel yawned hugely, then lifted her blanket.
"Want this? I'm hot-blooded—no need."
"No. Fine."
"...Okay. Night, Luca."
No more words, she turned toward the kids. I stared at the ceiling, then closed my eyes. Darkness spread, familiar solitude creeping in.
Eli would visit in my dreams again tonight. Right before sleep was one of the few times I felt fear. With kids around, it felt like childhood sleep paralysis crawling over my skin.
...
"Eh, whatever."
...?
Suddenly, warm fabric draped over me. Opening my eyes, Rachel's blanket lay on my chest.
"Just take it. I really don't need it."
"I don't either..."
"Psh, don't argue."
Before I could toss it back, she rolled to the kids, hugging Bella and Kate tight, mumbling.
"You toss and turn every night. At least sleep easy here."
"..."
"No nightmares."
I tried refusing again, but she turned away stubbornly, not looking. As I hesitated, two small voices joined.
"Night, killer bro."
"Niiight..."
Their yawns faded, and I shut my mouth, staring at the ceiling. The worn floorboards gave off a familiar wood scent.
I pulled the blanket to my feet. Warm from Rachel's body heat, it settled on my belly—a cozy feeling I hadn't known in ages. People who wouldn't harm me snoring nearby. Warm straw scent with every shift. And most of all, another person's warmth in my bedding.
Something I'd thought I'd never feel again.
...
No.
Like clothes that didn't fit. I shook my head but left the blanket on. That would've been truly pointless. I chanted that to myself and closed my eyes. Darkness came faster than usual, tension melting away.
"Bro! Bro! Killer bro!"
A small hand shook me hard. Consciousness snapped awake before it touched, but laziness kept me still. Bella climbed on top, screaming.
"Get up! Priest says lunch!"
"...Lunch?"
"Eek."
Startled, I bolted up, and Bella tumbled off with a yelp.
The bedding was neatly folded, kids and Rachel gone. Clutching my head, I eyed Bella in her raincoat getup.
"What time is it?"
"Can't read—think I can tell time? Dunno, afternoon maybe. We ate already, playing outside. Wanna play too, but stuck babysitting you."
"...Gods."
I eyed my sprawled legs, then scrambled up and flung open the basement door. Pouring rain roared, Rachel's voice cutting through.
"Awake, huh."
"Sleeps like a rock."
Chasing Bella up the stairs, I found Rachel and Vanessa grinning at me. I leaned on the wall, cradling my head.
"How long?"
"Wanna say two days, but nah. Around two PM. Tried waking you—too deep."
"Slept like post-battle. Heard snoring too."
"Me...?"
Disorienting. Had I slept this soundly lately? No dreams last night either. As I puzzled over my body, Vanessa stood and headed for the door.
"Lunch's ready—eat when you're clear-headed. Tastier than you'd think."
"Uh, Vanessa. Going somewhere?"
"Gotta watch the kids. What's fun about rain play? Catch colds—gotta herd 'em in. City's vibe feels off today too. Something happened."
"What?"
"Dunno... Hiding it, but bustling. Gotta check. Probably nothing—happens all the time."
Despite the crutch, she moved fast out the door. Rachel watched her go, then turned to me.
"Wanna serve lunch, but... talk first. Gross for mealtime."
She shrugged, digging in her pocket, pulling out a grimy bundle.
"What to do with this? Creepy carrying it."
"What's that."
"...The priest's balls."
Still reeling from oversleeping, I looked up at the bundle. Right, needed handling.
"Gotta return 'em eventually."
"Could smash 'em. Why bother?"
"Seeing the Saint tomorrow. His help might come in handy again—better intact."
"Tomorrow too?"
"Time to think about Bobby."
I spotted stew on the shelf and reached. Rachel handed cutlery with a sigh.
"Found his spot?"
"Roughly."
"Not enough."
"Rough's fine. Hundred girls went in—heavy traffic. Easy to spot; not many places hold that many."
"True."
She grimaced, pocketing the bundle, leaning back with raised brows.
"So, what's the plan for Bobby? Not just killing, right?"
"Nope."
"Figured. Need help?"
"Won't wanna this time."
I said firmly; she just nodded, sensing trouble.
"Still, tell me. Curious."
"Won't like it."
"Ah. Got it."
I finally spooned stew. Warmer and more nostalgic than expected. Rachel watched, shaking her head uneasily.
"Ugh, want coffee. None around? Withdrawals."
"That damn coffee..."
I started griping but looked up. Amid the chill rain-wind, a sudden hot surge hit. I set the spoon down, standing slowly.
"What?"
"Something's off."
I stared out the window. Rain poured wildly; shapes visible. One, two, three, four... Eight figures.
Six kids. Vanessa checking on them.
Should be seven.
Bang!
"Kyaaah!"
The six kids burst in. I instinctively scooped the charging Bella. Her rain-soaked skin shivered cold.
"What! What's wrong, kids!"
Rachel shrieked in panic, but I eyed Bella's eyes silently. Shaking like a tree in storm—not from cold.
"B-bro..."
Pure terror.
"Luca!"
Vanessa yelled sharply, voice steady but edged. I handed Bella to Rachel, gripped my sword, and charged out.
Shhhhaaaaa
Torrential rain lashed my face. Thick drops soaked me, hair plastering my face. Vision blurred, I spotted Vanessa's back and approached.
"Damn it."
Close up, she spat curses, crossbow aimed. I followed the sharpened bolt to the figure ahead.
Then locked eyes with the priest whose balls I'd taken yesterday.
...
Shhhhaaaaa
He was as I'd last seen: greedy lips, sleazy brows, fear-soaked eyes. Unchanged—except no body.
Liquid—blood or rain—dripped from the stump. The one cradling his head dropped it at my sight. It rolled to my feet, but I didn't look down.
"Haa..."
White breath rose from them. I released my sword grip, meeting the eyes of the head-holder.
And quietly named her.
"...Sera."
Shhhhaaaaa
She smiled faintly at her name, approaching. I lowered Vanessa's crossbow.
Her bloodied face sharpened close.
A fat raindrop fell on her eyelid. Clear water trailed down, a faint smile on her lips. Sera smiled cruelly, calling my name.
"Luca."