Coming In is Free, But Leaving Isn't (7)
“Wha… why isn’t Assistant Professor Naru here?”
After the civil war broke out in the city, Angelina, Hazel, and Lydia hadn’t stayed quietly at home. Instead, they’d rushed straight to Melissa’s residence. Melissa was dumbfounded when they said they weren’t thinking about protecting their parents—they just wanted to be with Naru.
“Are you girls in your right minds?”
In Melissa’s living room, she stood with her arms crossed, looking down at the three students lounging on the sofa. These bold, cheerful young ladies insisted on waiting for Naru. Ignoring the homeowner, they chattered among themselves, prompting Melissa to let out a deep sigh.
In the midst of it, Angelina raised her hand with a question.
“Professor, does Assistant Professor Naru have an Isle too?”
“Yeah, he does.”
“Wow~ What kind of power does it have?”
“You don’t go blabbing about personal Isles anywhere. It could expose your strategies.”
Hazel chimed in. “At least give us a hint~”
Lydia grinned. “I know one.”
Melissa thought for a moment, then smiled and said, “It’s from back when we adventured together. Our party would sell loot and split it evenly. When that Isle dropped, Naru emptied his pockets to buy it himself.”
“It must’ve been amazing?”
“We got it from killing a fallen angel, so yeah, it was something else.”
“Whoa…”
“Oh…”
“You’ve even killed angels? Wow…”
“Anyway, after buying it, Naru was broke and groaning for a while. Good times.”
Melissa chuckled at the memory, then glanced out the living room window. Far off in the distance, a vast wave of holy energy spread like a desert sandstorm, heading their way.
“That’s it.”
“Huh?”
“That’s Naru’s Isle.”
“Where?”
The three students crowded to the window. Melissa continued with a faint smile. “Looks like things got urgent if he used it.”
“Whoa… it’s beautiful.”
“Assistant Professor did that? So cool…”
“It’s coming this way.”
“Don’t dodge. It’s good for you.”
Melissa flung the window wide open. Soon, the holy energy swept through them. Vitality surged through their bodies, energy bubbling up.
“Naru’s Isle is called Radiance. It empowers party members. With Radiance, you won’t tire even after hours of fighting. Ahh… feels good.”
How long had it been since she’d felt Radiance? It stirred nostalgic longing in Melissa. Memories flashed by like a panorama: Naru, Ariana, Rock. The countless hardships they’d overcome together, the fun adventure days.
Tears streamed down her cheeks unbidden.
“Professor, why are you crying?”
“Just… reminded me of the old days with Naru.”
Melissa wiped her damp eyes with the back of her hand and smiled brightly.
In front of the Thunderfield Guild, carriages fresh from the provinces lined up thickly.
“Glad you made it back safe.”
“Anything happen while I was gone?”
“No, nothing major.”
Olivia, master of the Thunderfield Guild, had returned. Guild members poured out to greet her warmly.
“Naru hasn’t come?”
Olivia scanned the area with her narrow, slit eyes.
“City’s in chaos, so he’s probably busy.”
“I see.”
As she smiled faintly and turned to enter the building, a holy energy suddenly washed over them.
Olivia’s slit eyes widened slightly. “This is…”
She looked up at the shimmering, smoke-like energy spreading out. A familiar sensation—the power of her most cherished guild member. The guy who always trailed her calling her “sis.”
‘Sis, please… demote me to porter.’
‘Why all of a sudden? If it’s the limp, I said it’s fine.’
‘I can’t take it anymore. I don’t want to just occupy a spot doing nothing.’
‘Hmm… that rough on you?’
He’d been through a lot mentally back then. Lately, she’d heard his powers were returning and his leg had healed. She’d been thrilled hearing it from the provinces.
“Lyncia.”
“Yes, Olivia.”
The bard Lyncia, who’d traveled with her, stepped forward, a beautiful harp in hand.
“Sing here and now to amplify Naru’s Radiance.”
“Yes.”
Lyncia plucked the harp and began to sing. Her voice carried on the wind, blending with Naru’s Radiance to create a beautiful glow.
“Uwaaaah! My fighting spirit’s surging!”
“I’m going insane! Charge, you bastards!”
“Everyone, let’s go!”
The defending forces battling rebels suddenly gained an inexplicable power and went berserk.
“Protect the Queen! We are one!”
Fervent duty, burning will, patriotism surged. Morale and unity soared beyond words. Even the weary merfolk revived instantly.
“I’ve got strength!”
“I can keep going!”
The capital’s defenders transformed. The rebels, clashing against fierce resistance, rapidly lost ground.
Watching it all, Viscount Bishtent’s face paled.
“Th-this is how it ends…?”
In time, the battle ended in victory for the defenders.
“You can come in as you please, but leaving? Not so much.”
Viscount Bishtent, trying to sneak out of the castle, was spotted and captured by soldiers. The queen was safe, and soon she appeared boldly before the crowd, raising her voice.
“All the traitors have been seized!”
Thunderous cheers erupted.
“Waaaaah!”
“Isabella of Relitz!”
“Isabella of Relitz!”
Oddly, the rebellion had boosted the queen’s popularity. More people praised her than before, though the reason escaped him.
While Isabella gave her victory speech, I quietly shared delayed reunion joy with my sister Jenia in a secluded room.
“Lately, I felt like someone was watching me—turns out it was you?”
“Yeah. Wanted to see if you’d changed.”
“Why would I?”
“Afraid humans had corrupted you into hating dark elves.”
“Never gonna happen, so relax.”
“You reek of humans right now. Stinks to me.”
“I am human, duh.”
“You didn’t smell like this before.”
“Alright, alright.”
I pulled a pardon from my pocket and offered it to Jenia. “Just in case, take this. Show it if anyone tries grabbing you.”
“Don’t need it.”
“I’m worried, that’s why.”
“No.”
“Even if big bro asks?”
“……”
Jenia made a grumpy face but snatched it reluctantly. Even her prickly side was cute—sister perks.
“Hate seeing you live like this in the human world.”
“Can’t go home anymore. You know why. Hey, how’d you get here? Mom and Dad send you?”
“You wrote about the divorce. Thought you’d off yourself, but nope.”
“Came ‘cause you were worried?”
“Wasn’t worried.”
“We will now begin executing the traitors!”
Doong! Doong! Doong! Drums signaling the executions echoed from the corridor outside.
“Bring forth the traitor Bishtent!”
“Die, scum!”
The crowd hurled curses and stones. I ignored the outside clamor and kept talking to Jenia. Chatting with my sister beat watching people die.
“Mom and Dad doing okay?”
“Mom misses you.”
“Dad?”
“Dunno. That old man’s always stoic.”
“Don’t call Dad ‘old man.’”
“Don’t nag. I lump you and him together. Leaving home without a word to me, you…”
Clang! The guillotine’s heavy metallic thud rang out. Cheers shook the area—Bishtent’s head likely rolled.
“Next traitor…”
The judge on the platform continued.
“Chop!”
Clang!
“Chop!”
Clang!
People dropped one after another. Among them, a noble I’d greeted smilingly days ago—probably coerced into rebellion.
“This rebel is a trio of mother and daughters! Michelle Laphone! Ashley Laphone! Serena Laphone!”
“Huh?”
I doubted my ears at the announcement. Blinking, I glanced toward the corridor.
Misheard, right?
Then—
“These witches of Laphone supported the rebel army from the rear!”
I couldn’t hold back and bolted out. Jenia yelled behind me.
“Where you going!”
“Just checking outside real quick!”
Outside, far on the execution platform stood three ragged women. Unbelievable. Former family or not, this was hard to swallow.
“Execute them!”
“Yes!”
My paused legs surged forward again. The crowd was massive. Pushing through, the executioners forced Michelle and Serena to kneel, necks outstretched. Only two guillotines—A Ashley got a lucky delay.
“Chop!”
Clang! Clang!
Michelle and sister-in-law Serena’s heads tumbled. Faster than I thought—no time to hear details.
“Heuk! Mother! Serenaaa…!”
Ashley collapsed sobbing, urine spreading beneath her.
“Get up!”
“P-please forgive me! I only waited endlessly for my husband outside Professor Melissa’s home! I knew nothing of this! Nothing, I swear! Hic… sob…!”
Ashley’s wails sped my steps. A bit farther, and I’d reach Isabella on the dais.
Ashley Laphone. A woman I’d grown attached to despite everything. Could’ve lived without knowing her forever, but this news? Never wanted that.